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Enterprise M3 LEP Announces Funding to help Alton Bounce-Back from Covid19

Last updated 02 October 2023
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Cyclists in Alton can look forward to a share of just under £14,000 to help encourage active travel in the town.    

The Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, which supports business growth in Hampshire and Surrey, has moved quickly to establish a Supporting Town Centres Fund designed to give confidence to shoppers and high street users.

The project, led by East Hampshire District Council, recognises the challenges faced by commuters during the Covid-19 pandemic and is responding by make it easier to choose to cycle around town.

A new walking and cycling map on the Active Alton web page will promote new infrastructure including 15 new cycle racks, 2 cycle repair stations in key locations around Alton along with 20 bike lockers at Alton Station. The page will also provide real time bus and train information along with key messages to remain Covid-secure.

Chair of Enterprise M3, Dave Axam said:

“I am delighted EM3 is supporting the safe re-opening of key town centres in our region; it is a testament to what can be done when partners work closely toward a common goal. This scheme is all about rolling out innovative and sustainable projects quickly in order to support town centres which have been suffering throughout this crisis.

The Covid pandemic has made us all re-think how we use town centres and projects such as this, which will inspire confidence in people to get our high streets moving safely again, are crucial to a rapid recovery.”

Alton Town Mayor, Councillor Graham Titterington said:


“Alton Town Council wants to create an environment that is pleasant and supports a healthy and active lifestyle for its people. Cycling has an important role to play in this.

This project addresses two of the impediments to developing cycling by providing safe parking for bicycles and providing information about safe and enjoyable routes. The contribution from the EM3 Supporting Town Centres Fund will enable Alton to respond to these needs.”

Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Community Development, Placemaking and Infrastructure, said:

 "I am delighted to see that this infrastructure and supporting webpage will be installed to encourage cycling around Alton. Sustainable transport provides health and environmental benefits and EHDC is happy to help invest in infrastructure that will encourage cycling in Alton.

"This is part of a wider scheme of works to make it easier for people to get around the town, making it an even more attractive prospect for visitors, shoppers and tourists. EHDC is happy to work with local groups like Cycle Alton to provide improved infrastructure through the district."

Enterprise M3 has contributed £13,926 toward a total project cost of £16,324 in Alton. The Supporting Town Centres Fund is a £500,000 fund utilising unallocated Local Growth Funding from central Government to identify and fund projects which can be delivered quickly to keep people safe as restrictions are eased around the region.

Ends

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Supporting Town Centres Fund was announced by the EM3 LEP on 26th May 2020 as a rapid response to the Covid19 emergency.

The scheme is aimed at funding pilot projects that can be delivered quickly and keep people safe as restrictions begin to ease in areas high streets, commercial centres and transport hubs.

More information on the detail of the fund can be found here.

ABOUT ENTERPRISE M3 LEP (EM3):

EM3 is business-led and brings together the private, public and not-for-profit sectors in a joint endeavour to drive prosperity for the people and places in our region.

As a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), we receive funds from government and leverage additional private sector investment in order to make strategic investments to create, nurture and sustain the right conditions for economic growth in our area.

More information on EM3 can be found at: www.enterprisem3.org.uk

Connect with us on:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/EnterpriseM3

CONTACT DETAILS:

For further information relating to this press release or about EM3, please contact:

Ryan Sutton ryan.sutton@enterprisem3.org.uk

Where

Address:

Alton Town Council, Market Square
Alton
GU34 1HD
United Kingdom

Map:

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