Archive
-
Date
High street bank to close town centre branch for good in 2025
A national bank chain has announced it will close its branch in an Oxfordshire town centre in 2025. Halifax, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, will close its branch at 29 High Street in Witney, on April 30 next year. It comes as Lloyds
-
Date
Direct trains from Oxford to Bristol to return for first time in 20 years
The first direct train service between Oxford and Bristol in more than 20 years will run this Saturday. The Great Western Railway (GWR) service will leave Bristol Temple Meads at 10.18am on September 14 and will arrive in Oxford at 11.29am.
-
Date
Oxfordshire outdoor pool holds first dog swim to mark end of season
An Oxfordshire leisure centre recently held its first dog swim at the end of the pool season. Riverside Parks and Pools in Wallingford held the swim on Sunday, September 8th from 6pm until 7pm to mark the end of the 15-week pool season. Dogs
-
Date
Heartfelt tributes paid to Oxfordshire's Coronation Street legend Kenneth Cope
Tributes have been paid to Coronation Street legend turned Oxfordshire restaurateur Kenneth Cope who died aged 93 leaving behind a huge legacy on British TV. Mr Cope's main starring role was as the ghost detective Marty Hopkirk in the original
-
Date
Oxfordshire Just stop oil activist loses Grand Prix conviction appeal
An Oxfordshire man is one of five Just Stop Oil activists have lost Court of Appeal challenges against their convictions over a track invasion which disrupted the 2022 British Grand Prix. The five were found guilty of risking “serious harm” to
-
Date
Major Oxfordshire road CLOSED due to incident
A section of a main road in Oxfordshire has been closed. The A41 near Bicester has been closed near Blackthorn Road and it is understood the road has been closed since at least 10am today. The road runs between Bicester and Aylesbury.
-
Date
James May reveals hilarious Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond revelation
James May has revealed a hilarious secret about himself, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. The trio have worked together for 22 years on shows including Top Gear and The Grand Tour but called time on their journey together today (Friday, September
-
Date
Ambulance care worker jailed for 10 years after sexually assaulting patient
AN emergency care assistant has been jailed for a decade for sexually assaulting a patient in an ambulance under the pretence it was a medical examination. Marcus Gunn, 58, of Station Road, Fenny Compton, was sentenced to ten years in prison on
-
Date
Parking app QR code scam warning for drivers
Drivers are being warned of scammers hijacking promotions for parking apps to trick victims into setting up recurring payments. Consumer experts Which? have highlighted the risk, which targets victims with misleading adverts and encourages them
-
Date
Police see increase of car thefts where walkers likely to leave vehicles unattended
Police have seen an increase in car thefts where walkers are likely to leave their vehicles unattended for a period of time. This comes as Thames Valley Police says it is continuing to receive reports of thefts from motor vehicles, most recently
-
Date
Police release tribute to murder victim after girlfriend found guilty
Police have written a tribute to a Bicester man who was murdered by his girlfriend this year. Dale Bond, 45, was stabbed twice by Bailey Heywood, 23, at his home address in Mullein Road on March 13. Heywood, a nursery worker, was found guilty
-
Date
Oxford University tops The Guardian rankings with perfect 100/100 score
The University of Oxford has reclaimed the top spot in the 2025 edition of the Guardian University Guide with a perfect 100/100 score. It is the first time since 2022 that Oxford has finished top of the ranking, narrowly seeing off the University
-
Date
Oxfordshire-bred former PM Theresa May takes seat on red benches in Lords
Tory former prime minister Theresa May has taken her seat in the House of Lords. Baroness May of Maidenhead, who grew up in Wheatley and attended St Hugh's College, Oxford, wore the traditional scarlet robes for the short introduction ceremony
-
Date
Indian restaurant and takeaway hit with one star food hygiene score
An Indian restaurant and takeaway in south Oxfordshire has been hit with a one star food hygiene score. House of Spice on Couching Street in Watlington was given the low rating following an inspection on August 7, the Food Standards Agency's website
-
Date
