BILL Bryson's high-profile campaign appears to have paid off as the Western Weald was confirmed as part of the new South Downs National Park, leaving Alton as a northern gateway – ripe for development.
As environment secretary Hilary Benn gave the go-ahead for the South Downs to become England's ninth, and largest, national park on Tuesday, fears were raised that, unless controlled, it could mark the beginning of serious expansion for Alton.
For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.