Archive

  • Social workers promise action against care cuts

    Social workers have vowed to take action to protest over £9m of cuts in social services spending. Conservative and Liberal Democrat county councillors agreed the savings on Tuesday. In a survey of 3,500 members of the county council's branch of the union

  • Dramatic fall in car crime

    Car crime has been cut dramatically in Oxford after police set up a specialist team to target the problem. The total number of vehicle crimes in the city, including vandalism, fell by more than 500 last year after the creation of the autocrime unit. Car

  • Trio snatch cash from superstore

    Three men snatched cash from a till after asking the shop assistant to change two £10 notes. They then ran out of the Argos superstore, at the Fairacres industrial estate, in Abingdon, to a silver car where another man was waiting. The offenders, who

  • Father and daughter team up for Marathon

    Royal Mail worker Mick Neal from Abingdon and his daughter plan a twin assault on Sunday's London Marathon. Mr Neal, 52, from Curtis Avenue and daughter Sharon, 24, of Cotman Close, have set themselves a target of £2,000 to help the Riverside Playgroup

  • Overdose caused death, police say

    A 26-year-old backpacker from Oxfordshire found dead in a hotel in Bangkok died of heart failure, caused by a drug and alcohol overdose, police in Thailand said. Jayne Nixon, of Kencot, near Carterton, had been staying at the £6-a-night Rama Hotel in

  • Teenager fell for evacuee

    A couple who play an active part in Carterton life celebrate their golden wedding anniversary today. Michael Bulley and his future wife, Dee, met at grammar school during the Second World War after she was evacuated to St Ives, Cambridgeshire. Mr Bulley

  • Gang sets upon man with bats

    A teenager was knocked unconscious and suffered a fractured skull when a gang of youths set upon him with baseball bats. The 19-year-old was walking along Crown Road, Wheatley, at about 1.30am on Saturday with four friends. A gang of eight youths, armed

  • Football: Town aim for triple

    Paul Sherwood is suspended as Abingdon Town try to make it three wins in a row, when high-flying Aveley visit Culham Road in Division 3. Manager Alan Thorne said: "We are playing very well at the moment. If we had shown this form at the start of the season

  • Football: Teen duo make debut

    Teenagers Danny Keen and Tommy Belic are set for their debuts in Thame United's visit to Yeading in Ryman League Division 1. Boss Andy Sinnott said: "They have both being playing well in the youth side and this is a way of rewarding them. "Danny had a

  • Football: Injury worries for City

    Oxford City have been hit by injury and unavailability ahead of their home game with strugglers Barking. John Mitchell is running the London marathon, while Craig Farley is flying out to America to begin a six-month football coaching contract. Keeper

  • Arts courses on offer

    New courses for young people in Bicester aged 13 and over begin next week. The evening classes will run over six weeks at the Courtyard Youth Arts Centre, Launton Road, starting on Monday. There will be sessions in dance, theatre, music, lighting and

  • Thousands oppose asylum centre plan

    About 2,000 people, including Bicester's mayor, have signed a petition to try to stop a centre for asylum-seekers being built near the town. Campaigners set up a table in Sheep Street asking people to sign a petition and letters to be sent to Home Secretary

  • Badminton: Evenlode make bid for top flight

    Evenlode, who finished second in Men's Division 2 of the Oxford and District League, are to challenge for a place in the top flight. Under league rules, the runners-up in the second division have the right to tackle the second-bottom side in Division

  • Football: Injury worries for City

    Oxford City have been hit by injury and unavailability ahead of their home game with strugglers Barking. John Mitchell is running the London marathon, while Craig Farley is flying out to America to begin a six-month football coaching contract. Keeper

  • Colleagues cash in

    Three charity workers are hoping to raise £4,500 for Oxfam by taking part in the London Marathon. Julia Ford, James Serjeant and Suzi Bowden, who all work for the Oxford-based charity, are in training for the 26-mile race. They hope their hard work will

