Archive
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One Show viewers can't believe Miranda Hart's 'surprise' marriage reveal
The One Show viewers were left stunned after comedian Miranda Hart revealed she had tied the knot behind closed doors. The beloved British actress, 51, announced the happy news last night on Tuesday (October 8). She said “it’s been a tough
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Martin Lewis apologises after using 'slightly bad language' on Good Morning Britain
Martin Lewis has apologised for using “slightly bad language” during an interview on Good Morning Britain (GMB). The Money Saving Expert founder was grilling Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy on GMB on Wednesday (October 9) about Winter Fuel Payments
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TGI Fridays reveals all 35 restaurants closing across the UK 'immediately'
Popular chain TGI Fridays has confirmed the 35 restaurants that will be closing "immediately". The business announced that it would be closing locations across the country after accepting a new rescue deal. On Monday (October 7) joint administrators
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'Little Troopers' take part in interactive workshops for military children
Around 40 military children from Oxfordshire schools came together in Carterton for a special charity workshop. Children from St Kenelm’s Primary School near Witney, and St Peter’s Primary School in Alvescot, near Bampton, took part in the interactive
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Banbury United's community team enjoys 'great weekend' at canal festival
Banbury United's community team enjoyed a "great weekend" at the town's canal festival. The football club's representatives, including community manager Ryan and commercial manager Russell, along with a group of volunteers, set out to promote their
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Banbury Canal Festival 2024 a 'huge success'
The Banbury Canal Festival was a "huge success," its organisers have said, with this year's edition being one of the biggest in the event's history. Banbury Town Council, alongside various partners, welcomed crowds to take part in a wide array
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Man arrested as police seize FIVE vehicles on Oxfordshire border
A man has been arrested and five vehicles have been seized by police on the Oxfordshire border. Thames Valley Police’s Taskforce assisted their roads policing division across the Oxfordshire-Buckinghamshire border in Aylesbury near Bicester on
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World's deadliest chick filmed eating its favourite food in Birdland
THE 'world's deadliest chick' a rare southern cassowary has been filmed eating its favourite food in the latest update from a Cotswold attraction. The chick, the only one born in the UK this year, hatched at Birdland in Bourton for the first time
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Couple take on stone and zinc family home in brand new Grand Designs
Everyone's favourite architectural show - Grand Designs is officially back on TV screens as Kevin McCloud travels around the UK meeting new ambitious individuals building their dream homes. Channel 4's Grand Designs marked its 25th anniversary
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Q&A with Kevin McCloud as he talks all things Grand Designs amid 25th anniversary
Channel 4's Grand Designs celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024 and at the helm over all those years, through all those series has been legendary TV presenter Kevin McCloud. The show first aired all the way back in 1999, and a quarter-century
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Grand Designs' 'saddest ever' home had a happy ending Kevin McCloud reveals
Chesil Cliff House or The Lighthouse on the North Devon coast has long been described by fans as the "saddest ever" home to appear on Grand Designs. The property, located in Saunton (near Braunton) in Devon, first appeared on Channel 4's Grand
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Crash on key road halts rush hour traffic as helicopter flies overhead
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Is this Oxfordshire town really a 'terrible place' to live?
Reader Paul Ballard-Whyte has written this letter to the Oxford Mail following a spate of incidents in the Oxfordshire town of Banbury. There seems to be a never-ending run of very bad stories, events, incidents, stabbings, attacks etc coming out
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Kebab shop’s hygienic handling of food pulled apart by inspectors
An Oxfordshire kebab shop has been criticised by inspectors over its hygienic handling of food. Posh Nosh on Bridge Street in Abingdon serves a variety of kebab meals with reviews on Tripadvisor being mixed. Some like the food while others
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Residents to have their say on Headington Neighbourhood Forum
Headington residents can now have their say on a forum giving them a voice in the development of the area. Oxford City Council has opened a consultation on an application for redesignation of the Headington Neighbourhood Forum. The Town and
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Owner of shop fears closure imminent as footfall takes huge hit
The owner of a boutique in Oxford fears she will have to close as work continues on a £161m scheme to upgrade the rail station. Rainbow & Spoon fashion boutique selling women's clothing, jewellery and accessories has been trading in the city
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Oxfordshire MPs demand Thames Water bosses’ bonus ban
Liberal Democrat MPs for Oxfordshire have called for an immediate ban on bonuses for Thames Water executives following a new Ofwat report. It was announced yesterday (October 8) that the company would have to pay back £56.8million due to poor performance
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Harry Potter actor to meet fans in Oxford later this year
Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs is set to meet fans in Oxford later this year. The 61-year-old actor is known for his villainous role as Draco Malfoy’s father Lucius as well as starring in Peter Pan and The Death of Stalin. He will appear at
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Restaurant with 'diverse menu' plans to open in Oxford suburb
An application has been submitted to open a new restaurant in Oxford. The Mediterranean restaurant, Jasmine and Olives, has applied for a premises license at 11 Windmill Road, Headington. This was formerly Ice Hairdressing Co. The restaurant
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Blenheim Palace promotes 'wellbeing walks' to mark World Mental Health Day
Blenheim Palace is highlighting the benefits of the natural environment on mental health by encouraging people to take a 'wellbeing walk'. The palace, near Woodstock, has made the suggestion to mark World Mental Health Day, which falls on October
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Hundreds of complaints made about Oxford council housing in 2023/24
More than 500 complaints have been made about council housing in Oxford over the last year. The Complaint Performance and Service Improvement Report, released by Oxford City Council, revealed 565 initial complaints, referred to as Stage 1, were
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'We would be devastated': Baby bank at risk of closure speaks out
An Oxfordshire baby bank at "real risk of closure" has shared the impact it has on local families. Bicester Baby Bank, which was set up in 2019, issued a desperate appeal for help from the public via social media last week. The baby bank supports
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See inside refurbished Costa store in Oxford
Costa Coffee re-opened its Queen Street store in Oxford earlier today (October 9) following a refurbishment. The store, set over two floors, has a new layout, aiming to make it easier for those with prams and additional mobility needs to manoeuvre
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Leaders to sleep rough in Oxford tomorrow to tackle homelessness
A charity event which invites people to spend a night sleeping rough is returning to Oxford this week. Oxfordshire Homeless Movement has teamed up with CEO Sleepout, a national charity aiming to unite the business sector in combating homelessness
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City centre nightclub has bid to extend opening hours refused
A city centre nightclub has had its bid to extend its opening hours to 3am each day refused by licencing chiefs after objections from 10 nearby residents. The Bridge, in Hythe Bridge Street, applied for the extension to Oxford City Council but
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Death announced of 105-year-old who will be 'sadly missed'
A 105-year-old is included in the latest death notices from the past seven days covering people from across the county. Every week, the Oxford Mail publishes death notices and funeral announcements from the families of loved ones who have passed
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M40 named as most popular motorway in whole of England
The M40 has been named as England’s most popular motorway. Linking Oxford, London and Birmingham, the road covers a distance of approximately 89 miles (143 km). The motorway has seen its fair share of crashes in recent months especially in
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Reason why police helicopter circled Oxford for over an hour last night
The reason why a police helicopter repeatedly circled Oxford for over an hour last night has been revealed. At approximately 10pm on Tuesday, October 8, a police helicopter crew from NPAS Benson was deployed to the Oxford area. A spokesperson
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Police recover two stolen caravans from site near Oxford
Two stolen caravans have been recovered by police from a site near Kidlington. Officers from the Rural Crime Taskforce made the discovery at the site this morning. A statement from Thames Valley Police said: "PC Bowers has seized two caravans
