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Talking Point /
Talking Point - Prezzo Delay |
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| Talking Point - Prezzo Delay |
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Wednesday 16th December 2009 |
Test Valley Borough Council has started talking to other restaurants about using Andover's Guildhall.
They have confirmed that the deadline for Italian chain Prezzo to sign a deal has now passed and have opened it up for new bids.
They've also said that it will definitely not return to community use, despite calls from charities.
That's the message from the Leader of Test Valley, Councillor Ian Carr: "We have done everything to make this happen. Unfortunately Prezzo has still failed to sign the contract. In my view the Council has been more than reasonable in its approach. Other quality restaurant chains have indicated their interest and I am happy to open discussions with them.
"Let me be very clear - there is no question that the Andover's Lower Guildhall will not become a restaurant. The only question is who will run it. Times were financially difficult when we made this decision and they are far more challenging now.
"This is the only business model that makes any sense and we will be happy to talk to any business that has a high quality offering and can demonstrate commitment to Andover."
Charities and community groups had used the lower Guildhall before the decision to convert it was made.
Sarah Evans has been leading the campaign to reverse that decision and doesn't believe it has to put Test Valley out of pocket: "I think what is really breathtakingly arrogant is the council's suggestion that it is no way going back to community use - that's just a massive insult to the community in Andover.
"We have to remember that the council never had a budget for promoting the building so people didn't know that they could rent it out. I think these ideas need to be explored.
"At the moment it's empty and it's wasting loads of taxpayers money. We really hope that TVBC will start engaging with the community."
The news comes after Councillor Carr sent a warning to Prezzo on Andover Sound on 8th December. He said: "If anyone from Prezzo is out there, I might have said this before, but I'm getting fed up with it as leader, and I know our estates are. They're not doing themselves any good by mucking us around, so if they want to come, they'd better get up and do it very quickly."
You can continue to comment about this issue below. |
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Anon of Andover says: |
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13:56 on Wednesday 24th February 2010 |
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"So in hindsight, Manuela, you havent a scooby do on what youre waffling on about. Time to pick up more litter, luv. " |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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13:22 on Monday 18th January 2010 |
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"Agree with that Manuela although leaders are known to be able to push their views through (Mrs Thatcher for example). Ultimately it's not the person who had the idea but the group that let it go through...the councillors of TVBC." |
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Manuela of Andover says: |
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15:32 on Thursday 14th January 2010 |
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"President Barack Obama,
Gordon Brown MP Prime Minister of Great Britain
Her Royal Highness the Queen of England
Councillor Ian Carr
None of these people make decisions, entirely on their own.
Every single decision is thrashed out between advisors and experts and then finally someone stands up and says what has to be said.
In the western world which is mostly democratic … No one person, at any level in government, or indeed local government, ever gets an idea and just goes right ahead and does it.
Goodness! within your own household, you would be hard pushed, to make a decision without consulting your wife husband or partner.
" |
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Emma Jayne of Andover says: |
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22:59 on Sunday 10th January 2010 |
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"Make Andover Guildhall a Music Venue ;]" |
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Jamie of Medievil Andover says: |
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16:41 on Thursday 7th January 2010 |
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"yeah turn it into a prezzo. Nuff said" |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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15:48 on Thursday 7th January 2010 |
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"@Ian Carr - if indeed you really are that Ian Carr. I think if you are the real Ian Carr then maybe you should pay attention to WHAT people are saying rather than WHO is saying it. After all YOU get paid BY US for letting us know your views." |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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15:42 on Thursday 7th January 2010 |
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"@Manuela I'm not sure where that was a new idea as that was the point of "selling off" the Lower Guildhall to Prezzo's. This was Mr Carr's idea, however a couple of things I would point out to you: (1) there is no money coming in from Prezzo's as they aren't there, so whatever plan was put in place looks to have been ill concieved. (2) Regards "the fortune" it was costing, I am wary the figures were "massaged" to start with as I think it wa found some of the money due from TVBC wasn't accounted for. As a final point, had TVBC promoted it properly and allowed people to easily book it then it may well have been more profitable WITHOUT "selling it off". My personal opinion is that TVBC decided what to do then built the case round it. Maybe there should be an independant review to find out what REALLY happened." |
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Manuela of Andover says: |
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19:10 on Wednesday 30th December 2009 |
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"I would like to put forward a suggestion/thought, for consideration.
