AN independent business analyst has raised fears over planned road alterations around Farnham which he claims could create gridlock road conditions, and affect local businesses.

Jez Hyman, of J C Consultants, expressed concern that the A31 upgrade at Firgrove Hill would create significant traffic problems within the town, and would deter people from coming into Farnham.

He has studied, and says he has found flaws in, the analysis of the questionnaire in connection with the Getting About in Farnham exhibition of transport proposals.

In his opinion, the official analysis did not accurately reflect the views of many in the town, and he is concerned its findings are to be used as formal council recommendations.

From his analysis of the exhibition, he said the prevailing opinion from the 900 who took part in the survey was that a western bypass route was required before work done on the town centre.

He said the "avoid Farnham factor" resulting from the roadworks associated with the Firgrove Hill project, proposed alterations to Downing Street and the Borough, would have considerable commercial implications.

"Businesses are going to need support if they are to survive the economic downturn (resulting from these plans), as fixed overheads in Farnham are relatively high."

In response to the criticism of the Firgrove Hill scheme's implications, senior Surrey County Council engineer John Hilder said they were widely supported by many groups within the town.

He stressed the plan had yet to receive funding and final county council approval, but said the works would be designed to produce as minimal an impact as possible.

As for inaccuracies in the Getting about in Farnham questionnaire, he conceded there had been a genuine error in the analysis of the number of people supporting additional crossings in the town.

He said that not as many young people participated in the exhibition as they would have liked, but felt it had been well received.

On the issue of a western bypass, he said: "That is one of the most frequently requested measures in Farnham, and topped the list in the town's traffic movement study in 1990.

"However, transport policy has moved away from major road schemes during the '90s."

Stuart Palmer, of Elphicks, who is also a member of Farnham Chamber of Commerce, felt the pending road schemes within the town could create some problems with trade and traffic.

However, it was his opinion that "the short term pain would bring long-term benefits".

As an example of how road works could affect trade, he cited those being conducted in Guildford as having a negative impact there.

He believed there was a knock-on effect, with Farnham benefiting from people who did not want to travel there while such work was going on.

He felt that some of the work already done around the town, particularly the Shepherd and Flock lights, had made a positive impact on the town's current traffic woes.

Victor Scrivens, chairman of Farnham Town Council's traffic and planning committee, supported the package of road upgrade plans which the county council has proposed, and believed the Firgrove Hill plans were of "great benefit."

As for a western bypass, It was his opinion that it was not a realistic short term possibility, and more recognisable goals of creating a more "pedestrian friendly" town centre should be prioritised.