ALTON ANNOUNCE GROUND IMPROVEMENTS PLAN

Alton have received a huge pre-season boost by securing funding for the re-laying of the main cricket square at Jubilee Playing Fields.
Immediate improvements are vital for the club, having come under pressure from the ECB Southern Electric Premier League authorities over the quality of the playing surface.
The grant of £27,369 was secured through a developers contribution towards recreational spaces from the East Hampshire District Council Forum after support from Alton Town Council.
The current pitches were laid over 30 years ago and have recently struggled to be of a sufficient standard to satisfy the criteria for Premier League cricket - the top recreational level of in the region.
"That Alton maintains a representative side at this level continues to be a notable achievement for a town of its size," said club spokesman Lewis Jones..
Alton finished bottom of the pitch markings in 2011 and second from bottom the previous year - with relegation from the top division a real danger as a consequence.
With funding in place, the work on the cricket square will begin at the end of the up-coming season, and be completed in two phases allowing the club to continue to use the facility during the summer months.
Jones says: "Improving the playing facilities has been a goal of for the club some time. Good playing and practice conditions allow the club to support their many members, including over 200 local youngsters who participate regularly at Jubilee Fields."
The contribution from the EHDC developers fund solves a huge funding problem for Alton CC, and was hailed as a worthwhile project by Councillor Chris Graham, who described Alton as “a good, progressive club”.
As the current square has been used over the years, the surface has become overly compact, making maintenance and playing conditions difficult.
The new facilities will give the club a huge boost when ready - providing pace and bounce, a new pitch will give the club a new lease of life.
Alton Town Council’s new groundsman has already been working on the existing square and outfield in advance of the new season to give the club a head-start.
Alton are looking forward to another promising year in 2012 on the field. Their first team have been more successful than ever in recent times, finishing sixth last year in the tough competition.
The junior sections of the club continue to grow, with sides from Under 7s up to Under 17s, including girls. Alton’s Ladies side is also extremely successful, being Hampshire League winners for the past 3 seasons.
With so many members and matches being played at Jubilee, the new pitches will receive excellent use through the summers to come.