About 30 people took part in a big community litter pick in South Abingdon today. This picture was taken at the lunch break showing a group of lads who got involved in the project thanks to the Abingdon Bridge youth centre – whose leader is in red behind.

PCSO Chris Cochlane organised the litter pick, and beside him is Neil and Linda Boston – who have been married 32 years today. Neil arranged for a team of Community Payback people to be involved and they did much of Saxton Road and Reynolds Way.

Ray Ball who runs the Vineyard Church and the Friday South Abingdon youth club was also there. The area looks spick and span now.

If it was any nearer, the coal burning Didcot A power station would dwarf the methane burning power plant at Sutton Wick landfill – near Abingdon. But for about six months of the year that little power plant more than holds its own when it comes to generating power. It is only economical to run Didcot A over the winter and so it gets shut down during the summer.

In May 2009 it was announced that the campaign to save Thrupp Lake had succeeded. Since then the Northmoor Trust has taken over the site. Habitats have been protected, fences built, as has a hide, and a visitor shelter shaped like a water lily. The Save Radley Lakes group has been reconstituted as Friends on Radley Lakes to support this work and protect the area.

At the Annual general Meeting of the Friends of Radley Lakes, this evening, people seemed pleased with the work of the Northmoor Trust – recently renamed The Earth Trust. A new circular walk will be be officially opened on June 17th.

The Earth Trust are seeking planning permission to replace the cottage, Sandles, with a visitor centre.  Fund raising is needed to make that happen, and the Friends will be doing their part.