Dave Gilyeat

Workers at the RNLI's inshore lifeboat manufacturing centre in East Cowes have begun striking over redundancy terms after the charity announced that production would move to Poole by the end of 2027, closing the Isle of Wight site. Unite says relocating workers is financially and personally impractical and is demanding a fairer package, while local councillor Karl Love warns of damage to the island's workforce, suppliers and businesses. The RNLI says the East Cowes facility needs more than £5m of investment and that Poole is better equipped for future production. It disputes claims that workers will receive no support, citing voluntary redundancy, redeployment, relocation assistance, career transition support and guaranteed Poole roles. Further strikes are planned for 19 and 25 August.

Speed cameras will be installed at the Barton Park crossing on the A40 in Headington following a series of crashes and concerns about drivers speeding and running red lights. Oxfordshire County Council will fund installation and initial maintenance, while Thames Valley Police will operate the cameras. Local officials say the measures aim to deter dangerous driving and reduce collisions, with residents previously highlighting safety risks at the junction.

A new Museum of Oxford exhibition, Sounds of the City, highlights the city’s 1990s grassroots music scene through memorabilia, instruments, audio recordings, and representations of major local events and festivals. Curated by Beth Jones and Autumn Neagle, the exhibition marks 30 years since Sound City Oxford and includes items linked to bands such as Supergrass and Radiohead. It will run until 13 March with accompanying events such as performances, talks, tours, and film screenings.

RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire is undergoing a £180m upgrade that includes full runway replacement, taxiway refurbishment, lighting improvements and drainage upgrades as part of the UK defence investment plan. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the RAF said the project would create local jobs and ensure long-term operational resilience. Aircraft fleets will temporarily operate from other UK bases, with a planned return in November once resurfacing is complete.