ALTON Town Council has decided to extend the consultation period on the relocation of sports facilities from Coors Sports Ground. Having released a decision date of July 12, councillors at last week's policy and resources committee meeting decided that people may need more time to have their say. The decision will now be made on August 30. Given the complexity of the proposed £5.25 million offer by Coors to provide replacement facilities on town council-owned land for Alton Town Football Club (ATFC) and Alton Social Bowling Club, councillors were keen not to rush the process. There is to be a second independently chaired public meeting on Monday, July 3, starting 7 pm at Alton Assembly Rooms and the summer edition of The Altonian magazine is currently being delivered to every household in the town, giving a clear explanation of Alton Town Council's position on the subject and inviting public comment. The consultation period will run until July 31, with a final decision to be taken at a full town council meeting on August 30. Coors agents, Atisreal, have supplied "artist's impressions" of the proposed site plans for the relocation of ATFC to the Diggers extension of Anstey Park and the bowling club to Chawton Park Road, which are currently on display in The Alton Herald window (in Market Square). And further impressions of the proposed sites are available for viewing at the Town Hall. In a statement this week, town clerk Steve Parkinson has reiterated the fact that while Coors wishes to sell its site for housing development, it must provide replacement sports facilities elsewhere in the the town. Unable to find a suitable site, the company has asked ATC to make land available at Diggers and Chawton Park Road. In return, Coors is willing to provide the town with a floodlit artificial turf pitch (ATP) and changing facilities at Diggers, for public use, together with an access road. In addition, the council would own the football and bowling facilities, which would be built to a high standard. The council will also be seeking further funding from Coors towards improved facilities at Alton Tennis Club. Continued from page one Mr Parkinson pointed out: "The land at Diggers consists of three football pitches, which are no longer used for team games due to the distance from changing facilities, but the area is used for informal recreation. "The land at Chawton Park Road is not used for a specific purpose. "Alton Town Council provides 170 acres of public open space around the town. This proposal affects approximately seven acres of that total." The council is now seeking to obtain views, in particular, on whether people feel the proposed facilities are worth the reduction in informal public open space and whether a public ATP would be of benefit to the town. Views from those who currently use Diggers, and from those who would use an artificial turf pitch, will also be welcome. Letters should be addressed to the Town clerk, Town Hall, Market Square, Alton GU34 1HD.
