A stylish street famously a hub for eclectic independent businesses is now at risk of collapse, with shop owners fleeing for the likes of Cobham and Farnham . The once bustling street in Weybridge has been likened to a “ghost town” with empty units and traders saying they feeling blindsided by the council. Baker Street has seen the closure of multiple businesses in the space of a year, with some shop owners blaming a "ridiculous” decision imposed by the council.
A temporary closure midway through the street, stopping through traffic has left shop owners feeling “forgotten about”. The bollard was introduced during the pandemic to allow for social distancing, but businesses claim no consultation from Surrey County Council was made on the temporary measure becoming permanent. Long-standing businesses like Step 39 shut without warning earlier this year after trading for more than 20 years, and others like Lola Jones have upped and left to set up shop in Farnham, while Sk:n emptied out with little notice.
READ MORE: "Iconic" Surrey Hills area of outstanding natural beauty could be about to get bigger Life in the 'up and coming' Surrey town where 'everyone waves and says hello' But not everyone is against the closure, with some people living in the road saying it is much safer, while council leader, Councillor Tim Oliver, insists businesses were consulted after the pandemic and added some residents say the move has improved the shopping experience in Baker Street. Moira r.