Archive
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Heavy delays of 30 minutes on Oxford roads
7:26pm Thank you for following this live blog. 5:52pm
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Man in his 70s assaulted at Oxford bus stop, sparking police investigation
A man in his 70s was assaulted outside a bus stop in Oxford, sparking a police investigation. Officers investigating an incident of assault are releasing an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident. At around
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Shoppers slam Marks & Spencer managers for tills decision
Customers at Marks & Spencer in Summertown have complained after a number of staffed tills were 'removed'. The M&S foodhall in Banbury Road attracts thousands of customers each week for their weekly shop. But a recent switch involving reducing
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Thames Valley Police officer barred after accessing indecent images of children
A former Berkshire-based sergeant found to have accessed indecent images of children has been barred from serving in any force. A Thames Valley Police misconduct hearing found Gavin Kelly, who was based at Loddon Valley station in Earley, with
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WhatsApp reveals 'fun and expressive' change coming to all phones soon
A new feature is set to be introduced to WhatsApp very soon, as users will be able to add backgrounds and filters to video calls made on the service. This is something users of apps such as Google Meet have been able to do for a while, but this
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Property expert Phil Spencer shares how to 'save hundreds' on energy bills
The average household energy bill increased by £149 a year from yesterday (October 1), as Ofgem raised its price cap just as the winter months begin. The regulator has raised the cap from the current £1,568 for a typical dual fuel household in
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Aldi expert reveals the top items to help save money on energy bills this winter
A new energy price cap has now begun in the UK, and with that in mind, Aldi has shared some of its best products to help save money on your energy bills in the winter months. From October 1 the energy price cap for a typical household that uses
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Morrisons Christmas food to order dates confirmed by supermarket - See when
Morrisons has confirmed when its Christmas delivery food-to-order dates will be opening up, and shoppers won't have to wait too long. In fact, those who are part of the Morrisons Delivery Pass scheme can do so from today (Wednesday, October 9).
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Cadbury reveals return of 2 discontinued chocolates as part of Christmas range
Cadbury has revealed its Christmas range for 2024 which includes the release of five new chocolates and the return of two discontinued favourites. The confectionery company is responsible for a range of popular chocolates including Boost, Crunchie
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Sir Daniel Day-Lewis ends acting retirement after 7 years - find out why
British actor Sir Daniel Day-Lewis will break his retirement from acting for his son’s directorial debut, a production company has confirmed. The triple Oscar winner quit acting after Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2017 film Phantom Thread, based on the
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Antiques Roadshow expert ‘heartbroken’ as BBC star shares cancer update
Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell, who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in 2022 aged just 35 has said scans have shown her cancer has started regrowing. The BBC auctioneer and specialist in decorative arts and fine antiques is
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Burglaries at two Oxfordshire businesses sparks police appeal
Two businesses were broken into in the early hours of yesterday morning, sparking a police investigation. Police are appealing for witnesses after the incidents on The Pound in Cholsey. Both incidents occurred between 2am and 5am on Tuesday
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Rare King Charles III £5 note sells for £2,800 on eBay - what to look for
We should all be paying close attention to small details on our banknotes after a King Charles III £5 note sold for thousands at auction. The rare £5 note sold for £2,800 on the online auction site eBay, but what made it so valuable and how can
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Who left Bake Off last night? First contestant leaves in ‘dramatic’ episode
Channel 4 viewers claimed the second week of the Great British Bake Off as a “dramatic” episode as a Illiyin fainted, a baker withdrew from the competition and Dylan even took a tumble off a chair. But the first baker of the 2024 series was also
