Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Last night of the Proms brings community together at The Rivus in Wantage
The Rivus in Wantage will live-screen The Last Night of the Proms on 13 September. A free, sociable evening of music and community spirit awaits, with complimentary refreshments and booking required.
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Oxford MP calls newly approved congestion charge as “extremely unfair”
Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds has criticised the county council’s congestion charge, warning it is “extremely unfair”. The scheme has split opinion between businesses, residents, and travel groups, with legal challenges threatened as the council pushes ahead.
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County council approves congestion charge for Oxford motorists
Oxfordshire County Council has approved a £5 daily congestion charge for six Oxford roads, starting by November 2025. Supporters say it will cut congestion and boost buses, while critics warn of negative impacts on families, businesses and schools.
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Abingdon resident wins Boodles Best Hat Competition at Salon Privé 2025
Abingdon’s Cheryl Prior has won Salon Privé’s 2025 Best Hat competition with a design by Louise Clare Millinery. Her victory capped off an edition of the luxury event that welcomed a record 28,000 visitors to Blenheim Palace.
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Grants awarded to improve community transport in Oxfordshire
Four Oxfordshire organisations will share £64,572 to improve community transport. The grants, from Oxfordshire County Council, will support routes, running costs, and volunteer drivers, helping ensure vital services for people without access to cars.
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Oxford action group threatens legal challenge to congestion charge
A new action group, Open Roads for Oxford, has warned it will launch legal action if the county council approves a £5 daily congestion charge. Campaigners say the scheme threatens local businesses, with strong public opposition already recorded.
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County Council confirms sale of County Hall for transformation into hotel
Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed the sale of County Hall, with the landmark Oxford building set to be transformed into a high-quality hotel as part of wider regeneration of the city’s West End.
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City council survey respondents support smaller and more localised councils
Respondents to an Oxford City Council survey on local government reorganisation have expressed support for smaller, more localised councils. The online consultation attracted 1,580 responses from across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
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Oxfordshire County council seeks feedback on OxRail 2040 plan
Oxfordshire residents, businesses and visitors are being asked to help shape the county’s rail future through OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail. The draft strategy outlines ambitious proposals including upgraded lines, five new stations, electrification, and the creation of an Oxfordshire Metro. Feedback is open until 01 October via the council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire platform.
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Oxfordshire libraries announce annual short story competition for 2025
Oxfordshire libraries have launched their eleventh annual short story competition, encouraging writers of all ages to share original stories. Winners will have their work published digitally as ebooks and audiobooks.
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Residents invited to share views on Oxfordshire school streets proposals
Oxfordshire residents can now have their say on plans to expand the county’s school streets programme. Proposals cover new and extended schemes in Banbury, Carterton, Didcot and Oxford, with the consultation open until 13 October.
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Outdoor pools season extended and doggy swims return
The outdoor pools season at Riverside in Wallingford and Abbey Meadow in Abingdon has been extended until 07 September, giving families more time to enjoy the facilities. The season will close on 08 September with the return of Doggy Swims, where pets can take to the water before pools are closed for the winter.
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BBOWT launches public vote for people’s choice wildlife photo award
BBOWT has opened voting for its People’s Choice Award in the annual photo contest, with eight wildlife shots competing for a spot on the 2026 calendar. The winner will be announced at the Trust’s 2025 Celebration on 25 October.
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Oxford University confirms plans for housing on North Oxford Golf Club site
Oxford University and two colleges plan to redevelop the North Oxford Golf Club site with around 1,180 homes. The 118-year-old course will close later this year, leaving many members devastated.
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Congestion charge faces stronger opposition outside Oxford city
Opposition to Oxfordshire’s proposed congestion charge is much stronger in rural areas than in the city, according to new consultation data. While 74% of all respondents said the £5 scheme would negatively affect them, figures show resistance peaks in areas like Carterton, Witney and Kidlington.
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Oxford tourist tax proposal sparks debate among businesses
Oxford businesses are divided over a proposed tourist tax, with some warning it could add pressure on hotels already grappling with a congestion charge. The city council says the levy, introduced through an Abid, could raise £2.5m a year.