UNPOPULAR railings costing more than £41,000 have been installed by Surrey County Council contractors on Shepherd's Hill and Lower Street.

The new town railings came as a surprise to residents who claimed they were not consulted. They have been slammed as "giant, black and wonky" and inappropriate for the Haslemere Conservation Area.

Surrey's contractors also repainted the old railings, which were white and much lower. They line two sides of the pavement along the north side of Shepherd's Hill and along the south side of Lower Street, in front of historic cottages.

They had been white for more than 100 years.

The view of the approach to the town centre down the hill was used until recently by Waverley Borough Council on the home page of its website. Contractors began to install the tall black railings at the beginning of the month, having started in Lower Street last month. They cost £41,326 in total.

Furious Jon Buckrell said: "The residents don't want the new railings, Waverley Borough Council do not want the railings, Surrey are telling me Waverley got what they wanted. The railings are bought and paid for so they are carrying on regardless – despite the appalling standard of work."

For full story, see this week's Haslemere Herald.