It has always been my understanding that the Guildhall cost a small fortune to maintain every year. I would have thought that any revenue that can be harnessed by letting out the lower part, can only but help us in the long run. Surely if money was coming into the council coffers from this, it would mean that those that then use the upper Guildhall would find it less costly?
" |
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David of Andover says: |
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22:59 on Monday 28th December 2009 |
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"None of us are particularly afraid of being identified for holding views about what happens in our town but the convention of these forums generally seems to be first names only. Flippancy may creep in now and again but a degree of anonymity does at least encourage the airing of diverse viewpoints. Your position is different. You have sought a public platform by standing for election on the basis of views and beliefs that you hold, and as the leader of Test Valley Council, you draw a salary which is largely derived from council tax payers. As a public servant you should expect to be scrutinised for policies and decisions that you implement and of course there will always be a body of opinion that disagrees with you. Maybe if any of us thought you would take the slightest notice of views expressed here that are at variance with your own (especially over the Guildhall which this particular forum is concerned with) the level of debate might rise. As it is, most of us are just letting off steam without neccesarily wanting to get up on a public soapbox in the middle of the park. " |
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Derek Kotz of Artists' Way says: |
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21:50 on Monday 28th December 2009 |
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"Er, how about keeping to the issue Ian? Even the very few people who support TVBC's costly anti-community stance over the Guildhall on this thread "hide behind first names or pseudonyms". Try answering the criticisms. " |
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Ian Carr of Charlton says: |
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17:21 on Monday 28th December 2009 |
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"Well, David of Andover, at least the residents know who I am, where I live, what my views are and what I stand for and that, unlike you and several others, I don't make comments about people while hiding behind first names or pseudonyms. What are you afraid of?? " |
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Bill of Andover says: |
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09:39 on Sunday 27th December 2009 |
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"Posted this once and it vanished....
Robin the only taxis you pay in this district are the minicabs in and out from Ludgershall." |
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David of Andover says: |
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22:34 on Tuesday 22nd December 2009 |
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"A lot of comments come back to the idea that Ian Carr should be voted out at the next election but the only people who can do this are those he represents - namely the voters of Charlton. And, despite everybody else longing to see him gone, for the Charlton electors it is obviously an advantage to have as their ward councillor, the leader of Test Valley Borough Council. So don't be surprised to see him re-elected by them in 2011. He would more likely be removed if another councillor on TVBC stood against him as leader, an election I believe happens every year - or at least would be if there was an opposing candidate. But does anybody else want the job? " |
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Robin Toates of Luggershall says: |
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09:23 on Monday 21st December 2009 |
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"I wish they wuld hurrie the hell up wiv prezo ! i lick ther food nd Andover neds it. we dont wnt no empty giuld hall wher im waystin my taxis ! I wnt them 2 hurrie up nd get prezo hear. sik of seeing an empty guild hall." |
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Ian Hindsight of Andover says: |
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21:43 on Saturday 19th December 2009 |
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"I know there are a few that will disagree with me but I for one have had my fill of the decisions made on my behalf by the councillors of Test Valley Borough Council as these are now costing us money. Reading all the posts and articles elsewhere (covering things like the Guidhall and the Bandstand etc) it looks like certain members are a long way overdue to be replaced in their seats next election. Hopefully others will remember what has been done in their name by the likes of Councillor Ian Carr and the rest of the TVBC and vote accordingly come that election." |
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Derek of Artists' Way says: |
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16:48 on Friday 18th December 2009 |
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"It's really good that people are once more debating the future of the Guildhall as a community resource, and that Ian Carr's arrogance in declaring that the Lower Guildhall will never return to community use has been so roundly condemned. Not such good news is Len Gates' misplaced attack on the very people who have kept up a non-party united opposition to this vandalism for so long. For those who haven't yet seen it, Len says that Save The Andover Guildhall and Sarah Evans are MORE irresponsible than Carr for allegedly suggesting that the Guildhall should be handed either to STAG or the new town council. Neither is true, as STAG has consistently said that Andover's community groups and charities should be engaged with to find the best way to manage the Guildhall in the interests of the town. Neither has the campaign or Sarah suggested that the Guildhall should simply be handed over to the town council, but rather that it has the right to be involved in sorting out the solution. Of course, if the town council did decide it wanted a direct hand in running it, there's no reason why it shouldn't -- but that is a matter for the town council to decide and Sarah has never claimed to speak on its behalf. Suggesting that a town's council should have a say in the fate of its symbolic building is certainly not irresponsible, but launching an unwarranted attack on the campaign dedicated to saving it as a truly public building most certainly is.