  • Arts courses on offer

    New courses for young people in Bicester aged 13 and over begin next week. The evening classes will run over six weeks at the Courtyard Youth Arts Centre, Launton Road, starting on Monday. There will be sessions in dance, theatre, music, lighting and

  • Rotarians to rescue

    Rotarians in Abingdon are to help the county's air ambulance service. The Abingdon Vesper Rotary Club is appealing for people to donate used toner and laser cartridges and old mobile phones to Paul Heast at Glendale Electrical Service in West St Helen

  • Drivers take to the racetrack

    Young drivers are to take part in the 10th annual Young Driver of the Year Competition at Silverstone on Sunday. About 40 finalists from Oxford, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes are competing for British Grand Prix tickets and £500 car insurance. The competition

  • Dance aims to boost charity

    An evening of nostalgia with music to suit dances from the waltz through to jive and rock and roll is being held. The dance will raise funds and celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The Kidlington Committee of the Romanian Challenge Appeal is inviting

  • Local stalwart honoured

    John Prescott was at a party to thank long-standing Labour member and Didcot councillor Les Hitchcock. An honorary freeman of the town, Mr Hitchcock, who will be 90 in May, has given more than 50 years' service to the area. Mr Prescott, who presented

  • Taxi driver suspended after probe

    A taxi driver convicted of serious driving offences has had his operating licence suspended after giving misleading information to the Vale of White Horse District Council. Andrew Welch, of Halse Water, Cow Lane, Didcot, appealed against the council's

  • Crime crackdown secures top award

    Banbury is the first community in Oxfordshire to win a coveted safer shopping award. The prize, sponsored by the Government, is awarded to town and city centres that take all possible precautions to tackle crime and disorder. Sgt Paul Whitty, of Banbury

  • Teenager fell for evacuee

    A couple who play an active part in Carterton life celebrate their golden wedding anniversary today. Michael Bulley and his future wife, Dee, met at grammar school during the Second World War after she was evacuated to St Ives, Cambridgeshire. Mr Bulley

  • Father and daughter team up for Marathon

    Royal Mail worker Mick Neal from Abingdon and his daughter plan a twin assault on Sunday's London Marathon. Mr Neal, 52, from Curtis Avenue and daughter Sharon, 24, of Cotman Close, have set themselves a target of £2,000 to help the Riverside Playgroup

  • Bus-rail link brings in passengers

    More than 100 passengers a day are now using a bus linking Chipping Norton and nearby villages to the Cotswold railway line. The X8 service, operated by Stagecoach to and from Kingham railway station via Kingham village and Churchill, is now "well-established

  • Colourful ideas aim to revive Market Place

    A plan to revitalise Banbury's Market Place and Parson's Street includes coloured paving, fibre-optic lights and a fountain. Designers said the proposals drew on the town's historic past and included reminders of the original Banbury Cross and the first

  • Atkins signs two-year contract

    Ian Atkins vowed to continue trying to rebuild Oxford United after the club finally announced that he had signed a new two-year contract with an option for a further year. Ian AtkinsAtkins, 45, has also now been given the title of manager, after doing

  • Football: Squads list

    Cherry Red Records Hellenic League - games on April 13 Squads for the weekend: North Leigh (v Henley Tn, home): from Alder, Murphy, Huxley, Lewis, Pearman, Hendra, Bott, Jackson, Burnley, McCabe, Timms, Ellis, Maisey, Wright, Hughes. Didcot Tn (v Bishops

  • Football: Hendra in line for shock comeback

    Cherry Red Records Hellenic League preview NORTH Leigh striker Matty Hendra has made a remarkable recovery from an ankle ligament injury, and returns for the Premier Division clash with Henley Townon Saturday. Hendra was expected to be out for the rest

