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Alton News
News 30 October 2009
ALTON SET TO REMEMBER
The Town Mayor of Alton Councillor Allan Chick will lead the town’s annual act of remembrance on Sunday 8 November 2009 at the traditional ceremony and service at the War Memorial outside the Assembly Rooms in the High Street.
Adding to the formality of the occasion, local soldiers from 4 Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) from Bordon Garrison will, as last year, be parading although in smaller numbers. The Mayor has invited CSM Stacey Woodley, REME to be the Parade Marshal with the agreement of the Alton Branch of the Royal British Legion.
The day’s proceedings start with a march from the Market Square at 10.30am of Servicemen, other uniformed and youth groups to the War Memorial to join those who will have gathered to pay their respects to those who have given their lives in the service of their country. The Town Mayor is inviting those in military uniform and their families to join the civic party in front of the Assembly Rooms. There will be the two-minute silence at 11.00am. After the service the parade will march back to the Market Square to be dismissed. All residents are welcome to attend this important annual event in the town’s calendar.
The day’s activities are organised by the Alton Branch of the Royal British Legion and Alton Town Council.
Motorists are reminded that the High Street, from its junction with Church Street, will be closed from 10.30am until approximately 11.45am for all traffic heading in a southerly direction and are, therefore, asked to seek an alternative route. In addition, the Market Square will also be closed and car owners are reminded that it is unlawful to leave their vehicles in the Square overnight.
News 5th August 2009
Time to Bear All!
It will be case of, “If you go down to the gardens today, you’d better go in disguise” on Friday afternoon, the 14 August, as Teddy Bears from all over Alton descend on the Public Gardens for their now annual rally.
Organised by Alton Town Council, the weekly children’s show from 2-3pm will have a Teddy Bears theme and children are invited to bring along their favourite Teddy or soft toy and enter it into an X Factor-type competition taking place at 3pm.
The judges, Deputy Town Mayor Cllr David Willoughby and the proprietor of the Little Bundles Toy Shop in Market Street, which is sponsoring the event, Stephen Wincott, will not necessarily looking for the biggest or cutest, but the one with a definite extra special quality.
The winner will receive a £15 Gift Voucher to spend on some much sought after toys in Little Bundles and there will also be prizes for the runners-up.
Mr Wincott commented “This will be the fourth year running that I have supported this event; it always great to see so many owners proudly clutching and parading their favourite toys!”
If the weather is poor, the event will be held in the Assembly Rooms.
News 28th July 2009
New Map Boards Help Show
Walkers the Way
Strollers should be able to find their way around Alton this summer more easily, thanks to brand new map boards recently installed in the town.
Costing over a thousand pounds, they show all the Rights of Way, and are intended to encourage greater use of Alton’s extensive footpath network, by both residents and visitors alike.
The new panels replace those installed in 1999, many of which had become faded and tatty and an additional new board has been installed at Butts Bridge, intended to encourage a greater flow of visitors along St Swithun’s Way and The Pilgrims Way between Alton and Chawton.
Chairman of Alton Town Council’s Parish Paths Working Party, Cllr Mrs Pam Jones said “We have been working on these new map boards for some time so it is great to see them finally in place. We are very grateful to Hampshire County Council for helping us with the funding, but also for the advice on the correct routes and designations of all the paths. The addition of Jane Austen’s House to the maps will hopefully encourage more visitors to walk from Alton to Chawton and vice versa – this is something everyone is keen to promote whenever possible.”
Hampshire County Council met half the cost of the boards through their Countryside Access Forum Small Grants Scheme. Development Officer Justin Harvey added “Much of our work is with Parish and Town Councils who wish to improve and promote their local paths network and these new map boards will complement well the Exploring Alton’s Countryside leaflets produced last year.”
News 20th July 2009
COUNCIL LINES UP PLENTY TO DO FOR ALTON KIDS
With children set to break-up in the next week or so, Alton parents and carers are reminded of the many free or low-cost activities being offered over the six week holiday by the Town Council.
As usual, every Friday afternoon starting on the 24th July, there is a children’s show in the Public Gardens, from 2-3pm; included in the line-up are Punch & Judy, Wizzards, Clowns, Magicians and a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, where children are encouraged to bring along their favourite soft toy and enter it into a beauty pageant of cuddlesome creatures!
New for this year, are the Crafty Kids sessions at the Assembly Rooms each Wednesday afternoon from 1-3pm. Priced at just £2.50 to include refreshments, the fun session enables children up to the age of 12 to stretch their imagination to the limits, making all sorts of weird and wonderful things from the mountain of scrap materials.
Councillor Pam Bradford, Chairman of the Council’s Recreation Committee, said “The children’s shows in the Public Gardens each summer are now in their tenth year and are firmly established as a popular feature of the long school holidays. I am in no doubt that with parents and carers eager to find inexpensive things to do to keep children busy, the Crafty Kids sessions in the Assembly Rooms will be a welcome addition to the list of things going on in Alton.”
SUMMER ENTERTAINMENTS & ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
*ALL CRAFTY KIDS SESSIONS ARE £2.50 PER CHILD AND INCLUDE A SOFT DRINK AND BISCUIT
Friday 24 Punch & Judy Show (2-3pm) Public Gardens
Wednesday 29 *Crafty Kids (1-3pm) Assembly Rooms
Friday 31 Wobbly Wizard (2-3pm) Public Gardens
Wednesday 5 *Crafty Kids (1-3pm) Assembly Rooms
Friday 7 Big Foot the Clown (2-3pm) Public Gardens
Wednesday 12 *Crafty Kids (1-3pm) Assembly Rooms
Friday 14 Teddy Bears’ Picnic (2-3pm) Public Gardens
& Best Teddy Competition
Wednesday 19 *Crafty Kids (1-3pm) Assembly Rooms
Friday 21 Jester Giggles (2-3pm) Public Gardens
Wednesday 26 *Crafty Kids (1-3pm) Assembly Room
Friday 28 Stevo the Magician (2-3pm) Public Gardens
News 19th July 2009
ALTON FRIDAY MARKET
Alton’s Friday Market has been trading as an independent home produce market for almost two years and is doing well. Until the summer of 2007 it had been a member of the nationwide Country Markets organisation which evolved from the the Womens’ Institutes produce markets founded after the First World War.
The market has been a permanent fixture in Alton every Friday since the 1960s and for many years has been based in the Community Centre. The stalls are run by volunteers, most of whom are producers, selling everything from homemade cakes and savouries, preserves and chutneys, to plants and crafts. The market prides itself on the quality of its products, there are no artificial additives in the food it produces, fruit and vegetables are picked from their own gardens and cakes and savouries are freshly made.
Like a lot of small traders, the Friday Market has had to expand and diversify to survive. Their cakes and preserves are a familiar sight at the monthly Farmers’ Markets in Alton. They regularly take orders for celebration cakes and have recently begun delivering a selection of home baked products to the staff of small businesses in the High Street.
