Leatherhead AHEAD - from the Archives

TRADERS POINT THE WAY TO THE REVIVAL OF THE TOWN CENTRE
Leatherhead? Advertiser 2 March 1994

Traders in Leatherhead are preparing a new campaign to dispel the "fortress" image of their town and encourage more shops and more shoppers. Improved road signs and car parking are among the demands which traders hope could see some of the green shoots of recovery coming Leatherhead's way. The closure of five shops in the last three months has left Leaterhead at a crucial junction: further closures could spell real trouble, but a handful of new stores could help the town turn the corner.

Peter Brennan, owner of a restuarant and sandwich bar in the Swan Centre, is one of those behind moves to boost Leatherhead. "We are urging all community groups to take an interest in this situation so that the economic life and vibrancy of a great town are not lost forever," he said. Mr Brennan added an appeal to landlords to take an interest in attracang new business to the town and to be sympathetic to existing tenants. He also expressed the hope that central government and the county and district councils would play their part. "The organisations which receive the rates for the area have to buy into this," he said.

The retailers are determined that they will take specific measures to help the town, and will be setting up a number of action groups to help achieve their goals. These groups include one for promotion and advertising and others for liaison with landlords and other community groups.

Another working group will address the issues of parking and road layout. The recent release of the draft local plan for Mole Valley gave traders the chance to give their views on whether there should be changes in the much maligned road system. "It's terrible at the moment. All the roads seem to take one away from the town centre," said one frustrated shopkeeper. "The signage is awful. Hardly any of the signs say 'town centre' and even then they don't say 'Leatherhead Town Centre'. Visitors just don't know where they are."

The retailers have encouraged anyone who wants to help them to help Laatherhead to contact one of the following: Bob, the Leatherhead Delicatessen on 377576; Barry, Tru-fi Sound and Vision on 378780; Barry, Chico's Clothing on 373283; Tom, Knit One Purl One on 379027; David, Harringtons Bakery on 372195; Peter, Brennans Restaurant on 363050; or Steve, S & P Photos on 360341. [N.B. this was 1994]