Archive
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Volunteers back up paramedics
St John Ambulance volunteers across the county are being drafted in to respond to 999 calls to save time in life-and-death situations. Members of the charity are joining Oxfordshire Ambulance Trust's 15-month-old community responders scheme, where off-duty
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First panto
Christmas pantomime The Woodcutter and the Wolf will be staged by professional London troupe Chaplins at the Abbey Sports Centre, Berinsfield, on December 21, at 3pm. To buy tickets, priced from £3 (or £15 for families), for this first-ever panto at the
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Teenager faces cannabis caution
Am Abingdon teenager could be cautioned for possessing half an ounce of cannabis resin. Shane Noble-Stocks, 18, had the drugs with him in a Vauxhall Nova car in Abbey Close, Abingdon, on December 6. Police arrested him after smelling cannabis when they
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Bridge plans gain support
Plans to build an £885,000 ramblers' bridge over the Thames in south Oxfordshire have gained support at a series of public exhibitions. As part of the Thames National Trail, the Keen Edge Footbridge will span the river north of Shillingford near the site
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Town will host more market days
Farmers' markets will be held in Wallingford on four Saturdays next year after the town council granted permission in a move hailed as a boost for shopkeepers. It followed opposition from some councillors, who felt that holding such markets once a month
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Homes planned
Cala Homes Ltd wants planning permission to build seven terraced houses and six flats on land at Littlemead in Aston Road.
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Co-op plans demolition job
The Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op has applied for planning consent to demolish the Kyldane Fieldsports shop at the Spendlove Centre and build a store to relocate from Sheep Street, Charlbury.
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Two injured on A420
Two people were taken to hospital after a crash involving a car and two lorries on the A420 near Pusey. Firefighters from Kidlington, Faringdon, and Oxford contained 400 litres of spilt diesel and made the road safe.
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Bus doubles up as grotto
A double-decker bus has been converted into an unusual Santa's grotto. The bus, part of an exhibition at the Oxford Bus Museum, in Long Hanborough station yard, near Bladon, will be manned by Santa, museum director John Bayliss. Colin Judge, the museum
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Two men killed as cars collide
Two young men, aged 18 and 20, have died in a car crash near Witney. They were in collision with another car on the B4022 Charlbury road, at the junction with the turn to Poffley End in Hailey. Roy Philip Bicker, 20, of Lancutt Road, Witney, and Dominic
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Chips are up for Teasel
Border terrier Teasel is safely back at her home near Charlbury after being found on a motorway hard shoulder by a lorry driver heading for Kent. Mrs Potter, with Teasel Teasel was soon reunited with her owner Sarah Potter, as previously she had been
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Winner treats family
A prize draw winner turned down the chance of driving away a sports car, in favour of receiving two practical cars to give to his children. John Madden, 60, of Wheatley, was offered the chance of owning a sports car to the value of £20,000 after he won
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Railway named top pub
A husband and wife who run a village pub are celebrating after winning two awards. Mr and Mrs Lafford Peter and Tracie Lafford, of the Railway Hotel, in Station Road, Wheatley, won Best Country Pub and Pub of the Year in a Fuller's brewery competition
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Capital trip
The French group of the Wantage and Grove Twinning Committee is planning a trip to the Vive la France exhibition in London on Saturday, January 18. Tickets cost £18 and can be booked by calling 01235 223410.
