ALTON will be going for gold if a decision is endorsed to take part in next year's Southern England in Bloom competition.
Delighted with this year's success, which saw the town named as "best improved entry", members of Alton Town Council's recreation committee were 100 per cent behind entering for a fourth year, subject to approval by full council and to funding to cover on-going costs.
In paying tribute to all those who had worked hard to spruce up the town, attention was drawn also to Cromwell Gardens - part of the Amery Paddock development - which is to receive a highly commended award in the new permanent landscaping category.
"There is no doubt about it, the town does look absolutely superb this year," said deputy town mayor John Smith.
The judging sheet showed extremely high marks throughout, and in particular for floral displays and permanent landscaping in the public parks and gardens section. This, said Mr Smith, reflected the dedication and hard work of town council staff.
The main areas of weakness were felt to be community involvement in planting and helping to improve the environment, and permanent landscaping of industrial, business and retail park areas.
Pam Jones felt more effort should be made in the future in these areas, while colleague Bob Evans suggested more planting was also needed in areas of the town such as Southview Rise. "So far we have concentrated on the centre of town and open spaces and now we need to focus our attention on other areas," he said.
This year's winner in the town category was Christchurch, with runner-up, Petersfield.
Liphook took the title as the best small country town in the South.