More than £500,000 is being invested into Didcot to deliver community improvements.

The funding, sanctioned by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, will facilitate an array of enhancements across the town as part of the ongoing delivery of plans for Didcot Garden Town.

The allocation will mainly be used to improve green spaces, encourage greater biodiversity, and improve wayfinding signage in Didcot.

Improved wayfinding will allow people to easily find where they want to go and encourage people to walk or cycle.

It is hoped it will help promote notable destinations and connectivity within the expanding communities of Didcot.

The proposals, set out in the Wayfinding Strategy, are designed to resonate with the town’s history, natural setting, and relationship with the area recognised nationally as Science Vale.

A number of projects proposed in the Green Infrastructure Strategy have also been approved to improve access to green spaces across different areas of the town.

In northeast Didcot, funding will be used to improve green spaces through food growing and public art as well as improving biodiversity.

The town council will collaborate with landowners to upgrade the National Cycle Route 544, located in the southeast of the town.

These improvements will result in clearer sight lines, better lighting and better access, making it safer to use.

In the southwest, improvements are aimed at developing the southern perimeter route that links Mowbray Nature Reserve and the proposed parks.

Included in this project are the introduction of play and exercise features.

Councillor Sue Caul, Vale of White Horse District Council cabinet member for affordable housing, infrastructure, development and governance, said: "This is a significant sum of money and will ensure we are able to continue to develop Didcot Garden Town and have a real positive impact on our residents.

"The wayfinding improvements will not only help people discover the best bits of Didcot, it will also help promote a sense of community and belonging."

Oxford Mail: Robin BennettRobin Bennett (Image: Robin Bennett)

Councillor Robin Bennett, South Oxfordshire District Council cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, said: "We know how important green spaces are for people’s physical and mental health.

"Approving the funding for these projects means we can make it easier for our residents to access and enjoy them.

"These strategies and funding provide vital first steps towards increasing local biodiversity and reducing our climate impact and will help bring the garden to Didcot Garden Town."

The funding and proposed strategies were approved at the most recent South Oxfordshire District Council cabinet meeting and Vale of White Horse District Council cabinet meeting.