The Government has scrapped plans for major improvements to the A31 through Farnham, according to the town's MP.

Gregory Stafford, the Conservative MP for Farnham and Bordon, has called the decision a "betrayal" and accused the Government of failing his constituents.

Mr Stafford said Roads Minister Justin Madders telephoned him on Thursday evening (October 8) to confirm the scheme would not proceed.

He said the Government had blamed the decision on the timetable for local government reorganisation (LGR).

According to Mr Stafford, ministers argued that the transition to new councils made it difficult to agree funding. However, the MP criticised the decision to abandon the scheme rather than work with local leaders to keep the project moving.

The project remained on the Labour Government's list of schemes under consideration in 2025.

Previously estimated at around £115 million, the proposals included a possible underpass or redesigned junction at Hickley's Corner to separate local and through traffic.

The crossroads has become a serious local concern, following a fatal collision and a number of serious injuries in recent years.

The wider scheme also included improvements to the Coxbridge and Shepherd and Flock roundabouts, and better pedestrian and cycling crossings.

The scheme aimed to improve movement between north and south Farnham and reduce congestion and air pollution.

Mr Stafford said: "This is a disastrous decision and a betrayal. Hickley's Corner has already cost a young man his life and left others fighting for theirs, and we had a scheme that could have transformed it.

"I have spent months pressing Ministers to engage with the Council and find a way to keep this project moving. Instead, Labour has chosen not to make this work and has simply walked away from a critical project for Farnham."

The MP said he had repeatedly pressed the Government for action in Parliament, including writing to Prime Minister Andy Burnham a few weeks ago.

Cllr Tim Oliver, leader of Surrey County Council, said: "This scheme has been a long-standing priority for us, and we have consistently made the case for the investment needed to tackle the problems on the A31.

"We had this project in our plans for years because we know how important it is to Farnham and the wider area. It is deeply frustrating to see this Government now abandon it rather than work with us to deliver the improvements our residents need.

"The case for action has not changed. The congestion, safety concerns and impact on the communities along the A31 remain. The Council will continue to make every effort to change that."

Mr Stafford continued: "I will not stop campaigning for a better A31.

"The Conservatives have been working on this scheme for years because everyone knows that something needs to change, and I will continue to work with Conservative councillors, the new West Surrey Council and local stakeholders to make the case for major improvements."

Cllr Jane Austin, leader of West Surrey Conservatives, said: "Farnham has waited far too long for a proper solution at Hickley's Corner and along the A31 corridor. The Government should be working with Surrey to find a way forward, not using the transition to new councils as a reason to walk away from a project that matters enormously to the area.

"Conservative Councillors will continue to support Greg's campaign and press for the A31 to remain a priority when West Surrey Council takes over."

The Department for Transport has been approached for comment.