Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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12,000 Oxfordshire families benefit from free holiday activities and food programme
Over 12,000 Oxfordshire families have benefitted from the government-backed Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Aimed at children aged 4–16 who receive free school meals, the initiative offers free holiday clubs combining sports, arts, science, and nutritious meals.
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Oxfordshire EV charging scheme for residents without off-street parking
Oxfordshire County Council has launched a pilot scheme enabling residents without off-street parking to safely charge electric vehicles at home. The £700k government-funded project will initially support 500 households with the installation of EV charging cable channels across pavements.
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Oxford museum visit helps hearing dog puppies train for life-changing roles
A group of hearing dog puppies visited Oxford University Museum of Natural History as part of their essential training. Guided by staff and volunteer trainers, the pups encountered the museum’s iconic T.rex skeleton and explored exhibits to build confidence in new environments.
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Free pop-up play events return to Oxford for families with children under five
Families in Oxford have two more weeks to enjoy free pop-up play events designed for children aged five and under, organised by Oxfordshire County Council with support from local partners.
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Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership secures £10m funding boost for 2025/26
Oxfordshire County Council and local bus operators have secured over £10m in funding for 2025–26 to enhance bus services across the county. The grant will support infrastructure upgrades, such as smart signals and real-time displays, and vehicle improvements.
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Oxfordshire County Council completes GigaHubs project to boost rural broadband
Funded by the council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the project delivers gigabit-capable broadband to 192 public service sites across the county, boosting digital connectivity for rural schools, libraries, GP practices, and community centres.
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Sanofi supports British Transplant Games 2025 to raise awareness for transplant recipients
Sanofi is sponsoring the swimming event at the 2025 Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Oxford, reaffirming its dedication to the transplant community. The Games celebrate transplant recipients and promote awareness of life after transplant.
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Oxford congestion charge faces Labour and business opposition
A proposed £5 daily congestion charge in Oxford has sparked fierce debate, with Labour, local businesses and residents warning of risks to livelihoods, while supporters argue it will cut congestion and speed up buses.
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Barton Leisure Centre hosts Big Open Day with free activities and gym access
On Saturday, 12 July, Barton Leisure Centre will host a Big Open Day packed with free activities for all ages. Highlights include swimming taster sessions led by qualified instructors, family fun swims, and inflatable pool courses.
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Businesses and residents divided over Oxford congestion charge plans
Oxford’s £5 daily congestion charge has sparked a heated debate, with over 11,000 signatures against the scheme. Supporters say it will cut traffic, while critics warn it risks small businesses.
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Greater Oxford Council plan enters consultation phase across county
Oxford City Council has launched a public consultation on proposals to replace Oxfordshire’s six local councils with three, including a new Greater Oxford Council. The plan aims to simplify local governance, improve service delivery, and make councils more responsive.
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Energy Superhub Oxford marks third anniversary of cutting carbon and powering change
Energy Superhub Oxford is marking its third anniversary with impressive achievements in clean energy and carbon reduction. Since opening in July 2022, it has powered over 137,000 electric vehicles and saved 3,584 tonnes of carbon emissions.
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Solar panel and battery scheme by Oxfordshire County Council reaches milestone
A solar panel and battery storage trial led by Oxfordshire County Council, in partnership with SMS and Metis, has reached its 100th household installation. Funded by the government’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, the scheme allows residents to pay just £40 per month, avoiding large upfront costs.
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Rest, prep, and recover with Mollie’s Restival for summer festival-goers
Mollie’s has unveiled its new Restival at Mollie’s range, designed to support festival-goers with stylish essentials for pre- and post-event comfort – available from 17 July 2025 at its Oxfordshire and Bristol locations.
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NHS Blood and Transplant supports Westfield Health British Transplant Games
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is supporting the 2025 Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Oxfordshire. The event will celebrate the life-changing power of transplantation, with over 2,642 entries across 26 sports.
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New primary school at Heyford Park to support growing community
Dorchester Living has unveiled plans for a new primary school at Heyford Park to serve the expanding community. Designed for 315 pupils and a 75-place nursery, the school will meet BREEAM “Very Good” and net zero carbon standards using solar and ground source energy.