Just a day or so ago Thames Water were asking for higher water prices on the assumption they will need to pay for a huge new reservoir near Abingdon.

Inside a rainswept Guildhall, the Vale of the White Horse District Council have just put together a response on that reservoir.

The Council claim that Thames Water have over estimated water demand. The Council use government figures saying by 2030 people should consume 130 litres per day. Thames Water reckon on 165 litres per day. If the government figure is right then the reservoir would NOT be needed.

The political parties, inside the hall, agreed about that. Trouble is, the important people who make the decision are in Westminster in London, and most of the water is destined for London not here. So the Council also argued that such an important decision, which will become a precedent for public utilities across the land, needs to go through a public enquiry so local people can have their say.

In the Ladygrove Play Area (near Chaunterell Way in South Abingdon) there is no longer a swing to be seen. It has all been cleared away ready for new equipment to be installed.

Just uploading the picture of the Ladygrove Play Area, when the window was lit up orange and blue. Outside, were two fire engines.

Looking across to North Quay from near the Public Slipway .

Looking across to West Quay, a few minutes later, from the Marina Park .

This event took place at St Ethelwold’s House.

The meat was Halaal (Halaal means permissible).

The idea for the event came out of a talk about the Muslim religion given some months back. Muslims and non-Muslims eating together and swapping e-mail addresses was seen as a good way of getting to know each other. Other events will follow.