Sir, Abingdon once again is being promised new things and hopes rise that maybe this time it will happen. I refer to the article about the plan for an open-air theatre on Nag’s Head Island.

These ideas seem to receive a lot publicity, but then die. A town of over 30,000 has to its name: a theatre that holds 90 people (less than the average village hall would hold), a precinct half-finished, the secrecy of which MI5 would be proud of and tantalising vision that a cinema may be created in the Guildhall, news of which seems to have disappeared off the radar.

Yet, we have in Abingdon the most beautiful of riverside settings the envy of many towns still not utilised to its best advantage. The Old Gaol development is a disgrace, an opportunity missed. The outside pool in the Abbey Meadow is a major asset but struggles for its life every year with the valiant effort of its supporters.

Criticism is easy, everyone has an opinion and there are some real diamond events, for example, Music in the Park — excellent, wet or dry. The Market Place attractions are excellent, so things can happen. Abingdon is on the brink of expansion, with the new homes that are to be built but the town itself is dying — what or who can turn this around?

The ideas are there but then it stops — people need to know what is actually happening and not a list of things that might happen — promises that are empty shells, it is not good enough.

Sue Stevens

Drayton Road

Abingdon