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University of Oxford named most 'Instagrammable' UK university
The University of Oxford has been named as the most 'Instagrammable' UK university by a new study. Conducted by QR Code Generator, the study analysed Instagram hashtags for more than 120 UK universities to determine which institutions were most
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Popular gym wear brand to open first ever pop-up store at Bicester Village
A popular activewear brand is opening it's first-ever pop-up shop at Bicester Village soon. Gymshark will be opening the store this month and it will trade until January 2025. As Europe’s leading designer outlet, Gymshark said this presents
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Bicester restaurant awarded top food hygiene rating
A restaurant in Bicester has been awarded the top food hygiene rating following a recent inspection. Cecconi’s on Pingle Drive in Bicester Village received a five star rating following an inspection on September 26. The restaurant serves Italian
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Greggs issues important update to customers worried about price rises
Greggs has issued an important message to any customers worrying about price rises – there won’t be any more this year. The high street giant, which upped prices on a number of items in July, says it has “no plans” to hike the costs for customers
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Road leading to major bridge to reopen this weekend after 'emergency works'
A road leading to a major bridge in Oxford is set to reopen this weekend, despite the work already being finished. Weirs Lane was closed on September 17 for what was initially described as a 24 hour closure for an emergency gas main replacement
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French bakery set to reopen in Oxford city centre
A French bakery in Oxford city centre is to reopen after it closed suddenly. The patisserie in the High Street close to Carfax sold French bread, cakes, pastries and coffee and closed suddenly in August. There were no signs to indicate the
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Pre-inquest review into the death of baby who died waiting for ambulance
A pre-inquest review into the death of a baby who died waiting for an ambulance was held this week. Wyllow-Raine Swinburn, from Didcot, died after her mum spent seven minutes waiting for someone to answer a 999 call, a previous hearing was told
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Police arrest third man after spate of thefts from vehicles in Oxfordshire town
Police in Bicester have arrested a third man in connection with a series of thefts from vehicles. A 32-year-old from Bicester is the latest to be arrested following an investigation by Thames Valley Police. He is currently in police custody
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Delays building on the A34 with one lane blocked
2:56pm Thank you for following this live blog. 2:39pm
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Our player ratings after Oxford United draw thriller at Luton Town
THE Oxford Mail player ratings after Oxford United fought back to earn a 2-2 draw in a pulsating clash at Luton Town. JAMIE CUMMING Confusion at the back between the goalkeeper and Elliott Moore ultimately led to the second Hatters goal, but
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Two Oxfordshire hotels crowned at brand new Michelin Guide awards
Two hotels in Oxfordshire have been recognised in a new awards scheme from the Michelin Guide. The Michelin Keys have been created to recognise outstanding hotels around the UK which is the "culmination of countless hours of evaluation" from inspectors
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Des Buckingham praises Hatters ground staff for ensuring game wasn’t postponed
DES Buckingham praised the Luton Town ground staff for their efforts in ensuring Oxford United’s visit to Kenilworth Road wasn’t postponed. Persistent rain ensured the pitch faced at least three inspections by the match officials in the couple
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More Oxford United fans were arrested last season, new figures show
More Oxford United fans were arrested last season, new figures show. A policing council and a supporters’ association have both warned those causing trouble make up a very small minority of football fans. Home Office figures show 24 Oxford
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Date announced for town's firework display
The date has been announced for an annual firework display in an Oxfordshire town. Bicester Round Table's Charity Firework Spectacular will take place on Saturday, November 2. The charity made the 'save the date' announcement on September
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Baby bank at 'real risk' of closure desperately appeals for help