New producers are always welcome. Anyone who thinks they would be interested should have a look at the website www.altonfridaymarket.co.uk. This will tell you all you need to know, or pop into the Community Centre any Friday morning between 9am and 11am and have a chat, you will be sure of a warm welcome. If you have an enquiry about any products or would like to place an order telephone Liz Trotter on 01256 862603 or Dawn Padwick 01252 329396.
News 14th July 2009
Rain Stiffens British Resolve at Alton Proms Concert
The numbers may have been well down on previous years, but those that ignored the gloomy weather forecast and sat huddled in the rain, often heavy, in Alton‟s Public Gardens on Saturday night for the town‟s annual Last Night of the Proms concert, showed true British spirit say organisers.
Approximately 300 hardy folk, young and old refused the attraction of warm, dry sitting rooms and turned up, not just armed with raincoats and umbrellas, but an assortment of gazebos, tents, and tarpaulins.
Started in 2007, the previous concerts had been blessed with fairly sunny evenings, but it was a case, suggested Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor David Willoughby as he opened the proceedings, of "third time unlucky", thanking Altonians for their support of such an important community event and showing true British Spirit.
MC Paul Le Feuvre, dressed in a dashing white tuxedo, introduced the programme featuring Alton Concert Orchestra, Alton Community Choir and the Alton Choral Society performing a mixture of well known popular classical tunes and songs. With usual rousing numbers, some lead by soprano Joy Windsor, the ACO‟s performance of Strauss‟ Radetsky March had the audience providing the traditional clapping accompaniment. The first half‟s part American theme, including a whistle stop tour of melodies from West Side Story, was inspired by a greeting from a sister orchestra in Alton, Illinois.
Dr Chris Leggett of the Alton Concert Orchestra added, "We have been rehearsing the programme for many weeks and with it being one of the Orchestra‟s highlights of the year, we were determined to continue. We knew that the Alton residents would not let us down and they did us proud; we feel sure that we in turn made it worth their while."
Recreation Committee Chairman Councillor Pam Bradford, echoing these sentiments was delighted to see so many still turn up despite the weather. "So much work goes into organising these events, that it is heartening that hundreds still came out to brave the elements on such a filthy night."
This year‟s event had the added attraction of a licensed bar to „keep everyone warm inside‟ and vibrant red, white and blue floral displays decorating the stage to give it a truly professional look, courtesy of Garthowen Garden Centre
News 8th June 2009
Views sought on New Allotments and Public Gardens Changes
Residents’ views are being sought this summer on two exciting projects affecting open spaces in Alton.
The schemes, for a brand new allotment site in the town to meet an ever growing waiting list and a new master plan for the Public Gardens, will be on display at an exhibition in the Assembly Rooms on Thursday 25th June from 2-8 pm.
The Town Council has been looking for a site to create new allotments for some years, but pleas to land owners to release land have all been turned down. This led the council to consider citing the new facility on land in its ownership and hence the proposal for 40 new plots of varying sizes on land off Hawthorns, currently let for grazing. The facility will include some parking, and raised beds for those with special needs. Cllr Beverley Carpenter, who chairs the council’s Allotments Working Party said, “The growth in allotment gardening is a national trend, brought about partly by greater awareness of healthy eating and the need for more exercise, but also because few houses are now built with large gardens. The council has commissioned an outline plan for the plots with the help of the Alton Allotment Association and we now want to hear the views of local residents, particularly existing and would-be allotment holders. They are the ones who will be using them, so we want them to make sure we get it right!” [Members of the Alton Allotment Association will also be available at the proposed site from 4-6pm on the same day should anyone want to see for themselves exactly where the new plots are planned to go.]
Meanwhile, a plan to guide the future of the Public Gardens will also feature at the exhibition. The council has an overarching strategy for its open spaces and is now looking to have more site specific plans in place as well. Cllr Pam Bradford, Chairman of the Council’s Recreation Committee explained, “The Public Gardens is perhaps our most prestigious site, and the idea of a plan is not necessarily to change anything, but ensure that when works are undertaken they complement each other, rather than go about matters in a piecemeal and ad hoc way. The bandstand will soon need replacing and we want to plant new specimen trees, as well as replace fencing and other things. The plan will help us make sure that everything fits in.” Residents’ views are being sought on the plan, which includes zoning areas of the gardens for different activities, where to plant new trees, improved entrances and the possibility of a permanent catering facility.
Residents not able to get to the exhibition will be still able to view both sets of proposals at the Town Hall from the 26 – 30 June, by prior arrangement on 01420 83986.
News 8th June 2009
New look play area set to be unveiled
It is a case of out with the old and in with the new in Alton’s Greenfields area, as a brand new play area is set to replace an older facility nearby in Northanger Close.
The exciting new attraction has been taking shape in recent weeks a few yards to the north west of the original site, which was over ten years old and starting to look tired. Sited within yards of houses, the old site did cause some problems for nearby residents; the new site is further away from houses yet still benefits from the all-important natural surveillance from over-looking windows.
Reached by a new pathway, the equipment is arranged within an attractive circular fence, and includes swings, roundabouts, climbing frames and seating, plus an eye-catching polished stainless steel ball mirror. Whilst the equipment within the fence is intended for children aged 8 and under, older children have not been forgotten either. A large teenage swing, plus two other challenging features have been installed close by so that all ages and tastes are catered for.
The design for the play area was chosen by the public at an exhibition of options displayed on site last October by Alton Town Council. The project has cost £73,253, which has been met by Developers’ Contributions acquired for the improvement of open spaces, released by East Hampshire District Council. The project includes the removal of the old equipment, which will be replaced by grass and trees.
Councillor Pam Bradford, who chairs the council’s Recreation Committee, said “Unveiling new play equipment is always very exciting, for councillors as well as children, but having a brand new play area is even better! Much thought and planning has gone into this, and we really do hope that youngsters in the area will find it challenging and exciting and with the long summer holidays just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better.”
Alton’s Town Mayor, Councillor Allan Chick, who is also a local resident, will be officially opening the new facility on Friday 19th June at 4pm, when he will be handing out sweets to children of all ages to help celebrate the occasion.
The Council has an ongoing programme of playground improvements, having upgraded safety surfaces and installed new equipment at Anstey Park, Holybourne and the Public Gardens in recent years. A more substantial revamp of the fenced play area in the Public Gardens is likely to be next on the list to be looked at by the council.
News 4th June 2009
NEW RAILINGS & BINS FOR PUBLIC GARDENS
A tatty corner of Alton’s Public Gardens has been given a new look this week, with the replacement of a chain link fence by brand new traditional-looking iron railings.
The boundary, which borders the small car park to the rear of Mike Frost Carpets, has been in need of attention for some time, and in recent years the deteriorating chain link has been reinforced by security fencing panels, which had a limited life span.