One final thing, Vince is simply incorrect to assert that the Lib Dem group called in the original decision to seek commercial users for the lowerr Guildhall. Ask Len!
Attacking STAG and attempting to undermine the opposition to leasing out the Guildhall will only help Carr and his cronies to achieve it. My old dad always told me that if you sit on the fence you'll get a spike up your gluteus maximus" |
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Peter of Andover says: |
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14:09 on Friday 18th December 2009 |
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"Sylvia and Alan, I feel that you are on the wrong track regarding the Lib/Dems they do try to get things done in the interest of the people of Andover howerver, at the meetings they ( in my opinion ) get pushed aside by the local maffia and yes Alan these sort of tactics should be brought to heel. and the people of Andover should know about it." |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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12:56 on Friday 18th December 2009 |
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"In that case Vince the public should be made more aware of what goes on. If the Tories have been resorting to childish behaviour then it needs reporting. If they are stopping debate then they should be disgusted and we should be made aware so we can get rid of them and get someone in that will treat the posts with respect. Congratulations to Mr Gates in today's Andover Advertiser in telling us just how much Mr Carr's ideas are costing us." |
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Vince of Andover says: |
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07:19 on Friday 18th December 2009 |
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"Alan & Sylvia, i dont know where you have been, but at the public meeting in the Guildhall and at the planning meeting and full council meetings the Lib Dem's questioned this, opposed this and voted against it, it was called in by them and even while they tried to debate it, while the chairman continually interupted them and other tories sent them lollipops. The do fight hard for the people of Andover, but only the Tories come out at election time." |
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claire rose of andover says: |
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17:35 on Thursday 17th December 2009 |
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"i think it's a disgrace that the guildhall is to be tured into a resturant at all! it's meant to be for the people of andover, not just those lucky enough to be able to afford an expensive meal out or who like a particular type of food! if prezzo wanted an historic building i'm sure they would have been made very welcome by the residents of andover if they had used the old portman building society.
as others have said, objecting to this isn't about living in the dark ages. in this climate most businesses would be welcome in our many empty retails outlets. the point is that this building is for the people and is invaluable in helping many worthy causes." |
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Sylvia of andover says: |
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15:25 on Thursday 17th December 2009 |
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"and why didn't the Lib Dems call in the decisions to lease the guildhall and the decision to lease the guildhall to prezzo - did they not think it was worthwhile?
Make a lot of noise but no action as far as I can see - looks like they can't decide what side of the fence to sit on - shame cause Andover needs people to oppose all these bad decisions " |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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14:45 on Thursday 17th December 2009 |
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"The problem for me Vince is that the Lib Dems don't appear to be doing anything. If the figure is £200k then these figures should be released to the public so that we know what Mr Carr's HINDSIGHT has cost us as it looks like someone didn't get Prezzo to sign on a decent dotted line!" |
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Vince of Andover says: |
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10:47 on Thursday 17th December 2009 |
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"Alan, think the news on the 13th dec on this website says what Cllr Gates and the Lib Dem's are doing about it. We all need to get behind them on this, resturants can go anywhere, charities need to have the Guildhall, as there they are high profile and get that little bit extra they need to carry on their good work" |
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Vince of Andover says: |
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10:36 on Thursday 17th December 2009 |
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"Once gain the arrogance of Cllr Carr rears it ugly head, your front page comment of him saying that the Guildhall is never going back to community use shows that he neither listens to or cares about what the people of Andover want.
