ONCE again we smaller businesses in Andover have each received a letter from Hampshire County Council regarding our Aboards.

This time it was from the legal department and like criminals we were made to sign for it.

Once again it was received just before a bank holiday and with no explanation other than quoting an ancient act from the 1980s when the pavements were just one metre wide.

Once again we have been given one month’s notice to remove the boards or Hampshire County Council will remove them at our expense!

As I am probably the longest established small business with its original working owner in Andover I would like to have been treated with a bit more respect but I have had no personal contact from Hampshire County Council.

I wonder why?

An explanation from the council – any department would do – to your newspaper giving a reason for this action would at least put paid to any rumours associated with this inadequate course taken on the businesses of Andover.

We might in the future need to seek the help of the people of Andover, indeed the people and small businesses of Hampshire, to help us maintain the use of our Aboards in our town of Andover.

Ron Wood, Bridge Street, Andover