Notes

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Diversion in place as Cottesmore footbridge closes for safety reasons

    Diversion in place as Cottesmore footbridge closes for safety reasons

    The Cottesmore footbridge, used by pedestrians and cyclists to cross the A4142 Eastern Bypass, near the Heyford Hill roundabout, has been closed for safety reasons.

    A diversion route for pedestrians will be in place via the Rose Hill subway on a street-lit route, without any steps. An alternative shorter route to Sainsbury’s via the pedestrian crossing adjacent Heyford Hill roundabout is available but involves steps or a steep ramp and is not all lit at night.

    Engineers from Oxfordshire County Council and its principal highways contractor M Group will now consider options to determine the best plan of action for the footbridge for the long term.

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Banbury’s Woodgreen Pool set for summer season reopening next week

    Woodgreen Outdoor Pool is operated by Legacy Leisure on behalf of Cherwell District Council, with support from Banbury Town Council.

    The 50-metre outdoor facility has recently benefited from upgraded changing rooms, showers and toilets completed last year, alongside existing features including a flume, toddler splash zone and snack bar.

    The summer season traditionally opens in mid-May, with community events such as the Banbury Triathlon often marking the start of the programme.

    Read full story

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    National tourism agency VisitBritain backs £600m Oxfordshire theme park plans

    French theme park operator Puy du Fou announces plans for new park opening in Oxfordshire

    BBC has reported that plans for a £600m historical theme park in the countryside near Bicester have been backed by the national tourism agency VisitBritain.

    The project, proposed by French firm Puy du Fou and submitted to Cherwell District Council, would include four period villages and 13 live shows, alongside conference facilities.

    Supporters, including VisitBritain and Experience Oxfordshire, say the development could bring significant economic benefits, job creation, and increased visitor numbers. Blenheim Palace has also backed the plans, describing the investment as a strong endorsement of the region’s tourism appeal.

    However, the proposals have faced criticism from local campaigners and parish councils, who have raised concerns about traffic, wildlife impact, and the scale of wider development in the area.

    Read full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Brews and Book volunteer-run café at The Beacon in Wantage celebrates first birthday

    Brews and Book volunteer-run café at The Beacon in Wantage celebrates first birthday

    Brews and Books Café run by Wantage Literary Festival at The Beacon in Wantage has celebrated its first birthday.

    Open Monday to Friday from 9.45am to 1.30pm and run by volunteers, it has proved so popular in its first year that Vale of White Horse District Council, who own and manage The Beacon, and Wantage Literary Festival have agreed that Brews and Books Café is here to stay.

    Read the full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    A crowd of around 18,500 people gathered in Oxford to celebrate May Morning

    18,500 people celebrate May Morning in Oxford

    About 18,500 people turned out to see in May Morning today (1 May), compared to 16,500 in 2025, according to Oxford City Council. 

    The traditional celebration of the coming of Spring brought together Oxford’s communities, visitors and people of all ages to enjoy dancing, singing and revelry.

    The celebrations, which are more than 500 years old, started at 6am with Magdalen College choir singing Hymnus Eucharisticus from the college’s Great Tower.

    Traditional events and activities, including Morris Dancing and folk singing, then took place across the city as the bell of the Great Tower rang out.  

    Oxford City Council organises the May Morning event at Magdalen Bridge with the support of partners, including Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Oxford Direct Services, Oxfordshire County Council and Magdalen College.

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Work starts on 80-home development on land west of Mill Lane in Old Marston

    Work has now started on a new development of 80 affordable homes on land west of Mill Lane in Old Marston. The site will deliver high‑quality homes, for rent (32) or shared ownership (48).

    The project is a significant step toward addressing Oxford’s severe housing need, while creating new homes that sit comfortably within the character and landscape of the village.

    All the new homes will be affordable, including homes for social rent, where tenants typically pay around 40% of local private rents, and shared ownership, offering a flexible route onto the housing ladder in one of the UK’s most unaffordable cities.

