Alton FC is supporting the idea of locating a new 3G sports pitch in Anstey Park.

The club has had a 3G pitch at the Anstey Park Enclosure since 2015 but wants another to cope with demand.

East Hampshire District Council’s Playing Pitch and Sports Facility Strategy 2024–40 and the Football Foundation’s Local Football Facility Plan 2025 have chosen Alton as the best place for one of their planned new 3G pitches.

Alton Rugby Club also plays in Anstey Park. The Football Foundation is putting 40 per cent of its investment into multi-sport facilities and has agreed with the Rugby Football Union that any 3G pitch created on an Alton Town Council site would have markings for both sports.

Initial assessments of town council sites suggested Anstey Park and Diggers as options - but not Jubilee Fields, as Alton would lose its cricket ground.

There is a public consultation at Alton Assembly Rooms on September 17 at 6pm. Feedback will be considered by the town council on October 8 before it selects a site for a feasibility study.

Alton FC chair Carl Saunders said: “With 50 teams, we struggle to fit training sessions for all of our teams on the single 3G pitch each week. Weekend matches cannot all be accommodated on our one 3G pitch. Weekend matches are often cancelled due to waterlogged grass pitches. We have waiting lists for juniors across multiple age groups.

“Anstey Park is the most logical and beneficial site, being in close proximity to our existing club and facilities. A stand-alone facility at Diggers would significantly increase project costs.

“Without strong local involvement, this much-needed facility to improve the town and support its growing population could be located elsewhere or delayed. Let's not waste this opportunity.”

At an Alton Town Council meeting on September 3, a member of the public said: “Manor Colts FC has 18 teams. Sport is pivotal. As a football club we could fill this. Why give it to Petersfield when it could come here?”

Cllr Graham Hill felt any town council site should be considered, saying: “We’ve got to keep our options open,” and Cllr Don Hammond added: “The sports clubs are very keen for Anstey Park but others might object, so we need to take the public with us on the journey.”

But Cllr Matthew Kellermann said: “The Football Foundation does this on a daily basis. There is no desire to turn Jubilee Fields from cricket and soccer to a 3G pitch, which leaves Diggers and Anstey Park. It’s a false choice to throw other things out there.

“Obfuscation and prevarication will most probably result in this going to another area in East Hampshire, most likely Petersfield. East Hampshire District Council is offering this. Why are we not grabbing it by the proverbials?

“This would be an absolutely tragic loss of an opportunity if it was lost. The council is seen negatively by many people in the town. It should make a non-political decision and give the people the chance to acquire something good in Alton.”