A major part of a lengthy – and controversial – project that could have huge ramifications on trade and traffic in Farnham town centre is about to begin.

The cobbled islands at the top of Downing Street will soon be washed away in a wave of changes.

Their removal is a key part of the Farnham Infrastructure Programme that will “transform the town centre” through a host of changes from traffic flow to civic enhancement.

The hard work starts on Monday (February 17) as Surrey County Council has given the green light for roadworks to commence on The Borough between Castle Street and West Street.

The removal of the islands during the two-week programme will allow vehicles to turn right at the bottom of Castle Street.

Some disruption is expected as there will be temporary traffic lights during the day and 11 overnight road closures with diversions put in place. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to pass while early and late buses will be marshalled through the closed roads.

20mph painted signs at the top of Downing Street, Farnham
Work to make Downing Street two-way is scheduled to begin in early March. (David Howell)

Attention will then switch to making Downing Street two-way between Longbridge and Lower Church Lane with work expected to take eight weeks.

There will be more about the upcoming work in next week’s Herald with the FIP being a partnership between SCC, Waverley Borough Council, Farnham Town Council and Greg Stafford MP.

Tim Oliver, SCC leader and chair of the Farnham Board, said the improvements will “transform the town centre” with ongoing updates at www.surreycc.gov.uk/farnhamworks

He said: “These improvements are the most significant changes to Farnham town centre for a generation, and come after several rounds of consultation and engagement with people in the town.

“I am confident they will enhance the town’s history, while encouraging shoppers to spend longer in the town and support the local economy.”

*An earlier version of this article included a visualisation of West Street, The Borough and Downing Street. That scheme has been since been altered to the one which appears with this article. This story was updated on Monday, February 17.