    Construction of the development is expected to take just over two years, with the new homes due to complete towards the end of 2028.

    Read the full story

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Management of Oxford’s on-street EV charging network moves to Oxfordshire County Council

    Oxfordshire selects ODS to deliver UK’s largest cross-pavement EV charging programme

    Responsibility for managing Oxford’s public on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging network will transfer to Oxfordshire County Council during March and April 2026.

    The change includes both the existing on-street EV chargepoints across the city and the future rollout of more than 300 additional chargepoints planned through the Government-funded Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme.

    Connected Kerb will operate Oxford’s on-street charging network and will manage the day-to-day operation of bollard-style chargepoints.

    This change will support a coordinated, countywide approach to EV infrastructure, helping to ensure consistent standards, efficient rollout and long-term management of on-street charging.

    EV chargers at Redbridge Park and Ride and Seacourt Park and Ride will also continue to be managed by Oxford City Council.

    Read more

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    West Oxfordshire District Council reports another strong quarter of performance

    West Oxfordshire District Council reports another strong quarter of performance

    West Oxfordshire District Council has reported another strong quarter of performance, with high customer satisfaction, excellent planning results, reliable frontline services and significant progress on key community projects.

    The quarter three review, covering October to December 2025, highlights both consistent day-to-day service delivery and tangible progress on major priorities set out in the Council Plan.

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  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    West Oxfordshire District Council to publish its Biodiversity Duty Report this month

    West Oxfordshire District Council will publish its Biodiversity Duty Report this month, setting out how nature is being protected and restored across the district. 

    The report explains how the Council is meeting its legal duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity. This duty was strengthened by the Environment Act 2021 and requires councils to publish what they have achieved and what they will do next. 

    Read more

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Plans for Redbridge Paddock housing scheme set for Cabinet approval

    Plans for Redbridge Paddock housing scheme set for Cabinet approval

    Plans to build more than 230 affordable new homes at Redbridge Paddock are set to be approved by the Cabinet at Oxford City Council on Wednesday 18 March.

    The proposed development would deliver 237 homes on the council-owned former landfill brownfield site located opposite the Redbridge Park and Ride. Half of the homes (118 homes) would be affordable, with 93 being offered at Social Rent, the other 25 as shared ownership.

    The development would be brought forward by OX Place, the council’s wholly owned housing company, with the council purchasing the affordable homes once construction is complete. The site is allocated for housing in both the current Local Plan 2036 and the emerging Local Plan 2045.

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Outline plans for 331 affordable homes at Sandy Lane set for approval next week

    Outline plans for 331 affordable homes at Sandy Lane set for approval next week

    Oxford City Council’s Cabinet will discuss the £97.6 million scheme on Wednesday 18 March and is expected to give the green light to begin the legal and planning processes required to bring the site forward. 

    This development will deliver 100% affordable housing on council-owned land, with 79% of the new homes let at Social Rent levels, and the rest offered for shared ownership. 

    OX Place, the council’s wholly owned development company, will act as the development agent, while the council will directly procure and manage the construction contract. 

    The site, currently a recreation ground, is identified in the Council’s emerging ‘Local Plan 2045’ for at least 300 homes.  With a new train station planned, it is also expected to become a key gateway for the recently confirmed Cowley Branch Line.  

    The scheme forms part of Oxford City Council’s longstanding ‘Affordable Housing Supply Programme’, which aims to deliver over 1,600 much needed affordable homes between April 2025 and March 2029, with at least 850 at Social Rent levels. 

    Read more

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    South Oxfordshireresidents invited to shape future of local town and parish councils

    South Oxfordshire residents have the chance to comment on potential changes for town and parish councils, including the area they cover, the number of elected councillors and how local wards are organised.  

    People taking part in the 2026 Community Governance Review will play their part in helping to ensure that their local council is effective, efficient and better reflects the interests of the communities it serves.  

