Village row over high street food waste scheme

A row has broken out in a Surrey village over fears from businesses that an initiative aimed at cutting food waste could put their High Street shops at risk.

Waste to Plate in Thames Ditton, which uses surplus food from other businesses in order to give to those in need, had previously operated out of Mercer Close, but is set to move into the High Street in May.

But shops in the area have shared their concerns that the move could divert customers away from businesses in the area.

A spokesperson for Waste to Plate said that the move would instead strengthen the High Street and increase footfall.

Laurent Trenga, of Thames Ditton Bakery, said: "It's hard to compete against free food.

"We're competitive given the quality - we are surrounded by a lot of bakery chains but our unique selling proposition is that what you are getting is completely fresh.

"Thames Ditton Village is a very affluent area and we feel there are more appropriate locations that need it."

Katie Paull, owner of Paull's Fruit and Veg, said: "There's a lot of people in need nowadays, they should be having the free fruit and veg because they need it."

"It's a genuine concern and its going to have a detrimental effect on the business. We just don't feel Thames Ditton is the right place for it."

Waste to Plate launched in the Vital Village community centre in 2024, rescuing surplus food from other businesses in order to give to those in need.

It says on its website that it takes unwanted food from shops including Waitrose, Pret A Manger, Sainsbury's and Tesco.

Residents in the area said they were "behind the initiative" which was a "great way to reduce waste", and that they "didn't see how moving it makes that much of a difference".

But Helen Ryder, of The Secret Garden in the High Street, said: "Collectively we are very supportive of Waste to Plate, but we are quite worried about having a shop on the High Street.

A Waste to Plate spokesperson said it wanted to make Thames Ditton High Street more affordable and accessible, adding its customers were "totally different" from current businesses in the area.

They added: "A lot of people think Thames Ditton is affluent, but poverty is there and a lot of it is hidden. Pride is an issue.

"It's important that we serve the community. There is a two-portion limit to prevent people from coming in and just doing a whole weekly shop."

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