SHOPKEEPERS demonstrated North Harrow is ‘still buzzing’ during a winter event.
Hundreds of customers turned out to support their shopping parade on Saturday, which saw businesses extend their opening times and Father Christmas take to the streets to hand out presents.
Carols were sung by the North Harrow Methodist Church choir and there was a storytime session held in North Harrow Library.
Latha Kathir, who runs a private tuition firm and is chairman of North Harrow Traders’ Association, said they had an excellent turnout of about 750 shoppers.
Ms Kathir said: “This was a reminder that North Harrow’s shopkeepers are still here and we are looking for more business.
“We’ve got a new Turkish supermarket opening next to the chemist and an ice cream parlour and coffee shop is supposed to be opening in the new year. North Harrow isn’t dead just because Safeway closed down. It’s still buzzing.”
The event was part of a series of events in North Harrow using money from a Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund grant, which is designed to help rejuvenate the area. North Harrow lost its last bank branch a year ago, but has gained a town centre manager as a result of the funding.
Harrow Council leader Bill Stephenson said: “It was great to see so many people turning out again in support of the North Harrow traders and joining in the festive cheer – Christmas lights and a Christmas tree, Harrow Choral Society singing carols, a Father Christmas on stilts and many other activities.
“It’s clear that North Harrow is on the up but there is still a long way to go. I urge residents to shop local this Christmas and support local businesses.”
