The Bury Street Precinct in Abingdon, is being renamed by the Lib Dem District Council as the "Abbey Shopping Centre". It has recently beenannounced that WH Smith's and Toys UK are to move into the precinct as partof the Vale's plans. It is undoubtedly the case that Abingdon Town Centredesperately needs attention, but is this a serious relaunch or the town, orsimply a facelift timed to be ready just before the election? Conservativeswill welcome any long term moves to improve Abingdon and make it adestination for shoppers and tourists. However this does seem to be part ofa piecemeal approach by the Lib Dems. Abingdon needs a comprehensive plans,as put forward by the Conservatives in their recent "Vision for Abingdon".The Chamber of Commerce have already voiced their concerns about localindependent retails being threatened by large chains. A balance certainlyneeds to be struck. Will the Abbey Shopping Centre really help the town aswe are told, or does it run the risk of doing further damage because it isnot part of a comprehensive strategy? We will have to wait and see...