BUSINESS leaders have won their campaign for a replacement for a disintegrating multi-storey car park.

In February, the top two storeys of the 257-space car park in The Broadway, Stanmore had to be closed when the building was declared unsafe.

Now it will be demolished and a three-storey car park with 360 spaces rebuilt in its place.

At a meeting of Harrow Council on Tuesday last week, Martin Gold, a hairdresser based in Stanmore Broadway, said traders believe the lack of parking had put shoppers off visiting the area.

"Businesses are moving away because they can't sustain custom. Our customers can't park in Stanmore," said Mr Gold.

The council will have to work with a private company to build the new facility as it only has £900,000 towards the estimated cost of £1.5 to £1.8 million.

However, it will be at least a year before the building work is completed and prior to this, councillors agreed to provide an extra 150 temporary spaces.

The car park at Stanmore Recreation Ground will be extended to provide 50 spaces and the remaining 100 will be provided at the ground with access to Coverdale Close.