More Tonbridge businesses to go west?...

It's tough being in business at the moment; particularly if you're a start up or new in retail. Even more so if you happen to have a shop in or around Tonbridge High Street; even more so if you happen to be North of the big town bridge. No I'm not feeling sorry for myself as you were all thinking, I don't want you to get the violins out for me; although, come to think of it, business could be brisker. No I'm thinking more about those businesses that have set up in the last year or two, who have probably made their plans before the recession hit, who've invested in leases, shop fittings and equipment. The Ivy House is probably one of those; I hear that they are struggling to keep their upmarket positioning and have wisely reverted to having some of the pub as, well, a pub instead of a gastro, bistro restauranty place, not sure whether it's a pub or what. I'm sure that some of the independent restaurants and a few of the hairdressers at this end of town must also be feeling the pinch. I hear that the new key cutter/shoe repairers below the Medway School of Dance is also struggling to cover its costs. Maybe it's the credit crunch, maybe there just isn't enough trade at this end of town for that type of business, maybe the guy running it just needs to be patient and build up his trade by steadily but surely giving a good service. So, if you need heels repaired, a new front door key, even a trophy engraving and you want to save yourself the bother of going down the south end of town then give the man a break before another shop in the north of the High Street goes west....