Costing over £6,000, the fence is a latest in a series of ongoing improvements at the town centre site by Alton Town Council and will be complimented in the coming weeks by new steel litter bins throughout at a further cost of £3,700. Also due to be installed in the gardens this summer will be the latest in a series of interpretation panels designed to help visitors better appreciate various open spaces around the town, being funded by Developers’ Contributions released by East Hampshire District Council.
Councillor Pam Bradford, Chairman of the council’s Recreation Committee, said “The Public Gardens should be looking really smart this summer, and we hope that in addition to residents and visitors, the Regional In Bloom judges, who will be inspecting the town and gardens in early July, will also be suitably impressed. We are aware that many other sections of fencing are in need of improving, but this part was most in need and we hope to do other areas in the future.”
News 1st June 2009
‘New’ addition to Assembly Rooms offering
Alton has a bright new airy venue, following the recent refurbishment of the Assembly Rooms’ Lower Room.
Tired décor, curtains, heaters, lino and servery have all been swept away to be replaced by new lighting that can be used in several combinations to create different moods in conjunction with stylish new Venetian blinds. New carpet, heating and white walls complete the fresh clean look.
Newly appointed Manager, Jason Passingham, explained that the new look was designed to make the room as flexible as possible for a multitude of uses, adding “We are keen to capitalise further on the building’s position being right on the High Street in the middle of town, so want to provide a selection of spaces that can be used for as diverse a range of activities as possible. The new look particularly lends itself to exhibitions, seminars, small conferences and meetings for business and the voluntary sector.”
The new space was officially unveiled to business and community leaders at a reception hosted by Town Mayor Councillor Allan Chick last Friday evening. An array of contemporary artwork, including signed Rolf Harris prints, was on display to help show off the new look, courtesy of the Market Street Gallery.
This refurbishment is the latest in a succession of improvements at the council-owned listed building in recent years that further adds to its character, charm and functionality.
If you would like to view the new room, please pop in or call Jason on 01420 82203.
News 14th May 2009
Excellent record on spending Developers’ Contributions say Alton Town Council
Recent reports that up to £4 million of developer contributions was sitting in council bank accounts waiting to be spent has brought a strong denial from Alton Town Council, who claim that their record on spending such contributions is second to none.
The local planning authority collect various contributions from developers, designed to mitigate the effects of the development on the surrounding area. These can be for such things as new open spaces, community facilities or sustainable transport improvements and are held by the East Hampshire District Council, pending suitable projects coming forward from the parishes in which the developments are situated.
Questions were asked at Alton’s recent Annual Meeting of Electors, as to why the Town Council was not spending the money, which it has often been thought would have to be returned to developers if it was not spent within a certain timescale.
Town Councillors at this week’s Recreation Committee were keen that Alton’s good track record on spending such monies on useful community projects was highlighted, stating that if any large sums were sitting unused elsewhere in the district, it was not down to the town council’s inactivity.
Committee Chairman Councillor Roger Fitzer, said the council was very proud of the way it had made good use of the contributions for the betterment of local facilities for local people. “Although we still have £470,000 in the pot, most of this has already been earmarked mainly for Town Council led projects, which include Finnimore Pavilion in Anstey Park (£266,907); the Sports Pavilion at Holybourne Sportsfield (£2,000); new allotments (£48,505) and further interpretation panels in open spaces (£5,887) leaving just £73,388 if a further request for £73,253 for a brand new playground at Northanger Close is approved next week.” Cllr Fitzer added that there was a danger that with the slowdown in house building, the pot could run dry and the council might not be able to undertake new projects as fast in the future.
Since the late 1990’s Alton has used developers’ contributions to fund improvements to all the towns playgrounds; a new skatepark at Anstey Park and extra ramps at Jubilee Playing Fields; footpath lighting in London Road, Wooteys and Flood Meadows; pavilion improvements at Jubilee and Holybourne Sportsfield; BMX track improvements; disabled parking spaces at Kings Pond; path and mound improvements in the Public Gardens; improvements to Holybourne Village Hall; fencing at Holybourne Sportsfield; interpretation panels at Kings Pond and Flood Meadows; bus shelter renovations; installation of cycle stands outside public buildings; cricket nets at Jubilee; new pedestrian gates to the rear of the Assembly Rooms and preparation of an Open Spaces Strategy.
News 3rd April 2009
Alton Children Paint Their Perfect World for Charity
Children from Alton are being urged to get their pens at the ready as a new art competition is launched to help raise funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK, the charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses.
The Masterpiece of the Month art competition, launched today by His & Kids Alton Hair Shop, is designed to get local children thinking about the world in which they live and drawing how they would like their perfect world to be.
Entry to the competition is free, with His & Kids pledging 50 pence for each picture entered to Make-A-Wish. Entries will be exhibited at His & Kids Hair Shops with staff selecting a monthly winner and runner-up from each shop. Each monthly winner will win Odeon cinema tickets, plus the chance to go through to a monthly competition where one lucky artist will win a ‘perfect day out’ of their own.
Steve Johnson, Managing Director, His & Kids, said: “We’ve launched a charity initiative that will hopefully get kids to really think about what matters to them in life. We want them to tell us what is great about their world and what they would like to change. In doing so, they’ll also be raising money for an important cause – helping Make-A-Wish make life a little more magical for children fighting life-threatening illnesses. The more pictures that are entered, the more we’ll raise for this great cause, so we’re hoping that kids from across Alton will get involved!”
Cheryl D’Cruz, London and South East Regional Manager, Make-A-Wish added: “We’re delighted that His & Kids has chosen to support Make-A-Wish. We’re looking forward to seeing the entries and hope that local children will enjoy learning more about making their world a better place while raising money for charity in the process.”
The competition will run for six months, ending 30 September 2009. Every month a winner will be drawn from each shop. They will win a pair of Odeon cinema tickets plus the chance to go forward to the regional monthly final where they could win one of a variety of ‘perfect days out’. To enter, children simply need to pick up an entry form at His & Kids' Alton Hair Shop. See www.hisandkids.com for further information and full terms and conditions.
News 31st March 2009
New Team Greets Assembly Rooms Users
New faces were welcoming users of Alton’s historic Assembly Rooms this week, following the appointment of a new management team at the town centre venue by Alton Town Council.
Jason Passingham started work on the 1 April, following the council’s decision to end a three year experiment with a management contract and take back in-house the day to day running of the Listed Building. Jason has previous experience in municipal entertainment venues, the entertainment industry and also staging events.
Council Leader David Willoughby said “The council is very much looking forward to building upon the work done by the outgoing Manager Dean Phillips in the last three years. We have invested a great deal of resources in the building recently, for example refurbishing many of the rooms, rewiring the building and providing long-awaited new seating and there is still much more to do to ensure that the building continues to be an important venue for entertainment, activities and social gatherings.”