A baby bank in an Oxfordshire town at "real risk" of closure is desperately appealing for help to stay open. Bicester Baby Bank, which was set up in 2019, issued an appeal for help from the public via social media this week. The charity said
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Men accused of murder expected to argue 'self-defence'
Two men accused of murdering an Oxford man after he tried to steal their designer watch are expected to argue self-defence, a jury has heard. Ryan Byrne, 24, of Hathaway Green Lane, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and George Stephens, 27, of no fixed abode
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Prosecutions against stalking in region reaches record high
The number of prosecutions against stalking crimes in Thames Valley reached a record high last year, new figures show. It comes as the Independent Office for Police Conduct called on police forces to take urgent action to improve the way they handle
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Oxfordshire experienced wettest month in records dating back to nearly 200 years ago
Oxfordshire experienced its wettest month in records dating back to nearly 200 years ago, Met Office figures show. Some English counties saw their wettest month on record in September as rain repeatedly battered parts of the country and unsettled
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U’s face Kyle Edwards dilemma after electric second half display
OXFORD United will not overload Kyle Edwards following his impressive second half display at Luton Town. The winger came on at half-time for Owen Dale, and caused the Hatters all sorts of problems down the right-hand side. Edwards picked out
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Network Rail bosses update timetable on Botley Road announcement
Network Rail has updated its timetable on when an announcement can be made about the reopening of Botley Road in Oxford. The busy route into the city has been closed at the rail bridge since April last year as work continues on a £161m scheme to
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U’s boss gives early update on Elliott Moore knee injury
ELLIOTT Moore felt a knock on his knee in stoppage time during Oxford United’s draw at Luton Town, and the decision to replace him was more of a precaution than anything else. The U’s skipper went down during injury time and an immediate decision
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Police search property following 'drug dealing' concerns
Police officers searched a property in Oxford this morning (October 2) following concerns of "drug dealing and use" from residents. The Thames Valley Police Rose Hill, Littlemore and Iffley Neighbourhood team executed a Section 23 Misuse of Drugs
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U’s boss has say on penalty calls and late red card
DES Buckingham feels Oxford United should’ve been awarded at least two penalties in their thrilling 2-2 draw at Luton Town. Second half challenges on Tyler Goodrham, Kyle Edwards and Dane Scarlett were all waved away by referee James Bell, despite
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Road reopens after tree fell on vehicle
An Oxfordshire country road has reopened after a tree fell onto a vehicle yesterday (October 1). The incident on Steventon Road caused Hanney Road near Abingdon to be closed between Steventon and East Hanney as police worked to recover the vehicle
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Mark Harris named in Wales squad after Craig Bellamy watches him in action
MARK Harris has been named in the Wales squad for UEFA Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Montenegro this month. The Oxford United striker was recalled to the Wales squad last month for the first time since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar,
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'Severe' rush hour delays on A34 near Oxford
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Level crossing in town closed 'until further notice'
A level crossing in an Oxfordshire town is closed until further notice, Network Rail has confirmed. The London Road level crossing in Bicester has been closed since yesterday (October 1). Many residents are discussing the issue on social media
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All the welcoming warm spaces in Oxford to help with cost of living
Many households are struggling with the cost of living, including recent rises in the price of energy. To help residents, we're working with the local councils, businesses and other organisations to provide a Warm Spaces directory. During
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Iceland releases new 'limited-edition' Prime that has fans racing to local stores
The new 'limited-edition' Central Cee Prime is now available at Iceland stores across the UK. Prime Hydration is available in a variety of different flavours in the UK including Lemon Lime, Meta Moon, Ice Pop, Blue Raspberry and Tropical Punch.
