Andover is a town of around 50,000 people. Despite its growth from 20,000 in the 1960s, it has been served by only three Church of England vicars.This compares with 10 clergy in the parishes of Winchester, population 45,000.

In 2018, Andover's clergy allocation was increased to four.

Now, as part of severe cuts to the number of clergy in the diocese of Winchester, it is proposed that the town is ministered to by three vicars--a cut of 25%, which is greater than the 20% average cut across the diocese.

This is UNFAIR comparatively between Andover and Winchester: it is UNSUSTAINABLE for the clergy concerned: it is just one example of how INEQUITABLY different places are treated by the Church of England.

We therefore PETITION the Bishop of Winchester to demonstrate his compassion and understanding towards the town of Andover, valuing FAIRNESS, SUSTAINABILITY and EQUITY by increasing the number of vicars in Andover to SIX.