ALTON Town Council has secured funding of more than £13,000, which has gone towards enabling people to walk and cycle into the town centre.

The funding comes from the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership’s ‘Supporting Town Centre Fund’, with the town council working in partnership with East Hampshire District Council.

The project has delivered 15 new PlantLock secure cycle parking facilities which are integrated cycle racks and planters filled with carbon-busting edible plants.

These are in locations chosen by Cycle Alton members, with two new cycle repair stations in Market Square and the second at the entrance to Station Road.

There is already one at Jubilee Skate Park.

A Cycle Alton spokesperson said: “The installation of fifteen planters with bike stands and three cycle repair pods is a welcome step towards making Alton a bicycle-friendly town, and we thank all those involved in bringing this project to fruition.

“It sends out a positive message to all local bicycle riders that you are welcome in Alton.”

A new map has been designed specifically to promote Alton’s cycling and walking infrastructure, featuring the National Cycle Route 224, Alton’s off-road cycleways and recommended on-road cycle routes to connect essential amenities and wards within the town.

District council community development, place making and infrastructure portfolio holder Rob Mocatta said: “The council wants to encourage active travel, and part of this is providing residents with facilities to encourage them to cycle and walk more.”

An online information hub on routes, local culture and shopping has also been launched: myjourneyhampshire.com/activealton