MEMBERS of Andover Town Council have voted to stay based in the town centre, as the authority seeks to replace its current office.

At a council meeting on Tuesday, January 25, members discussed the future base of the town council.

The lease on its current office, situated at Black Swan Yard and overlooking the High Street, expires in September, with notice to be given in March if councillors intend to vacate it. Council documents show it costs approximately £42,843.60 per year to run, including rent, bills, photocopying, postage, maintenance and waste removal.

Three options were put on the table. These were: remaining at the same office; moving to a serviced office in the town centre at a cost reduction to around £21,572.16; or moving to a serviced office at Portway Industrial Estate for approximately £15,788.16.

READ MORE: Andover Town Council considers options for new office

However, Cllr David Coole proposed that a fourth option, of having no office at all, be put on the table. This was seconded by Cllr Joanne Coole.

He said: “For the past two years we have had a vacant office and it’s cost us over £80,000. The town clerk has informed the council repeatedly that the officers are working successfully from home. We have email, we have telephone, and we have the post. And it all has worked.

“So why do we need an office? I consider it to be an excessive expense in this day in age, bearing in mind we are only dealing with back to basics issues. I don’t think we have justified the need.”

Cllr Jason Sangster responded by saying that Cllr Coole’s proposal was “very fiscal and all about the money” and that it was “counterproductive to the working environment”. He cited issues around collaborative working, and mental health.

Cllr Stue Waue added: “I feel we should stick with an office for now, and not rule out the possibility of not in the near future. We have two options that will save us 20 grand a year. Let’s not bounce it around because by the time we have decided these options will be gone”.

Cllr Coole’s proposal was voted down by four votes to seven, with one abstention.

Members returned to the options on the table, with a vote on securing a town centre serviced office passing by nine votes to two, with one abstention.

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