A full-time project manager is to be employed to finally try to bring an end to Farnham’s chronic pollution problems.

A Farnham Project Board is to be set up by Surrey County Council – and agreed by Waverley borough and Farnham town councils – to help deliver a 25-year masterplan for the town.

Surrey leader Tim Oliver had promised the county council would take the lead on the project – and he will chair the board, which will include representatives of Waverley and Farnham, as well as MP Jeremy Hunt.

The county council said the project manager would lead the work, helping with planning and co-ordinating, while also producing modelling on the impacts of any schemes identified by the board.

Cllr Oliver said: “This is a real breakthrough to bring everybody together and deliver a long term plan to truly reshape the centre of Farnham and tackle the long-standing issues around pollution and air quality. This project group will listen to residents and other interested parties and bring together experts to analyse and take the action that is both necessary and deliverable.

“If we get this right, there’s no reason we can’t use Farnham as a blueprint to take similar action in other areas of the county.”

Mr Hunt said: “This is great news for the town. We are aiming to introduce new green initiatives such as dedicated, safe cycling paths and pedestrianised zones which will transform the town.”

John Ward, the leader of Waverley Borough Council, added: “I welcome these next steps and look forward to working together with all three councils.”

John Neale, leader of Farnham Town Council, said: “We are all extremely keen for this work to be a success.”

The initial focus of the board will be on the issues of the Hickleys Corner project, air pollution, pedestrianisation schemes and the integration of Brightwells into the town centre. Further issues like the Wrecclesham relief road will also be a key part of the 25-year masterplan.