ANDOVER lacks access to cultural facilities and is at a disadvantage compared to other towns.

Public consultation carried out by Test Valley Borough Council for its cultural strategy found that while people's aspirations are rising and many enjoy rich cultural experiences, mostly they find them in other towns.

The consultation found Andover's lack of high quality shops was compounded by a lack of high quality arts and entertainment venues. The gap in provision means Test Valley artists often migrate from the borough to pursue professional standards and excellence elsewhere, the strategy reveals.

"This has a knock-on effect in the evening, when residents must also migrate to other towns," it adds.

In a bid to remedy the situation the council has prepared a list of strategic priorities. They include the need to improve the 'evening economy' of Andover with a range of better restaurants and choice of entertainment.

Also included is the need for a new arts and entertainment venue for the town which will include a cinema.

It sets December 2003 as a 'milestone' date for securing the funding and commitment to the scheme.

The strategy, entitled No Limits, includes a number of positive points about the area with its country traditions, strong voluntary sector, good supply of traditional pubs, quality of life and high quality countryside.

Cllr Caroline Nokes, the leisure and strategy portfolio holder, said: "The challenge is to take a fresh perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of cultural provision in Test Valley. We need to make tough decisions on how we are to provide more diversity, greater accessibility and how to best promote the numerous activities on offer."

Michael Johnson, acting leisure policy officer for the borough council, said: "The document is about trying to go towards improvements that can be made as well as celebrating the successes we have in Test Valley and recognising the individuality of Andover.

"There's a dream for many of an arts and entertainment venue in the town and this is all part of the bigger picture and trying to assess need and people's desires and wishes."