THREE High Street shops will have to move to make way for a temporary Waitrose store in Dorking.
The supermarket is relocating from its South Street store for major redevelopment to take place – so Deepdene Carpets, Dorking Furniture Centre and Sharps Bedrooms will have to move or close.
Michael Webb, owner of Deepdene Carpets, said his landlord has negotiated a lease with Waitrose, and his shop will close on December 16 then reopen inside Englishman's Castle Furniture Store in Church Street, Leatherhead.
"Personally I feel it is sad to leave the town," he said. "We have been here for more than 20 years and it is a sad parting.
"We would have liked to have gone on a little but longer but as everyone knows times are hard."
Mr Webb said the temporary Waitrose shop could provide a welcome boost for traders at the east end of High Street.
"I think it will be good for this end of the town," he said. "It's a low footfall area, so for the other traders in this part of town it can only be a good thing."
Neil Penning, owner of Fun and Games toy shop, said: "I am very pleased.
"I am sorry to see these companies going out of the town, they are very important parts of the town – but I am pleased that Waitrose has decided to take over.
"It will mean more people will be aware of what shops are down here."
Kevin Parrott, who lives in Leslie Road, said the deal has taken too long to be finalised.
"The real shame is the delay," he said. "Waterstones [which moved from South Street to St Martin's Walk earlier this year] could have remained where it was for another year."
Martin Pinner, of Junction Road, added: "It [the new location] is small but Waitrose have struggled to find a temporary home. I just want the new build and disruption to be finished."
A spokesman for Dorking Furniture Centre said the store will close in March next year, and a new location is currently being sought.
No one from Sharps was available for comment.
