A group of traders fear shoppers will be driven away this weekend when council chiefs close a section of a car park used by their customers.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Robin MarklewRobin Marklew (Image: Archant)

Businesses on Preston Road, Wembley, claim Brent Council failed to consult them about the closure so London Underground can do work on the nearby train station.

Robin Marklew from All Seasons fruiterers and florists said: “They (Brent Council) didn’t consult – they have a take it or leave it attitude.

“If they wanted to, they could have freed up another area for parking.”

Echoing Mr Marklew’s view, Manoj Bharania from Rushton Pharmacy said: “We were never told about it.

“It will cause disruption to our trade.”

Last year the council installed parking meters on the street saying that shoppers could use the car park free for the first hour; a move traders claim had a detrimental effect on their business.

The section which is available for drivers is at the bottom resulting in a longer walk to the shops.

John Parker, vice-chairman of the Barn Hill Residents Association, said: “It’s basically completely thoughtless, that top car park is used heavily.

“I think it is completely unjust to make us park down the bottom.

“All for London Underground staff to park their cars so why can’t they go down the bottom?

“If somebody is elderly they won’t go there, instead they’ll go to Sainsbury’s in Kenton or Asda in Wembley Park.”

A spokesman for Brent Council apologised for the closure.

He added: “London Underground are carrying out essential line maintenance this weekend and the equipment used is oversize and cannot fit under the height restriction for the lower end of the car park.

“We have requested that London Underground provide earlier notification of works requiring oversize plant.”