SAFETY improvements for the notorious stretch of the A283 at Chiddingfold, which claimed the lives of two men in just six months, look set to be in place by the end of this year.

Funding for short-term measures to reduce the speed of traffic and increase visibility on the dangerous road will be provided by WaverleyÕs local committee, made up of county and borough councillors, with the promise of more funding next year for a comprehensive study of the entire length of the road.

It was agreed at TuesdayÕs committee meeting that a full consultation about the proposed measure will start Òas soon as possibleÓ between Surrey County Council officers, the police, Chiddingfold parish councils and local pressure group Chiddingfold Road Action Self Help (CRASH).

A report presented to the committee stated that up to 56 people reported injuries as a result of accidents on the A283 between Milford and the West Sussex boundary, near Chiddingfold, from June 1999 to June 2001.

The two fatal accidents both occurred near to the Winterton Arms pub in the village. The first happened in August of last year, claiming the life of Darren Knott, and in March of this year policeman Nigel Skinner lost his life there.

News about the funding was welcomed by CRASH, which has been campaigning for road safety improvements in the village since just after Mr SkinnerÕs death.

CRASH member John Cowburn said: ÒWe couldnÕt have predicted such a positive response from the councillors and officers; and in such a short time scale.

ÒWe have had support from our MP, Virginia Bottomley, and virtually the whole of the village. These results are just so positive,Ó he added.

Mr Cowburn went on to say how pleased the group was that councillors had spoken out about the proposals at the committee meeting.

The leader of Waverley Borough Council, David Harmer, told the meeting he fully welcomed the safety improvements.

ÒI feel more uncomfortable driving along that stretch of the A283 through Chiddingfold than I do when driving along any other road in the borough, particularly when travelling southbound. I would urge that we try to get things started as soon as possible,Ó said Mr Harmer.

Putting minds at rest, the local transportation manager for Surrey County Council, Philip Crossland, said that once safety measures had been decided they should be implemented within a time limit of three months.

Among the improvements Mr Crossland suggests for the road are Òbetter signage and linageÓ to make sure speed limits on the road can be clearly seen and better observed, and also measures to enforce these speed limits, which are hoped to be achieved in partnership with the police.

Clearance of trees and vegetation to improve visibility, particularly near the Winterton Arms where the two men died, is also an important part of the safety strategy.

The chairman of WaverleyÕs local committee, Maureen Nyazai, has forged a strong relationship with CRASH and agreed that local people should be fully involved in consultation for the proposed measures.

Mrs Nyazai said: ÒWhile we were already aware of problems on the A283, CRASHÕs determined and responsible campaign has highlighted particular issues in Chiddingfold. We have been very pleased to work with them, the police, and the parish council, benefiting from their local knowledge, and we will continue to do so.Ó

The next meeting of CRASH will be held at the Winterton Arms at 8pm on Monday, August 5. It will also be holding a public meeting at St MaryÕs School in the village from 7-30pm on Monday, September 2.

More information about the CRASH campaign is available at its website at http://www.crashsite.info">www.crashsite.info