It is April 12 which means shops, hairdressers and pubs can reopen to the public in Andover as part of the government's lockdown easing roadmap.

Andover High Street is bustling with chatter and laughter once again as shoppers have descended on the town as lockdown lifts.

Phonelines to most of the hair salons and beauty therapists in Andover have been jammed as customers rushed to book hair appointments since this morning (Monday).

THESE are the rules beer gardens will have to follow as hundreds prepare to reopen for outdoor food and drink from today.

Dear Reader,

As Covid has hit the economy over the past year, one of the industries that had born the brunt of its impact the most is hospitality.

Of all the businesses in Andover, the most hotly anticipated for today’s (April 12) reopening were those for personal care, whether that’s grooming, nail care, or, as for many of us, trimming our lockdown hair.

Shops in Andover are looking forward to a “promising” future as non-essential retail reopens today (April 12).

As businesses across Andover reopen all over town today (April 12), they’re also being joined by the charity sector, many of whom have seen their incomes hit.

THE A303 is closed in both directions after a "serious" crash

The law change could be coming into place to maximise safety of journeys of disabled and visually impaired pedestrians.

POLICE have confirmed that the man arrested after a car hit a wall near Hurstbourne Tarrant on Saturday has now been charged.

ANDOVER is set to take the biggest step yet in opening up from tomorrow (April 12).

WHILE some of us may be queuing for high street shops, and other desperate for a haircut, bookworms in Andover will be pleased to know that libraries can also open from tomorrow (Monday, May 12).

This watercolour, held by Andover library, is the only known period view that survives of the Andover canal.

A LEADING car marketplace has offered top tips for residents in Test Valley following recent spikes in catalytic converter thefts.

This week, I received a video message from the singer Matt Cardle, the former winner of The X Factor. Matt wanted to drop me a line to thank me for helping encouraging a friend of mine to finish their book. The friend had done so, and gone on to g...

Concerns have been raised over students’ mental health during a discussion by education leaders from across North Hampshire.

The most expensive dog breeds of 2021 have been revealed - is your dog on the list?

Whilst the end of terrace house is requiring modernisation, it could be the perfect home for first time buyers who want to take on a project.

A MAN has been arrested after a vehicle hit a wall in Hurstbourne Tarrant this morning (Saturday, April 10).

Harassment trial

Councillors have voted against a motion aimed at attracting Hong Kong residents to Test Valley.

Philip died peacefully in his sleep at Windsor Castle on Friday, two months before his 100th birthday.

Here is the forecast for Andover for the weekend of April 9 and 10 2021

There are seven places in Andover and nearby areas that have more than three Covid cases, latest figures show.

Courts across the county have given out hefty prison sentences for all manner of crimes last month.

These spots are guaranteed to be covered in a carpet of purple this spring

While everyone’s been at home more, we’ve all been using more water – your bill may have gone up as a result.

Leaders from across Andover have expressed their condolences following the passing of Prince Philip at the age of 99.

Hampshire County Council has reused a condolence first issued in 2019 accidentally for Prince Philip.

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, has died at the age of 99.

The news of his death was announced on Friday on behalf of the Queen.

AN ELDERLY woman was bound to her stairs and had a pillowcase thrown over her head while men ransacked her home, stealing family heirlooms including a Military Cross medal.

Prince Philip has died at the age of 99.

THREE people have been taken to hospital after a candle caused a fire inside an Andover home.

St Mary’s Church in Andover will be open for private prayer to mark the passing of Prince Philip on Saturday April 10.

A debate over an allowance motion at Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) became particularly heated on Wednesday (April 7) as councillors argued over the motion.

A SALISBURY soccer school graduate made his Chelsea under-23s debut this week.

Test Valley Borough Council will look into restoring the Town Mills table tennis table after it was removed during renovation work.

At least 400 disabled people in Test Valley have taken the Government to tribunal over benefit payments and over four out of five won, figures show.

Homes became slightly more affordable in Test Valley last year, as average earnings rose faster than house prices, figures reveal.

THE Bishop of Winchester has paid tribute to Prince Philip following his death at the age of 99.

There are six great reasons why you should think about nominating someone who has helped you in an emergency for recognition in our Hampshire Hero Awards 2021:

Andover Advertiser columnist Manuela gives her thoughts for the week

Following the deadline closing for the nomination of candidates for the elections taking place on May 6, the people standing for election have been revealed.

A TRAILBLAZER. A force to be reckoned with. A dedicated woman generous with her time.

A MOTORIST caught over the drink drive limit in Salisbury has been banned from the roads for 12 months.

As many businesses across town prepare to reopen, one of Andover’s nightclubs has said lockdown has been “difficult” as it waits to reopen.

A NEW mental health hub is being set up in Hampshire to help thousands of new, expectant and bereaved mothers, NHS leaders have announced.