Dorking in recession
I have to rant again!
Sadly I didn't manage to send a letter to the Dorking Advertiser - yet. But there were a few that did and they have done a fine job. Overall there was dismay over why on earth Dorking is failing when other towns were thriving. Blame was put onto the ridiculous and obstructive roadworks, lack of management and the whole attitude of the local Council.
There is also an article where the current town centre management and advisors attempt to tell people that all is not as bad as it seems. This amazes me as peoples concerns are not based on theories but pure fact. Anyone can see that the town is suffering badly. Whilst the rest of the country is thriving, Dorking is in some sort of recession.
This situation needs to be sorted out now! The past decisions and attitudes of a small minority are killing this town.
posted by The Cockerel @ 12:10 AM
6 Comments:
I thought the town centre's management response was really feeble. To say, that the matter was under control. Of the 273 shops in the town, 24 were not trading. That is a very high percentage and does NOT include the shops which are still trading, that are due to close in the very near future ie. Lockeys/Bags etc. and The Cornish Pastie takeaway. Also notice that Impress Surrey is relocating from South Street to the London Road at the end of the week. This shop was located next to the old Cafe Rialto / new Spanish Tapas Bar.
All in all, the spin put on by town centre management is laughable. The quote from Mr Matthews sums it all up - "Please be assured that our town management initiatives are working hard with both local and national property agents, prospective tenants and with business support organisationsto help minimise the vacant shops in our town centres." Bloody 'ell it makes you wonder what they do all day! If they want to look a town that is thriving, please take advise from the Reigate town centre manager, where the empty units are snapped up immediately.
Please Cockerel send your previous rant / comment about this pressing subject to the Dorking Advertiser - it really hit the nail on the head! Just in case you have not got the Advertiser's address to hand it is - The Advertiser Series, 80 South Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 2HE and don't forget to include your full postal address!
DORKING Dan
Could not believe that in the same article in the Dorking Ad that the lease on Puccino's does not run out until 2025. In other words, the company which is acting on behalf of Puccino's could be paying their rent for another EIGHTEEN years. What a joke - surely it would be in the best interests for the landlords to get rid of these properties and cut their losses?? The same apparently applies to the former Harley Davidson and Mays Garages!
Dorking has certainly become a grim place to shop. I feel very awkward going into some of the shops as there is nobody even in them. Everything seems to be struggling! The town is becoming very run down with weeds sprouting up everywhere, vacant shops and the odd piece of vandalism thrown in as well. Poor Thistles, as it was the latest victim of the smashed shop window thug or thug(s)!
Can anybody fill me in what happened in Dorking around 8:30/9:00pm on Saturday (31 March)?? The High Street was closed off at Pump Corner and there were three police cars, two fire engines and an ambulance outside Boots. Nobody was allowed to walk on the pavement near Boots and there was a huge crowd congregating getting 'all excited' by the activities of the emergency services. Was it a case of more anti-social, drunken thuggery or was it more serious than that??
Notice The Gossip Lounge is due to open this Monday 2 April. It is a tapas / wine bar. It is located in the former Cafe Rialto unit on South Street. Would be very interested to see what the other contributors think of this new venture? Interesting that there is a planning application in for another wine bar a couple of doors away. Seen the plans at Mole Valley and it looks quite small. If approved, it will be located next to the post office on South Street. The unit used to a former insurance office.
Some very sad news about Stewart Vaughan - the Dorking player who lost his is battle against cancer. Please read the last post 'Dorking vs Crystal Palace Confirmed.' I don't know what else to say.
DORKING Dan
Boots was broken into on Saturday evening according to their sign on the window. It was quite brazen as it appears they broken in via their front door, smashing it in the process. My hunch is the alarm went off, the thugs made off with toileteries, drugs and quite possibly cash and they probably got away with it, as the police probably had to make their way from Reigate.
On a very sad note, it was sad to hear that Stewart Vaughan - the ex Dorking FC captain, lost his fight against cancer. He was only 28 years old and was recently married to his sweetheart Heidi. I sincerely hope that the people will continue to go to the Dorking vs. Crystal Palace game tonight in Stewart's memory and make it a very special occasion just like the game against Portsmouth. As it has been said before, Portsmouth FC, Harry Rednapp and his players were and are a real credit to the Premiership. My heart goes out to Heidi and the Vaughan family. ~AP~
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