POET and artist Terry Boon is launching a campaign to improve arts facilities in Andover.

Terry, a true Cockney who moved to Andover 11 years ago, has not had an easy time of it.

He used to earn his living as a busker playing the guitar in London, Amsterdam and Paris, but those days are over.

Having fought and won a battle against heroin addiction, he still finds inspiration in his creativity. But, like many others in the town, he knows Andover is sadly lacking in top-class venues for the arts - whether it be visual or performing arts.

He helps out at the Dale Trust and believes that nearby premises - available to let - could be the ideal solution, with plenty of room for studios and workshops.

"I want the people of Andover to have more to do than go to the pub," he said. "There are enough pubs in the town for people to slowly get slaughtered - but that just leads to problems."

Terry hopes to get joint action from a variety of agents including Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Borough Council, the probation service, the police and Testway Housing.

And to promote his campaign he has written a poem - and below is a taster of his work:

"Entertainment? Expression? Is truly lacking.

"Someone up there - in charge, needs sacking.

"Though for my plans I'll need a lot of backing "To get my ideas up and running."