Archive
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Bishop of Oxford says General Election hustings will be hosted by Christians
Christians across the Oxford Diocese will host hustings in the run-up to the General Election, according to the Bishop of Oxford. In a surprise announcement today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a General Election on July 4. The Tories are
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AstraZeneca targets doubling revenue to 80 billion dollars by end of decade
The company that created one of the first coronavirus vaccines - in partnership with the University of Oxford - has announced plans to nearly double its revenue. AstraZeneca has announced plans to nearly double its revenue to 80 billion dollars
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Do workers get a day off to vote in a general election in the UK?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK’s next general election will take place on July 4. The election will mark the first since 2019 which saw the conservatives win and Boris Johnson become Prime Minister. Now, the upcoming general
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The reason why general elections are held on Thursdays in the UK
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK’s next general election will take place on Thursday, July 4. The upcoming election will see Brits head to the polling station as they decide the future of the UK. The election will mark the
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What does the term Purdah mean in relation to general elections in the UK?
Rishi Sunak has called a new general election to take place in 2024 after months of speculation about when it would be. After a cabinet meeting the Prime Minister has shared it will take place on Thursday, July 4. Due to the general election
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Police ban man behind viral 'Things Can Only Get Better' moment from Parliament
Rishi Sunak’s election announcement was drowned out by a protestor blaring the song 'Things Can Only Get Better' by D:Ream. Whilst Sunak stood in the rain, the last thing he probably wanted to hear was the soundtrack for Tony Blair’s 1997 general
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Who is eligible to vote in UK parliament elections? All you need to know
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed earlier today: "There will be a general election in the second half of this year.” Asked at PMQs earlier today (Wednesday, May 22) whether he will call a snap election by SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn
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Kaleb Cooper makes appearance at rally attended by hundreds of young farmers
Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper made an appearance at a rally in Bicester which was attended by hundreds of young farmers last weekend. The Oxfordshire Young Farmers County Show and Rally was hosted by Bicester Young Farmers and took place at
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Theatre performer from Oxfordshire set to wow Masterchef audience
A theatre performer and food lover who grew up in Oxfordshire has not ruled out a return to the county after making the Masterchef final. Chris Willoughby, 44, was born in Chipping Norton and lives in Henley, and has reached the top-three of the
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Spires set to welcome British speedway’s most successful team
OXFORD Spires will welcome British speedway’s most successful team for the first time in 17 years tomorrow evening. The world-famous Belle Vue Aces visit Sandy Lane, and as well as the two points for victory, there is also an aggregate bonus point
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When is the next general election? Rishi Sunak announces long-awaited date
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed when a general election will take place in the United Kingdom. Mr Sunak has never won a general election as party leader and has so far remained vague on announcing an actual date. Despite initially
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Veteran councillor blasts Oxfordshire on failure of third Thames bridge
A retiring veteran councillor has spoken about his regret in the inability to move ahead with a third Thames bridge during his time at the council, and has blasted Oxfordshire councils for "refusing to engage". Tony Page (Labour, Abbey) the outgoing
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Oxfordshire reacts to Rishi Sunak's General Election announcement
9:30pm Thank you for following this live blog. If you enjoy the Oxford Mail's coverage, why not consider a digital
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Police chief responds to national statement about 'less arrests'
The county's chief police constable says the force is 'committed' to fighting crime following national statements about a reduction of arrests due to prison overcrowding. Following reporting today (May 22) around police forces’ nationally potentially
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How often are general elections held in the UK? Maximum term of a Parliament
A general election allows members of the public to choose their MP in every part of the UK. The chosen Member of Parliament will then represent a local area (also known as constituency) in the House of Commons for up to five years. The UK Parliament
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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces July 4th date for general election
A General Election will be held on July 4th, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced. Mr Sunak, who has been Prime Minister since October 2022, has called the election after months of speculation about its date. The deadline for an election
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Death of RAF parachute jumper ruled as 'accidental'
The DEATH of an RAF parachute jumping instructor who plummeted during a skydive at an RAF base was as an 'unforeseeable accident', an inquest jury concluded. Sergeant Rachel Fisk, 32, from Carterton, was killed in an incident on September 2, 2021
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Wine bar in trendy street looks set to become Japanese restaurant
A wine bar in Oxford looks set to become a Japanese restaurant. Wilding opened in Little Clarendon Street in 2021 on the site of the former Cafe Rouge. New chefs Michael Carr and Ben Wood were appointed in August last year to create a new menu
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What is a snap election? Rishi Sunak expected to make announcement today
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed earlier today: "There will be a general election in the second half of this year.” Mr Sunak has never won a general election as party leader and has so far remained vague on announcing an actual date. However
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When was the last general election in the UK and what was the result?
