Calls have been made for cheaper Christmas parking in Farnham to help town centre businesses recover from months of disruption.

Waverley Borough Council is being urged to cut charges during the crucial festive trading period as the major Farnham town centre works near completion.

Farnham and Bordon MP Gregory Stafford said businesses had endured disruption from the Farnham Infrastructure Programme alongside rising costs and parking charges.

He said reducing charges could encourage more shoppers and diners back into the town.

Mr Stafford said: “Farnham's businesses have had a tough couple of years, and now that the major disruption in the town is coming to an end, we need to make sure people come back into Farnham.

“Christmas is one of the most important trading periods of the year. Waverley should cut parking charges and give local shops, pubs and restaurants the support they need.”

But Waverley said its Christmas plans would focus on encouraging people to visit and stay longer while maintaining a turnover of parking spaces.

Cllr Tony Fairclough, portfolio holder for Enforcement and Regulatory Services, said: “Waverley Borough Council is very keen to support local businesses and recognises the importance of the Christmas trading period for retailers across the Borough.”

He said feedback from businesses suggested “the primary objective must be to encourage shoppers to stay longer in order that they spend more in our high streets”.

The council is now developing initiatives to support high streets across the borough over Christmas.

Cllr Fairclough said: “Our focus will be to introduce initiatives that both encourage people to visit our towns for their Christmas shopping, while also ensuring a good turnover of parking spaces so that parking remains available for everyone who is planning to visit our town centres.”

He acknowledged the impact of the town centre works on Farnham businesses but said wider economic pressures were also having an effect.

“We look forward to working with local partners and businesses to help make Farnham a vibrant and successful destination for Christmas shopping and seasonal events,” he said.