Plans to improve the look and access to the River Anton in Andover town centre could be completed as early as next spring according to Hampshire County Council

The authority says work on providing more convenient access, new crossing areas, new street furniture and better signage around the Town Mills Pocket Park area is expected to begin early next year.

The proposed improvements, which were developed as part of the new Andover Vision scheme, are also set to include better pathways between the train station and the town centre.

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for environment and transport, Councillor Rob Humby, said: “We’ve been working on proposals to make it easier and more attractive for people to walk along Town Mill and the park to the town centre.

“We are committed to working with Test Valley Borough Council colleagues to support the development and improvement of the town centre in Andover, and this is a further example to add to the investments we have made to improve the environment, and make it easier to get around which supports local businesses.”

The proposals, which were exclusively revealed in the Advertiser in April, make up part of the new Andover Vision document.

The project, which is being led by Test Valley Borough Council and supported by dozens of community groups, sets out a blueprint for improving the town over the next 20 years.

Those behind Vision hope to achieve five key aims during the life of the project, which ends in 2037.

These aims are - connecting the community, having a thriving town centre, supporting businesses, improving health and supporting the green environment.

Talking about the River Anton improvement project, which falls into the latter category, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “This part of Andover has fantastic potential and I’m really keen to improve and develop the area.

“Lots of residents have told us that they’d like to make the river a bigger feature in the town at the Andover Vision meetings.”

Ahead of the development, the proposals will be exhibited in Andover High Street on Saturday, July 22.

Residents will also be able to see the plans at the Four Fun Fridays events, due to be held in Andover throughout August.

Following the event the proposals will be made available to view at www.hants.gov.uk/transportschemes.

Councillor North added: “I’d like to encourage as many people as possible to share their feedback on the draft plans.

“I’ve been championing the idea of blocking the road adjacent to Wilkinson and creating a separate access to Town Mills car park from Western Avenue.

“This would allow us to improve the current scheme and create a fantastic urban park on the banks of the Anton.

“In order for us to achieve this everyone who has been telling us that improving that area is their priority needs to back it by ensuring they say so during the consultation.”