Plans for Stroll In to divide into two shop units and five apartments

Stroll In Changes
There is currently a planning application to split what was “Stroll In” in two. “Stroll In” closed in Februray 2011 and has been empty since.

The architect planning the changes argues that before about the 1970s, when some major structural alterations were made to remove walls and replace them with beams and pillars, there were two shops on this site – one with a frontage on Stert Street, one on the Market Place.
Stroll In Changes
“Stroll In” did always seem an odd shape and that could explain it.

The upstairs space will also be divided into five apartments. Although there is no on street parking, more cycle storage will be provided, and tenants may be able to apply to join the Vale of White Horse Residents Parking Scheme using the Cattle Market and Abbey Meadow Car Parks.

Swan Upping Cancelled – Instead Pigeons Up on the County Hall Roof

The Swan Upping has been cancelled in 2012 because the River Thames is flowing too fast for the swan uppers to row against.

Instead, and this may not please everybody, I have pictures and a video of pigeons up on the County Hall Roof …
Pigeons instead
The pigeon is probably the bird I see most in Abingdon. Up on high precipices or flying round above us all, pigeons thrive where we thrive. They are always up there watching for an opportunity to feed wherever and whenever we drop food.
Pigeons instead
But there is more to pigeons than food. They are intelligent, sociable animals, and they leave a lot of droppings. I have a short video of Two Pigeons Up on the County Hall Roof showing off.

JD Wetherspoon get planning permission in 2012

JD Wetherspoon Thumbs Up
JD Wetherspoon got planning permission on 28th June to convert the old Post Office into a pub. The last time JD Wetherspoon tried to adapt an Abingdon premises into a pub (where Ask is now), about ten years ago, they met concerted opposition.

This time round 5 letters of objection were received, alongside 14 letters of support. Times have changed.

Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council were in favour of the application so long as any outside heating was environmentally friendly – a condition the Vale District Council thought would be difficult to enforce. They also said the outside area was very small anyway. But good to see the Town Council trying to stand up to all that hot air being wasted
JD Wetherspoon Thumbs Up
It will be interesting to see how Wetherspoons change the original facade. It could look more beautiful.