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Book of condolence: Tributes to man after police find body near River Thames
The Oxford Mail has opened a book of condolence for a man after police located a dead body by the River Thames in Oxford. At around 4.49pm on Saturday September 28, officers attended the River Thames near Heyford Hill Lane, Littlemore following
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Coca-Cola confirms 'favourite ever' Coke is back at Tesco after 4 year hiatus
After a four-year hiatus, a popular Coca-Cola drink labelled by fans as "the only coke I need" has returned to Tesco for a limited time. The soft drink giant is known worldwide for its various drinks including Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and
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Parents who lose baby in pregnancy will be able to have child's life recognised
Parents who have experienced the loss of a baby early in pregnancy will now be able to apply to have their child’s life officially recognised regardless of how much time has passed. The Government has announced it will extend the baby loss certificate
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Oxford resident selling rare King Charles 50p coin for £10,000
A rare 50p coin featuring King Charles III is being sold on eBay for a whopping £10,000 by an Oxford resident. The item is listed on the online marketplace for more than 20,000 times its face value. It is a 50p that features King Charles from
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Archaeologists solve 125-year-old mystery about origins of Oxford
Archaeologists from Oxford Archaeology have uncovered the original eastern defensive line of the late Saxon town of Oxford at Oriel College. The discovery confirms a hypothesis that had gone unresolved since the Victorian period, when excavations
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Mini Convertible production returns to Oxford plant for first time in almost a decade
The production of the Mini Cooper Convertible has returned to Mini's Oxford plant for the first time in almost a decade. Priced from £26,200, ahead of deliveries commencing early next year, production of the Cooper Convertible will return to Mini
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University of Oxford to ‘reaffirm importance of free speech’ with termly event
The University of Oxford will “reaffirm the importance” of free speech through a termly event offering students a diverse range of voices, its leader has said. Professor Irene Tracey, vice-chancellor of the university, said freedom of speech is
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'It's anecdotage with the emphasis on dotage': Nigel Planer and Henry Normal on tour
Two comedy legends are out on the road showcasing their poetry and comedy on tour as they come to Oxfordshire. Henry Normal co-wrote The Mrs Merton Show, The Royle Family, all three of Steve Coogan’s live tours and the BAFTA winning Paul and Pauline
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Oxfordshire batter included in the England squad for Under 19s World Cup
Oxfordshire's Abi Norgrove has been named in the England squad for the Under 19s Cricket World Cup. Batter Norgrave and spin bowler Eve O’Neill made the squad with pace bowlers Poppy Tulloch and Daisy Gibb named as non-travelling reserves.
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Oxford expert says faster response could have saved mum-of-two's life
A cardiologist based at the University of Oxford said a faster response from the ambulance service could have increased a mum-of-two's survival chances at an inquest this week. Julie Hurn, 43, died from a heart attack while waiting for an ambulance
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Delays on major Oxford road due to emergency roadworks
12:24pm Thank you for following this live blog. 12:24pm
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Drivers issued warned about 'insanely costly' supermarket 'contaminated fuel'
Drivers filling up at UK petrol stations and garages have been warned over petrol and diesel contamination. Dozens of motorists reported problems after buying unleaded at a Morrisons in Kent last week. One unhappy customer said their car broke
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Deadly Victorian illness on the rise in the UK as hundreds of cases reported
NHS data has indicated a rise in an old Victorian disease - scabies - in parts of the UK, a rash triggered by tiny mites burrowing into the skin. While typically not serious and treatable with creams or lotions, scabies can cause severe itching
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Oxford University professor says state-educated students struggle to read books
An Oxford University professor of English has said state-educated students struggle to read long novels. According to reports, students are less able to read than previous generations amid a decline in literacy rates. Smartphones and social
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Women urged to get symptoms checked as ultra-rare cancer dismissed as menopause
A cancer counsellor is warning women to get any odd symptoms checked out after doctors dismissed an ultra-rare terminal cancer as the menopause. Jo Shaw Pyke had only just tied the knot last autumn and was supposed to be enjoying her 'honeymoon
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Long delays on A34 with incident partially blocking road
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What is Long Covid and what symptoms should you look out for
It is important to consult with your GP to discuss your specific symptoms and to rule out any other health issues. Most people with Covid-19 feel significantly better within a few days of first displaying any symptoms, however for some it can last
