THE quality of life in Test Valley could be made better by improving the area's cultural opportunities, says a report to the borough council's executive.

Making improvements to the cultural life of the community is one of six priorities the council has set for itself.

While the council has been under attack from some quarters over its perceived lack of action over the cinema and theatre council officers have pointed to a number of gains over the past year.

These include the start made at 'The Depot' a youth complex funded in part by Sport England, a new community centre to serve the Pilgrims Way and River Way area, and £500,000 worth of grant aid to support voluntary groups.

Now the council plans to improve entertainment facilities in the towns, make more effective and flexible use of existing facilities and extend the range of cultural activities.

Key action planned in the next few months include making better use of and raising the profile of existing facilities such as the museum and Guildhall and organising a time ring festival in December.

Crucially the strategy also includes the words 'actively promoting and facilitating the provision of a cinema in Andover' and 'exploring options for developing the use of Cricklade Theatre'.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser