IT WAS interesting to note the letter to the editor from Kieran O’Kelly, urging that the Guildhall be handed back to the Andover Town Council.

I am in accord that it is long overdue that this magnificent building should be rescued from the benign neglect of the Test Valley Borough Council.

The failure to return it to the people of the town is yet another example of the ‘dog in the manger’ behaviour by TVBC begrudging the town’s citizens their due.

To ‘head off at the pass’ criticisms that Andover Town Council is too small, it should be noted – and residents should be proud – that Andover ranks in the top ten town councils, by population, in the county with just over 40,000.

The largest town is Weston- Super Mare with 80,000 people.

Andover comes just ahead of Salisbury with just under 40,000.

Can anyone imagine Salisbury’s Town Council not having their own guildhall?

It’s time for Andover Guildhall to be returned to its rightful owners.

Christopher Ecclestone, Andover town councillor, Millway ward