THE NEW mayor of Andover has said he hopes to help residents 'achieve their aspirations' as he embarks on his year in office.

As previously reported, Cllr David Coole was elected as the new town mayor by members of Andover Town Council at a full council meeting on Wednesday (May 11).

He received eight votes, with the only other nominee, previous mayor Cllr Barbara Long, receiving just four.

Cllr Rebecca Meyer was then elected as his deputy mayor.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Coole said the result was "a surprise", but added: "Members put my name forward, they obviously decided they wanted a new mayor.

"It was a surprise but I am happy to rise to the occasion."

READ MORE: David Coole elected as new Mayor of Andover at town council annual meeting

Cllr Coole was first elected to Andover Town Council in May 2019, and also sits on Test Valley Borough Council.

He is an independent councillor representing Romans ward, however until January he was part of the Andover Independents Party before the group disbanded.

When asked what his priorities will be for the coming year, he said it is still early days, but added: "Andover is a fantastic place to live and is full of opportunities for anyone and everyone. I am a great believer that Andover is what you choose to make it and in my opinion, it has a very bright future.

"Since moving here in 1987, I have been proud to call it my home town, and always will be. Andover is more than just a town, it is the economic, administrative and cultural beating heart for all its residents and for those of the surrounding villages. A thriving and prosperous Andover benefits more than just Andover and we all need to work together to make this happen and be sustainable."

Cllr Coole continued: "My aspiration for the Andover Town Council, which I know is shared by many others, is to see the Council take on a greater role in delivering the services and responsibilities expected from a Parish-level Council, and to work closely with other organisations to provide the community support we should be providing residents and which will help improve their quality of life.

"If I can use my position as Mayor to help fellow Councillors and residents achieve all or any of their aspirations, or at least start the balls rolling for their future achievements, then my time as Mayor will not have been wasted."

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