THE launch of a community lottery in Andover should bring thousands of pounds to good causes, that’s according to the town’s mayor.

Andover Town Council has begun discussions to create a lottery, with the aim of providing an extra boost to the community, but at a meeting of the authority on Friday last week the plan sparked criticism.

Karen Hamilton, speaking as a member of the board for Unity, said: “To take five to six thousand pounds right now out of the town council when out there publicly there is not a lot of support for the counci. You would be challenged about taking that money out.”

Mrs Hamilton added that due to Unity covering the whole of Test Valley she asked whether the initiative should be borough wide.

But mayor Councillor Richard Rowles, after discussions with Gatherwell, responded: “In our conversations with them what we have actually found is that it is not necessarily the size of area it is run over which determines its success. It is agreement from medium sized charities that market it to their supporters.

“Small towns that run this lottery do it very successfully.”

Cllr Rowles said that 10 per cent of the sale of tickets will be given to the council and it is expected to make a return on investment in 12 months.

Picket Twenty resident Adam Buckenham said: “Having spoken to 30 to 35 people down in Picket Twenty a lot of people are worried it will encourage gambling."

Cllr Rowles replied stating "it is a different sector of demographic that buy these tickets".

There was some support for the project but concerns on how it would work due to the current infighting.

Borough councillor and ambassador for Unity Iris Andersen said: “I would like to see the lottery work for the people of Andover and for the community of Andover, so I would Unity to be involved.”

And even deputy mayor Councillor Lauren Banville aired fears.

Speaking after the meeting, she said: "Without a doubt the charity and lottery idea is nice. However having observed over the last few months the behaviour of council and the lack of structure in place as I suspected there has been little dedication to operations within the town council over it seems the last nine years.

"All the ideas for projects and actions coming across are great but we need to concentrate our efforts on building a good solid foundation so for now and for the future so it directly benefits our residents everyday within the towns environment."

A motion to begin the lottery was due to take place but as the meeting was terminated after around two and half hours it was not voted on.