A report recommended Leatherhead as Mole Valley's nomination for improved high street funding Tuesday February 5.

The report was undertaken by Mole Valley District Council and councillors involved presented their findings during the cabinet meeting earlier this week.

Councillor Simon Edge, Cabinet Member for Prosperity said that choosing just one town in the district to recommend in the report had been difficult.

Cllr Edge said: "This has not been a straight forward decision. Ideally we would also put Dorking forward for this fund, but we are only allowed to nominate one town centre.

"Leatherhead, Dorking, and other High Streets across the district are similarly affected by the dramatic changes in the retail market impacting High Streets across the country. We have looked carefully at the criteria for successful inclusion in the Fund and it is clear that with an active masterplan already in place coupled with the extensive support from partner organisations such as Coast to Capital and Surrey County Council, Leatherhead has a better chance of being successful."

In a statement following the cabinet meeting, MVDC said: "This option was recommended as the Transform Leatherhead Masterplan's objectives closely aligned with the fund's objectives and were felt to offer the best chance of success."

Transform Leatherhead is a collaborative project promoted by Surrey County Council, Coast2Capital, The Environment Agency and others. Its ultimate goal is the revitalisation of Leatherhead town centre by securing investments for improved development in the area.

Last year, the government announced the Future High Streets Fund totalling £675 million would be set up to help local areas to respond to and adapt to changes. District councils must nominate and bid for access to a portion of the funds.