Speculation remains rife as to when the next general election will be called by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The next general election looks set to take place in 2024 with the Prime Minister promising it will take place in the second half of the
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Major road closes near town centre due to crash
9:18pm We are now closing this live blog as this incident has been cleared. Thank you for following our coverage.
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Jeremy Clarkson and James May set record straight on latest rumours
Jeremy Clarkson and James May have both publicly commented on the latest rumours involving them. The celebrity pair are well known for starring together on car shows Top Gear and The Grand Tour over the years alongside fellow presenter Richard
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Sale of former Debenhams store as part of £1.5bn project confirmed
The former Debenhams department store in Oxford will be turned into a science lab as part of the Crown Estate’s aim to provide “vital lab space”. The Crown Estate has partnered with Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE) and Pioneer Group to provide
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Rapist ice skater released from prison after eight years
AN amateur ice skater from Oxford who groomed and abused two vulnerable young girls has been released from prison. Joseph Tsang, formerly of Sandy Lane, Oxford, was jailed in February 2016 for 15 years for child sexual offences, including the rape
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Suspected kidnapping and assault at motorway services
A woman in her early 20s was allegedly the victim of a kidnapping and assault in a motorway services regularly used by Oxfordshire drivers. The incident happened after a witness saw a woman being removed from the boot of a car by a man in the
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Boy can't recall if he was 'pushed or slipped' from cliff in attempted murder trial
A BOY who was reportedly ‘thrown’ from a 100ft clifftop by a man he had ‘caught’ sexually abusing a girl said he can’t remember if he slipped or was pushed. Police believe Anthony Stocks, of Iceni Close, Goring, pushed the 10-year-old boy after
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Anti-LTN campaigner rejects criticism he has his own LTN
A vocal opponent of controversial transport policies in Oxford has responded to historic criticism from BBC presenter Jeremy Vine he has "his own" LTN (low traffic neighbourhood) outside his restaurant as he is embroiled with the council in a new row
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RECAP: Heavy delays as police called to A34 crash
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Bus station closed after flooding across the region
Banbury's bus station has been closed due to bad weather conditions and flooding with commuters asked to use Bridge Street. Stagecoach Oxfordshire announced the timetable would remain the same with some possible delays. One member of the public
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Travellers leave park after pitching up on site last week
Travellers in Bicester have left a park after pitching up on the site last week as a clean-up operation has been taking place. The first reports of their presence at the park off Manston Close near the Lidl store in Launton Road surfaced last Friday
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‘Major improvement’ necessary as restaurant slammed by hygiene inspectors
An Indian takeaway in Oxfordshire requires ‘major improvement’ according to food hygiene inspectors. The Prince of India in The Parade in Didcot Inspectors was visited by South Oxfordshire District Council’s Environmental Health team on Tuesday
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How to claim free items at Tesco with 'surprise' trick shoppers are just discovering
Shoppers across the UK are just discovering there is a way to claim free items from Tesco supermarkets. The supermarket giant is already known for giving shoppers discounts through its Clubcard rewards scheme. But did you know you can claim
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Rishi Sunak speaks out as July general election rumours swirl
