West St Helen Street remains quiet following a further extension of the emergency road closure outside St Helen’s Church.

Oxfordshire County Council says the closure has now been extended until 6 February 2026.

Residents on the street seem to be enjoying the peace, and the absence of traffic queues. The High Street also seems quieter. For people travelling in from South Abingdon, however, the diversion is less welcome and I have heard people complaining about the time it takes to get into town.

The reason for the extension is unclear. The van in the photograph is not from SGN (the gas contractor) but from Abingdon Town Council, whose staff were working in the churchyard, cutting back ivy.