A ONCE-thriving area is now at risk of becoming a “ghost town” after the council installed a tiny bollard in the middle of a popular road, locals say.
Previously a bustling centre for electric independent businesses, Baker Street in Weybridge, Surrey, has been in decline since an uninvited guest joined the street.
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To allow for social distancing during the Covid pandemic, Surrey County Council installed a bollard midway through the street.
However, residents claim they were unaware the bollard was here to stay and compared the area to that of a “ghost town” as now empty units have replaced their lively shops.
Struggling for customers, traders and shop owners say they feel “forgotten about” and blame the council for this “ridiculous” decision.
Longstanding businesses such as Step 39 who have been trading for the past 20 years, closed down without a whisper.
While Lola Jones moved to Farnham, for better a chance of business.
Laura Slee runs a ladies clothing shop called Piajeh with her mother.
They have owned the shop for 26 years.
Laura said: “I don’t remember having a say in it (the bollard) and they never should have done this.
“It’s quite frustrating because Covid turned everything upside down, we asked to have the barrier removed, and businesses are closing because of it and they couldn’t care less.
“We have our regular customers, but not everyone knows we are here.
She added: “It doesn’t always occur to people to explore Baker Street but those who drove up here would see the shops and stop off.”
Although Laura also hopes to move the shop elsewhere, she adds it’s very hard for independent shops as they don’t always have the funds.
Moira has lived in the town for 30 years and runs a dog groomer, Canine Beauty on Baker Street.
She said: “It’s very sad, and the community will become a ghost town, not everybody here has disposable income to spend thousands on marketing.
“The council are so far removed from the struggles of the day to day life.
“People used to use this road as a cut through but now a 10-minute journey takes 40 to 45 minutes.
“The bollard creates a false economy because if you drive to the bollard you need to turn around to go back the other way.
“It’s a very scary time, everyone has got their own opinion but we are all trying to make a living and we want the community of Weybridge to get behind this.
“I chose to set up my business here because I love the road.”
Kirstie Forder, from Modern and Classic Interiors shared her view: “The road closure is ridiculous, at the time it made a bit of sense and I think the council got government funding for social distancing.”
She added: “Cars just drive up here only to turn and go back the other way, it’s caused crashes outside the shop.”
COUNCIL HITS BACK
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council and County Councillor for Weybridge said: “Whilst the barrier was initially installed as a temporary response to a government initiative to allow more space to residents during the pandemic, it was also seen as an opportunity to trial a resolution to a longstanding issue raised by local residents regarding Baker Street being used as a dangerous rat-run during busy commuter times.
“Once Covid restrictions eased, we consulted residents, emergency services and local businesses on what to do next with the temporary closure, with the choices being to remove it, keep it or do something else entirely.
“The majority of responses were in favour of keeping it.
“Accommodations were made to local businesses in response to concerns raised, and we have seen no reports from the emergency services having problems lowering the barrier.
“Furthermore there is short term parking available outside of the shops.
“The view from a number of residents is that the road barrier has actually made shopping along Baker Street more attractive: it was previously a very busy and dangerous rat-run but it is now much easier to find parking places and it is a pleasantly quiet road to visit for shopping or enjoying the hospitality businesses.
He added: “However we are always receptive to the views of all residents and encourage those with concerns to get in touch to report any highways related issues via our website.
“Local councillors will also arrange to meet with the action group in order to understand the issues they have.”