ANDOVER Town Council has decided to send an official letter to Kit Malthouse following his re-election as the Member of Parliament for the North West Hampshire constituency.
The decision, aimed at raising the profile of Andover and outlining residents' expectations, was confirmed during a full council meeting held on Wednesday, July 10.
Mayor Heather Neate initiated the move in May, suggesting that councillors consider actions they wish to see in Andover over the coming year and propose them to the incoming MP.
During last week's meeting, Cllr Neate emphasised the importance of making the MP aware of the council’s activities and the priorities of Andover’s residents.
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“The MP will be and should be aware of what we do as Andover Town Council,” Cllr Neate said.
“But I want to raise our profile with the MP, setting out what we do, highlighting local and national priorities of our residents. And what I really want is for him to report back to us 100 days after the new government comes into power.”
Acknowledging that Mr Malthouse is now part of the opposition, Cllr Neate said this would change the nature of the letter.
“He is no longer in power to drive things. But we want him to be more visible and accessible. We want to see him not just at local events but championing Andover’s interests in the House of Commons.”
The council reviewed a draft list of proposals to include in the letter, which covers both local and national priorities.
Key local issues highlighted include the MP’s visibility and accessibility, water supply and sewage treatment, scaffolding on the high street, financing for local services, and the need for more green spaces.
National priorities include the protection of the Community Ownership Fund, effective sanctioning of poor behaviour by local councillors, regulation of residential estate companies, and ensuring the continuation of the Renters Reform Bill.
Cllr Luigi Gregori, who contested the election as a Liberal Democrat candidate against Mr Malthouse, suggested inviting the MP to discuss matters directly with the council.
“That was one of the things he got hammered for in the hustings,” Cllr Gregori said.
“I don’t know if there were security concerns. But I think that would be a good exercise for both us and also for him.”
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Cllr Stu Waue expressed that the MP’s position in opposition should not be seen as a drawback.
“Locally, he got all his buddies running in the county and borough councils. I would expand on your scaffolding issue and ask him to help our high street by consulting with Test Valley Borough Council.”
The council recommended that the town clerk draft the letter, review it with councillors via email, and issue the final version once agreed upon.
The letter will also be published on the council’s website.
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