I don't agree with the government grant money being wasted on a new theatre.
Why the need to move it? The money needs to be spent on improving Andover's town centre, not building a theatre that won't recuperate the millions spent on it.
What a waste of £2m to knock down a building (Poundstretcher).
Andover has been looking poorly and downtrodden, which is why it gets critical reviews and is even listed in the top 20 worst towns to visit. It's such a shame because once upon a time, it was a thriving and pleasant town.
Unfortunately, it's not like that anymore and hasn't been for many years.
And why did the genuine people of Andover not get a say in how to spend the grant?
The theatre needs refurbishing, not a new theatre when there's already a decent one standing.
I was born in Andover and grew up in a small village a few miles from the town.
I used to look forward to catching the bus into town on a Saturday morning and meeting my school friend. There were so many great shops to explore.
We just enjoyed looking around, as we didn't have much money to spend. It was just fun having the time to wander around the town and see so many different shops. Woolworths, Shaws, Harvey's Sweet Shop, Adam's bicycles, Sperrings, Fosters, Carrs, Andover Advertiser in the high street, where we'd go look in the window of all the black and white photos that were printed in the paper.
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There was Dixons, Baxter's Butchers, the Co-op department store (where the bowling alley is now). I worked there on a Saturday while at college.
Even Union Street was busy, with the toy shop, pet shop, book shop, and camera shop. There were more shops, but I can't recall them all. The market stretched all along the High Street. It was always so busy, with friendly people, shopkeepers, etc.
I chatted with a shopkeeper last week, and they are concerned that their lease will increase again this financial year. If it does, they won't be able to afford to stay open, meaning another empty unit.
I walked along Bridge Street today, and it’s so untidy and messy, with empty buildings in disrepair. It looks embarrassing, in fact. It's not a great view or advertisement to welcome people to the town.
This is where the money should be spent on improving the town of Andover's appearance.
The photos of yesteryear that the Advertiser ran last week show how Andover once looked - great. I honestly can tell you that so many people I see around the town say the same thing.
Such a shame.
Patrick Carr
Appleshaw
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