Edition #2055

Oxfordshire County Council elections imminent; voters to decide on 85% of local services; Polling day May 1st, results expected May 2nd.

A car crashed into a building in Ducklington, with occupants fleeing the scene; Police confirmed no injuries but shared a photo of the damaged car; Thames Valley Police seized the car and are investigating. A separate incident in Chipping Norton resulted in criminal damage to a car windscreen and house window. Charlbury Beer Festival returns on June 28, aiming to raise funds for community projects with the World Aunt Sally’s singles championships taking place.

Ash Bresnan caught another monster mirror carp at Linear Fisheries, weighing £38. This is his second large catch in a month. Linear Fisheries is renowned for its carp, attracting anglers worldwide.

Carterton Connecter bus service saved. Oxfordshire County Council, West Oxfordshire Community Transport, and Carterton Town Council reach agreement. Service maintained till March 2026 with developer funding. Carterton Town Council addresses concerns, vows to support vulnerable residents.

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EV charging station plans refused near Eynsham due to poor design. Decision made without committee, harming area character. Ancient Parish Council sought better integration.

-iconic Witney jewellery store closes after decades, marking owner Terry Lett’s passing; sale offers 50% off all jewellery.

Carp theft at fishing lake prompts police search; Offenders defy fishery rules, banned; Police seek information on potential theft in Witney.

In 1941, RAF crews in Oxfordshire shot down a German bomber; the plane crashed, killing its crew; they were later moved to Cannock Chase, Birmingham.

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42 solar panels approved for village spa building despite concerns; Parish Council objected to ground-based panels citing conservation area regulations; Some residents supportive, others opposed due to aesthetics

Every Brilliant Thing, a play described as an antidote to depression, debuts in Witney. It follows a girl’s list of happy moments for her mom, having premiered at Edinburgh Fringe and over 400 shows across 63 countries. Witney Mayor Owen Collins, who won the Shakespeare Prize along with play’s author, supports the production.

American TV host Ellen DeGeneres is selling her Cotswolds home due to floods reportedly caused by climate change, despite moving there from the US before Donald Trump’s 2024 election.

Glenn Lew, a retired fire crew manager, leaves Witney Fire Station after 32 years. His final day coincided with his 60th birthday on March 31st, 2023. Lew, praised as a ‘pillar of the community,’ received awards including the mayor’s certificate of merit and was thanked by the station team.

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Chipping Norton receives government funding to offer nursery places. Around 300 new or expanded school-based nurseries are set to roll out. The places will focus on areas with limited childcare options. Labour’s Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, and Banbury MP Sean Woodcock, support the initiative. Separately, Travellers set up camp in Carterton’s residential Northwood Crescent, with local authorities working to resolve the situation.

Woodstock Primary School praised for inspiring inquisitive learning; Rated ’ Outstanding’ across all areas inspected; Children engage in mature discussions on global events and are well-prepared for the next stage

British footballer David Beckham built a greenhouse at his West Oxfordshire home for tropical fruit cultivation ahead of his 50th birthday.

Oxfordshire Council prompted to improve pothole repairs to secure government funding. £8.9 million earmarked, but 25% at risk if progress is not shown. Labour MP Sean Woodcock urges Council to ‘up its game’.

Controversy over West Oxfordshire solar farm plan; Over 40 objections delayed decision; Lorry access and wildlife concerns raised

BFree Young Carers expanding into West Oxfordshire for first time in 30 years to support young carers. Charity currently works with 500 young carers yearly, offering emotional and social support. Expansion aims to reach more young carers struggling with stress and sleep problems.

Thames Water pumped nearly 300,000 hours of sewage into rivers in 2024. This has led to anger from MP Charlie Maynard, who criticizes the government’s oversight. Thames Water promises record investment in its waste network.

Developers’ plans for nearly 400 homes in Curbridge, near Witney, spark concern over overwhelmed healthcare and infrastructure. Residents claim their village is ‘under siege’, with 18 objections raised. NHS bosses warn of insufficient healthcare capacity.