Experts tasked with transforming Leatherhead have started consulting residents on what they think needs to be done.

Mole Valley Council is working with Nexus Planning to develop a "masterplan" for a project to improve the town centre by examining issues such as traffic, parking, shops, jobs, homes and commercial floor space to attract more people to Leatherhead.

Staff and councillors took to the town centre’s new French market and Saturday market at the weekend to hand out leaflets and spoke to more than 450 people about what they think should happen.

The creation of the masterplan is expected to cost £500,000, but it is anticipated that the bulk of the funding for any redevelopment will come from the private sector.

A council spokeswoman said: "The project is currently to develop the masterplan and this consultation is about getting the baseline, i.e. understanding what people think now.

"Once we have that, we will work up probably two or three options for transforming Leatherhead, taking into account all the information and feedback we will have gathered, which will go back out to consultation later this year."

The council’s staff will be at events throughout the month to talk about the project, including Ashtead Village Day on June 13, Fetcham Scout Fair on 13 June, Bookham Village Day on June 20, and the community planning weekend on June 26 and 27 in Leatherhead High Street.

Councillor Howard Jones, executive member for town centres, said: "Listening to and involving residents is key.

"Please come and see us at one of these events or take five minutes to complete the online questionnaire that can be found at www.transformleatherhead.co.uk.

"Your views will help us develop a masterplan to transform Leatherhead into the vibrant, flourishing town centre we know it can be."