How much more is this fiasco going to cost us the tax payer, or will he be telling us next time the figures are revealed that “HINDSIGHT†is a wonderful thing.
Wake now Cllr Carr ! admit you have stuffed up big time to the tune of £200,000 and then give the Guildhall back to who it really belongs to the people of Andover, that place you don’t live in, but think you own.
" |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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18:23 on Wednesday 16th December 2009 |
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"Just a thought, but what the heck are the Lib Dem's doing about all this? No comments from Mr Gates and co? Is it any wonder we have Carr's CONservatives running the show thinking they can do as they want, because they appear to have no opposition! And some people wondered why it was felt a Town Council was needed - it was because we appear to have NOBODY representing us!!" |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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18:15 on Wednesday 16th December 2009 |
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"Surely at the moment the ideal should be to get some revenue from the place? So are we now going to pay for Ian Carr arrogance over this issue? It appears Andover has it's own Gordon Brown." |
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Mr Angry of Andover says: |
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16:26 on Wednesday 16th December 2009 |
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"I thought these clowns were supposed to represent the people! only a fool makes the same mistake twice! I shall make sure I vote Mr Carr & the Conservative out.
I am waiting for the Lights financial fiasco to come out of the woodwork. How much is it being subsidised by the Council " |
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lisa of barlows lane andover says: |
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13:27 on Wednesday 16th December 2009 |
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"has mr carr completely lost the plot? why can he not just listen to the people of andover , a beautiful place like the guildhall was built as a meeting place not some high quality restaurant. perhaps its time mr carr retired !!! hes not doing himself any favours ,give someone else a chance . think he walks round with blinkers on eyes and ear plugs in his ears" |
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Peter of Andover says: |
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13:17 on Wednesday 16th December 2009 |
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"Well pointed out Janet, this is indeed an issue that Mr Carr has obviously over looked ( as usual ) and further where will the market stall holders go that use the area in front and around the Guildhall " |
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Janet of Andover says: |
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12:25 on Wednesday 16th December 2009 |
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"I can't see how ANY restaurant is going to survive in the Guildhall!
There's no parking close by, and who wants to use the alleyways to the High Street in the dark at night.
Don't restaurants also generate quite a lot of waste including food waste? Where will that be stored - the Guildhall has no off-street storage for bins? And I assume that Councillor Carr is happy that the rat population will have field day, with an extra food supply right in the middle of the High Street. " |
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Peter of Andover says: |
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10:46 on Wednesday 16th December 2009 |
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"Mr Carr stated on Andoversound that the time was up for Prezzo and that it would now be open for discussions with their competitors who ever they are,surley he must know who they are? or is the man a complete idiot." |
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Bill of Andover says: |
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08:30 on Wednesday 16th December 2009 |
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"I agree with David and Derek and others in this thread. The number of times our so called elected representatives have ignored the people who voted for them is breathtaking. It's a shame we cannot impeach the lot of them for their arrogance and bad management of the area. I've said this often - remember this come the elections Andover and vote the arrogant "we couldn't care what the electorate want" councillors onto the s[censored]heap where they belong." |
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Lol of Andover says: |
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12:56 on Monday 14th December 2009 |
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"You'd pay people to write this sort of material!
Did'nt TVBC have an agreement with Prezzo's before they kicked out all the community groups and re-house them at our expense!
Any agreement would have Terms & Conditions! Surely Mr Carr you must have some sort of legal agreement a lease! to fall back on.
And if he has other waiting in the wings give Presso's an ultimatum and try and rescue the situation.
I think I might write to TVBC under the freedom of information act and see what agreement is in place.
A deal not a deal until you get paid!
