A BADLY-potholed section of the A287 from Hindhead crossroads to Tower Road is to get priority resurfacing, following an intervention by Haslemere MP and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Haslemere Town Council has repeatedly called for the busy route to be repaired, following repeated complaints from residents whose cars have been damaged due to the number of potholes.

But the town council was recently informed by Hindhead county councillor David Harmer that any resurfacing was unlikely to be done in the current financial year.

Following a site meeting between Mr Hunt and Surrey’s highways director Jason Russell, however, the county council has agreed to take action sooner rather than later.

Mr Hunt said: “I’ve been concerned about the state of some of our roads in south-west Surrey and I know from correspondence I’ve had from constituents that it is an issue for many residents.

“Despite the enormous pressure on Surrey County Council, current leader David Hodge listened and recognised the need for improvements and he has written to confirm that part of Tilford Road, Hindhead, is due to be surfaced in this financial year. These works have not been scheduled as yet but are likely to take place in the new year.”

A Surrey County Council spokesman said: “The work to repair this road is due to take place following the extra £20m we have invested in our roads, but due to the number of utility works scheduled in and around the area we’re trying to find a time to get the works done that will cause the least possible disruption to drivers.”

Hindhead town councillor Malcom Carter, who has taken the lead in pushing for urgent improvements, will continue to press for the section of the A287 from Beacon Hill to Churt to be resurfaced as well.

Mr Carter said: “The A287 junction with the A333 has been left in a poor state ever since 2011 when the A3 Tunnel opened and Highways England handed the old A3 over to Surrey County Council.

“The Tilford Road between Beacon Hill and Churt was also highlighted as we were informed that our request to renew the white lining was turned down because the road surface was so poor that it was a waste of money to renew the white lines. This road has not had any resurfacing for over 20 years.

“Local residents have made many complaints to me regarding the road surface and pothole damage to their vehicles on both roads.

“We were, therefore, pleased to see that following a meeting with Jeremy Hunt and Jason Russell, it has been agreed to resurface the A287 between the A333 junction and Tower Road in the new year.

“Haslemere Town Council are delighted that continued pressure from ourselves and residents has paid off and at least some part of this road will now be less of a hazard to drivers.”