THE Farnham Interest Group (FIG) has hailed a “very encouraging” initial response to its appeal for funds supporting a judicial review of the Brightwells regeneration scheme.

In a letter to this week’s Herald, published in full on page 15, Richard Sandars of FIG said a number of donations of all sizes have reached the group since it announced its decision to apply for a judicial review last week - adding to the £50,000 already donated by a “mystery donor”.

Mr Sandars added a small army of volunteers will pound Farnham’s pavements this week, delivering thousands of donation leaflets to homes throughout the town, and again called on people to back FIG’s campaign for a better scheme.

It comes after FIG launched its long-awaited legal action last week calling for developer Crest Nicholson to be stripped of the Brightwells contract following a raft of amendments and variations to the original development agreement negotiated by Waverley Borough Council in 2003.

The interest group, which represents the Farnham Society, Farnham Building Preservation Trust and East Street Action, is still awaiting the High Court’s ruling on whether or not Waverley has a case to answer.

But in the meantime FIG is busy raising the £135,000 needed to cover its legal costs and court fees, as well as those of Waverley’s should the judicial review be defeated.

FIG has promised to refund any surplus monies left over at the end of its legal offensive to donors on a pro-rata basis, including any costs awarded should it defeat the borough council.

Donations can be made by posting a cheque made payable to ‘The Farnham Society’ to FIG c/o 13 Lickfolds Road, Rowledge Farnham GU10 4AF. Donors are asked to write the reference ‘FIGjr’ on the back of cheques.

For more information on FIG’s case against Waverley or how to donate, visit the website www.farnhamsociety.org.uk.