A WEBSITE which describes Abingdon as "cut off in almost every way from the rest of the world" and "easily forgotten by travellers" has been attacked.

Mayor Audrey Hasnip has launched an attack on the portrayal of the town on River Thames Guide.

The attack comes just a week after Mrs Hasnip declared war on people who are always sniping about the town and called for a more positive attitude.

The guide gives details of places to visit along the Thames, claiming to offer a "comprehensive guide of what to do and see in Abingdon".

The introduction to the site reads: "Abingdon is England's oldest town which is easy to believe judging by the way it is cut off in almost every way from the rest of the world. There is one raucous fair every year, and there are some old pubs to visit along this section of the Thames. Abingdon is worth the trouble for its olde worlde beauty."

The website praises the museum, walks, St Helen's Church and selected pubs, restaurants and shops but criticises the cafes, entertainment, shopping and accessibility.

It concludes: "Abingdon is not the easiest town to get to and so it can very easily be forgotten by travellers.

Mrs Hasnip said: "I have never heard anything so appalling in my life. It is almost saying this is the last place you would want to come to and the first place you would want to leave. "It is not true at all. It is a lovely place to live. Of course it has problems every place does and some of the criticisms are valid, but I find this extraordinary.

"Abingdon has so much going for it. It has one of the best operatic societies in the area, very active drama clubs who perform in a lovely Elizabethan theatre, good restaurants, lots of great buildings, lovely walks and they have not even mentioned the abbey ruins.

Stephen Worsfold, director of the River Thames Guide Ltd 1999, said: "I have looked at this and I do think the Abingdon site needs to be updated and that is being done."