News and updates from Test Valley Borough Council👇
Test Valley takes a step closer to introducing food waste collections this year
  The council is one step closer to bringing in kerbside food waste collections for households across the borough later this year.
On Wednesday 15 January, the council’s cabinet recommended launching food waste collections on 13 October 2025.
Following the government’s changes to the Environment Act 2021, all councils will need to have food waste collections in place by 1 April 2026.
But TVBC is pushing to introduce the collections five months early, in a positive step towards transforming recycling in the area.
The new weekly service will see kerbside food waste caddies collected from households across the borough, by a new fleet of specialist collection vehicles.
Charity and council team up to launch free domestic abuse awareness training
 We have joined forces with Andover-based charity, Finding Freedom from Abuse, to run free training sessions for hairdressers and beauticians to enable them to spot the signs of domestic abuse and support those who may be affected.
Statistics shared by the women and children’s domestic violence charity, Refuge, show that one in four women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. And, on average, one woman is killed by an abusive partner or ex every five days.
The ‘DOVE Champion Training’, run by Finding Freedom from Abuse, aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to identify warning signs of abuse, provide appropriate support, and connect individuals to essential resources.”
Partnership strengthened with Employment and Skills framework
 The council and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) are pleased to announce the strengthening of their partnership through the implementation of CITB's revamped Employment and Skills Plans framework. The partnership was formalised with the agreement of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations in September 2024.
This collaboration aims to enhance employment opportunities and skill development in construction in the Test Valley area, particularly for large planning developments.
Join the movement towards a Smokefree Hampshire
 Smoking remains a significant health challenge in Hampshire, with approximately 118,000 smokers contributing to an estimated £988 million in lost productivity and social and healthcare costs. To combat this, Hampshire County Council has set an ambitious goal: to become a Smokefree County by 2030. Central to this initiative is Smokefree Hampshire, a free and highly effective quit-smoking service available to all residents and those working in the county.
Smokefree Hampshire offers free, personalised support tailored to your needs, increasing your chances of quitting successfully. By joining this movement, you're not only taking a significant step towards improving your health but also contributing to a healthier, more prosperous community.
Inspired to quit? Text I QUIT to 66777 for your free quit kit.
Volunteer Fair returning to Romsey this weekend
 The Volunteer Fair is returning to Romsey for a third time.
The event will take place this Sunday (January 19), at Romsey Town Hall, featuring over 25 organisations ready to connect with enthusiastic volunteers.
The free event runs from 10:30am to 3pm with no pre-booking required.
Attendees can browse stalls from a diverse array of charities and volunteer organisations based in and around Test Valley, all dedicated to enriching local communities.
Whether you're looking to make a difference or simply have fun, the Volunteer Fair offers a perfect opportunity to get involved.
Community art celebrates stories of Andover at the Chantry Centre
 This month Andover residents will have the chance to admire two pieces of community art which will be displayed in the former O2 unit inside the Chantry Centre.
The artwork was created by members of Andover’s Cultural Sharing Forum in a series of workshops last summer, through an initiative developed by Test Valley Arts Foundation and Test Valley Borough Council.
Exciting job opportunities at the council
Are you looking for a new career opportunity? Test Valley Borough Council has a variety of roles available, whether you prefer working in an office or being out and about in the community.
Explore the range of opportunities we offer and find the perfect fit for you. Click the banner below to explore our latest vacancies and take the next step in your career!
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