PEDESTRIANISATION will not benefit Farnham town centre – instead it will be the death knell for many of its traders.

That was the claim of some members during a fiery debate at last week’s town council meeting.

They were discussing a proposal to hold a market in West Street, which would mean closing the road to traffic.

It was felt the market would help gauge how banning traffic from the town centre – which has long been mooted as an answer to the chronic pollution problem – would work in practice.

But Cllr Michaela Martin, who runs a business in nearby Downing Street, launched a scathing attack on the idea.

She said she did not want market traders who would pay £50 a day for a pitch “competing” with town centre businesses.

The town’s parking problems would be “exacerbated” by a market, and she added: “What use is pedestrianisation if there are no shops left for visitors to enjoy, just a collection of transient traders?”

Cllr Scotty Fraser said he was worried how traffic would negotiate the town centre if West Street were closed, and that it would cause problems for people wanting to get to Waitrose, which was a major Farnham employer.

“And what about Elphicks?” he said. “I think a trial is a farcical suggestion.”

Cllr Brian Edmonds said he was worried about ‘unfair competition’ for businesses.

But Cllr Kika Mirylees said she felt a market could live quite happily alongside existing shops.

“If stalls were not allowed to sell furniture or clothes, it would work – it could be like Guildford market, which attracts lots of people to the area,” she said.

“It’s something we should debate properly. I have spoken to people who love the idea.” Cllr John Neale said the future of the town centre required a “big debate”.

Cllr David Beaman added: “A specialised market with items not available in town could work – it’s a trial, after all.”

The council will discuss the plan at its next meeting.