A HOUSING association has confirmed discussions are progressing about an empty site owned by it and earmarked for a supermarket for the past seven years.

The former Safeway store, in Pinner Road, North Harrow, was closed in 2004.

The store was to be replaced by another supermarket to help regenerate the area’s dying trade.

In 2005, the empty store and the bowling alley, owned by Megabowl, above it were being cleared to make way for a new supermarket and social housing.

Genesis Housing Association bought the site that year to create 112 flats.

Traders and councillors held an emergency meeting last month to form a group to help rejuvenate the high street in North Harrow, described by shoppers as "dreary, run-down and very dead".

Traders this week demanded answers as to why the site had not been developed.

Ben Ashmore, spokesman for Genesis Housing Association, said: "We understand the concerns of local residents but discussions with Megabowl are progressing well and we're both working towards a solution to benefit everyone."