Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Oxfordshire villages see 60mph speed limits cut to 20mph amid safety fears over rising traffic
Four rural roads in Oxfordshire, including routes through Fordwells and Asthall Leigh, will see speed limits reduced from 60mph to 20mph following safety concerns raised by residents about rising traffic volumes and the risk posed to pedestrians and cyclists.
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County Council approves £306k funding for 127-strong CAG Oxfordshire network
Oxfordshire County Council has approved £306,200 in funding for Community Action Groups Oxfordshire, enabling its network of 127 local groups to continue delivering environmental, social and community projects across the county for another year.
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Oxfordshire launches major trial of pothole repair techniques on Banbury road
A major highways trial has begun on Wildmere Road in Banbury, where Oxfordshire County Council and contractor M Group are testing 15 different pothole repair techniques. The two-year study aims to identify the most durable, cost-effective and climate-resilient techniques, as the county continues to grapple with a surge in road defects following a severe winter.
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Plans to redevelop Warneford Hospital reapproved after review by Oxford City Council committee
Plans to redevelop the historic Warneford Hospital site in Headington have been approved for a second time by Oxford City Council, despite cross-party objections over increased parking provision, environmental concerns and warnings of a potential judicial review.
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Primary school students shine at Science Oxford Big Science Event in Headington
Primary school pupils from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire showcased their scientific curiosity at Science Oxford’s Big Science Event, presenting investigations ranging from chocolate strength to pond water filtration as part of a global STEM initiative.
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County Council sets out new SEND reform plan to improve early support for children and young people
Oxfordshire County Council has outlined a new three-year plan to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), focusing on earlier intervention, stronger mainstream inclusion, and closer collaboration with families and health partners.
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Planted Plates opens at Signal Yard as Milton Park’s first food and beverage operator
Independent café Planted Plates has opened at Signal Yard, Milton Park, becoming the first food and beverage operator at the £14m development. The opening marks a key milestone in the ongoing transformation of Signal Yard into a mixed-use social and retail destination.
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Oxfordshire County Council chief executive awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to local government. The honour recognises more than 25 years of leadership across major UK councils, including Coventry City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
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The Oxfordshire people recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026
The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026 has been published, with Oxfordshire proudly represented by a number of individuals recognised for their exceptional contributions to their fields and their communities.
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Oxfordshire councils prepare for July decision on local government reorganisation
Councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire are working jointly to prepare for a government decision expected in July that will determine whether the area moves to one, two or three unitary authorities under local government reorganisation plans.
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City Council invites public to consultation on £8m Covered Market improvement plans
Oxford City Council has opened a public consultation on proposals for an £8m programme of essential improvements to the Covered Market. The plans aim to upgrade ageing infrastructure, enhance accessibility and public spaces, and secure the long-term future of one of the city’s most historic trading sites.
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New shuttle bus service launches to Waterperry Gardens this summer
Oxford Bus Company and Waterperry Gardens have launched a new weekend shuttle bus service linking Thornhill Park & Ride with the gardens throughout the summer – offering visitors a more sustainable way to reach the popular Oxfordshire attraction.
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Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum to host first-ever flower show this July
Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock will host its first-ever flower show this July, combining floral art, military history and remembrance through installations inspired by its collections and new Lee Miller exhibition.
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East West Rail consultation draws more than 3,000 attendees and 5,000 responses
Over 3,000 people have attended consultation events and more than 5,000 feedback forms were submitted during East West Railway Company’s latest route-wide consultation, helping shape plans for the proposed railway linking Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge ahead of a planning application in 2027.
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Low Carbon Hub raises over £640k for UK’s first community-owned solar battery at Ray Valley
Community energy in Oxfordshire reaches a major milestone as Low Carbon Hub exceeds its £500k target, raising over £640k for the UK’s first community-owned solar battery at Ray Valley Solar.
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The Rivus in Wantage to celebrate links with Charles Dickens with evening of immersive storytelling
Gerald Dickens, the author’s great-great-great grandson, will present his acclaimed one-man show The Signalman!, bringing one of Dickens’ most haunting ghost stories vividly to life.