Even if the BHX radar was down I don't get what the big issue is. I arrive via a IFR radar service through a NATS high level controller and get cleared to the hold. Contact the BHX controller with who I am and the latest ATIS, aircraft type etc and then we shuttle down in the hold until we reach the bottom and shoot an approach. Call fully established and get given a DME to position report so the next one can do the same behind me. Tower can look out the window and see me coming and clear me to land. They can increase the separation to allow for a departure inbetween and the climbing traffic will pick up their radar service once airborne on the SID.