Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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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.
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Leaders of Oxford public travel groups express support for congestion charge plan
Oxford’s key travel groups, including bus companies, taxi associations, and active travel advocates, have jointly called on Oxfordshire County Council to implement a temporary congestion charge. Their letter highlights the need to free up road space, improve bus reliability, and support sustainable transport modes
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Oxford leisure centres upgrade catering facilities and menus
Barton, Leys Pools, Ferry and Hinksey Leisure Centres, and Oxford Ice Rink, have upgraded their catering facilities and menus to provide a more modern and sustainable experience. Enhancements include Fairtrade-certified coffee and tea, eco-friendly cups, and expanded food and drink offerings.
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Oxford North launches Engage programme to unite science, arts and community
Oxford North has unveiled Engage, a long-term arts, culture, and social value programme focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths). Delivered by IF Oxford in collaboration with Modern Art Oxford, Creation Theatre, and Fusion Arts, the initiative brings immersive community projects and events to the new innovation district.
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Oxford travel groups back temporary congestion charge to reduce city traffic
Oxford’s major transport groups, including Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach West, local taxi operators, and active travel advocates, will unite to sign a joint letter in support of a proposed temporary congestion charge, urging Oxfordshire County Council to adopt the measure, which aims to reduce traffic, improve bus reliability, and enhance road safety for all.
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ENT consultant advises hay fever sufferers on weed pollen season
Award-winning ENT consultant Mr Ali Qureishi is warning hay fever sufferers to remain vigilant amid an imminent surge in weed pollen across the UK. Despite a dry spring, symptoms like sneezing and blocked noses may peak in the coming weeks.
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Have your say on modernising household waste recycling centres in Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire County Council is seeking public input on how to modernise and improve the efficiency of the county’s seven household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). Residents can complete a survey on Let’s Talk Oxfordshire until 11 August.
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Oxfordshire road maintenance programme completes phase one on schedule
The first phase of Oxfordshire County Council’s £7.4m surface dressing programme has successfully concluded, covering 938,336sqm of roads across 70 towns and villages. Despite minor weather-related delays, crews completed the works on schedule.
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Oxfordshire man to paddleboard across English Channel for children’s cancer research
John Bartlett from Garsington, Oxfordshire, is preparing to paddleboard across the English Channel in memory of his 10-year-old niece Pearl, who died of Ewing sarcoma in 2017. Alongside his brother Jamie, Pearl’s father, he’s raising funds for #PearlPower, a named fund under CCLG for childhood cancer research.
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The Old Stables in Wantage invites locals to summer party with creative workshops and music
The Old Stables in Wantage will host a free summer party on Saturday, 28 June. This vibrant community event will include a shared meal made from surplus food, live music, storytelling, art workshops, and a makers market featuring local creatives.
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Oxfordshire’s new active travel and cycling champion seeks residents’ views
Councillor Emily Kerr has been appointed Oxfordshire County Council’s new active travel and cycling champion. Representing Oxford’s Bartlemas division, she’s calling on residents to share their views to help improve walking and cycling across both urban and rural areas.
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Thames towpath near Abingdon Road to be closed for essential riverbank repairs
A key section of Oxford’s Thames towpath, between Folly Bridge and Donnington Bridge off Abingdon Road, will be closed from late June to late September 2025 for urgent riverbank repair to prevent erosion and preserve the route.
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Oxford United backs Dorchester-on-Thames cricket club through Dreaming Spires initiative
Dorchester-on-Thames Cricket Club has received a £1,000 boost from Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires initiative to enhance its 50-year-old clubhouse and support grassroots cricket. In partnership with the ECB, the club is rolling out the All Stars programme for children and creating access to matches for local schools without pitches.
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HARE Oxfordshire Hair Studio named finalist in four major industry awards
HARE, an Oxfordshire-based hair studio founded by brothers James and George Talbot, has been named a finalist in four prestigious hair industry awards, including Best Business Leader and Salon of the Year.
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Oxfordshire County Council addresses national SEND crisis in Parliament
Oxfordshire County Council has submitted written evidence to the Parliamentary Education Select Committee’s inquiry into the national SEND crisis. Despite soaring costs, outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) remain stagnant.
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Climate Emergency UK ranks Oxfordshire best-performing council for second year
Oxfordshire County Council has been named the UK’s top-performing council for climate action by Climate Emergency UK’s 2025 scorecard. This marks the second consecutive year Oxfordshire has achieved this distinction. The score reflects strong efforts across waste, transport, built environment, and nature recovery.