A PUBLIC consultation is to take place in Alton this summer on proposed projects for Anstey Park, in order to provide an holistic view of the impact on the area should all the opportunities be approved.

The projects include the refurbishment of the netball and tennis courts to provide a multi-use games area at the existing location; the use of Diggers Field for a floodlit training area and the introduction of an additional rugby pitch; the introduction of a public trim trail around the perimeter of the park; and of an all-weather training track for athletics.

Of the proposals to improve rugby provision at Anstey Park, at a meeting of Alton Town Council’s open spaces committee on May 4, it was reported that Sport England’s preferred supplier, TGMS, had carried out a feasibility study to look at using a previously approved grant to bring pitches back into use to improve rugby training in the area. The study had now been received but throws doubt onto whether the costs associated with carrying out the required ground work would deliver the desired outcome and if it would be the best use of the £200,000 allocated, which would include the Sport England grant and a Rugby Football Union (RFU) loan.

In the report by town clerk Leah Coney, it was made clear that while there is an obligation on the town council to ensure that the grant money, together with any town council funding, is used in the most beneficial way, it is incumbent on the council to look at various options which could achieve a positive income.

Further discussions had led to a vote of confidence by Matt Young of TGMS that, although requiring further soil tests and upgrade to the existing drainage system, Lower Diggers would be suited to the purpose required and deliver a return on investment with a positive outcome for the rugby club and the town council.

It would also offer up the option of a second training area in Anstey Park, enabling spread of use to help address the current problem of having just one area for training which is heavily churned up during wet weather.

Although not confirmed, Sport England had indicated it would be agreeable to take up of its grant being delayed until spring next year, and Alton Rugby Club was in agreement in principle with this alternative proposal and had made an approach to RFU for an interest-free loan.

The rugby club would need to apply to East Hampshire District Council for planning permission for the floodlighting which would be subject also to landlord’s consent from the town council. There was concern expressed by councillors that the request for additional floodlighting at Anstey Park would not meet be welcome by residents.

Hampshire Playing Fields Association had confirmed its agreement to use the previously approved £2,000 grant toward the cost of buying and installing the rugby posts.

In conclusion, councillors heard that further discussions had taken place between Sport England, Alton Rugby Club and the town council, resulting in a proposition to use the Lower Diggers field at Anstey Park to facilitate a training area with floodlighting which would be located adjacent to the southern boundary of Alton Convent School sports field, with a rugby pitch being marked out with posts erected on the eastern boundary of the fenced school field.

On the subject of the netball and tennis courts, a previous consultation had been undertaken in September 2013 which had resulted in an agreement to re-provide a new single court tennis and netball court located adjacent to the Finnimore Pavilion. But the project was not progressed due to ongoing funding issues. Councillors heard that in order to refurbish the existing area it would be necessary to use developers’ contributions.

It was heard that a basic renovation, including replacement of fencing and kerb edgings together with the resurfacing of the existing court, would cost in the region of £52,000 while a more extensive project which would involve remodelling the area to include fencing to isolate two courts and to open up a ball wall, to create a youth kick about area which would extend alongside the skatepark, including markings for five-a-side football and basketball, would come in at around £85,000.

On the athletics front, an approach had been made by Alton Runners with a view to improving the facilities at Jubilee Fields to enable members to train on a one-kilometre track around the site all year round. At present they run in and around the streets of Alton on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and meet at Alton Sports Centre but, with membership now standing at more than 100, the reception area is not large enough.

Councillors believe it may be time to look at opportunities for athletics at Anstey Park with a view to possibly providing an all-weather training area. While temporary provision for winter training could be accommodated by providing changing facilities at Jubilee Fields and by using the footpath around the field, councillors heard that it would not be adequate and would not negate road training.

It is felt that Anstey Park could accommodate some kind of training provision but that it would need external funding. Alton Runners understand that to gain access to such funding it would be incumbent on them to deliver a junior section to the club.

It was further pointed out that once Alton’s new sports centre is in place and the current pavilions at Jubilee Fields are beyond economic repair, Alton Town Council will give consideration to a replacement multi sports pavilion which can accommodate a number of clubs requirements. In the short term, however, it is felt that a feasibility study should be undertaken to determine whether to improve the running facilities at Jubilee Fields or to consider a multi-use athletics facility elsewhere, possibly at Diggers.

Pending any decision in respect of athletics, Alton Runners have agreed to work with Sport Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to create a junior section, which is to be launched this year.

As part of the public consultation it was agreed also to incorporate a series of questions to establish the level of support for the installation of a trim trail at Anstey Park.

It was agreed to extend a special invitation to ensure involvement in particular of those clubs that would benefit from investment in new and refurbished facilities at Anstey Park to attend the public consultation.