Riverbank clean-up – Spring 2023

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Thank you to Anne for this report.

There was a great turnout of 42 pickers for the riverbank clean-up on Saturday, 29th April. This community activity saves rubbish from polluting the environment or being swept out to sea and causing damage to wildlife. The event was organised by Lynne Ford of Abibinit and Anne Smart from Carbon Cutters. They were joined by Abingdon Rotary members and heralded by the Town Crier.

Kingfisher Canoe Club could not join in because of the high water level, but 3 independent canoeists collected lots of rubbish.

They collected 18 bags of non-recyclable rubbish; and 5 bags of recyclables (1 of glass bottles, 2 of cans and 2 of plastic bottles.) The prize for the most unusual object went for a plastic parrot.

They reported to local councils: places where bins would help, dumped asbestos and overflowing bins in Rye Farm carpark, fly-tipping off Audlett Drive, and a wheelchair and supermarket trolley in the river near the Abbey Brass band hut.

Abibinit plans regular litter picks in different areas of the town, the next on 2nd July. See their website for details.

Local Excellence Market

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The Town Crier and many local people were at the sunny Local Excellence Market in Abingdon today.

There were 36 stalls. During 2023 there have been 77 different traders so far. They have come the following distances:
* within Abingdon = 39
* less than 5 miles = 17
* 5-10 miles = 11
* 10-30 miles = 8
* 30+ miles = 2

Natural Bread from Botley was new to the market, with a selection of sourdoughs and yeasted bread.

There was still room for tables outside Market Place cafes, and on this table were three people standing for the local elections, which are this Thursday (4th May 2023). Take a photo ID to vote.

Near the Market Place were the Abingdon Peace Group with the message for every £1 we spend reducing UK carbon emissions, we spend £7.30 on the military.

The Women’s Rights Network was highlighting the Respect My Sex Campaign, which they want to highlight to local politicians.

Coronation postbox topper, church service, and parties

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Following a brief appearance by St George, the Coronation postbox topper has appeared on the Market Place. It has the royal cypher CIIIR, representing Charles III. People can donate to the crochet creator’s chosen charity at https://www.justgiving.com/page/secret-crochet-creator-1682518263966. Previously, £500 was given to the Abingdon Foodbank.

King Charles III is shown with Queen Camilla, who will also be crowned at the Coronation at Westminster Abbey on 6th May 2023.

At St Helen’s Church, on the eve of the Coronation, there will be a service for people of the town to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

More shop windows have also picked up the coronation theme, including The Shed with a Coronation Tea Party.

It looks like Old Station House and others are preparing for Coronation parties.

Abingdon 20 mph limits approved (compromise for bus companies)

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Oxfordshire County Council has approved seven more 20mph applications, including Abingdon. In total 72 schemes have been approved, and 53 installations have been completed, including Witney.

The detailed decision for Abingdon says ‘The Cabinet Member for Highway Management APPROVED the proposed introduction of 20mph and 30mph speed limits in Abingdon as advertised but with subsequent minor relaxations as outlined in paragraph 19, and providing that the text headed “Drayton Road” in the table at paragraph 19 be removed and replaced with “The 20mph limit is proposed to start immediately south of Mill Road”.

Paragraph 19 had been introduced as a compromise. Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council wanted a blanket 20 mph limit on all but the peripheral road. The bus companies, worried about journey times, objected. So the 20 mph zone will start on major roads as follows:
* Oxford Road: south of Norman Avenue
* Drayton Road: south of Mill Road
* Radley Road: east of Daisy Bank
* Wootton Road: north of Northcourt Road junction
* Bridge Street (pictured above): at the existing 30 mph limit.

The scheme is free to town and parish councils, with the county council funding the sign changes. Town and parish councils are expected to fund any traffic calming measures or speed-activated signs that may be required to support the new limits in their areas. I believe the town council has money for speed signs in the budget.