Businesses in Abingdon town centre are set to get a financial boost thanks to new visitors’ moorings, which will encourage tourists on boats to stop and explore the town.
Vale of White Horse District Council has unveiled its new moorings policy for the River Thames at Abingdon, which allows visiting boaters for up to three nights along Abbey Meadow, Hales Meadow and Rye Farm Meadow.
New eye-catching notice boards will soon be installed to inform visitors where they can moor, along with a map that shows them where the best local attractions are and where they can find the shops, pubs and restaurants. The boards will be in place ready for the busy summer months.
The policy also includes an annual permit scheme for local residents to moor their own boat along the district council’s land at Wilsham Road. The permits cost £500 and will run from 1 January to 31 December each year.
Councillor Mike Murray, Cabinet Member for regeneration, economic development, and property, said “We know that many tourists come through Abingdon on boats each year and, with the new clear mooring sites and signage, this will encourage visitors to spend time and money whilst staying in this historic town.”
The policy and application form for a mooring permit are available from the district council’s website www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/moorings and applications for a 2018 permit close midnight on 15 December 2017.
