ALTON Town Council is sticking to its guns by insisting that Alton should be included within the boundary of the proposed new South Downs National Park.

In a formal response to the Countryside Agency, local councillors argue that Òthe natural, artistic, archaeological and cultural histories of AltonÓ should merit its inclusion within the park.

Having debated the issue for some months, the final response has been drawn up by a dedicated team, spearheaded by council leader Dave Crocker.

In it, councillors address the criteria set out in national park legislation concerning natural beauty and recreation and scrutinise Alton in that light.

They draw attention to the location of the town which, it is currently proposed, would lie outside the boundary, Òon the edgeÓ of the park.

The south-eastern tip of the town abuts the B3006, leading to Selborne which, as celebrated AONB country, will form part of the new park.

Councillors point out that Òthe scenic countrysideÓ on either side of this road is ancient small field English farmland, criss-crossed by ancient rights of way, the most famous being the sunken path leading from Alton to Hartley Mauditt.

Alton itself, they say, has been carefully contained within the Wey Valley which is evident when viewed from the hill on the north west side of the town. While it does possess modest industrial areas these, they feel, are well screened and should not therefore provide reason for exclusion.

On the recreational front, for a town of its size, Alton is considered Òwell provided forÓ with public parks, sports fields and open spaces. The town is felt to have Òan excellent recreational amenityÓ in the Mid-Hants Watercress steam railway, as well as KingÕs Pond with its wildlife and the source springs of the River Wey.

The PilgrimsÕ Way and the new St SwithunÕs Way both pass through Alton, while the Hangers Way starts from Alton railway station. All of these, councillors believe, would contribute to the recreational experience and would enhance the new park.

Alton has a strong community spirit and provides a focal point for the surrounding villages and farms. In fact, according to the council, ÒAltonÕs market has provided a focus for this rural area for more than 800 years.Ó

Since the nearby villages of Chawton, Farringdon and Worldham have been proposed for inclusion in the park and rely upon Alton for local shopping and transport, councillors argue that Alton should also be included on grounds that it would split the town from the villages it supports both economically and socially.

Perhaps most significantly, Alton has a rich cultural heritage and many of its features are said to fall within park criteria.

Alton, Anstey, Holybourne and Neatham are featured in the Domesday Book and Alton was a Royal Manor. The townÕs main central roads - the High Street, Market Street and Church Street, together with the Market Square ensure its place as an Òidentifiable, small market townÓ. The same argument is felt to apply to the area around The Butts, with its ancient charter fair, dating from the reign of Edward II.

The town boasts a Saxon burial site in Mount Pleasant Road, Roman remains in Holybourne (Vindomis), and strong Civil War connections with two battles fought in 1643 - the ancient Church of St Lawrence still bears the scars.

In addition, there are quite a number of buildings dating back to that period, while the feel of the town is predominantly Georgian.

In all, it is felt that Alton has a great deal to offer a new South Downs National Park and should play a key role in its future success by being included with the boundary.