THE owners of shops and other businesses in Wealdstone have been asked if the High Street area should be renamed "Wealdstone Village".

The idea was put forward by Wealdstone councillor Cyril Harrison, and Harrow Council's regeneration team is now surveying more than 100 High Street traders for their views.

A questionnaire says: "There has been a suggestion that Wealdstone would benefit from this name change, and it would be a positive boost for businesses and householders wishing to sell their homes."

But it admits: "Other people feel this won't make any difference, and it would be a waste of time and money."

Councillor Keith Burchell, chairman of the regeneration team, said: "The general feeling was that it would support the whole ethos of the area. We hope the traders will support the initiative and that it will improve the desirability of the area."

He said that the change of name would be a gradual process to keep costs down, with official signs replaced only as and when needed.

Local estate agents had mixed views on whether the move would help sell homes.

Many felt it would have no effect, but Kieren Mehta, manager of Rawlinson Gold in High Street, said: "I'm all for it. Wealdstone has such a bad name. It would help people selling their homes: look what it's done for Pinner Village."

Brenda Harvey, chairman of Wealdstone Active Community, which promotes Wealdstone town centre, said: "I can't see that the benefits would warrant the cost. I don't think it would make any difference."

Ean Levy, owner of Bags of Time in High Street, and a former vice-chairman of the Wealdstone Traders Association, claimed the council "didn't give a damn" about residents or shopkeepers.

"Is this all they've got to do for Wealdstone?" he said. "It's a joke. They're doing a very good job at degeneration."

Maurice Wagenfield, owner of Field Fabrics in High Street, said: "They need to come up with substantial plans, not just name changes, and spend some proper money on improving business facilities. "

Spencer Road resident Barbara Shelley, who has lived in the area since the 1940s, thought "village" suggested a residential area rather than bustling shops.

"It is bloody ridiculous," she said. "We used to be known as Harrow's Victorian neighbours. This is an attempt to make it Harrow's dormitory.

"Only traders are being surveyed. In other words, ‘bugger the residents’."

The results of the survey are expected in the new year.

Councillor Harrison was unavailable to comment.