Jason was looking forward to working with the many user groups for whom the Assembly Rooms was their ‘home’, adding, “Not only do I want to reassure existing users that their needs are our priority, but also to encourage other users to look at making more use of this impressive building. I have lots of ideas, but I won’t be making any promises just yet!!”
Jason is joined by Louise Whapshott, who is know to many in the town having been a regular face behind the bar at the Royal British Legion Club in Anstey Park.
Crafty Goings On at Assembly Rooms
This Easter will see the introduction of fun sessions for the younger members of the community. Being held on Thursday 9th April between 1-3pm, and entitled Crafty Kids, they are for children up to the age of 12 and those attending will be able to make Easter cards, masks and baskets for their family and friends.
Parents are asked to stay for the session to help their children create these wonderful creations, while at the same time chatting with other parents and carers.
News 28th March 2009
ALTON CCTV GETS UNDERWAY
A pledge made in the spring of 2007 by the Town Council to work toward the provision of CCTV in Alton town centre within two years is at last being fulfilled, as contractors started work this week on the long-awaited scheme, much to the joy of civic, community and business groups.
The scheme has been talked about on and off for nearly ten years, with town centre traders increasingly concerned that with most other towns having the ever watchful eyes, shoplifters and other criminals were starting to see Alton as a soft target. Further worry at the level of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, particularly during evenings, finally prompted Town Councillors to bite the bullet and press ahead, even though it has meant the Town Council having to bear much of the initial and all the ongoing costs.
The council originally looked at a scheme costing £106,000 but then worked with the successful contractor and consultants, to amend the design so that the same results were achieved in a more cost effective way, resulting in a lower cost of £80,121, which was especially welcome, given that an appeal to traders which hoped to net £10,000 only raised £2,000. Contributions from other parties to the scheme to date include EHD Community Safety Partnership Project Fund £8,400; EHDC Community Initiative Fund £15,000, Hampshire Police Authority £3,000 and Hampshire Police £1,000.
The five camera scheme, backed by Alton Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), East Hampshire Community Safety Partnership, Hampshire Police and other representative organisations, will see wireless technology used to broadcast the images to Alton Police Station, where they can be watched live or retrospectively when needed, before transmission on to the full-time monitoring suite operated by Winchester City Council. Here, they will be proactively monitored for seven days per week, twelve hours per day - the exact twelve hour window to follow the recommendation of the Police. The scheme has been designed to cater for up to ten cameras in all, so additional cameras can bee added as and when needed, funds permitting.
Four of the cameras are being mounted on dedicated columns being installed at Normandy Street/Victoria Road, Crown Hill opposite the Assembly Rooms, High Street/Market Street and outside Westbrooke House. A fifth unity is being attached to the Town Hall to monitor the Market Square and top of Amery Street.
The ongoing costs are in the region of £3,000 to maintain the equipment plus £10,000 monitoring.
Councillor John Smith, who chairs the Town Council’s Crime & Disorder Working Party, said “When it appears that a much-needed project is going no where, sometimes someone has to say, okay, we will do it. The Town Council was fed up with CCTV going round in circles and decided to just get on and do it and I am therefore delighted that we have delivered something that we promised we would do. I have no doubt that the cameras will hopefully not just deter and help solve crime, but also lessen the all important fear of crime as people go about their business in the town centre.”
The Town Council would like to publically thank all those businesses who have contributed to date: A&S Engineering; Bookers & Bolton; Elstream Management Ltd; fabrik Ltd; Gilroy & Brookes; Lantern Foods; Leightons Opticians; Normandy Street Business Association; Swift Industrial Supplies and Wessex Frame Buildings. The council hopes that now the project is underway, more traders may be willing to contribute.
News 9th March 2009
ALTON TOWN COUNCIL
CCTV & RADIO
Electors in Alton will be able to hear an up-to-date report this month on progress being made to install CCTV in the town centre and also plans to bring Community Radio back to the town.
All Parish and Town Councils have to organise a dedicated meeting each year, whereby electors of the area can ask questions and raise matters of concern with their elected representatives. Alton traditionally invites a speaker on a topical matter to try to stimulate a good turnout; previous subjects have included street-care, anti-social behaviour, highway maintenance and Council Tax.
With Town Mayor Councillor Atul Patel in the chair, electors will have the chance to discuss these issues, quiz the Town Council on its activities and finances over the last year and also raise any other matters pertaining to the town.
Council Leader Councillor David Willoughby said, “In 2007, the Town Council pledged to work towards the provision of CCTV in Alton Town Centre within two years; it seemed an opportune time to report back on how we have got on, and learn when the cameras will start to roll! In addition, Alton has a proud history of supporting Community Radio, so it will be great to learn more about exciting plans for the town to have its very own station once again. I do hope that our residents will come along not just to hear about these two important projects, but also raise any other matters over which the Town Council is either responsible or has some influence.”
Alton’s Annual Meeting of Electors starts at 6pm in the Town Hall on Wednesday 25 March.
News 3rd March 09
New Town Guide Launched
– That’s Official!
The brand new edition of Alton’s Official Town Guide is now available. The 2009/10 version contains some new photographs of the town, many contributed by local people and organisations, and up to date information on many of the town’s facilities. Copies are available free from the Visitor Information Point in Cross & Pillory Lane, Town Hall, and Assembly Rooms.
Produced every two years in an ongoing partnership between the council and the Local Authority Publishing Company, the council provides the text and photos while LAP sell the advertising and do the printing, all at no direct cost to the council.
The main change this year is the front cover, where tradition has been broken with a painting of the Market Square by local artist Pamela Pell (AKA Town Councillor Pam Jones) replacing traditional photographs.
Town Mayor Cllr Atul Patel said that the Town Guide complimented the Welcome to Alton leaflet launched in the New Year, adding “Whilst the Welcome leaflet encourages visitors to our town and helps them find all the main attractions when they are here, the guide gives a greater insight into the history of the town and all the many facilities, activities and organisations that make Alton what it is. Once again LAP have done a good job in producing a quality guide in partnership with the Town Council, and we are very grateful to Pam for allowing us to use one of her splendid paintings of the town to give the guide a distinctive new look.”
Deputy Town Clerk, Greg Burt added, “We do our very best to ask groups and organisations to update the information about them in the guide but we always seem to miss someone and, as soon as it is published, somebody says that something in it is out of date!. We keep an ongoing list of amendments that are needed, so if anyone spots any errors or inaccuracies, please let me know. We would also welcome any suggestions on how it could be improved.”
LAP, as part of the arrangement with the council, are also supplying brand new up to date Town Maps to go in the car park notice boards.
News 5th February 2009
New Shoots for the Greening Campaign
The Greening Alton and Holybourne Campaign is setting up four new groups to tackle different elements of climate change and peak oil. The first meeting of the insulation group and the local food group will be a joint venture in the Cellar Bar of the Crown Hotel at 7.30pm on Thursday 12th February. All welcome.
