"It's not our responsibility".

Written by Cllr Robin Hughes and published in Andover Advertiser on Fri 16th Nov 2007

Is it not about time that Testway Housing, Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council could agree which footpaths, roads, light columns, trees or areas of open space in Andover, particularly on the estates they are individually responsible for? A common frustration for local residents in reporting local problems to these organisations is the response of "It's not our responsibility". Well it's usually one of the above if it's to do with footpaths, roads, abandoned cars, light columns, trees, litter or areas of open space. Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Borough Council and Testway Housing all have maps of land in their ownership and one would not think it totally impossible for them to be able to get together and agree a definitive map. When Mrs A or Mr B report a problem they want that one phone call to get the problem resolved quickly and efficiently. They are not to bothered who gets the job done as long as it's done!