TRADERS welcomed passengers with open arms when Hampstead Heath train station reopened today (Monday). Commuters flooded through the gates at the Overground station in South End Green, which has been closed for improvement works since September 1. West Ha

TRADERS welcomed passengers with open arms when Hampstead Heath train station reopened today (Monday).

Commuters flooded through the gates at the Overground station in South End Green, which has been closed for improvement works since September 1.

West Hampstead, Finchley Road and Frognal and Gospel Oak stations were also back in action as TfL's London Overground service returned to normal.

Alan Handscomb, who runs AJ Fruiterers in South End Green, said: "I am delighted. It made such a difference when it was closed because no one was passing by. I am hoping trade will pick up for Christmas now."

Michael Downes, who works at Hampstead Heath train station, said: "It's good to be back open because we have been so bored. We've been doing nothing so now it's a bit of a shock to the system."

Passengers, who will be glad to see the back of replacement buses reported a few delays in the morning as services returned to normal, but no major problems were experienced.