Edition #1999
22 February 2024
Opening Theme
Police Divers
A week-long search for a 76-year-old woman, Iona, continues along the River Windrush; Police divers struggle against fast-flowing, deep water; Witney community praises rescue team efforts.
Police Boss Stokes Culture War
The controversy surrounding Thames Valley Police Commissioner Matthew Barber’s criticism of police for calling a suspect ‘woman’ in a child sex assault case has sparked debate on gender identity relevance. Barber faced backlash from Witney Mayor Owen Collins, who deemed Barber’s focus on gender divisive. Police insist they treat suspects based on their self-identified gender.
Dog Died from Raw Sewerage
Thames Water criticized over raw sewage in rivers, killing dog; Residents report overcharges in bills; Ministers urge action, Thames Water promises upgrades.
District Council Moves Ahead
Oxfordshire District Council progresses local plan following public consultation. Residents prioritize improved public transport and infrastructure. Detailed plan to be created based on community feedback.
Balanced Budget
West Oxfordshire District Council agrees balanced budget for upcoming year; residents face council tax increase of 10p per week; budget strategy addresses potential severe funding cuts.
District Dossier
Climate change impacts on Oxfordshire highlighted by Green Party Councillor Andrew Prosser; Severe weather events and poor infrastructure threaten urban areas and new developments; Resilience planning and sustainable practices advocated to combat climate challenges.
District Gets £55K
West Oxfordshire District Council allocates £55,000 annually for a climate change officer. The role, previously temporary, is now permanent with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The officer has secured £1,300,000 for carbonization projects.
Solar Farm Developer
Solar farm developers told to increase community payoff. Oxfordshire MP pushes for higher figure as development faces environmental concerns. Solar farm could generate electricity for 40 years if approved.
Council Set to Inject
Oxfordshire County Council allocates £480,000 additional funding for its 2024-25 budget to maintain services. The council faces funding uncertainties beyond this fiscal year. Council urged to prioritize children’s social care services.
Pensioners Owed Millions
Over £100 million in unclaimed pension credits await Oxfordshire pensioners. Up to £10.4 million could be unclaimed, affecting around 5,000 pensioners. Local organizations urge residents to assess eligibility for this income-topping benefit.
Inquests
Nurse Emily Helmley died from cocaine toxicity and anorexia, inquest adjourned for June 13; Cyclist Timothy Joss died in collision, suspect released on bail, inquest set for July 22.
350 Operations Cancelled
Over 350 operations cancelled byOxford University Hospitals in 2022. Last-minute cancellations decreasing, but still exceeding NHS targets. Patient groups express concern and call for better communication.
Housebuilder Buys Site
Junior doctors’ strike causes significant disruption across Oxfordshire hospitals from 24th February to 1st March, impacting patient appointments and emergency departments. All affected patients are being rescheduled. Hospitals urge patients to seek alternatives for non-emergencies to preserve resources. National house builder Carla Homes acquired land in Chipping Norton for 90 new homes, with 40% affordable housing, community parkland, and construction starting early 2025.
Warning after Dog
A dog was stolen from a home in Chipping Norton and driven away by strangers. The dog was recovered but needs medical assistance. Police urge vigilance and caution with pet security.
Suspected Shop Lifters
Shoplifters used cleaning fluid to escape; Staff member injured; Police seek four suspects
1240 Children Across County
Over a thousand Oxfordshire children were homeschooled in the last academic year, with a third remaining unknown reasons. Mental health was the leading cause for parental withdrawal. Young Minds charity suggests better school support could help.
OFSTED Complaints Surge
Oxfordshire schools complain about Ofsted inspectors’ conduct; Over 500 complaints countrywide involve inspector behavior; Union warns Ofsted has lost teachers’ trust
Deaths
Three local residents passed away recently, including a former police sergeant; Their ages ranged from 84 to 94; The Witney Gazette announced these deaths with condolences.
Last Week’s Quiz
A quiz covered miscellaneous geographical facts; Questions included locations of the Spanish Riding School, EU countries, Mountie police officers and Titanic’s construction site
Noticeboard
Editor’s Choice
The largest British hill figure, the Kilburn horse, needs regular maintenance. Originally created in the 1850s, it’s now overgrown, needing volunteers’ help to restore its whiteness. Local craftsman Robert Thompson and his family have long been involved in its upkeep.
Quiz
The narrator presents a quiz covering scattered topics; one question mentions two local places in England, the poet’s name is Matthew Arnold.
Marie Curie
Marie Curie urges Oxfordshire residents to support Great Daffodil Appeal for terminal illness care, 1 in 4 UK residents lack access to such care, Appeal aims to fund Marie Curie nurses and online services.
Plan Approved
Jeremy Clarkson’s grain store plans approved; West Oxfordshire District Council grants permission; Plans for food vending units and parking also accepted
Animal Magic
Cox Manor Farm reopened, welcoming visitors to interact with various animals like Shetland ponies and Norfolk turkeys. Children enjoyed stroking and cuddling many creatures. The historic farm offers facilities like a kitchen café, shop, and upcoming family events.
Residents Have Beastly
Residents at Middleton Care Home celebrated the Chinese New Year with an animal visit. They interacted with unusual animals like snails and scorpions. One resident enjoyed the experience and the Chinese New Year quiz.
Goodbye!
Postal service reminder due to shortages; Thank yous to team members