Abingdon mayor and councillors give best wishes to readers

Abingdon has seen a flurry of political and planning activity, as well as leisurely and outright fun events over the last year.

Now that the year is almost over, it’s time to reflect, and to make plans for the year ahead.

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Nathan Ley, county councillor for Abingdon North and cabinet member for public health, inequalities and community safety, said: “It feels like 2023 has gone by in a blur, but as time passes by quicker each year it’s vital to take stock, look back, and look to the future.

“It is a privilege to be able to write this annual message for readers of the Abingdon Herald and Oxford Mail, our much-valued local newspapers, at this time of the year.

“Wider national issues and funding cuts have continued to make for a challenging backdrop, but we can all be proud of our county council staff including highways workers, registrars, social care workers, firefighters, librarians, school staff and many more who deliver the essential core services we rely on.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley (Image: Unknown)“Having recently become cabinet member for public health for the wider county I have also gained more insight into other aspects of life across Oxfordshire.

“While we clearly live in a wonderful place in many respects, there is still much work to be done, and I have a renewed determination to address the root causes of our big issues in 2024, especially around health and wellbeing.

“As councillor for my local area in north Abingdon I’m glad we finally secured full funding for the Lodge Hill slip roads to be built starting in 2024.

“I’m pleased we have refocused priorities towards the public realm including tidying up pavements.

“We will also continue to hold developers’ feet to the fire, meeting and raising issues with the authorities as needed. 2023 has been extremely busy on this front and I can’t see 2024 slowing down.

“On behalf of the county council and my town and district council colleagues across Abingdon, I wish everybody a happy and prosperous new year, and look forward to working harder to make Oxfordshire a greener, fairer and healthier county in 2024.”

Abingdon mayor Gwyneth Lewis (Image: Martin Wackenier)

Mayor of Abingdon, councillor Gwyneth Lewis, added her good wishes and the good wishes of the council.

She said: “On behalf of Abingdon Town Council and all our town councillors I wish all your readers a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year."

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1