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has repeated his insistence that the general election will take place in the second half of the year amid mounting speculation he could have his eye on a summer polling day. Downing Street had refused to rule out a snap
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Oxford Spires to host league leaders for first time in 17 years
Oxford Spires will be looking to pick up three points when they host league leaders Belle Vue Aces at Oxford Stadium for the first time in 17 years. The ROWE Motor Oil Premiership points up for grabs at 7.30 pm on Thursday, May 23, include two
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Seven building to be demolished for new science and technology facility
An Oxford science network has secured planning permission to demolish seven buildings to make way for a new facility for the science, technology and innovation sector. Advanced Research Clusters (ARC) Oxford is set to develop 'Ascent', a building
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Oxfordshire farm with converted barn house on market for £4.85m
An Oxfordshire farm has been placed on the market for £4.85m. The "well-equipped" arable farm, spanning 388 acres of land between the villages of Murcott and Horton-Cum-Studley, is known as Manor Farm. The land comprises an “attractive” farmhouse
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Man sentenced for threatening revenge porn
A YOUNG man has been sentenced after being found guilty of threatening ‘revenge porn’ against a woman in Witney. Kameron Decena, 27, stood trial at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Monday (April 22) charged with one count of threatening to disclose
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Sub-postmaster joins Oxfordshire broadcaster to tell Post Office scandal story
Sub-postmaster Jo Hamilton has recorded an audio memoir opening up on the Post Office scandal with Oxfordshire presenter Mark Pougatch. Ms Hamilton is one of the 3,500 sub-postmasters falsely blamed for financial shortfalls in their Post Offices
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Oxford City appointment new chairman after passing away of Brian Cox
OXFORD City have appointed Andy Sinnott as chairman, replacing the long-serving Brian Cox, who passed away aged 83 last month. Cox took over as Hoops chairman in 2003, a role he held for more than 20 years. Sinnott meanwhile, a former Hoops
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BMW seized after police catch uninsured driver with revoked licence
A BMW was seized on a major Oxfordshire A-road after police caught an uninsured driver with a revoked licence. The incident occurred on a southbound lane on the A34 during Wednesday morning as Thames Valley Police stopped a motorist driving a silver
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Police warning over 'abusive and threatening' door-to-door salesmen
Police have issued a warning over a gang of abusive 'Nottingham Knockers' who are threatening householders. Nottingham Knockers are usually young men who go door to door, forcefully selling household products at inflated prices. Police said
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U’s co-owner: ‘No reason why we should not dream big and get to the Premier League’
OXFORD United co-owner Anindya Bakrie says there is no reason why the club shouldn’t ‘dream big and get to the Premier League’. The U’s beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 in the Sky Bet League One play-off final on Saturday, sealing a return to the second
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UK inflation falls to lowest levels in nearly three years
UK inflation has fallen to its lowest level in nearly three years as the Prime Minister claimed inflation was “back to normal”. Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation slowed to 2.3% in April, down from 3.2% in March, according to the Office for
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What are the symptoms of sepsis and when should you go to A&E?
Hundreds of thousands of people are affected by sepsis every year, making it a relatively common condition. Sepsis, which tends to impact young children and older adults, is also deadly with around 50 thousand people dying from it annually.
