THE unexpected appearance of yellow lines on pavements throughout Farnham town centre this week has dumbfounded councillors.

Surrey County Council said the lines were repainted last Friday after the old markings reinforcing parking and loading restrictions faded away, making enforcement difficult.

But the fact that the new lines were painted within the Farnham Conservation Area without first consulting councillors has provoked an indignant response.

Carole Cockburn, town and borough councillor, said: “I am both angry and disappointed. Surrey County Council members and officers were part of the team which drew up the Farnham conservation area management plan.

“It was agreed that any work within the area would be consulted upon and carried out to a high standard.

“At one meeting, I raised the issue of the chain of command at Surrey County Council. I was worried that the messages from those involved with the Farnham conservation area management plan group might not get through to those doing the work on the ground.

“I have no idea why this has happened but the swathes of bright yellow paint and the untidy dashes on the kerbs all around the area are both unsightly and inappropriate and should be removed immediately.”

Pat Frost, the mayor of Farnham and a county councillor for Farnham Central, added: “I was amazed when I saw them but have spoken to Surrey’s parking team who informed me wardens cannot enforce parking and loading restrictions unless they can clearly see the lines on the ground.

“Unfortunately, the existing lines in the town centre have gone away over time and as a result, the wardens find it hard to enforce the restrictions.

“I agree the new lines look rather startling at the moment, but I’m assured they will fade in time and as they are in the conservation area, they are already thinner and lighter than they otherwise would be.”

Farnham Town Council has questioned the necessity of the lines at all following the repainting - pointing to another conservation area, Godalming town centre’s lack of any paint on roads or pavements.

But Mrs Frost said each town determines how it wants to mark parking restrictions, adding the Waverley local committee receives “a lot of requests” to paint lines to prevent unloading and commuters parking in sensitive areas.

She continued: “In a way we’re in a no win situation as the bigger lorry companies say it doesn’t matter if they get the odd ticket, but for us fighting for better air quality it does make you very cross.

“One thing I can promise is that we will make sure wardens now enforce the restrictions more vigourously.”