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BT, EE, TalkTalk, O2, Virgin Media & more misled broadband customers, watchdog says
The advertising watchdog has ruled against six of the UK’s biggest broadband providers after they all failed to make mid-contract price increases clear to consumers. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said that BT, EE, Plusnet, TalkTalk,
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Woman seen distressed in 'concern for safety' incident
Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was seen distressed in a 'concern for safety incident' in Abingdon. The incident happened on Thursday, October 3 between 3pm and 4pm at Radley Lakes. Police say a woman was seen distressed and
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Man missing from Oxford found, police confirm
Missing man Marcus has been located, police have confirmed. Police have launched an appeal to locate a man missing from Oxford. Thames Valley Police say Marcus, whose surname was not disclosed, is missing from the city area. He is described
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Fire crew remains on scene of major haystack fire
A haystack fire that has resulted in the loss of 600 bales sparked a major response from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue. Four fire crews from Witney, Charlbury and Kidlington were called to fire in large bales of straw which partially collapsed next
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What is Lyme disease? What we know including symptoms and when to see a GP
You might have heard of Lyme disease but do you know what it is and what symptoms to look out for? There are a few symptoms and it’s important to know when you should see a doctor. If you’d like to find out more about the rare disease, look
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Lidl give major update on when new Oxfordshire store will be built
Lidl have revealed when their new supermarket will be built in Oxfordshire. The chain has been in talks for a substantial amount of time regarding a new store on Grove Road close to Wantage. Lidl and GSC Estates first submitted their plans
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New pub set to open in Oxfordshire town centre
A new pub is expected to open at the site of a former nightclub in Abingdon. KAT Enterprises Abingdon No2 Limited has submitted a premises licence application to Vale of White Horse District Council to open the pub at Coxeter House, for regulated
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Pensioner, 84, on trial accused of raping child
A pensioner is on trial charged with several historic child sex offences, including rape. Donald Davies, 84, is currently on trial at Oxford Crown Court charged with child sex offences which allegedly took place between 2004 and 2014 against a
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'Murder victim' suffered ‘irreversible and permanent’ brain damage from stab wound
An alleged murder victim suffered ‘irreversible and permanent’ brain damage after being stabbed, a forensic pathologist told a jury. Ryan Bryne, 24, of Hathaway Green Lane, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and George Stephens, 27, of no fixed abode, are on
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Urgent appeal for O negative blood donors
An urgent appeal for O negative donors to give blood has been made amid a national shortage of the universal blood type. Thames Valley Air Ambulance has made the call after NHS Blood and Transplant warned of shortages across the country. If
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Closing speeches in 'gang rape' trial: 'She was hit, strangled, threatened'
Closing speeches are being made in a ‘gang rape’ trial in which three men are accused of sexually abusing a ‘vulnerable’ teenage girl. Damian Sidor, 28, of no fixed abode, Jaraslaw Szklarski, 56, of no fixed abode, and Patryk Kubacz, 30, of Edinburgh
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Oxford United's proposed stadium would be 'transformative for the region'
Oxford United's proposed new stadium "would be transformative for the region, benefiting many people way beyond the club," Oxford United's development director has said. Jonathan Clarke has spoken about the club's proposed new stadium as work continues
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Mental health research centre launches website
The Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility has launched its own website to reflect the importance of its work in mental health. The centre, based at the Warneford Hospital, in Headington, was previously featured on the Oxford Health Biomedical
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Oxfordshire council to set out plans for closing possible £13.9m budget deficit
Oxfordshire County Council will set out its plans to tackle an estimated £13.9 million budget deficit when it updates the cabinet on its plans for the 2025/26 budget next week. The council's budget for 2024/25 included broad plans for 2025/26,
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Show home launch at Didcot development attracts 'strong support'
The launch of five new show homes at a development in Didcot drew a "fantastic turnout" recently. Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties hosted the launch event at its Valley Park site on the weekend of September 28 and 29. It said there was a "strong
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'No cause for concern': Long-awaited slip road project delayed again
The government has delayed a long-awaited road scheme which has been 15 years in the making. Construction of new westbound slip roads on the A40 at Shores Green in Witney was due to commence in early September. But progress has been halted
