BULLDOZERS moved in to demolish the former post office on the corner of the A287, as part of the ongoing work to change the face of the notorious Hindhead traffic lights junction.

The demolition and highways works are under way to make improvements ahead of the new development of housing to be built on the former Happy Eater site.

A heap of rubble now stands in the place of the Post Office.

Watching at the demolition, Joyce Brown of Glenn Close, said: "I heard on the news that the post office was going to be pulled down and as I have lived here for so many years I thought I ought to come along and see what was happening."

She added: "It looks very different now. I think it is good that something is being done to sort out the traffic problem on these roads. It's just a shame that some of the countryside might be spoilt in the process."

The work to the roads has been authorised by Surrey County Council and the Highways Authority.

Highways Agency project manager Ted Hart said: "This improvement scheme will benefit the travelling public by reducing delays, improving sight lines for drivers and making it safer and easier to carry out manoeuvres at this busy junction."

He added that pedestrian facilities would also be improved during the works.

The Highways Authority has ordered that an overnight speed restriction is placed on on the A3 between points 200 metres south-west and 170 metres east of its junction with the Hindhead crossroads.

It is expected the restrictions will come into effect next week and continue for 12 weeks between 8 pm and 6 am.

The roadworks will include improvements to the existing traffic signals at the A3 junction, and widening of the A3 approach from the west and of the A287 approach road.

Most of the improvements will be made during the night to reduce inconvenience to motorists.

Other changes to roads in the Hindhead area include the closure, by Surrey County Council, of the length of Nutcombe Lane which extends from the western boundary of the A287 Hindhead Road, and the closure of the length of Hammer Lane which lies within the Surrey county boundary with diversions being set up.

Proposals have also been announced to help reduce accidents on the A3 at Thursley.

The plans provide for a new grade-separated junction of the A3 at the junction of the A3 with Dye House Road, a new bridge over the A3 near the junction and a link road with access to Mill Farm Cottages.

On the A3, the existing junction with French Lane and the central reserve gaps at Dye House Road and Bridleway 115 would be closed.

In addition the right turn movement from Lea Coach Road to the A3 northbound would also be closed.

A public exhibition of these plans will be held at Thursley Village Hall on Friday, October 19 from 4 pm to 9 pm and on Saturday October 20 from 10 am to 3 am.