Vale Vision – Free Parking

Free Parking
One things has been very clear in this local election. The Conservative Party will allow free parking in the car parks in Abingdon. This will help traders and as a result many of them supported the conservatives during the election.

After the elections the Town Council now has 11 Conservatives, 9 Lib-Dems, and 1 Labour.The Vale district council now has 31 Conservative, 19 Lib-Dems, and 1 Labour.

I was one of the defeated Lib-Dems and feel it was a great privilege to work for Abingdon on the town council for the last 8 years.

Caldecott contest

Election Day
In Caldecott ward there were three parties fully involved… yellow (Liberal), red (Labour) and blue (Conservative).  Labour put all their eggs in one basket as councillors and activists from Oxford, and activists from around the Vale were seen around Caldecott trying to get a unique Labour win.
Election Day
The number of leaflets, and canvassing from the yellows, reds, and blues had been too much for some people, who were not used to such full on campaigning, or so many high profile visiors. There was Harriet Harman (Labour Deputy Leader), Andrew Smith MP, John Tanner and others for Labour, and Nicola Blackwood MP and Keith Mitchell CBE, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, for the conservatives. Keith Mitchell said in his April 11th tweet “Canvassing Caldecott ward tonight in Abingdon with a good team of Conservative supporters. No-one willing to admit to voting Liberal!”

Most people were excited and engaged by the Caldecott local election. I stood there as a Liberal and should know later today whether I shall continue representing the area, or whether it is time to try something else.

Innovative Use of Estate Agent’s Sign

Abingdon Boat Centre
This Estate Agents sign at the junction of Lucca Drive and Virginia Way is one of many around Abingdon advertising the upcoming 2011 Abingdon Air & Country Charity Show happening this Sunday. Last year the show’s organisers were not sure if it had a future as they were not allowed to land planes. Such problems have been overcome and the show now goes on. Chancellors are one of the sponsors and have shown a good use for some of their signs.