  • Badminton: Evenlode make bid for top flight

    Evenlode, who finished second in Men's Division 2 of the Oxford and District League, are to challenge for a place in the top flight. Under league rules, the runners-up in the second division have the right to tackle the second-bottom side in Division

  • Drug firm launches website

    Oxford drug discovery firm Oxxon Pharmaccines has launched a website containing details about the company, its technology products, commercial collab- orations and career opportunities. Information about programmes to tackle serious conditions such as

  • Rival publisher re-affirms interest in Blackwell's

    The new head of publisher Taylor & Francis has re-affirmed his company's interest in buying Blackwell Publishing. David Smith, who has taken over as chief executive from Anthony Selvey, also confirmed the firm was looking at the academic division

  • Rescued woman to run for charity

    A woman who was rescued by lifeboat men during a gale will raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution by running in Sunday's London Marathon. Julia Edwards, 24, of Cherry Tree Close, Grove, was rescued by lifeboat when she was 16. Her parents

  • Labourer, 39, died from heroin overdose

    A labourer who was known to his friends as a heavy drinker died from a heroin overdose, an inquest heard. Alvin Buck, 39, was found dead at his home in Gibbs Crescent, off Mill Street, Oxford, on October 14 last year. Stephen Shoult, a friend of Mr Buck's

  • Colleagues cash in

    Three charity workers are hoping to raise £4,500 for Oxfam by taking part in the London Marathon. Julia Ford, James Serjeant and Suzi Bowden, who all work for the Oxford-based charity, are in training for the 26-mile race. They hope their hard work will

  • Road closed after gas leak

    Commuters faced diversions and major delays today when a two-mile section of the Oxford Eastern Bypass was sealed off because of a gas leak. The emergency was reported at about 5.30am by Transco engineers dealing with a suspected leak in the Headington

  • Asbestos exposure caused death

    A Wantage man died from an industrial disease caused by inhaling asbestos dust, an inquest heard. William Simmons, 70, of Harcourt Way, Wantage, died from a tumour around one of his lungs at Sobell House Hospice at the Churchill Hospital, Headington,

  • Licence to roam

    You've heard the one about the little piggy who stayed at home. Until a few days ago, foot and mouth restrictions meant Lettie, the nine-month-old pet of David and Rachel Carter, could not do what she loves best -- getting out and about and meeting people

  • Colourful ideas aim to revive Market Place

    A plan to revitalise Banbury's Market Place and Parson's Street includes coloured paving, fibre-optic lights and a fountain. Designers said the proposals drew on the town's historic past and included reminders of the original Banbury Cross and the first

  • Fault delayed patient's scan

    A seriously ill woman was prevented from having a scan at an Oxford hospital when the machine broke and was not fixed for up to three days, an inquest heard. Doctors at John Radcliffe Hospital had placed 63-year-old Violet Webb on the machine when it

  • New airport buses unveiled

    Oxford Bus Company has launched a new service, called the Airline, running to Heathrow and Gatwick airports. From 6am today six new vehicles, which cost a total of £1.2m, went into service on the route, departing from Gloucester Green bus station. Phil

  • Fault delayed patient's scan

    A seriously ill woman was prevented from having a scan at an Oxford hospital when the machine broke and was not fixed for up to three days, an inquest heard. Doctors at John Radcliffe Hospital had placed 63-year-old Violet Webb on the machine when it

  • Licence to roam

    You've heard the one about the little piggy who stayed at home. Until a few days ago, foot and mouth restrictions meant Lettie, the nine-month-old pet of David and Rachel Carter, could not do what she loves best -- getting out and about and meeting people

  • Football: Teen duo make debut

    Teenagers Danny Keen and Tommy Belic are set for their debuts in Thame United's visit to Yeading in Ryman League Division 1. Boss Andy Sinnott said: "They have both being playing well in the youth side and this is a way of rewarding them. "Danny had a

