THE Woolmer Forest Heritage Society wants “a stronger voice” in the planning of the town redevelopment, which will see the building of up to 3,350 homes and a new town centre over the next 15 to 20 years.

Two members of the historical group’s committee, Chris and Bill Wain, made a plea to Whitehill town councillors, at a recent meeting, to back them in getting a £10,000 Lottery grant so they can employ a part-time worker to represent them.

Mrs Wain, who is the society’s chairman, told councillors that the society needed the support of Whitehill Town Council to get the Lottery funding.

“We need a part-time worker because we want to ensure that the rich heritage of this area can be incorporated into the planning for the future new town,” she said.

“We need a strong voice because we feel this is the solution and we are running out of time to put in our application.”

Her husband Mr Wain said the Heritage Society wanted a £10,000 Lottery grant, £6,000 of which would be used to employ a part-time worker for 10 hours a week.

“At the moment, we are never invited to the meetings attended by the district council, the Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company (which is developing Prince Philip Barracks), developers and some employees, when discussions are held regarding the plans for the new Green Town.”

Representatives from Bordon’s Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre were invited to the Green Town policy meetings “but we aren’t”, Mrs Wain said.

There was a need for prompt action, she added, because the Woolmer Forest Heritage Society hoped to start making more of an impact in the town by January with publicity events.

“We would also like to take people on the tours of the old Army building before they disappear,” Mrs Wain said.

Acting Whitehill Town Council clerk Andrea Mann said that Whitehill Town Council had always supported the Heritage Society and councillor Mark Davison said getting the group a Lottery grant was a good idea. “We should sign their request right away,” he added.

Agreeing, councillor Adam Carew, who is also a Heritage Society committee member, said he himself had spent the afternoon taking people on a tour of the town’s heritage sites.

He said the society had plans for a museum in the new town, adding: “We need to make more of this.”

Members agreed unanimously to back the Heritage Society’s bid for Lottery funding.

The Woolmer Forest Heritage Society was formed in 1982 - when it was called the Woolmer Forest Archaeological and Historical Society - by a group of local enthusiasts who shared interests in history and archaeology.

The group’s aim is to raise awareness of the nationally and internationally important archaeology and history of Whitehill and Bordon and its surrounding area.

* The group holds monthly meetings at Bordon’s Forest Community Centre.

For details of its talks and outings, or to join, contact chairman Chris Wain on 01420 472329 or vice-chairman Colin Brash on 01428 713256.