Barrow Hills BMX Track Closed Waiting Redevelopment

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The BMX track at Barrow Hills was closed earlier this year. A notice says that an inspection by Vale of White Horse District Council officers, alongside local experts, found that the track is too dangerous. Short-term repairs were considered, but these would not be cost-effective.

As a result, officers are now exploring funding options for a full redevelopment of the track.

This image shows the track around twenty years ago, when it was already past its best. It was used by BMX riders as well as rollerbladers and skateboarders. It was there long before the Skate Park at The Leisure Centre.

The land was given to the community by Paddy Dockar Drysdale, who previously owned land in the area.¹ The wider park, including the car park and football pitch, remains open.

¹ Richard Dudding, Wick Hall: The Story of a House and a Family

Solar Panels and Heat Pumps at Leisure Centre

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A year ago it was announced that contractors had begun work on a project at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre to install 600 solar panels

and air source heat pumps, with the aim of reducing the council’s overall carbon emissions by more than 25%. The work now appears to be complete. The site looks mostly very smart, particularly the indoor tennis facilities and the four outdoor astroturf courts.

By contrast, the eight outdoor clay courts appear in need of attention. It does prompt questions about whether they are surplus to requirements.

Abandoned Vehicle Removed as A34 Lodge Hill Works Continue

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An abandoned van could be seen last week beside the fencing at the Lodge Hill A34 junction redevelopment where new south-facing slip roads and two roundabouts are being constructed.

By today, the vehicle has gone. It was near one of the new roundabouts currently under construction.

At that roundabout, kerbstones now mark the curve of the new carriageway, while newly planted trees hedge this part of the development.

Meanwhile, extensive earthworks are underway for the new southbound slip roads onto the A34. This view is from the bridge over the A34. One of the contractors said a drone had been flying to record progress.

The A34 Noise Barrier Canvas

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The Abbey Fields housing development is much closer to the A34 than previous estates, and a long and, in places, high fence has been installed to reduce noise from the 70 mph dual carriageway.

The Town Council is currently exploring ways to use developer money to enhance the town through public art. One suggestion being looked at is improved town entry signs.

It made me wonder whether this long stretch of fencing could be used more imaginatively.

Rather than leaving it as a canvas for tags and self-promotion for graffiti artists, could it  become a space for celebrating Abingdon itself with history, landmarks, and riverside views.