THE dream of a new cycle link between Holybourne and Alton has come a step closer to reality.

Required as a condition of planning on the Persimmon Homes development behind Chandos Lodge, the path will run from the recently installed traffic lights junction on London Road at Eggar's School across the front of Anstey Park.

It has been necessary for Alton Town Council to dedicate a six-feet wide strip of parkland as highway. Persimmon will provide new railings across the front of Anstey Park.

Mooted in 2006, while this plan has been held in abeyance, not least due to the economic climate which delayed the development, the town council's policy and resources committee heard that a design appears to be near approval alongside a draft Section 278 Agreement between Hampshire Highways, the developer and the town council to release the land.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.