FEARS are growing that Andover Museum may close when Hampshire County Council opens its new Discovery Centres in the town.

Members of Andover History and Archaeology Society say that the opening of the very popular Discovery Centre in Gosport has resulted in the closure of the existing museum.

Society vice-chairman John Barrell said this week: "This has only added to the rumour that our museum may be closed in about four to five years time when a Discovery Centre is provided."

He points out that the museum provides one of the very few cultural outlets in Andover, and while its form and contents may alter, it is essential that it remains in being.

"Many individuals and organisations, including school parties, regularly visit the museum," Mr Barrell added.

"There has been a constant growth in the number of visitors each year, proving its popularity and necessity."

But a spokeswoman for Hampshire County Coun-cil said the Gosport museum building itself had not closed although it was true that much of its contents was now displayed elsewhere.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser.