Local news: Banbury
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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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Planning powers taken from Cherwell Council as government places council in special measures
Cherwell District Council has been placed under special planning measures by the Government after more than 11% of its major planning decisions were overturned on appeal, allowing developers to submit major schemes directly to the Planning Inspectorate.
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Community project helps 74 young people gain confidence through rail trips and outdoor adventures
Oxfordshire’s Getaway project has supported 74 young people from underrepresented communities to build travel confidence through six guided rail adventures and outdoor activities.
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Banbury group to host coffee morning for World Parkinson’s Day
Banbury Parkinson’s Group will host a coffee morning at the RVS Cornhill Centre on 11 April to mark World Parkinson’s Day and raise awareness of support available for people living with Parkinson’s.
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Magic Queen set for live show at The Mill Arts Centre Banbury in June 2026
Magic Queen will take to the stage at The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, on 06 June 2026, delivering a high-energy tribute show celebrating the greatest hits of Queen and the legendary Freddie Mercury.
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FunParx to open 50,000 sq ft indoor adventure park at Banbury’s Castle Quay in 2026
Castle Quay will welcome FunParx, a 50,000 sq ft indoor adventure park, in summer 2026. Featuring inflatables, obstacle courses, slides and arcade games, the park will create 50 jobs and add a major new family-friendly attraction to Banbury’s canalside leisure and retail destination.
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Warneford Hospital’s 200th anniversary launches with Museum of Oxford exhibition
A new exhibition at the Museum of Oxford has launched Warneford Hospital’s 200th anniversary celebrations. The free display explores two centuries of mental health care and is the first in a year-long programme of exhibitions touring Oxfordshire.
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Formula 1 supplier Brick Kiln secures £4m Growth Lending investment
Formula 1 composites specialist Brick Kiln has secured £4m in Growth Lending funding to complete a management buy-out, expand production capacity and invest in innovation, strengthening its role as a trusted supplier to elite motorsport teams.
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Croudace Homes spread festive cheer at Cutteslowe Primary School Christmas fair
Croudace Homes added festive sparkle to Cutteslowe Primary School’s Christmas fair by sponsoring a bauble-making workshop, giving pupils the chance to create their own decorations while supporting a much-loved community tradition in north Oxford.
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Hillier launches exclusive ‘Crown of Christmas’ poinsettia to support The King’s Foundation
Hillier Garden Centres has unveiled the exclusive ‘Crown of Christmas’ poinsettia for 2025, with £2 per sale supporting The King’s Foundation. The limited-edition pink variety highlights Hillier’s horticultural expertise and sustainability leadership. Available from November 2025.
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Whitley Stimpson appoints senior tax expert Mike Shearan
Whitley Stimpson has strengthened its tax advisory team with the appointment of senior tax specialist Mike Shearan, who brings almost three decades of experience. The move forms part of the firm’s continued investment in both expert talent and trainee development.
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Monkey Music to launch new early childhood classes for Banbury families
Monkey Music is bringing its award-winning early childhood classes to Banbury, offering free trials from January 2026. Designed for babies and toddlers, the sessions support development, connection and community.