AN action plan to help boost the economic prosperity of Hampshire's market towns during the 21st century has been launched by council business chiefs.

Over the last decade, concern has been mounting over new patterns of living, shopping and transport which are all threatening the future vitality of the county's small towns.

In particular, large out-of-town shopping centres have had a devastating effect on the small retail market in many areas, while increasing car traffic has led to congestion and pollution.

The action plan, proposed by the county council, aims to protect and enhance the economy of towns with a population of less than 20,000, such as Winchester, Hythe, Alton, Lymington and Alresford.

Members of the economic prosperity sub-committee have agreed to hold talks with independent planning and regeneration consultants to consider the outlook for market towns.

One of the key objectives will be the development of a strategy to improve market towns' roles as centres for local shopping, leisure, community activities and tourism.

Talks are also to be held with the Civic Trust which currently runs a Market Towns Programme, sponsored by the Post Office and the Department of Environment, Transport and Regions.

John Rees-Evans, head of the county's economic development unit, said: "This is a very important issue and the object is to try to find ways in which we can have an action plan to address some of the problems facing market towns."

Chairman of the planning and transportation committee, Dudley Keep, emphasised that market towns were "treasures" and must be looked after for future generations.

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