Leatherhead AHEAD - from the Archives

MILITANT TOWN - SHOPKEEPERS UP IN ARMS
For further information: Patrica King-Smith, Public Relations Consultant (53:75795)
30 September 1981

Leatherhead, a thriving town in the 13th and 14th century, is now deserted.

Peter Turton, whose fariily business has been a landmark in Leatherhead for the last 37 years, says "Business has never been so bad - my turnover has never been so low. Peter Keary, owner of the Antique Shop and Upholsterers in Leatherhead for 14 years, told me his takings dropped to £1.75 the day the Council shut the Bridge to traffic. No one is coming to Leatherhead; and it all dates from the Council shutting off the old town centre. Unless something is done now, Leatherhead will die."

Not without a fight however. The local tradesmen tonight formed an Action Group to force the Council to re-think its disastrous policies toward the town centre. The Council has pedestrianised the town, diverting all traffic, including any shoppers wanting access, to a circuitous route around the town, preparatory to a new centre being built.

The tradesmen are unanimous "We cannot last until the new centre opens" said Patrick Villiers of The Englishman's Castle, "trade has been dying ever since the Council started its re-routing plans 18 months ago. Now that the old Bridge too is shut to traffic, shoppers have vanished. The Council has promised help, but nothing has been done. Alternative Car Parks are woefully inadequate, too far away, and access is impossible. Our requests for emergency car parking - the life line for any town nowadays - have been ignored."

Leatherhead Action Group is demanding immediate action by the Council to open up Leatherhead again to its public, and to re-create the historic atmosphere of the centre of the town. "We are beginning to suspect", says Russell Johnson, Chairman of the new group, "that the Council's vested interest in the land for the new centre has blinded it to the problems it has caused to all existing businesses in Leatherhead, including the famous Thorndike Theatre. We will fight to preserve the town - every trader has already agreed to withhold rates until action is taken."

A MEETING is being called to which the local MP, Councillors, Chamber of Commerce and all interested parties are invited. MONDAY, 12th OCTOBER 1981. Venue: RED CROSS HALL, Oak Close off Randalls Road, near the Station LEATHERHEAD