More often than not, for the weeks that followed this decision – a decision made by the majority of voters – people who supported UKIP were dismissed simply as “racists” and people who stood against them, dismissed as “unpatriotic”.

I was left wondering how my views would be categorised. I’m neither racist nor am I anti-britain. I love Britain and I count myself lucky to be British. I take pride in our multi-cultural society and appreciate that a lot of our food, drinks and materials are imported. Tea is a prime example of this. Where would the British be without tea which was introduced to the UK from China?

Politics is a complex affair – as in life – nothing is ever just black and white. Reading UKIP’s general Manifestos, there are some points made I genuinely agree with. I do think that giving real decision-making to local communities is a good thing and that taxes should not continuously increase.

However, I do strongly believe that UKIP’s opposition to the EU and wish to leave it is dangerous. It may cost us money, but the economic, social, health and cultural benefits to the UK of EU membership are vast. They include:

• 3.5 million jobs linked, directly and indirectly, to EU Trade in the UK
• The EU Health Insurance Card entitles us to a certain standard of Health Care wherever in the EU we find ourselves unwell or injured, and
• UK Pensioners are able to receive their Pension wherever in the EU they may live.

UKIP Andover

Now, you’ve probably got to this point in the article and questioned what any of the above issues have to do with our community; I say everything.

While Tony Hooke’s letter proposing the resignation of Carr was founded upon reasons which demonstrated concern for the well-being of Andover and it’s residents, I worry about what a UKIP majority means for the future.

• I worry about what it means for young people today and the next generation.
• I worry about local independent businesses run by immigrants and how UKIP Councillors view them.
• I worry about the extent of extra policing UKIP proposes to enforce on our streets and whether this will cause young people to lose faith in their community through feelings of distrust.
• I worry about what costs may rise and what services may be cut in order to decrease taxes.
• Essentially, I worry whether the stereotypical and generic view of UKIP as racist and xenaphobic will be proven right.

And generally there’s always a part of me that is concerned for the well-being of EU residents and the potency of the popular narrow labels that force a divide in any debate.

United we Stand, Divided we fall

In divisive politics where the language used creates “us and them” we loose sight of our shared humanity and scrap amongst ourselves while decisions are made behind closed doors.

In an age where economic, social, and environmental challenges more clearly effect us all, shouldn’t local people say no to divide and rule politics and look for things we have in common with our neighbours, in spite of our differences? That way, we might raise our voices together – however diverse and varied they may be – to address the issues that effect us all.

But with a UKIP majority and in the face of UKIP rhetoric – is that really possible? What do you think?

Article by Sophie Porter

Sophie is a freelance writer and can be found on Twitter at @sophiewho1988 and at her Facebook writing page, www.facebook.com/Sophiewho

Editor Note:

We reserve the right to not publish comments if you use a made up name or email address. We say “No to Trolls”

What? It’s happening in Andover therefore it will be rubbish?

I’ve been guilty of thinking this myself. But what if everyone overcame their reservations and showed up?

What if the people of Andover persevered, and made a contribution towards making Andover the town they want to see? Isn’t that what Richard aka @AndoverUK has done with this site?

The Energy in Andover is Changing

Some people think it’s too late to save Andover. But some people think Andover is an opportunity; that the fact it’s sometimes lacking, gives us space to find solutions.

It only takes a moment (in a town full of conversations about what could or should be done) to realise that the energy, passion and a shared desire to take action is building momentum.

It will take effort and co-ordination to use it to best effect, for the benefit of the town but…

It’s happening in Andover and it’s your chance to be part of something good!

@AndoverUK (the twitter account) represents people’s desire to communicate via a local platform on local issues and stay connected and informed about what is going on in the town.

The success of the Twitter account has led to this website which gives a more permanent platform to the discussions and information sharing @AndoverUK and its 1,600 local followers take part in on Twitter every week.

In creating this site Richard has been the change he wanted to see – investing his time in a project for Andover because he cares about it. Websites is his thing. What’s your thing? Don’t give up on Andover and your part in it – get on board!

10 ways to Support Andover 

Pick your favourites:

1. Talk to people: show an interest in what people care about and are involved in locally, you’ll be amazed!

2. Support local events: businesses and organisations who are trying to make Andover a happening place need your support – help them make you proud!

3. Spread the word: if you know something is happening in Andover, talk about it, because that’s all this town has got; all that works is word-of-mouth.

4. Be positive – break the habit of doing Andover down.

5. Andover isn’t perfect: if something really isn’t working – try to fix it or find someone who can.

6. Stop making excuses and shop local whenever you can.

7. Stay in the loop with news from @AndoverUK and the Andover Town website.

8. Participate. Your local memberships, sports, volunteering, leisure activities, groups and classes, anything that keeps you active in the community gives you a connection to the local people and the place. So don’t do yourself down – every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference at a local level.

9. Make your mark – seize any opportunity to contribute to positive change in Andover.

10. Look to the future. Now it is time to dream a future, and make Andover a place you feel proud to be part of.

Feeling good about Andover? 

I bet I’m not the only one to have noticed a new energy and the sense that there is hope for Andover through the conversations and happenings taking place throughout the town.

If you’ve noticed it too (no matter how fleetingly) please tell us about it below.

#GetAndoverTalking

by Maija from Pixink

The winning cake was a comedy/tragedy mask cake made by Arts Officer Alex Hoare. The cakes were sold at the evening’s performance and raised £152 for Comic Relief.