In Abingdon’s Cattle Market car park, fences once again surround the site, and machinery lifts the old asphalt.
The works were delayed after uncovering something far older than the car park and the cattle market that was on the site. Archaeologists identified layers of Medieval and Roman deposits, including pottery fragments. Human burials were found beneath the site, and the remains of a stone wall, possibly a former Bell Tower once recorded nearby.
The work has resumed to improve the car park, a project funded by Thames Water and managed by Vale of White Horse District Council. The planned improvements include resurfacing, a new layout, new lighting, and a rain garden to manage rainwater runoff and improve the carpark’s biodiversity.
The improvements are expected to be completed by March 2025.
Thames Water have money to fund aciviites that are outside financing their own necessary business expenses!?
Very laudable, but if this is for PR purpose it’s far too late in the day to save their shredded reputation.
Thames Water said that they did not have any money and could not help to repair a small section of Peep O Day Lane that had deteriorated, even though their lorries use it as an access road to Abingdons sewage treatment works. They would not even help by using some of the spoil from their other works in Abingdon to fill the pot holes in this section of Peep O Day Lane. Cyclists and walkers use this lane. The Vale of the White Horse District Council also are not interested in helping.
Well, Janet, you did not expect TW to be civic-minded or responsible, did you?
Mind you, I’d hate to be a TW employee. Imagine how much love you’d attract!
They will have money when I pay my annual water bill, it has increased by £252 this year to over £900.
I don’t get this at all, it’s like Thames Water are some errant child who won’t do as they are told and focus on the job in hand. Apart from the useful window into the past it’s a complete and utter waste of money that would be better spent elsewhere.