ABINGDON has an opportunity it cannot let pass by.

The Oxford Mail is a supporter of communities across the county, but it has been hard to avoid the decline of Abingdon town centre.

Traders have struggled and big name stores have moved out.

To be fair, it is not alone. Oxford city centre is a pretty glum place to shop at the moment.

It is in stark contrast to Witney, where the new Marriotts Walk has rejuvenated the town, and in Didcot the Orchard Centre has given people a reason to visit.

Bicester is also spearheading multi-million-pound redevelopment plans.

All these towns are enjoying growth and Abingdon should not miss out.

Abbey Shopping Centre and the Charter area came under the spotlight this week.

Scottish Widows, which has a long lease on the site, has proposed a major supermarket with a 700-space car park, redeveloping the former Woolworths and possibly building a new hotel.

We know residents have concerns: mainly traffic congestion – how would the town cope with extra cars?

But that should not be a reason not to do anything, rather a chance to sort out the problem once and for all.

We hope Abingdon gets a revamped, spruced-up centre, of which the town can be proud.