Petersfield’s Street Scene Sub-Committee discussed the progress of the Folly Lane showcase focus area project last week.

Folly Lane is the town’s oldest highway and it once formed part of the London to Portsmouth road, it was one of the main topics of discussion at the meeting on January 22.

In early January, members of the committee and the Petersfield Society were given a tour of the lane by Bill Gosney, a Petersfield Museum Trustee.

The tour helped to set the scene for the project and how the committee should support work parties to improve the appearance and accessibility of the historical lane, helping to make the area more enjoyable and improving footfall for the businesses located there.

The whole objective of the operation is to enhance Folly Lane and encourage people to walk there rather than park their cars nearby and provide an attractive entrance to the High Street.

The area and its car park are owned by East Hampshire District Council, while Folly Lane is owned by Winton House - both have been consulted and don’t see any issues with the plans. The first stage would focus on replacing and improving certain aspects of the lane such as seating, the railings and more.

The committee has given approval to the project but it is subject to aspects such as funding and being granted a licence.