Firms Object To Plans For New Bumpkin

Plans to re-site the Country Bumpkin at Enham Arch have met with opposition from industrial firms near the site.
And there are worries about the development from residents in the area who fear a spread of vandalism.

Letters of objection to the plan, submitted by Anton Promotions, have gone to Test Valley Borough Council from AMF Legg, producers of tobacco manufacturing equipment, whose Newbury Road premises are next door to the proposed new Country Bumpkin, and Spembly Ltd, manufacturers of cryomedical equipment.

Security problems figure largely in the firms’ worries and for Spembly Mr Derek Tucker, general manager, said the company would be faced with increased costs for securing the building.
Vandalism had occurred in the past with the company facing increased costs for broken windows and damage to the property.
“We are somewhat apprehensive of the elements who seem to come in from outside although we do acknowledge that youngsters in the area need somewhere to go and it seems that Andover does not cater enough for youngsters to enjoy themselves,” he said.

At AMF Legg Mr Laurie Buckley, personnel director, said his company had been made aware of the application to convert neighbouring industrial premises into a nightclub and was “very concerned about it.”
A letter of objection had been sent to the borough council putting AMF Legg’s point of view.

There are also fears from some residents in the area of Enham Arch who fear a recurrence of the trouble that happened near the old Bumpkin in East Street.
A petition from residents around the burnt-out town site has been sent to the borough council opposing the re-building of the disco nightspot there.
Anton Promotions, which leased the old drill hall to promote evening entertainment in the town, now have several applications before the northern area planning committee.
The company has applied to change the old Jehovah’s Witness Hall at Enham Arch into an entertainment centre and also the adjacent joinery building for similar use.

The company has asked that the application fro the old meeting hall should be treated separately in case negotiations to buy the land or building on the joinery site fail.
There is also an application before the committee to construct a car park for the sites.
An officer of Test Valley council told the “Advertiser” it was unlikely that negotiations had reached the stage where the application could go ahead.
It was due to be deferred at last night’s meeting of the northern area planners.
The “Advertiser” was unable to contact members of Anton Promotions for their comments.

By Ann Shaw.

Andover Advertiser Friday, 15th January 1984

Special thanks to the archives of Lisa Fittall for the above article

25.03.2009. 08:18

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