ALTON in Bloom looks set to go ahead with a competitive flourish this year following news that East Hampshire District Council has relented and agreed to finance the watering of lamp post and other major floral displays in the town.

At last week's meeting of Alton Town Council, acting town clerk Greg Burt confirmed that, following some confusion, the district council had agreed to help this year but would be withdrawing its support for next year's effort when Alton would have to "go it alone".

In the meantime, project co-ordinators Alton Town Council and Alton Chamber of Trade and Industry, are working hard to ensure that Alton will once again hold its own in the Southern England in Bloom competition, with regional judges expected in town on July 12.