Residents quizzed councillors over the controversial Farnham Infrastructure Programme during the town’s Annual Town Meeting of Electors.

The meeting, held as local government reorganisation plans continue across Surrey, heard concerns about highways changes, future funding and the impact of proposals for a new West Surrey authority expected in 2027.

Opening the meeting, former mayor and current leader of Farnham Town Council, George Murray reflected on his mayoral year and praised the town’s community spirit.

He said: “Being Mayor has been such an enjoyable experience and I hope Cllr White experiences similar, from shooting cannons at Heritage Open Day to searching for raffle tickets under seats with a partially blind resident at the Williams Club.

“It has been so great to meet so many people in town. We have raised £3,000 for Hale Community Centre and I wish it was much more.”

Councillors then presented updates from committees covering community and wellbeing, culture and business, environment, planning and licensing, and strategy and resources.

Cllr Murray later outlined major changes facing Farnham in the coming years, including proposals for a new West Surrey authority, plans for the Gostrey Meadow amenity building and future town council elections.

The strongest debate of the evening centred on the Farnham Infrastructure Programme, with residents questioning changes to crossings, landscaping and maintenance costs.

Business owner Steve Hamilton, of Hamilton's Tea Room, criticised revisions to the scheme.

He said: “Are Surrey going to compensate Farnham for the damage caused by FIP? The rain gardens that have now been changed were taken on by FTC as they were supposed to be low maintenance. The changes mean they will be a high cost to Farnham Town Council.”

Questions were also raised about whether funding linked to the Police and Crime Commissioner role could be redirected to Farnham if the position is abolished.

David Fairclough said he would like to see money “ring-fenced” for community safety initiatives such as the Farnham Rangers scheme, which he said had helped deter shoplifting.