Latest news with #Abingdon
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Abingdon reservoir plans 'nationally significant'
A plan to build one of the UK's largest reservoirs will be considered by the government, after it was designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure £2.2bn South East Strategic Reservoir Option, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, is a Thames Water project to cope with increasing demand and climate decision to designate the proposal as nationally significant means it will be considered by the government, not the local planning Water, which plans to submit its proposal in 2026, says the new reservoir would secure water supply for 15 million people across southern England. Water Minister, Emma Hardy, said the government was "intervening in the public interest to speed up the planning process and unblock new reservoirs"."This Government will secure our water supply for future generations while protecting the environment and unlocking the building of thousands of homes as part of the Plan for Change," she added. In January, Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicated government support for the Abingdon it has met with environmental objections from the Campaign to Protect Rural England - as well as from Oxfordshire County Council and Vale of White Horse District week a judicial review into Thames Water's proposals for the reservoir is set to take place at the High follows Environment Secretary Steve Reed's approval of the water company's Water Resource Management Plan - which includes the reservoir scheme - last Water's proposals would see the 150 billion litre (150 Mm3) reservoir cover 7 sq km (2.7 sq miles) of Oxfordshire water company said it would "unlock economic growth, support new housing and infrastructure development, and create around 1,000 jobs during its construction".It added that an independent company would finance and build the reservoir, which would "deliver better value for money" for customers. Nevil Muncaster, the company's strategic water resources director, said: "While we've always known our proposed reservoir is of national importance, the Government's recognition brings us one step closer to securing water supply for 15 million people across the South East.""Although this project has achieved national significance, local communities remain at the heart of our plans," he Water will be hosting four community information events next month to share updates and speak to local people about the company will also hold a statutory consultation later this year, ahead of its planning submission in 2026. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Abingdon lido to reopen for good weather after criticism
An outdoor swimming pool is set to open ahead of schedule after a council was criticised for keeping it closed until Abbey Meadows outdoor pool, in Abingdon, will now reopen on Thursday until the end of the of White Horse District Council, which runs the facility, previously said running it was "expensive" and it would remain closed until 19 the council said Better UK, which manages the site, had decided to trial opening on a "weather dependent" basis, at no extra cost to the local authority. Andy Crawford, the council's leisure facilities chief, said: "This is such welcome news – and I'm sure it will be positively received by everyone who looks forward to enjoying the pool in the warm weather."This [decision] means the pool can open outside the usual school holiday opening hours for the first time in years without us having to divert funding from other important council services."The pool will now open on weekdays and weekends when the weather is good, until it fully reopens in UK said it had been "pulling out all the stops for this new early opening to capitalise on the great summer weather too".Kevin Williams, the firm's manager of its partnership with Vale of White Horse, added: "Combined with the splash pad and the kiosk, we're proud that we can provide local residents with such a fantastic way to spend their leisure time, ahead of – and during – the summer holidays." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Appeal for missing elderly woman as police 'increasingly concerned'
A search has been launched for an elderly woman missing from Oxfordshire as police have said they are "increasingly concerned". Yu, whose surname has not been released, is missing from Wendlebury near Bicester. The 69-year-old woman has links to Abingdon, and an urgent appeal to help trace her has been launched by Thames Valley Police. READ MORE: Oxford off-licence owner to be sentenced after vapes seized She is described as Chinese, 5ft 3in tall, of slim build and with black hair. She was last seen wearing a cream trench coat. Experience the pulse of Oxford at your fingertips 🗞️ With our flash sale, Oxford Mail keeps you updated for less: only £4 for 4 months or save 40 per cent on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally #DigitalDeal #LocalJournalismhttps:// — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) June 16, 2025 A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "We are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare. "If you see Yu, believe you may have sighted her or have information that may help us, please call 999 quoting the incident reference 43250300946. "Yu enjoys walks and has links to Abingdon so please call 999 if you see her." Anyone with information about Yu's whereabouts can make a report by calling 101 or by contacting the police online.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Road works for 'upgrades' on major Oxfordshire A-road cause delays
Road works for 'upgrades' which have closed a major Oxfordshire A-road are causing delays for drivers this morning. The A34 in Abingdon, at the junction with the A4183 Oxford Road, is being impacted by construction works to "improve/upgrade" the carriageway. Multi-way traffic lights were installed on Monday, June 2 this week to cope with the lane closure, while the southbound slip road onto Oxford Road was closed yesterday, June 3. READ MORE: Oxford: Man arrested after public and door staff assault Flash Sale Alert! 🌟 Dive deeper into the stories that shape Oxfordshire with Oxford Mail. Unlimited local news, an ad-free app, and a digital replica of our print edition—all with 80 per cent fewer ads on our site. 🗞️ 👇#StayInformed — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) May 26, 2025 Both sets of works are due to last until Thursday, June 5. However, National Highways has reported continued lane closures on the A34 in Abingdon until June 11, for progressive works to improve the road. In a busy rush hour this morning drivers were queueing along the A34 through Kennington heading into Oxford, and were met with severe delays at the Hinksey Hill Interchange.
BBC News
02-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Rachael Vaughan death: Murder suspect Robert Richens appears in court
A man charged with murder after the death of a 40-year-old woman has appeared in court. Robert Richens, 34, is accused of killing Rachael Vaughan after she was found fatally injured on Sherwood Avenue in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, on Friday morning. Paramedics tried to save Ms Vaughan, from Abingdon, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr Richens, from Oxford, was remanded in custody at an Oxford Magistrates' Court hearing earlier. He is due to appear at Oxford Crown Court on Wednesday. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
