HERALD proprietor Sir Ray Tindle has urged councillors to put party differences aside as the search begins to find developers to regenerate East Street.
Speaking at the launch of the development brief - a set of guidelines for would-be developers - Sir Ray asked an invited audience of key civic players, including many councillors:
"Would it be possible on this occasion to put aside party differences in order to achieve the best possible solution with the least possible rancour towards those with opposing but honestly-held views?
"The Herald is non-political, so last week I felt at least I had the credentials to ask this of Peter Burden and Rosemary Thomas, two of the leaders of different political colours, both deeply involved in this matter. They at once agreed provided others went along with the suggestion."
The comments were echoed by former town mayor Bryan Sell, who also spoke at the launch of the development brief, held at Church House.
Capt Peter Burden, Conservative deputy leader of Waverley Borough Council, is also the chairman of the East Street Special Interest Group, which is steering the redevelopment project.
He took over from his Liberal Democrat counterpart Dr Rosemary Thomas, who held the post for two years.
The regeneration of East Street and surrounding areas has been politically charged on occasions, particularly in relation to Brightwell House, which is in the redevelopment area.
Liberal Democrats largely but unsuccessfully opposed the ruling Conservatives' move to seek the building's de-listing so developers would have a freer hand in its development.
But the move was eventually thwarted by a planning application for its restoration from the Farnham Society and Farnham (Building Preservation) Trust. Planning laws do not allow the de-listing of a building while there is pending planning application.
p Coverage of the launch, and pictures, Page 6.