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Millions could be owed money by energy firms as campaigners say 'act now'
Households are being urged to reclaim credit they have built up with their energy supplier in order to “reset” direct debit payments that remain high as prices drop. Campaigners from Warm This Winter, while stressing that customers should not cancel
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Heavy rain to cause flooding and travel disruption for much of the UK today
Much of the UK can expect heavy rain with a possibility of flooding and travel disruption on Wednesday and Thursday. An amber weather warning has been issued by the Met Office and covers part of the country. The locations issued the amber warning
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Can you be arrested for trespassing in the UK? Everything you need to know
Trespassing isn't normally an issue we have to deal with on a day-to-day basis but it can arise from time to time. The laws on trespassing can differ between England, Scotland and Wales, making it confusing when you're trying to work out what the
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Rush hour delays across Oxford as surface water causes major issues
2:42pm The bus station in Banbury is closed for the rest of the day Due to bad weather conditions and flooding
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Power cut hits Oxfordshire as homes left without electricity
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Warning to motorists as yellow weather alert still in place
Motorists in Oxford have been warned about surface water as a yellow weather warning remains in place. The Met Office put in place a yellow warning on Tuesday for large parts of the country with heavy rain to be experienced. Some areas of Oxfordshire
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Everything you need to know about the toxic plant that can make you blind
Warnings have been issued after sightings of an extremely toxic plant across the UK. Giant Hogweed can cause massive blisters and ulcers if it touches skin and can also cause blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes. This is everything
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Lorry driver dies on M40 after fatal crash caused by 'unknown' reason
A HGV DRIVER has died on the M40 after a total single-vehicle crash with an ‘unknown’ cause. Justin Buxton, 53, was driving on the M40 northbound near junction 8A when he was involved in a crash. The death of the lorry driver, from Warwickshire
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Witney Food and Drink Festival attracts thousands as stallholders sell out
Thousands made the most of the glorious sunshine to sample the treats on offer at the Witney Festival of Food and Drink. The 10th annual festival, this year sponsored by Parker Bullen Solicitors, saw over 60 different stalls with producers all
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Abingdon and Witney College boosted by donations
Students at Abingdon and Witney College are set to benefit from donations from two construction companies. The college's construction faculty received donations from housebuilder Persimmon Homes and plumbing parts manufacturer McAlpine. The
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Town proud as Wantage kids reach national finals of dance competition
A primary school in Wantage has reached the national finals of a dance competition. Wantage CE Primary School’s dance team have had their contemporary piece titled ‘Heaven’ chosen for the 2024 National Finals of the ‘Great Big Dance Off’ competition
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Wantage musician given University of Oxford specialist brass band role
A musician from Wantage's resident band has been given a new position at the University of Oxford. Morris Harper is a member of Wantage Silver Band and was recently appointed Musical Director of the University of Oxford Brass Band. His first
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Oxford University graduate to compete in Irish heritage contest
An Oxford University graduate is set to compete for the chance to essentially become an ambassador for Ireland for a year. On May 25, Michaela Brady, an Oxford resident, will take part in the London Final for the Rose of Tralee. The competition
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Cowley Road Carnival organisers are planning for September procession
Civic leaders backed Cowley Road Carnival bosses after they switched the date from July to September. The east Oxford celebration was due to go ahead on Sunday, July 7 - with the event filling the street for the first time in five years. Now
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Mother completes 34km challenge in memory of son who died from brain tumour
The mother of a two-year-old who died of an aggressive brain tumour has completed a 34km ultra challenge on what would have been her son's fifth birthday. Albie Bayliss-Watts passed away less than a year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour
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Elderly man admits to downloading over 300 child porn images
AN elderly man is due to be sentenced for downloading indecent images of children. Vincent Jordan, of HMP Ashfield, appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 21) where he pleaded guilty to three counts of making an indecent image of
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Bicester man to complete half-marathon after 8.5 stone weight loss
A Bicester man is set to run a half-marathon after losing eight and a half stone in just over a year. Robert Carpenter, an IT support worker who was born and raised in Bicester before moving to Glossop in Derbyshire two years ago, weighed 26 stone
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Fans hold special day to celebrate town’s Poet Laureate 40th anniversary
Wantage residents have celebrated the 40th anniversary of the town's former Poet Laureate. John Betjeman lived at the Mead in Wantage from 1951 until 1972 and during this time he was given the CBE in 1969 and made Poet Laureate in 1972. The
