WARNING notices have been issued to a number of Farnham businesses demanding they remove their “unsightly” bins in the alleyway by Boots Opticians in The Borough.

Waverley Borough Council has issued Community Protection Notice Warnings to the six businesses, giving them two months to find an alternative location for the bins.

If, after two months, the bins remain in the passageway, the businesses would be issued with a full Community Protection Notice.

Waverley served these warning notices to Vodafone, Dorothy Perkins, British Heart Foundation, Preferred Travel, Toni & Guy and Boots Opticians.

A council spokesperson said: “The council issued the warnings following numerous complaints about the commercial waste bins blocking the alleyway, which attracted littering by passers by, restricted pedestrian access and made the area unclean and unsightly.

“The warnings were issued following attempts to solve the issue, working closely with the Farnham Community Enhancement Group and Farnham Town Council to find a solution that worked for everyone.

“The warnings instruct the businesses to remove the bins from the alley and keep them on their own property.

“Waverley remains in contact with a number of the businesses to assist them, where possible, as they consider options for their waste storage.”

The matter was discussed at la meeting of Farnham Town Council which is supporting Waverley on the issue.

Councillor Stephen Hill said: “They have a deadline to remove the offending bins before March 5.

“If we have success on this front, there are other areas of the town that could possibly be improved in the same way, suggestions will be very much welcomed.”

Other walkways in the town are also being discussed as to improvements, such as the yard by Robert Dyas in Downing Street.

Mark Whitford, a local resident who has long campaigned for action on the Boots alleyway, said: “I think for people coming into Farnham from the Central car park, passing that mess it looks as though it’s third world.

“I’ve actually taken the bins, swept it up and put it in the bin twice because it got so bad.

“I thought by doing it myself it would shame them to keep it clean in the future but it didn’t work.

“Actions have seemed to be taken for at least a year now and nothing’s happened so I’m a bit suspicious perhaps nothing will happen, but hopefully, finally it will do.”

A spokesperson from Boots Opticians said: “Maintaining good health and safety standards is of the utmost importance.

“We have taken this feedback on board and are working with the other businesses affected to look at viable alternatives.

“We’d like to thank our customers and neighbours for their patience in the meantime.”