Multi-million-pound fire safety improvements for Oxford council housing
A multi-million-pound investment is set to be made in fire safety improvements to council housing in Oxford. Oxford City Council has approved plans to spend £2.5 million on upgrading more than 650 fire doors. The upgrades will be made to doors
-
Date
GUILTY: Custody shot of woman, 23, who stabbed boyfriend to death released by police
The police custody photograph of a 23-year-old woman who has been found guilty of murdering her boyfriend has been released. Bailey Heywood, of Germander Way, Bicester was found guilty of the murder of Dale Bond by a twelve-strong jury on Friday
-
Date
This is why thousands fail their driving tests before even getting in the car
Research has revealed a significant amount of people fail their driving test before they even get in the car. The data from the DVSA shows that a number of people fail their driving test due to a particular health condition. The physical driving
-
Date
Woman, 23, GUILTY of murdering her boyfriend, 45, by stabbing him
A jury has found a young woman, 23, guilty of murdering of her 45-year-old boyfriend in Bicester after stabbing him twice. Bailey Heywood, of Germander Way, Bicester was found guilty of the murder of Dale Bond by a twelve-strong jury on Friday
-
Date
Drivers warned about parking fine scam
A new scam is targeting drivers in Oxfordshire with a text message about parking fines. Vale of White Horse District Council and South Oxfordshire District Council have placed a warning message on their websites alerting residents to the national
-
Date
Bands to play all-day festival in pub garden for a good cause
SUMMER is over and the music festival season is already fading into a series of fuzzy memories. But while the al fresco fun may be over, autumn brings the, frankly more appealing, prospect of rocking out to great music in the warmth and comfort
-
Date
M&S Christmas food to order date confirmed with 450 new festive products revealed
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (for food and lots of other things), especially at M&S. That’s because the retailer has revealed when eager Christmas elves can finally book their Christmas food to order date. M&S has also shared
-
Date
Regency romp Bridgerton films season three at Blenheim Palace
Dearest Gentle Readers… Blenheim Palace has launched a Bridgerton experience for fans of the Regency romp to enjoy. The palace first appeared in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story as Buckingham House, but has since been featured in the recently
-
Date
Oxfordshire village pub holds another 'fantastic' community dog walk
A village pub near Banbury held its second community dog walk last weekend following the success of the first one. Around 50 dogs attended the walk on Sunday (September 8), giving dog owners the chance to meet likeminded people and to socialise
-
Date
College submits new plan for flats next to divisive memorial
Fresh plans have been lodged for student accommodation next to a controversial plaque in the city centre. Oriel College at the University of Oxford submitted a new planning application in August for the former office building at 7 King Edward
-
Date
The 10 areas in Oxfordshire named best place to live
Residents have had their say on the top 10 best areas to live in Oxfordshire. Luxury lifestyle site Muddy Stilettos asked its readers to vote for the best local village, town or city to call home in 2024 using its Top 260 Places to Live guide.
-
Date
Train controller dies after falling on hospital escalator
A train controller has died after falling whilst on an escalator in Oxfordshire. John Lowe, 79, of Stowford Road, Headington, fell on an escalator whilst he was at the John Radcliffe Hospital. He passed away on August 18 and his death was verified
-
Date
Mark Harris shortlisted for goal of the month – watch them all here
SKY Bet Championship player of the month Mark Harris is now in the running for the division’s goal of the month. The Oxford United striker scored four goals in four league games last month, including a stunner at Blackburn Rovers. Harris opened
-
Date
Man arrested in connection with 'assault' in town centre bar
An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an "assault" that took place inside and outside a town centre bar. The man from Banbury was arrested yesterday (September 12) in connection with an incident in which three people were assaulted
-
Date
Major rush hour delays due to multi-vehicle crash on by-pass
10:01am We will now be closing this live blog. Thank you for following.
