Town centre vitality
As part of the Vale's work to continue to increase visitors to our market towns the District Council is currently putting in place a new town centre co-ordinator for Faringdon and retendering for the existing roles in Wantage. At the same time the Abingdon Business Improvement District (BID) has just come into force following the successful referendum of local businesses. All together this marks a significant investment in our market towns to attract more visitors, improve the retail experience and make the most of our historic town centres.
Abbey Meadows Project 
Thanks to a £615,000 investment from the Vale, Abingdon's Abbey Meadow is set for a major overhaul. Following a significant public consultation last year the Council has announced a reburbished pool building with a new changing area; an extended children's splash area; two new exciting adventure playgrounds; new picnic seating; new public toilets open all year round and a new multi-use games area. The majority of work will begin after this year's summer season. More details can be found by clicking here. Reservoir update from GARD GARD (Group Against Reservoir Development) are keen to keep local residents informed on the latest news about a potential reservoir between Steventon and East Hanney. The GARD AGM will be held at Stocks Lane Farm Steventon on Monday 25th April 2016 at 7pm. All who are interested in the present situation regarding Thames Water’s plans for a reservoir are welcome to attend to hear an update and ask questions. www.abingdonreservoir.org.uk Clean for the Queen Thank you to the many local people who have pulled on their high-vis vest and rubber gloves and helped to Clean for the Queen. Many tonnes of rubbish filling several hundred bin bags have been collected. The District Council has also announced the trial of a deep clean program to invest even more in street cleaning. If you would like to get involved in helping to keep your town or village tidy please contact the Vale of White Horse District Council at waste.team@southandvale.gov.uk. A month's unlimited swimming for just £5 People throughout the Vale of White Horse wanting to get more active can take advantage of a month’s unlimited swimming at district council ‘Better’ leisure centres for just £5. People can take advantage of the offer at Abbey Sports Centre in Berinsfield, Didcot Wave, Faringdon Leisure Centre, Henley Leisure Centre, Thame Leisure Centre, Wantage Leisure Centre and at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon. How to claim a month’s unlimited swimming for £5 Visit getoxfordshireactive.org/5swims2016 to register for this fantastic offer or contact Hendriette Knouwds on 07717836750 or email swimming@whitehorsedc.gov.uk. Last chance for Monster Race Sponsorship 
I am extremely grateful to all those people who have helped me to raised money for the excellent local charitySpecial Effect. To date I have raised £910 and have just a few more days to reach my target of £1,000! On Saturday (16th April) I will be taking part in a 5k obstacle course known as the Monster Race. Please help me reach my target by sponsoring me at www.justgiving.com/MatthewBarberMonsterRace. Police & Crime Commissioner election On Thursday 5th May you will have the chance to choose the Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner. Obviously I would urge you all to vote for the incumbent, Anthony Stansfeld who has done a fantastic job since the post was first introduced in 2012 - you can find out more about Anthony at www.anthonystansfeld.org.uk. However, regardless of who you want to vote for you won't be able to unless you're registered. Applications to vote must be received by the Vale District Council by Monday 18th April at the latest. For more information on how to vote and how to register for a postal or proxy vote visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. Devolution update You will be aware of the ambitious and positive plans put forward by myself and fellow District Council leaders for a new devolution deal for Oxfordshire. Seven councils have now come together to commission work on the detail of our proposal and how it compares with other options for unitary councils. We expect this work to be completed in time for an extensive public consultation this summer before final proposals are submitted to the government while will make the final decision. You can view an update on the District Councils' proposal here.