Important Information from Thames Valley Police: Dispersal Order for Abingdon Town Centre 17th – 19th October
Click here for information.
Oxfordshire County Council Abingdon East St Helen Street (NCN5) Active travel scheme public engagement exercise 30.09.25 – 13.10.25
Oxfordshire County Council has received £1,473,679 from the Government’s Active Travel Fund to improve a section of the National Cycle Network Route 5 (NCN5) in Abingdon by making it easier and more enjoyable to walk, wheel and cycle in the town centre. We would like to hear your feedback on draft designs for improved cycleway and pedestrian facilities on East St Helen Street and at the junction of High Street with Bridge Street and Stert Street.
The survey is open from 12pm on Tuesday 30 September 2025 (these links won’t work until the survey has opened) until 11:59pm on Tuesday 28 October 2025. It is open online at https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/east-st-helens-street-active-travel (short url: http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/eaststhelenstreet). On this site, people will be able to:
- download and view copies of the plans
- download and view two artist’s impression drawings of the proposals
- download and view digital copies of the poster and flyer associated with the engagement
- see frequently asked questions about the proposals
- complete a short survey sharing their feedback on the proposals
We will also be holding two public events where people can drop in to look at a short exhibition and the plans. Members of the project team will also be at the events to assist with specific questions anyone might wish to ask relating to the proposals:
- Saturday 11 October 2025 10am – 3pm at Abingdon Guildhall: Old Magistrates’ Court, Bridge Street Abingdon OX14 3HU
Old Magistrate’s Court Room is accessible for wheelchairs via an accessible lift - Tuesday 14 October 2025 4pm – 7pm at Abingdon Guildhall: Roysse Room, Bridge Street, Abingdon OX14 3HU
Roysse Room is fully accessible for wheelchairs
You can get a hard copy at Abingdon Library, Abingdon Town Council and Vale of White Horse District Council
Completed paper surveys need to be returned in a sealed envelope, addressed (in the centre of the envelope) to FREEPOST Oxfordshire County Council, County Hall, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1ND – marked on the envelope’s top left corner as ‘Abingdon East St Helen Street Active Travel’’ consultation, by the end of 28 October 2025.
Information on Road Closures and Traffic Restrictions during the Michaelmas Fair
This year’s Michaelmas Street Fair will run on 5th, 6th, and 7th October 2025. The main focus of the fair is the Market Place, High Street and Ock Street.
Temporary Traffic Restrictions
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair 2025: Section 16A Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
To avoid danger to the public, the following temporary restrictions will apply from 07.00hrs on Sunday 5th October until 09.00hrs on Wednesday 8th October 2025.
- The following roads will be closed to vehicles throughout the entirety of the fair:
High Street
Market Place
Ock Street
Stratton Way – from its junction with Bath Street to Ock Street
The Square
West St Helen Street – from its junction with High Street to Lombard Street.
From Sunday 5th October to Wednesday 8th October there will no vehicular access to the car park at the rear of Bury Street Shops accessed between NatWest Bank and Pablo Lounge. Delivery vehicles are also prohibited from accessing business / shops / properties along the High Street from Marketplace to Stratton way. Please ensure you have rearranged your delivery timings and schedules in accordance for the above closures.
Residents will be able to park at Vale of White Horse District Council West St Helens Street Car Park for free from 08:00 – 09:00 during the fair. Residents must display a permit holder badge (affected residents have been issued with these) during these times to ensure 1hrs free parking. (vehicle registrations will be checked)
Free 1hr parking is only permitted at the West St Helens Street car park.
Standard charges will apply at all other VWHDC carparks.
- For Health and Safety reasons, particularly with regard to the volume of pedestrians and especially very young children, Ock Street will, as usual, only be open to vehicles between 00.00hrs midnight and 12.00hrs noon daily and the access and exit point to the area will be via Conduit Road. Police, Fire and Ambulance vehicles will have access to all areas at all times.
- Temporary one-way traffic will be imposed in Lombard Street, the permitted direction being west to east.
- The usual one-way traffic flow across St Helen’s Wharf will be temporarily reversed to operate from east to west, except for cycles, which will be permitted to pass in either direction.
- Traffic heading into Abingdon from Culham will be directed down East St Helens Street and via St Helen’s Wharf. This will include large buses but articulated lorries will not be permitted to use this route. Parking, loading and stopping will therefore be restricted at the top of East St Helen’s Street.
- A temporary ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restriction will be imposed on the following lengths of road in order to maintain access for emergency vehicles:
Bostock Road both sides, from its junction with Mullard Way to its junction with Victoria Road;
Edward Street north side, from its junction with Victoria Road to its junction with Spring Road;
Mullard Way both sides, for its entire length;
Victoria Road west side, from a point 40 metres north of its junction with Ock Street to its junction with Exbourne Road;
Spring Road west side, from a point 40 metres north of its junction with A415 Marcham Road to its junction with Faringdon Road.
