News
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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.
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Cherwell Council set for headquarters move to Castle Quay shopping centre
Cherwell District Council plans to move its new headquarters into the former BHS and Gap units within Banbury’s Castle Quay Shopping Centre, which it owns. This move aims to support a “thriving and vibrant town centre.”
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Construction completed on southwest section of Benson Relief Road
Residents and visitors in Benson are now benefitting from easier travel to the Cala housing development as construction work is complete on Oxfordshire County Council’s 250-metre-long section of the Benson Relief Road.
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Next set of homes at Wellington Gate gets go-ahead from Vale District Council
The Vale of White Horse District Council has granted planning approval for a Persimmon Homes Wessex scheme to build 152 high-quality homes as part of the five-star developer’s seventh development phase.
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Carrdus School to close in 2025 due to financial pressures
The impending closure has been attributed to increasing financial pressures, including the mid-academic year introduction of VAT on independent school fees, the loss of charitable business rates relief, and rising employers’ national insurance contributions.
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Oxfordshire restaurant The Sparsholt set to close before Christmas
The Sparsholt, a pub and restaurant nestled in the tiny Oxfordshire hamlet of Sparsholt near Wantage, is set to close its doors permanently just days before Christmas.
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Oxford United takes key step forward in new stadium plans with Cherwell Council
The extensive documentation relating to plans for the new stadium application covers matters including transport and ecology, with additional surveys being undertaken over the past six months.
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Teen driver jailed for causing death of three friends while under influence of laughing gas
A man who drove his car at dangerously high speeds while under the influence of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, has been jailed for causing death by dangerous driving of three young men in Marcham in June 2023.
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Mixed reactions from Oxfordshire councillors on proposed local government reforms
Local leaders are divided over the government’s proposal to abolish district councils and establish large mayoral combined authorities. While some see benefits in efficiency and accountability, others warn it could and harm rural representation.