FRUSTRATED shoppers and business leaders say South Woodford is being “blighted” by the empty Woolworths shop on George Lane, which is still yet to find a buyer.

It has now been over two months since the popular store shut down for good after business at the chain collapsed in December.

Rumours that discount clothing giant Primark are to take over the retail unit are still unconfirmed, while other chains are tightening their belts as the economic gloom worsens.

But Kerk Davies, of the South Woodford Business Partnership, said that despite the “eyesore”, traders on George Lane are managing to get by.

He said: “Everyone in George Lane is concerned, but there’s still a little bit of positivity - a lot of people are walking to their local shops now and according to police crime in South Woodford is down significantly at the moment. But it’s still a matter of survival for everyone.

“The lack of Woolworths is definitely a blight - it’s definitely better to have something there than nothing.

“But it may be a knee-jerk reaction to say the area’s doomed because of it - I think in the long term as long as businesses are doing the right thing they can survive.”

Reg Woda, who co-ordinates Redbridge’s Business partnerships, said the shop’s absence was affecting shoppers more than shopkeepers.

He said: “It’s a tragedy. An empty shop has a very negative impact. People are now having to get products from elsewhere and it can be very frustrating to have your shopping habits affected.

“But George Lane is doing very well. There’s evidence that just within the last year there’s been an increase in people shopping locally, using their cars less and buses more.”

Primark has refused to comment on rumours it may be taking over the shop, but many shoppers are crossing their fingers the clothing giant will move in.

Shopper Natalya da Costa said: "I used to use Woolworths all the time so I am sorry it has gone, but Primark would definitely be good news.

"I think it's a great idea."

Bargain-hunter Alan Edmonds agreed.

He said: "Primark could be a very good idea. It is certainly better than it standing empty, but I thought Marks and Spencer might take it."

Meanwhile, over in Wanstead, work is progressing rapidly on converting the old Woolworths branch into a Tesco Express store.

However a spokeswoman for Tesco said the chain was still to set a date for its opening.