The revamped Northern Wey Community Trust will host its first meeting at Alton Community Centre on March 17 from 7pm to 9pm.

Residents have raised concerns about the potential impact of future housing development on Alton’s chalk aquifer as East Hampshire District Council advances its emerging Local Plan.

Alton sits above a principal chalk aquifer which supplies its drinking water and feeds the River Wey. Chalk streams are globally rare, environmentally fragile and - once damaged - exceptionally difficult to restore.

A local spokesperson said: “Alton’s aquifer is not just an environmental asset, it is the source of our drinking water and the lifeblood of the River Wey. We are not opposing growth, but it must be responsible and evidence-led. Development must not reduce aquifer recharge or compromise long-term water security.”