THE closure of the Molson Coors brewery site for redevelopment has been seen by a group of Alton residents as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a legacy for the town” by constructing an attractive walk from the railway station, along the River Wey as far as Brick Kiln Lane.

The brainchild of Alton and District Residents’ Associations (ADRA), the ‘Wey Walk’ is expected to open up opportunities for tourism as well as providing a traffic-free route for cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users from the station, through the centre of town and out into the countryside beyond.

Now the project has taken a big step in the right direction thanks to a £15,000 grant from East Hampshire District Council (EHDC).

The grant will help the organisers appoint a project manager who, among other duties, will apply for the necessary funding to take the plan forward.

Louise Parker, of ADRA, said: “The walk will open up the River Wey to allow the public to enjoy as it winds right through the town.

“Some stretches of the river are well known but others, such as the part which runs through the Molson Coors site, have not been open to the public for a while and are really, really pretty.

“The walk will lead residents and visitors to places of interest around the town, and encourage people to get out of their cars and get out and about to explore Alton.”

She added: “I’m delighted East Hampshire District Council has been able to offer us £15,000 to keep the project moving forward. This money will allow us to recruit a project manager who will be able turn this fantastic idea into a wonderful reality.”

The walk will link Alton’s historical points of interest, such as the Allen Gallery and Curtis Museum, the Civil War battle site and Fanny Adams’ grave. It will also bring economic benefits to the town.

Two EHDC councillors, Glynis Watts and Adam Carew have been particularly vocal in supporting the scheme.

GlynisWatts, EHDC’s portfolio holder for economic development, said: “This is a brilliant initiative and will benefit the town in so many ways.

“The walk will draw people into Alton from around the area and take them right through the High Street, so I am sure that our local businesses will reap the rewards of that.”