" |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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15:40 on Sunday 13th December 2009 |
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"Unfortunately David, that appears to be Mr Carr all over!" |
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David of Andover says: |
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11:46 on Saturday 12th December 2009 |
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"The latest remark from the Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Ian Carr: 'It's never going back for community use, and that's for sure.' What dreadful arrogance! The only thing that is 'for sure' is that Cllr Carr will not occupy his present position forever and it is to be hoped that somebody who is more responsive to the views and wishes of local electors may take his place. It is not his Guildhall, it is ours. It was built by the people of Andover as a symbol of the pride they had for their town - and let's face it, give or take the odd grant, it has been maintained ever since by the revenue that council tax payers contribute each year to the local budget. Where is that pride now? We should all bow our heads in shame as we pass Andover's once proud Guildhall in the near future and see the flotsam and jetsam of an Italian restaurant plastered all over it. Balance of budgets is a laudable aim but not everything should be up for sale and the Guildhall should be kept sancrosanct. " |
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Derek of Artists' Way says: |
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20:34 on Friday 11th December 2009 |
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"Yes, the Guildhall was underused -- hardly suprising when Test Valley Council's budget for promoting it was a big fat zero. Yes, we could do with more restaurants in Andover -- but there are any number of empty properties already, and there will be even more with the new Travel Lodge development -- so there is no reason to deprive Andover's Charities, comnmunity groups and citizens of their traditional meeting place. Carlosky might never have been in there, but thousands of others did -- to raise money for good causes, to play and listen to music or to meet and discuss. When Ian Carr says there are others waiting in the wings he is ignoring his council's own process, and his comment about the Guildhall never returning to community use is breathtaking in its arrogance and small-mindedness." |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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19:25 on Friday 11th December 2009 |
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"According to our wonderful leader if the Guildhall doesn't go to Prezzo's then it will be someone else waiting in the wings. Oh yes, and it will never be given back to the community. Try the front page of the Andover Advertiser...that's it, right at the bottom of the article." |
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RS of Andover says: |
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15:12 on Friday 11th December 2009 |
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"I think it's about time we had another restaurant in Andover other than chinese or indian ones (nice as they are, but there are a lot!). It just makes me laugh that Mr Carr has to say things like 'If anyone out there from Prezzos is listening...' surely he could just ring them up from their application and ask what's happening, rather than trying to sound so 'for the people' of Andover. The Guildhall has been vastly under used up until now, so this might give it a new lease of life. Why the council have agreed to Poundland having a huge unit like Woolworths is beyond me - how is that going to improve the town???" |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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13:03 on Thursday 10th December 2009 |
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"Robin it's nice to know that Prezzo is so tasty you like to lick them - a good advert I guess :) I do agree with Carlosky that something needed to be done with the Guildhall but what about refurbishing it and letting people know it can be hired out? I think the original focus of renting it out by Mr Carr was to save money. I'm not sure it's doing that at the moment - maybe with hindsight they should have drawn up a better legal case with Prezzo's?" |
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Carlosky of Andover says: |
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11:34 on Thursday 10th December 2009 |
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"Interesting to see the defence of the guildhall is so passionate on this website. I support the Prezzo venture as I believe that it would give the guildhall a better look and refurbishment. It would be a nice centre of town with an almost european feel to it (don't laugh!)
I am not sure that we need it back to its previous community use. I never went in there - ever. The only way I would enter into tha building for community use was if it were spruced up and used as either a museum or art gallery." |
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jb of Andover says: |
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22:18 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"The guildhall made an excellent venue for the young of Andover to perform in.Not only the groups that I have worked with, but groups before us.from it's beginnings the guildhall was used for music and dancing and was enjoyed by many.It's simply ignorance or cynicism that can only see this great building as either a jumble sale venue or restaurant.The guildhall was loved." |
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Derek of Artists' Way says: |
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20:14 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Rob is clearly upset, but if he calmed down a bit he might realise he is tilting at windmills. I don't think anyone has said they don't want an Italian restaurant in Andover -- and sadly there are plenty of empty buildings in town that would be ideal for Prezzo's or any other chain.
The objection is that the decision deprived Andover of its central meeting place -- of its village hall. And, as Rob himself points out, a petition of more than 6,000 people was ignored in the process. Just about every other town and village in the borough has such a facility, so what's all the nonsense about living in the 1950s? I'm not sure what Debenhams has got to do with anything, but if they did want to set up shop in Andover I wouldn't want them in the Guidlhall either. It's a simple one really, Rob: let's have a thriving town centre, including places to have a good meal and even a department store, but let's also have our historic Guildhall used for the purpose for which it was intended.
