Council-run summer holiday hubs at schools in North Oxfordshire will not be operating this summer.

Children in Bicester, Banbury and Bloxham can usually take part in summer activities but due to the pandemic this year, hubs will not be running.

Following Government guidance, Cherwell District Council has decided to cancel the popular childcare provision at The Warriner School in Bloxham, The North Oxfordshire Academy in Banbury and The Cooper School in Bicester.

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Councillor George Reynolds, Cherwell’s lead member for leisure and sport said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, but on advice from the experts at Oxfordshire Public Health, we can confirm Cherwell’s school holiday hubs will not run this summer.

"The safety of the children and staff has to be the number one priority and the nature of these active clubs means social distancing would be too difficult to adhere to.”

The sessions, run by Cherwell’s Youth Activators, usually operate during the school holidays, with more than 2,700 bookings made last year.

They offer a mix of sports, arts, craft and games for children aged five to 15 years, providing a place to socialise and stay active.

Mr Reynolds continued: “We know this decision will come as a disappointment to parents and children alike. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has meant the clubs are impossible to run.

"We hope by making this announcement now, it gives parents enough time to make alternative childcare arrangements this summer.”

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Adapted family activities will be made available through the Families Active Sporting Together (FAST) programme during the school holidays and details will be released about this soon.

The council plans for the safe return of the hubs as soon as conditions allow.