The public has given its opinion on plans to reorganize two Surrey communities.

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) has proposed changes to Great and Little Bookham and Dorking town centre.

The council said the plans focused on improving streets and public spaces, encouraging more people to walk and cycle and finding uses for vacant buildings .

Margaret Cooksey, the councilor in charge of the project, told BBC Surrey “we really want to know what people want their town to be in the future”.

Residents and business owners have spoken to BBC Radio Surrey about the project.

“It’s a nice main street, I don’t think it needs much development,” one resident said.

Bruce Kernuffle, who runs Chantecleer Antiques in Dorking, agrees, saying: “If things ain’t broke, don’t fix them. »

However, Mr Kernuffle also acknowledged that “generally speaking, everyone has been affected by online commerce” and said it was important to create community spaces that will help bring people back onto the streets .

Several people told the BBC they believed changes such as improved traffic control measures, more parking and cycle lanes would make a huge difference to the community.

However, some people said they felt MDVC was wasting money and the plans didn’t seem consistent.

In response, Ms Cooksey said they were “not using council tax funding at all…and were not wasting our residents’ money in the ways that may have been mentioned”.

After public consultation, the plans will be returned to councilors in early 2025.