ANDOVER is to get a new 650-seat, four-screen cinema together with an ASDA supermarket in a £20 million deal. The new complex will be in Anton Mill and the cinema will be operated by Curzon Leisure.

The development is likely to generate about 500 new jobs. Test Valley Borough Council leader, Ian Carr said: "I am thrilled that I can announce this project, which will at last allow me to deliver on the pledge I made in 2001 to show films again in Andover.

"Since then, providing a new cinema for the town has been one of the council's priorities.

"The project we are announcing today will not only deliver this, but will also add a new dimension to the shopping facilities, providing a much-needed boost to this part of the town - that will be good for everyone."

Mr Kailash Suri, managing director of Curzon Cinemas, said: "I am confident that the new Curzon cinema in Andover will compete on even terms with the big multiplex cinemas in the area, so people will no longer need to travel to other towns for their film entertainment.

"Our customer service will be so much better, offering a real personal service to the community.

"Our philosophy is that cinemas should become the hub of the local community, offering cinema experience for all ages."

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser.