Government scraps major road improvement scheme

The government has scrapped a major road project in Surrey.

Officials confirmed they were ending the A31 Farnham Corridor scheme, which a local MP said would have improved "one of the area's most important and congested roads".

Gregory Stafford, Conservative MP for Farnham and Bordon, called the decision a "betrayal" that had "failed" constituents.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said the previous Conservative government "did not fund these projects".

"Given the challenging financial picture we inherited, we have had to make difficult decisions on a number of road projects and can only progress schemes that are good value for money for taxpayers."

The spokesperson added the government was "backing drivers with over £1bn for 16 major road schemes that will deliver the most benefits to local people.

"[That's] on top of a record £7.3bn to repair local roads and fix potholes," they said.

The scheme, previously estimated at around £115 million, could have delivered an underpass or redesigned junction at Hickley's Corner, according to Stafford.

This would have improved the Coxbridge and Shepherd and Flock roundabouts, pedestrian and cycling crossings, movement between north and south Farnham and reduced congestion and air pollution, he continued.

Hickley's Corner has become a serious local concern, with a fatal collision and many serious injuries in recent years, the politician added.

Tim Oliver, the leader of Surrey County Council, said it was "deeply frustrating" the government had abandoned the scheme - rather than work with the local authority to deliver improvements.

"The case for action has not changed," he said.

"Safety concerns and impact on the communities along the A31 remain."

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