There will be an Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council Meeting this evening. I am unable to attend, but here’s a breakdown of the key points from the meeting agenda and council papers. All the papers can be viewed at https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Agenda-Town-council-20.3.24-2.pdf
Abingdon VWHDC District Councillors’ Reports:
* The council objected to the Thames Water price hike.
The VWHDC council’s business included:
* Public toilet charging (20p contactless, free with RADAR key) to reduce vandalism.
* Local plan to 2041 consultation.
* Care home/nursery and housing development proposals near Aldi.
* Brown bin garden waste scheme (stickered bins only).
* Ward boundary changes (Abingdon likely to have 1 councillor fewer due to slower population growth).
Town Council Committee Discussions:
Community Committee:
* Reviewed grant applications.
* Discussed museum management.
* Agreed to set up a public art working group.
* Approved a new 10-year Michaelmas Fair contract with opening on Sunday afternoon after the 3pm fair service.
Environment Committee:
* Praised outdoor services team, especially for bad weather work (including Hillview path relaying).
* Discussed installing new signs on council land.
* Agreed to improve Chaunterell Way and Masefield Close play areas.
* Discussed installing a container at Chaunterell Way for EA temporary flood barriers (£5k allocation).
Infrastructure Committee:
* Approved a new public toilet scheme with participating businesses (sign already displayed in Coffee Aroma).
* Discussed the number 41 bus service (funded by the Town Council).
* Discussed updating the neighbourhood plan due to the Local Plan 2041 consultation.
* Finalised locations for speed indicator signs.
Finance Committee:
* Will develop a new strategic plan, starting with a strategy day for councillors.
* Will care for two road roundabouts for a year.
Other:
An updated flag policy for the County Hall Museum is available here: https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/towncouncil_flag_policy_may19.pdf
The council discussed NHS provision in Abingdon due to population growth and strain on GP practices, dentists, and urgent care. The proposal if accepted will urge the Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board to increase NHS provision.
P.S. If anybody does go and can give me an update to this report, the meeting is at 7 pm in the e Old Magistrates Court.