Controversial changes to Farnham town centre have created an “absolute nightmare” on Downing Street with growing concerns about the impact of work on trade.

But council figures believe it can’t get any worse – and that disruption was always “inevitable” at the start.

The queues that have developed on Downing Street since two-way traffic was reintroduced on The Borough were the big talking point during the Farnham Annual Meeting of Electors at the UCA on Monday.

Steve Hamilton of Hamilton’s Tea House asked what will be done in the short to medium term to help struggling traders, while Richard Sanders called the situation on Downing Street an “absolute nightmare” in raising pollution concerns.

Mr Hamilton said: “I’ve watched all day and seen ambulances and police cars stopped by the traffic.

“At the farmer’s market footfall was down because people don’t want to deal with traffic. What are you going to do to help us?”

The early impact of the changes will be debated this Friday with Surrey County Council leader, Tim Oliver, and Greg Stafford MP meeting Borelli’s bar owner David Quick onsite ahead of a Farnham Board meeting.

Hopes are high that queues will ease once all the traffic lights are synchronised and people get used to the new system, while “game changing” wardens will also hit the streets in April to act as a go-between.

Town and Waverley Borough councillor, Graham White, said the A287 is the big problem but with a bypass unlikely to arrive anytime soon, it’s about “getting a balance between pedestrians and cars.”

He said: “I know we’re experiencing delays on Downing Street but that’s the worst situation we’re going to deal with.

“There will be more situations with disruption but I think a lot of people now recognise if they can avoid bringing their car into Farnham, they will.”