ALTON is one of eight market towns in Hampshire to receive grants under the Rural Towns Rural Life project.

Led by Hampshire County Council in partnership with Community Action Hampshire this government-funded scheme is supporting a range of projects in towns such as Alton, Odiham, Whitehill, Petersfield, extending further south to Romsey, Botley, Ringwood and Fordingbridge in the New Forest.

Alton and Petersfield will both receive £5,000 towards the development of a town centre marketing initiative, while Odiham is to receive £1,500 for town partnership development and a further £10,000 for the development of a town partnership action plan, to include employment of a part-time town centre manager.

Whitehill has been allocated £1,500 towards the development of a town youth and community partnership.

The schemes are part of a series of demonstration projects across the south east region which are said to offer an innovative approach to small town generation.The aim is for other small rural towns to learn about the projects and adopt them.

Hampshire County Council, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and the Countryside Agency are providing financial support for the project which includes the appointment of a dedicated market town co-ordinator, Elizabeth Dalton.

Ms Dalton will help around 30 small rural towns across the county develop or establish their own town partnerships, and help them with community-led regeneration initiatives.

Based at the HCC Economic Development office in Winchester, she has already started working with town councils and other community groups on the project.

HCC executive member for economic development Michael Woodhall is enthusiastic about the project. ÒThe future vitality of our small market towns is at risk from many challenges.

ÒOut of town shopping, traffic congestion and loss of local services all threaten their prosperity and the livelihood of those people living in and near the towns.

ÒAchieving economic prosperity and building partnerships for strong communities are just two of the county councilÕs priorities. This project reflects these aims.Ó

He continued: ÒOur work with the district and town councils, as well as Community Action Hampshire, the Countryside Agency and SEEDA will, we hope, prove to be the first steps in a prolonged course of action aimed at preserving the fabric of our traditional, rural market towns and equates to real action with demonstrable results.Ó

Elizabeth Dalton has already set up a series of morning seminars around the county to inform people about a new initiative to support the vitality of small rural towns in Hampshire.

They will aim to help individual towns find out about developing their own town partnership and action plans.

The most local seminar is to be held from 10 am to 2 pm on Thursday, February 21, at Whitehill Community Centre.

For further information about the seminar ring Elizabeth Dalton on 01962.86558 or via e-mail at [email protected]">[email protected]