FEARS of traffic problems in Grayshott and the need for alternative routes, including the retention of the present A3, are set be at the top of the agenda at a special public meeting in the village next week.

The meeting in Grayshott Village Hall will reveal findings on the latest traffic predictions for the village and the surrounding area, which are being processed with the help of the Highways Agency.

Grayshott's East Hampshire district councillor Ferris Cowper, who will be addressing the meeting, said that he believed that the findings will show the likelihood of "severe congestion problems for Grayshott".

Working with chairman of Grayshott Parish Council Barry Penny and local campaigner Major Jeremy Whitaker on six alternatives to relieve traffic problems in the village when the tunnel is built, Mr Cowper said: "The retention of the current A3 as a local access road will be essential.

"We also believe it will indicate the need for improved access from the Bordon and Headley area south to the A3 near Liphook, to avoid congestion in Grayshott."

Mr Cowper was among local MPs and councillors who described a statement from the government minister for transport about proposals for the A3 tunnel at Hindhead as "encouraging".

Minister for Transport John Spellar promised that the scheme will not be "railroaded through" after a joint letter from SW Surrey MP Virginia Bottomley and James Arbuthnot, MP for North East Hampshire, over fears of local residents.

Mr Spellar responded to a number of concerns about the £110 million development, including emergency access and rat-running.

"There is no intention to try to 'rail-road' the proposals, which have been on the table unaltered in principle since the preferred route was announced in March 1993," he said.

Detailing the Highways Agency's efforts in reaching out to local people since last August, Mr Spellar said that newsletters and the website provide regular information. He also said that through the work of the Wider Reference Group a clear picture was emerging about the "key local concerns".

But in his letter to Mrs Bottomley, Mr Spellar maintained that facts emerging from the Highways Agency's initial assessment showed that "traffic volumes will not double around Grayshott village as a result of the scheme."

And he continued: "Leaving the existing A3 open to traffic does not reduce traffic through Grayshott to any significant extent and could reduce the relief to other communities between Grayshott and Thursley."

The scheme he said also "improves accessibility for movements across the A3," said Mr Spellar.

"Critchmere Hill and Crossways Road are the two main problem areas and will be investigated in conjunction with the local highway authorities; keeping the existing A3 open does not solve these problems."

Mr Spellar continued in his letter that a meeting was planned between the Highways Agency and the emergency services to discuss emergency planning the access routes for emergency vehicles.

"There is no suggestion at present that the existing A3 is needed for emergencies. It is intended to close it to motorised traffic but a route will be left open for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians."

The road will also act as a private road to allow access to properties in the Punch Bowl and other interested parties.

"The route would be narrowed and verges landscaped to blend back into the land either side.

"Closing the existing A3 through the Devil's Punch Bowl is seen as an essential part of the scheme by those concerned with implementing national policies relating to "this beautiful and delightful area.

"It is an integral part of a balanced package of proposals which have been carefully negotiated with the National Trust," said the letter.

Mrs Bottomley wrote to Mr Spellar on behalf of her constituents last year.

"I am encouraged to see the minister's commitment to environmental gain, as this is a key feature of the Hindhead A3 proposal," said Mrs Bottomley.

"I am also pleased to see that if necessary, they are prepared to hold a further public inquiry."

The Grayshott public meeting takes place on Monday, February 25 at Grayshott Village Hall at 7-30 pm. Admission is by free ticket only, to avoid overcrowding, available from Grayshott shops.