ODIHAM Parish Council’s trails project has been shortlisted for the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ scheme.

The scheme received more than 5,000 applications, who are attempting to make use of financial grants from the money raised through the 5p bag charges in Tesco stores.

It offers three levels of grant funding for projects – £8,000, £10,000, and £12,000 – and the more votes Tesco customers give to the ‘Odiham Trails’ project, the more funding it could be awarded.

Voting in Tesco stores runs until March 6, and will be up against two other successful projects in the region.

Odiham Parish Council chairman Jon Hale said: “This is a great and much-appreciated opportunity for us to help make a big difference. Our canal, towpath and common combine to form a stunning and unique green space, that offer beautiful family walks, places to picnic.

“This grant will really help us to improve the area for our residents and hopefully play a part in attracting more visitors to enjoy one of the most striking parts of the Hart district.  

“The parish council has established the need to support our historic High Street - and it is my opinion that attracting more visitors to Odiham, with the help of initiatives like this, will be crucial to that objective.”

While the fundamental aim of the ‘Odiham Trails’ project is to make the area more accessible, the aim of the parish council is to use additional funding to help educate and inspire people, particularly the younger generation about the heritage of the highlighted areas for growth.

Should the highest level of funds be awarded, the focal point of the project would be the Canal Wharf at Colt Hill, Odiham. Used by boats, the nearby canoe club, as well as for fishing, additional money would be used to enhance the area with improved landscaping, new picnic benches and an upgrade to the adjacent car park.

Mr Hale added: “Much time and effort went into our application – and I have no doubt that its success was as a direct result of the valued help, guidance and support from Philip Riley, chairman of the Canal Society as well input from Basingstoke Canal Authority, the Hart District Council countryside manager and their senior ranger.  

“I really hope that Tesco customers support this endeavour as the more money we are granted, the more good we can do.”