Residents near the Ox Pub recently got a letter from Tesco saying
Dear Neighbour
We have taken over the run down Ox public house and are going to transform this premises into a small Tesco Express. We do not need to apply for planning permission to change a pub into a small convenience store but we will be applying for planning permission to change the elevation and add some new signs.
Yours Sincerely.
Tesco
Emails to the new neighbour can go to carol.leslie@uk.tesco.com.
Heritage Open Day is normally just the Saturday. But this year there are some open properties and activities on Sunday.
The new Abbey Heritage trail was unveiled today. Both the Mayor and Chairman of the Vale were at the opening, and it was followed by a guided walk round the new information boards.
The Abingdon Branch model railway was in the new part of the Guildhall.
East St helen Street was – as ever – the most popular part of the day with so many houses having displays of their history in windows, or open. This doublet, found in an attic, was on display.
Throughout the day there were two jesters entertaining the crowds,
as were the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers.
There were a number of different walks, but I finished off the day with a walk round the lost pubs of Abingdon. More to do on Sunday, where the big event is Fun in the Parks from 2-5 in the Abbey Gardens.
Changes are afoot at the large Tesco superstore in Abingdon. Parking will continue to be free for three hours but after that there will be a £70 car park charge. There is also 25% off everything at the Garden Centre.
The Garden Centre is closing down.
It has not appeared a core part of the business for some time and has been allowed to run down.
The garden centre would have been closed anyway as part of an enlargement of the main store – a scheme which did not get planning permission, but now it is closing anyway. Perhaps it will just allow more car parking space. Anybody know?
Next door to John Mason School is Champion House…
It was owned by Oxfordshire County Council Social Services – Caring Countywide.
It is featured on a Friends of Abingdon display at the Community Shop along with other buildings like the Ox pub that are in danger of being redeveloped.