ANDOVER Labour Party has accused the ruling Tory administration on Test Valley Borough Council of failing to 'think big'.

Party secretary Martyn Wilson said Andover was often the neglected part of Test Valley.

"The feeling is that there is not enough provision for the young and not enough recreational and leisure opportunities.

"The Town Plan does not address these problems in detail." Chairman and twice general election candidate Michael Mumford said: "Andover is no longer a small market town and yet councillors cannot think big.

"This has been the case for more than 20 years of borough council rule by the Conservatives, with a brief interlude of Liberal Democrat power - which was no different."

The Labour Party believes that development in the town should not be resisted. The Party argues that more building, more industry and more housing must lead to a bigger and better town centre and better provision for those residential areas it claims has been 'written off by the present administration'.

"A real vision for Andover is needed and the present administration cannot provide it," said Mr Mumford.

"Conservative and Lib Dem councillors are too preoccupied with their own power struggle and petty squabbles.

"This town has been held back too long by vested interest and lack of vision. Conservative and Lib Dem councillors have failed Andover.

"The people of Andover should think carefully about what they want and turn out to vote Labour when it is our turn to choose the council in May 2003."