FARNHAM Town Council has expressed its disgust at the state of the pathways and alleyways throughout the town with councillors calling for something to be done “as a matter of urgency” to prevent scaring away visitors.

Speaking at January’s meeting of the full council, Carole Cockburn said the issue regarding Farnham’s bins is getting out of hand, and due to their overflowing onto the footpaths it is quickly becoming a health hazard.

She said: “I was quite shocked that there is no actual policy for commercial waste that covers us. The bins are unsightly and unhealthy. Everything comes out including dirty nappies let alone anything else.

“I really do think this is something, we’ve got to grab. I think the town is looking awful at the moment, I’ve never seen so much litter and graffiti. I’m not satisfied with the level of service that we are getting at the moment.

“What is the point of luring people into our town and telling them to park in Central car park and then making their journey to our shops where we want them to spend good money and buy coffee – but making it really dirty, untidy and litter-streamed journey.

“We have a real reason to clear up the town and I think we need to redouble our efforts. Bins have to be there but not on the footpath and not obvious.”

In response to councillor Cockburn’s request, town clerk Iain Lynch informed members of a recent meeting held with Mr Hayward at Waverley Borough Council, who is experienced in this issue but has not yet in his past experience come up with a solution.

He did think it was the first time that the bye-law issue has been raised as a solution to the problem, so officers from Waverley Borough Council are now looking into it.

Mr Lynch said: “It is something that could take several months to press through the various processes. He was also asking his colleagues to investigate the sort of more immediate options, under existing legislation.

“I’m hopeful that we can find some way to move the matter forward and we will continue to work with Boots who have been supportive of trying to find a solution as well.”

In a council meeting dating back to December 2015, members discussed the bins by Boots Opticians, which is located on one of the main walkways into town, were in dire condition. After being approached Boots stepped up and were prepared to resolve this situation, working alongside the town council to do so.

And the branch is continuing to do as after stating in response to a letter sent by a member of the public that staff members will do their best to check the alley each day.