News
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Network Rail escapes legal action despite Botley Road delays
Legal action against Network Rail over the prolonged closure of Botley Road in Oxford has been dismissed. The road, which has been closed since April 2023 for station upgrades, will not reopen until August 2026.
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Airport expansions threaten nature and climate, say Wildlife Trusts
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) and other Wildlife Trusts oppose airport expansions at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton, citing climate, biodiversity, and community concerns.
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Fitzwaryn School hosts Team GB captain Hollie Pearne-Webb for an inspiring visit
Olympic gold and bronze medallist Hollie Pearne-Webb visited Fitzwaryn School, inspiring pupils with her journey and promoting teamwork through activities. The visit was facilitated by Persimmon Homes, a Team GB partner and major developer in Didcot.
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Oxfordshire councillor doesn’t want devolution partnership with Swindon
South Oxfordshire District Council leader David Rouane has opposed partnering with Swindon, arguing it aligns more with the West Country than the South East and lacks historical and economic connections to Oxfordshire.
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Stable brown hairstreak butterfly populations defy climate and habitat threats
A recent egg count by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) found stable numbers of brown hairstreak butterfly eggs at its Oxfordshire site, despite threats from climate change and habitat loss.
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Expanded 20mph speed limits approved for Didcot and Oxfordshire villages
Additional 20mph speed limits will be rolled out in Didcot to cover the part of the town south of the railway line as well as the villages of East Challow, Beckley, Eye & Dunsden and Shenington with Alkerton.
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New parking restrictions approved near Didcot Parkway Station amid resident concerns
More parking restrictions will be introduced near Didcot Parkway Station following concerns about “a plague of commuters and shoppers” parking on nearby roads at the expense of residents.
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Oxford Half Marathon sells out in record time for the third year running
The Oxford Half Marathon, organized by Motiv Sports UK, has sold out for the third consecutive year, with general entries filling by January – a record. The event set for 12 October features thousands of runners, from beginners to elites, with post-race festivities at University Parks.
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Oxfordshire leader responds to calls for clarity on mayoral authority geography
Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council has responded to calls to confirm the council’s geographical preference for a mayoral strategic authority.
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Vale of White Horse leader urges county leader to clarify position on Strategic Authority
The leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council has asked the leader of Oxfordshire County Council to explain her council’s position on a preferred geography for a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
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South Oxfordshire leader advocates for strategic authority with Berkshire and Buckinghamshire
Councillor David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, has argued that Oxfordshire should form a new Strategic Authority with Berkshire and Buckinghamshire rather than Swindon.
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Network Rail announces updated timeline for reopening of Botley Road in Oxford
Network Rail has announced a revised timeline for the reopening of Botley Road in Oxford, part of a multi-million-pound project to upgrade Oxford station and improve transport links to the city.
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Henley Festival reveals sensational lineup for 2025
Henley Festival 2025, presented by Westcoast, returns to Henley-on-Thames from 9-13 July with a stellar line-up of music, comedy, and arts. Headliners include Diana Ross, McFly, Rick Astley, Matteo Bocelli, Jamie Cullum, and Hacienda Classical on the iconic Floating Stage.
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Found Festival reveals full programme for 2025 debut event
Found Festival, the UK’s newest boutique festival, debuts at Claydon Estate, Buckingham, from August 22-24. Blending Americana, Folk, Blues, and World music with comedy, crafts, dance, and family-friendly entertainment, it offers an inspiring cultural escape.
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Terry Fuller appointed Chair of Graven Hill to deliver diverse housing solutions
Terry Fuller has been appointed Chair of Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC), succeeding Sue Smith in April. With extensive experience in housing, including establishing Homes England, Terry aims to deliver diverse, sustainable housing solutions and strengthen Graven Hill’s community.
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Brand the Bus 2025: Record-breaking charity entries and £100k prize up for grabs
The Brand the Bus 2025 competition by Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel has received 27 entries within three weeks of launching. Open to Oxfordshire-based charities, the contest offers the winning cause a £100,000 advertising package, including branding on a double-decker bus, digital ads and more.