Meanwhile the GAHC Local Food Group has started work already and gained support from the Alton Horticultural Association and the Alton Allotments Association to organise a Seedy Saturday event. Organiser Penney Hames says ‘Seedy Saturday is a chance for local growers – gardeners, allotment holders, window-box and patio potterers to save seed from their favourite plants and vegetables and swap them with other growers for free. It’s a concept that started in Canada and is taking root all over Britain.’
‘Over the last 100 years 90% of traditional varieties have been wiped out and the development of F1 hybrids (where plants grow strongly but shoot blank seeds) means that new seed is needed every year. The end result is less choice and more money.’
‘Alton’s Seedy Saturday is part of a growing trend to reclaim gardening for individuals and communities and to move away from excessive commercialisation. It’s about making ourselves a little more self-reliant while getting to know our gardening neighbours and having fun at the same time. Saving and swapping seed is part of a long tradition amongst gardeners. Seedy Saturday can help to celebrate that.’
The First Alton Seedy Saturday will take place at the Community Centre, Saturday 21st February 11-1pm.
For more information on how to take part or to offer your expertise contact the organiser, Penney Hames on penney_hames@hotmail.com
News 12th January 2009
ALTON MAYOR WELCOMES ICELAND ANNOUNCEMENT
Alton’s Town Mayor has today welcomed the exciting news of Iceland taking over the town’s former Woolworths store. In an open letter to Iceland, Cllr Atul Patel wrote:
I am writing to say how delighted I was to hear that you will shortly be opening a new store in our town.
Whilst many larger towns can more easily withstand the loss of stores such as Woolworths, to smaller market towns as Alton where often Woolworths has been one of only a handful of large stores in the town centre, the pending closure has been greeted with much worry and pessimism by other town centre businesses and shoppers. Indeed, the closure of our Woolworths has probably been the number one topic of the many residents I have been speaking to in recent weeks.
We are now very much looking forward to your arrival, not only in that it will help keep our town centre vibrant, but offer much-needed jobs and give further choice and reasons for shoppers to do their shopping in Alton.
I wish you every success in what I hope will be a long and prosperous association with the town.
News 9th January 2009
Town Council Rescues More Bus Shelters
Alton Town Council has come to the rescue of yet more threatened bus shelters in the town, following the suggestion that they might be removed.
Privately owned by Clear Channel UK (formerly Adshel), they were funded through the large integral advertising panels. However the company gave notice that it no longer wished to provide the shelters, suggesting either removal or gifting them to the Town Council.
Only last spring the Town Council took control and arranged for the repair of 6 shelters that the district and county councils were threatening to remove as neither council wanted responsibility.
These further three shelters, located at Butts Road, Anstey Road and Normandy Street means that the Town Council is now responsible for all 18 bus shelters in the town, except the one at the railway station.
Councillor Robert Saunders, who chairs the council’s Planning & Transportation Committee said “Being a regular bus user myself, I know only too well how important it is to have some shelter whilst waiting for a bus, particularly at this time of year! I am delighted that once again, the Town Council has put the needs of the public first rather than entering into a long wrangle about who should be responsible!”
News 22/12/2008
Assembly Rooms to roll out white carpet for Snow Queen
An evil magic mirror shatters into millions of tiny pieces, shards fly out into the world piercing the heart of a young boy and making him the captive of an ice castle watched over by the mysterious Snow Queen…
These are the exciting ingredients of this season’s must-see visit to Alton Assembly Rooms by the Proteus Theatre Company, on Sunday 4 January at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Gearing up for its unique rendition of The Snow Queen – Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale of frozen lands, talking reindeer, the power of friendship and one girl's bravery is re-told in Proteus' unique style fusing film, circus and music together in a magical package!
This will be the seventh visit by the company to Alton and this year patrons will have the added comfort of the venue’s brand new seating.
Brought to you by the same artistic team behind the widely acclaimed Peter Pan and last year's Beauty and the Beast, this promises to be a wild ride! Each visit, Alton audiences have been highly amused, impressed and marvelled at how the cast of usually four people perform all the characters and do all the scene changes at the same time! Based in Basingstoke for 25 years, the touring company’s annual show is now a firm part of the festive season in Alton. Previous presentations have included The Amazing Adventures of Col. Cody, Four Dames in Search of a Panto, Around The World in Eighty Days, Peter Pan, A Daughter of the Aurora and last year – Beauty & the Beast.
Tickets for the show, which lasts for approximately 85 minutes (with interval), are now available from the Alton Model Centre at 7a Normandy Street, Alton, priced £5.00, £4.50 concessions.
News 10/11/2008
Credit Crunch hits Alton’s Christmas Lights
Sponsorship is urgently being sought for Alton’s main Christmas tree, following the loss of last year’s sponsor.
Persimmon, one of Britain’s largest house builders, kindly stepped in at the last minute in 2007 to fund the tree when they were about to start work on their 150+ housing development to the rear of Chandos Lodge in Anstey Road. However, the plummeting housing market which has put the development on hold has meant they are unable to give such support this year.
Alton’s Deputy Town Clerk Greg Burt, who organises the seasonal display, said “Persimmon were very sorry that they couldn’t help out this year, but did say that they hope to be able to help out again in the future. In the meantime, we do hope that another public-spirited business or individual might like to step into the breach and put their name to the centre piece of our Christmas lighting display.”
It costs £500 to sponsor the 35ft tree which takes pride of place in the Market Square and is due to be lit-up on the 28 November; sponsors names are included in a seasonal message alongside.
If anyone can help out, please contact Greg Burt at Alton Town Council 01420 83986 or via e-mail: greg@alton.gov.uk
News 30 October 2008
ALTON SET TO REMEMBER
The Town Mayor of Alton Councillor Atul Patel will lead the town’s annual act of remembrance on Sunday 9 November 2008 at the traditional ceremony and service at the War Memorial outside the Assembly Rooms in the High Street.
Adding to the formality of the occasion, local soldiers from 4 Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) from Bordon Garrison will, as last year, be parading although in much smaller numbers. The Mayor has invited WO2 (CSM) David Budgen (REME) to be the Parade Marshal with the agreement of the Alton Branch of the Royal British Legion.
The day’s proceedings start with a procession from the Market Square at 10.30am of Servicemen and other uniformed and youth groups to the War Memorial to join others who will have gathered to pay their respects to those who have given their lives in the service of their country. There will be the two-minute silence at 11.00am. After the service the parade will march back to the Market Square to be dismissed. All residents are reminded that they are welcome to attend this important annual event in the town’s calendar.
The day’s activities are organised by the Alton Branch of the Royal British Legion supported by Alton Town Council.
Motorists are reminded that the High Street, from its junction with Church Street, will be closed from 10.30am until approximately 11.45am for all traffic heading in a southerly direction and are, therefore, asked to seek an alternative route. In addition, the Market Square will also be closed and car owners are asked not to leave their vehicles in the square overnight.
