PEOPLE in Farnham can now comment on a proposed, multi-million-pound plan to transform travel in and around the town area.
A virtual exhibition and questionnaire is now live.
It highlights the background to the new infrastructure plan, and what is being considered for the town centre, north and south Farnham, and the A31. There are also some town-wide proposals.
People who live, work, travel or study in the town can comment on the suggestions until Sunday, March 14 by visiting www.bit.ly/farnhaminfrastructure, calling 01252 712667 for a printed summary and questionnaire, or joining an upcoming Local Liaison Forum meeting.
The draft infrastructure plan is the latest milestone in the Farnham Infrastructure Programme, a partnership between Surrey County Council, Waverley Borough Council, Farnham Town Council and MP Jeremy Hunt.
Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey County Council, said: “This is our opportunity to be ambitious and ensure Farnham remains a thriving community for future generations.
"That’s why it’s important we hear from people in the town before we start on the detailed plans. Please share your views and help us to transform Farnham.”
Local Liaison Forum meetings will be held via Zoom on Thursday, March 4 at 6.30pm, and on Monday, March 8 at 6.30pm. There will also be a Facebook Live event on Wednesday, March 10 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Register at www.farnham.gov.uk/llf
John Neale, leader of Farnham Town Council, said: “People who have attended previous Local Liaison Forums will see that their comments have helped to shape the content of the infrastructure plan.
"The forums are an effective way for people to have their say and I hope even more people will take the opportunity to attend the forthcoming meetings.”
Helping people use alternatives to the car is a key theme, with proposals to improve pathways for walking and cycling, and to review public transport.
Other proposals include:
* Changes to the town-centre road layout, with major improvements to the pedestrian experience;
* Reviewing town-centre car parks, including considering new park-and-ride or park-and-stride sites;
* Detailed studies on Wrecclesham, a western bypass and the A31 corridor;
* Improving connections between south Farnham and the railway station to the town centre.
John Ward, leader of Waverley Borough Council, said: “This is an opportunity for the people of Farnham to scrutinise and comment on our current proposals.
"We’ve taken on board feedback about what are the key issues and what needs to be done, and now we need to be reassured that you feel these proposals are the right way forward to unleash the potential of our town.”
Consulting on the infrastructure plan follows last year’s consultation on the vision for the programme.
Since then, work has started to restrict HGV movements through the town, and consideration of lowering speed limits to 20mph and reclassifying roads is already underway.
At its cabinet meeting last month, Surrey County Council agreed £2.5 million in funding to deliver these ‘quick wins’ and for further feasibility studies.
South West Surrey MP, Mr Hunt, said: "No one is more pleased than me that we have got to this stage with the Farnham Infrastructure plan – it’s great news for the town.
"Let’s do our best for Farnham and get as many people as possible completing this questionnaire and commenting - this is your chance to have your say.”