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Help for orphans
The Methodist Church in Wantage is hoping to brighten up the lives of Romanian children. The congregation is collecting gifts for the Campulung orphanage in Romania as part of its Christmas appeal. The church is hoping to send the orphans gifts such as
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Diabetic took his own life
A man took his own life days before he was due to have an operation which would have confined him to a wheelchair, an inquest heard. Jason Paul Arthurs, 29, was found lying on the floor of a bedroom in his parents' home at Hamfield, Wantage. He had cuts
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Changes for Chinnor
Chinnor, struggling at the wrong end of South West 1, are forced to make changes for their tricky trip away to leaders Dings Crusaders. Louw KrugerCentre Louw Kruger has returned temporarily to South Africa to get married, while lock James Borgnis is
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Rugby fixtures for Saturday
Matches to be played on Saturday, December 14, 2002 ENGLISH NATIONAL LEAGUE Div 2: Esher v Henley. ENGLISH CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP Powergen South West Div 1: Dings Crusaders v Chinnor. Powergen South West 2 East: Grove v Chippenham, Oxford Harlequins v Amersham
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Feathers ruffle Park to take over at top
Banbury's Feathers B are the new leaders in Division 2 of the Five Disciplines Badminton League after slaughtering previous pacesetters The Park 139-72. Hayley Davies shone in the full three disciplines and Ian Tustain and Bob Minor remained undefeated
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Troubled allotments seek new gardeners
An allotments association is appealing for new members after the future of its land was guaranteed by Banbury town clerk Tom Thompson. Members of the Spital Fields Allotments Association were concerned the council was planning to oust them. The situation
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Husband 'put in danger'
A woman whose husband sexually assaulted her daughter said she fears for his safety. Michelle Lord, of Burnley, Lancashire, was assaulted by her stepfather Keith Lewis three times at his home in Main Avenue, Sandford-on-Thames, near Oxford, more than
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Redknap back for Banbury
George Redknap has recovered from a sore leg in time for Banbury United's Dr Martens League Eastern Division home clash with St Leonards. Jason Allen is back for Saturday's game after missing Tuesday's match with flu.
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Town aim for five in a row
Abingdon Town aim for their fifth Ryman Division 2 win in a row when they visit Witham Town on Saturday (Dec 14). They are without Matty Hendra, who serves a one-match ban, and Gary Coyle (unavailable). Chris Harper is out with a groin injury.
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Hayward set for return
Oxford City club captain Matty Hayward could make his long-awaited first-team comeback after virtually two years on the sidelines. Julian DarkOut with serious knee injuries, he is in the squad for the trip to Ryman Division 1 North leaders Northwood on
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Hytec jobs saved
An information technology business has been bought out by two of its directors, saving the jobs of 25 staff. Hytec Information Security, based at Eynsham, has been taken over by David Bryant and Alan Hunt who rescued it from administration. Hytec was
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Company suffers financial setback
Transport and property management company WS Atkins has seen its finances slip into the red. But the firm, which employs 300 staff at its Eynsham branch, said the £2.5m loss was better than the £5m it had predicted in October and that a recovery was now
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Call for broadband
Residents in Goring are calling for broadband access to speed up Internet communications. Pressure group Broadband 4 Goring has compiled a list of 450 people who want the faster service. It is trying to ensure that at least three-quarters of them lodge
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Sell-off bears fruit for firm
A bumper sell-off of subsidiaries by AEA Technology is beginning to bear fruit, according to the company. The science company, based at Harwell, has sold most of its nuclear businesses and is concentrating on rail and the environment. Turnover for the
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Review: Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat Oxford Apollo Stephen Gately "Anyone from anywhere can make it if he gets a lucky break." So says Joseph, the central character in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's first (and still best) stage hit. So might say Stephen Gately,
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Skating sisters star in show
Sisters Rhianna and Kathryn Spiller, both pupils at Didcot Girls' School who have passed their National Ice Skating Association gold test, are performing in the Christmas show, Pantomania, running at Oxford Ice Rink, in Oxpens Road, until December 15.
