COUNCILLORS have voted not to hold monthly surgeries for members of the public to ask questions and share concerns.

At a meeting of Andover Town Council full council on Wednesday, August 10, Cllr Nicholas Asamoah put forward a motion which would see £2,000 allocated to hiring the Guildhall for councillors on one Saturday each month.

In addition, he proposed that the necessary resources be purchased to allow the council to have a presence at community events.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Rebecca Meyer

Cllr Asamoah said: "I feel as a town council we are not as visible as possible to the community. This is to encourage more people to join the council because I think it's really good to have a diverse group of people, but also to allow people to ask questions."

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However, concerns were raised regarding budget, resulting case work and whether individual councillors should organise such events themselves, particularly ahead of next year’s election. Therefore, the motion did not pass.

Speaking after the meeting, mayor of Andover Cllr David Coole said: “I was disappointed the council voted down this motion as it would have given the council a physical and approachable presence both in the town centre and at future events.

“It would have enabled members to engage with the residents of Andover and really get to understand the issues, concerns and aspirations they have. Members and the council would have been better placed to provide support for the issues that matter to residents.”