Council Services
Most local services are provided by one of the three councils which serve this area:
Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council (ATC)
Vale of White Horse District Council (VOWH)
Oxfordshire County Council (OCC)
The list below may not be exhaustive so please click on the links above for more information on the work of each authority.
Abingdon fisheries offer five miles of pleasurable fishing in the River Thames. The season starts on 16 June and finishes on 14 March every year. You must carry a rod licence, a permit from the town council, correct gear and put back fish alive with correct handling.
Allotments: there are three allotment sites which are managed by Allotment Associations.
Archives: Abingdon Borough and civic documents go back as far as 1556. You can find out more by contacting archivist@abingdon.gov.uk
Car parks: car parks are managed by the Vale of White Horse District Council.
Cemeteries and Closed Churchyards: the town council owns and maintains two cemeteries – Spring Road Cemetery and the Old Cemetery in Cemetery Road. We are also responsible for the closed churchyard at St Helen’s Church, East St Helen’s Street. Cemetery Chapels and Cemetery Lodge: the attractive gothic chapels and the gothic lodge were built in 1860.
Christmas lights: our splendid annual display of lights is admired by many and the display is switched-on during the town’s Christmas Extravaganza. Details of the Extravaganza can be found in the events calendar.
Council tax: council tax is levied by each local authority and is collected by the Vale of White Horse District Council.
County Hall Museum: the County Council run the county’s museum and heritage services but our County Hall Museum is managed by Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council.
Education, children and family services are managed by the county council.
Environmental Services: food hygiene, air and noise pollution matters and public sanitation issues are managed by the district council.
Fairs: the Michaelmas Fair is run by Bob Wilson Entertainments Ltd on behalf of the town council. It is known to be the longest street fair in Europe and dates back to 1348.
Guildhall: an array of stunning historical rooms in the centre of Abingdon.
Grants: The Town Council offers community grants and details of other possible grant sources are listed on this page.
Abingdon Library is run by the county council.
Licensing: taxi, alcohol and street trading licencing is managed by the district council.
Market Place: a vibrant community area at the heart of our town centre.
Markets: there are a variety of regular markets throughout the year.
The Outdoor Heated Swimming Pool is open from May to September and is operated by GLL Leisure on behalf of Vale of White Horse District Council.
Planning: Planning applications and issues are managed by the district council. The town council is consulted on all town planning matters.
Police Community Support Officer: Abingdon’s town centre PCSO is part-funded by the town council.
Publications: the town council provides a range of information, from noticeboards and social media to the quarterly Town Crier residents’ newsletter. Tourist and local information can be found in our Information Centre.
Recreation areas open spaces and sports: the town council maintains eight play areas, six recreation areas and two football pitches, plus numerous small open spaces, amenity areas and natural areas. Many open spaces in Abingdon, including Abbey Meadow, are managed by the Vale of White Horse District Council.
Recycling: Household recycling services are provided by the Vale of White Horse District Council.
Salt Bins are placed around the town for residents to use in icy and snowy conditions.
Social services are the responsibility of the County Council.
Toilets: public toilets are managed by the Vale of White Horse District Council.
Transport & Highways are managed by the county, with the exception of the A34 which falls under the Highways Agency. To report an issue visit Fix my Street.
The Information Centre offers residents and visitors information on Abingdon and the surrounding areas.
The War Memorial was erected in 1921 and is a focal point and a place where people can sit and contemplate
Youth – there is a District Council Youth Officer but the County Council are responsible for services relating to children and families including young people. SENDIASS is a support service with advice on any special needs and liaison with parent carers.