  • Satellite technology helps to cut 999 response times

    Paramedics in Oxfordshire are the first to use a £56,000 satellite navigation system to speed up 999 response times. Smart Dispatch has been installed in 30 Oxfordshire Ambulance Trust vehicles and has already helped slice an average of one minute off

  • Football: Town aim for triple

    Paul Sherwood is suspended as Abingdon Town try to make it three wins in a row, when high-flying Aveley visit Culham Road in Division 3. Manager Alan Thorne said: "We are playing very well at the moment. If we had shown this form at the start of the season

  • Prescott lands election blows

    Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott attacked Oxford City Council's record on services including rubbish collection when he launched Labour's local election campaign in Rose Hill last night. Mr Prescott joined Oxford East MP Andrew Smith and the city council's

  • Rotarians to rescue

    Rotarians in Abingdon are to help the county's air ambulance service. The Abingdon Vesper Rotary Club is appealing for people to donate used toner and laser cartridges and old mobile phones to Paul Heast at Glendale Electrical Service in West St Helen

  • Asbestos exposure caused death

    A Wantage man died from an industrial disease caused by inhaling asbestos dust, an inquest heard. William Simmons, 70, of Harcourt Way, Wantage, died from a tumour around one of his lungs at Sobell House Hospice at the Churchill Hospital, Headington,

  • Football: Squads list

    Cherry Red Records Hellenic League - games on April 13 Squads for the weekend: North Leigh (v Henley Tn, home): from Alder, Murphy, Huxley, Lewis, Pearman, Hendra, Bott, Jackson, Burnley, McCabe, Timms, Ellis, Maisey, Wright, Hughes. Didcot Tn (v Bishops

  • Football: Hendra in line for shock comeback

    Cherry Red Records Hellenic League preview NORTH Leigh striker Matty Hendra has made a remarkable recovery from an ankle ligament injury, and returns for the Premier Division clash with Henley Townon Saturday. Hendra was expected to be out for the rest

  • Postmaster resigns

    The post office at Appleton village shop near Cumnor is temporarily closed following the resignation of postmaster Bob Crutchlow. But it is expected to re-open next week once Consignia makes a new appointment. Mr Crutchlow, 67, who was postmaster for

  • Planning for bright future

    A vision of the future that has taken two years to plan has been officially launched. The Cherwell Community Plan 2016 aims to deliver a better quality of life to residents in north Oxfordshire over the next 15 years. The plan has been drawn up by the

  • Gang sets upon man with bats

    A teenager was knocked unconscious and suffered a fractured skull when a gang of youths set upon him with baseball bats. The 19-year-old was walking along Crown Road, Wheatley, at about 1.30am on Saturday with four friends. A gang of eight youths, armed

  • Man's body lay in flat for weeks

    The body of a man remained in his Oxford flat for about three weeks, an inquest heard. Roy Bowdrey, 59, was found dead at his home in Cowley Road on August 14 last year after a neighbour, Terence Brown, called the police. Mr Brown told the inquest in

  • Building for the future

    Nurses and volunteers tried their hand at bricklaying, as part of work on a new hospice. Supporters of the Sobell House Hospice charity gathered in the grounds of the Churchill Hospital, in Headington, Oxford, to join staff from Sir Michael Sobell House

  • Crime crackdown secures top award

    Banbury is the first community in Oxfordshire to win a coveted safer shopping award. The prize, sponsored by the Government, is awarded to town and city centres that take all possible precautions to tackle crime and disorder. Sgt Paul Whitty, of Banbury

  • Bus-rail link brings in passengers

    More than 100 passengers a day are now using a bus linking Chipping Norton and nearby villages to the Cotswold railway line. The X8 service, operated by Stagecoach to and from Kingham railway station via Kingham village and Churchill, is now "well-established

  • End for old brewhouse

    The old brewhouse at the former Morrells Brewery in Oxford is being demolished to make way for luxury homes. The development will be carried out by builders T H Kingerlee and Sons. Rival pub groups are reportedly putting in offers for the 131 Morrells

