ANDOVER needs to shake off its 'Squaddie town' image and improve its town centre environment if it is to thrive over the next 30 years, borough councillors have been told.

At a lengthy presentation given by five officials from the borough and county council and the police, councillors heard how changing trends and public preferences meant things had to change.

Town centre manager, Christine Cole, was forthright in identifying Andover's image problems.

"Andover has an image problem and we need to improve that image," she said.

"People still have a 'Squaddie' image of Andover as a place where people reel out of town at 11 pm."

Part of the problem, the officials said, was the town's entertainment was aimed at the 18 to 30 age group and they mostly wanted to drink.

"There are other people who would like to use the town centre if facilities were open to them - if there were nice restaurants for them.

"People will tend to use a country pub rather than use Andover which is a great shame for the town centre."

Inspector Andy Jennings from Andover police agreed the problems in the town centre were caused by the 18 to 30 age group who 'were interested in drinking'.

His officers faced particular problems when large numbers of people queued for fast food and taxis home.

Leisure officer, Ian McKie, said the town's population was due to rise by 10,000 over the next 10 years and getting the town centre right was an important pillar in maintaining the town's economic success. He suggested further pedestrianisation.

"I can see the plan extended to Bridge Street and London Street over the years," he said.

"How big is the town going to be? We need some kind of master plan so that it doesn't happen piecemeal."

To ensure success and to compete with neighbouring rival towns Andover had to offer more choice in terms of shops, a safe, clean and green environment and easy movement into and out of the town centre.