There was a meeting of Abingdon Town Council this evening. I could not get there but will do my best to do a report by reading committee minutes

The most significant current happening at the Town Council are the plans for the old part of the Guildhall. Once Abingdon Music Centre have moved out, the old Magistrates Court would be redeveloped as an extension to the County Hall Museum with space for art exhibitions.

The old staircase near the Roysse Room could also become a lift giving access to the upstairs rooms like the old Council Chamber.

The remaining money left from the £1.2m, given as a parting gift by the VWHDC (Vale of White Horse District Council) when it handed over the Guildhall, would be spent on the old part of the Guildhall. There are also proposals from the leader of the Town Council, Cllr Mike Badcock, that the Museum and Guildhall Committees combine and operate as one committee.

However there seem no plans for the new part of the Guildhall, closed down currently to save on business rates and other expense.

Another venture the Town Council is involved with is the South Abingdon Children’s Centre. They have offered a grant of £90K over three years to secure its future, and, before parting with the money, have asked some questions about governance to the group called Abingdon Carousel who are planning to run the centre.

It is important that this centre be open by September and continue to operate for the community and children that needs it.