Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Botley Road reopening delayed again after gas leaks discovered during drainage works
The reopening of Oxford’s Botley Road has been delayed again after three minor gas leaks were discovered during excavation works linked to the railway improvement project.
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Cross-party MPs call for stronger protection of Oxfordshire’s rare chalk streams
MPs and wildlife organisations have joined forces to call for greater legal protection for England’s rare chalk streams, including Letcombe Brook and Chalgrove Brook in Oxfordshire.
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Oxfordshire business leaders urged to sleep out for one night in 2026 to help tackle homelessness
Senior business leaders across Oxfordshire are being invited to swap their beds for sleeping bags this October as the Oxfordshire Homeless Movement CEO Sleepout returns to raise funds and awareness for people facing homelessness across the county.
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Thames Water introduces hosepipe ban after record hot weather sends demand soaring
Thames Water has introduced a temporary hosepipe ban across its water supply area after one of the driest springs in years, record-breaking heat and unprecedented demand placed increasing pressure on water resources.
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City Sightseeing Oxford launches biggest-ever Passport Trail with six iconic attractions for 2026
City Sightseeing Oxford has unveiled its largest Passport Trail to date, bringing together six of Oxford’s best-known attractions in a family-friendly adventure running until 30 September.
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Long-awaited drainage works to begin on Witney estate to tackle persistent flooding
A four-week programme of drainage improvements will begin on Buttercross Lane in Witney this August, with Oxfordshire County Council aiming to resolve long-standing flooding problems while maintaining access for residents throughout the works.
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Oxford Trust opens £9m Aspen Building in Oxford as demand for laboratory space grows
A £9m innovation building has opened in Headington, providing specialist laboratory space for science and technology companies while expanding STEM education facilities through Science Oxford.
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Villagers fear ‘power grab’ as Greater Oxford council plan sparks green belt concerns
Residents in Wheatley have raised concerns over representation, housing growth and green belt protection following plans to create a new Greater Oxford unitary authority from 2028.
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Bike Oxford 2026 raises more than £40k for record number of charities
Bike Oxford 2026 has raised more than £40k for a record 24 charities after hundreds of cyclists took to Oxfordshire’s roads in support of causes across the county.
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Frilford Heath celebrates hosting prestigious R&A Senior Amateur Championships in Oxfordshire
Frilford Heath Golf Club has hosted The R&A Women’s and Men’s Senior Amateur Championships, welcoming elite amateur golfers from around the world to Oxfordshire for a prestigious week of championship golf.
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West Oxfordshire leader disappointed by Government decision on three-unitary model
West Oxfordshire District Council leader Councillor Andy Graham has expressed disappointment after the Government confirmed plans to replace Oxfordshire and West Berkshire’s existing councils with three new unitary authorities from 01 April 2028.
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Oxford City Council leader welcomes “historic” decision to create Greater Oxford authority
Oxford City Council leader Councillor Susan Brown has welcomed the Government’s decision to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, describing it as a “historic day” that will shape the future of the region for generations.
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Vale leader calls for rural communities to remain at heart of council reorganisation
Vale of White Horse District Council leader Councillor Bethia Thomas has responded to the Government’s decision to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, calling for rural communities to remain central to decisions as the new structure is introduced.
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South Oxfordshire leader voices disappointment over three-council reorganisation decision
South Oxfordshire District Council leader Councillor Maggie Filipova-Rivers has responded to the Government’s decision to create three new unitary councils for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, raising concerns over costs, complexity and the future representation of rural communities.
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Sicilian bakery and pizza specialist Aromi opens in Oxford city centre
Cambridge favourite Aromi has opened its first location outside the city, bringing handmade Sicilian food, sourdough pizza and speciality coffee to Oxford city centre.
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Oxfordshire household recycling centres block traders illegally disposing of commercial waste
Oxfordshire County Council has blocked 67 users from household waste recycling centres after new booking rules helped identify suspected trade waste abuse, with the changes saving taxpayers thousands of pounds in disposal costs.