IN a bid to beat the recession and promote local business, one resident has launched a new website designed to support the Belmont Circle shopping precinct.

The Belmont Circle shops include opticians, beauty and hair salons, estate agents, travel agents, pharmacies, pubs and restaurants. The site lists businesses including their contact information and opening times.

The site, which is aimed at the community, also hosts photos of local events. Pictures of recent St Patrick’s Day festivities have found their way on to the site and a Facebook group has been set up, allowing people to stay up to date with activities.

Monthly competitions will also be run, offering prizes donated by the businesses of Belmont Circle.

The creator of the website Machael Laubscher, 33, said: “The aim of the site is to drive business back to the area by giving local businesses a web presence.”

Machael Laubscher, known as Mac, has lived in the Belmont area for just over a year. As a new resident he found that very few of the shops at Belmont Circle were listed on the internet and people in the area were unaware of the local services available.

The creation of the website comes at a crucial point as other retailers feel the pinch of the credit crunch.

Terry Shannon, 66, of Shannon Carpets, said: “It’s dead. People haven’t got the money, they’re just not walking through the door.”

The family-run business has been at Belmont Circle for over 40 years and has survived three recessions but Mr Shannon was not hopeful about the future.

He felt the shopping precinct could be greatly improved by a car park. He said: “There’s just not enough spaces for shoppers, they’re being used for the medical centre.”

Glenda, owner of the Origin Beauty Salon, said Belmont Circle is empty and the shops look run down.

She said: “Commuters take spaces meant for shoppers. If people can’t park, they won’t shop.”

Cllr Susan Hall, deputy leader of Harrow Council, said: “Belmont Circle has a vibrant feel to it. It offers a well-rounded selection of shops, clubs and places to eat. The attractive roundabout shape sets the scene for the shopper and gives the area its own distinct character.”

To visit the website, go to www.belmontcircle.co.uk.