Wealdstone care home idea rejected by local traders (From Harrow Times)

Wealdstone care home idea rejected by local traders

2:26pm Tuesday 11th November 2008

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PLANS for a new care home in the centre of Wealdstone have been criticised by local high street traders who are desperate to see the area regenerated.

The Sam Maguire pub is currently empty and boarded up, and its owners have submitted proposals to knock it down and build a four story care home in its place.

Although the ground floor of the new building, in High Street, would be used as retail space, some local traders do not believe a care home would be the right kind of development for the area.

Milan Shah, owner of Pineapple Boutique, said: “I don't think it is right for the area.

“Most care homes are in residential areas, not in the high street. People who live in care homes are usually elderly, and this area is noisy with lots of young people around here.”

The derelict pub has stood empty for a number of months, and locals are eager for something to be built in its place.

But the idea of a care home does not appear to meet the expectations of the local community.

Owen Wynter, owner of The Rim Computer Repair Centre, which is opposite the derelict pub, said: “Something needs to be done, but this is not a place for the elderly.

“We want to see something built there that is beneficial for the area, like an entertainment centre, a youth club, or something that will bring in customers.

”This doesn't seem like a very good idea. Wealdstone high street has suffered in recent years from dwindling trade and a general decline in the state of the road, and traders are desperate for positive changes which can improve Wealdstone.

Another plan on the table, on the land adjacent to the Sam Maguire pub, is an open market place for new shops and stalls.

Mr Shah welcomed this proposal, saying: “Every extra business will bring more people into the area.

“A market place would be good news.”

Both ideas have been tabled with Harrow Council's planning committee, and will need to be granted planning permission before they can go any further.

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