Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council meeting – October 4th 2023

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Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council met at the Magistrates Court this evening.

The meeting began with prayers by the Mayor’s chaplain, Deacon Selina Nisbett.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Transparency

During public questions, Hester Hands asked the council about transparency in spending CIL money (a charge that local authorities can set on new development in order to raise funds to help fund the new services needed by the new homes). The council responded that they would be more transparent in the future and would publish a breakdown of CIL spending each year.

New Councillor Co-opted

The meeting began with the co-option of a new councillor for the Dunmore Ward vacancy. Three candidates stood for the position: Charlie Birks (independent), Mark Gibbons (Liberal Democrat), and Aiden Riley (Green). After two rounds of secret voting, Mark Gibbons was co-opted as the new councillor.

Abbey Cinema Lease Renewed

The council announced that a two-year lease has been signed with the Abbey Cinema. The cinema will continue to operate until the end of August 2025, at which point the building will be closed for a major refurbishment.

New Science Centre Proposed

James White of ATOM suggested the development of a new Science Centre in Abingdon. The council expressed its support for the project and will nominate a councillor to join the project team.

Grants Approved

The council approved larger grants to a number of local organizations, including the Abingdon Carousel, The Abingdon Bridge, Be Free Young Carers, Christ’s Hospital, Citizens’ Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale, and the Abingdon Damascus Youth Project. The grant to Christ’s Hospital is a long standing agreement to help fund a small percent of the cost of running the Albert Park.

Other Topics Discussed

Councillor Jim Halliday congratulated all those behind the Abingdon Active Travel Map https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/shop-eat-drink/active-travel-map-of-abingdon-on-thames.

The council is planning to install new play equipment at Caldecott Road recreation ground, in South Abingdon. This will be funded by CIL Money from the North Abingdon developments.

The council will point the town’s finger posts in the right direction and then refurbish them.

The council discussed the introduction of 20 MPH speed indicators in the town. They will probably put speed indicators near town entry points and other important locations, once they have been identified.

The council has decided to revert to having a full planning committee instead of a planning panel. This will involve more staff time and expertise so cannot be done immediatly.

The council will procure flags for the Holocaust Memorial, the LGBTQIA++ flag, and the Universal Suffrage Flag. The Mayor suggested that the reason why a particular flag is flying be put on a town noticeboard. There is a flag currently flying for the Mayor’s Birthday.

The council has appointed an interim town clerk for the next six months, after the previous interim town clerk stepped down. The intention is then to find a permanent town clerk.

Community free space and Community window display

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The former Samuels shop in the Bury Street precinct has been transformed into a community free space. It is organised by the Friends of Abingdon Civic Society and allows community groups in Abingdon to showcase their activities.

The space opened during Heritage Open Weekend and some of the heritage displays still remain, such as the Abingdon Artists’ Historic Buildings, and aerial photographs of Abingdon.

The Abingdon Carbon Cutters, are in the shop this week, pressing apples and pasteurising apple juice using apples brought in by Abingdon residents.

On Saturday, Abingdon PCSO’s were also in there, and have left a display on keeping yourself and your property safe.

Another shop window in Abingdon has been used for a community display since September. Madrina are a charity who help young people who could not otherwise afford it, to go to their school or college prom.

Parking suspensions for Abingdon Michaelmas Fair

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Parking suspension signs have appeared along the route of the Abingdon Michaelmas Fair. This year, parking suspensions have also been extended to East St Helen Street and West St Helen Street, where residents have always been allowed to park during the fair in previous years since they are not on the fair route.

Vehicles parked in suspended areas may be removed, and owners charged a recovery fee. According to a letter to residents from Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council, residents can park in West St Helen Street Car Park from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 6pm, but not from 10am to 4pm without paying.

The fair will take place on 9 and 10 October 2023. The parking suspensions will be in place from 08.00 on Sunday, 8 October, until 9am on Wednesday, 11 October.

Abingdon Naturalists AGM

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Thank you to Tony for this report.

Richard Lewington, world-famous illustrator of butterflies and bugs of all sorts, is also President of the Abingdon Naturalists Society, and he gave a talk on Wednesday titled: “50 years as a Wildlife Illustrator … in 30 minutes”.

He spoke of his early years as a child wandering through the fields of North Abingdon, collecting birds’ eggs (now strictly forbidden) and sketching the insects he found. Later, when he became famous, he illustrated many field guides to butterflies, moths, damselflies and dragonflies, caterpillars, oak trees and other insects. He also designed British Royal mail stamps, and during his work, he met many important people like Sir David Attenborough. He showed a picture of his daughter Alex, next to an oak tree on the village green, planted from an acorn when she was born 33 years ago, and one of his granddaughter Florence, with an oak tree, planted from an acorn from Alex’s tree, when she was born 9 months ago. Abingdon Naturalists are lucky to have such a distinguished president. Steve Stevens was re-elected chairman at the meeting.

More about the Society at https://www.abnats.org.uk

More about Richard at https://www.richardlewington.co.uk/