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The cost of school uniforms revealed as teachers issue hygiene poverty warning
The cost of school uniforms has been revealed, after a new survey revealed that parents “remain concerned” about the expenses that go with sending a child to school. Nearly all children in schools, from reception to Year 11, are required to wear
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Aldi apologises as teabag discontinued leaving shoppers crying 'year ruined'
Aldi has been forced to apologise after confirming one of its "unreal" flavoured teabags has been discontinued, a decision shoppers say has "ruined" their year. Aldi is the fourth-largest supermarket in the UK, and consumer champion Which? has
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Winter Fuel Payment warning as pensioners face 'sky high energy prices'
Charities and campaigners have expressed concern for almost 10 million pensioners facing increased energy bills at the same time as losing their Winter Fuel Payment. The Government announced in July it would issue payments only to pension credit
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Iconic piece of Sir David Jason sitcom history up for auction for £150,000
The iconic corner shop from the beloved British sitcom Open All Hours is up for auction - allowing fans to become the modern day Arkwright. Prospective buyers can snap up the convenience store known as Arkwright's in the classic 70s show and turn
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Police catch and arrest wanted man after vehicle was spotted 'out of place'
A wanted man was caught and arrested after police spotted a vehicle "out of place" in a rural lane. Thames Valley Police Rural Crime Taskforce has been out on patrol this week, and last night (October 1) PC Little located a vehicle "out of place
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Fears over controversial bus gate fines given definitive answer
A definitive answer has been given regarding controversial bus gate fines in Wantage. Locals were alarmed to see that gas works had commenced last week on the A417 close to the Elder Way bus gate in the town. This meant that drivers were forced
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Businesses 'in despair' as estate flooded for second time in six months
Business owners on an industrial estate say they are in 'financial despair' after they were flooded out for the second time in six months. Twelve units at Harrier Park on Didcot's Southmead Estate were flooded on Monday (September 23) after a nearby
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New grants of up to £20k available for rural Cherwell businesses
A new business grant scheme aimed at boosting Cherwell's rural organisations is set to launch in October. The Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) has announced Cherwell District Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund Business Grant
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Fundraising event at school raises more than £1,200 for new SEN facility
A festival themed event held at a Bicester school raised more than £1,200 to go towards a new outdoor facility aimed at SEN pupils. Gagle Brook Primary School in Bicester held the event on Sunday (September 29) to raise money for the project,
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Oxfordshire parkrun invites runners to celebrate 20 years of event
An Oxfordshire parkrun is inviting runners to celebrate 20 years of the event this weekend. Bicester parkrun will celebrate the national milestone this Saturday (October 5) at 9am at Langford Fields, Langford Village. Parkrun is a free, community
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11 of the best photos from Back to the Forties weekend at heritage railway
Dozens of people donned their best 1940s for a special event at a heritage railway. Cholsey and Wallingford Railway hosted the Back to the Forties weekend on September 28 and 29. There were re-enactors, flyovers, and music. READ MORE
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Two men accused of killing man who attempted to steal Cartier watch
Two men are accused of murdering an Oxford man after he attempted to steal their designer watch worth thousands of pounds, a jury has heard. Ryan Bryne, 24, of Hathaway Green Lane, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and George Stephens, 27, of no fixed abode
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Floods: Fire service attends 80 incidents amid amber warning for more rain
Oxfordshire fire service confirmed it has attended over 80 flooding incidents as the Met Office issued another amber weather warning for heavy rain and possible flooding. Today's warning (October 1) extends slightly in to the north-east of the
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Development of 1,400 homes, community buildings and primary school to be approved
Plans for a huge new community in Oxfordshire countryside are due to be decided, despite fears over flooding. Developers Oxford University College Christ Church and its partner Dorchester Residential Management are planning to build 1,450 new
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Man, 33, who 'pestered' teen for sex in court AGAIN for breaches
Charges have been brought against a man who jailed 10 years ago for pestering a teenage girl to have sex with him. Owen Froude was 23 years old when he admitted having sexual activity with a child and causing or inciting a child to be involved
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Flooding: Roads blocked, schools closed and GP surgery's roof falls in
Roads were flooded, schools closed and public transport delayed after the county was hit with more than a month’s worth of rainfall in the space of 36 hours last week. The Met Office escalated a weather warning for rain from yellow to amber in
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Blenheim Palace launches new Pip and Posy themed trail
Blenheim Palace has launched a new, immersive trail based on a children's book and TV series. The Woodstock site has teamed up with Magic Light Pictures, the producers of the Pip and Posy, to launch the trail at its Adventure Play area from October
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Oxford researchers present findings at mental health conference
Oxford researchers have presented findings on communication support for dementia patients at a mental health conference. Members of the Oxford Health Research and Development team attended the 29th International Mental Health Nursing Research Conference
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No barriers to protect homes hit by flooding twice in a year
Residents in Abingdon flooded twice in a year have been told it would cost too much to protect their homes. People living in Chaunterell Way, off Drayton Road, are in despair after their garages and their homes were flooded following heavy rain
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Major quarry plans near Oxfordshire town refused by county council
County council planners have refused a new scheme for a quarry near Wallingford. London Rock Supplies Ltd had applied for the quarry at White Cross Farm, which included new site access roads, landscaping and screening bunds as well as extraction
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'Pilgrimage for the Planet' held in Oxford
Faith groups from across Oxford joined for a 'Pilgrimage for the Planet' to highlight the climate and nature crisis. The two-hour walk, which took place on Sunday, September 15, at 11.30am, saw participants walk around eight Oxford landmarks.
