Overton, Laverstoke and Steventon

The ward lies in a glorious part of the countryside and contains the source of the famous chalk-stream, the River Test.

The largest residential area is Overton village. It has a busy High Street with lots of small shops and businesses. On the hill overlooking the village is a large paper mill where banknote and security paper is made. For many years the mill employed a large proportion of Overton residents.

There are many local clubs and societies, so there is always something going on. Every four years the centre of the village is closed to traffic for a weekend for the now-famous Overton Sheepfair. In the surrounding countryside there are a scattering of smaller villages and hamlets. One of them, Laverstoke, was the earlier home to the paper mill and is notable for having the longest domestic thatched roof in the country at Manor Cottages. The surrounding land is good quality farmland.

A large organic farm is run by the ex-racing driver Jody Sheckter who aims to produce the best tasting and healthiest food possible, and has awards to demonstrate his success.

See www.overtonvillage.com to find out more about the Ward.