News Articles

Villages fighting for voices to be heard

The Farnham Herald, Thursday 3rd December 2020 - Vol.130 No.22

by Catherine Powell

Upper Hale resident, chartered engineer and founder of North Farnham Voice

THE VILLAGES of north Farnham have been there for hundreds of years – but are now blighted by poor road infrastructure, limited poorly maintained narrow pavements, minimal cycle paths and fast moving-traffic including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

One recent survey of local residents found the area “feels neglected and under-resourced compared with elsewhere in the town”.

The message is we need to get out of our cars and get around in other ways, use public transport, walk or cycle. But there are infrequent buses which are prohibitively expensive for some to use.

A return fare from Sandy Hill to the hospital for a parent and two kids under 15 is more than £10, and that is the nearest doctor’s surgery.

Safe walking routes between residential areas and local shops, schools and facilities are almost non-existent and there are limited crossings on the Upper Hale Road and Farnborough Road. The fast-moving traffic often means making a run for it and not everyone is up to that – nor is it safe.

Why don’t more kids cycle to school, they say! Where are the safe cycle route ?

North Farnham residents are, however, coming together to make their voices heard with the North Farnham Voice Group. There is already a Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/groups/northfarnhamvoice ) and plans are afoot for a website.

Residents support the proposal to ban HGVs greater than 7.5 tonnes as proposed under the Farnham Infrastructure Programme, and the need to refresh the speed signage with 20mph zones. However, there are lots of other issues that need to be discussed and addressed.

Proposals to reduce on-carriageway obstructions, including on-street parking, are not supported, as residents want less slower traffic and not faster traffic.

The on-street parking slows traffic down, in places shield pedestrians using the narrow pavements from traffic and helps with crossing the road.

Parking on the pavements is a problem as they are already too narrow in many areas for a pushchair or wheelchair.

The proposal to ban turning right from Upper Hale Road on to Alma Lane is not supported as it would again speed up traffic and just make other roads rat runs and many are very narrow although two way and have no pavements.

What is needed, in addition to banning HGVs, is more pedestrian crossings, traffic calming, reduced speed limits, cycle paths and more frequent and affordable public transport. There is also a real need for more community facilities for example a doctor’s surgery and more youth facilities.

■ Upper Hale residents are invited to have their say on proposed infrastructure changes at a Zoom meeting of the Local Liaison Forum on January 6. See www.farnham.gov.uk/towncouncil/llf for details.