Residents of Andover and further afield have given a thumbs up to new park in the heart of town after it opened at the weekend.

As the sun shined today (Monday, March 15), residents were making the most of the new park as the final finishing touches were put on it, and were particularly complimentary about the new seating that had been laid out.

“It’s lovely,” said Brian Ley. “The seats are really comfortable. I could never leave!”

The Whitchurch resident said he hadn’t been into Andover for some time, but would be more tempted to come back now.

“I haven’t been here for a while, but it’s great. It’s much easier to park.”

He was concerned that the park could be damaged, however, adding: “Let’s hope it’s treated well.”

Other out-of-town visitors, Alan and Stella Longden, were also very happy with the park, and noted the benches, which were the source of some mirth when they were installed to face the wall, had been fixed.

“We’ve just dropped out grandson off at the college,” said Stella. “We’ve had a walk and think the benches are very comfortable, and extremely attractive now they’re pointed the right way!”

The Barton Stacey residents said they would have been more likely to have come into town for walks if the park had been present earlier in the pandemic.

“We suppose if we could have walked here we would have,” said Stella.

Husband Alan liked the opening up of the space, saying: “There are so many examples of the river being blocked off and obscured in other places like Reading. Opening up the river is something positive.”

The couple continued to explore the new site after talking with the Advertiser, and were looking forward to a planned art wall on the side of Wilko.

Their words will be music to the ears of Councillor Phil North, the leader of Test Valley Borough Council. The council is hoping the Andover Masterplan, of which the park is the first part, will rejuvenate the heart of town.

Cllr North said: “The delivery of the Riverside Park is a significant first step in our future plans for Andover and I am thrilled to see it open, though some of the landscaping will continue over the coming weeks and the public art project will provide a finishing touch in the summer. This is a wonderful example of what we will bring to the town as we continue to push forward with our wider rejuvenation plans.

“Everyone involved has worked incredibly hard to bring this concept to life and make this a truly special asset for Andover. Residents, workers and visitors will all be able to make the most of the Riverside Park and enjoy it for years to come.”

Work to complete the railings and grass areas is expected to be completed in the next few weeks, with plans for the artwork to continue into the summer.