Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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Westgate Oxford warns congestion charge could ‘hamper’ city businesses and put off visitors
Westgate Oxford has warned that the city’s proposed £5 congestion charge could deter visitors and harm businesses. Landsec, which owns the shopping centre, said the plans risk reducing footfall unless significant investment in public transport is made.
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Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire calls for exemption from £5 congestion charge
Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire has raised concerns that the proposed £5 congestion charge in Oxford would hinder volunteers’ ability to respond to emergencies, saying the scheme is “unacceptable” for those already giving their time and resources freely.
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Oxford MP criticises county council’s plans to push ahead with congestion charge
Oxford MP Anneliese Dodds has spoken out against Oxfordshire County Council’s plans for a £5 congestion charge, after nearly three quarters of respondents to a public consultation said the scheme would negatively affect them. The council insists the measure is only temporary, but opposition remains strong.
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Changes to Oxford congestion charge proposals published ahead of cabinet decision
Oxfordshire County Council has updated its temporary congestion charge plans for Oxford, adding free park and ride and new permits. The revised proposals follow consultation feedback and will go before the council’s cabinet for a decision on 10 September.
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74% of Oxford residents think congestion charge would negatively impact them
A council survey shows 74 per cent of people think Oxford’s proposed congestion charge would negatively affect them, while bus and cycling groups argue it could ease traffic.
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Persimmon Homes Wessex donates £1,000 to Oxford Hospitals Charity
Persimmon Homes Wessex has donated £1,000 to the Oxford Hospitals Charity as part of its Community Champions programme, which distributes £700,000 annually to good causes across Britain. The charity supports patients and staff by funding equipment, research, training, and facilities at Oxford’s hospitals.
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Oxfordshire students encouraged to explore options on A-Level Results Day
Oxfordshire students receiving A-Level, BTEC and T Level results are being encouraged to explore their next steps. Advice is available on continuing education, apprenticeships, training or work through trusted resources including Oxme, UCAS, Gov.UK and the National Careers Service.
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Nearly 40 Oxfordshire flood reduction schemes receive grants
Oxfordshire County Council is awarding over £500k in grants to fund 39 schemes aimed at reducing flooding across the county. Chosen from more than 80 applications, the projects include drainage improvements, natural flood management, ditch works, flood sensors, and public awareness measures.
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Oxfordshire-based charity Yellow Submarine opens Life-Changing Bakery
Yellow Submarine, an award-winning Oxfordshire charity, has launched its new Life-Changing Bakery to provide vital work experience and life skills for adults with learning disabilities.
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Oxford United stadium plans recommended for approval ahead of key planning meeting
Oxford United’s plans for a 16,000-seat stadium in Kidlington have been recommended for approval, with a key Cherwell District Council planning committee meeting set for 14 August before referral to the Secretary of State.
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Oxfordshire towns gain direct matchday bus services to Kassam Stadium
Oxfordshire towns and villages will be directly linked to the Kassam Stadium for Oxford United’s 2024-25 Championship campaign through Oxford Bus Group’s Football Specials. Seven dedicated matchday services, including new OX1 and OX4 routes, will connect fans from Wantage, Grove, Burford, Witney, and more.
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Supported housing in Oxfordshire transforms lives of people with learning disabilities and autism
A £5m investment has provided over 20 adults with learning disabilities and autism in Oxfordshire the opportunity to live independently, with five renovated homes in Witney, Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington, and Horspath now offering 24-hour support to meet tenants’ needs.
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Buttercross Theatre unveils Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play
Buttercross Theatre Productions brings a new theatrical experience to Witney this September with Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play. Staged at the Corn Exchange, the production revives Alfred Hitchcock’s early classics, The Lodger, Sabotage, and The 39 Steps, with 1940s-style radio storytelling, live sound effects, and period costumes.
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Thames Travel invests £3m in ultra-low-emission buses for River Rapids route
Thames Travel has invested £3m in ten new ultra-low-emission buses for its River Rapids route between Oxford and Reading. The upgraded service will feature increased weekday and weekend frequencies and the return of the X40 to Abingdon Road for faster Oxford access.
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Mayor of Wantage launches care home’s new memory care floor for people with dementia
Elmbrook Court care home in Wantage has unveiled its redesigned Cedar memory care household, opened by Mayor Cllr Iain Cameron. Created in response to rising dementia cases, the Cedar floor provides a calm space for residents with higher sensory needs.
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Tribute exhibition for Ana Arroyave opens at Magdalen Road Studios in Oxford
A moving new art exhibition, Through Love, will open at Magdalen Road Studios on 5 September, celebrating the life of Oxford-born social worker Ana Arroyave, who died of a stroke in 2020. Created by her sister, artist Maria Arroyave, the exhibition features mixed media and collage pieces that explore grief and transformation.