ONE year ago this week, the nation was plunged into darkness as the first lockdown was introduced, closing businesses, shops, pubs and restaurants across Andover.

Photographs taken at the time showed the usually bustling High Street and surrounding roads eerily silent at rush hour as residents heeded the PM’s order to stay at home.

Twelve months on, The Advertiser brings you two special reports this week looking at how the health crisis has affected the town and what measures are being put in place to ensure the local economy is able to bounce back as restrictions ease later this year.

Andover’s first coronavirus case was confirmed on March 8 when the leisure centre was closed following a visit from an infected man.

Cases increased over the next two weeks before lockdown on March 23.

In Andover, businesses like Canto Gelato were beginning to feel the pressure of the pandemic.

Kelly Jones only opened her business in December 2019, after years of wanting their own restaurant. She told The Advertiser having to lockdown just three months later was “gutting”.

Following the new rules being introduced, councils across the country had to kick into action, providing grants, advice and support to individuals and businesses. Test Valley was no different, as Councillor Phil North recalls.

“The council stepped up immediately, marshalling the community resilience effort, paying out government grants and manning the helplines,” he told the Advertiser.

Also in this week’s paper:

- Care home makes changes following man's death

- Andover children raise money for good causes

- Fallen lorry blocks roundabout

- Taxi drivers to keep an eye on residents' safety

- Weyhill car boot given planning permission

- Faberstown girl inspires doll

- Woman criticises judge after attacker given fine

- Beloved GP retires after 35 years

- Two pages of YOUR letters

- And much, much more

- Out now! Just 90p

To arrange a home delivery to get The Advertiser sent straight to your door, call 0800 7314 900 or 0845 7078 150 or email deliveries@newsquest.co.uk. The first six weeks delivery charge is free.

To sign up to a digital subscription service to never miss a story and to get access to everything we write online, visit andoveradvertiser.co.uk/subscribe. Subscriptions start from £2 for two months.

If you live outside our circulation area you can still receive our newspapers through a postal subscription order. To sign up, visit andoveradvertiser.co.uk/subscribe or call 0800 7314900. You can also sign up for a delivered subscription here: https://adbooker.andoveradvertiser.co.uk/store/andbassubs/.