Dorking - Looks dated and feels dated!

A visitor has said it on here and I have to agree that it certainly does!

I have always had a great affection for Dorking, it was always a quaint town surrounded by beautiful countryside and is just the right distance from London, major airports and the coast and whilst all of these points are still relevant it has fallen way behind similar and neighbouring towns in what it offers as a town.

I have visited many similar towns in recent years and one thing I have noticed is how most have moved on in a positive way incorporating a wide range of big high street names whilst maintaining a quality look and feel. I can't think of a single town recently that is suffering from multiple and increasing empty shop units. The UK economy is thriving with new successful recognised outlets and developments being incorporated into most other towns. Times are moving on and Dorking doesn't seem to be part of it.

At the moment Dorking seems alone in this problem where even its neighbour Leatherhead, once voted the worst high street in Britain, has overtaken it - Dorking will soon take that prize.

The Council has without doubt focused its efforts on Leatherhead for decades and as reported in the Dorking Advertiser action now needs to be taken on Dorking. It is critical that some action is taken and quickly. Even the strongest supporters must notice that Dorking as a vibrant town economy is dying on its knees with shops closing every week. I have also lived in Dorking all my life but this latest downturn has made me start looking elsewhere for somewhere to live and where more is on offer. Somewhere to escape this depression.

Sainsbury's should have been allowed to build on the site where new flats now sit. It is too late now! Space is now running out for new developments without encroaching on green spaces that we all enjoy.

What is to be done? I feel one of the problems is small shop units, another is the Councils persistance on creating more and more houses and flats too close to the High Street. In the past we have always wanted this type of accommodation but now it seems the Council is going overboard in allowing planning permission for empty units to be converted to residential accommodation or offices. I am referring to the Harley Davidson garage, the new development in Junction Road and limiting the shop space behind the new Halfords to allow room for a residential courtyard.

Other problems are the high rents and the mis-management of St Martins Walk. Dorking rents are extortionate and the management of the shopping centre should surely be under review considering its consistently poor performance.

Local towns like Reigate and Richmond and even Guildford are testament that the character of a town can be largely maintained whilst incorporating new and exciting shops. Looking elsewhere, most towns are evolving in the same way. Dorking is falling way behind and people need to change their attitudes if it is to survive as it is. I never thought I would see the day that Leatherhead surpasses it for commercial viability!

We desperately need action!