THE run-down state of Alton's Mill Lane industrial park came under fire last week with business representatives and land owners calling for improvements to inject some up- market style. Problems highlighted included the need for more parking space to avoid vehicles parking on and damaging the grass verges and for information signs to help visitors and delivery drivers find the 80 or so companies trading there. Concern was also expressed about the volume and speed of traffic using Mill Lane and the congestion which occurs at both the Wilsom Road/Paper Mill Lane and Anstey Road junctions during the morning and evening rush hours. According to local firms, a lack of public transport along Mill Lane makes it difficult to recruit workers and further adds to the parking and traffic problems. Theft and vandalism is said to be on the increase in the area. Several empty buildings have become derelict, travellers have set-up camp on occasions and some companies are now ashamed to bring clients to visit their premises. It was a damning indictment of the state of Alton's main industrial park but one which those attending last week's meeting were determined to address. Organised by Alton Town Initiatives manager Vernon Pearce, the idea was to gather information and develop ideas for which funding and support will be sought from public and private sector investors. The project is one of a number of high priority action points identified by the voluntary steering group which has been carrying out a town health check in Alton over the past few years. The resulting vision statement entitled "Alton 2020" is due to be published in the next few weeks. The chairman of the steering group, Mike Heelis, explained: "The people of Alton have told us the sort of town in which they want to live and we are now keen to implement this vision. "Although we're not going to change the town overnight and have major challenges ahead of us, we are keen to make a start on implementing some of the ideas." The fist step will be the formation of a town partnership, supported by East Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council and Alton Town Council, to start tackling the action points identified. Alton Initiatives Management (AIM) Ltd is taking the lead on business issues for the town partnership with the support of EHDC's economic development officer, Mike Gibbs.
