Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Leys Pools & Leisure Centre shortlisted for national ukactive award after community transformation
Leys Pools & Leisure Centre has been shortlisted for a 2026 ukactive Award after transforming into a community-focused Active Wellbeing Hub. The Blackbird Leys facility has seen participation rise by almost 60%, with thousands more young people using its new Active Zone and Youth Hub.
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Two Oxford hotels retain prestigious Four-Star AA ratings and earn culinary awards
voco Oxford Spires and voco Oxford Thames have retained prestigious Four-Star AA ratings and secured AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence, with one team member also receiving a national award for outstanding customer service.
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Free bus travel for Children across Oxfordshire throughout August
Children aged between five and 15 can travel free on participating Go Thames Valley bus services throughout August under a government-backed initiative aimed at helping families reduce travel costs during the summer holidays.
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Didcot and Wantage MP visits Greencore Homes sustainable development in Milton Heights
Olly Glover MP has visited Greencore Homes’ Better Than Net Zero housing development at Milton Heights to discuss sustainable housebuilding, affordable home ownership and the role of environmentally efficient homes in supporting Oxfordshire’s future growth.
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New date confirmed for Botley Road reopening after further delays
Network Rail has confirmed that Botley Road will reopen to traffic on Sunday 20 September 2026, after the project was delayed by the discovery of three minor gas leaks during drainage works. The reopening date brings a clearer timeline for residents, businesses and commuters affected by the long-running closure.
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Oxford gastroenterologist joins editorial board of world’s leading digestive health journal
Oxford gastroenterologist Professor James East has been appointed to the International Editorial Board of one of the world’s leading digestive health journals, ahead of the opening of Welbeck Oxford’s new £30m specialist healthcare centre later this year.
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Government confirms Oxfordshire council reorganisation plans despite appeal from county leader
The Government has confirmed it will proceed with plans to abolish Oxfordshire’s existing councils and create three new unitary authorities from April 2028, despite a plea from Oxfordshire County Council leader Tim Bearder asking ministers to reconsider the decision.
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Westgate Oxford hosts free Natural History Museum trail for summer holidays
Families can explore a free interactive Natural History Museum trail at Westgate Oxford this summer, with 26 discovery stations featuring dinosaurs, fossils, wildlife and hands-on challenges.
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Oxford Ladies Golf Club celebrates 125th year with members reflecting on decades of friendship
Oxford Ladies Golf Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary, with two of its longest-serving members sharing nearly a century of combined memories while encouraging more women and girls across Oxfordshire to discover the sport.
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Graven Hill opens Gateway Park with permanent home for Pioneer Memorial
A new landscaped park has opened at Graven Hill in Bicester, creating new green space for residents while providing a permanent new home for the Pioneer Memorial honouring the area’s military heritage.
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New research reveals strong public support for charities across Oxfordshire
New research suggests charities across Oxfordshire continue to enjoy strong public support, with most residents recognising their positive local impact despite ongoing economic pressures.
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Preparation work to start on new Oxpens River Bridge in Oxford
Preparation work is set to begin on Oxford’s new Oxpens River Bridge, with temporary footpath closures introduced from the end of July ahead of construction on the long-awaited walking and cycling crossing.
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Oxfordshire’s road resurfacing programme reaches halfway stage as 35 roads set for upgrades
Oxfordshire’s summer resurfacing programme has reached its halfway point, with 35 roads being upgraded across the county. Major routes including the A40, A44 and A361 will see overnight works through to mid-October.
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Oxford airport coach service introduces faster journeys ahead of summer holidays
Passengers travelling between Oxford and Heathrow and Gatwick airports can now benefit from faster journey times after a revised timetable was introduced ahead of the summer holiday season.
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Oxford businesses call for traffic filter trial delay after Botley Road reopening setback
Business owners have called for Oxfordshire County Council to postpone the introduction of traffic filters after delays to Botley Road reopening created uncertainty around the planned transport changes.
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Botley Road delay sparks anger and frustration from residents and businesses
Residents and business owners affected by the long-running Botley Road closure have reacted with frustration after Network Rail confirmed another delay to reopening.