News 2 October 2008
TRADERS URGED TO SUPPORT CCTV FOR ALTON
Following concern at the level of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour in Alton in recent years, much of which has been targeted at local businesses, an appeal was launched this week asking traders to contribute to the £100,000-plus cost of the 5-camera scheme, covering most of the town centre.
Alton Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), East Hampshire Community Safety Partnership, Hampshire Police and other representative organisations have agreed that it would be desirable to have CCTV in the town, and in the absence of any other organisation willing to take the lead, Alton Town Council decided early in 2007 to grasp the nettle and try to deliver a scheme by Spring 2009.
The footage will go initially to the Police Station, where recordings or live images can be viewed as and when required and then be forwarded to a monitoring suite, possibly either at Fleet or Winchester. The extent to which they will be proactively monitored either 24/7 or at peak times is still under discussion.
The one-off cost to install the equipment will be £106,198 and to date, £37,600 has been amassed through various grants, including EHDC and Hampshire Police Authority. The Town Council has agreed to contribute a further £58,598 (in addition to £15,000 already, plus maintenance), leaving a shortfall of £10,000.
Given that businesses in the area will greatly benefit from the added protection and peace of mind that cameras will bring, it is hoped that they may be willing to make a contribution to the project and over 400 letters were this week sent to local businesses seeking their assistance.
Councillor John Smith, who chairs the Town Council’s Crime & Disorder Working Party, said “I appreciate that in the current economic climate it’s not the best time to be asking for contributions, but I am sure that businesses will appreciate that CCTV will be to their benefit and give whatever they are able to. Every little helps as they say!”
News 11/08/08
Visitors made more welcome to open spaces
Visitors to two of Alton’s most attractive open spaces should be better able to appreciate them, thanks to brand new interpretation panels recently installed at the beauty spots.
It has long been the intention of Alton Town Council to provide information on site for visitors, to accompany visitor trail leaflets already available from council offices and the tourist information points.
However, the council was prompted into action by comments from regional In Bloom judges last summer who commented on the need for the information panels, to enable visitors to the sites to better understand what can be seen and enjoyed.
The panel at Flood Meadows was installed just in time for the In Bloom judges’ visit this July and has been followed by another unit at Kings Pond.
Made of robust stainless steel, with artwork designed by Martin Saban-Smith, the panels, which cost £840 each in total, have been funded by Developers’ Contributions for the improvement of open spaces released by East Hampshire District Council.
Councillor Roger Fitzer who chairs the council’s Recreation Committee said, “We are delighted to have these in place at last, as it is something that we have wanted to do for some time. Hopefully they should help visitors, both new and regular, to understand better what they can find and look for in terms of flora and fauna. We now hope to provide further units at other sites, including St Lawrence Churchyard and Greenfields. We are particularly grateful to Dr June Chatfield for her help in providing the editorial and to Anne Hurst for some first class drawings of plants, animals and birds.”
News 28/07/2008
Bring the Bear Essentials!
It will be a case of, “If you go down to the gardens today, you’d better go in disguise” on Friday afternoon, the 15 August, as Teddy Bears from all over Alton descend on the Public Gardens for their now annual rally.
Organised by Alton Town Council, the weekly children’s show from 2-3pm will have a Teddy Bears theme and children are invited to bring along their favourite Teddy or soft toy and enter it into an X Factor-type competition taking place at 3pm.
However, there will be no Simon Cowell on the panel! Instead it will be the more gracious Town Mayor of Alton, Cllr Atul Patel and the proprietor of the Little Bundles Toy Shop in Market Street, Stephen Wincott who is donating a £15 Gift Voucher to spend on some much sought after toys.
Mr Wincott commented “This will be the third year running that I have supported this event; it always great to see so many Teddies and their proud owners!”
News 30th June 2008
Town gets ready for Bloom Judges’ visit
Alton was preparing itself this week for the annual visit of regional judges to inspect the town’s entry into the South & South East in Bloom Competition this Friday 4th July, with hopes high that it will be able to retain its previous Silver award, if not progress to the Silver Gilt that it last clinched in 2003.
Contractors, council workers and businesses have been working hard in recent days to get the judges’ route looking spic and span in readiness for their critical gaze. In tandem, entry forms for the local Alton in Bloom Competition have been delivered to every household to encourage householders to get into the spirit of the campaign and enter their property for one of the many categories, where trophies are on offer in all sections and are currently on display in the window of Giles Insurance in the High Street.
In addition to the usual hundreds of baskets on shop fronts and lamp posts and the other set piece displays, it is the amount of community involvement that will be stressed to the visitors, including the Alton Society Environment Group volunteers who work tirelessly to improve Flood Meadows, Alton & District Youth Council who organised a Spring Litter Pick and the volunteer gardeners lead by Joan Richardson at Alton’s Watercress Line Platform.
Among other highlights to be shown to the judges will be a brand new interpretation panel at Flood Meadows designed to help visitors make the best of their visit to the site, and the display at Lantern Foods about the work of the Greening of Alton Holybourne Campaign, many of the aims of which also feature on the In Bloom score sheet.
The Town Council hopes that further improvements to the Public Gardens will also suitably impress the judges - Peter Holman who chairs South and South East in Bloom, and Susan Smith, will also visit award-winning Alton Infant School, see a display on the recent Scarecrow Competition and finish their near three-hour visit in the delightful Allen Gallery garden.
The town’s bid is organised by the Town Council and Chamber of Commerce & Industry with support from East Hampshire District Council and other organisations and individuals, with many of the roundabouts and baskets sponsored by local businesses.
News 9th May 2008
FALLING BRANCH HERALDS END FOR BUTTS TREE
A Horse Chestnut tree on The Butts is to be removed urgently, following the collapse of a branch yesterday afternoon, which narrowly missed youngsters enjoying the sunny weather on the popular open space.
The council’s retained arboriculturalist was on site within hours and was so concerned at the rot which the broken limb has revealed in the trunk, he recommended the tree be taken down within the week, in the interests of public safety.
Alton Town Council staff were on site early Friday morning removing the fallen branch.
Cllr Atul Patel, who chairs the council’s Recreation Committee, said “It was very fortunate that the branch did not fall onto the busy main road and also that it didn’t hit anyone on The Butts at the time. Nonetheless, it shows how important it is to monitor our extensive tree stock and to this end, we are bringing forward the inspection of other Butts trees as a matter of urgency, as part of our ongoing tree management policy.”
News 22 April 2008
Council seeks residents’ views on new play site
Residents will be able to give local councillors their views on proposals to move an Alton play area at a site meeting this Saturday (26th April) between 11am and noon.
Concerns about anti-social behaviour at the existing location in Northanger Close prompted Town Councillors to review the site and consider possible alternative locations, including Flood Meadows, which was ruled out.
However, they decided that by moving the equipment just a few yards, to a new location in the same road (to the south of the BMX track and to the west of the kick-about area) should be sufficient to reduce undesirable behaviour and lessen any nuisance to nearby residents.
