TWO local MPs have joined forces in an effort to stop the A3 tunnel proposals being "railroaded through".

South West Surrey MP Virginia Bottomley and North East Hampshire MP James Arbuthnot, whose constituency covers adjoining areas of Liphook, Headley and Grayshott, have written to the Minister for Transport John Speller in an effort to calm fears over the £107 million proposals.

They say that "numerous concerns" have been raised by residents, action groups, councillors and local organisations and are calling on the minister to address the issues.

Among the matters raised is the perception that "local people are not being sufficiently involved in the consideration of the proposals".

"It would be deplorable if the impression that plans are being railroaded through and local views were disregarded were to continue."

And Mrs Bottomley and Mr Arbuthnot warn: "It could result in avoidable, unintended adverse consequences."

They also believe that anxieties are growing over increased rat-running when the tunnel is built, with areas near Bramshott Common, Hammer Lane junction, Nutcombe all likely to be affected.

Other concerns have come from residents in Crossways Road and Boundary Road, Grayshott over the problem.

The MPs have called on the minister to pay heed to to residents and their demands for the existing A3 to be kept open.

"Residents fear that the roads used to access the tunnel cannot cope with the increased volumes of traffic. Critchmere Hill householders are worried about safety issues connected with the extra traffic and a fall in house prices."

Other concerns include "heightened fears" that in the light of recent events, the tunnel could become a target for terrorist activity, along with worries about emergency access to the area should the tunnel have to be closed for any reason.

Fears have also been voiced by Ferris Cowper, the East Hampshire district councillor for Grayshott about proposed roundabouts at Hazel Grove.

Mr Cowper has said that the problem of severe traffic congestion in Grayshott would be alleviated by keeping the existing A3 open.

Both MPs have told the minister that "Grayshott residents believe the Highway Agency's own models can be used to show that traffic will nearly double around the village, with problems for congestion, pedestrians and the local environment".

However, Mrs Bottomley said: "There is overwhelming relief that at last firm proposals are being considered."

She added that "people want an end to the indecision that has blighted this beautiful and delightful area".

"The tunnel will ease congestion, improve the quality of life in the area and also bring economic regeneration to the south coast region." But she said question marks remain.

"There is agreement that effective solutions and swift action are urgently needed," said Mrs Bottomley "to ensure that all loose ends are properly tied up."

Haslemere town councillors last week added their support to the proposed A3 tunnel proposals.Michael Foster the chairman of the council's highways and planning committee told the meeting that he had written in reply to Pat White, a former Grayshott parish councillor, who has argued that the old A3 should remain open after the tunnel is complete.

While Ted Orchard said that he agreed that the existing stretch of road should stay open, Mark Lelliott spoke for many town councillors who did not agree.

"I cannot hold to this view because of the environmental gain from the project. To retain the old A3 in its present form would blow that out of the water," said Mr Lelliott.

Mr Foster said: "I wrote to Mrs White and told her that the public response to the exhibition was as close to a referendum on the issue as one might get."