THIS year Andover Town Council has had a ‘hands on’ chairman and vice chairman who have worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the Town with both the borough and county, attending events throughout the working week but more often than not at weekends.

We have set out to meet all the parishes who butt onto Andover and meaningful talks have been started with Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council on a number of subjects, most of which are still ongoing.

To the purist amongst the town council I am well aware my style of chairing the meetings has not been to their taste but in mitigation I would just like to say that having 13 new councillors, who are all individuals, it has taken blood, sweat and not quite tears to get them finally working as a team.

Thank you to all those who have given me your support throughout this year, especially my wonderful husband Rick Pond and my Vice Chairman Barbara Long. Thank you to Cllr Iris Andersen, outgoing Mayor of Test Valley for all the invitations that came my way.

Thank you to Wendy Coulter the town clerk and responsible financial officer who has helped more than she will ever know and finally last but not least to Lisa Laing the allotments officer for all your help and for making me laugh.

Cllr Veronika Pond, Andover Town Council