-
Date
Junk food adverts on TV to be banned before 9pm from next year, government says
A ban on junk food adverts being shown on TV across the UK before 9pm will come into force next year, the government has confirmed. On Thursday (September 12), a written statement from Labour health minister Andrew Gwynne said the government would
-
Date
Vehicle fails to stop in hit and run crash in Oxfordshire market town
A vehicle failed to stop following a collision in an Oxfordshire market town this week, police say. The hit and run incident happened at around 7.20 and 7.25pm on Wednesday, September 11. A vehicle failed to stop for a minor collision on Albion
-
Date
DVSA reveals the top 10 reasons drivers fail their driving test
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed the top ten reasons learner drivers fail their driving tests. Hopeful motorists are being encouraged to take a look at the list to make sure they don’t fall foul of the common pitfalls
-
Date
Coca-Cola 'sorry for any disappointment' as 2 of the 'best Cokes' are discontinued
Coco-Cola has been forced to apologise after confirming two soft drinks have been discontinued from its range. The soft drink giant is known worldwide for its various drinks including Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and the original plain Coca-Cola
-
Date
HMRC warning to thousands of parents who could be missing out on pension money
Thousands of people have been warned they could be missing out on state pension money they are owed. As part of Pensions Awareness Week, HMRC is urging tens of thousands of people to check if they are eligible to boost their state pension.
-
Date
Mark Harris named Championship player of the month
MARK Harris has been named the Sky Bet Championship player of the month for August. The 25-year-old striker, who scored four goals in four league games last month for Oxford United, beat competition from Sunderland centre back Luke O’Nien, plus
-
Date
U’s boss praises Mark Harris and wider team after striker bags player of month
DES Buckingham has praised Mark Harris for scooping the Sky Bet Championship player of the month award, but insists it is also a reflection of the team around the striker. Harris netted four goals in four league games last month for Oxford United
-
Date
Stonor Park offers 25 per cent discount on tickets for nearby residents
People living near Stoner Park and Gardens are being offered discounted tickets to the attraction. People living in the RG9 postcode area can enjoy a 25 per cent reduction on tickets for the weekends of September 14 and 15, and September 28 and
-
Date
Jockey takes ex-racehorse to Oxfordshire school
Oxfordshire pupils had the chance to get up close and personal with a former racehorse. Professional jockey Lilly Pinchin visited Park School in Oxfordshire with her ex-racehorse, Joey, and companion pony, Bella. The visit was part of National
-
Date
Third rooftop solar panel installation completed at Banbury site
A third rooftop solar panel installation has been completed at a Banbury tool manufacturer's site. The 310 kW solar array, installed by Oxford-based social enterprise Low Carbon Hub, brings the total capacity at Norbar Torque Tools' site to just
-
Date
Housing development almost full two years after launch
A housing development near Bicester is almost full, two years after construction began. Redrow South Midlands’ Sanderson Park, in Ambrosden, has only five homes left for sale. The development features homes from the housebuilder's Heritage
-
Date
Almost two dozen people stopped from voting due to ID rules
Almost two dozen people in Oxford West and Abingdon did not return to vote after being turned away at the polling station at the recent general election, figures show. Since May 2023, voters have needed to show photo ID to vote in UK parliamentary
-
Date
Teacher being investigated over serious misconduct allegations
AN Oxfordshire teacher is due to be the subject of a professional conduct panel next week. Isabel Lawrence, who was previously employed as a teacher in Oxfordshire, is due to take part in a private panel conducted by the Teaching Regulations Agency
-
Date
'Inadequate' £30k-a-year private school posed ‘increased risk of harm’ to kids
An Oxford private school where parents pay up to £30,500 a year has been found to be failing to keep children safe after an ‘inadequate’ Ofsted inspection. Oxford International College on London Place just outside of the city centre is an independent
-
Date
Oxford humanitarian worker reveals what it is like working in Gaza
A humanitarian worker from Oxford has revealed what it is like working in Gaza first hand. Liz Allcock, 46, has been working as the head of protection at Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) since April 2024, and regularly spends six weeks at a time
-
Date
Giant polar bear hands flowers to woman in town centre
Bemused onlookers watched on as a giant polar bear approached a woman with flowers in a town centre. The surprise, which some onlookers initially believed to be a proposal, happened outside Costa Coffee in Sheep Street in Bicester on Saturday (
-
Date
New class for ex-racehorses with £45k prize to be introduced at major event
A new class for ex-racehorses will be introduced at a major equestrian event near Charlbury in 2025. Cornbury House Horse Trials and Jayne McGivern of Dash Grange Stud have announced the new class, which will have a first prize of £45,000.
