THE clerk for Andover Town Council has issued an apology after a meeting descended into chaos - with councillors insulting each other and swearing.

As previously reported, Andover Town Council met on Wednesday, January 24, to go through a 24-point agenda but tensions rose, and several councillors ended up in heated exchanges. 

The meeting came to a head around an hour and 45 minutes in, when Cllr Richard Kidd told Cllr Mark Farren to “shut the f*** up” following a debate between Cllr Farren and Cllr Kevin Hughes, about council processes.

Despite warnings, the meeting continued in chaos and disagreements and the town's mayor, Cllr Robin Hughes was forced to bang the gavel on more than one occasion.

Andover Advertiser: Andover Town Council

READ MORE: Andover Town Council meeting descends into chaos and arguments

He eventually ended up walking out of the room, during a swell of arguing, and returned five minutes later.

Following the heated exchanges, the council have now apologised.

A spokesperson said: "The town clerk for Andover Town Council would like to sincerely apologise to the town’s residents for the way in which a few councillors behaved at the full council meeting on Wednesday 24 January 2024.

"Some of the language and behaviour displayed was unacceptable, and councillors will be asked reflect on how they can improve their conduct in future meetings."

Training sessions have also been arranged for the near future.

The arguments started over the idea of filming a mockumentary was proposed by Cllr Joseph Hughes at a meeting of the authority in September, in a bid to promote the town humorously, but also highlight businesses and charities in the town. 

SEE ALSO: Fly-tipping incidents in the Test Valley increase

Cllr Joseph Hughes however went ahead and released the film before Christmas, independent of the council. 

The film sparked 16 letters of complaints from residents. 

During the meeting last week, the first of the new year, members of the public asked questions of Andover Mayor, Cllr Robin Hughes, and the council as a whole, regarding the mockumentary.

The public showed dissatisfaction with the mockumentary upload and suggested the town council's reputation had been 'damaged' by the release of the video.