Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Westgate Oxford and DogFest to host Mutt Strut dog event with prizes
Westgate Oxford is teaming up with DogFest for a Mutt Strut this September, giving dog owners the chance to pose with their pets, win prizes and receive a discount on DogFest tickets.
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84 affordable homes handed over at Wellington Gate in Grove
84 affordable homes at the Wellington Gate development in Grove are being transferred to a local housing provider, as construction continues on a major scheme planned to deliver up to 1,500 homes.
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Seven-year-old Oxfordshire pupil wins Blenheim Palace drawing competition
A seven-year-old pupil from Bloxham Church of England Primary School has won a new drawing competition celebrating the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, with her artwork to be displayed at the event this wee
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Oxford councillors reaffirm approval for Bertie Park development despite campaigners’ concerns
Oxford councillors have reaffirmed approval for 31 affordable homes at Bertie Park despite concerns over the loss of recreation space and safety. Campaigners opposing the development say they will continue their challenge and are consulting lawyers about a possible judicial review.
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Oxford City Council plans sale of New Road building for student accommodation
Oxford City Council is preparing to sell 11 New Road to St Peter’s College, which plans to replace existing commercial space and expand student accommodation from six to 24 bedrooms, subject to planning permission.
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John Radcliffe hospital staff car park extension plans withdrawn amid parking row
Plans to add 16 staff parking spaces at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital have been withdrawn, as concerns over a loss of 136 spaces, hospital access and pressure on surrounding roads continue to fuel a local political row.
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Witney MP Charlie Maynard wins national award for Thames Water legal challenge
Witney MP Charlie Maynard has won a national award recognising his legal challenge to Thames Water’s £3 billion restructuring plan, which he pursued on behalf of parliamentarians, charities and water customers.
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Free summer bus travel drives rise in young passengers across Oxfordshire
A government scheme offering free bus travel to children aged five to 15 drove a 229 per cent increase in young passenger journeys across Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel services during August.
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Banbury firm urges government to back raised loft boarding to cut energy bills
A Banbury business is urging the government to support raised loft boarding as part of efforts to improve home insulation, reduce heat loss and help households manage rising energy bills ahead of winter.
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Ridgeway Council plans paused as government orders review of Oxfordshire reorganisation
Plans for the new Ridgeway Council covering West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse have been paused as the government reviews local government reorganisation across England.
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Magdalen College School appoints new Master as it prepares for major change
Magdalen College School has appointed Alan Bird, Head of City of London School, as its next Master. He will succeed Helen Pike in August 2027 as the Oxford school enters a significant period of change, including its move towards becoming fully co-educational.
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Bertie Park housing plans face fresh scrutiny as councillors prepare to review approval
Plans for 31 affordable homes on Bertie Park in Oxford will return to councillors next week, after the controversial development was called in for review. Residents opposing the scheme say the park is a vital community space, while the council points to Oxford’s pressing need for affordable housing.
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Oxfordshire approves first ‘quiet lane’ as police clash with transport chief
Oxfordshire has approved its first “quiet lane”, cutting the speed limit on Shepards Pit Lane in Stanton St John from 60mph to 20mph despite Thames Valley Police calling the scheme “highly inappropriate”.
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Five National Trust places offering free entry in Oxfordshire and beyond this September
Five National Trust properties across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire are taking part in Heritage Open Days this September, offering free entry, rare access, exhibitions, tours and archaeological discoveries.
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Bank holiday sewage dumping sparks warnings over Oxfordshire rivers
Raw sewage was discharged into rivers and streams across Oxfordshire over the bank holiday, prompting warnings about water quality, wildlife and public health as the county remains under drought conditions and a hosepipe ban.
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Viral dog sensation Viola Snow is coming to Blenheim Palace for DogFest
Viola Snow, the viral husky with millions of social-media followers, is heading to Blenheim Palace for DogFest in October, with two exclusive Meet & Greet sessions giving fans the chance to meet the internet-famous dog.