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Free fitness classes and ice skating in Oxford this weekend
Leisure centres across Oxford will be offering free taster sessions, classes, and events this weekend. The Big Open Weekend will take place on October 5 and 6, with activities including swimming, badminton, and soft play for children. There
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Bishop to thank Oxfordshire river in unusual blessing ceremony
A river through an Oxfordshire town will be thanked in a blessing ceremony. The Bishop of Dorchester is leading an unusual service on the banks of the river Windrush on Langel Common in Witney. Members of all the churches have been invited
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Oxfordshire man to run half marathon in memory of daughter
A man from near Banbury is set to run the Oxford Half Marathon in memory of his daughter who died of a brain tumour aged two. Lester Whitby is taking on the challenge on October 13 to raise money for Helen & Douglas House, the Oxford hospice that
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New bridges and access roads set for approval alongside major housing scheme
A range of new bridges and access roads are set to be permitted in association with planned development for more than 1,400 homes. The new infrastructure is set to be decided alongside Oxford University College Christ Church and Dorchester Residential
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Blackpool Illuminations-inspired light show to return for 12th year
A farm near Chipping Norton is preparing for the return of its light show for a 12th year. Fairytale Farm will host its Illuminated Evenings every Saturday and Sunday from October 5 to November 17. Nick Laister, owner of Fairytale Farm, said
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New treatment room for dementia patients opens in Wallingford
A new treatment room for dementia patients has been established in Wallingford. Dr Dan Casey, who specialises in dementia in his full-time role for the NHS, has begun offering a pioneering treatment out-of-hours in Howbery Business Park’s Manor
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Oxford Brookes University to celebrate Black History Month
Oxford Brookes University will celebrate Black History Month this October with lectures and talks led by voices from the black community. This year’s national theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, highlights a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies
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"It was consensual and happy," says man accused of 'gang rape' of teen girl
“I’ve never engaged in sex without consent,” said one of the men accused of raping a ‘vulnerable’ teenage girl in Banbury. Damian Sidor, 28, of no fixed abode, Jaraslaw Szklarski, 56, of no fixed abode, and Patryk Kubacz, 30, of Edinburgh Way,
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Major plans for 150 homes in Oxfordshire village submitted
New plans have been lodged for 150 homes in an Oxfordshire village just outside Banbury. Developer William Davis Homes has applied for the scheme, which includes access, public open space, a play area, and drainage, on the site on land south of
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Drug driver, 23 disqualified for FOUR years
A driver has been disqualified after being caught drug driving in Didcot. Christopher Clubb, of The Close, Henley-on-Thames, was caught on March 4 this year drug driving in a Ford Transit vehicle in Edwin Road, Didcot. The 23-year-old was charged
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Man, 35, to appear in court after being arrested for rape
A court date has been set for a Didcot man accused of raping a woman in Berkshire. Darren Forde, of Morrells Close, Didcot, has been charged with two sexual offences. READ MORE: 'Gifted' teen jailed in 'sad and tragic' case after 'armed' robberies
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Revamped pub reopens with a brand new look
A revamped Headington pub has reopened for drinkers with a new look inside. The Britannia Inn in London Road now has a brighter, more contemporary look, with a redesigned bar, new soft furnishings and an expanded dining space. The pub, run