I see Abingdon town centre is to get a makeover, but I am afraid it too late.

The town died years ago through neglect by previous Liberal councils, parking prices and the exorbitant rents charged to have a shop in the precinct.

The only shops that seem to thrive are charity shops and hairdressers.

The rest have been closed though lack of custom because of the council’s abhorrence to cars by consecutive Liberal councils.

The new Abingdon Integrated Transport Strategy proudly claims the overall objectives of the strategy are to: -Reduce the reliance on motorised traffic in general.

-Remove all but essential traffic from the town centre -Promote the use of public transport for journeys both within the town and to other destinations -Promote safer, more pleasant and more convenient conditions for pedestrians and cyclists -Improve accessibility to facilities, particularly for non-car users and those whose mobility is impaired -Promote road safety and reduce the number and severity of road casualties -Promote, and where appropriate, establish the efficient management and operation of all types of traffic and related activity, including parking -Promote community safety and reduce crime and fear of crime -Reduce airborne pollution (taking account of the UK National Air Quality Strategy) and noise levels throughout the town in general, and in areas of high incidence in particular -Preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the town’s Conservation Areas, its stock of listed buildings and particularly the historic town centre -Improve accessibility between Abingdon and the surrounding countryside for recreational purposes -Sustain and enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre as an attractive place for shopping, business, leisure and tourism -Protect and enhance the town's sound economic and employment base -Take account of public opinion and gain widespread public support for any proposals through effective publicity, information, consultation and education.

Take a good long look at the last comment. This was never supported properly and the scheme was forced upon the townsfolk to appease a few bobble hats who hate cars.

I was one of the fools who voted for them, but I will never make that mistake again.

Abingdon is dead and unless you abolish parking fees and make the centre more car and user friendly why should people stop using Didcot, Witney and the like.

The only thing that Abingdon has in it’s favour is that Oxford is even worse!

Let the place RIP, unless you really are going to do something about it and stop paying lip service to a ghost town.

John Monaghan Cotman Close Abingdon