Residents walking along Andover’s Weyhill Road now have new places to stop and rest after Andover Millway ward councillors listened to concerns about several ageing benches in the area.
Following requests from local residents, councillors Jim Neal and Zilliah Brooks took the issue forward and secured funding from Test Valley Borough Council’s Asset Management Programme to replace the run-down benches that were no longer meeting the needs of the community.
The new benches were installed in September and provide a welcome resting point for people travelling between their homes and Andover town centre. The benches are located along a well-used walking route and provide a welcome place to rest for residents, particularly those making the uphill journey home from Andover town centre. They are expected to be particularly beneficial for older residents and others who may need to pause during their journey.
Residents first contacted the councillors to highlight the condition of the existing benches and ask whether improvements could be made. After taking their concerns forward, the councillors worked with the council to secure funding and arrange the replacements.
Councillor Zilliah Brooks said: “We’re always keen to listen to local people and act on the issues they raise. Residents told us the existing benches were no longer fit for purpose, so we took that feedback forward. It’s fantastic to see the new benches in place and already providing a practical benefit for people living along Weyhill Road. Small improvements like this can have a big impact on people’s everyday lives.”
Councillor Jim Neal said: “This is a great example of what can be achieved when residents get in touch and tell us what matters to them. For many people, a bench might seem like a small thing, but for older residents and those with limited mobility it can make a real difference. These new benches will help people feel more confident about walking into town and staying connected to their community.”
This follows another successful community improvement delivered by the ward councillors last year, when they worked with residents to install a bench near East Portway. The bench has proved popular with local people and remains well used by those walking through the area.
The new benches on Weyhill Road continue the councillors’ commitment to responding to resident feedback and making small improvements that help people stay connected to their community and enjoy their local area.