TRANSITION Haslemere will go to the town council again for permission to install three new bike stands in the town centre.

The group previously applied for a grant towards the three stands by Darnleys, Hemingways and HasleWorks at September’s full council meeting.

That grant application was turned down, but Transition Haslemere has since secured the funding for the bike stands.

Transition Haslemere chairman Clive Davidson said: "We want to improve the bike parking facilities in the town and put bike stands where people want to park their bikes.

"We told the businesses the council turned the grant application down and we agreed we’d try to raise the funding ourselves. We were able to raise the money without much effort. The businesses are willing to pay so it is clear to see the demand for these bike stands."

Transition Haslemere hopes to ask the council for permission for the three bike stands at the full town council meeting on Thursday, November 18.

Permission has already previously been given to install bike stands in Wey Hill, Shottermill and Hindhead.

"Despite the fact we can now pay for the stands the council won’t allow us to do it unless the resolution at the last council is overturned," said Clive.

"Six councillors need to agree to a resolution to overturn it.

"Councillors also wanted to wait six months to see the impact of the bike shelter Waverley proposes to install in the Waitrose car park. This shelter will have little if any impact on cycle parking outside the cafes in the High Street and at HasleWorks. Cyclists visiting the cafes want to park them nearby and within their sight.

"Similarly, clients cycling to use the office facilities at HasleWorks want the convenience and security of parking their bikes outside the premises.

"We now have six councillors who have agreed to support the special resolution for bike stands on the high street.

"We will argue on the basis of the government’s new carbon net zero strategy. The government want half of all journeys in towns and cities to be cycled or walked by 2030. We will argue there is a more immediate need to promote cycling.

"Transport is responsible for 46 per cent of carbon emissions in Surrey. People want to know what they can do to lower their emissions. Travel is one area where they can do something.

"People think Haslemere is a tough place to cycle in, but electric bikes will make a difference and be a real game changer."