Andover mayor calls on residents to ’embrace change’ to downtown
THE MAYOR of Andover called on residents to “embrace the change†to downtown areas and celebrate the assets Andover has to offer in 2022.
Cllr Barbara Long told the announcer that many people in Andover have lived there for generations and cling to the downtown area they remember.
“If you talk to old Andoverians, the High Street has really changed for them. But people have always chosen to shop in other places as well.
She continued, “There are stores opening. People will complain that we have a lot of hairdressers, nail bars and cafes, but they are always busy! The things you can’t get online, these more personal services, we have a lot now.
“I think people need to understand that shopping is not like it used to be, accept that our main street is going to be different and stop going over what things used to be like.”
His comments come after a new poll saw Andover make it to the Top 50 of the worst places to live.
Read more: Andover named one of the worst places to live in the UK again
Research conducted by iLiveHere UK saw over 110,000 readers vote for what they consider the least desirable cities to live in.
It’s not all bad news though, as last year the poll saw Andover reach 22nd place while this year he fell to 30th.
Last year’s rankings saw the announcer launch our Andover Appreciation Campaign, which garnered broad support across town.
Commenting on the ranking, Cllr Long added, “What are the criteria for ‘worst places’? Who votes?
“Obviously people come to live in Andover, because the houses are sold, so it can’t be that bad!
“It’s a fairly safe place, with nice art installations and green spaces.
“There are a few people who seem to want to mess things up, but I think wherever you live there are always things that could be improved. That doesn’t make it a bad place to live. As far as places to live, I think Andover is a great place!
“We have a great community in Andover where people help each other. It all depends on what we like. You might live in some places and not know your neighbors. Does that make it a good place? Not for me.”
SEE ALSO: Six Reasons Andover Is A Great Place To Live
Test Valley City Council Chief Cllr Phil North also supported the advertiser’s campaign.
Reacting to the news, he said, “The image of Andover that this pessimistic clickbaity website is trying to portray is definitely not what I recognize. Andover is a fantastic place to live with a truly exciting future, including a comprehensive plan to regenerate downtown.
“Clearly, what’s being said is ironic, but it’s a city with huge potential and a lot of things to be proud of – and that’s what we should be focusing on. ”
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Kimberley barber