In accordance with established practice, no through traffic is permitted.
Copies of the Temporary Traffic Order, which also includes the arrangements for alternative routes, will be displayed in the locality. A copy is available here: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/licences-and-permits/upcoming-public-events
Fair Opening Times
Abingdon Fair service will take place Sunday 6th October at 15:30 on the Market Place in front the of the carousel. The fair will open to the public from 16:00 to 21:00 Sunday 6th October and resume at noon Monday 7th October.
Letter of Complaint to David Wilson Homes
Cllr Mark Giddins has written a formal letter of complaint to David Wilson Homes detailing the extent of the disruption surrounding their development.
You can read his letter by clicking here DWH September 2025
Construction work begins on Lodge Hill junction improvements
Improvements to journeys by car, bus, cycling and walking at Lodge Hill between Abingdon and Oxford are on the horizon, as main construction begins on Oxfordshire County Council’s A34 Lodge Hill interchange scheme.
Excavation and earthworks start today (3 September) as part of the construction of new south-facing slip roads at Lodge Hill, which only has north-facing slips at present.
The scheme will improve connectivity to and from the north of Abingdon, avoiding the town centre and making it easier for people to choose walking, cycling or taking public transport as part of their daily routine.
Early work to set up the site and prepare the area began in May 2025. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
To ensure the scheme is built safely, the council’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty, will undertake six different stages of work to minimise disruption.
The first stage involves removing the islands at the junction of the slip roads. This will create more space for construction vehicle access and movement. During this first stage of work, temporary overnight traffic signals will operate between 9pm and 5am on the A4183 and A34 southbound.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “The much-anticipated A34 Lodge Hill scheme will improve capacity at the junction, improving bus and car journeys, as well as making walking and cycling safer in the area.
“This is vital and much-needed investment to support growth in Abingdon. Once complete, it will reduce the amount of through traffic in the town centre improving the environment for everyone.
“We have all campaigned for this for so long and it is wonderful news that construction has begun.”
Pauline Schaffer, Director of Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, said:
“As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, we want to support public and private sector partners to unlock strategic housing sites where brownfield, infrastructure or land projects face delivery challenges.
“Through the Brownfield Infrastructure Land fund, we’re unlocking 820 much needed new homes in Abingdon with the construction of these key roads. Lodge Hill is a prime example of how we’re working with partners like Oxfordshire County Council to unlock the potential of new homes and regional growth in communities through improving infrastructure.”
Matt Parkes, Project Director at Balfour Beatty, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Oxfordshire County Council to deliver the A34 Lodge Hill Interchange scheme. This vital infrastructure project will not only unlock regional economic growth but also transform connectivity for residents and road users. Once complete, it will provide safer, more efficient journeys and support the long-term development of the wider area.”
Details of traffic management throughout construction and more information about the A34 Lodge Hill scheme is available on the council’s website.
- The six different stages of traffic management and construction works are:
- Stage 1 (September 2025 – approx. 3 weeks)
- Nighttime temporary traffic signals between 9pm and 5am on A4183 and A34 southbound off slip for splitter island removal
- Stage 2 (October 2025 – Spring 2026)
- Construction of both the western section of the north roundabout and the eastern section of the south roundabout
- A34 southbound off slip realignment takes place
- New A34 northbound off slip and new A34 southbound on slip under construction
- New Egertons access road under construction
- New footway under construction
- Temporary speed reduction to 30mph on A4183 to improve safety.
- Temporary traffic signals for some construction activities
- Stage 3 (Spring/Summer 2026)
- A34 northbound on slip realignment takes place and construction of north and south roundabout central sections
- Traffic will be predominantly free flowing during this stage
- Stage 4 (Summer/Autumn 2026)
- A4183 southbound widening and A34 northbound on slip realignment take place
- Construction continues on north roundabout central section
- Construction continues on south roundabout central and western sections
- New Egertons access road nearing completion and tie into roundabout
- Temporary traffic signals for some construction activities
- Stage 5 (Autumn 2026)
- North roundabout verge works takes place
- Construction of southern roundabout western section continues
- A34 Southbound on slip construction takes place
- Traffic will be predominantly free flowing during this stage
- Stage 6 (Winter 2026)
- Overnight closures, between 8pm and 6am, on A4183 for final surfacing works
- New junction open to traffic
- Stage 1 (September 2025 – approx. 3 weeks)
- Most of the work will be carried out between the hours of 7:30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, unless specified as overnight works. There will be no work on Sundays or public holidays. These timescales and plans are subject to weather conditions and other factors that are beyond the council’s control.
