THE future of Alton Sports Centre is to be thrust into the limelight with an initiative designed to determine the right way forward.

East Hampshire District Council is set to appoint consultants to produce a feasibility study for replacing or refurbishing the facility.

It will be the first project to be taken forward from the council's recently adopted leisure built facilities strategy, which highlighted addressing the future of the centre as a priority.

The existing centre was built in 1974 with an anticipated lifespan of 25 years. Now nearing its 40th year, it has far exceeded its use-by date and is looking rather tired.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.