HASLEMERE traders are making plans for the onslaught of roadworks, due to take at least seven weeks, during which the High Street will be closed to traffic for two weeks.
Several shops are offering discounts and refunds on car parking. But during the period of the High Street closure, from October 1 to 12, there will be free parking in the town's three main car parks.
Car park access will be maintained during the work which begins on August 20. A Waverley Borough Council spokesman said that from October 1 - 12, parking will be free from 2 pm to 6 pm in the town centre, Chestnut Avenue and Tanners Lane car parks.
Several traders have written to customers to alert them. Ronald Timms from Haslemere Bookshop, who is offering discounts and parking refunds during the period, said in a letter: "This is bound to cause considerable disruption to the normal flow of shoppers and visitors to the town."
Gill Sutton from Howards Gift Shop said:"It's going on for so long, the two weeks of total road closure are going to be difficult and we will be offering discounts to encourage shoppers".
At Pets and Gardens at the top of the High Street, Neil Tedder said:"It is going to cause problems with people collecting heavy bags."
During the roadworks, which affect the entire length of the High Street from the junction of Lower Street and Three Gates Lane, Surrey County Council assures residents and shoppers that access will be maintained. Temporary lights and diversions will be in place from August 20 during drainage and other works. The first phase is due to be completed by September 28.
The High Street road closure begins on October 1 and is expected to last up to two weeks. Work will also take place on the access road to the High Street car park but during that time access will be via West Street. Diversions will be set up mainly along the A286, A283 and B2131. Once the High Street works are complete, Haslemere faces road closure at Lower Street and diversions of up to three weeks from the end of October, when work starts on Foster's railway bridge.