Town Council poll returns a 'Yes' (From Andover Advertiser)

Town Council poll returns a 'Yes'

7:00am Friday 10th July 2009

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ANDOVER citizens have given the thumbs-up to plans for the town to have its own council.

The results of the official poll – the biggest ever test of local opinion on this matter – showed that 2,721 people (61.2 per cent) were in favour of a town council with 1,723 people (38.8 per cent) opposed. Fifty-four ballot papers were rejected.

The turnout across the town was 15.68 per cent, and there was a “yes” vote across all five wards. Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) leader Ian Carr, who represents Charlton, said the turnout was disappointing.

“Clearly this raises bigger questions that we shall have to consider carefully about the extent of support for change among the town’s electorate,” he said.

But town council campaign joint secretary Sarah Evans said: “This fantastic result was achieved despite the papers going out two weeks late, a confusing consultation paper, a painfully low profile given to the process by TVBC, and the opposition of its leader and MP.

“It was clear to us that the bigger the turnout the bigger the ‘yes’ majority would be, but the 15 per cent vote compares well with similar exercises held elsewhere, and it would be a hypocritical abuse of power if TVBC were to attempt to ignore a clear democratic vote.”

Councillor Phil North, who represents Alamein ward on the borough council, said in a blog: “While my own personal view is not a strong yes it’s also not a strong no – and I said if the people of Andover wanted a town council then I would be prepared to support one.”

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