Local news: Oxford
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JR Hospital gets improved bus service as Pulhams takes charge
Pulhams has enhanced the H2 bus service to JR Hospital, increasing frequency and extending the timetable. Now operating every 30 minutes from Witney, Eynsham, and Summertown to the hospital, the service also includes early morning and late evening journeys to Carterton.
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Careys expands its Construction Campus model with a new training hub at Oxford North
Oxford North will host Careys Construction Campus, offering free, hands-on construction training to address industry skill shortages. Launching in March 2025, the three-week program provides Level 2 ground working skills, a CSCS card, and a guaranteed job interview with Careys.
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Artificial intelligence boosts swimmer safety at Oxford’s leisure centre
Three Oxford leisure centres have introduced AI-driven Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT) to enhance swimmer safety and support lifeguards. Backed by the Royal Lifesaving Society, ALT uses overhead cameras and AI to monitor swimmer behaviour, providing real-time alerts via smartwatches worn by lifeguards.
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Grainger makes debut in Oxford with £68m build-to-rent development, The Kimmeridge
Grainger plc, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord, has launched The Kimmeridge in Botley, Oxford—a £68 million Build-to-Rent (BTR) development. The eight-storey scheme offers 150 high-quality apartments with premium amenities, addressing strong local rental demand.
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Oxford United boosts Chalgrove Cavaliers with winter training grant
Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires project has awarded Chalgrove Cavaliers FC a £1,000 grant, enabling the club to purchase eight portable floodlights. This funding ensures 30 young players can train through winter, overcoming previous challenges due to limited access to lit facilities.
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National Theatre’s award-winning Dear England is heading to Oxford in January 2026
The National Theatre’s Olivier Award-winning play Dear England is set for a nationwide tour in 2025/2026, visiting the New Theatre Oxford from 27–31 January 2026. Written by James Graham and directed by Rupert Goold, the play explores Gareth Southgate’s leadership and England’s footballing identity.
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Oxford Bus Company’s Chatty Bus initiative to combat loneliness returns
Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel’s popular Chatty Bus initiative is returning to help address loneliness. As part of efforts to help Oxford Bus Company combat loneliness, the Chatty Bus initiative volunteers will be on board the X32 service on Monday, 24 February, engaging passengers in conversation as they travel between the John Radcliffe Hospital…
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Football for mental health: Oxford United’s campaign for awareness and support
Oxford United in the Community and the Joey Beauchamp Foundation have partnered to raise mental health awareness and support in Oxfordshire. Their collaboration aligns with Oxford United’s home fixture against Portsmouth on February 15, honoring Joey Beauchamp’s legacy.
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Red Roses stars visit Chinnor RFC to inspire next generation of rugby talent in Oxford
Red Roses stars Ellie Kildunne, Maud Muir, and Lucy Packer will visit Chinnor RFC to inspire young female rugby players. As part of the RFU’s Love Rugby initiative, their visit aims to encourage more girls to take up the sport.
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Council leaders split on local government devolution fast-track at expense of elections
The government’s plans to reorganise local government have led to speculation that local elections due to be held this year could be cancelled.
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Council leaders to consider response to local government devolution plans
Leaders of Oxfordshire County Council and the county’s district councils are to meet to consider a response to local government devolution plans.
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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.