A three-times GB Olympian has called on council chiefs to give the public what it wants and accelerate plans for a “safe and secure” cycling network in and around Farnham.

Stephanie Twell, a middle- and long-distance runner who competed at the Beijing, Rio and Tokyo Olympics, made her rallying cry in a letter to the Herald on the eve of tomorrow’s Farnham Board meeting.

The meeting – to be held virtually from 10am and streamed on the Farnham Town Council YouTube channel – will see leading councillors and MP Jeremy Hunt receive updates on the Farnham Infrastructure Programme (FIP) and debate its next steps.

And in an appeal to decision makers, Mrs Twell said: “I do hope the meeting will not remain ‘stuck in first gear’ and councillors will finally bid and secure Active Travel funding to implement a safe and secure cycling network in and around Farnham based on comprehensive stakeholder feedback.”

The Olympian continued: “Yes, there remains logistical and operational barriers to overcome but we must invest in this vital future asset.”

It comes as council papers published ahead of the meeting reveal the need for cycle paths and parking was a “key concern” of those responding to this summer’s town centre consultation.

Surrey County Council leader Tim Oliver, who chairs the Farnham Board, has also spoken out on the eve of tomorrow’s big meeting – saying this is a “significant moment” for the FIP and promising further progress in 2023.