ANDOVER'S recent nomination for the dubious title of 'most depressing place in the UK' has sparked mixed debate among residents.

While some lament the town's perceived lack of vibrancy, others fiercely defend its hidden gems and sense of community.

Margaret Legg, a resident of 68 years, paints a picture of a dwindling town.

“There is nothing here anymore," she said.

"I have been here since 1956. Today, this town is just so bad. There’s nothing for the youngsters. I remember when the market used to go all the way down the high street. We used to have three cinemas, the Ocado, Toni’s Café. Everything is gone. There is nowhere here for people of my age, that is 76, to buy clothes. You got New Look and Next for youngsters.

“I don’t know why they are ripping down the Chantry Centre. They already got rid of lots of houses to build it. Now they are moving it again.”

Andover Advertiser: Margaret Legg thinks Andover is truly depressingMargaret Legg thinks Andover is truly depressing (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Andover nominated as one of UK's 'most depressing' towns

Rob Harman, another resident, echoed the sentiment, lamenting the scarcity of exciting attractions and activities.

He said: “There is nothing in this town. You look around and you only see barber shops. There’s nothing good about this town.”

Residents in the UK are being asked to nominate the areas they live in as the most 'depressing' in Britain.

The poll, which is run by town reviews site ilivehere.co.uk, has been scouring the UK looking for the most depressing place to live, with more than 150 British towns and cities currently nominated.

Andover is one of the towns nominated to the list.

However, not everyone in Andover tunes into the same station of negativity.

Ben, a lifelong resident, passionately countered the "depressing" label.

“I totally disagree. I love Andover. I think it’s a brilliant town to live, work and play in," Ben said.

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“Sometimes, negative opinions can override the positive opinions. I do believe this town is brilliant. If you look up and down the country, the towns of similar size are in the same state. People feed off negativity. You go to a restaurant, you get a bad service, you get really upset. If you get a brilliant service, you’re more inclined to leave with a tip and not leave any reviews.

“I am very happy with this town. I went to school here, grew up, worked here, played here. I think it’s a great town and not depressing in the slightest. Obviously, there are some aspects that you don’t like but still, there are lots of positives."

Andover Advertiser: Alex McGarry thinks there's so many positives to AndoverAlex McGarry thinks there's so many positives to Andover (Image: Newsquest)

Alex McGarry, owner of an art studio in the town centre, added another layer to the narrative and shared the positive vibe of Andover.

She said: “We have got a lot of independent businesses in Andover. If you seek them they have a lot to offer.

"So it’s a choice whether you want to look at it as a depressing town or not. Happiness is a choice.”