" |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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19:58 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Not really sure what point you are trying to make there Rob. So 6,000 people didn't want a Prezzo means that 46,000 did? Mmmm not sure that's how it works you know. If that's the case, how about the 46,000 paying for the losses the Guildhall now seems to be incurring. Hey, you wanted it, you pay for it!" |
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Peter of Andover says: |
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19:16 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Well said Jenny, however Rob has his own opion,even if he is blind to what goes on behind closed doors." |
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Jenny of Roman Way says: |
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19:03 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Hey Rob, if your going to ridicule people for their beliefs then you need to get back in your pram and stop throwing your toys out, this is a decent forum where everyone has their own thoughts on the subject, please don't spoil it by being obnoxious and rude." |
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Rob of Andover says: |
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17:31 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Here we go again! The Cllr Carr slagging off committee! I for one applaud Cllr Carr and Test Valley for trying to bring something new to Andover, rather than being stuck in the 1950's. Oh, and 'hand the Guildhall back to the people of Andover'? Do you mean the 6000 people who signed the petition or the twenty or so people who used the shabby underused building occasionally. What about the other 46,000 or so people in Andover who would like to spend money in the town rather than travel to Salisbury, Winchester or Basingstoke for the evening. What do you people want, oh yes I forgot, the Utopia that is Debenhams! I bet if they announced they were going to fit a Debenhams in the Guildhall all the objections would be dropped! Come on Prezzo, don't let a handful of moaners put you off. Unfortunately it's always the moaners that shout loadest, there are plenty of people in Andover who will welcome a restaurant in the Guildhall, Prezzo or whoever." |
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Jenny of Roman Way says: |
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17:03 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"I hope Prezzo or any other restaurant never move into the Guildhall. The Guildhall should be given back to the people of Andover, the amount of people that were evicted from the building when the decision to make it into a restaurant was made is ludicrous. I personally know of no other town where there is a restaurant in the Guildhall, I think the whole idea is ridiculous!!" |
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Sarah of Andover says: |
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17:02 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Carlosky, I am sure the pizza restaurant would be most welcome in the town if they added to it rather than took away a well loved community facility. There are plenty of lovely buildings in the town -including Ford Cottage which no one seems to want or the old bank which is now another betting shop. Let's keep our Guildhall for community use!" |
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Against this Development of Andover says: |
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16:59 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"I think after this; and many other cockups in the past, Cll Carr should hand in his resignation.
He could go back to selling bikes." |
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Carlosky of Andover says: |
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16:49 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"I hope that Prezzos do come and build the restaurant. The plans looked amazing and it will give a nice focal point in the centre of town." |
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anon of andover says: |
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16:44 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"I think it is terrible thinking about putting a restaurant in there creating a steamy and dampness that could settle in there. Ruining that lovely building, leave it has it is for jumble sales, other things that happen in there. " |
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Kevin of Penton Mewsey says: |
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16:34 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Yet again Mr Carr has wasted our money on his folly in to doing what he wants rather than what the people of Andover want.
It is time for change….put the lower Guildhall back to its original use and in future Mr Carr; listen to the voice of Andover!!!
" |
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Dave of Queens Ave says: |
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14:57 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"These things just dont seem to be done for the people of Andover, I wander what other reasons there are for pushing through a restaurant that no one wanted in a building that no one wanted to lose? I fear that checks and balances might come a tad late for Andover and its Guild hall!
Although if Prezzo decides not to grace our town I think they could hire out the Guild hall to Mr Steve Randell for his toast restaurant!" |
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Derek of Artists' Way says: |
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14:30 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"TVBC seems to be reaping the whirlwind after a decision that was as ill-conceived as it was deeply unpopular. If Mr Carr feels that Prezzo have let him down he only has himself and his fellow councillors to blame. Time now to do the decent thing and start talking to the community groups, charities and other concerned folk in Andover to put together a community-based set up to make the Guildhall the social focal point it should be.
