The Platinum Jubilee weekend is upon us and it’s time to celebrate Her Majesty’s extraordinary achievement. Her life has been one of service in the truest sense of the word. To the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and to all of us. Which is why I’m looking forward to attending many of the events across Test Valley this weekend. I also think it’s incumbent on us to mark this moment with a longer-lasting reminder of Her Majesty’s incredible service. I’m, therefore, pleased to announce that Quarley based artist, Amy Goodman will make two ‘sister’ sculptures of The Queen. They will be placed in central locations in Romsey and Andover and will be unveiled in 2023. It’s my hope that generations to come will be able to enjoy these pieces of art and be reminded of this unique moment in British history.

In 2019, at the beginning of this Corporate Plan period, I announced I was on a mission – to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives in Test Valley. That mission centred around three themes. To regenerate our town centres, to give residents more opportunities to recycle and to enhance our green spaces and natural environment, boosting biodiversity and countering climate change. Since then, we have adopted masterplans for both Andover and Romsey with more to come. We’ve also been working flat out on waste and recycling. We will imminently be announcing plans to offer residents the chance to recycle glass, thin plastics (pots, tubs and trays) and Tetra Pak-style cartons in the same household recycling bin. As well as providing a weekly food waste service. After totting up the numbers, I’m also pleased to confirm that Test Valley planted over 19,000 trees during the 2021/22 planting season almost doubling the target we set ourselves. That’s 39 trees planted for each one we had to remove.

From 2023, we will be embarking on a new Corporate Plan. Please be assured that we’ll still be concentrating on the three missions as described above. However, there is an opportunity to shape new priorities – and I want you to have your say. Over the summer, councillors and council officers will be at various community events up and down the borough to speak to residents. So please come and say hello. Alternatively, the survey is available online at: www.testvalley.gov.uk/aboutyourcouncil/corporate-plan-2023-2027