- In order to maintain safety, the A34 will also be reduced to narrow lanes and speed restrictions in the vicinity of Lodge Hill for the following periods:
- A34 northbound – October 2025 to April 2026
- A34 southbound – February 2026 to August 2026
Temporary Traffic Regulation Order – S14 Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
Temporary Road Closure at Abingdon, St Helen’s WharfNotice T16429 Abingdon, St Helen’s Whart DWG3966 – St Helens Wharf – Abingdon – OX14 5EN
A request has been received from I & G Contractors for a temporary road closure to apply to a section of St Helen’s Wharf whilst essential gas mains replacement works are carried out.
A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) is being made to implement the temporary closure and will operate from 27 October 2025 up to and including 21 November 2025. This is a 24 hour daily road closure
(The maximum duration of a TTRO on a road is 18 months and on a footpath is 6 months, or until completion of the works, whichever is the earlier.)
Notice of intention to make the Order will be published in the local press.
A copy of the drawing showing the extent of the closure and also the alternative route for traffic is attached.
Further information regarding the works may be obtained by contacting Paul New on 07714220663 or email Veronicajohnston@igcontractorsltd.com
T16429/AC
Bank Holiday Monday 25th August 2025
PLEASE NOTE
ABINGDON TOWN COUNCIL AND INFORMATION CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY 25TH AUGUST 2025 AND WILL REOPEN AT 10AM ON TUESDAY 26TH AUGUST 2025
It’s coming home again! Lionesses’ Victory – message from the Mayor
🏆⚽ Historic Victory for the Lionesses – Champions Once Again!
As Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames, I join the whole nation in celebrating the incredible achievement of England’s women’s football team – the Lionesses – who have made history once again!
By winning the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship, the Lionesses have become the first English team ever to win a major tournament on foreign soil – and only the second nation in history to win the UEFA Women’s Championship back-to-back. Their success in both 2022 and 2025 is a testament to their extraordinary talent, teamwork, and determination.
This is more than just a sporting victory – it’s a proud and powerful moment for England, and a true inspiration to young people across the country, especially girls dreaming of achieving greatness in sport.
We are flying the St George’s flag in their honour and send our heartfelt congratulations to the entire team, their coaches, and everyone who supported them on this unforgettable journey.
Well done, Lionesses – you’ve made us all proud!
On behalf of the people of Abingdon,
Cllr Rawda Jehanli
Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames
Abbey Hall Update July 2025
Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council is committed to doing everything possible to ensure that we retain a cinema in the town centre.
In recent months, the Council has been working on the potential sale of the Abbey Hall, the current base for the Abbey Cinema, to the cinema operators. This would allow them to invest in the building in a way that the Council does not have the financial resources to achieve.
This follows £250, 000 investment in the building by the Town Council to deal with the asbestos and Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) that was discovered in the building.
“We want to see a thriving cinema in the centre of Abingdon, and we have been working with Abbey Cinema Ltd to transfer the building to them so that they can carry out their ambitious investment plans,” said Cllr. Jim Halliday, Leader of the Town Council.
“We remain committed to working through the legalities so that we safeguard the future of publicly owned areas around the building whilst allowing the cinema to go from strength to strength.”
The current lease held by the Abbey Cinema Ltd ends on 31st August 2025, and they need to be able to book their Autumn schedule. The Town Council is therefore working at pace to agree the transfer of the Abbey Hall as soon as the legalities have been dealt with.
Update on Oxford Road Works – Permit Revoked
Following multiple breaches of permit conditions, Oxfordshire County Council has revoked the permit for Hope & Clay’s works on Oxford Road.
Key compliance failures include:
• Absence of manual traffic management
• Inadequate use of permitted working hours
• Failure to install a safe temporary pedestrian crossing
• Extended, uncommunicated site inactivity.
Additionally, the unexpected discovery of an uncharted water main has necessitated a redesign of the proposed sewer connection, in coordination with Thames Water. A revised plan must now be submitted before any further works can proceed.
Immediate Action Required:-
The site must be fully cleared and Oxford Road reopened by today (23rd June), as previously instructed. Current progress suggests this deadline may not be met.
As such, from 23 June, the contractor has been advised that Section 74 overrun charges will apply:
• £5,000 per day for the first 3 days
• £10,000 per day thereafter
These penalties reflect the fact that Oxford Road is a Type 1 classified route—a critical corridor in the local road network. Officers will be visiting today to assess for fee charging.
While we are committed to supporting the delivery of necessary infrastructure, it must be delivered responsibly, transparently, and to standard. The project team must now return with a revised and compliant plan. The County Council will continue to monitor this closely.
Thanks go to County Councillors Nathan Ley and Tom Greenaway, Town Councillor Mark Giddins and County Highways Officers for their persistence in pushing for a better solution, and asking for the contractor to present a robust, competent and well thought through plan to complete the works on the Oxford and Dunmore Roads.
