Once again we have a Romsey councillor, this time in the shape of Mark Cooper, who wishes to change the shape and nature of a much appreciated venue in Andover, namely the Andover Golf Club.

As a born and bred resident of Andover, I wish to state on record that we as voting members of the public are more than capable of deciding our own destiny in the Winton ward without constant interference from the likes of Mr Cooper et al at Romsey.

This has the same ring to it as to what eventually happened to the Band Stand in the recreation park in Vigo Road, i.e. a decision by a Romsey councillor to remove a piece of Andover’s heritage.

From what I know, Andover Golf Club is on a sound financial basis by its members, and is only such a good amenity because of the group of volunteers who are members of the club who maintain the grounds to an exceptional level. This is backed up by all visitors to the club.

The quality of the site is unlikely to be maintained if it became a recreational park, as we all know how parks are abused by small minorities and often become a nuisance for local people. May I also ask who is likely to use this as a park, given the expansion of Andover is on the opposite side of the town and there is already the Watermills Park in the Winton Ward.

Also can the TVBC really think that this is best use of council funds, and that Andoverians would prefer another park as opposed to employing more staff to keep what is already available clean and welcoming.

Given Mr Cooper’s comment “I don’t see how they (Andover Golf Club) can sustain their leasing costs and all the usual club overheads on just 250 members”, I would ask him how the TVBC can subsidize the pitch and putt facility at Charlton Lakes when on most days there is no one playing the course at all. Can he please supply details of the cost and revenue of that facility? You only need to drive past the Andover Golf Club to see how the car park is nearly always full and due to its popularity is the reason why the car parking is being extended further onto the course.

Finally, can I please ask the residents of Andover to not allow this interference from Romsey to once again ruin a well used facility. Hands off.

Jenny Flaherty, Andover, via e-mail