Yesterday, the council approved a public consultation for the Alton sites that have been part of their initial feasibility assessment on potential sites for a new Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) facility.

The initial feasibility assessments were carried out on sites that the council had identified, that were supported by East Hampshire District council and also supported by The Football Foundation. The results of these assessments will be shared at the public meeting before listening to arguments for or against them being home to the new AGP facility.

It was agreed that they would present the three sites that had been identified but only ask for public opinion on two, Diggers and Anstey Park. The other one being Jubilee Fields which has been discounted.

The consultation is to allow the public to express their support or concerns about the preferred locations, so that ATC understand the strength of feeling in the town about the potential development. The meeting will publicise the project and encourage public responses through social media as well as direct.

Public consultation is to be held on:

Wednesday 17th September 2025, Alton Assembly Rooms. Time and final details to be advised.

We need to show the strength of feeling that Alton Rugby Club have about why this is good for the town and that the logical site is Anstey Park. This can be through online, social media and direct on the day. (Details of online/social media feedback to be confirmed by the council).

Please review the club strategy as presented last season (power point available on Club website: Information/Documents/AGM information and documents/ATC Pitch Presentation.)

I am happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the strategy before the 17th September and would ask you to please attend the meeting to help Alton secure this much needed facility.

Malcolm Osborne
Club President