Olivia Churchill
Latest news and stories
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County council to review speed limits on 60 rural roads in push for safer travel
Oxfordshire County Council will review speed limits on around 60 rural A and B roads as part of its Vision Zero strategy, aiming to improve safety and reduce serious collisions across the county’s network over the next year.
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Oxfordshire honours Armed Forces community with County Hall flag-raising ceremony
Military personnel, civic dignitaries and community leaders gathered at County Hall in Oxford as Oxfordshire County Council raised the Armed Forces Day flag, recognising the service and sacrifice of the county’s Armed Forces community ahead of national celebrations later this week.
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Oxfordshire fire and rescue crews launch wildfire prevention advice
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to take extra care during dry weather after attending a series of major wildfires in recent years, with safety advice issued to help prevent potentially devastating blazes.
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Thames Valley leaders furious after plans to create powerful regional Strategic Authority collapse
Thames Valley leaders are furious after plans for a regional Strategic Authority collapsed, blaming Oxfordshire’s Liberal Democrat leadership for withdrawing support and derailing a once-in-a-generation devolution deal across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon.
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Frieze Farm development raises fresh questions over North Oxford fire station plans
A proposed fire station allocation within the £900m Frieze Farm “innovation district” near Peartree Roundabout has reignited concerns over paused plans to close Rewley Road and Kidlington fire stations, prompting warnings that emergency cover in north Oxford could still be reduced.
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Thames Valley mayoral authority plans unravel as Oxfordshire’s Lib Dem leadership withdraws support
Oxfordshire’s withdrawal of support has collapsed plans for a Thames Valley mayoral authority, putting the devolution project across Berkshire and Swindon in doubt and casting uncertainty over future governance and investment plans.
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Oxfordshire villages see 60mph speed limits cut to 20mph amid safety fears over rising traffic
Four rural roads in Oxfordshire, including routes through Fordwells and Asthall Leigh, will see speed limits reduced from 60mph to 20mph following safety concerns raised by residents about rising traffic volumes and the risk posed to pedestrians and cyclists.
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County Council approves £306k funding for 127-strong CAG Oxfordshire network
Oxfordshire County Council has approved £306,200 in funding for Community Action Groups Oxfordshire, enabling its network of 127 local groups to continue delivering environmental, social and community projects across the county for another year.
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Oxfordshire launches major trial of pothole repair techniques on Banbury road
A major highways trial has begun on Wildmere Road in Banbury, where Oxfordshire County Council and contractor M Group are testing 15 different pothole repair techniques. The two-year study aims to identify the most durable, cost-effective and climate-resilient techniques, as the county continues to grapple with a surge in road defects following a severe winter.
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Plans to redevelop Warneford Hospital reapproved after review by Oxford City Council committee
Plans to redevelop the historic Warneford Hospital site in Headington have been approved for a second time by Oxford City Council, despite cross-party objections over increased parking provision, environmental concerns and warnings of a potential judicial review.
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Primary school students shine at Science Oxford Big Science Event in Headington
Primary school pupils from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire showcased their scientific curiosity at Science Oxford’s Big Science Event, presenting investigations ranging from chocolate strength to pond water filtration as part of a global STEM initiative.
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County Council sets out new SEND reform plan to improve early support for children and young people
Oxfordshire County Council has outlined a new three-year plan to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), focusing on earlier intervention, stronger mainstream inclusion, and closer collaboration with families and health partners.
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Planted Plates opens at Signal Yard as Milton Park’s first food and beverage operator
Independent café Planted Plates has opened at Signal Yard, Milton Park, becoming the first food and beverage operator at the £14m development. The opening marks a key milestone in the ongoing transformation of Signal Yard into a mixed-use social and retail destination.
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Oxfordshire County Council chief executive awarded OBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to local government. The honour recognises more than 25 years of leadership across major UK councils, including Coventry City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
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The Oxfordshire people recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026
The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026 has been published, with Oxfordshire proudly represented by a number of individuals recognised for their exceptional contributions to their fields and their communities.
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Oxfordshire councils prepare for July decision on local government reorganisation
Councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire are working jointly to prepare for a government decision expected in July that will determine whether the area moves to one, two or three unitary authorities under local government reorganisation plans.