GRAYSHOTT residents were warned at a meeting on Monday that as a result of the A3 tunnel project, traffic increases could "transform the centre of the village beyond all recognition".

East Hampshire district councillor for the village Ferris Cowper made the startling prediction at a packed public meeting in the village hall.

He claimed that a severe increase in traffic flow would create nightmare situations on Crossways Road and Headley Road which he believes are already under pressure and cannot take any more vehicles.

Residents were out in force to hear to the latest news on the controversial Highways Agency scheme and to air their views on its implications.

Issues of concern include the closure of the old A3 and the positioning of a major roundabout at the entrance to the village.

Villagers gave their backing to protests and, in an on-the-spot poll taken by parish council chairman Barry Penny, were even willing to support a special fighting fund for the campaign.

Mr Cowper began the meeting by updating people on what has happened since the last public meeting in October.

He said MP for NE Hampshire James Arbuthnot and MP for SW Surrey Virginia Bottomley had been in contact with Trainsport Minister John Speller, who has been made aware of Grayshott's situation.

The Wider Reference Group, made up of local councillors and representatives of pressure groups, has had regular meetings with the Highways Agency.

Mr Cowper said the good news is that the Highways Agency has finally recognised the problems with increased traffic movement in the centre of the village.

John Speller had reasurred Mrs Bottomley that traffic figures would not double.

But data recorded by Grayshott Road resident Major Jeremy Whittaker indicates that the impact of the A3 tunnel will be severe.

Mr Cowper said: "The Highways Agency has acknowledged that there will be an increase in the traffic flow in the village. We are beginning to get the message heard and I think that's progress.

"When this issue first arose every other word was Haslemere or Surrey. Recently there has been a huge shift in the flow of attention to Grayshott's side of the A3."

As the current proposals stand, one of the biggest concerns is the anticipated increase in traffic on Crossways Road and Headley Road.

Parish council chairman Barry Penny said: "When the proposals were first published my main concern was for Grayshott and, in particular, Crossways Road. Those fears have now been substantiated.

"When we met the Highways Agency, a representative of Hampshire County Council's transport policy department told me I should be concerned."

One resident asked if she should expect to see traffic lights in the villages to cope with the influx of vehicles.

Mr Penny said: "If the proposals go ahead we may have to do something in the village. If this is the case, we expect the funding to come from the same pot as the tunnel project."

Fears were also expressed about the safety of pedestrians in Grayshott.

Hill Road resident Frances Flounders said: "What worries me is the safety of children catching buses to the Bohunt or walking to schools in the area."

David Hardy from Crossways Road said the village could also become a dangerous place for Grayshott's older residents.

He said: "I have this picture in my mind of a 92-year-old lady trying to cross the road on her Zimmer frame. I can see all kinds of dangers ahead."

Mr Cowper said he is not contemplating the implications of the severe increase in traffic flow because he says it should not be allowed to happen.

He said: "I would be very disappointed if after fighting all these battles the plans went ahead as proposed.

"At the moment I'm not thinking about that, I will just carry on protesting and banging my head against the brick wall of the government until either something changes or I can do no more."

Many Grayshott residents feel one answer to the problem would be to keep the old A3 open.

As part of the plans, the Highway Authority intends to return the land to the National Trust to link the Hindhead Commons and restore the land to its natural environment.

Mr Cowper said the support from environmental groups is strong.

They claim it is necessary to close the road to protect the Dartford Warbler at the Devil's Punch Bowl.

Many Grayshott residents reject this suggestion and say there are already a large number of Warblers on Ludshott Common.

Mr Cowper said: "The environmental groups have very strong support. It's not just the groups but every environmental expert that the government can dig up.

"I think we all start from the point of view of environmental support but I don't think it should be taken to such ridiculous extremes whereby it seriously damages people's lifestyles."

Another proposal on the table to reduce traffic volumes in the village is to move the planned Hazel Grove junction further south towards Liphook or to create an additional junction south of Grayshott.

The suggestions have been put forward to the Highways Agency for consideration.

As the meeting came to a close, Mr Cowper said he was delighted with the support from the community and the ideas received throughout the evening.

He told The Herald that he will be making plans for another meeting, this time with a representative from the Highways Agency, to take place in September or October this year.