Local news: Witney
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Long-awaited drainage works to begin on Witney estate to tackle persistent flooding
A four-week programme of drainage improvements will begin on Buttercross Lane in Witney this August, with Oxfordshire County Council aiming to resolve long-standing flooding problems while maintaining access for residents throughout the works.
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Cokethorpe School secures planning approval for new nursery in Oxfordshire
Cokethorpe School has secured planning permission for a new nursery for children from nine months old, creating additional early years places for Oxfordshire families ahead of its planned opening in late 2026.
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Cokethorpe pupils join national Big Paddle Clean Up to restore Oxfordshire waterways
Pupils from Cokethorpe School joined canoeists and kayakers in a large-scale environmental effort as part of Paddle UK’s Big Paddle Clean Up, collecting litter across 20km of Oxfordshire waterways including the River Thames, River Windrush and Farmoor Reservoir.
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Oxfordshire villages see 60mph speed limits cut to 20mph amid safety fears over rising traffic
Four rural roads in Oxfordshire, including routes through Fordwells and Asthall Leigh, will see speed limits reduced from 60mph to 20mph following safety concerns raised by residents about rising traffic volumes and the risk posed to pedestrians and cyclists.
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Bampton Classical Opera announces 2026 production of Beauty and the Beast
Bampton Classical Opera has announced its 2026 summer production will be André Grétry’s fairytale opera Zemira e Azor, presented in a rare 1776 version and performed in English as Beauty and the Beast.
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Cokethorpe pupils shine at Young Art Oxford 2026 competition
Cokethorpe School has earned top honours at Young Art Oxford 2026, with 57 artworks shortlisted and several pupils receiving awards.
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Cokethorpe School celebrates academic excellence through Scholars’ Programme
Cokethorpe School has celebrated its Scholars’ Programme with a special dinner recognising high-achieving pupils and the launch of the 2026 Scholars’ Journal.
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Cokethorpe School highlights year-round wellbeing during Stress Awareness Month
Cokethorpe School promotes a year-round approach to wellbeing, helping pupils manage stress and build resilience beyond exam periods.
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Cokethorpe School says smartphone restrictions are improving pupil wellbeing
Cokethorpe School reports improved pupil wellbeing and engagement after tightening smartphone restrictions. The Oxfordshire school says reduced phone use has boosted social interaction, as national discussions continue around a potential ban on smartphones in schools.
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Cokethorpe alumni reunite for sailing event at Farmoor Reservoir
Cokethorpe alumni and students reunited at Farmoor Reservoir for a sailing event celebrating friendship, teamwork, and shared memories built through the school’s long-standing sailing programme.
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Oxford United legend earns groundskeeping award at Cokethorpe School 40 years after Milk Cup triumph
Oxford United legend Les Phillips marks 40 years since the Milk Cup win while celebrating a new achievement with Cokethorpe School’s award-winning grounds team.
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Cokethorpe School wins ISFA Grounds Team of the Year 2026
Cokethorpe School’s grounds team has been named ISFA Grounds Team of the Year 2026, recognising their work maintaining high-quality pitches across a busy sporting calendar with limited resources.