AS a "vision for the future" begins to develop from the emerging town plan, outgoing town mayor John Smith told last week's meeting of electors that he firmly believed "partnership is the way forward for Alton".
Furthermore, he was a firm believer, he said, in devolution of power to grassroots level and that no change was not an option if the town was to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
John Smith envisaged partnership as a key to future development:
"Partnership with local self-help groups such as those who tend the Butts flower planting, partnership with the Alton Society, whom I must commend for their excellent work in restoring Flood Meadows, partnership with AIM (Alton Initiatives Management Ltd) who, despite many misgivings have proved some of us wrong and have reinvigorated the Tuesday market, partnership with the Alton Allotment Association, and partnership with the Alton and District Sports Council."
The importance of partnership within the community was currently being demonstrated, he said, by the work that was going on with the Alton Town Plan.
"This is an example of long term planning that I think has been severely lacking in the past.
"It is community led and the Town Council has deliberately taken a back seat so that ideas can come from the people."
The response from the Altonian newsletter was good. More than 124 replies in all had been described by town clerk Steve Parkinson as "statistically sound". John Smith expressed thanks to everyone who had "given up their valuable time" in helping to draw up the resulting plan.
"A Vision for Alton is emerging – that Altonians would like to preserve the countryside and wonderful scenery that makes Alton so special while developing facilities for recreation, transport, affordable housing and youth."
But he warned: "At some stage there has to be compromise because we can never develop as a town unless we are prepared to change. No change means no development and we do not want to stagnate."
Another outstanding example of partnership, said Mr Smith, had been with those involved in organising the town's jubilee celebrations - in particular Mike Baker, Greg Burt and Pat Lerew. "It was a wonderful day and I shall treasure it all my life. Alton should party more often!"
Other events which stuck in his mind included Christmas in Alton which appeared "to get bigger and better every year."
"The lights are wonderful and, if reports are true, put Petersfield's to shame," said John Smith.
Alton in Bloom had been a huge success and the great strides the town had made in Southern England in Bloom had been reflected throughout the town which had sported some eye-catching floral displays.
"This has undoubtedly improved the appearance of the town and it was a particular pleasure for me to unveil Miss Bell's fountain which has improved the western approaches to Alton," said the mayor, who recalled also another landmark event which celebrated 150 years of the railway coming to Alton.
"Alton must have been just like the Wild West back then. Some say it still is!"
On a more serious note, Mr Smith told the meeting: "As someone who strongly believes in community politics I believe that where possible control should be devolved to grass-roots level.
"I should like to see the town moving forward actively to take over areas such as grass cutting of all open spaces and litter collection throughout the town."
But, he pointed out, while negotiations were still at an early stage, the outcome would inevitably be down to money.
The big question was whether the electorate would be prepared to see an increase in town precept in return for tangible improvements in these areas. He acknowledged also that much had still to be done to keep up pressure on both district and county councils to improve performance in areas such as road maintenance and litter collection.
"We are suffering badly from lack of central funding, and recent poor weather conditions, but it is still clear that there is huge scope for improvements in these areas," he said.
In conclusion, John Smith paid tribute to his fellow councillors who, he said, spent many unpaid hours in serving the community. He felt it a shame, however, that more people had not put themselves forward to stand in this week's local elections.
"The democratic process is not well served by lack of competition so I would like to congratulate all those who are prepared to stand whatever their political persuasions. I think town and parish councils are the proving ground of the political process. Unless you have a record at grassroots level it is naive to think you will easily find your way at a higher level."
Mr Smith paid tribute to retiring councillors and past mayors Pat Cole and Peter Whitmarsh, to the town hall staff, led by Steve Parkinson, and to John Sadler and the council groundstaff.
In conclusion, he thanked his wife Chris and his family for their support during his term of office, his deputy Pam Jones and, most of all, the public. "It has been a rare privilege to serve the people of Alton," he said.