Edition #2050

Protest Over Solar Farm

Protest over Europe’s largest planned solar farm in Botley West. Locals raise concerns about landscape impact and airport interference. Stop Botley West campaign pushes for council objection.

Man Denies Selling Loo Gold

Gold toilet theft trial continues, defendant denies aiding sale of stolen gold. Frederick Doe admits knowing about gold sale, but denies it was stolen from Blenheim Palace’s exhibition.

Climate Change Action Plan

Oxfordshire approves climate change action plan; 82 measures to combat future impacts; Council warns of shrinking communities and habitat threats without decisive action.

Traffic Fears

Plans to expand a house in multiple occupancy in Cotton, West Oxfordshire, face traffic fears. Paul, the applicant, wants to increase capacity from 12 to 14 people and build extensions. A decision will be made on March 10th by West Oxfordshire’s planning committee. Carterton’s parish council and residents have raised objections due to overdevelopment and increased traffic.

Reflection

Lent begins with a focus on fasting and charity; survey shows many people giving up items like chocolate and alcohol; the story of Adam and Eve explored as a reminder of temptation and contentment.

Goodbye

Service reminder for returning audio equipment, Quiz covering British history

ALDI Staff Pay Rise

Aldi employees to receive higher pay, with a minimum hourly wage of £14.50, exceeding real living wage; higher wages for staff based on service length; increase takes effect from March 1st. First supermarket to offer paid breaks to staff. Aldi continues to be named cheapest supermarket for fourth consecutive year.

Intro Music

Five Critical Care Cars

Five critical care cars donated to Thames Valley Air Ambulance, enabling up to four cars to operate simultaneously, improving community coverage.

Historic Homes On Alert

Historic homes warned after toilet theft, £2m gold toilet stolen from Blenheim Palace, Heritage properties urged to improve security

Team of the Week

Carlton Town Under 10s selected as Witney Gazette’s sport team of the week; Club offers multiple teams and training opportunities for children aged 4-18; Football club is 2-star rated by England Football.

Independent Living Promoted

Oxfordshire County Council hosts events promoting independent living for seniors; Residents can seek support for online skills and blue badge applications; Events held at libraries and surgeries, plus an online seminar

This Week’s Quiz

Quiz covering Welsh poet laureate transition and Rip Van Winkle’s sleep duration, plus historical tidbits about Charles Darwin and Icarus. Attempted final question on Henry VIII’s wives.

Up to 38 New Homes

Up to 38 new homes planned for Ducklington; mix of affordables and private homes; public open space included.

TNF Soundings Radio & TV Listings

Windrush Otter Sighting

Otters spotted on River Windrush in West Oxfordshire; Rare sightings indicate healthy ecosystem; American signal crayfish is their primary prey.

Fury Over ANPR

Local resistance to traffic cameras on Witney High Street; 52% opposed, Council ignoring community needs; ANPR cameras approved despite concerns.

Witney Murder Mystery

A local teacher pens a crime thriller set against Witney’s blanket making history. ‘Framed in Blood’ follows protagonist Bertha Bix amidst haunting secrets. Inspired by the author’s great-grandmother, themes of justice and morality emerge.

Outro Music

Last Week’s Quiz

Blenheim Kitchen Garden

Blenheim Palace’s kitchen garden doubled in size to meet increasing demand for home-grown produce, now featuring 3 greenhouses and 80 no-dig compost beds. The garden’s team aims to be self-sufficient by 2027 with organic produce, eliminating air miles and plastic packaging.

Doubts over Plan

Plans to build 450 homes near Blenheim Palace opposed due to concerns about local infrastructure. The land was previously deemed unsuitable for development. Councillor Hugo Ashton rejects the proposal, citing potential harm to Woodstock and the UNESCO site.

Deaths

Multiple local figures passed away this week; Mary PM, a community midwife, and others will be honored in upcoming services.

Business Manager Guilty

A business manager pleaded guilty to fraudulently transferring school funds to her personal account. Melissa Murphy, 31, admitted abusing her position at Bladon Primary School for over a year. Her case has been adjourned and will be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on April 14.

New Crime Figures

Crime has risen sharply in Oxfordshire, with robberies, drug offences, and shoplifting showing significant increases. Business property robberies more than doubled, reaching over 130 cases.

New Care Farm

New care farm celebrates open day for neurodivergent individuals; Offers therapeutic activities and seasonal camping; Focuses on learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, and mental health.

Two Short Items

Several RAF Brize Norton personnel are learning to fly through funded schemes; One aviator aims for solo flight and private pilot’s license; Carterton named England’s ‘Sexiest Town’.

Billionaire Mansion Plan Amended

Debated plans for a grand mansion in Oxfordshire advance, despite objections and concern about architectural fit; American millionaire Ronald Burrell seeks to build on farmland, with 42 objections and 33 supporting comments so far.

Ring Doorbell Saves Pensioner

An unidentified man tried to burgle a pensioner’s home in Chipping Norton, but was caught by the homeowner’s Ring doorbell. The suspect quickly left in a white van after being discovered.

Editor’s Piece

Poems interpreting myths: Mrs. Icarus laments her husband’s hubris; Mrs. Rip Van Winkle finds liberation in his long sleep; Mrs. Darwin compares her husband to a chimpanzee.

Shilton Solar Decision Due

A planning application for 162 solar panels in Shilton faces opposition from the parish council. Despite the parish council’s concerns about ground-mounted panels, the application is recommended for approval due to its potential carbon reduction benefits. A decision is due on Monday.

Cogges Macbeth Production

Shakespeare’s Macbeth performed at historic Oxfordshire farm in March, Transporting audiences to medieval castle, Affordable pricing for locals and discounted youth tickets.

Electric Car Charging Station

Proposed electric vehicle charging station off A40 in West Shropshire faces objections due to visual impact and light pollution fears; Three letters of objection raised concerns about the height of the canopy and its impact on residential areas near Dove House Close; Developer argues for the scheme’s strategic location and accessibility