ALTON Chamber of Commerce and Industry feels that Alton has been hit by "a triple whammy" following news that East Hampshire District Council looks set to withdraw support this year for Alton in Bloom.
An article in this month's chamber newsletter openly challenges the council's attitude towards Alton, going so far as to suggest that a complaint to the Trading Standards Office might be in order over EHDC's use of the word "partners" in its logo.
Furious that the council seems to be "pulling the rug out from under Alton's feet" at a time when all stops are being pulled out locally to stage Alton in Bloom, the chamber has drawn attention first to the determination of EHDC to put parking charges up in Alton despite strong local opposition, followed by its offer of "minimal support" for the town's Christmas lighting project.
"One really must wonder what is going on with EHDC at Penns Place. On the one hand Alton is being encouraged to join in new initiatives for town management and tourism, and on the other, the council is withdrawing support for schemes that are starting to be successful.
" It appears the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing," suggests chamber secretary David Gay.
According to Mr Gay, the district council has supported Alton in Bloom for the past two years but this year "a somewhat confusing letter" to the Alton Marketing and Promotions Forum has stated that the council was withdrawing the watering of baskets in the Market Square.
Since the square is now owned by Alton Town Council, this is understandable, but the confusion lies in whether or not the district intends to water the lamp-post baskets and large trough displays in the rest of the town.
Nonetheless, the Chamber is pressing on with plans for Alton in Bloom confident that any watering problems will eventually be resolved.
Working closely with Alton Town Council, it is currently seeking sponsorship for lamppost and shopfront baskets and has already carried out a leaflet drop among the business community to that effect.
With a good response so far, David Gay is enthusiastic about Alton's chances in this the third year of entering the Southern England in Bloom competition and despite any setback urges: "Let's have a 'blooming' good year in Alton!"