News
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Debate heats up over future of Oxfordshire districts in local government restructuring
The government announced plans for a major restructuring of local government in last month’s devolution white paper, including plans to abolish district councils and introduce larger unitary authorities in areas that do not have them already.
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MPs holding local council roles criticised for poor council meeting attendance
Four of Oxfordshire’s six MPs are also local county or district council councillors
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Oxfordshire restaurant in final shortlist for National Burger of the Year crown
This year’s lineup will see Mollie’s Oxford go head-to-head with the likes of London’s indie, Bun & Sum, Cheltenham’s Smiths of Bourton, Roddy Burger from Tunbridge Wells and Tom Kerridge’s Butcher’s Tap and Grill in Marlow.
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Developers secure approval for first primary school at Didcot’s Valley Park
Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey have been granted approval for the first primary school at its major Valley Park scheme in Didcot, representing an exciting milestone in delivering a high-quality educational facility as part of the 4,254-unit development.
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New Head of Prep for Headington Rye Oxford Prep School
Headington Rye Oxford Prep School has announced a new Head of Prep. Mr Bertrand Leullier, currently Senior Deputy Head at South Oxfordshire co-educational prep school St Hugh’s, will take on the role in September 2025.
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Oxfordshire farmers to protest ‘family farms tax’ in Oxford city centre
The protest against the ‘family farms tax’ will take place outside the annual Oxford Farming Conference at the Examination Schools on High Street between 8.30am and 10.00am on Thursday, 09 January.
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Oxfordshire care leaders call timescale for social care reforms plan a ‘ticking time bomb’
While the government is rolling out immediate measures to support people in need of care, they have been criticised for not acting with enough urgency on plans to reform the social care system.
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Hundreds of Oxfordshire homes to get solar panels in energy-saving trial
Homeowners who participate in the scheme will have their solar panels fitted for free and would pay a small monthly fee for maintaining them, instead of paying thousands of pounds upfront.
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Councillor criticises lack of transparency in Oxford United’s stadium deal
A councillor has criticised Oxford United and the county council as he claims they are “keeping residents in the dark” over how much money is available to help fund grassroots sports pitches.
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Public voting and entries open for Brand the Bus 2025
Oxfordshire-based charities are encouraged to sign up to Brand the Bus 2025 after Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel launched public voting on New Year’s Day.
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Great Wolf Lodge Bicester: Progress update on one of Oxfordshire’s major leisure developments
The highly anticipated Great Wolf Lodge in Bicester is rapidly taking shape, although it will not meet the originally scheduled completion date of late 2024.
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Oxford Christmas Lights Bus spread festive cheer across Oxfordshire
Adorned with flashing Christmas lights and playing popular festive hits, the open-topped City Sightseeing Oxford bus delighted crowds this December with three sparkling tours.
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Forever homes needed for guide dog mums, as charity predicts 2025 shortfall
Sight loss charity Guide Dogs is appealing for volunteers who could give a forever home to a guide dog mum in The Midlands, as it predicts it will have a shortfall next year.
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Oxford University’s Opportunity Oxford diversity scheme sparks debate over academic standards
The initiative reserves one in ten undergraduate places for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and academics have voiced concerns about its impact on academic standards.
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Puy du Fou submits Scoping Opinion for £600m immersive experience near Bicester
The 142-page report details the proposed development, which will include theatres, live shows, back-of-house facilities, restaurants, hotels, conference facilities, parking, and landscaping.
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Residents’ feedback shapes council plans for future of Witney High Street
A report on its recent public consultation has been published, and the council is now using the learning from participants to improve the designs.