THE Conservatives are backing Farnham’s high street and announcing plans to suspend on-street parking charges.
The decision, delivered by Conservative-led Surrey County Council, follows direct calls from local MP Gregory Stafford and the local Waverley Conservative Council Group to support businesses during the delivery of the Farnham Infrastructure Project (FIP). The suspension will begin within weeks as arrangements for permit holders are finalised and will remain in place until the works are completed in late 2026.
The move is a clear signal that Conservatives are listening to local people and delivering practical support, while Liberal Democrat–led Waverley Borough Council continues to ignore repeated warnings from traders about falling footfall and lost trade.
Over the past two years, Waverley has increased parking charges by nearly 30 per cent, with Farnham now generating around half of the Borough’s total parking income. Local businesses say the Borough Council treats Farnham as a cash cow – raising prices even as roadworks and access issues make trading more difficult.
Gregory, MP for Farnham and Bordon, said:
“Business owners feel Waverley simply isn’t listening. Parking costs have gone up while trade has gone down. I raised these concerns directly with Surrey County Council, and it’s acted.”
Cllr Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said:
“The message from Gregory, Conservative Councillors and Farnham’s business community was clear: local traders need more support while infrastructure improvements are delivered. This suspension of on-street parking charges will give the town centre a much-needed boost.”
Local Conservatives are now urging Waverley Borough Council to show the same leadership. Instead of treating Farnham as a revenue source – introducing new charges in Brightwells, hiking existing fees, and launching token ‘Pay One, Stay Two’ trials – it should listen to the businesses in the community and act to reduce or suspend parking charges to help rebuild footfall and confidence in the town centre.
Cllr Jane Austin, Leader of the Conservative Group on Waverley Borough Council, said:
“Surrey County Council has acted to back local traders. Waverley should do the same and stop tinkering with small PR gestures while businesses are crying out for real support. The Council’s one-day-a-week offer is tone-deaf when shops are struggling all week."
