Latest news with #Abingdon
BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
Police launches investigation into Abbey Pool damage
A police investigation has been launched into criminal damage caused to an outdoor comes after a group of young people gained access after hours to Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, on 19 June, its first day open of the Valley Police said they had caused several thousands pounds worth of damage.A spokesperson described it as "extremely disappointing" and said on a number of occasions since "access has been gained, where young people are swimming but also drinking alcohol underage". The force said officers had managed to gain details of some of those involved, and would be issuing them with community protection said police community support officers had arranged a meeting with Vale of White Horse District Council's community safety team and Better, which operates the were also discussing what further practical measures could be undertaken at the pool and carrying out a site inspection, the force said."We still don't understand the mindset of thinking it is acceptable to cause damage to other people's property, not only that, there is a possibility that a young person may drown," a spokesperson said."We definitely don't want to be putting in that door knock to let their parents/guardians know."They also appealed to parents and guardians to talk to their children and work with the police to prevent further incidents. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Reckless youths break into swimming pool and cause £1,000s worth of damage
Police have been left "extremely disappointed" after youths broke into a swimming pool in Oxfordshire and caused £1,000s in damages. Thames Valley Police (TVP) say that there have been problems on multiple occasions since the Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool opened in Abingdon. Alongside a group of youths causing costly damage on the first day of opening, others have since gained access and drunk alcohol underage. The force recently posted an update across their social media channels alongside photographs of the location. READ MORE: Pub with rooms on edge of Cotswolds slammed over 'poor hygiene' Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool. (Image: Thames Valley Police) A spokesperson for TVP said: "It was extremely disappointing that on the first day the Abbey Meadows outdoor pool opened in Abingdon, a number of young people decided to gain access after hours, not only to swim but caused several thousands pounds worth of damage. "The group involved were stopped & detained by two Abingdon PCSOs & assisted by their emergency response colleagues. "On a number of occasions since then, access has been gained, where young people are swimming but also drinking alcohol underage. "We have attended either in relation to calls or through our proactive patrols & have managed to gain details of further people involved. "A number of Community Protection Warnings have been written & are in the process of being served. As well as a criminal investigation into the damage." READ MORE: Woman killed in double fatal car pile-up in the Cotswolds Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get: Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app The open air pool was saved from closure in 2006 by a campaign backed by Abingdon Town Council and the Abingdon Herald. Campaigners again fought to save the pool when it faced closure in 2015, and a petition with more than 2,200 names was handed to council leaders. It reopened in 2018 following a £1.3m refurbishment. Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool is a popular place to go during the summer months, with more than 15,000 people visiting last year. Yet, as the police warned, problems have been encountered this year at the leisure location since its latest reopening. READ MORE: Head-on crash between taxi and car sparks traffic chaos Your stories, your city — now at 50 per cent off. 😎 Subscribe today and stay informed. 🗞️👇 — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) July 4, 2025 The Thames Valley Police statement added: "PCSO Blood & Highmoor arranged a partner agency meeting with Vale of White Horse District Council Community Safety team and GLL at the location to discuss what further practical measures could be undertaken & to carry out a site inspection. "We still don't understand the mindset of thinking it is acceptable to cause damage to other people's property, not only that, there is a possibility that a young person may drown. "We definitely don't want to be putting in that door knock to let their parents or guardians know. "Please talk to your children about the dangers & work with us to prevent this."
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Council 'committed' to keep Abbey Cinema in Abingdon town centre
A town council has said it is committed to "doing everything possible" to keep a cinema in its town Town Council has been working on the potential sale of the Abbey Hall, the current base for the Abbey Cinema, to the cinema operators. This follows its £250,000 investment to deal with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) and asbestos that was discovered in the building last local authority said that would allow for investing in the building "in a way that the council does not have the financial resources to achieve". The council said the current cinema lease ends on 31 August and the venue needs to be able to book its autumn schedule. Leader of the town council Jim Halliday said they wanted to see "a thriving cinema in the centre of Abingdon""We have been working with Abbey Cinema Ltd to transfer the building to them so that they can carry out their ambitious investment plans," he said."We remain committed to working through the legalities so that we safeguard the future of publicly owned areas around the building whilst allowing the cinema to go from strength to strength." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Stolen treasured model trains and boats recovered
Part of a large collection of model steam trains and boats stolen from the home of an engineering enthusiast in his 90s has been recovered. The collection, which also included two vintage motorbikes, was taken from an address in Abingdon on 4 May Thames, Valley Police said. The force said about 16 items had been reunited with the man but the motorbikes along with a green model locomotive in a wooden case were still missing. Police believe the Royal Enfield and vintage BSA motorbikes were advertised for sale online in the Oxfordshire area shortly after they were stolen. Anyone with information that may help find the final the stolen items is urged to contact police. A member of the victim's family said: "We would like to thank the public for their incredible response. "Thanks to their interest and generosity in coming forward, our dad is reunited with some of his treasured engines. It's really amazing to see them again. "We are extremely grateful to everyone and can't thank the people involved enough for helping with the investigation." They added: "Our father served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and later worked at the Pressed Steel in Cowley, designing mechanical parts of cars." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Model trains and boats among items stolen from home Thames Valley Police
BBC News
09-07-2025
- BBC News
Treasured model trains and boats stolen from Abingdon recovered
Part of a large collection of model steam trains and boats stolen from the home of an engineering enthusiast in his 90s has been collection, which also included two vintage motorbikes, was taken from an address in Abingdon on 4 May Thames, Valley Police force said about 16 items had been reunited with the man but the motorbikes along with a green model locomotive in a wooden case were still believe the Royal Enfield and vintage BSA motorbikes were advertised for sale online in the Oxfordshire area shortly after they were stolen. Anyone with information that may help find the final the stolen items is urged to contact police. A member of the victim's family said: "We would like to thank the public for their incredible response. "Thanks to their interest and generosity in coming forward, our dad is reunited with some of his treasured engines. It's really amazing to see them again. "We are extremely grateful to everyone and can't thank the people involved enough for helping with the investigation."They added: "Our father served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and later worked at the Pressed Steel in Cowley, designing mechanical parts of cars." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
