A tree-lined avenue stretching from Crown Court to the river is among ideas suggested for the rejuvenation of the area between the Crown Court car park and the High Street.

Godalming Town Council set up a working group to look at ideas to improve the area last year, but their work was put on hold by the pandemic.

Now a new suggestion paper and a new member of the working group will add to councillors' discussions about ideas for the space.

The paper, submitted by local resident Martyn Sandford, envisages the avenue bordering a path running either across the Burys Field or along the edge of Crown Court Car Park.

Another suggestion is for a 'plaza' outside the Wilfrid Noyce Centre that could be used for outdoor events and to enable events being held at the centre to extend outside.

The paper suggests a tree-planting scheme for the car park, describing it as a 'sterile environment', and adds: "Trees would help to reduce its visual impact by hiding cars and softening edges".

Councillors agreed to invite Mr Sandford to join the working group exploring options for the area.

Town councillors have suggested that the public toilets should be upgraded, paving slabs replaced and the area furnished with planters and benches to create an atttractive entry point to the town. There are also suggestions for an electrical supply to allow market stalls, public art and other events at the site.

At last night's environment and planning committee meeting, council leader Paul Follows said he was 'very keen to see this project moving forward', adding that the area was "going to be a key feature of the town for many years to come," and that it was important that "everybody gets their views in".

And he pointed out that the council would need to work with Waverley Borough Council on any scheme put in place.

Cllr Peter Martin said he was "fully in favour" of improving Crown Court, adding that he thought the idea of creating an access from the river was "tremendous".

Cllr Neil described the proposals as "exciting," and said he was keen for others to contribute their own ideas.

Cllr Michael Steel said It would be "great" to enhance the Crown Court area, but he had reservations about the route of the proposed footpath down to the river, as it crosses a "particularly marshy" area of the Phillips Memorial Park.

Cllr Steve WIlliams said the Crown Court space could be used to promote the activities of the town twinning association, to display art, and to 'signpost other areas of the town'.

Town clerk Andy Jeffrey said the job of the working group was "to provide a vision for Waverley" as any work planned for the area would need to be approved, and in some cases funded, by the borough council.