Matthew J C Evans

Callum Harris, 30, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 20 months in prison for possessing a serrated blade and a push knife in public, with concurrent sentences for possessing a wrench and spanner and for multiple criminal damage offences. The damaged properties included Abingdon police station, a Thames Valley Police window, John Mason School, several local businesses including Domino's Pizza, a One Stop shop and a Salvation Army charity shop. The report also notes recent criminal damage cases involving Richard Barton and Adam Booth in the Thames Valley area.

Thomas Blois, the son of two Oxfordshire teachers, achieved five grade 9s and three grade 8s in his GCSEs at Wood Green School. His parents, Paul and Charlotte Blois, said they were very proud and had supported his revision in science and German. Thomas is considering a future in science. The school was also participating in a government education record app scheme that stores GCSE grades digitally for future applications.

John Craven has warned that wildfires pose a growing threat to people and nature, citing a major blaze in the Cairngorms National Park and extensive wildfire damage in the preceding year. He urged the public to call 999 and keep a safe distance when they see a fire, while highlighting human causes such as discarded cigarettes, campfires, disposable barbecues and glass bottles. A national alert subsequently warned of a very high wildfire risk and advised against activities that could ignite fires.

Martin Keown will return as a pundit on BBC’s Match of the Day during the new Premier League season, despite being absent from an initial BBC press release. The BBC explained that Keown and several other established pundits were omitted because their contracts had not yet been finalized, describing the situation as normal. The broadcaster also announced new football programs for YouTube and a fan collective representing all 20 Premier League clubs.

Beefeater customers have until August 24, 2026, to collect loyalty points and until August 31 to convert and use them as vouchers or other rewards. Whitbread plans to close all remaining UK Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants on September 10, 2026, resulting in around 3,800 job cuts. The closures form part of a five-year strategy to reduce costs by £250 million, sell or lease back properties and refocus Whitbread on its Premier Inn hotel business.

Mel Giedroyc recalled on Elizabeth Day's How to Fail podcast that she suffered an embarrassing bowel incident at Didcot Parkway while travelling to her family after learning that her mother had died. She said the incident followed a night of heavy drinking with friends at the theatre and that she still thinks about it whenever she passes through the station. The article also notes her Oxford background and television career, including presenting The Great British Bake Off with Sue Perkins.

Logan Mills of East Challow, Oxfordshire, pleaded guilty at Oxford Crown Court to making, distributing and possessing indecent images of children, including extreme pornographic images, in offences committed between October 2023 and January 2025. He received a two-year-and-three-month prison sentence suspended for two years, along with 150 hours of unpaid work, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, permanent confiscation of his mobile phone and £250 in costs.

Gimanatu Aminu was convicted at Oxford Crown Court of being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control XL Bully that attacked teenage stepsisters Poppy Latimer and Emily Leat at a house in Wolvercote on October 29, 2022. The dog, Blue, escaped from a cage and seriously bit both girls. Aminu denied the charges but was found guilty by a jury and sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for 20 months, 200 hours of unpaid work and £1,000 in compensation.

Michael Brits was found guilty at Oxford Crown Court of wounding his mother, Deborah Brits, with intent and threatening a neighbour with an offensive weapon after a stabbing attack at their Bicester home. He was acquitted of attempted murder but had admitted causing grievous bodily harm without intent and possessing a knife. The court heard that he described his mother as evil and an apostate, attacked her while naked, and was later found with ketamine and concerning internet searches. He is due to be sentenced on October 16.

Thames Valley Police launched a manhunt for 33-year-old Oxford resident Arthur McDonagh in connection with a serious assault in Barton. Police advised the public not to approach him and to call 999 if he is seen, while requesting information through 101 or an online report. A man was hospitalized in stable condition, roads were temporarily closed during the investigation, and no arrests had been made. Police also said they did not believe reports that an axe, bat or machete had been used were accurate.

Ethan Jenkins, 28, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Oxford Magistrates’ Court to 10 offences arising from burglaries and thefts at businesses in Oxford, including an ice cream parlour, hair salons, a clothes shop, a cocktail bar and Walters of Oxford. The offences occurred on June 10, followed by his arrest on June 19 and remand in custody the next day; sentencing is scheduled for August 28. Most affected businesses have reopened, while Duke of Cambridge owner Julian Rosser says the bar will remain closed until students return and is considering changes to its food offering and opening hours amid wider trading difficulties.

A man in his 70s was found dead in the River Thames near Donnington Bridge and Longbridges Nature Reserve in Oxford. Thames Valley Police said the death was unexplained but not suspicious and that a report would be prepared for the Oxfordshire Coroner. Residents, fishermen and visitors expressed shock, while councillor Anna Railton urged people who are not strong swimmers to avoid entering rivers, lakes and canals, noting their unknown depths, underwater hazards and cold temperatures. The death occurred near the site where 14-year-old Baltazar Cabral Lay da Costa died in May, with that inquest still ongoing.

Great Western Railway warned that forecast severe weather between Oxford and London Paddington would reduce the number of trains running, causing delays, revised services and cancellations. Disruption was expected to continue until 20:45, with most of the fastest 50-minute services likely to be cancelled.

Thames Valley Police asked parents and guardians to warn children about the dangers of lighting fires during hot, dry weather after officers found 20 to 30 teenagers gathered in an abandoned barn near Wantage, where two fires had been lit. Officers dispersed the group and extinguished the fires, warning that the flames could have caused a major incident affecting nearby countryside, farmland and wildlife.

A power outage affected at least 467 properties in Littlemore, Oxford, after reports of a fire near Mogridge Drive. Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks isolated the power because of a safety concern on its network and aimed to restore service by 1pm. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Services was contacted for comment.

West Oxfordshire recorded a rise in the proportion of A-level entries receiving A or A* grades, reaching 28.9% compared with 25.8% the previous year. Schools across Witney, Carterton, Chipping Norton and the surrounding area reported strong or improving outcomes, including high university acceptance rates, increased attainment at Carterton Community College and above-average results at Kingham Hill School and Cokethorpe School. Headteachers credited students’ commitment and targeted support while acknowledging that further improvement is still needed in some schools.

Amran Hussain, 40, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation. He falsely claimed Oxford and Birkbeck degrees, NHS employment and professional memberships, and submitted fabricated or improperly obtained references when applying for senior healthcare roles. He applied for 2,071 NHS posts, securing 13 fraudulent employments that caused a confirmed loss of £168,072.41. Investigators said he commonly went on sick leave shortly after starting jobs and performed little or no work. The NHS Counter Fraud Authority said the case highlighted the need for stronger recruitment controls to protect public funds.

Parents in Oxford are set to join the UK's first parent strike on August 27 at Bonn Square, calling for flexible working by default and six weeks of paternity leave at 90% pay. Organized by Flex Appeal and The Dad Shift, the action is part of protests planned across the UK as the government’s parental-leave review approaches its final stages. Organizers and attendees say inadequate leave creates financial pressure, harms parental wellbeing and can contribute to postpartum depression, while examples of generous employer schemes are presented as evidence that better support is possible.

Modern Art Oxford is marking its 60th anniversary by recreating a 1974 publicity stunt in which staff member Juliet Noble promoted the museum’s programme while wearing a sandwich board on Oxford’s streets. Communications and design manager Ione Rail repeated the stunt after discovering the original photograph in the museum’s archives. The anniversary programme includes new commissions, events, digital outreach, a new visual identity and a September birthday party, including a major work by Mike Nelson.

King Charles III is praised for removing honours from people whose criminal convictions, professional censure or conduct brought the honours system into disrepute. Former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson lost his knighthood after being convicted of historical child sex offences, although his solicitor said an appeal had been lodged. Former Dragons’ Den star Julie Meyer was stripped of her MBE after receiving a suspended sentence for contempt of court linked to unpaid legal fees. Composer Jan Latham-Koenig lost his OBE after admitting child sex offences. Oxfordshire Conservatives leader Liam Walker and councillor Susanna Pressel supported the removals as necessary to preserve the credibility of the honours system.

Former minister Johnny Mercer said on The Rest Is Politics podcast that Boris Johnson appeared to learn of his dismissal from television in 2021 and then phoned him in confusion. Mercer had refused to resign after meeting the chief whip and was later reappointed to a veterans’ affairs role by Johnson, before losing and regaining the position under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Members of the public reacted on X with little sympathy for Johnson, criticizing his competence and describing his premiership as chaotic.

Thames Valley Police says its investigation into the reported sexual assault of a teenage boy at Sainsbury’s in Wantage remains ongoing, although the person of interest shown in a CCTV appeal has been identified. No arrests or charges have been made in connection with that investigation. The report also places the case in the context of other recent sexual offences in Wantage and Grove, including Michael McDonagh’s rape charge and Najeebullah Arab’s 10-year-and-11-month sentence, extended by six years on licence, for five sexual offences.

West Oxfordshire is expected to plan for around 18,000 new homes by 2043, prompting concerns that new national planning rules will reduce the proportion of applications decided by elected councillors from about five per cent to three per cent. Council leader Andy Graham and planning executive Liz Leffman argue that the changes will weaken transparency, public debate and local democratic safeguards, while Oxfordshire Conservatives also oppose the reform. The government says the new delegation scheme will make decisions more consistent, certain and efficient. Labour councillor Andrew Coles is less concerned about delegation, emphasizing that national planning policy already determines the rules, while supporting additional housing if it is delivered in suitable locations. Concerns are heightened by flooding problems at existing developments, including Buttercross Lane in Witney.

Abingdon-based holiday provider Firefly Holidays is being voluntarily liquidated following a resolution passed on August 4. Stephen Mark Powell and Simon Lowes of BTG Begbies Traynor were appointed as liquidators. The company, founded in 2016, organised ski, camping and other holidays across Europe and had previously earned industry recognition, including two British Travel Award nominations. Its latest Companies House accounts, covering the year to March 31, 2025, showed £41,490 in creditors due within a year. Firefly has stopped accepting bookings but says it will continue to offer travel advice to customers and contacts.

Great Western Railway warned that a signalling fault between London Paddington and Reading could cause cancellations, delays and timetable changes, affecting Oxford-based passengers travelling to or from London. Disruption was expected to continue until 20:30 on August 11, 2026, and passengers were advised to check their journeys.

The Oxford Sport & Traditional Martial Arts Academy in Witney is celebrating the selection of students Jessica Siddle, Monty Humphreys and Sameer Hasib to represent England at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Glasgow. Hasib, who began training at age four, is a former World Karate Federation cadet world No. 1 and is currently ranked eighth in the junior +76 kg category. Siddle has won multiple titles and recently earned silver at the Orleans Open in France, while Humphreys has trained since 2019 and was also selected for the English Karate National Governing Body Presidents Cup. Coach Sam Carpenter praised all three athletes for their dedication and achievements.