Town Councillors will be available to meet residents to discuss the proposed new location for the facility, so that their views can hopefully be taken on board into the design stage.
Councillor Pam Bradford, who chairs the Open Spaces Working Party, explained, “Given that the facility is designed for the younger children in the immediate area, we thought that it made sense to keep it near to where they live. This would seem to be a much better site, in that it is not immediately next to houses, but still benefits from the natural surveillance which is very important to have.”
It may not prove economic to move all the existing equipment, much of which is over ten years old, so the opportunity is likely to be taken to provide some new, possibly more thrilling kit to appeal to children. The council is still buoyed by the success of the revamp last autumn of the site in Anstey Park, where the new equipment has proved a huge draw for youngsters.
The review of the Greenfields site is the latest in a rolling programme to look at all the play areas in the town, making them safer and more exciting at the same time.
News 17 April 2008
EHDC Public Consultation on Strategy
EHDC are developing a strategy for the next 20 years, and everybody has an opportunity to comment on their consultation documents.
EHDC have developed questionnaires associated with the documents to make it easy for individuals to respond. If you are interested in commenting then the relevant documents and questionnaires can be found at:
http://www.easthants.gov.uk/ehdc/localplanweb.nsf/webpages/Core+Strategy
Copies can also be seen at the council offices and information centres around the district.
The HVA will stay involved with the process but at this stage EHDC is looking for individual responses by 6th May
Karen Bennett
Chairman, HVA
News 16 April 2008
ELECTORS’ GET TOGETHER
Electors in Alton will be amongst the first to hear the results of a long awaited study into open space provision in East Hants.
All Parish and Town Councils have to organise a dedicated meeting each year, whereby electors of the area can ask questions and raise matters of concern with their elected representatives. Alton traditionally invites a speaker on a topical matter to try to stimulate a good turnout; previous subjects have included street-care, anti-social behaviour, highway maintenance and council tax.
This year, Mike O’Mahony from East Hampshire District Council, will outline some of the findings of the open spaces survey, with particular reference to Alton.
With Town Mayor Cllr Mrs Robyn Fitzer in the chair, electors will have the chance to discuss these issues, quiz the town council on its activities and finances over the last year, and also raise any other matters pertaining to the town.
Council Leader Cllr David Willoughby said, “we know that Altonians greatly value all the town’s many open spaces, and with the town council just starting out on preparing an overall strategy for its open spaces, the results of this survey couldn’t have arrived at a more timely moment”.
Alton’s Annual Meeting of Electors starts at 6pm in the Town Hall on Wednesday 7 May 2008.
News 16 April 2008
Sponsor sought for In Bloom make-over
Sponsors are being sought for an improvement project designed to improve Alton’s chances in this year’s South & South East in Bloom Competition.
A brain-storming of the town’s In Bloom group a few weeks ago identified the need to improve areas of permanent landscaping in public areas and it was decided to seek sponsors to help deliver the much-needed make-overs.
In Bloom organisers have this week launched an appeal to find a local company or organisation to support the first make-over, in Lady Place Car Park, having received the support of East Hampshire District Council who own the car park.
Deputy Town Clerk and In Bloom Coordinator, Greg Burt, said, “There are two raised brick planters in Lady Place Car Park that, although not unattractive, could do with a bit more attention and lend themselves to sponsorship. We have worked out some prices to initially restock them and then maintain them on a yearly basis, with monthly visits, so we hope that any sponsor will benefit from being associated with a well-maintained and attractive area; the beds can either be sponsored separately or together.”
If any local business or organisation is interested in finding out more, please contact Greg Burt at Alton Town Council on 01420 83986 or greg@alton.gov.uk
News 8 February 2008
Stepping out in Alton this Spring
A new leaflet designed to encourage walking in Alton and the surrounding area is being launched this week.
Many previous and existing publications have suggested circular walks in the area that take in the most attractive vistas or places of interest. This latest guide details footpaths and alleyways in and around the town that are marked on what is known as the Definitive Map held by Hampshire County Council, listing all routes over which the public has certain legal rights (Rights Of Way).
The map is the brainchild of Alton Town Council’s Parish Paths Working Party which identified the need for a good pocket-sized map showing all such routes, to help residents and visitors get about the town and explore the immediate countryside more easily and hopefully leave their cars at home.
The group, supported by a small team of volunteer wardens who monitor the state of the local paths network, meet regularly to try to encourage all those responsible for the Rights of Way network to maintain them in good order and also promote their usage, through literature, map boards and supporting minor improvements such as the replacement of stiles with kissing gates.
The Chairman of Paths Working Party, Cllr Mrs Pam Jones said “There are so many paths crossing the town that we thought it would be a good idea to have them marked on handy-sized map to encourage people to use them. Alton is surrounded by wonderful countryside, but so often we tend to get in our cars to get to it. Hopefully this guide will encourage us to perhaps leave our cars at home and walk to the countryside, which is not too far away from wherever you live in the town.”
Titled Exploring Alton’s Countryside and a with a front cover featuring St Lawrence Church as painted by Pam Jones, the pocket-sized guide has been jointly funded by Hampshire County Council under a small grants scheme to promote Countryside Access, the Alton branch of the Ramblers Association and the Town Council.
Unfortunately, not every path and alley is shown. Many such routes, not on the Definitive ROW Map, known as Permissive Paths are walked with the tacit permission of the owner and HCC advise that to publicise them would be to suggest that walkers have more rights to use them than actually exist in law.
News 30 January 2008
Frying Pans at the ready!
Alton’s busy annual events programme kicks off on Tuesday 19th February, when the town’s annual Pancake Race gets underway. Now in its ninth year, the spectacle of young and not so young, many in silly costumes running through the streets helps bring some jollity to an otherwise bleak time of year.
The proceedings start when the Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Robyn Fitzer, fires a starting pistol to herald the beginning of the race, which begins outside Woolworths at 1pm and goes up Cross and Pillory Lane, circuits the Market Square and finishes outside the Town Hall.
As usual, the competition is being organised by the Alton Town Council and Alton Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by The Little Grey Cells who prepare special durable and very inedible pancakes for the contestants to flip.
Entry forms are available from Alton Town Hall and the Tourist Information Centre and all you need to bring is a frying pan and your £1 entry fee!
Two races are being held: Over 16’s and Under 16’s, with prizes for the winner and runner-up of £20 and £10 for the seniors and £10 and £5 for the juniors respectively. A prize of £10 for the Best Dressed Competitor will hopefully bring some added colour and laughs to the occasion. Once again, special edition medals will also be given to the various winners.
The judges will be looking not just for the fastest entrant, but also the person who does the most complete flips.
The event is traditionally held during half term week to ensure maximum entries; only occasionally does Shrove Tuesday fall within the school holiday.
News 2/1/08
Anstey Park Play Area reopens
New look play area set to be unveiled
One of Alton’s largest play areas has reopened, having being closed for several weeks whilst contactors have given the popular facility a much-needed makeover.
