Alton Town Council Approves Floodlit Pitch for Football and Rugby

Strategic Insights -

Alton Town Council has taken a significant step towards bringing a floodlit 3G pitch for football and rugby to the town, with Anstey Park emerging as the preferred site. The council conducted a public consultation following a proposal from East Hampshire District Council, backed by the Football Foundation and the Football Association. The consultation received overwhelming support, with 404 out of 412 respondents in favour of the pitch in Anstey Park.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposal for a floodlit 3G pitch for football and rugby in Alton was initiated by East Hampshire District Council, with the support of the Football Foundation and the Football Association.
  • The Football Foundation would provide the majority of the £1 million cost for the pitch, while the Football Association would cover the £35,000 cost of a feasibility study for the preferred site.
  • A public consultation was held, with a survey closing on September 29, receiving 412 responses, of which 404 supported putting a football and rugby pitch in Anstey Park.
  • The main concerns raised about the site were parking and drainage.
  • Alton Town Council agreed unanimously to pursue assessment of Anstey Park as the preferred site at a full council meeting on October 8.
  • The council's commitment to the project was highlighted by Cllr Matthew Kellermann, who stated, "I'm completely committed to this. I think it's the right thing for the town and it is something positive that Alton Town Council can achieve."
  • Cllr Annette Eyre, the Alton town mayor, thanked football and rugby club representatives for their efforts, acknowledging the importance of the project for the town.

Statistics:

  • 412 responses were received in the public consultation, with 404 in favour of a football and rugby pitch in Anstey Park and 8 against.
  • €1 million is the proposed cost for the pitch, with the Football Foundation covering the majority of the expense.
  • £35,000 is the proposed cost for a feasibility study, to be covered by the Football Association.

Sources:

  • https://www.altonherald.com/news/halloween-garden-back-with-safe-trick-or-treating-for-alton-children-841156
  • https://www.altonherald.com/news/government-gives-ps55m-for-improvements-at-two-alresford-schools-841120
  • https://www.altonherald.com/news/spooky-free-halloween-fun-at-care-home-in-alton-841025
  • https://www.altonherald.com/news/business/care-manager-has-stars-in-her-eyes-after-winning-hampshire-award-839688