THE foundations of Farnham railway station’s new double-deck car park will be strong enough to accommodate two more decks, “should that be necessary in the future”, according to the Mayor of Farnham Pat Frost.

Speaking at a meeting of Farnham Town Council last Thursday, Mrs Frost also updated members on the parking arrangements at the station during the works and confirmed the town council will have a say on the finished colour of the new car park.

South West Trains (SWT) is scheduled to begin work on the new car park on Monday, April 18, with the project set to be completed in August. Once completed it will provide 170 additional spaces on top of the 355 already provided.

To progress with the construction of the new car park, the entire station car park will be closed during building works. SWT has suggested various alternatives for those inconvenienced by the works.

Four car parks in Farnham town centre - Riverside 2 and 3, St James and Waggon Yard - have been identified as having space to accommodate commuters, although the usual charges will apply, even for current station car park season ticket holders.

Season tickets will be valid at Aldershot station during the works, although SWT has warned it cannot guarantee a space and parking will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anyone who holds a Farnham car park season ticket which overlaps with the time of works can apply for a refund by taking their ticket to Farnham ticket office or by calling the SWT customer service centre on 0345 6000 650.

Taxi rides from the town centre to the station cost around £4 and Mrs Frost is hopeful a Hoppa shuttle bus can be provided between the town car parks and the station.

The county councillor told The Herald: “South West Trains really want to make this work and on the day the works start they will be putting on extra staff to ensure commuters are fully informed of what is happening and the alternative parking arrangements.

“Waverley has very kindly offered Riverside car parks and Waggon Yard, I’ve left it with Waverley Borough Council and South West Trains to talk about the possibility of providing the Hoppa bus between the car parks and the station.

“The parking team from Surrey has done a survey of all the spaces that may be available and they have found some additional spaces in the area around the station for people to park.

“And in the interests of making life easier for the residents who live near the station we are going to ensure there are additional enforcement teams out.

“I expect it will be difficult for the first two weeks of the works but we do believe the commuters are sensible people and they will find their level.”

Mrs Frost added some of the spaces in Station Hill will be suspended during the day for the duration of the works to allow heavy goods vehicles to access the construction site. Once completed, SWT has confirmed the parking prices for 2016 will remain unchanged.