A BID of £75,000 has been made by Surrey County Council to address Farnham's on-going problems with "unclear" and "scruffy" street signs as part of a wider effort to make the town more visitor-friendly.

A £3,000 consultation process is expected to start next month, signalling the end to what has been described by chairman of Farnham Visitors Council, Robin Crawford as "a long and unhappy saga".

"Following the re-organisation of a number of departments at Surrey County Council, we were told the money wasn't available for the signs, which caused considerable delay.

"Then we found less money has been allocated than usual, although it is still a significant sum," said Mr Crawford.

County councillor Janet Maines explained that high costs were necessary because many of the new signs will be in conservation areas, and are expected to be in keeping with the surrounding landscape.

"Many of the signs will be black with the gold lettering. However it seems that a cheaper material may have been found which can achieve a similar effect, so this may keep some costs down.

"This is a reduced bid anyway from the initial quote which was £100,000. It will involve a rationalisation of all signs in the town including road signs, car park signs as well as providing clearer information for tourists."

Mrs Maines believes funds will be raised from next year's financial budget and welcomes the improvements, which she feels are particularly important for those unfamiliar with Farnham.

"The signs are tatty and it is difficult for people new to the area when they have come out of the car parks. Some of the signs such as the one for the Tourist Information Centre, are pointing to its previous location at Farnham Library rather than in South Street."

Mr Crawford reiterated the need to address the town's problem with signs,

"Many of the town's signs are so scruffy and out of date and it has been like this for several years which isn't acceptable. Many signs direct people to places which no longer exist."

Mrs Maines hopes that residents' associations and anyone wishing to have their say on the town's signs will play a part in the consultation process.