On arriving at the Tesco Superstore in Abingdon, visitors are now met with blue fencing enclosing large areas of vegetation.

The fencing surrounds the trees, bushes, and undergrowth, as well as the deep water storage areas and ditches.

In the area with a ditch between Tesco and the new hotel, the undergrowth and smaller trees have been cut back and chipped.

The fencing carries signs saying: “Building Infrastructure Improvement – Improving your environment for the better.” However, no details have been provided in what way it will be better.

Clearing vegetation will make the site more accessible for further development. As no planning applications are visible, my first guess is that this is a drainage improvement project — to try to reduce the frequent flooding of the Tesco car park.

But if anybody knows better then please let us know.

Work has begun on replacing the gas boilers at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon. The contractor has taken over the centre’s overflow car park.

The new heating will be Air Source Heat Pumps, powered by 600 new solar panels on the roof. The project is funded by the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, Community Infrastructure Levy (developer funding), and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

There should not be much disruption to users as most of the work is outside or on the roof. Similar work will be carried out at the Wantage Leisure Centre. It is expected to be completed by March 2026, and the council estimates it will reduce overall carbon usage by over 25%.

Christ Church, Northcourt, Abingdon, has received a £144,000 grant for its decarbonisation project. Work began on January 27th and is expected to be completed by the end of February.

The project includes the installation of air source heat pumps, solar panels and batteries, new insulation and lighting, suspended ceilings, and new double-glazed windows for improved energy efficiency.

During the project, approximately 40 groups and hirers have been temporarily relocated or have paused their meetings. Scaffolding has been erected, and the lounge, upper room, hall, and vestry have been inaccessible. Groups will return to warmer and more comfortable rooms. The project will also reduce the site’s carbon footprint by 25%. It also addresses the long-standing challenge of heating the hall during colder months.

This morning (Saturday 19th October), a group of volunteers, organised by Lynn of Abibinit, gathered at the Drayton Road end of the Ock Valley Walk for a litter pick. The team dispersed in various directions along the Ock Valley Walk and towards Tesco and returned with about twelve bags full.

The litter, primarily consisting of discarded alcohol cans and bottles. Particular favourites with  litterers appear to be Tesco Apple Cider (only £2.50* for 4 cans) and Ashfield British Lager (only £2.25* for 4 cans).

Lynn is planning the next litter pick before Christmas and is already thinking about next year’s program.

* Prices could be higher in Wales and Scotland due to minimum unit pricing rules.