    South Oxfordshire District Council is conducting these reviews in response to parish council requests.    

    The requests include: 

    • Increasing the number of councillors for Ewelme (from six to seven), Stoke Row (from six to eight) and Woodcote (from ten to 12). 
    • Changing town warding arrangements in Didcot, Henley-on-Thames and Thame to improve electoral representation. 
    • Potential boundary shifts between Watlington and Pyrton, Shirburn and Pyrton, Clifton Hampden and Dorchester, and Thame and Great Haseley. 
    • Exploring the possibility of grouping Nuneham Courtenay with a neighbouring council. 

    Residents can view the full details of the proposals and submit their feedback through the council’s online survey at southoxon.gov.uk/CommunityGovernance 

    The consultation is open now and will close on Thursday 09 April 2026. 

    Anyone who can’t access the survey online should contact 01235 422 425. 

    Following the consultation, the council’s Community Governance and Electoral Issues Committee will collate all feedback to produce draft proposals.

    A follow up consultation is then expected to take place later this year, with any final changes scheduled to be implemented in time for the May 2027 local elections. 

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Tickets on general sale for Henley Festival 2026

    Henley Festival 2025 - 09 July Gallery 17

    🎶 Tickets are now on general sale for Henley Festival 2026.

    You can now book your tickets for one of the summer’s most glamorous riverside events, returning from 8–12 July 2026.

    Headliners announced so far include:

    • Wednesday 8 July – Boy George & Culture Club / Ezra Collective
    • Thursday 9 July – Sugababes / Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems
    • Friday 10 July – Lulu / Björn Again
    • Saturday 11 July – Alex James’ Britpop Classical
    • Sunday 12 July – Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra with special guest Laura Mvula / The Bootleg Beatles

    A General Admission ticket also includes access to see Ezra Collective and Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems in Pure Heaven.

    Expect five nights of music, dining, art and black-tie glamour on the banks of the Thames.

    Buy tickets

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Work underway on Blackbird Leys community centre redevelopment

    Oxford City Council approves New Blackbird Leys community centre plans

    Construction is officially underway to deliver a new community centre in Blackbird Leys, following a groundbreaking ceremony this week.

    The redevelopment, which is being delivered by Peabody and construction partner, The Hill Group in partnership with Oxford City Council, will create a new community centre at the heart of a revitalised District Centre, alongside new affordable homes, new shops, green spaces, and improved roads and cycle routes.

    The new community centre redevelopment will provide flexible, welcoming spaces for local residents and groups, with three large halls, a range of office spaces, and comfortable places for people to meet and relax.

    The building will be complemented by a new public square, including play areas for children and young people, a rain garden, accessible play equipment, and public art, with opportunities for local people to help create the final artwork.

  • Note by

    Olivia Churchill

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    South and Vale residents invited to grab gree compost this March

    South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are inviting residents to collect free, nutrient-rich compost at special giveaway events this March. It’s the perfect way to recycle, reduce waste and grow something great!

    South and Vale residents invited to grab free compost this March

    Event details:

    • Saturday 07 March – 9.00am to 11.00am – Howbery Business Park, Benson Lane, Wallingford, OX10 8BA
    • Sunday 08 March – 9.00am to 11.00am – White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre (overflow car park), Audlett Drive, Abingdon, OX14 3PJ

    The councils’ friendly Waste and Recycling Team will be on hand to answer your composting questions and share top tips for greener living.

    How it works:

    • Bring your own bags and spade.
    • Collect up to three bags of compost per household.
    • Available while supplies last.

  • Note by

    The Oxford Magazine

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    Oxford Town Hall scaffolding is being removed as restoration nears completion

    Scaffolding is being removed from Oxford Town Hall as restoration of the stone façade progresses. Work on the lower levels continues, with phased removal along St Aldates and Blue Boar Street. The project is on track for completion by the end of March.

    Read more

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