A WOMAN who has closed her fashion shop in Bridge Street has blamed the 'dramatic' loss in footfall in the village.
Sole trader Abbie Hallett, whose children's clothes shop, Monkey Business, closed on Monday after eight years, said there were days recently when hardly anyone would visit her shop.
"It is very sad. So many people have stopped me in the street in tears," Ms Hallett told the Observer.
"But it can go on no longer. There are varying reasons for it, but the main one is footfall in Pinner, which has decreased dramatically in recent years."
She added: "There is no reason for people to come to Pinner any more. It used to be a buzzing place but it's not like that now."
The businesswoman, who has helped with campaigns in the village through the Pinner and District Business Club, said the beginning of the end was when major brands such as McDonald's and Woolworths left the area.
"We have done all we possibly can to keep it open," Ms Hallet said. "We did a fashion show in the park with Katie Waissel in the summer, which was my last-ditch attempt to try to generate more customers."
James Gibbs, chairman of Pinner and District Business Club, said: "Monkey Business sold high-end products that proved to be good value because of their quality.
"Unfortunately, in stringent times, people tend to buy less costly items.
"Possibly this and the lack of footfall in Pinner are the main reasons for the demise of Monkey Business."
Portfolio holder for planning and economic development at Harrow Council, Councillor Keith Ferry, said: "We are aware of the pressures on all businesses at the moment, and this is obviously a tough time for council finances too, so it's important that we work in part-nership with local traders.
"The North Harrow Traders Association is a good example of this; they were proactive and approached us to ask for our help.
"We're very happy to be working with them to try and improve the area for everyone and we will be looking to build similar relationships in areas like Pinner."
