COUNTY-WIDE local authorities and organisations have given their blessing to the closure and removal of the existing A3 at Hindhead after the tunnel has been built, along with the restoration of Hindhead heathland.

Members of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, AONB Partnership have added their weight to those who want to join up and restore the heathland at Hindhead, after the construction of the A3 tunnel.

Among them are Waverley Borough Council, Surrey County Council, English Nature, Forestry Commission, Campaign for the Protection Rural England Surrey, Countryside Agency, Surrey Wildlife Trust, National Trust, County Association of Parish and Town Councils, as well as Guildford Borough Council, Mole Valley District Council, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Tandridge District Council.

"The Surrey Hills AONB Partnership endorses the vision for the Hindhead Commons that the trust has put forward," said Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills AONB officer.

"We believe that removing the existing A3 will be a major benefit that will help to compensate for the damage caused by the scheme to the AONB at Tyndall's Wood and Boundless Copse.

"It offers the solution of a route for non-tunnel traffic such as cyclists and horses as well as providing the environmental benefit of the removal of the road."

Diana Owen, National Trust area manager, said: "The support of the AONB joint advisory committee is particularly significant because of the partnership it represents.

"We believe this shows a great consensus for total removal of the road, taking away dangerous traffic and allowing freedom to enjoy the stunning landscape safely."

The Surrey Hills AONB Partnership has elected representatives from local authorities and advisory members from a range of bodies from government agencies to local groups.

Mr Fairbanks described their role as representing the interests of Surrey Hills AONB whose primary purpose is to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the area.