The Town Clerk of Alton Town Council, Tom Horwood, has commented on the Government’s announcement about local councils in Hampshire:
“While Alton Town Council is not changed by this announcement, East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council will be replaced in 2028 by a unitary council covering most of East Hampshire, New Forest, Test Valley and Winchester districts. A ‘shadow authority’ will be elected in 2027 and work alongside the old councils for one year.
“Alton Town Council will seek opportunities to strengthen the voice of the communities of Alton and Holybourne in the new council area. I will discuss this with other town and parish councils and with the outgoing district and county councils. Restructure and change can be a distraction for public services and it will be important that councils put the needs of local communities first.”
ENDS