Andover residents on why they love living in the town

The poll run by reviewers for the site, iLiveHere surveyed over 150 British towns and listed Andover as one of the most depressing places to live.  

But locals say they’re fed up of their town being maligned, claiming there’s much to be proud of.

Val Burden, 76 and her husband Graham, 74, moved from London in the 70’s and say there’s lots to do in the town.

(Image: Caroline Simpson) Val said: "There’s something for everyone, there seems to be a genuine desire to put on events for all ages, it’s very inclusive.”

Friends Paula Hutchins and Marion Emmett regularly shop in the town centre.

Paula said: “I don’t like big towns, everything’s within walking distance in Andover."

Marion added: “It’s really handy and convenient to get around and the communications, whether it’s the rail airports or getting to other parts of the country, are excellent.”

Andy Gisby, 56 is the owner of Andover Framing and runs the company with his wife Sharon and daughter Laura, 26.  

Andy and Laura Gisby (Image: Caroline Simpson) He’s lived in Andover for 24 years, arriving in the town for a job in the IT sector: “For us it’s a safe town, particularly when the children were growing up. There are great schools, and it’s a good quality of life.

"Laura attended the John Hanson Community School and said: “I’ve recently moved back home from Southampton, Andover’s a peaceful town and there are some great pubs.”

Andover’s main shopping area, The Chantry was part of Andover’s redevelopment in the 1960s and student, Emma Short, 22, said it’s a central part of the town.

“I always head here for shopping” she said: “Basically I think Andover’s a great town, people do moan about shop closures, but that’s happening in every high street in the UK, Andover is no worse. I think the town has a good vibe.”

Someone, who’s determined to drive more business to the town is Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, Shelley Coburn.  

Shelley Coburn (Image: Caroline Simpson) The BID is dedicated to boosting Andover’s economic vitality and is managed by a board of local business owners and managers. Shelley has recently celebrated a successful ballot ensuring the BID’s work continues for another five years until March 2029.

A clear cheerleader for Andover, Shelley pointed out the town’s highlights: “Cheap parking is always attractive and Andover has lots of convenient car parks which are free after 4pm.”

Helena Tieman is the store manager at Card’s Direct and champions the town’s friendliness: “We have a lot of elderly customers and they love to come in here for a chat. They’re so full of inspiration.”

Her colleague Abby Marchant added: ”Andover is a unique town and it has a great history.”

Helena Tieman and Abby Marchant (Image: Caroline Simpson) In Georgian times, Andover was one of the most important coaching towns in southern England. Lying on the Trafalgar Way, the 271 mile route used by express post horses to deliver the momentous news of Vice Admiral Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar in 1805, a plaque commemorating the route can be found at the Guildhall.

Local historian and playwright, Roy Chatfield, 79 explains more: “Andover used to be a significant coach stop off point, we have some great inns and pubs in the centre that testify to this, such as the George and the Globe Inn on the High Street.

"There are many extraordinary tales associated with our town’s pubs, for example, the White Hart is supposedly haunted.” 

Mr Chatfield also highlighted St Mary’s church and said: “It’s one of the finest churches of its era in the country.” The nineteenth century Victorian gothic building is a focal point as visitors look up the High Street.  

The final word on the town’s appeal goes to Beth Behegan, 23, who works at coffee shop, Coffee No1: “The people are very friendly in Andover, it’s got some nice pubs and lots of events, I think it’s a great town.”