Sir, – The worst effects of the Star traffic calming (instigated by Surrey County Council Highways and still to be proven effective) lie within the Tilford Conservation Area. From time to time I remind the village what the conservation area means.

Those living within it are aware of what it means. I would now like, through your pages, to remind Surrey County Council what it means.

After three years of

preparatory work, a submission was made through Surrey Archaeological Society to Surrey County Council in October 1970 to recognise the centre of Tilford as a Conservation Area. On October 23, 1973, the centre of the village was designated a Conservation Area under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, by Surrey County Council.

What does this mean?

"Antiquities and Conservation Areas of Surrey" was re-published by SCC in 1976 (after the conservation area was recognised). When I last contacted the Archaeological Officer at SCC (1998) he told me the same terms applied then.

The definition of Conservation Areas given in this book includes the

following:- "These are areas identified by the local planning authorities as being of special architectural or historic interest the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance ... Conservation tries to ensure by education,

persuasion and statute, that the essential character of an area is appreciated and respected in the activities of present and future generations for the

benefit of both ...

"The legislation is intended to apply to the built environment of town and village, but of course, the character of such places rely equally on their

setting, the open spaces within them and the relationship of buildings one to another ... Trees in conservation areas are also given protection ..."

But what are Surrey CC doing now? They should be educating, persuading and enforcing, rather than undermining the conservation area through their example.

The motor vehicle is ruining the "essential character" of many communities. Is it not time central government comes up with legislation to reduce the use of the motor vehicle? Apart from mine of course!

Money spent on the highway and ruination of areas "the character of which it is

desirable to preserve or enhance" – to be put into

public transport and improved services could be the answer.

Alexa Barrow

Tilford, Farnham