Last night’s meeting of the Andover Town Council saw them backing the Town Centre Manager proposal and creating a committee to further investigate setting up a Heritage Steam Railway between Andover and Ludgershall.
The Town Centre Manager project will be a three-year one with the cost split between Andover Town Council, Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council which each party contributing £9,330 per year. If the project is successful it is hoped this will eventually be taken on by the shops.
The job would be for 20 hours a week with the money to be split between the TCM salary and marketing costs. Whilst there were some concerns raised, the plan was carried in the vote.
The Heritage Steam Railway proposal was to set up a steering committee to further investigate the project with regards to viability and possible grants available. Comments were made that the project – between Andover and Ludgershall – had the potential to be a major boost for both towns.
After explanations that the investigation would not involve any cost (bar possibly a few letters), the vote was carried unanimously.
A full report on the meeting is planned to appear in next Friday’s Andover Advertiser.
As there is already a Manager in the Chantry Centre why do we need another one, well a suppose it will create another job and they could always meet up to discuss things between them at one of the coffee shops
£28,000 for a 20 hour week??????? Where do I get an application form? Suppose it will already be decided who is getting the job?
ps LOVE the railway idea!!!!!
Well as we are into the winter months they can’t spend the money on the allotments, so they have to put it somewhere
Not having been privy to the debate, I’m not sure why a town centre manager is required, and what he/she will do. He/she will only have jurisdiction outside of the Chantry Centre, as the latter is owned by a property developer and has it’s own manager. I’m feeling rather sceptical about the idea. I think the proposal needs to be explained via the Andover Advertiser.
I am happy to do the role. And will give all my wages to Andover Neighbour Care.
We need more people like you Tony – you seem to care about the community.
Like others are conveying; the Manager requires some explanation as to role, jurisdiction and expected outcomes.
The rail idea sounds great. But then most new rail proposals do 😉
me too