A LONG-RUNNING legal wrangle that literally divided Haslemere in two has finally been resolved.

Celebrations in 2001 for the opening of a brand new shopping parade – Charter Walk – turned sour, when negotiations broke down with the landowner of the narrow strip at the end that leads into High Street car park.

Landowner Gibbs Trust erected the barrier of unsightly “cattle market railings” between the car park and Charter Walk that were removed on February 4.

The “ransom strip”, has meant only able-bodied pedestrians could get in and out – walking single file through a shop entrance.

The barrier that sealed off one end of the shopping parade was removed this week, following successful negotiations between Charter Walk Ltd and Gibbs Trust..

Charter Walk Ltd director Andrew Wilson-Smith said: “We are delighted the barriers have come down.

“We have owned the premises for the past six to seven years. It’s taken time to get to a point when the Gibbs Trust have been happy to sell. But we have had a really co-operative relationship with the trust.

“When the old sorting office was demolished to make way for a development of flats and shops, the strip of land at one end was never purchased.

“Waverley Borough Council gave planning permission and it was the responsibility of the developer to negotiate the land purchase. The developer was unable to do that and it has been the sticking point ever since until now.

“Charter Walk was always planned as an open space with easy pedestrian access, rather than squeezing round a corner.”

Oliver Leach, who owns Oliver’s coffee shop in Charter Walk and is planning a street party, said: “It’s going to be amazing opening up that space and making Charter Walk as beautiful as it should be.”

Welcoming the decision, Haslemere mayor John Robini said: “The barrier at the end of Charter Walk has been an eyesore in the centre of town for a long time and the town council is delighted it is being taken down and that pedestrians will once again have full access.”

This week’s landmark event has special significance for town resident Michael Barnes, who jointly opened Charter Walk in 2001 with Waverley mayor Michael Goodridge by unveiling a bust of Queen Elizabeth I to celebrate the new development.

Mr Barnes said: “Initially Charter Walk was completely cut off from the High Street car park.

“Access was obtained later only thanks to the kindness of a shop owner who allowed access through his front entranceway to bypass the barricade.

“It is wonderful to know perseverance and common sense have at last been successful.”

Fellow resident Robert Serman, who was Haslemere Society chairman at the time and supported negotiations to break the deadlock, said: “I imagine the changing economy of the town has brought a new reality and I am delighted an agreement has been reached.”