ANDOVER councillors lost the battle to stem what they see as a 'frightening' yob culture, when plans for a new town centre pub were approved.

Led by Cllrs Chris Lynn and Marion Kerley, northern Test Valley members moved against the council's own emerging policy in their bid to reject the £1 million pub in the current Bargain Box building.

And at planning control committee they were supported by the deputy manager of Mind - which backs onto the pub. Mr John Fairbanks said: "Twice we've had windows vandalised late at night causing £1,000 worth of repairs. Another pub will only exacerbate that."

Mrs Kerley said: "Our police already have to deal with yobs and the alcohol element at closing time."

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser