Archive
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‘Poor value’ for city
Ooxford has been revealed as one of the poorest value-for-money district councils in the country. A league table of civic spending has shown the Town Hall to be among the highest in areas like recreation, environmental health and benefit administration
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Inquest told of scuffle with police
Police officers battled in vain to save a man's life after he stopped breathing during a struggle in a graveyard. Paul Lewis, 42, died after officers tried to restrain him at St Mary & John Church in Cowley, Oxford, on March 14, an inquest at Oxford
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Today's local share prices (PM)
AEA Technology 98 BMW 2933 Electrocomponents 288.5 Isoft Group 35 Oxford Biomedica 31 Oxford Instruments 196.75 Oxonica 163 Reed Elsevier 596.75 RM 173 RPS 243.25 Torex Retail 44.75 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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New ban for Asbo nuisance
A man who became the first in the county to be named and shamed in a poster campaign about his Asbo has been banned from more areas of Oxford. Posters of Ian Joseph, of no fixed address, were put up around Oxford city centre and in Cowley two years
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Confident future
Sir, Approval of the Westgate proposals is great news for Oxford (Report, November 3). I believe the vast majority of people who live in the city or county will welcome the replacement of the current dowdy centre and grim multi-storey car park, both of
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Civilised democracy
Sir, William Parsons (Letters, October 27) seems rather confused in his attack on cyclists who ride on the pavement and central Government responsibility for tackling crime. He suggests that nobody cycled on the pavement between 1835 and 1999, when
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Westgate development offers great chance
Sir, Any development in a city such as Oxford poses challenges. It is no surprise that some object to the plans or wish to see them changed. However, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring real improvement to a long overdue area of the
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Priceless inheritance must be preserved
Sir, It is with dismay and disbelief that we learn of the proposal to extend housing in Horspath on to fields in the Green Belt presently in agricultural use. Over recent years, Shotover has been exploited by those who seem bent on creating a park out
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Great anomaly
Sir, There is hope of Government legislation to allow women to become Freemen of Cities which already have male Freemen. In recent years it was hoped that a Private Members' Bill could put things right but unfortunately these have fallen through lack
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Significant feature
Sir, The Forest of Oxford group deplores the unnecessary felling of the Osney Island willow trees on the grounds of safety. The trees could be made safe by cutting them down to a height of some two-three metres above ground level. New growth would
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False notions
Sir, Professor Richard Dawkins intends to promote his latest book The God Delusion at an event to be held in the Oxford Union debating chamber on Tuesday, November 14. As a Christian - a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ - I write to object to this
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Deity delusion
Sir, I am concerned that Professor Richard Dawkins will be promoting his new book The God Delusion in Oxford on November 14. The Bible tells us "There is one God" (1 Timothy 2 v 5). It also says "The fool has said in his heart, There is no God" (Psalm
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Unhealthy vision
Sir, The White Horse Leisure Centre, managed by Community Leisure Services Ltd on behalf of the Vale of the White Horse, is an excellent local amenity, existing to improve the quality of life, fitness and longevity of local residents. What a shame that
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Important choices
Sir, Your heading Unitary hope fading (Report, November 3) implies that there is a popular desire for unitary authorities in Oxfordshire. If you mean a free-standing Oxford city, divorced from its hinterland, or districts given unitary status, then I
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Negative impact
Sir, Why do we need the proposed Westgate development and more shops? Oxford has a population of only about 100,000 plus about another 40,000 students. We also have plenty of shops. More shops means more people coming into the centre of Oxford and more
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Concreting country
Sir, South Oxfordshire District Council is running a consultation about where the new housing the Government is forcing us to take should be built. The main choices it offers are between all in towns including a substantial increase in the size of Thame
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Remember sacrifices
Sir, I am writing to ask the people of Oxford to give their generous support to this year's Poppy Appeal, just as they always have in the past. At this time, and especially on Remembrance Sunday, we remember the sacrifices made by our armed forces in
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Healthier travel
Sir, A correspondent last week suggested that if North Oxford independent schools were to discourage students from travelling to school by car, traffic jams could be eased. This of course is true. At Oxford High School we have just surveyed the senior
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Empire building
Sir, It is disappointing to see even Andy Boddington of Oxfordshire CPRE falling into the trap of referring to environmental vandalism as 'development' (Letters, October 13). This is a term that greedy businessmen would, no doubt, want us to use and
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RUGBY UNION: Wasps call up Edwards
OXFORD Harlequins' Rhodri Edwards has joined London Wasps' junior ranks after impressing in trials. Edwards, a centre or full back for Quins' under 15s, was the only Oxfordshire player called up from the 15 and 16-year-olds' selection. *GOSFORD All
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RUGBY UNION: Newell to rest neck
GOSFORD All Blacks' Tommy Newell has been told to rest for "a number of weeks" after leaving the field in an ambulance on Saturday. Stand-in scrum half Newell (pictured) hurt his neck in a tackle against Bicester, but his injuries proved less serious
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RUGBY UNION: Littlemore will keep battling
LITTLEMORE have vowed to "see the season out" after Saturday's 136-0 thrashing at Wallingford in the BB&O Premier Division. The 22-try romp was Wallingford's record victory, while Littlemore have also had to give two walkovers this season. Littlemore
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RUGBY UNION: Simplicity suits title challengers Witney
WITNEY coach Matt Watts says keeping it simple has been the key to their early season success. And he is already confident they could hold their own in South West 2 should they win promotion. Watts said: "As a team we have played some outstanding
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Police fear for missing man
POLICE said today they were becoming increasingly concerned about Michael James Alan Kaye, 66, who went missing from his home on Saturday at Glimbers Grove, Chinnor. Mr Kaye is 5ft 5in tall, slim, with short grey hair, grey facial hair and brown eyes
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Police fear for missing man
POLICE said today they were becoming increasingly concerned about Michael James Alan Kaye, 66, who went missing from his home on Saturday at Glimbers Grove, Chinnor. Mr Kaye is 5ft 5in tall, slim, with short grey hair, grey facial hair and brown eyes
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A bright idea?
An Oxford climate change campaigner (why he is campaigning for climate change I do not know: maybe he wants it to be a bit warmer than it is now, just like it used to be when the Romans grew grapes in Scotland) wants the government to ban conventional
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Man faces fight to keep turbine
A man trying to save the environment may have to pull down his wind turbine - if his neighbours find it too noisy. Craig Colliass, 46, spent £1,500 on the device for his home in Membury Way, Grove, near Wantage, to help the global warming problem and
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Lord Mayors to be honoured with badge
Lord Mayors spanning 30 years of Oxford's political history gathered together this week to be given a badge in recognition of their work. Jim Campbell, the current Lord Mayor, welcomed 16 former incumbents to the Mayor's Parlour at the Town Hall on
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We're watching you
The message clearly hasn't yet sunk in. It should be obvious to bus drivers that with today's congestion, they need to have their eyes and their full attention on the roads at all times. As passengers, we put our lives in their hands and expect them
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Crucial reason
In your editorial (Oxford Mail, November 1), you attack city councillor Elise Benjamin for asking that the Capital Shopping proposal for the Westgate land be called in' by the Secretary of State. You do not mention the most crucial reason for her stance
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Today's local share prices (AM)
AEA Technology 99 BMW 2954 Electrocomponents 284.75 Isoft Group 32.5 Oxford Biomedica 31 Oxford Instruments 196.5 Oxonica 165 Reed Elsevier 595.25 RM 173.5 RPS 241.75 Torex Retail 45.75 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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We're as good as the lads
I was absolutely disgusted when I read Philip Harper's letter questioning the quality of girls' and women's football (Oxford Mail, November 3). Having played in the Oxford Girls' League for six seasons, I can conclusively say that everything about Mr
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Today's local share prices (AM)
AEA Technology 99 BMW 2954 Electrocomponents 284.75 Isoft Group 32.5 Oxford Biomedica 31 Oxford Instruments 196.5 Oxonica 165 Reed Elsevier 595.25 RM 173.5 RPS 241.75 Torex Retail 45.75 Courtesy of Redmayne Bentley, Abingdon
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County councillor's brother elected to US Senate
Bernie Sanders, the brother of Oxfordshire county councillor Larry Sanders, last night won a seat on the American Senate. Mr Sanders, an Independent, defeated Republican Richard Tarrant for the seat vacated by Jim Jeffords, a left-leaning independent
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Driver taken to hospital after crash
Paramedics took a driver to hospital following a crash on Oxford's eastern bypass yesterday. The accident, involving a car and a lorry, happened at 8.50pm near the BMW Mini factory. One woman was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, with
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European Court to rule on 'squatters' land
A Kidlington family firm is seeking millions of pounds of taxpayers' money in compensation after a farmer and his wife gained possession of 58 acres of the company's land through squatters' rights. The European Court has already ruled the UK Government
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Kingston Bagpuize Drama Group
Our rehearsals for ‘Pretzels for Dinner’ continue. The production is on November 23rd, 24th and 25th in the village hall. The set is built and looks great, the words and moves are there and it’s coming together nicely. Each Tuesday is club night and those
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European court to rule on 'squatters' land
A Kidlington family firm is seeking millions of pounds of taxpayers' money in compensation after a farmer and his wife gained possession of 58 acres of the company's land through squatters' rights. The European Court has already ruled the UK Government
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FOOTBALL: Webster is key for Shelley
Shelley Arms moved up to fourth in the RT Harris Oxford City FA Premier Division thanks to a 2-0 victory against North Oxford Res. It could have been worse for Oxford were it not for a top display from their keeper Ross Thompson. Toby Webster set
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FOOTBALL: Saxton turn up heat at top
Second-placed Saxton Rovers kept up the pressure on North Berks League Division 1 leaders Ardington & Lockinge as they edged to a 3-2 victory against defending champions Lambourn Sports, writes IAN BROWN. Michael Beale, Craig O'Conner and Stephen Matthews
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FOOTBALL: Harriott five-timer sinks Freeland
Former Abingdon Town striker Jefferson Harriott grabbed a five-goal haul in Freeland's 11-0 romp against Division 3 outfit Southrop in the second round. The Premier Division champions put on an explosive display, with Stuart Hole, Simon Hole, Jamie
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BILLIARDS: Thame brush aside Ashton
Thame A crushed Division 1 rivals Ashton 3-0 in the in the Oxford & District League. Mark Boyson (+70) set them on the way with breaks of 23 and 29 to end Keith Maskens's (+60) winning run 150-110. Paul Evans (+40) reeled off breaks of 27, 30 and
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ATHLETICS: Couple go extra mile for love!
Abingdon Amblers husband-and-wife team Chris and Liz Bedford had a special reason for competing at the Marlow Half Marathon at the weekend. The pair enter the road race every year as a romantic anniversary gesture - the event was their very first date
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ATHLETICS: Kimber sets the pace
Steve Kimber (pictured number 458) continued where he left off last season by posting a convincing victory in the first round of the Oxford Mail Cross Country League at Ascott-under- Wychwood. Competing for Headington Roadrunners, the defending overall
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FOOTBALL: U's fans get ticket warning
Oxford United have urged ticketless fans not to travel to Saturday's big FA Cup tie at Wycombe. Hundreds of supporters have ended up disappointed at missing out on the first-round local derby after all 1,870 tickets available to Oxford were snapped
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FOOTBALL: Cleevely is Eynsham hero
An injury-time strike from Daniel Cleevely secured a share of the spoils for Eynsham in a six-goal thriller against Chadlington in the Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division. Chris Forde gave Chadlington a half-time lead, only for Eynsham to level
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FOOTBALL: West Witney lift recovery hopes
West Witney boosted their Witney & District FA Premier Division survival hopes with a 2-0 win against Millpark. Strikes from Steve Henderson and Jeorge Granja secured the points as West Witney moved out of the bottom three. Carterton Res maintained
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AUNT SALLY: Wilkins stars for Cricketers
Phil Wilkins reeled off a double six in his first two throws as Cricketers opened the Gladiator Beer Seller Friday League season by whitewashing Garsington Sports 6-0. However, Wilkins missed out on a maximum as he could post only three dolls in the
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ATHLETICS: Star duo to present awards
Oxford City stars Nathan Douglas and Hannah England will be on hand to present the trophies at the club's annual presentation ceremony on Friday. Olympic triple jumper Douglas, and 2012 hopeful England will hand out the awards at Oxford Harlequins Rugby
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Cycle path surface to be replaced
A busy cycle path will be closed for the next two weeks while its pot-holed surface is replaced. The off-road path between Ferry Road in Marston and South Parks Road has been closed since Monday, when work began to lay a new foundation on the stretch
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RUGBY UNION: Roff relishes Tigers victory
JOE Roff says beating Leicester Tigers will do wonders for Oxford University's morale as they prepare for the Varsity Match. The former Australian international had an impressive game at outside centre in Monday's 18-17 victory at Iffley Road. And
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£1.9m refit for park-and-ride on its way
Work is about to begin on a multi-million pound facelift for one of Oxford's park-and-ride sites. Oxfordshire County Council is to spend £1.9m on a revamp of the Thornhill park-and -ride, near Headington, with work beginning on Monday, November 20,
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Court told of pleas for help
NEIGHBOURS of alleged murder victim Guy Thomas yesterday told a jury how he came to their home bleeding and pleading for help. Daniel Conway and Heidi Bowen, who lived next door to Mr Thomas, had heard noises from his flat in Pound Way, Cowley, from
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Six arrested in benefit fraud raids
SIX people were arrested in simultaneous raids in Oxford yesterday as part of an investigation into £500,000 worth of benefit frauds. Police, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Immigration Service and HM Revenue and Customs were all involved
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Arts post for MP
WANTAGE MP Ed Vaizey was yesterday promoted to the front bench of the Conservative Party for the first time. Mr Vaizey, 38, was given the job of Shadow Arts Minister by Tory leader and fellow Oxfordshire MP David Cameron. The appointment marks a rapid
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City author in fall death
A MAN killed after a fall from a car park in Swindon was yesterday named as Oxford author Luke Bitmead. Mr Bitmead, above, of Summertown, was found beneath the car park on October 27 and later died from his injuries. The 34-year-old had been at Waterstone's
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Cyclist 'towed by bus driver'
AN OXFORD Bus Company driver has been suspended for "towing" a cyclist along one of the city's busiest roads. Bar manager Athol Whitmore, 26, was stunned on Monday when he was a passenger on the Elms Rise 4A bus, in Botley Road, shortly before 1pm,
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Former council officer condemns Osney work
Workers felling the willow trees on Osney Island were set to be told today to lay down their tools after campaigners won a 14-day injunction. The Oxford City Council workers have already axed all but four of 11 condemned trees and have topped another
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Court told of pleas for help
Neighbours of alleged murder victim Guy Thomas yesterday told a jury how he came to their home bleeding and pleading for help. Daniel Conway and Heidi Bowen, who lived next door to Mr Thomas had heard noises from his flat in Pound Way, Cowley, from
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Woman dies in latest smash
A woman driver has become the latest fatality on Oxfordshire roads after a two-car smash near Bicester yesterday morning. Another man was seriously injured in the crash, which has seen the county's road death toll for this year hit 53 - 13 more than
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Rescue fund to help out hamper families
Families who saw their festive savings disappear with the collapse of hamper firm Farepak have welcomed an early Christmas present. Last night, a rescue fund set up to give Christmas back to thousands of families - including 20 living in Blackbird Leys
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'Cyclist was towed by bus driver'
An Oxford Bus Company driver has been suspended for "towing" a cyclist along one of the city's busiest roads. Bar manager Athol Whitmore, 26, was stunned on Monday when he was a passenger on the Elms Rise 4A bus, in Botley Road, shortly before 1pm,
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Gang burgles 87-year-old's home
FOUR men clambered through a window of an elderly woman's house in Oxford and stole her watch and cash after one of them told her he was a CID cadet. The burglary happened on Mere Road in Wolvercote on Sunday at around 7.20pm and police are now hunting
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Expert wants a bulb ban
An Oxford climate change campaigner wants the Government to take unilateral action to ban power-hungry light bulbs within five years. Ministers are pressing the European Commission to make the switch to energy-saving bulbs "a priority". They are also
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Big brother is watching city
IT IS staggering how many sets of electronic eyes are watching you in this city. In just an hour mimicking a simple shopping trip carried out by thousands every day, we came under the gaze of 81 cameras - well over one every minute. The surveillance
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City staff to get free loans for cycles
A NEW loan scheme has been launched by Oxford City Council to help staff buy new cycles. Many of the authority's 1,400 staff have been offered the tax-free loan initiative - in the hope that more of them will ride to work. The radical scheme - called
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Patients hit by winter bug
A DOZEN patients at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, have been hit by a winter vomiting bug. The bug affected patients on a number of wards in Level 6 during the past fortnight but hospital managers say they have all recovered and are hopeful that
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Missing boy makes contact
A BOY who has been missing for more than a week has made contact with his family. Nooragh Zedarn, 12, was last seen by his foster parents at their home in Spruce Gardens, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, on Thursday, October 26. Concerns were growing for Nooragh
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Villagers urged to talk to police
VILLAGERS are being encouraged to tell the police what they feel needs tackling in their communities to make them feel safer. Public meetings are planned, covering an area from Wytham, down to Abingdon. Chief Inspector David Purnell, the local police
