TRADERS in Wealdstone are battling the recession as it continues to hit the economy.

As small businesses across the country face tougher conditions, shops in Wealdstone are looking to hit niche markets that high street chains do not always cover.

The area has seen some positive signs recently ? Wealdstone High Street re-opened to traffic in the Autumn, making it easier for shops to pick up passing trade from motorists.

Work is also being done on three new shops next to MacDonalds sparking hopes they could attract more people to the area.

Milan Shah, vice chairman of Wealdstone Traders' Association, said: "Now that we've got the road open we've got parking on High Street and there's a greater flow of people.

"The place is quiet but you can see there are more people looking for bargains. In Wealdstone there are smaller shops which do different stuff to the town centre.

"Wealdstone is cheaper than the high street. For me personally the 1980s fashion has come back and we have all the right clothes in the shop so that is helping me a little bit."

Traders say the recent closure of Woolworths was a blow to their businesses because it brought people to the area, but there are rumours Tesco may be interested in the site.

The Harrow Times has requested a response to the speculation from the supermarket giant, but has so far has not received a reply.

Harmeet Singh, who runs Wise Guys hardware shop in High Street, said: "That would help trade because, for us, many customers will come from Tesco. It will help the whole street."

The Harrow Times is running a campaign with Harrow Council to encourage residents to support their local shops during the recession.

Councillor David Ashton, leader of the council, said: "We have a role to try and stimulate the local economy when the going gets tough and encourage residents to shop locally to help businesses better cope with the recession.

"Residents will very often be able to get better quality products at lower prices from suppliers and traders based in the borough, so there is good incentive to support the campaign."

Mr Shah said: "On the one hand things are getting better because we have the right products but we have to run just to stay in the same place we were in before. It's like a treadmill."