THE pedestrianisation of Farnham town centre is “still very much on the radar”, Farnham MP Jeremy Hunt has said despite an initial setback to his proposed scheme.

As reported in last week’s Herald, Surrey County Council has ruled that a mini-roundabout at the junction of Union Road, Long Bridge and Downing Street promoted as part of Mr Hunt’s proposals would be prohibitively expensive as well as increasing congestion south of the town centre.

However, the MP for South West Surrey remains optimistic that partial pedestrianisation of the town centre could still present a solution to Farnham’s traffic and air pollution problems.

He told the Herald: “Farnham pedestrianisation is still very much on the radar and there is considerable work going on behind the scenes looking at all the options.

“While it is disappointing that the one of the options being considered has been deemed too expensive, Surrey have now agreed to do a full traffic model for an entire scheme which is a big step forward.

“I know they want to see if something can be made to work and are approaching the project positively – but we need to look at technical feasibility before we then go on to consider the issue of cost.

“The details of this modelling should be ready in the autumn and will then be presented to residents. Nothing is set in stone and all credible, viable solutions are being explored. No decisions will be made without consultation with the residents of Farnham.”

Mr Hunt’s proposal, mandated by a June 2014 referendum, would also see a mini-roundabout at the access to Wagon Yard as well as a ‘shared space’ part-time pedestrianisation scheme in Downing Street, The Borough and Castle Street.