Public consultation for a Town Council for Andover

6.13.55pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 3rd May 2009

Len Gates discusses a Fair Deal for Andover with Nick Clegg

Test Valley Borough Council have approved proposals to consult residents on a town council for Andover. A survey will be delivered to all residents asking their views on whether Andover should, like other towns, have its own town council.

The survey will include a summary of the arguments for and against the proposal and an estimate of the costs involved. Establishing a town or parish council for Andover could cost as little as £1.51 per household and allow local residents to decide how their money is spent. At present all Andover residents pay an Andover levy administered by Test Valley councillors many of whom have no knowledge of or interest in Andover. Increases in the Andover levy would only occur if approved by the town council and Andover residents.

Andover Lib Dems have always supported a town council for Andover but believe the final decision should be made by local residents - not the borough council or any other pressure group. As well as a town council residents will be asked to consider other options including the parishing of just parts of the town allowing those parts wanting local democracy to go ahead even if others don't.

We urge all residents to vote yes for a town council and yes for the parishing of Andover. Andover deserves a Fair Deal and the same democratic rights as the rest of Test Valley.