THE development of community associations on each Andover estate could help counter some of the social problems in these areas, borough councillors have been told.

There is already a major initiative to develop a community centre near the site of the old 'Way Out Club'.

Although this proposal was driven by a need to look after the area's youth, interested adults have been recruited to form a community association, which it is hoped will be able to take on management of the building and develop activities within it.

In his Leisure Service Community Support Action Plan, head of leisure Ian McKie, said: "Other estates with high social needs would also benefit from the formation of community associations to develop local community groups.

"The formation of a community association in King Arthur's Way could pave the way for the community to take over the management of Blenheim Hall from the leisure service.

"Similarly a community association in Cricketers Way could take over Longmeadow Hall. This work could then expand to cover all the areas identified as suffering multiple deprivation."

But such ambitious plans require a great deal of work to generate interest and bring the different factions together, he added.

Mr McKie said his existing staff were already overstretched and his plan involved employment of a new community associations officer who would be funded jointly by Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council.