TOWN council meetings will now begin an hour earlier following the approval of a controversial motion at a full council meeting this week.

Andover Town Council’s full council meetings, which occur approximately once a month, have recently started at 6.30pm. However, on Wednesday (August 8), Cllr Christopher Ecclestone proposed that the start time be moved to 5.30pm. This was seconded by Cllr Rebecca Meyer.

Cllr Richard Rowles objected to the suggestion, adding: "Lots of us who work don’t have that opportunity. We want the council to be of the people, from the people. Frankly if we are going to get normal people on the town council, they will be put off if meetings start a lot earlier. So frankly I think this is quite ridiculous."

Cllr Robin Hughes agreed, saying: "I don't see any sense of that whatsoever."

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However, Cllr Stu Waue supported the earlier time

"I think some employers forget that if they want to be a good employer, they should actually give anyone in public service the time off to attend,” he said.

A vote was taken, and resulted in a tie with five votes for, five against and one abstention.

As chairman, Cllr David Coole got the final vote and supported the motion.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Coole said: “The start times of council meetings are always a contentious matter and no matter what time they are held, it is impossible to please everyone.”