There is an area of paved land north west of Stratton Way that is owned by Abingdon -on-Thames Town Council and in Feb 2020 (before Covid-19 struck) there was a proposal that the land be disposed of.
The land has a restrictive covenant in place, and is hemmed in by the underpass, and garden walls and so uses will be limited.
At one time people must have parked their bikes here but that does not happen much as it is off the beaten track.
There are a couple of benches: one on the lower terrace, and an old metal bench in a secluded place, up some steps, at the back.
There is a flower bed at the front that has been recently replanted for the winter.
The first pansy has just appeared.
The land does not give the impression of being a well loved or wanted, and it will be interesting to learn if anybody knows any more about it, or whether anybody does love it.
It is sometimes used for undesirable activities, especially the bit at the back which is hidden from the road. I live very near but never go there. It would be good if it were to be tidied and opened up as an attractive public space. By the way people do still park bikes there and sometimes come out round the blind corner without looking, so you have to be careful passing by,
Would Abingdon Carbon Cutters be able to make use of the space ? Some of their vegetable and herb planters with informative murals or notices would fit nicely and go a little way to off setting the pollution produced when cars are stationary at the crossing.
I always thought it would be a good location for some flats.
Little tiny ones. Built to a low spec?
It would make a great car wash place.
Maybe a taxi rank. Free up some central on street parking for pop-in shopping?