Growing concerns about the future of Thames Ditton High Street has prompted a group of independent traders to launch the Use Us or Lose Us campaign. Their aim is to highlight the importance of shopping locally and supporting the centre of the village. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the need to support local shops in the face of increasing competition, including the arrival of Waste To Plate, an outlet which distributes surplus food, flowers and other goods for free, or at very low prices.
Several shops have come together to spearhead the fight to save the High Street. Coming after the loss of the Pharmacy two years ago there are fears the Post Office could also be at risk if current trends continue. The traders emphasise that they are not opposed in principle to Waste to Plate but believe it is in the wrong place and should not be in the heart of the village. They point out that they cannot compete with a shop which is giving away food and flowers (or at very low prices) while they have to buy their own stock, face higher inflation and increased operating costs.
With the loss of Boots in 2024, footfall in the High Street has fallen 20 per cent and there is little evidence the new outlet will redress the situation.
The Thames Ditton Residents’ Association is also acutely aware that the High Street is facing testing times and to help strengthen its support of having a thriving village, it has appointed Sam Brierley, Manager of The Coffee Pot, to its Executive Committee, representing the High Street and Businesses. Sam’s mission will be to protect the interests of its shops and maintain its position as the beating heart of the community.
The Thames Ditton Foundation charity, which supports the High Street shops and businesses, under their banner of ‘Keep the heart in our High Street’, is also concerned over the challenges facing the village centre. Tricia Bland, Trustee of the Foundation commented: “Looking ahead, we have to bear in mind that our High Street, a unique mix of business and residential, was originally designed for the world in or before 1926. One hundred years ago! We need to reimagine it for 2026 and beyond, whilst preserving its unique character, for all our well-being.
“One idea is the possibility of creating a ‘Lime Tree Square’, extending the pavement in a section of the High Street around the lime tree, to create an amenity space with outside tables and chairs for all, including the cafes, during opening hours. It would create a community hub, a pleasant environment for everyone, and potentially an arts, crafts and events space, bringing in more pedestrians and cyclists while slowing traffic for a greener, more sustainable High Street. We hope the new East Surrey Council will set up a consultation to investigate the viability of this.”
For its part, the Residents’ Association emphasises this proposal is at an early stage and that it will engage with residents and High Street retailers to assess its viability and gather views before forming any position.