THERE is good news and bad for Farnham in the draft local transport plan covering the years 2006-2011, just published by Surrey County Council. The document, published for consultation purposes, outlines the council's proposed bid for government funds for the next five years and the Hickley's Corner underpass scheme is included. But there is no place in the plan for a Wrecclesham relief road, although the report emphasises that major housing developments over the county boundary, for instance in Bordon and Aldershot, could well "alter circumstances". The bid will be submitted next March and it is hoped there will be a better outcome than in the current year, when the government refused to grant the anticipated funds to progress the Hickley's scheme. David Munro, county councillor for Farnham South, commented: I'm glad that the county is keeping going with Hickley's Corner, and fervently hope that the bid is successful. "But Wrecclesham is in effect on the reserve list, and that will be a major disappointment to the thousands of residents whose lives are blighted by the traffic going along the present road." He added that "the key to success" would be to work closely with Hampshire County Council to make sure that developments there take into account the major road improvements that will be needed. "That will be one of my main priorities in the next year," Mr Munro added. South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt also saw the news as a mixed blessing. He commented: "I am pleased Hickley's Corner has been included, but rather disappointed the Wrecclesham relief road has not. "They say we should monitor housing developments in Bordon and Aldershot to see whether a joint bid with Hampshire could be possible, which seems to be saying the problem has to get worse before anything will be done about it. "I will continue to press hard for both schemes. They may be important for people travelling through Farnham, but they are absolutely vital for those of us who live here."
