The final phase of Farnham’s long-running town centre improvement works begins today (Monday, September 21) after almost two years of disruption.

But as the project enters its final stretch, councillors have acknowledged that not all its objectives have been met, with concerns remaining about congestion in parts of the town.

Speaking at a meeting of the Farnham Board last Friday, Surrey County Council leader Tim Oliver said: “We are now really into the last phase in what has been a difficult two years.

“Certainly, as a pedestrian, the experience has greatly improved. Not everyone wanted a cafe culture, but it has enhanced the beautiful town of Farnham.

“We can’t say convincingly that we have met all the things in our visions. But we have gone a long way towards it.”

Cllr George Hesse raised concerns about the continuing impact of traffic on the town.

He said: “Some of the objectives have not been met. Day after day there is traffic held up in areas like West Street. Some people have hybrid cars which are less polluting, but congestion is quite considerable.”

However, Cllr Hesse said it would be better to wait until the Castle Street works were completed before making a final judgement, adding: “Hopefully the new normal will be much better.”

The Farnham Board, which brings together representatives from three councils, met to discuss progress over recent months and the work still to be completed.

The next phase of work on Castle Street begins today (Monday, September 21), with overnight closures from 8pm to 6am for full resurfacing and white-line painting.

The closure will run from the junction with The Borough to Park Row.

The current northbound closure of Castle Street is also due to end, with temporary traffic lights to be installed.

The lights will operate automatically but can be manually overridden by a worker to help ease congestion when necessary.

Waverley Borough Council said existing temporary permits allowing Castle Street residents to use Upper Hart car park will remain valid during the resurfacing works.

Further work will include the installation of raised-table crossing points in Castle Street and The Borough, white-line painting in South Street and new street furniture, including benches, bins and bus shelters.

Victoria Road will also be resurfaced, while minor snagging and lining works will be carried out.

Waverley Borough Council is also considering ways to support traders during the vital Christmas trading period.

Board members also looked back at the Optimised Infrastructure Plan (OIP), adopted in 2021.

The plan sets out objectives for the wider Farnham Infrastructure Programme, including improving air quality and access for pedestrians and cyclists, while reducing the dominance of motorised traffic in the town.

Cllr Oliver highlighted the reduction in pollution in The Borough as one of the successes of the programme, with Waverley Borough Council figures showing a significant decrease in pollution levels in the street.

Cllr Andy Macleod pointed out that the objectives contained in the Optimised Infrastructure Plan apply to the full 15-year infrastructure programme and not solely to the town centre improvement works.