Heavily criticised for being un-exciting, tatty and a haunt for under-age drinkers in the evenings, Alton Town Council decided it was time for change at the Anstey Park site. Gone are the Tower Slide, see-saw and two sets of swings. Taking their place are new swings for tots and older kids, a large climbing unit, exercise stations and various other exciting and challenging kit including a board suspended on chains that can only be described as a cross between a skateboard and surf board! Pride of place is a new roundabout that is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, making it the first of the council’s playgrounds to offer equipment for the disabled. Other existing equipment that was in good condition has been retained.
The opportunity has been taken to separate the playground from a popular footpath that previously ran through the facility, making the site feel safer. New child-friendly gates have also been added, together with new litter bins, paths and safety surfaces. The repainting of the railings surrounding the site will be carried out in the spring.
The works have cost nearly £80,000 and been met by Public Open Space Developer Contributions released by East Hampshire District Council and were carried out by Alton playground specialists, E.J. Services. The design for the new look was chosen by the public following an exhibition held in the park back in February, when several schemes by different companies were on display.
Councillor Atul Patul, Chairman of the council’s Recreation Committee, said “The playground now contains much more equipment than it did before, so hopefully there is something to appeal to youngsters of all ages. It also now looks much more inviting and fun so I hope kids will be making good use of it and getting lots of exercise in the forthcoming Christmas holidays, instead of staying home watching TV!”
The Council has an ongoing programme of playground improvements, having upgraded safety surfaces and installed new equipment at Anstey Park, Holybourne and the Public Gardens in recent years. It is currently seeking residents’ views on the future of the play area at Northanger Close off Greenfields Avenue.
News 21/1/08
Landmark Trees set to fall
Two trees that dominate Alton’s Public Gardens are set to be removed, following a safety audit of the popular town centre site.
Last year Alton Town Council, which is responsible for the gardens, instigated a rolling programme of surveys and inspections of the council’s hundreds of trees across the town’s parks and open spaces. Not only does the work ensure that the council complies with Health & Safety good practice, but it also enables the council to plan budgets more effectively for the necessary works, which often run into thousands of pounds.
Sites are being surveyed according to the size and age of the trees and location. The Public Gardens was surveyed first where many of the rare specimens pre-date the opening of the gardens to the public in the 1930’s and which were planted when the land was a private arboretum serving Westbrooke House fronting the High Street. Its popularity throughout the year for strollers, children using the playground and many events in the summer persuaded the council and it’s arboriculturist of the need to look at it first. It is likely to be followed by surveys of Anstey Park, St Lawrence Churchyard and The Butts.
The two specimens destined to be felled, a Cedar and Austrian Pine both next to the Bandstand are in addition to other more minor works identified by the report which will be carried out at the same time. EHDC has been asked for its permission as the gardens are in the Alton Conservation Area.
Of the Cedar, the arboriculturist’s report states that it is in poor condition, with lower than normal needle size and density and slightly lower than normal extension growth. Recently a very large (approx 600mm diameter) branch has broken on the east side mid canopy. Evidence of a (likely) history of other significant branches failing. Large past pruning wounds on stem above and below the large branch that recently failed may have predisposed the failure. The wound above the recent failure has a hole in the exposed wood. The Western stem has a large wound at approx. 6m on east side of stem........ This tree is approaching the end of its safe useful life expectancy.
The council’s Recreation Committee discussed the reports’ findings at their recent meeting and supported going ahead with the work, having recently walked around the gardens with the arboriculturist and the Tree Warden. The chairman of the committee, Cllr Atul Patel, said “Our experience at The Butts has shown us that trees do not last forever and that the best way to keep the town looking green and pleasant is to be proactive in the management of our tree stock, by trying to identify possible dangers in advance of something unfortunate happening and replanting. We will all be very sad to see these trees come down, but the council has little choice; we will however be looking at replacing them next autumn.”
News 28/11/07
New Spine Ramp at Jubilee Playing Fields (Alton)
Alton youngsters who received new BMXs or skateboards for Christmas were able to try them out on an exciting new ramp unveiled in time for the big day.
Contractors completed the installation of a spine ramp to complement existing equipment at the ever-popular site at Jubilee Playing Fields to coincide with the start of the festive holidays.
The unveiling was the culmination of months of campaigning by local youngsters, led by keen local BMXer James Osborne, who had persuaded the Town Council by way of a petition signed by 25 fellow sportsmen of the need for the additional challenging ramp, that was not available at either of the two existing wheeled sports facilities in Alton.
The Town Council agreed to the project after James successfully applied to the Hampshire Youth Opportunities Fund for £3,000 towards the total £5,925 cost, with the residue being met by Public Open Space (POS) Developer Contributions released by East Hampshire District Council for the improvement of open spaces.
Councillor Atul Patul, Chairman of the council’s Recreation Committee, said “The Town Council has spent much time, effort and resources in recent years on improving not only the ramps at Jubilee but also providing a new facility in Anstey Park, so members were initially reluctant to provide yet more new ramps. However they were literally bowled over by James enthusiasm and his initiative in seeking funds for the ramp from elsewhere. When proponents of a scheme make their own efforts to gain funds, it makes councillors more likely to support such projects.”
More new specimens in Butts Tree line-up
This year’s annual tree planting ceremony on The Butts will be see yet more new species added to the high profile site, as the Town Council’s new policy of planting trees other than Horse Chestnuts continues.
Many of the Horse Chestnut trees which line The Butts are nearing the end of their lives meaning that they become more prone to diseases such as Honey Fungus and Phytophthora and up until two years ago, the council has always replaced them with Horse Chestnuts. However, the council was advised that Horse Chestnuts were becoming more prone to diseases/bacteria than before, leading to their demise by Bleeding Canker which, in turn, was being exacerbated by the drier summers. As they are nearly all subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) the council is obliged to replace the ones that it fells and, over the last few years, it has been felling and replacing the mighty conker bearers on average one to two a year.
A London Plane and Tulip Tree were being planted this year on the prominent open space for the first time, following the planting of a Sweet Chestnut last year. The varieties were chosen last autumn after the council asked a panel of tree experts to suggest alternative species that could be considered for this location. As a result of long deliberations by the panel, which included Alton’s Tree Warden Jim Dickinson, the three were recommended to the council as being the most appropriate for the site in terms of look, resilience to drought in summer, the high water table in winter and diseases.
The chairman of the council’s Recreation Committee, Cllr Atul Patel, said “The Town Council takes it’s stewardship of The Butts very seriously and by taking the decision last year, following considered advice, to plant alternative species, we are ensuring that in years to come, the site will continue to be bordered by majestic trees that provide the wonderful backdrop to perhaps the town’s most impressive entrance.”
The specimens cost around £500 each, which includes planting and an underground guying system and the survival rate of these large specimens has been 100%.
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