ANDOVER residents living near to the Anton Arms Pub in Salisbury Road were left confused after receiving letters saying planning permission for eight flats in the car park might result in the pub's closure.

The comments were printed on the back of a standard Test Valley Borough Council 'notice of application' letter.

Ted Westwood who lives in Millway Road received one of the letters. "The letter from the council looked quite normal, but the wording on the back was not the sort that Test Valley Borough Council would use," he said.

Other comments on the back included concern over the future lack of car park spaces and the consequent noise late at night.

The removal of the recycling facilities was another concern as well as the possibility of the land used for community housing.

But this week Test Valley Borough Council cleared up the mystery. "In line with its normal procedure, the council has notified neighbours by letter of a planning application for a block of eight flats and a detached house at the Anton Arms.

"The council has since become aware that residents in the area have received a copy of this letter, and that comments on the application proposals have been added to the reverse. The copy has not been sent by the council, which is in the process of considering the application and has not issued any views on the proposals."

Comments on the application should be sent to the council offices at Beech Hurst in Weyhill Road by 25 August.