SURREY county councillor David Harmer has unveiled a new directional fingerpost on Shortfield Common in Frensham at a well-attended ceremony.

The metal post, which is of traditional design with four arms and finished with a top finial identifying the location, was designed and managed by Frensham Parish Council, built by volunteers and craftsmen and funded jointly by the parish and county councils.

Frensham Parish Council chairman Dick Beales explained how and why the council-owned common was managed both for the quiet enjoyment of the public and to conserve its significant biodiversity resources, particularly wildflowers and butterflies.

He noted that the presence of some locally uncommon plants had helped to qualify it for selection as a county Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

The installation of a traditional rural signpost, in a style to complement the setting and natural environment, was one of the key objectives of the council’s four-year management plan for the common.

Mr Beales thanked all those involved with the project, highlighting the excellent craftsmanship on display.

The project was managed by Guy Olden and the signpost was fabricated in steel by John Cooksley and Andy Brown of The Old Forge at The Rural Life Centre in Tilford, with the detailed welding of the letters and finishing being undertaken by Peter Wood.

Mr Harmer, county councillor for Waverley Western Villages, praised the standard of workmanship and the efforts of the parish council in achieving such a successful outcome.

He emphasised the significance of the signpost having been manufactured by local enterprise, and expressed the hope that other parishes might wish to follow the example of Frensham in providing more interesting and sympathetic street furniture within the county.