The new Mayor of Abingdon has urged council officials and owners of a shopping precinct to settle their differences and re-develop the site for the good of the town.

Cllr David Allinson, 63, has outlined the big challenges that face Abingdon for the future and highlighted shopping as a particular concern.

David AllinsonThe Vale of the White Horse District Council sold Threadneedle Property Investments the freehold to Bury Street shopping precinct on a 999-year lease six years ago.

Last year, the company proposed a £3.5m redevelopment of the site but was unable to agree a financial package with the council. The deal has been deadlocked ever since.

Mr Allinson said: "Shops are opening in the town but we need to attract more outlets and visitors. The deadlock between the district council and the owners of the Bury Street shopping precinct needs to be broken so this can be re-developed in the long term."

Terry Stocks, district council chief executive, said: "We worked very hard and were pleased that Threadneedle brought a re-development proposition to the council. But it wouldn't have brought spectacular improvements to the precinct and would have changed our financial agreement with Threadneedle.

"We are still hopeful that a development will take place and I am delighted that the town council shares our aspirations."