Campaigners fear council plans to move the Civic Centre will "force communities out of Wealdstone".

A petition was presented at full council on Thursday, February 25, saying under the plans businesses and large local employers in Wealdstone such as Premier Banqueting London could face closure, with its building demolished to make way for the new Civic Centre.

It said many businesses in the area would be undermined by closing the Peel House car park and that putting such assets at risk would be a major loss to Wealdstone's economy.

Leader of the Conservative Group in Harrow, Cllr Susan Hall, said: "This is a very important business, this will be harmful to a lot of people who work for that business. This is their business, their livelihood put on the line here."

She said Premier Banqueting, in Canning Road, employs about 120 people, most of whom are Harrow residents.

But she said many other businesses in the town will be damaged if Peel House car park is closed.

Cllr Hall continued: "It will damage the entire Wealdstone business community. It's absolutely ridiculous. You say you are making a difference for local businesses, well you are - you're going to finish them all off.

"You'll be removing one of the best businesses in Harrow, which Premier Banqueting is. Let's think this through before we go ahead with this ridiculous plan."

In response, Cllr Keith Ferry, responsible for business, planning and regeneration at Harrow Council, said there would be a new car park, more houses, more offices and a new voluntary organisations hub. In addition, he said the existing Civic Centre site will become new homes for more than 480 families.

But Mr Ruparelia, who runs Premier Banqueting with his father, said: "In a time of austerity, it is important to provide support to good businesses.

"Premier Banqueting London, which is a business within you ward, is a good example of this as it currently generates £106,792 per annum for the car park, £50,286 per annum in business rates and in 2015 £417,723 in expenditure to local suppliers.

"We understand the need for re-generation, however ours is not the only business which survives on the use of the Peel House car park.

"Our petition, which has generated over 3,000 signatures, is from members of our local community and businesses which need these types of amenity space.

"If the council offices are to only move to the Peel House site; how will the council fulfill its pledge to provide enough car parking spaces for the businesses and residents of Wealdstone?"

Leader of the council Cllr David Perry said Peel House car park was underused throughout most of the working week and businesses would be able to use a new car park that would be part of the new Civic Centre development.

Rosalyn Neale asked: "If Premier Banqueting is forced to close or to leave Harrow, what will the council do to support the employees who would almost certainly lose their jobs?"

But Cllr Ferry responded that Premier Banqueting was not being forced out. He said the council had been helping the owners find new premises in the borough and was almost fully covering the cost of its move.

He added: "Replacing the Civic Centre will open up the site to development and commercial opportunities, it will raise several million per year and create employment opportunities in Wealdstone."