  • Chamber seminars to tackle data act

    Oxfordshire businesses are being urged to ensure they comply with the Data Protection Act. The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce says the Information Commissioner, the Government watchdog set up to monitor the enforcement of the act, is showing signs

  • BT prepares new broadband sites

    Thousands more business and households across the county are set to take advantage of high speed access to the Internet and digital communications. Telecoms giant BT has revealed five further exchanges - Wantage, Wallingford, Thame, Rowstock and Headington

  • Thugs on fast track to justice

    Violent offenders will be fast-tracked through Oxford Crown Court as part of a drive to tackle street crime. Robbery, carjacking, and firearm offences will be given priority by the court, which has been made one of 67 street crime courts in the country

  • Bishop unveils school site

    The Bishop of Oxford has given a new £3m school the seal of approval. The Reverend Richard Harries was at the site of the SS Philip and James Primary School, in Aristotle Lane, Oxford, to officially unveil the foundation stone yesterday. At present the

  • Satellite technology helps to cut 999 response times

    Paramedics in Oxfordshire are the first to use a £56,000 satellite navigation system to speed up 999 response times. Smart Dispatch has been installed in 30 Oxfordshire Ambulance Trust vehicles and has already helped slice an average of one minute off

  • Bishop unveils school site

    The Bishop of Oxford has given a new £3m school the seal of approval. The Reverend Richard Harries was at the site of the SS Philip and James Primary School, in Aristotle Lane, Oxford, to officially unveil the foundation stone yesterday. At present the

  • Soloists to test their talents

    Five musicians will be pitting their skills against each other during the final of the first Oxfordshire Young Soloists competition. The event has been organised by Oxford Orchestra da Camera and Oxfordshire County Music Service. Each of the five will

  • Statue gets new lease of life

    Trainee teachers were joined by the most senior figure in the Methodist Church to welcome a new version of a familiar figure to their campus. The President of the Methodist Conference, the Rev Dr Christina le Moignan, joined staff and students at Oxford

  • Man's body lay in flat for weeks

    The body of a man remained in his Oxford flat for about three weeks, an inquest heard. Roy Bowdrey, 59, was found dead at his home in Cowley Road on August 14 last year after a neighbour, Terence Brown, called the police. Mr Brown told the inquest in

  • Council leaders escape poll tests

    The Conservative leaders of Cherwell District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council are to be re-elected unopposed in the local elections next month because no-one has stood against them. In Cherwell, five Conservative candidates, including the

  • Labourer, 39, died from heroin overdose

    A labourer who was known to his friends as a heavy drinker died from a heroin overdose, an inquest heard. Alvin Buck, 39, was found dead at his home in Gibbs Crescent, off Mill Street, Oxford, on October 14 last year. Stephen Shoult, a friend of Mr Buck's

  • Football: Banbury face the crunch

    Kevin Brock faces the biggest test of his managerial reign at Banbury United, when his side take on fellow Dr Martens Eastern Division strugglers Wisbech Town at The Stadium tomorrow. Brock's side were in eighth place just before Christmas, but they now

  • Atkins signs two-year contract

    Ian Atkins vowed to continue trying to rebuild Oxford United after the club finally announced that he had signed a new two-year contract with an option for a further year. Ian AtkinsAtkins, 45, has also now been given the title of manager, after doing

  • Speedway: Cheetahs end Suffolk bogey

    Oxford Cheetahs showed their true grit and determination to get back to form with a rare Elite League victory at Foxhall Heath last night, as they beat Ipswich Witches 51-40. With Brian Andersen out injured, the Cheetahs management decided to opt for

  • Housing needs put green belt at risk

    The green belt between Oxford and Abingdon is under threat as the Government increases pressure on councils to find sites for new homes. A review of Oxfordshire's structure plan is to be published next week and it warns that the area may have to be sacrificed