Local Council Efficiency

Businesses are cheering as the go-ahead has finally been given for ‘ugly’ scaffolding to be removed from Andover High Street, two years after it was erected.

Test Valley Borough Council and Andover BID manager, Shelley Coburn have been putting pressure on Entain, the owners of Ladbrokes to start structural repair works on the listed building, to stabilize and make the building safe.

A spokesperson from Test Valley Borough Council said: “We have been applying significant pressure to the parties responsible for the maintenance of the building and have been informed that plans to begin repairs are now mobilising. We have been advised that works are expected to begin at the end of November and will take around 16 weeks to complete."

So it won't actually come down until April 2025. They might as well leave it to celebrate its three year anniversary!

At least they are protecting the Andover populace from the horror of....PVC shop signs:

"We have provided various support to Andover Catfe, including a £1,200 independent retailer grant, and we will continue to help in any way we can. But we also have a duty to make sure that the sign on a listed building in the town centre conservation area is acceptable in planning terms.

In April, we granted planning consent for a new wooden sign. After careful consideration, we have refused the retrospective planning application for the foam PVC sign installed in its place. "

They do love to splash the ratepayer's cash:

A new dog care service has been awarded a council grant. Harley's Hounds, owned by Lucy Maryon, has received a Business Incentive Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.

The grant will help Lucy improve her dog walking and boarding services.

*sighs* 

H/T: Ian J via email