FREE INSIDE
ABINGDON & surrounding villages Countryfile FREE INSIDE THIS ISSUE Live lights WEEKEND up palace
TV GUIDE
GROUP 12th & 13th August
www.mapledurhamatwar.co.uk
FREE
See page 9
Thursday, August 10 - Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Advertising/Newsdesk: 01235 511700
TAKE ONE
www.oxfordshireguardian.co.uk
Initiative aims to breathe new life into town centre On balance, play park is a hit
Cllr Reg Waite and his wife Dee try out the stepping stumps with David Wilson Homes sales director Rob Allen, after cutting the ribbon
COUNCIL chief Reg Waite was clearly impressed with a new play area at Southmoor because he decided to try it out for himself. The chairman of Vale of White
Horse District Council was at The Paddocks, a new David Wilson Homes development in the west of the village, with his wife Dee. With the help of the company’s
sales director Rob Allen, they cut the ribbon to officially open the area that features stepping stumps, a balancing log and is next to a piece of grassy open space where families can gather.
By Eva Astreinidou A CAMPAIGN to breathe fresh life into Abingdon town centre aims to have empty shops filled with new independent ventures. The initiative is setting out to attract independent shops and to support existing retailers in order to increase vitality in the area. The Vale of White Horse District Council has launched the Independent Shops Project and will be working with businesses and a town centre specialist to identify and overcome issues with the town’s empty shops in Bath Street, Stert Street and High Street. The project will also work to attract pop-up shops to the town to allow potential retailers to test the market. Iain Nicholson, who will be managing the project in Abingdon, has worked on a number of initiatives in other market towns. He helped Wantage win a Great British High Street Award in 2014 and has worked on similar town team projects in Banbury, Swindon and Wallingford. To get the ball rolling in Abingdon, a target list of the types of businesses that would complement the existing independent offering will be developed. The district council will then work with landlords and agents to identify and overcome issues which may prevent businesses from moving into the town’s empty shops, of which there
are currently 12. Cllr Mike Murray, cabinet member for economic development at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We know how frustrating it is to see empty units in the town. “It’s our aim for the Independent Shops Project to have a real impact by supporting existing businesses and attracting new retailers to Abingdon.” The initiative has been widely welcomed. Jill Carver, secretary of Abingdon Chamber of Commerce, said: “[The project] is an excellent idea. Iain knows what he is doing and anything we can do to assist local businesses here is welcome.” Town councillor Neil Fawcett added: “It is also important that the Vale gets the long promised redevelopment of the Charter area back on track. Local residents have been waiting years for proper investment in Abingdon’s town centre.” MP for Abingdon and Oxford West Layla Moran also welcomed the news. She said: “Abingdon should be a centre where creative local shops can thrive, and I know many Abingdon shoppers are crying out for something new. “The pop-up model is a great way for fledgling businesses to test ideas and gain recognition, and will hopefully drive up footfall which is good for businesses already there. “I’m sure many will joining me in hoping this initiative will spark some real change on what’s on offer.” Businesses interested in the pop-up shops should contact 01869 350322.
Enjoy your holidays! Leave your keys with us so we can Sell or Let your property while you enjoy the sun.
Contact Davis Tate today!