Town centre works prompt concern from businesses

One shop owner said the works were "not pretty"

Retailers in a Surrey town centre have said road improvement works have affected business and caused congestion for customers.

Carolyn Hardman said she had seen a 25% drop in the number of people coming to her underwear shop on Downing Street, Farnham, but some traders say they expect long-term benefits from the works.

Ms Hardman told BBC Radio Surrey: "It's not pretty. It's not pleasant."

Surrey County Council (SCC) said works were "progressing well" and that it had boosted the number of workers to ensure the project finishes as early as possible.

"We thank people for their patience... and ask that they continue to visit Farnham and support local traders," the local authority added.

Downing Street in Farnham is part-pedestrianised and was closed to through-traffic north of Lower Church Lane in August as part of a regeneration project.

Wider pavements, new green public spaces and more pedestrian-controlled crossings with two-way traffic are set to be introduced in parts of Downing Street and The Borough when finished.

'People really struggling'

Ms Hardman said local businesses would love more support from the council.

She said they had requested parking and business rate support, but nothing had come of it.

"We've just got to put up with it," she added.

Ms Hardman said she hoped business would pick up once the scheme, which began in February, was completed.

A council spokesperson previously said the aim was to "create a modern town centre which celebrates its history, reduces congestion and improves air quality".

SCC said Downing Street would reopen on 1 November, and roadworks would be clear for the "vital" pre-Christmas period.

Ms Hardman (pictured) said she hoped trade would return

Ben Telford, manager of Establishment Hairdressing on Downing Street, said he was "very lucky" as people were still coming to Farnham to get their hair done.

But he added they were "really struggling" to get around the town.

Mr Telford said new traffic light systems were confusing and there could be long tailbacks in the town centre.

Some customers had spent an hour doing a normally 10 to 20 minute journey, he added.

However, Mr Telford said the scheme would bring improvements in the long term, such as a better flow of traffic and wider pavements for people to "wander more freely".

"I'm hoping that it will make a positive impact on the town," he said.