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Future uncertain for Oxfordshire festival after cancellation
A fundraising event scheduled on the same weekend as the Wallingford Carnival has been forced to cancel after lower than expected ticket sales. One of the key organisers Jake Ramshaw said there could be multiple reasons for the low sales - and
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Football coach accused of asking for naked pics of players CLEARED by jury
A FOOTBALL coach in Chipping Norton accused of asking young players for indecent photographs has been cleared by a jury. Luke Newman, 29, was on trial at Oxford Crown Court charged with two counts of being an offender over 18 inciting or causing
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Public inquiry into major £269m roads scheme formally concludes
The public inquiry into a multi-million-pound infrastructure plan for Didcot has formally concluded with its future set to be determined. Following 21 days over a 12-week period, the public inquiry into the £269 million HIF1 scheme proposal, which
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Green light given for manufacturing company's new headquarters in Bicester
Designs for three new interconnected buildings in Bicester which will serve as the UK headquarters of a manufacturing company have been approved by Cherwell District Council. The buildings at Bicester Motion, a 444-acre estate, will be the new
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Private school condemns 'racist slurs' allegedly used against child on bus
An independent school dating back to the 13th century has spoken out after allegations a student was racially-abused on a bus. The parent of a student at Abingdon School, who did not wish to be named, contacted the Oxford Mail to raise concerns
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Fewer buses in county than ever before as passengers face record low
A record low number of buses and coaches are using Oxfordshire roads, new figures show. It comes as fewer buses were licensed across the UK at the end of last year than in any year since 2014. The RAC said the fall is "disappointing", while
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'Eyesore restored' as playground reopens for first time in three years
A playground in Wantage has reopened after three years following a £70,000 refurbishment. The Smith’s Wharf play area was initially closed in March 2020 as part of the Government mandated lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is located
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Abingdon's open-air pool could stay open for longer in future
Abingdon's open-air pool could stay open for longer in future, according to the council in charge of running it. For the second year running, Abbey Meadow outdoor pool is opening in late in July and closing for the season in early September.
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Volunteer needed to lead accessible boat club's fundraising team
An accessible boat club is looking for a new volunteer to lead its fundraising team. Wallingford Accessible Boat Club, a small charity that enables disabled and less mobile people to experience boating on the River Thames for free, has a vacant
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Mayor of Bicester marks milestone at housing development
The mayor of Bicester got hands on at a building development in the town as construction at the site nears an end. Councillor Harry Knight took part in a ‘topping out’ ceremony at David Wilson Homes’ Hemins Place development. Mr Knight, a former
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Tyler Goodrham reflects on special week with baby news and promotion
TYLER Goodrham capped an incredible week off the pitch with promotion on the Wembley turf. The 20-year-old attacker announced in a post on Instagram that his partner is pregnant, and he then went on to play the full 90 minutes as Oxford United
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Cherwell Labour reject offer of working with Lib Dems to run council
Cherwell District Council's Labour Party have rejected an offer from the Liberal Democrat Party of working together to run the council. Following the elections on May 3, the council has been left with with no party in overall control, despite the
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Call for traffic controls as toll bridge jammed by bus
A bus and a trailer became wedged on a toll bridge at Swinford in just the latest such incident bringing traffic to a standstill. The accident again caused delays in the surrounding areas as the privately-owned bridge at Eynsham was shut for 25
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Arrest warrant for man who 'obstructed highway'
AN arrest warrant has been issued for a man who allegedly obstructed a highway in Oxfordshire. Anthony Martin, of no fixed abode, was reportedly caught on April 29 this year ‘wilfully obstructing the free passage’ of the A4130 Gangsdown Hill in
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U’s staff member helps save life on morning of Wembley triumph
OXFORD United’s head of medical services helped saved someone’s life the same morning that the club won promotion. The U’s beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 in the Sky Bet League One play-off final at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, securing promotion thanks
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UK government warning as sightings of deadly Asian hornets on the increase
The UK government have confirmed that the invasive Asian hornet has been sighted several times in 2024, including three times in the past week. This is a significant increase adding to the previous five sightings already in 2024. The Asian
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Child Benefit £1,300 warning issued as HMRC say 'don't lose out'
More than one million parents have been warned they not to miss out on valuable Child Benefit support from HMRC. Parents are set to receive reminders this week telling them to extend Child Benefit for their teenagers if they are continuing in education