THERE have been a lot of changes in the Andover Chantry Centre and the High Street and generally around the town since Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) decided to arrange to demolish properties once again and provide a larger Lights entertainment venue.

The town is gradually becoming a ghost town with shops closing on a regular  basis, and now to the shock of everyone, banks are closing their doors on the public, giving even less reasons for us to come to town!

The supermarkets within walking distance of the town, are providing more “get on and do it yourself “ ways within their premises and encouraging people to stay at home and have their goods delivered, and will no doubt soon be swallowed up by the larger out-of-town supermarkets, and disappear from the town centre because of lack of trade!

I hear once again the desperate cries of the BID asking the public to use the local shops, but not many are owned or run by locals now, meaning most eateries, barbers and coffee shops in the town.

The BID have quoted 300 small businesses in the town, perhaps we should be told who and where, as the BID certainly have enough room on a regular basis within this newspaper, to showcase these businesses!

I personally think it’s time for TVBC to have a re-think on The Lights, as most of the usage of their facilities will be in the evenings, when most shops are shut!

Given time, it’s probable that TVBC will be the only business left in the town!

So will the last person leaving Andover ghost town please turn out the lights to avoid any more fire hazards?

Ron Wood

Ashfield Road

Andover

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