The deputy mayor of Andover has vowed to fight for change in domestic abuse law as legislation makes its way through parliament. Councillor Lauren Banville said the UK has a ‘serious problem’ with domestic violence and has called for reform so authorities are better equipped to help those fleeing volatile partners. Speaking to The Advertiser, Cllr Banville said the current lockdown restrictions were forcing people to stay in abusive relationships. At the moment, the councillor said she wasn’t confident those suffering at the hands of violent partners would receive the right help. “You’re not believed, you’re looked at like a liar [when you report incidents],” Cllr Banville said. “At the moment, if one of my residents calls me and says: ‘I’m thinking about leaving a domestically abusive relationship’, I won’t able to confidently say to them: ‘yes, you will get the help you need.’”.
Police were called at 4.25pm on Sunday, February 7 to reports of a public order incident. Cllr Lauren Banville was arrested on suspicion of harassment and was later released without charge. A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We were called shortly after 4.25pm on Sunday 7 February to a report of a public order incident taking place on Gladys Avenue, Portsmouth. “Officers attended and arrested a 39-year-old woman on suspicion of harassment and use of threatening/abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. “She has been released with no further action being taken against her. “The incident remains under investigation.”
A dramatic council meeting where the clerk ejected the chair and vice-chair has gone viral. But no, it isn t Andover Town Council that has been making headlines this week but Handforth Parish Council in Cheshire. Footage of their planning meeting held on Zoom on December 10 has gone viral with thousands of viewers stunned by dramatic arguments. In the video, Jackie Weaver sent the chairman to the waiting room after saying she had no authority and declaring himself the town clerk. He was followed in short order by the deputy chairman, who shouted: Read the standing orders - read them and understand them!