RAYNERS Lane shop owners have welcomed the imminent arrival of Iceland in the town centre.

After the collapse of Woolworths at the end of last year, there has been a large hole in the high street parade where one of the stores used to be.

Businesses have noticed a drop in trade, and the area was dealt another blow recently when Nationwide announced it was closing its branch in Rayners Lane

However, frozen food specialists Iceland has bought the empty Woolworths premises and has put up banners announcing a new store will be opening soon.

Max Padhiar, owner of hardware store Tate & Lynn in Village Way for the last 15 years, said: “The closure of Woolworths really affected the local community.

“Iceland coming is good news because it will bring in more people and we would rather see a shop full up than sitting empty.”

Nilesh Ghodasara, owner of Healthways Pharmacy, said local people would come to Rayners Lane to go to Woolworths and then go on to buy items in other local shops while in the area.

He said: “People would drop in for a prescription and then say they were just going to Woolworths, so it was an attraction for customers.

“Iceland coming is fantastic because it will draw people back.”

The Harrow Times spoke to Rayners Lane business owners as part of our on-going campaign with Harrow Council to promote local shops in the borough.

Traders have for months been calling for the council to allow 30 minutes free parking in the town centre as they firmly believe this will help boost sales.

Mr Ghodasara said: “We are totally reliant on local people.

“There has been a decline in the area during the last 18 months, and with Nationwide recently closing, lots of businesses are struggling.

“The most important thing we could really do with is having the first half hour free parking.”