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Since local government re-organisation in 1974 the local authority functions have been carried out by the Alton Town Council (which has the status of a Parish Council), the East Hampshire District Council and the Hampshire County Council.

The Town Council’s functions include the management of over 90 acres of recreation grounds and open space which cater for virtually all the outdoor sporting facilities and recreation in the town; letting of the Assembly Rooms and allotments, of which there are several sites throughout the town. It has a number of other roles, one of the most important of which is commenting on planning applications submitted to the East Hampshire District Council.

Most recently it has assumed the role of Market Authority from the District Council. You can contact the Council via e:mail: info@alton.gov.uk.

The Town Mayor is elected annually and presides over meetings and represents the Town Council at many functions as the principal citizen of the town. The East Hampshire District Council whose offices area at Penns Place, Petersfield, carries out the functions of Planning, Environmental Health, Housing, Refuse Collection and Leisure Services. The Hampshire County Council whose offices are at The Castle, Winchester carries out the functions of Highway Authority and provides Education and Social Services and oversees the Hampshire Police Authority and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.


Town Mayor’s Badge of Office
The Town Council has a Badge of Office and Chain which the Town Mayor wears on official occasions. The Badge which was originally designed and purchased by the former Alton Urban District Council was adapted in 1974 for the Alton Town Council. The Badge comprises an enamel shield divided into four quarters containing the red rose of Hampshire, a stock of wheat and two oast houses signifying Alton’s close agricultural associations, and a crossed sword and battle axe recalling a part of Alton’s history in the clash of arms in the neighbourhood of the Parish Church in 1643 at the time of the Civil War. The chain has past Town Mayors’ names engraved on each link.


The Town Hall
The Town Council has its offices and Council Chamber in the Town Hall in the Market Square.

The Town Hall was erected in 1813 and extended in 1840. Further improvements were carried out in 1893.

The building was extensively restored in 1987 for which the Town Council was proud to receive the John Ambrose Award.

The restoration of the building set a standard for the area and was soon followed by the enhancement of the Market Square and the redevelopment of the old cattle market - now known as Westbrook Walk.

It is a Grade II Listed Building and care was taken to ensure that as many of the original features as possible were preserved.

The first floor comprises three offices and Council Chamber and the ground floor has been divided into three shop units.

The use of the building has varied considerably since it was originally built. As well as being used for meetings of the Local Board and later the Urban District Council, it has been a corn exchange, fire station, county court, cinema, school room, social functions hall, dance hall, library and an engineer and surveyor’s office.

As part of the restoration a cupula, clock and weather vane were provided on the roof in memory of a former Town Clerk -Ewart N. Ings.

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden. Credit for photos: Ian Parker, Mid Hants Railway, Alton Town Council, Alton Camera Club (Anstey Mill).