One shopper has come forward to describe the growing issue of what he says are school-age youngsters meeting in the town centre and ‘intimidating’ the public.

It comes after the most recent incident of anti-social behaviour occurred on Monday, April 13, when two individuals broke into the roof of the Abingdon Eye Centre in Bury Street.

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Police responded to reports of the break-in, where eyewitnesses said damage was caused to the white wooden access door onto the roof, but the individuals had gone by the time they arrived.

The Bury Street precinct in Abingdon (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Charles, who did not want to share his surname, witnessed the break-in from Abingdon Library and said the roof is frequently a target of ‘mischief’.

“Steel gates and fencing was put in about two years ago in response to the intrusions, but it would appear this has been circumvented by teenagers who seem to think its cool to go up onto the roof and cause mischief,” he said.

“The shopping centre has suffered for years as a point where teenagers congregate with the intention of engaging in annoying and insulting behaviour.

“In the past few years gangs have congregated on scooters and bikes, alarming and distressing passersby with insulting yelled comments and intimidating behaviour, even throwing things.

“Some shoppers are too scared now to go into town, particularly in the afternoons. ”

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A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We received a report at around 2.40pm on Monday, 13 April, that two individuals were on the roof of the Abingdon Eye Centre in Bury Street.

“Officers attended the scene, but were unable to locate anyone on the roof.

“Anyone who witnesses antisocial behaviour is encouraged to report it to us.

“Please call 999 in an emergency where there is an immediate threat to life, 101 for non-emergencies, or report online via our website.”

Researchers at the University of Oxford found that simple menu tweaks can make a big difference in workplace cafeterias.

The study replaced one meat-based lunch option with a vegetarian alternative in six English workplaces and recorded results over seven weeks and more than 26,000 meals.

The likelihood of a customer choosing a vegetarian meal increased by 41 per cent.

Dr Elisa Becker, lead author and postdoctoral researcher at Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, said: “The findings show that small changes to food environments can have a big effect without requiring customers to make extra effort, read labels or use self-control.

“Instead of placing the burden on consumers, we found that simply offering more options that are better for health and the environment, shifts eating behaviour in a healthier and more sustainable direction.”

The study, published in the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, also found that the vegetarian options reduced calories, saturated fat, and salt.

Meals during the trial averaged 26 fewer calories and produced 8.5 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions.

Customer feedback indicated that the change was largely unnoticed.

The study suggests this approach could inform future workplace food policies.

Researchers now hope to run similar trials in other industries and are seeking new partners interested in improving health and sustainability through small, practical changes.

Issued in 2023 after an Ofsted and Care Quality Commission inspection, the notice applied to Oxfordshire’s services.

It was removed on April 15 following a letter from the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, to Oxfordshire County Council and NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The letter praised improvements including stronger engagement with children, families, and carers, better communication, more timely education, health and care plans, and reduced waiting times for critical support.

It also recognised a better approach to strategic planning.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education and young people’s services, said: “The government’s decision to remove the improvement notice is encouraging.

“Close partnership working has helped us to review, reset and rebuild services.

“We are committed to this and will continue to engage and listen to children, young people with SEND and their families as part of our improvement journey.”

The Oxfordshire SEND partnership includes the county council, NHS Thames Valley ICB, Oxford Health and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, the Oxfordshire Parent Carer Forum, and professional subject matter leads.

Dr Nick Broughton, executive lead at NHS Thames Valley, said: “We welcome the decision to lift the improvement notice and recognise it as an important milestone for SEND services in Oxfordshire.

“We know, however, that this is not the end of the journey.

“There is still more to do to ensure services are consistently timely, joined up and responsive, and to rebuild confidence with families.”