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Child porn case adjourned again
Child pornography charges against a former councillor were adjourned by Didcot magistrates on December 12. Tim Horton, 55, of The Goggs, Watlington, faces 35 allegations of making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children between January
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Fitter twice raped cancer victim
A fitter has been convicted of raping a cancer patient, brutally beating her and hacking out chunks of her hair - after which he returned to the scene to comfort her. Richard Day A jury at Oxford Crown Court yesterday unanim- ously convicted Richard Day
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Football academy
The Abbey Sports Centre is to host a football academy for young Oxfordshire players over the Christmas holidays. Former Derby and Birmingham City star Pat Wright will be running a training day for seven to 16-year-olds at the centre on January 3. Call
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Bank staff raise funds
Staff from Barclays Bank were joined by their families and friends for a charity fundraising trip along the Ridgeway. The staff from Barclays' small businesses team walked or cycled along the trail from Wiltshire to Bedfordshire in 24 hours. They raised
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Green hopes to keep seat
Green MEP Caroline Lucas hopes to keep her seat in the 2004 election. Dr Lucas, who was elected as one of the UK's first two Green Party MEPs in 1999, will be standing after receiving votes from 85 per cent of local party members. She said: "It is a great
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Transport cash welcomed
David Robertson, the county council's executive member for transport, has welcomed a generous transport settlement from the Government. The £19m of capital funding, for the road maintenance programme and other highways projects, is an improvement on last
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Hospice raffle raises £25,000
An Oxford hospice raised £25,000 for terminally ill patients with a prize raffle. The top prize in the Sir Michael Sobell House Hospice raffle was a Peugeot 106 car, won by Cyril Ashwin of Botley, Oxford. Dr Michael Minton, clinical director of the hospice
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Night out led to long marriage
When Jim Drummond had an evening out in Reading as a change from the usual Oxford night out, it transformed his life for ever. He met his future wife Dorothy in the Berkshire town, and on December 13 they were celebrating 50 years of marriage. Former
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Mother loses hope that killer will be found
The mother of tragic schoolboy Ross Doyle says she is losing hope his killer will every be found. Ross's mother Cheryl, with a picture of her son Ross, who was nine at the time he died, was knocked down by a stolen car in Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys,
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Quins' match off after tragedy
Oxford Harlequins' South West Division 2 East match at home Amersham & Chiltern on Saturday (Dec 14) has been postponed following the sudden death of one of the Bucks club's players. Chiltern have called off all their games this weekend, after their
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New schools could be built with private cash
More schools in Oxfordshire could be built through private finance initiatives -- if a county council bid for Government funding is successful. Education managers have been given the go-ahead by the county's executive board to make "an expression of interest
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Fitter twice raped cancer victim
A fitter has been convicted of raping a cancer patient, brutally beating her and hacking out chunks of her hair - after which he returned to the scene to comfort her. A jury at Oxford Crown Court yesterday unanimously convicted Richard Day, 21, pictured
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Youth club reform
A meeting is being held in Marcham, near Abingdon, to reform the management of the village's youth club. The meeting, at The Institute, in North Street, on December 17, has been called prior to the relocation of the club to new premises at Anson Field
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Inquest into fire death
An inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of a man who died when flames engulfed his mobile home. Builder Trevor Blackman, 35, was discovered as a blaze swept through his mobile home on the Bridge House Caravan Park, Long Wittenham, at 2.05am
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Bulls hope for better
Banbury will be hoping to turn around a 57-5 defeat suffered only three weeks ago at Market Bosworth when they meet the Leicestershire club at Bodicote Park. The Bulls make one change for Saturday (Dec 14) from the side that finished the match, in their
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Hawks buoyant
Henley Hawks, buoyant after a return to try-scoring form - they blitzed Launceston with six on December 7 - will need to take this form into their match at Esher on Saturday, December 14. The Surrey side are two points behind leaders Hawks, having lost
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RAFA thanks supermarket
Members of the Witney branch of Royal Air Forces Association have presented a plaque to Sainsbury's supermarket to thank it for its assistance during Wings Week. Every year in September the branch, which has around 110 members, sets up a stall outside
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Hard work pays off for care workers
Two care workers have been honoured for their work at an Oxfordshire old people's home. Head of care Cindy Machell and night sister Karen Clews at Cotswold Home, in Bradwell Grove, Burford, were both highly commended in the Care Awards 2002, in London
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Animal rights activist jailed for bombing
An animal rights activist has been jailed for five and a half years for his part in firebombing an Oxfordshire meat factory, causing £40,000 worth of damage. David Blenkinsop, 36, of Broadhurst Manor Road, Horstead, West Sussex, admitted possessing, and
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'Fortunate' family look forward to festive meal
A family of six people with a combined age of 480 years are looking forward to spending Christmas together. Russell and Christine Yates will be sitting down for Christmas dinner with all four of their parents. The three couples all live in the same village
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Grange's grand treble
Damian Grange recorded a hat-trick of victories at the Portcullis LTC, Wallingford, veteran championships. Grange beat Jeremy Burn 6-0, 6-0 to take the men's singles, before teaming up with Steve Gothard to beat Len Albion and Geoff Howarth 6-1, 6-2 in
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Thame eye up old boy Cort
Striker Wayne Cort could make a shock return for Thame United - just months after he switched to Ryman League Division 1 North rivals Arlesey Town. Thame boss Andy Sinnott had to release Cort from his contract in the summer during a cost-cutting exercise
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Hockey fixtures for Saturday
Matches to be played on Saturday, December 14, 2002 MEN SOUTH LEAGUE Premier Div 1: Wimbledon v Oxford Univ. MBB&O Regional: City of Oxford v Sunbury, Newbury v Banbury. Div 1: Bicester v Amersham & Chalfont, OMT v Rover Oxford. Div 2: Abingdon
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Comprehensive may win revamp money
A Bicester comprehensive school could be in line for major refurbishment if a bid for cash is successful. Cooper School, Churchill Road, Bicester, would benefit from Oxfordshire County Council's attempt to win money from the government's private finance
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Cyclist hurt in 'cowardly' attack
A "cowardly" unprovoked assault on a woman cyclist is being investigated by police in Bicester. The woman, in her 20s, was cycling along London Road on her way home at about 11.30pm on December 10. When she was near the railway level crossing she was
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Football fixtures for Sunday
Matches to be played on Sunday, December 15, 2002 OFA SAM WATERS CUP 3rd round: Chase Finance v Three Pigeons. MORRELLS OF OXFORD SUNDAY LEAGUE Premier Div: Oxford Exiles v Morris Motors, Star Wands v Blackbird Sunday, Star Royal v Rose Hill. Div 1: Oxford
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Rifle range planned next to asylum site
Asylum seekers are likely to hear gunshots from a nearby Army training range if an accommodation centre is built, an inquiry heard. David Elvin, for Cherwell District Council, told the third day of the hearing into Government plans for a centre holding
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Mayor says thanks for gifts
The mayor and mayoress of Banbury, Tony and Lesley Mepham, have thanked residents for their generosity towards their toy appeal. Hundreds of donated gifts are being distributed to needy families in the town. Mr Mepham said: "We want to express our sincere
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School hopes for office donations
Recycling office materials could help a secondary school buy new equipment. Warriner School in Bloxham has teamed up with recycling company Eurosource in an initiative to provide free educational, sporting, recreational and musical apparatus. The school
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Hellenic squads
Squads for Saturday's matches (December 14) in the Cherry Red Records Hellenic League . . . Witney Utd (v Kidlington OB, home): Clifford, O'Dell, Border, Haynes, Meddes, Dowling, McDonald, McCullagh, S Dash, Phelan, Henry, Lyford, Lennon, Ranger, R Dash
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Hunter gets nod for U's
Roy Hunter will make his Oxford United debut at Bristol Rovers tomorrow - joining a team still buoyant from dumping Swindon out of the Cup. Manager Ian Atkins will be without midfield duo James Hunt and Dave Savage, who are suspended after collecting
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Quarry in swoop to sign Odhiambo
