TWO authorities have joined forces to launch a three-year project to improve the vitality and vibrancy of the town.

Headed up by a new business development manager for Alton, the remit will be to attract new business and investment with a particular focus on employment.

The role is to be co-funded by both Alton Town Council and East Hampshire District Council (EHDC)?and the business development manager will initially assess the needs of the town in order to formulate an action plan to deliver proposed outcomes.

The development manager function is a key outcome of Alton’s neighbourhood plan process and the town council is particularly pleased to start delivery on this action point in advance of the neighbourhood plan referendum.

Additional expertise and resources for the project will be given by EHDC’s economic development team, although the business development manager will be based at the Town Hall in Alton.

Alton Town Council leader Peter Hicks said: “We are extremely pleased that the district council is offering to support the future of Alton in this way. It illustrates our commitment to deliver the outcomes of the neighbourhood plan process and is a welcome step for localism, working collaboratively with other local authorities.”

Ferris Cowper, leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: “I think this is a huge opportunity that will enable the town to reach its full potential by bringing an improvement to the prosperity of the businesses and quality of life to all its residents. We are pleased to share in this endeavour with Alton Town Council.”

According to the statement, the project will also take into account “the excellent work” already undertaken by East Hampshire MP?Damian Hinds, whose task force have been engaging with businesses and taking a study of the current state of the High Street in Alton.

The recruitment process will begin shortly and it is anticipated that Alton’s new business development manger will be in place by April.