In the Parish Meeting, Abingdon Town Council provide updates of its work over the the last year. Each committee chair reports back on the work of their committee to members of the electorate who attend. This year there were 8 members of the public and Sophie Grubb from the Abingdon Herald.
A new council were elected on 7th May 2015, comprising 10 Conservative, 8 Liberal Democrats, and 1 Independent.
Key Issues from the Chairman of Finance and General Purposes:
Guildhall: the council could not get funds for the more ambitious plans they had before the election. None of the commercial partners were able to bring in sufficient funds, and their operating model was not compatible with the continued public use of the building.
Town Planning: The town council has set aside £10,000 towards a Neighbourhood Plan that could end up costing £70,000.
Lodge Hill four-way interchange: costs range from £8m to £13m. The North Abingdon housing estate could bring in £9.6m in developer funding.
Bury Street: Aberdeen Assset Management have asked to be released from their commitment to spend around £50m on redeveloping the Charter. They have not found investment partners. The District Council are asking that instead they upgrade the Co-op and Poundland shops.
Budget: 4.54% increase in Council Tax precept for the Town Council. Guildhall Project to cost £2,184,000 of which £934,000 will be a loan.
2 new Residents’ parking wardens have been employed. The County Council has come up with a better deal to keep this scheme going.
Key Issues from Amenities and Recreation:
90 new trees have been planted in the cemetery
Negotiations about a site for a new cemetery are happening confidentially
Some of the 8 Town Council play areas had safety surfaces improvements
New town signs will be going up
Town fisheries being reviewed
Abingdon in bloom successful again
Key issues from Community Services Committee:
A 2nd monthly Farmers Market has been allowed
Monday Market will be given better publicity
Markets are seen as a way of increasing footfall not a money generator for the council
Market Place was booked on 156 days last year
Grants process being revamped
23rd April – Clubs and Societies Day
Key issues from Guildhall Committee:
Plan includes:
Groundfloor entrance and cafe area – glazed at front
Removal of ramp and old steps
Improved access from Bridge Street
Stage moved to other end and Abbey Hall soundproofed
Prices for hire likely to come down after comparison with Didcot and Wantage
Previous hirers are being kept up to date with plans to entice them back
Museum
Mousehole opened as cafe
20 volunteers now help
Jane Bowen – curator since the re-opening in 2012 – has retired.
Lift now working and there are plans to cover it to stop rain getting in to the mechanism
Weather Vane to have scaffolding removed shortly
Planning
Considered 281 plans
40 members of the public came to speak
Stopped Drayton development on 3 occasions for not abiding by conditions
Town Matters raised by members of the public
Town bus service to be axed. Will the town council support a community group setting up a community bus as is happening in Witney? Town Council are happy to talk but have no budget.
Children’s Centres. Scope for communities to get share of funding to keep centres open. Will Town Concil get involved? This is a County Council matter.
