Dear Anne and Mike,

I'm afraid I disagree! There is indeed evidence from some cities that pedestrianisation has not worked late in the evenings - but that is simply solved by making it apply in the daytime only. Godalming is a good example of how it works - the pedestrianisation actually only applies on Saturday during the day, but the effect has been a dramatic reduction in traffic throughout the week as drivers have changed their patterns to avoid the centre of the town.

I think both your comments show just why we need more research into how changes, including pedestrianisation, could affect the town. That is why I have asked Surrey County Council to undertake some traffic modelling research by the end of the year, so we have some evidence on which to proceed. You can hear more about the research into Farnham's roads on my YouTube page at http://uk.youtube.com/user/mpjeremyhunt

Best wishes,

Jeremy

Posted By Jeremy Hunt | 28 April 2008

Dear Tony,

Thanks for your comment about council rent and living in the South East. Many of my constituents share your frustration over the assumption that everyone in Surrey is rich and the unfair formula that means a large proportion of your council tax and council house rent is taken away from the area. £11m is taken from Waverley rents alone. I am not against redistribution from one part of the country to another in principle, but it has to be fair - and not done in a way that penalises people on low incomes in Surrey. I have highlighted a similar case to yours in a recent blog post, which can be read at: http://www.jeremyhunt.org/blog.asp?id=115&type=32

Best wishes,

Jeremy

Posted By Jeremy Hunt | 28 April 2008

I have just read the item in the Waverley Gazette regarding traffic calming measures for Farnham.

Whilst there is certainly a need for something to be done to sort out the traffic issues, I sincerely hope that pedestrianisation is not going to be an option. It will detract from the whole atmosphere of Farnham. Towns that are pedestrianised lose their vibrance, character and become breeding grounds for vandalism. It also discourages use of the town in the evenings. I have lived in an area that was once a lively, and thriving market town, and when it was partially pedestrianised it deteriorated rapidly. Please do not allow this to happen to Farnham. I fear that it will become another Basingstoke, Aldershot etc.

Posted By Anne Rider | 9 April 2008

I have worked for over 50 years and am very proud of that and as an ordinary citizen on a modest income I was always a Labour Party supporter,however times and my opinion have changed.I live in a council house that badly needs updating but I am told that a huge percentage of Rents and council house sales is used to satisfy Labours heartland in the North.Why does the idea that all southerners are well off? I am not poor as I still work but if I was forced to retire my situation would not be good.Keep up the good work and you will get my vote. Best Wishes.

Posted By tony tripp | 8 April 2008

Dear Jeremy

I write to you on a local matter about the building development of two houses at 17 Lodge Hill Road, Lower Bourne that is now nearing completion. You may recall this planning application was vigoresly contested by the local inhabitants on a range of issues, and in which you made representation on behalf of a Andreas Scheffler. No doubt you know the application was rejected and withdrawn from Waverley but which was allowed on appeal at Bristol.

I should like you please to come to my house to view the work that is going on, not least to see the detrimental effect this development is having on the area and myself and my wife in particularly. Why permission was given to build the huge house to the north of the property is beyond me, since not only does it detract from the area generally, but impinges on our privacy in almost every possible way.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely

John G Gahan
Oast Cottage
School Lane
Lower Bourne
GU10 3PF

Te; 01252-734421
Cell: 07776 186072

Posted By John Gahan | 2 April 2008