The long-awaited work to make East Street greener and more pedestrian-friendly will begin shortly and run for 12 weeks until early August 2024.

As part of the Brightwells Yard planning permission, highway improvement works are required on a section of East Street. These comprise amendments to the carriageway alignment and layout, including reducing one section to a single-lane carriageway, sections of raised carriageway, widening of the footway, removal of signal-controlled pedestrian crossing, cycle parking, provision of a new loading strip, and associated works.

During construction, East Street will sometimes be reduced to one lane to facilitate the work. However, avoiding the area is unnecessary, and vehicles will be marked for diversion. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the project, and bus stop locations will be adjusted accordingly as the work progresses.

The changes promise to create a more pedestrian-friendly town centre. By reducing the street to one carriageway and increasing the pavement width, these works will reduce air pollution and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

De-Ath Bros LTD will undertake these vital upgrades on behalf of Crest Nicholson and with agreement from Surrey County Council. Works will take place over 12 weeks.

The road will only be fully closed for one week, beginning Monday, July 29th, and traffic will be reduced to one lane for most of the remaining period. The work will occur on weekdays between 07.00 and 19.00, 08.00-16.00 on Saturdays, and 09.00-15.00 on Sundays. During the final week, work will take place 24 hours a day—an initiative requested by Surrey County Council to reduce the project’s duration.

The construction team is committed to minimising disruptions and ensuring ongoing communication with residents and businesses. De-Ath Bros Ltd will work hard to mitigate the construction activities’ noise, vibration, and dirt. Refuse collection arrangements will be coordinated to minimise inconvenience. Signage will be installed imminently to give drivers advance notice, and local businesses and residents will all receive a notification letter. 

Any delays or changes in the project timeline will be communicated to the community through additional signage and will be available online. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to contact project staff onsite for further assistance or information.

 Visit the one. The network website is for information on any changes to this work.

Residents can call the dedicated number, 07368 532 044, for queries, complaints, or site issues during work.

A Crest Nicholson spokesperson said

“Crest Nicholson is pleased to be commencing long awaited highway improvement works to East Street that will improve the air quality for Farnham residents and encourage active travel to the new Brightwells Yard development. We acknowledge and appreciate the cooperation and patience of the community during these essential infrastructure works.”

Joules has permission for a new shopfront and signage at  Brightwells, but this is not a new business development. Its former business, Joules’ Lion & Lamb Yard branch, has closed its doors.

Joules founder Tom Joules bought the business out of administration. Although Joules (the company) still owes more than £100 million, the purchase saved 1,450 jobs, not the one in Farnham.