THERE'S no getting around it - 2021 thus far is not quite the new start and the return to life as we knew it that we had all hoped for.

After a pretty torrid 2020 that involved changing lockdown restrictions and long periods of not being able to do much of what we took for granted in life, 2021 so far has been characterised by the third national Covid lockdown.

We were just five days into the New Year when Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had "no choice" but to reintroduce strict restrictions.

And when you consider that Hampshire entered the old Tier 4 restrictions on Boxing Day, it means that most hospitality and shops in Andover haven't opened since Christmas Eve.

As a result of shops laying empty for so much of the last twelve months, the retail industry has taken a battering.

But whilst the bigger chains might be pulling out, Andover's independent quarter has been flourishing.

We've taken a look at some of Andover's empty retail units that need filling when life gets back to normal.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill & Peacocks

Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group (EWM), which also owns brands Peacocks and Jaegar, went under last year.

The highly regarded retailer eventually closed its doors earlier this month.

It occupies a prime spot on Andover's High Street, just a stone's throw from the Guildhall and should be snapped up, especially with an exciting new masterplan for Andover on its way.

TSB

Whilst TSB may still be open now, The Advertiser revealed last year that it will be closing in June 2021.

Three jobs are said to be under review, and customers will face a 17-mile trip to their next nearest branch in Romsey.

The building has been an important fixture in the town for years, serving as a bank for various companies.

But Andover is not the only Hampshire town to bear the brunt of TSB's high street branch cut, with the Basingstoke branch also going in recent months.

Sainsbury's

The most recent of the town's stores to close was Sainsbury's on Bridge Street.

The supermarket closed its doors for the last time on January 30.

It was one of up to 15 supermarkets, and 40 convenience stores, which were to be shut across the country.

The Advertiser confirmed that the Sainsbury’s store would be closing in September 2020, with a spokesperson for the supermarket saying that it was a “difficult decision”.

At the time, they told the Advertiser: “We are doing everything we can to find alternative roles within Sainsbury’s for those affected."

Sainsbury's has another store in Andover, near Enham Arch roundabout.