One of the longest-serving shopkeepers in South Oxhey could be forced to leave due to regeneration plans.

This week, it emerged just two developers are left in the running to take on the South Oxhey Initiative.

Council chiefs held private meetings at Three Rivers District Council on Tuesday and heard what Countryside Properties and United House Developments are planning for the estate.

However these details are being withheld by the council and a decision on who will take on the mass-regeneration scheme is expected next month.

Last year, a Watford Observer investigation revealed the authority could spend up to £10 million buying out homes and businesses in the estate.

Darren Taylor, owner of Taylor Convenience Store, in the north side of the precinct, said the estate revamp would be a "good thing" for South Oxhey- despite fearing he may have to leave if a supermarket giant moved in.

He said: "We just want to know what is happening.

"I do not think we will be staying here and if we do not know what is happening, we will not be able to commit to another shop if one comes up.

"We have been here 34 years. We love the estate.

"I think there are another 30 shops coming and I do not think they will want another supermarket. Do I want to come back with another supermarket right on my doorstep?

"It will be a very sad if we have to leave. We know a lot of people here.

"I think the revamp will be a good thing for the estate. It will put an array of shops here and I think the punters deserve it. If you look out at the moment, it is like a ghost town. People used to come in and look in shops like the Woolworths which we used to have".

Approximately half of the shops will be kept open while the north side of the precinct is developed, then the car park, before the final regeneration phase of the south precinct takes place.

Jimi Patel, co-owner of Waites, on the South-side of the precinct, said the greengrocers have been kept in the dark over when they will be told to leave.

He said: "We are hearing they will start building the North side of the precinct from 2016, but from my side, we have not heard anything.

"I want to be here because I do not want to break down and start again. We are already making the money, but if you have to move and start again, you do not know if you will make the money."

Alan Head, head of major projects at Three Rivers District Council, said the authority is evaluating the "two strongest proposals".

He said: "Both of these organisations have an excellent track record of delivering successful regeneration projects.

"The winning proposals aim to create a new high quality residential and retail environment for South Oxhey alongside good value for money."