TOWN councillors are to put their weight behind plans to carry out a market town healthcheck for Petersfield.

Councillors recently listened to a presentation by Hampshire County CouncilÕs market towns officer, Elizabeth Dalton, in which she explained the advantages of taking part in a ÔhealthcheckÕ.

This week at a full meeting of the town council members said they wanted to take part in the county council initiative ÔHelp for small rural towns in HampshireÕ by carrying out, in partnership with EHDC and town manager Steve Johnston, a survey of the town.

Town mayor Ken Hick said he believed the survey would be Òa blueprint for Petersfield for the future.Ó

He said he believed it would pinpoint the townÕs strengths and its weaknesses and Òmake it an even better place for years to comeÓ.

The most major problems facing Petersfield were things beyond the control of the town council, said John Crowhurst.

ÒThe biggest problem is the lack of affordable housing, which is not in our remit. Workers come from outside the town and park in residential roads causing problems, which is not our remit either.Ó

He added that other issues were the opening hours of the police station and the library, which were also beyond the control of the town council.

But Bob Ayer told councillors he believed they should support carrying out the healthcheck and Phil Humphries added: ÒWe should be in this and in it up to our necks. How can we conceive of it as health check for Petersfield without the town council in it?Ó