I hope you managed a decent break over Christmas, even if the dog, the children, or the weather had other plans.
A new year gives us a moment to take stock, and 2026 feels like an important one locally.
There’s a lot to build on, but also a lot that needs fixing.
Over the past year, I’ve been out in our villages listening to what’s working and what isn’t.
Whether it’s a village fête in St Mary Bourne, a community meeting in Andover, or a farm visit near Vernham Dean, the message is consistent: people love living here, but worry about the strain on services and the feeling that rural concerns often come second. That has to change.
Crime remains top of the list. Although Hampshire sits below the national average, the picture on the ground is more mixed.
Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in Andover town centre continue to irritate shopkeepers, while in the villages machinery theft, poaching, and intimidation threaten livelihoods.
I’m working closely with Donna Jones, our police and crime commissioner, and with local officers who know these communities well.
Last year’s crime summits brought intelligence and action together, and we’ll reconvene this winter to keep the pressure on.
Healthcare has seen progress, but nowhere near enough.
The new medical centre and diagnostic hub at Andover War Memorial Hospital will make a real difference, cutting long trips for tests and giving clinicians more of the tools they need.
But the long-term picture still depends on the new hospital planned at Junction 7 of the M3.
The consultation was done, residents were supportive, and early work funded - before Labour put the brakes on. I’ll keep pressing to get it moving again.
Dentistry remains a headache - quite literally for some.
Too many families still struggle to get NHS appointments.
The additional 45,000 units of dental activity for Andover and Basingstoke and Deane are welcome, as are extra urgent sessions for vulnerable groups.
My job now is making sure these sessions translate into real appointments in local practices, not just paperwork.
Our villages face their own challenges. Bus routes have been pared back in places where people rely on them most.
Broadband speed varies wildly.
And while volunteers do remarkable work, whether it’s supporting older residents in Enham or keeping the village hall running in Hurstbourne Tarrant, they can’t carry the load alone.
I’ll focus on supporting those groups and pushing for the investment that lets rural life thrive rather than cope.
Andover itself is starting to see real movement.
Construction of the new theatre is the first visible sign of the regeneration project that’s been years in preparation.
It’s more than a building; it will draw people into the town, help our businesses, and give us something to be proud of.
I’m working closely with Councillor Phil North to keep it on time and on budget so the wider regeneration can follow.
My task for 2026 is simple: keep knocking on doors, keep pressing for the services you rely on, and keep making sure your voice is heard.
Here’s to a healthy and hopeful new year across NW Hampshire.
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