Time also that we were told how much of our money has been wasted on the all-but-useless Rendezvous, how much revenue has already been lost from the Guildhall and how much more will be lost if TVBC doesn't pull the plug on Prezzo and give us our Guildhall back." |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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13:32 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Mr Wedge makes a good point, as does Sarah Evans. The bidding process only had 2 options didn't it? Prezzo or STAG. If that's the case, who are these new ones Mr Carr's referring to and is he saying now that they will be given the Guildhall before STAG? I think an independant enquiry is sounding an even better idea especially with our money being lost." |
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Peter of Andover says: |
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13:15 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Sarah J You must never give up hope,the day will come when the wind will change,you have to look to the future. And you and many people like you have the power to to make a difference.There are people in Andover who will listen, but you must let them hear you." |
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sarah-j of Andover says: |
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12:55 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"why will the council, Never listen to what the people of andover wants. We say what we want and it just gets over looked, there is just no point anymore!!! I suppose if it involves money maybe!" |
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New Councill for Andover of Andover says: |
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11:53 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"That is what this councill is all about, wasting time and money,( only because it isen't their money to spend )It is time for Mr Carr and his puppets to leave.Roll on 2011." |
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Sarah Evans of Andover says: |
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10:37 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"The council's own consultation panel excluded every other bidder except Save the Andover Guildhall's submission to set up a community org to run the Guildhall so how on earth can TVBC be suggesting there are other restaurants waiting in the wings, because all of the other options were excluded by the councils own panel.
TVBC should now sit round the table with the only other bidder, STAG and end this farce - a farce that is wasting tax payers money and depriving community groups of an important meeting place." |
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Alan Resident of Andover says: |
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10:21 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Well well well, it sounds like Mr Carr is getting in a bit of a panic. Maybe with HINDSIGHT Prezzo's have decided Andover is not the place for their restaurant? It will also be interesting to see the 'quality restaurants' waiting in the wings (the ones that will be overlooking the front of the Poundstretcher shop). I'd also like to see a full independant review of the initial decision and the real cost to us the taxpayer of this as I believe we weren't told the whole truth to start with. Maybe it's also about time the other councillors started thinking about the elections in 2011..." |
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Sarah of Andover says: |
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10:08 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Time for Cllr Carr to start listening to the community and returning the Guildhall to the people. It's shameful that it was taken away from Andoverians in the first place and even more shameful that they have allowed it to stay empty and have wasted so much tax payers money in carrying on with this ill-thought-out plan.
Let's hope the ruling group at TVBC see sense and let the new Town council to be take charge of the building and run it as successfully as Romsey TC does its town hall." |
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lisa of barlows lane andover says: |
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09:55 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"i totally agree with the comments made so far. it should of never been allowed in the first place. it is an historic building of andover and for the communtity of andover not a pizza resaurant !! mr carr should really start listening to the people of andover cause he seems incapable of making the right decision himself. prezzo take as long as you like even better dont bother coming andover doesnt want you or need you " |
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Against this Development of Andover says: |
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09:20 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"I am pleased for the dely. And when the Parish Council is set up, they will be the voice of the people who will say NO to this sort of planning.
And as for mucking Mr Carr about, well it makes a change as he has been doing the same to the people of Andover for years.Could this be yet another nail in the coffin for Mr Carr." |
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Janis Sadler of Mylen Road says: |
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07:28 on Tuesday 8th December 2009 |
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"Personally I am delighted it is taking so long, hope it never happens. Keep the Guildhall as a facility for the citizens of Andover. Romsey has more than enough community halls and Andover has nothing but the woefully inadequate thing created in a disused shop after Mr Carr decided we needed a Prezzo.
I don’t think he thought through the waste disposal from a restaurant properly. I despair to see even more wheelie bins in the High Street. And what will happen to all that waste if local yobs decide to redistribute it overnight?
I fear that the head of Leisure who demolished the bandstand will decide that as we are not using the Guildhall that maybe that should go as well.
Part of the Woolworth's site would have been ideal, or maybe TVBC could have persuaded Bradbeers, Romsey's department store to open there, but no! now I believe Poundstretchers are coming. So much for the vision of an improved Andover.
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