Edward Burnett

A hosepipe ban has begun for Wessex Water’s 1.4 million customers across Bath, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, expanding restrictions that now affect more than 27 million people in England. The ban follows prolonged heatwaves, drought and high water demand, despite forecasts of rain and cooler weather that could bring some relief and a risk of surface-water flooding. Thames Water said customer demand had fallen since its own ban began but warned that reservoir levels remained below normal, with July rainfall in its catchment just 2% of the long-term average. South East Water also reported supply problems affecting thousands of customers in Kent. Authorities and water companies stressed that the expected rain is unlikely to end widespread drought conditions or immediately relieve pressure on water resources, infrastructure, agriculture and wildlife.

Celebrity chef Rick Stein described feeling “blessed” after returning to his beach house in Mollymook, Australia, where he hosted a fireside chat and dinner with Richard Glover for 80 guests. He also recounted a sunny outdoor lunch featuring seafood, sausage sandwiches and live music, thanking everyone involved.

Oxfordshire County Council is ending its free park and ride group day pass and replacing it with a £3 combined ticket covering parking and return bus travel for up to five people at Pear Tree, Oxford Parkway, Thornhill, Redbridge and Seacourt. The change represents a 50p increase and is being funded through anticipated congestion-charge revenue. MyBus fares have also risen, while the government’s planned reinstatement of a £2 fare cap from January 2027 has been welcomed by transport boss Gareth Epps as a measure that could help reduce car use and congestion.

A Cotswolds man in his 40s died after his Kawasaki ZX900 motorcycle was involved in a three-vehicle collision with a Scania tipper lorry and Nissan Juke on the A429 Fosseway near Northleach. Emergency services treated him at the scene, but he later died from his injuries. Gloucestershire Police informed his family, reopened the road after completing an initial investigation, and appealed for witnesses or relevant dashcam footage.

Richard Hammond admitted that speeding twice in Herefordshire was “my mistake” after police caught him driving a Porsche at 68mph in a 50mph zone and a Bentley at 82mph in a 70mph zone within three weeks. He pleaded guilty through his lawyers at Telford Magistrates’ Court and received seven penalty points, two fines totalling £999, £240 in costs and £532 in victim surcharges, for a total of £1,771. West Mercia Police used handheld speed-camera images and correspondence sent to several of Hammond’s homes to pursue the cases.

Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are expected to reunite for cameo appearances in a new episode of The Grand Tour. They will reportedly appear alongside YouTubers Thomas Holland and James Engelsman and social media personality Francis Bourgeois as the show begins its reboot. Executive producer Andy Wilman said the former hosts are supporting the new presenters and helping pass the baton to them. The reunion would be their first together since The Grand Tour: One For The Road was released in September 2024.

Jeremy Clarkson and Christian Horner helped raise £1 million for Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 cancer charity through a clay pigeon shoot and fundraising auction in Northamptonshire. The event had reached £850,000 before Clarkson secured a further £150,000 from helicopter-arriving guests. Hoy founded Tour de 4 after being diagnosed with stage-four prostate cancer, while Clarkson has also spoken publicly about his prostate cancer treatment and remission. The charity’s cycling event will return to Glasgow and support several cancer organizations.

Harriet Cowan, a Derbyshire farmhand who joined the fourth season of Clarkson's Farm as a temporary replacement for Kaleb Cooper, left the Prime Video show midway through the series after her assistance was no longer needed. Despite her brief appearance, she became popular with viewers. In remarks supporting the Farm24 campaign, Cowan highlighted the close-knit nature of farming communities and called for greater government investment, public recognition and support for the next generation of British farmers.

Betfred will close 132 UK betting shops from September, resulting in the loss of more than 600 jobs and reducing its estate to about 1,100 branches. The company attributed the decision to higher employer National Insurance contributions, wage inflation, increased gambling duties and broader economic uncertainty. Betfred has not identified the locations involved, so it remains unclear whether any of its Oxfordshire branches will close.

Engineering works in the Oxford area caused trains running through Oxford Station, including services to and from London, to operate at reduced speeds and face delays of up to 30 minutes on Sunday morning. National Rail expected the disruption to continue until 9:15 a.m.; an update at 10:37 a.m. said the issue had been resolved and services were running normally.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued an urgent BBQ safety warning as hot temperatures continue across the UK. Residents are advised to clean and inspect BBQs, keep them away from fences, sheds and other combustible materials, and check gas hoses for damage or deterioration.

Elton John has hosted Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz on his yacht in the South of France amid the ongoing public rift between Brooklyn and his parents, David and Victoria Beckham. The dispute intensified after Brooklyn accused his mother of hijacking his wedding dance and alleged that Nicola was disrespected by the family. A source said Elton has tried unsuccessfully to mediate, while David and Victoria reportedly want their eldest son to reunite with them.

Former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams has sold his eight-bedroom Cotswolds home near Cirencester to Oasis singer Liam Gallagher for about £4 million. Adams and his wife, Poppy Teacher, are moving back to London so she can begin a master’s degree in early modern history. A London estate agent reportedly asked Adams whether he knew the area, unaware that he had played for Arsenal in north London for 19 years.

James May rejected Gary Lineker’s call for millionaires to support a new UK wealth tax, arguing that wealthier people already pay more tax through progressive rates and that anyone wishing to contribute more can do so voluntarily through HM Revenue & Customs. The comments followed Andy Burnham’s refusal to rule out asking affluent people to pay more. The article also reports that May failed a filmed modern driving-test retake after speeding in 40mph and 30mph zones, despite holding a licence since 1980.

Large crowds visited the Cotswolds Designer Outlet as it celebrated its first anniversary with live entertainment, wellness sessions, giveaways and special retailer promotions. Local performers, independent businesses and community organisations contributed to the festivities, which included music, roaming performers and birthday gifts for visitors. The outlet has attracted millions of visitors since opening and is highlighted as an important community hub supporting local events and partners.

Lisa Hogan shared an early-morning filming update from a tractor as production continues on the sixth series of Clarkson’s Farm in Oxfordshire, offering fans a look behind the scenes and confirming the return of the popular bull Endgame. She also posted footage of cattle at Diddly Squat Farm while referencing the team’s previous efforts to open The Farmer’s Dog pub following Jeremy Clarkson’s takeover.

David Beckham and Jeremy Clarkson engaged in friendly banter after Clarkson joked about Beckham choosing to drink Stella instead of his Hawkstone beer while celebrating a magazine guest‑editing role. The exchange, revealed in Clarkson’s column for The Times, highlighted their ongoing friendship as both continue to live and work in the Cotswolds. Clarkson recently released the fifth season of Clarkson’s Farm, with a sixth in production for a 2027 release.

BBC director-general Matt Brittin confirmed that Doctor Who is being put out to competitive tender as the corporation works to regenerate the long-running series following the cancellation of its 2026 Christmas special. Russell T Davies has departed as showrunner, describing the future as unpredictable but promising expanded plans beyond one-off specials. Cast members and alumni, including Alex Kingston, expressed concern for fans but highlighted continued engagement through replays, audio stories and conventions. A BBC spokesperson said resources are being directed toward strengthening the show’s long-term future, while an animated Doctor Who series for CBeebies remains in production.

Reports of strained relations between David Beckham’s family focus on a rift involving his son Brooklyn and daughter‑in‑law Nicola Peltz, contrasted with positive public messages surrounding Beckham’s knighthood and his praise for the Lionesses’ Euros victory. Victoria Beckham expressed admiration for his achievements and character following the honour.