Adam Henson has introduced Gillie, a Jersey cow, to his Cotswold Farm Park, describing the breed’s special connection to his late father Joe and saying the new arrival has won the farm community’s affection. He also highlighted wider problems in British farming, including food fraud valued at around £9 billion, pollution linked to chicken farming and sewage discharges, and inadequate resources for checking waterways and enforcing penalties.

Tackle Club, a new fishing shop in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, has opened with a focus on encouraging more young people to take up angling. The shop sells freshwater fishing equipment, plans weekly competitions and educational events with professional anglers, and emphasizes customer service and the mental-health benefits of fishing. Co-founder Sam Harris said the business was created partly in response to the closure of nearby fishing shops and would provide advice to local anglers.

Former owners John and Annie Gowing said they sold John Gowing Jewellers in June 2025 and have had no role in its management or finances since then. Their statement followed the appointment of Begbies Traynor as administrators and a Companies House notice proposing to strike the former operating company from the register amid reported debts. Current owner Prasanna Perera said the administration relates to a corporate restructuring, not the closure of the Oxford Covered Market shop, which remains open with its existing staff and services.

Thames Valley Police will increase efforts to tackle drug-related crime in Wantage and Grove following a local survey in which 27% of respondents identified drugs or drug dealing as their top concern. Planned measures include random plain-clothes operations, drug-detection dogs at licensed premises and drug-swabbing operations, alongside cooperation with partner agencies and neighbouring forces. Police have already issued one caution and taken no further action against another person following an incident in Grove, while also responding to reports of cannabis use near homes. The focus follows a previous campaign against anti-social behaviour that coincided with a reported 43% year-on-year reduction in such crime in Wantage town centre.

Whitbread is closing its Brewers Fayre pub-restaurant chain on September 7 and all Beefeater sites on September 10 as part of a wider restructuring. The closures affect 89 Brewers Fayre branches, including one in Bicester, and are expected to eliminate about 3,800 of the company's 30,000 UK and Ireland roles. Some properties will be sold, others converted into Premier Inn rooms, and some restaurants have already been changed to Whitbread's Thyme brand. Whitbread says it will seek to redeploy as many affected employees as possible, while Beefeater has set deadlines for collecting and redeeming loyalty points.

The Duke of Cambridge cocktail bar in Oxford is expected to reopen after Duke Property Ltd, the company holding the premises lease, entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation on July 28. Manager Julian Rosser said the bar itself has not gone into liquidation and plans to remain in operation. The venue has been closed since a reported June burglary and is expected to reopen when students return in the autumn. Rosser cited difficult trading conditions, the Botley Road closure and reduced student custom, and said the bar may reintroduce food and change its opening hours.

Thames Valley Police is seeking information about a rider involved in alleged anti-social and illegal e-bike riding in Thame on August 1. The rider escaped officers, and police believe the e-bike may have been in the area since at least July 25. The investigation comes as Thames Valley Police and other UK forces deploy DNA tagging sprays such as SelectaDNA and SmartTag to mark riders, clothing and vehicles involved in crime or anti-social behaviour. The invisible forensic markers can later be detected under ultraviolet light and linked to a specific canister, potentially providing evidence without requiring dangerous pursuits. Thames Valley Police has also seized more than 100 illegal machines and warned that e-scooters used unlawfully on public roads may result in fines, penalty points and confiscation.

Chris Rea, the Middlesbrough-born singer best known for “Driving Home for Christmas,” left his wife Joan £14.4 million in his will. After taxes, debts and costs, the inheritance was reduced to £12.06 million, according to court records reported by The Sun. Rea died aged 74 in December following illness and had experienced significant health problems, including a stroke in 2016 and a collapse during a 2017 performance in Oxford.

Military veteran Paul Newton and his wife, Lianne, have reopened The Lord Kitchener pub in Curbridge after it stood closed for four years. The couple bought the property from Greene King in 2024 and carried out an extensive refurbishment, aiming to establish the historic pub as a community hub. The venue has begun taking bookings for weddings, private parties and other events, with a menu led by experienced chef James Brooks featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Local councillor Liam Mackenzie welcomed the reopening, which increased the number of pubs in the Ducklington Ward from one to two.

The 400-year-old Coach & Horses pub in Chiselhampton, Oxfordshire, has been listed for £925,000 by Christie & Co. The recently refurbished property includes a restaurant, nine en-suite letting bedrooms, owner’s accommodation, a commercial kitchen and extensive garden and event spaces. Its food-led operation generated approximately £600,000 in turnover between June 2025 and May 2026, while further growth could come from weddings, events, outdoor dining, improved accommodation marketing and partnerships with nearby businesses and attractions.

Recently resurfaced Woodstock Road in Witney was partially dug up for electricity-network improvements being carried out by SSEN on behalf of a school. Councillor James Robertshaw criticized the poor timing and called for better coordination, while resident Jane Southworth complained of excessive noise, air pollution and inadequate advance notice. SSEN said affected residents had been notified, signs were displayed, works were within permitted hours and completion was scheduled for August 9.

Residents of Allin House, a Peabody tower in Littlemore, Oxford, say repeated lift breakdowns have left them effectively trapped in their homes. Ray and Jane Adams, both in their 70s, have had to carry their disabled daughter Vicki up and down four flights of stairs, while other residents report difficulties related to injuries, young children and anxiety about using the unreliable lift. Peabody apologised for the disruption, attributed the latest failure partly to hot weather, and said a specialist contractor was investigating permanent repairs while additional resident support was considered.

Jeremy Clarkson faced strong criticism after suggesting in a Sunday Times column that benefit recipients should regularly thank randomly selected taxpayers or risk losing their payments. Critics called the idea outrageous and pointed to Clarkson's alleged receipt of public subsidies, while supporters said he was using sarcasm to highlight abuse and inefficiencies in the benefits system. The debate focused on Personal Independence Payment and wider welfare spending.

Former Thames Valley Police constable Liam Yeo, who was based at Didcot Police Station, is facing a public misconduct hearing over allegations that he entered false and misleading information into the NICHE police database and a case file, claiming he had spoken to a witness. The alleged conduct could breach standards concerning honesty, integrity, orders, duties and discreditable conduct. If proven, the panel could rule that Yeo would have been dismissed had he remained in service, and he could be placed on the College of Policing Barred List. The virtual hearing is scheduled for August 5, 2026, and will be overseen by Chief Constable Jason Hogg.

King Charles III has cancelled Jeffrey Donaldson’s knighthood after the former Democratic Unionist Party leader was convicted of 18 historical sexual offences, including rape, against two women who were children. Oxfordshire Conservative leader Liam Walker praised the decision as protecting the integrity of the honours system. Donaldson is awaiting sentencing at Maghaberry Prison while pursuing an appeal. The article also notes that composer Jan Latham-Koenig had his OBE annulled after admitting child sex offences.

Cancer Research UK is closing around 190 shops across Britain as part of a restructuring intended to reduce losses and increase funding for cancer research. The changes are expected to affect about 600 staff and up to 3,000 volunteers, with some offered new roles and others supported through redundancies. The charity cites falling footfall, higher national insurance costs and competition from online resale platforms. It plans to operate about 320 shops, open roughly 12 out-of-town superstores and increase its contribution to research by approximately £12.4 million over five years.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox was praised by many listeners after telling Sam Smith during an interview that she has a queer daughter. The discussion followed Smith’s comments about queer children and their relationships with their mothers, though some people questioned whether Cox needed to disclose her daughter’s identity. Cox recently took over the station’s breakfast show, which received positive reviews, and is also linked to Oxfordshire through her past support for the Bicester-based charity Auditory Verbal, which later collapsed.

The £950,000 refurbishment of Wantage Community Hospital is nearing completion and is expected to finish in autumn after delays caused by unforeseen issues related to the building’s age and condition. The ground-floor works, funded through the community infrastructure levy, are being completed in phases to keep existing services operating and will add eight clinic rooms and enable a wider range of health and care services, including a dedicated area for children and adolescent mental health services. Local MP Olly Glover welcomed the project but said additional government investment is needed to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with new housing.

Cogges Manor Farm near Witney will host the Cogges Summer Festival on August 8, featuring live music from artists including Jali Fily Cissokho, Oli Steadman, Rachel and Rosie, Emma Hunter, and The Kokroachez. The family-friendly event will offer 50 craft beers and ciders, food, bars, a chillout area, and farmyard activities, with an adults-only evening session. Tickets include a commemorative glass, festival guide, and two drinks tokens, with proceeds supporting the heritage farm.

Henlow Racing Limited, the company behind a Bedfordshire greyhound track, has entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation after liquidators from TruSolv Ltd were appointed on July 27. Its latest accounts reported £4.16 million in creditors due within a year and 39 employees. The track’s final race took place in 2024 after its lease renewal was rejected, with the site planned for redevelopment. The company’s director, Kevin Boothby, also runs Oxford Stadium, which reported £2.01 million in creditors at the end of 2023 and has yet to file its latest accounts. Despite the financial difficulties, Oxford Stadium has hosted regenerated facilities and secured filming for the television drama MobLand.

Dixy Chicken opened a new family-run restaurant on Cowley Road in Oxford, opposite Manzil Way Gardens. The launch included 100 free chicken fillet burgers for the first customers, with Councillor Saj Malik attending. The owners said the restaurant would focus on freshly prepared food, friendly service and community involvement.

Richard Hammond was fined £999, plus £772 in costs and surcharges, and received seven penalty points after being convicted of speeding in a Porsche and a Bentley on two Herefordshire roads. Additional charges alleging that he failed to identify himself as the driver were withdrawn. Despite the convictions, Hammond is scheduled to appear at the Abergavenny Food Festival on 20 September, where he will discuss global food adventures, travel and Hammond’s Spirits with broadcaster Steve Jones.

Nursing associate Busayo Idowu has been placed under an 18-month interim conditions of practice order by the Nursing and Midwifery Council following a misconduct hearing. The restrictions require Idowu to work only for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, remotely in a non-patient- and non-staff-facing role, meet monthly with a line manager, keep the regulator informed about work and study, notify employers of the conditions, and report relevant clinical incidents or disciplinary proceedings. The order is temporary rather than a final finding and must be reviewed within six months and every six months thereafter.

A parliamentary debate on whether to hold a referendum on bringing water companies into public ownership has been scheduled for September 14 after a petition reached 163,000 signatures. Oxfordshire campaigners Ash Smith and Professor Peter Hammond of Windrush Against Sewage Pollution argue that nationalising companies such as Thames Water can be done quickly and economically. The UK government says nationalisation would cost taxpayers £100 billion, take years and worsen sewage pollution during the transition, while Thames Water cites record investment and a 20% reduction in pollution.

Fire engines and police attended Oxford’s Port Meadow area after smoke was spotted around 5:20 p.m. on Friday, July 31. Eyewitnesses reported around seven fire trucks and a similar number of police vehicles, but the emergency services had not confirmed what happened or whether the fire was in Port Meadow itself. Another witness said nearby Burgess Field was burning, while the smoke had stopped several hours later.

Oxford landlord Alan Hudson was ordered to pay £23,138 after being convicted at Reading Magistrates’ Court of renting out an unlicensed property at 33 Headley Way in Headington and breaching a prohibition order. An Oxford City Council inspection found severe damp and mould, electrical and fire safety hazards, excess cold and structural collapse. Councillor Mike Rowley said the fine should deter landlords from providing substandard housing and emphasized the city’s licensing schemes and enforcement of private-rental standards.

Moreton Building & Construction Ltd, an Oxfordshire development company, has been ordered into compulsory liquidation after HM Revenue and Customs petitioned the High Court over unpaid debts. The company, formerly based in Kidlington and now registered in Abingdon, reported £74,811 owed to creditors within a year and had two employees in its latest Companies House accounts. A liquidator has been appointed, and the winding-up order ends the directors’ powers to manage the company except with the liquidator’s or court’s permission.

American couple Bryan G Stouffer and Brittany L Stouffer purchased the Manorial Lordship of Attington in Oxfordshire for £4,000, with the transfer officially completed on July 22. The title is recorded in the public record as having been created through legal process rather than re-granted or re-established by the Crown. Attington was historically an outlying settlement of the parish of Thame but declined and was largely absorbed into surrounding areas by the 19th century.

P D Hook Group has not responded to questions about whether its proposed chicken-breeding farm near Bampton would address the risk of Campylobacter, following University of Oxford research linking the industrial expansion of poultry farming to the wider spread and increased drug resistance of the bacterium. The company has previously said the farm would meet strict environmental standards and is needed to reduce reliance on lower-quality imports and support UK food security. The controversial planning application, which attracted more than 1,000 comments, is awaiting a decision from West Oxfordshire District Council.

Witney Buttercross Scout Group has received a £500 donation from Oxfordshire County Council’s Councillor Priority Fund. Conservative councillor James Robertshaw provided the funding to help develop the group’s new facility in South Leigh and support its hardship fund, enabling young people from financially pressured Witney families to participate in scouting alongside the 350 young people already involved.

Atamate Limited, a UK computer manufacturer registered in Cardiff with its principal trading address in Oxford, has entered voluntary liquidation after reporting £5.1 million owed to creditors within one year. Two jobs have been lost, although founder Joe Miles said operations are continuing through Atamate Solutions Ltd. Miles said more than 95% of the reported liabilities represent historic founder investment and capital rather than money owed to external suppliers. The company develops building management systems and attributed the restructuring to delays on several key projects.

An Oxfordshire Liberal Democrat MP, Layla Moran, has backed party leader Ed Davey despite polling that places the Lib Dems at 8%, their lowest vote share since June 2024 and below the Greens. Moran argued that opinion polls fluctuate while the party is achieving record electoral results, including 72 MPs at the last general election, control of more councils than the Conservatives, and a strong position in Oxfordshire. Other Oxfordshire Lib Dem MPs did not respond to requests for comment.

Greene King-owned The Port Mahon in St Clements, Oxford, has submitted plans to Oxford City Council for another exterior refurbishment, 18 months after major works reopened the pub. The proposal includes replacement signs, a new picture sign, an upgraded door plaque and replacement lanterns, with consultation running until August 21. The earlier refurbishment invested in the kitchen, cellar and outdoor decking and shifted the venue’s focus from live music toward food and drinks. CAMRA’s Dave Richardson also provided historical background on the pub’s name and its connection to the 1708 Battle of Mahon.

Eighteen-year-old Wantage singer-songwriter Martha Rooke is preparing to release her five-track debut album, When Daylight Comes, on August 1 across major platforms, accompanied by five videos. The release includes the singles “A Long Way From Rome” and “The Rolling Stone,” along with a title track, piano ballad and acoustic song. Rooke has performed publicly since age 13 and gained further exposure through live appearances at John Lewis, including its Christmas campaign.

A proposal has been submitted for a new sustainable energy distribution facility at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Didcot. The centre would recover waste heat from campus buildings and distribute it through a centralised network, helping the site move away from gas heating and support its wider decarbonisation strategy. The facility is also intended to serve as a landmark on the campus, with planning consultation due to close on August 19.

The Blue Boar pub in Witney has closed until early September for refurbishment after being acquired by Acorn Pubs. The work will update the pub, function room and bedrooms as part of a wider upgrade programme covering nine recently acquired sites, with new menus and drinks selections also planned. Acorn operations manager Ian Slater said the refurbishment would preserve the pub’s character while improving comfort, and confirmed that the business is recruiting additional staff and will share progress online.

Broadcaster and former Conservative MP Gyles Brandreth expressed shock at the reported death of his former parliamentary colleague Ann Widdecombe, calling the news “horrific.” Brandreth recalled the long history of political violence in Britain while arguing that the response should be to support people with conviction rather than despair. The article reports that Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon and that 28-year-old Joshua Kerry of Rotherham was charged with her murder.

Evida Limited and Quantro Support Limited, two recruitment agencies with principal trading addresses in Oxford, are being voluntarily wound up after liquidation meetings in Birmingham on July 21. The companies shared leadership and described themselves as employer-of-record providers handling employment compliance and insurance. Dr Jim Ntufam Ojang Coke, a former director of both businesses, resigned on July 14, 2025. Quantro had been dormant since at least April 2025, while Evida later filed dormant-company accounts.

Whitbread plans to close its remaining UK Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants, resulting in about 3,800 job losses and the sale or leaseback of several properties, including sites in Bicester and Oxford. Beefeater’s loyalty scheme will end, with points needing to be collected by 24 August 2026 and vouchers used by 31 August, before the restaurants close on 10 September 2026. The closures form part of Whitbread’s five-year plan to reduce costs by £250 million and refocus the company on its Premier Inn hotel business.

A proposal to conduct a five-week automatic number plate recognition survey at Witney’s Woodford Way Car Park was rejected by West Oxfordshire District Council. Conservative councillor Liam Walker argues that the council should gather better evidence before replacing much of the car park with 55 homes, reducing public spaces from about 250 to 84. The council says the survey’s timing and short duration would produce unreliable results, maintains that its existing data is sufficient, and plans to submit formal development proposals later in the year. Walker says he will continue campaigning with residents, businesses and the Witney & District Chamber of Commerce.

A child, reportedly a four-year-old boy, remains in hospital after being struck by a white Mercedes A180 at the junction of Dynham Place and Girdlestone Road in Oxford’s Wood Farm area. Thames Valley Police said the child suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, that no arrests have been made, and that the investigation has been filed pending further enquiries. Local residents described the junction and the poor condition of Girdlestone Road as dangerous, while Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown expressed distress and sympathy for the child’s family.

A four-year-old boy was seriously but not life-threateningly injured after reportedly being hit by a white Mercedes A180 while crossing near a bus stop at the junction of Dynham Place and Girdlestone Road in Oxford's Wood Farm area. Residents cited narrow roads, buses, parked cars, poor road surfaces and speeding as safety hazards, while Councillor Liz Brighouse called for stronger speed-limit enforcement and suggested that repeated accidents could be prevented with better resourcing. Thames Valley Police said no arrests had been made and appealed for witnesses and information.

Chipping Norton hosted its fourth Pride festival under the theme “Love Out Loud,” featuring market stalls, performances, a raffle and evening entertainment. Mayor Sandra Coleman welcomed the event’s growing visibility and community support, while organizers thanked vendors, volunteers, performers, committee members and attendees for contributing to the celebration.

Community volunteers gathered at Grove Rugby Club to clear vegetation along the towpath and canal at Elm Farm in Grove, prioritising the area around the top of the lock and potentially the canal bed. Organisers described the activity as both environmental work and a social opportunity, and invited others to join by contacting the group.

Simon Squibb, known as the Dream Guy, has shortlisted Ruben Funy Iago’s cleaning and property management business in Wheatley among five finalists for his monthly Dream Fund. Iago, who hopes to use professional pressure-washing equipment to expand the business, is seeking public support in a vote that will award £5,000 each to two finalists. He also aims to grow the company enough to buy homes for families experiencing hardship.

Witney hosted the West Oxon Steam & Vintage Show, a two‑day event featuring steam engines, vintage vehicles, and family activities. Organisers and attendees described the weekend as highly successful, praising the displays and community participation. Organiser Andy Allman thanked contributors and supporters and expressed enthusiasm for the show's return in 2027.

A 28-year-old man, Joshua Kerry, has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, with investigators continuing to examine whether political or terrorist motives played a role. Counterterrorism officials say more than 800 lines of inquiry are being pursued. Widdecombe, a former MP, MEP and Reform UK spokeswoman who also appeared on major television shows, received tributes from political leaders following her death. Authorities are reviewing protections for politicians as the investigation continues.

Police issued a renewed appeal to find 17‑year‑old Scarlett, last seen leaving her home in Bishop’s Stortford before traveling to Oxford and believed to be in Wallingford. She was last seen wearing a beige or grey tracksuit and carrying two bags. Authorities are concerned for her welfare and request information from the public quoting reference 43260356207.

Residents of Piddington in Oxfordshire are preparing a referendum on whether to break away from the United Kingdom in response to government plans to use a nearby Ministry of Defence site to house male asylum seekers. Parish council chair Tim McNally argues the village was not consulted and plans to take a declaration of independence to the US embassy if residents vote to leave, hoping for American support and offering Donald Trump grounds to criticise the UK government. Strong local opposition stems from worries about security and crime, while the Home Office has declined to comment on the referendum or its potential outcome.

More than 100 jobs were lost after Sixes, a cricket‑themed bar chain backed by several England cricket stars, failed to secure a rescue deal and closed multiple sites. Administrators confirmed that unsuccessful negotiations led to the shutdown of venues in Birmingham, Guildford, Fulham, Westfield, Fitzrovia, Manchester and Oxford, with only the London Bridge venue sold to a new owner. The company, burdened with more than £3.4 million in unsecured debts, cited strong competition and reduced consumer spending as factors in its collapse, with 21 jobs preserved through the partial sale.

Witney Chamber of Commerce reports a 20–30 percent trading decline during ongoing £4.4 million upgrades to the High Street and Market Square, prompting calls for business rate relief and clearer signage to reassure visitors that shops remain open. Oxfordshire County Council states pedestrian numbers are higher than last year and says the project remains on schedule, while acknowledging wider pressures on businesses.

Jeremy Clarkson reveals that recent praise he received following treatment for an aggressive cancer prompted him to consider becoming more tolerant and kind, though he ultimately deemed the change unrealistic. The TV presenter disclosed the diagnosis during the latest series of Clarkson's Farm and later detailed the surgery he underwent to remove part of his prostate. Tributes followed the announcement, reflecting his rise as a prominent advocate for UK farming despite past controversies.

Police arrested a 41‑year‑old man following a serious assault in Harwell that left one victim in critical condition and another with minor injuries. The incident occurred on Talbot Road in the early hours of July 18. The suspect was detained on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and released on bail. Investigators appealed for witnesses and footage from the surrounding area, reassuring residents that the attack was targeted and posed no wider threat.

An Oxfordshire-based dance school won four bronze medals at the Dance World Cup in Dublin, with strong performances across solo, duet and trio categories. Several young dancers placed within the top ranks of their divisions, and the school highlighted the high standard of competition among more than 11,000 participants from 60 countries. Team England finished with the most medals overall, far ahead of Team Germany.

A nurse in Oxfordshire, Lucian Teodor Svoronos, had his request for removal from the Nursing and Midwifery Council register approved while under investigation for allegedly giving the wrong vaccine to eight patients. He maintains he administered the correct vaccines but recorded them incorrectly. The investigation had not reached any substantive findings, and regulators concluded the allegations were unlikely to lead to a striking-off order. The complainant provided no further comments, and the matter may be reconsidered if Svoronos seeks readmission to the register.

A temporary prohibition of through traffic will close a section of the A420 near Faringdon from September 7 as part of road‑widening works and construction of a signal‑controlled junction led by Oxfordshire County Council. The 24‑hour closure, affecting connections with Coxwell Road and Great Coxwell, will last up to 18 months with exemptions for emergency vehicles and designated alternative routes provided.

Reports claim Nigella Lawson and Paul Hollywood are struggling to get along while filming the next season of The Great British Bake Off, with tensions reportedly linked to Hollywood’s helicopter commutes and Lawson’s arrival replacing Prue Leith. Hollywood is said to feel overshadowed, while Lawson reportedly finds some of his behavior embarrassing. The new season, to be presented by Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, is expected to air on Channel 4 later in the year.

Locals in Oxfordshire plan a new protest against a government proposal to convert a disused Ministry of Defence site near Bicester into accommodation for up to 1,250 male asylum seekers. The upcoming demonstration follows a previous gathering of around 300 people and accompanies objections from groups including Oxford Stand Up to Racism and Pink Ladies UK, who argue the facility would create inhumane conditions. The protest is scheduled to begin at Site A of the Bicester Garrison on July 19.

Rumours of a relationship between actress Hannah Waddingham and Oxford surgeon Nick Beresford-Cleary intensified after multiple public appearances together. Waddingham discussed balancing motherhood with major acting roles, noting persistent guilt over time away from her daughter. She confirmed being in a relationship without naming the partner, adding to ongoing speculation linking her to Beresford-Cleary.

A road in Oxfordshire near the Blewbury Shell service station was closed after a two‑vehicle collision described by an eyewitness as serious, with a car overturned. Thames Valley Police reported only minor injuries and said the road would remain shut while vehicles were recovered. Traffic congestion was noted in the area, though the AA had not yet issued a report.

Asda clarified that a pricing error at an Esso‑branded petrol station in Banbury occurred when the pole sign failed to update with new fuel prices. The diesel price displayed was lower than the pump price due to an automatic update issue, which staff corrected manually once discovered.

David Beckham encouraged England fans after the national team’s 2–1 loss to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, sharing a supportive message on social media following the late defeat in Atlanta. Beckham and his wife Victoria attended the match and celebrated England’s opening goal before Argentina overturned the result with two late strikes. His post drew significant public reaction as Argentina advanced to face Spain in the final, while England will meet France in the third-place play-off.

Prue Leith expressed fear for the safety of her son, MP Danny Kruger, following the death of Ann Widdecombe and the ensuing murder investigation. Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister who joined Reform UK, was found dead in Devon, prompting renewed calls for increased security for MPs. Leith told Times Radio she is worried but believes the government will take necessary protective measures.

A national NHS England survey identified the 20 lowest‑rated GP surgeries in Oxfordshire based on the proportion of patients reporting a very poor overall experience. Luther Street Medical Practice and Temple Cowley Health Centre topped the list, though both noted the unique challenges of the populations they serve. Several other practices in Oxford, Didcot, Witney, Abingdon, Wantage and Bicester also received above‑average negative ratings. Response rates varied significantly across surgeries, and some with lower very‑poor percentages were included due to higher fairly‑poor scores.

Police confirmed that a major A34 closure near Oxford was caused by a concern‑for‑welfare incident rather than a crash. The road was shut in both directions between the Hinksey Hill and Marcham interchanges, creating long delays and additional closures on Sugworth Lane before reopening shortly before 7 p.m. Authorities reported the situation was safely resolved, and traffic information services detailed the extent of the disruption.

A heatwave Witney Carnival drew strong community participation, featuring a town procession, performances from local groups, and support from businesses and charities. MP Charlie Maynard and Mayor Jane Doughty attended, while local shops and organisations expressed gratitude for volunteers and organisers who helped them take part despite staffing challenges.

Fire crews extinguished a field fire near Mellor's Garage on Faringdon Road in East Challow after deploying three engines and a water carrier. The incident occurred amid elevated fire severity levels across Oxfordshire, with authorities warning of very high to exceptional risk in parts of the region. Recent multiple fires have prompted reminders to avoid countryside barbecues and safely dispose of cigarettes as conditions remain dangerously dry.

More than 3,000 homes across Oxfordshire have lost power following multiple faults affecting areas including Kingston Bagpuize, Fyfield, and west Wantage. Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks reported outages across several postcodes, with some issues attributed to overhead network faults and safety concerns. Fire crews were active near Kingston Bagpuize after a significant fire, though its link to the outages remains unconfirmed. Engineers are working on-site, with repairs expected by late afternoon.

King Charles visited the Harwell Campus near Didcot to tour its space research facilities and officially open the new UK Space and Defence Gateway, meeting staff and partner organisations including Astroscale and Oxford Space Systems. The visit followed an earlier stop at Oxford’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre, where he met Chancellor William Hague and donor Stephen Schwarzman at the new multi‑faculty academic hub supporting fields such as Ethics in AI and the humanities.

Fire crews from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service responded late at night to a blaze on Falcon Close in Blackbird Leys, discovering a bush fire and leaving the scene shortly after 1 a.m. The incident occurred during a heatwave that has increased fire risks across the county, with officials warning that outdoor fires can ignite easily from small sparks or discarded cigarettes.

Power was restored to nearly 600 homes in Cholsey after a loud explosion was reported, prompting an automatic shutdown of the SSEN network. Engineers identified the damage and completed repairs overnight, while some residents reported hearing the blast from Wallingford. Fire engines were reportedly seen in the area, though the fire service has not confirmed involvement.

A power outage affecting nearly 600 households in Cholsey followed reports of a large explosion heard as far as Wallingford. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said damage to its network triggered an automatic shutdown and engineers are working to restore service by early morning, though repairs may require extensive work. Fire engines were reportedly seen in the area, but this remains unconfirmed.

Damage to overhead electric wires between London Paddington and Reading has halted all rail services on the route, affecting many Oxford-area commuters. Great Western Railway warns passengers of cancellations, delays and revised services, with disruption expected for the rest of the day. Trains between Gatwick Airport and Reading may also be cancelled due to repair work.

A primary school in East Hendred will close early due to expected 33°C temperatures as the county experiences severe heat. St Amand’s Catholic Primary School is the only school so far to notify the council, following widespread closures during a previous June heatwave. Forecasts indicate Oxford will reach 33°C, with higher temperatures expected nationally, marking a record number of days at or above 34°C in a single year.

Multiple Oxfordshire towns including Abingdon, Banbury, Carterton, Henley-on-Thames, Wallingford and Kidlington were not shortlisted for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 award. The shortlist includes towns such as Basildon, Birkenhead, and Great Yarmouth, which will each receive £60,000 to develop their full bids. The competition forms part of the government’s Pride in Place Programme aimed at boosting local pride. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and panel chair Sir Phil Redmond expressed support for both shortlisted and unsuccessful applicants. The winning town in 2028 will receive £3 million, with two runners-up awarded £250,000 each.

Headington School Boat Club defended the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy at the Henley Royal Regatta, qualifying a record number of girls’ crews and setting a new course record in the final against Shiplake College. Strong performances throughout the week included victories over Henley Rowing Club, Deerfield Academy and RowAmerica Rye. Head coach Ryan Demaine highlighted the squad’s depth, development and resilience, calling the season one of the club’s most successful.

Count Binface plans to challenge Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election following Farage’s resignation from Parliament amid scrutiny over undeclared gifts. Major parties are avoiding the contest, leaving Farage and the novelty candidate as the highest-profile contenders, while Laurence Fox may also run. Binface, created by Oxford graduate Jonathan David Harvey, highlights his satirical platform and criticizes the absence of other parties. Rachel Reeves approved Farage’s formal resignation while dismissing the situation as a distraction, and Binface defended his candidacy in a BBC interview.

The Fox and Hounds pub in Uffington has been listed for sale at £425,000 on a freehold basis after its landlord, Richard Starkey, previously considered whether to buy the property or leave at the end of the lease. The listing highlights recent improvements, including four en‑suite letting rooms and expanded dining capacity. The pub was briefly rebranded following a visit from a racehorse named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. The sale occurs amid broader challenges for the pub industry, with hundreds of UK pubs closing or being repurposed over the past year.

Residents were evacuated from flats near Oxford Road in Cowley after a shed fire broke out late in the evening. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service dispatched two crews who accessed the site through a car park due to the vacant property's layout. Firefighters extinguished the blaze using high‑pressure hose reels and cleared the scene by 11 p.m., with no injuries reported.

Eynsham held its 78th annual carnival featuring a parade, stalls, performances, and the traditional Shirt Race. Eynsham Fire Station participated despite delays due to emergency callouts, while Ali’s Tornado Chips and Eynsham Morris celebrated strong community engagement and successful fundraising efforts.

Witney Town Council leader Ruth Smith has criticized the communication, signage, bus-stop arrangements and disruption associated with the £4.4 million Witney High Street and Market Square improvement scheme. Local businesses reportedly saw trading figures fall by 20% to 30% compared with the previous year. Ahead of the second phase of construction, the council requested clearer bus information, more direct engagement with businesses and prominent signs emphasizing that the high street remains open. Oxfordshire County Council said it was enhancing signage, increasing direct communications and continuing stakeholder engagement, while contractor Galliford Try referred communications questions to the county council.