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Residents astounded after dead body discovered in ‘quiet neighbourhood’
Residents of a ‘quiet’ Oxford neighbourhood were left shocked and astounded after a dead body was discovered nearby. At around 4.49pm on Saturday, September 28, Thames Valley Police attended the River Thames near Heyford Hill Lane, Littlemore following
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U’s right back relishing competition for a spot in starting line-up
PETER Kioso is relishing the competition being presented to him for the right back slot at Oxford United. The 25-year-old summer signing from Rotherham United has made the right back berth his own over the past few weeks, starting the last eight
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Oxfordshire town celebrates after winning awards from Thames & Chilterns in Bloom
An Oxfordshire town is celebrating after picking up awards from Thames & Chilterns in Bloom. Wallingford saw all seven of their 'It's Your Neighbourhood' entries receive certificates with Castle Gardens and the town entry both earning silver gilt
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Major new scheme for 200 homes lodged by developer
New plans for 200 homes just outside an Oxfordshire town have been lodged by a developer. Obsidian Strategic has applied to South Oxfordshire District Council for the major scheme to the south of Sires Hill. As well as the homes, the company
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Two Oxford psychiatrists up for 'Oscars of psychiatry world'
Two Oxford psychiatrists have been recognised for their expertise in their fields of medicine. Dr Hasanen Al-Taiar and Shah Faisal Tarfarosh, who both work at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, have been shortlisted for the national Royal College
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Oxford retains place at top of global university rankings for ninth year in row
The University of Oxford has retained top place in an international league table for a record-breaking ninth year in a row. Overall, the UK has 25 universities in the top 200 Times Higher Education (THE) world rankings – the same as last year.
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Oxford hospice receives £500 donation from business school
An Oxford hospice has received a £500 donation from a business school. Amelia Foster, CEO of Sobell House, accepted the donation from EM Normandie, which has an Oxford campus, at their annual course launch. Oxford City Councillor Mark Lygo,
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Blenheim Palace wins sustainable tourism award
Blenheim Palace has been recognised for its sustainability efforts by a travel trade association. The Woodstock palace was crowned Sustainable Tourism Provider of the Year by UKinbound at its Awards for Excellence ceremony on September 26.
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Grade II listed pub near Oxfordshire reopens with new name
A Grade II listed pub in a village near Bicester has reopened with a new name. Known as The Bell in the 19th century, and after that The Long Dog, the pub has been renamed The Bow in tribute to its older sister establishment in the village, the
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Network Rail will 'try to answer' questions Botley Road questions
Network Rail bosses have promised to try to answer key questions on the Botley Road closure. The major route into the city from west Oxford has been shut to traffic at the rail bridge since April last year as as result of a £161m scheme to revamp
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City centre bank suddenly closes for month as new pop-up opens
An Oxford city centre bank has suddenly closed for a whole month. HSBC on Cornmarket Street has temporarily shut down while the branch undergoes a machine upgrade including some internal building work. The branch closed on Friday, October 4
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Woman accused of ignoring vet and allowing paralysed dog to sustain further injuries
A trial date has been set for a woman accused of allowing her dog to sustain further injuries after it was paralysed following a dog attack. Chloe Elkins, 27, appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on October 4 charged with two counts of causing
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Soho House billionaire says 'grotesque' planned mansion is 'great architecture'
The billionaire owner of Soho House said his planned new mansion which neighbours have described as ‘grotesque’ is an example of 'great architecture'. Ron Burkle's plans for the house in Little Tew have been heavily criticised by locals and opposed
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Christmas song celebrating Cotswolds to be released next month
A Christmas song celebrating the Cotswolds is set to be released next month. Christmas In The Cotswolds, written by Next To No Time, is set to be released on Thursday, November 14. The group is made up of Steve Banyard, producer and keyboardist
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Free doorstep collections of unwanted items for Cherwell residents
Cherwell residents can now declutter their homes with free, doorstep collections of unwanted items. Cherwell District Council has teamed up with Anglo Doorstep Collections to allow households to donate their items, with money being raised for mental
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Row breaks out over winter fuel payments proposal in Oxford
A row has broken out in the city council over the Labour government's plan to cut the winter fuel payment for pensioners. A motion was brought before the full meeting of Oxford City Council by the leader of the Liberal Democrat group Chris Smowton