Flooding Continues – two days on

Flooding Continues
The level of the flood water has remained high over the last 48 hours, and the blue floodgate by St Helen’s Wharf is still needed. I don’t think either river got quite as high as last month but the spread of water over the flood plain is less predictable.
Flooding Continues
Water continues to pour under Maud Hale’s Bridge, and any other opening. Tomorrow’s match at Abingdon Town F.C has been called off as the pitch is under a foot or more of water.
Flooding Continues
The causeway to Culham has water on both sides.
Flooding Continues
There is a watery view back across the fields from the causeway to Abingdon School boathouse, the Marina, and Wilsham Road.
Flooding Continues
Along Wilsham Road there is still some way to go before the boats are at the same level as the cars.
Flooding Continues
But nobody is risking their car at the Marina car park at present. Water continues to pour through the gate with some force.

(More pictures on facebook where I created a page to hold surplus pictures.)

Increase in applications to change town centre offices to residential use

Change of Use
Six new apartments are on the market in Stert Street which were until recently vacant offices.

2012 saw an increase in the number of applications to change offices in Abingdon town centre to residential use.
Change of Use
In July 2012 plans were submitted to convert ground floor offices in Lombard Street to form 2 one bedroom and 1 two bedroom apartments.
Change of Use
October 2012 – West St Helen Street – plans submitted for change of use of building from offices to residential to form 10 flats.
Change of Use
November 2012 – Bath Street – plans submitted for change of use from commercial to residential.

There were also three other planning applications submitted in Bath Street to change upper floors from commercial to residential use during 2012.

The 2012 Christmas Floods

Christmas 2012 Floods
The Ock Valley Walk was closed on Christmas Eve because of the flooding, and the Margaret Brown Garden was closed, possibly, because of the council’s fear of people falling into the River Thames.
Christmas 2012 Floods
So walks on Christmas Day and Boxing Day have been restricted. Lots of people have gone to look at the floods from places like Abingdon Bridge and the Abbey Grounds.
Christmas 2012 Floods
The environment agency said earlier today that “The River Thames continues to rise slowly in the Abingdon area. Levels are expected to be less than or similar to those seen during November 2012“.

More rain, from 5 – 10mm, is predicted by the Met Office for tomorrow (Thursday).

St Helen’s Church Nativity Pictures

Thanks to Rachel for this report of the St Helen’s Nativity …
Christmas Day
St Helen’s Church Baby and Toddler Group Christmas party has become something of an institution over the last few years, and is open to everyone.
Christmas Day
The main parts in the Nativity Play were taken by choristers and members of Junior Church, and the toddlers themselves took part as angels and shepherds. It was also a chance to welcome back youngsters now of school age.
Christmas Day
There were about 160 people there this year and we raised over £100 for the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary.