People campaigning to save a shopping arcade from development have gathered more than 1,500 signatures.

Shoppers in Hatch End have been signing the petition to save Pickwick Walk after the covered arcade's owners lodged a planning appeal against Harrow Borough Council’s decision to refuse redevelopment.

The campaign, organised by Cllr Stanley Sheinwald, aims to prevent the redevelopment of the site from a shoe repair shop, nail bar, mini-cab office, barbers and dress makers to a retail unit and cafe.

He said: "I think the size of the response from people shows the community really do not want to see these shops go.

“The shops in the arcade are the only ones of their kind in Hatch End and if they go the area will just become a night spot for people and they will have no reason to visit the high street in the day.

“This is the last hope for the traders and their livelihoods are on the line. I just hope we have done enough for them and we just have to wait and see what happens.”

Earlier this year planning officers had originally recommend permission be granted for the plans from owners The Word & Krailing Pension Fund.

However councillors on the planning committee rejected the plans, which led to the appeal being lodged in October this year.

The Planning Inspectorate is due to decide on the case early next year.