Quarry Nomads have snapped up former Abingdon United and Carterton Town striker Anaclet Odhiambo. He goes straight into the squad for Saturday's Hellenic League Division 1 East clash at home to Rayners Lane (Dec 14). Manager Derek Beesley has also been
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Henry rejects Chippy bid
Cherry Red Records Hellenic League preview: Striker Carl Henry has set his sights on helping newly-formed Witney United to league success after rejecting a move to fellow Division 1 West side Chipping Norton Town. Carl HenryHenry, who has only played
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Football fixtures for Saturday
Matches to be played on Saturday, December 14 NATIONWIDE LEAGUE Div 3: Bristol Rov v Oxford Utd. RYMAN LEAGUE Div 1 North: Northwood v Oxford C, Tilbury v Thame Utd Div 2: Witham Tn v Abingdon Tn. DR MARTENS LEAGUE Eastern Div: Banbury Utd v St Leonards
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Top role
Rameen Firoozan has been appointed managing director of Berkeley Homes (Oxford & Chiltern), at Abingdon. Mr Firoozan was formerly managing director of Laing Homes in Surrey. Prior to that he spent 10 years with Barratt Homes. He takes over from Gavin
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Business course accredited
The Master of Business Administration programme at Oxford Brookes University Business School has been accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). The accreditation follows the school's receipt of top marks from the Quality Assurance Agency. Simon Williams
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Area groups lose power
More planning decisions in Oxford are to be taken by the little-used strategic development control committee (SDCC). City councillors have agreed that major applications, which could be considered to have city-wide impact, should no longer be decided
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Concert at school
There will be a charity collection at Didcot Girls' School's carol concert at Cockcroft Hall on December 17, at 7pm.
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Alarm forces evacuation
Shoppers at Oxford's Westgate shopping centre were evacuated on December 12, during a false security alarm. The centre was shut down at about 11am, forcing dozens of Christmas shoppers to leave their trolleys behind without being able to pay. LaSalle
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Girl dies in road accident
A teenager died in a car crash on a south Oxfordshire road on December 12. The 16-year-old girl, who has not been named, suffered fatal injuries during the accident, on Chinnor Road, near Thame. Firefighters were called to the scene to release her from
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Children enjoy rubbish time
Children at an Oxford art club used rubbish to prepare for the festive season. They used waste material to produce a 10 ft angel at the Arc-T Centre, based at the John Bunyan Baptist Church, in Crowell Road, Cowley. It will feature in their Christmas
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Children draw from life
Children from an Oxford school had the opportunity to study and draw life models under expert tuition. Pupils practise their art The visit by a tutor and model was organised by the Royal Academy's outreach programme and they worked with boys aged between
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Area groups lose power
More planning decisions in Oxford are to be taken by the little-used strategic development control committee (SDCC). City councillors have agreed that major applications, which could be considered to have city-wide impact, should no longer be decided
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Police chief attacks low funding increase
Chief Constable of Thames Valley Peter Neyroud has attacked the Government for the amount of money it has given the force. Thames Valley Police will receive a three per cent increase, to £206m, in funding during 2003-04. Mr Neyroud said the settlement
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Numerous arrests follow fatal crash
Ross Doyle was hit by a stolen red Vauxhall Astra -- registration number F581 HUR -- which had been taken from Kennington two weeks earlier. He was killed in Pegasus Road at 8.45pm on December 13, 2000, as he returned from football practice with his friends
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Hunter gets nod for U's
Roy Hunter will make his Oxford United debut at Bristol Rovers tomorrow - joining a team still buoyant from dumping Swindon out of the Cup. Manager Ian Atkins will be without midfield duo James Hunt and Dave Savage, who are suspended after collecting
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Unipart announces rise in share price
Auto parts and distribution company Unipart, which has its headquarters in Cowley, has announced a three per cent increase in its share price. Independent valuers say the shares are now worth 37p, up from 36p last year. About 2,000 of Unipart's employees
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Seasonal cycle ride
The annual Mince Pie Cycle Ride to White Horse Hill takes place on December 15. Cyclists from all over Oxfordshire will be heading to the hill, near Uffington, in south Oxfordshire, for the traditional event. The ride is being hosted by Wantage Cyclists
