THE HERALD has this week launched a campaign to end the pollution talk – and replace it with action.

For years, the town centre has been blighted with abysmal levels of traffic pollution.

Earlier this year, there was talk of a masterplan to look at what was possible to bring those levels to a lawful limit.

It was hoped that, by next month, some action would be taken. But there is still nothing on the horizon.

Our appeal has been taken up by MP Jeremy Hunt – and he, too, wants to see firm decisions being made.

He said: “I have decided to call an emergency pollution summit for Farnham because I’m extremely worried about the levels of pollution in the town centre.

“We have new information that Farnham has the worst pollution in Surrey and I think we’ve got to stop it.

“I’ve long campaigned for transformation in the town centre.

“I want to get people around a table. I want to put energy and impetus into sorting out how we’re going to lower pollution levels in The Borough, Downing Street, Castle Street and the town’s central zone the shops.

“It coincides with some progress on the masterplan for central Farnham.

“As the father of three young children, I am deeply concerned about the levels of pollution in central Farnham. It’s gone on too far too long and we now need decisive action. That’s why I’ve called this emergency summit.

“The leader of Surrey County Council will be attending and I hope leaders of Waverley and town council will as well.

“What we are looking for is rapid, decisive action to lower pollution levels. A new masterplan is being developed but time is of the essence.

“I strongly welcome the Farnham Herald’s decision to launch a Cut the Pollution campaign. It shows there is no stronger voice for the people of Farnham than its local newspaper.”

John Neale, the leader of Farnham Town Council and a key member of Waverley Borough Council, admits progress on the masterplan has been slower than he would have wished.

And he is well aware that unless action is taken soon, critics will condemn the lack of progress as simply more talk.

“You wouldn’t believe how long it all takes to get to the right people,” he said.

“But our Farnham vision is starting to take shape. We can’t take anything to the public for debate and consultation until we have things in place.

“I would hope that by the end of this year, or the start of next year, we will be in a position to do that.

“I have been talking to Mr Hunt and we are very much working together

“Councils have also declared climate emergencies and there seems to be a collaborative effort to try to reduce car use, and that would make our aim to reduce pollution a bit easier.

“My ultimate dream would be to see parts of Farnham town centre pedestrianised, but I think that would have to be a gradual process.”

*See this week’s Herald for more on Farnham’s battle with pollution, plus an exclusive interview with the MP for South West Surrey on his ’battle with Boris’...