-
Date
Network Rail bosses ask for more time to give Botley Road answers
Network Rail bosses say they need more time before giving answers to key questions about Oxford station improvements and the closure of Botley Road. The major route into the city from west Oxford has been closed at the rail bridge since April
-
Date
Member numbers surge at West Oxfordshire leisure centres
More than 1,000 people have signed up as members at leisure centres in West Oxfordshire over the past two years. Better, which operates the centres for West Oxfordshire District Council, also reported a 28 per cent increase in overall attendance
-
Date
Book of condolence: Tributes to man who died outside primary school
The Oxford Mail has opened a book of condolence for a man who died outside an Oxfordshire primary school. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon as Thames Valley Police were called to Charlton Village Road in Wantage by the ambulance service
-
Date
Nine in 10 minor injury unit arrivals at Oxford Health Trust seen within four hours
Nine in 10 people who arrived at minor injury units at Oxford Health Trust last month were seen within four hours, new figures show. The NHS standard is for 95 per cent of patients to be seen within four hours. However, as part of a recovery plan
-
Date
Fans’ all you need to know guide for getting to the Kassam Stadium
OXFORD United’s Championship home matches are selling out with more than 11,400 visitors travelling to the stadium, writes the Oxford United Supporters’ Panel. This volume of support, along with roadworks on Grenoble Road, has resulted in some
-
Date
Mystery over plans to rename Oxfordshire location 'Pooh Village'
Householders have been left baffled after receiving a letter outlining plans to rename an Oxfordshire village as 'Pooh Village'. The letter, which had no name and just a signature, outlined plans to rename Dorchester village. One villager,
-
Date
Des Buckingham ready for Potters reunion tomorrow afternoon
DES Buckingham is ready for a reunion with a team where he knows just how impressive things are behind the scenes. Oxford United’s head coach spent the second half of 2017 with Stoke City, then in the Premier League, as a coach with their Under
-
Date
Six key players to watch out for against the Potters
OXFORD United will be looking to maintain their impressive start to the Sky Bet Championship season when they host Stoke City this weekend. Prior to the international break, the U’s won both their home games, against Norwich City and Preston North
-
Date
Oxfordshire AI analytics firm's £4.5m investment
An Oxfordshire company that helps prevent trespassing on railway lines has secured £4.5 million to expand. Purple Transform, an AI data analytics business, intends to use the funds to scale its operations and venture into other sectors. The
-
Date
Woman to walk under the stars in memory of grandmother alongside hundreds
A 25-year-old will be remembering her "one of a kind" grandmother when she joins hundreds of others to walk under the stars next month. Sophie Colwill will be taking part in Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley on October 5, alongside her family
-
Date
In-house game, time off and tactical work – how U’s used international break
DES Buckingham has outlined how the international break was used as a force for good by Oxford United. The U’s played an in-house game, took some time off, and worked on tactical bits and pieces, all of which will hopefully bear fruit on the pitch
-
Date
Maths teacher avoids dismissal after admitting being drunk at school
A TEACHER has avoided being dismissed after driving to an Oxfordshire school whilst drunk. Pawel Letowski, a maths teacher, was teaching at Burford School in Cheltenham Road, Burford on Monday, January 31, 2022 when he travelled to the school drunk