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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 17
Oxford News By Hana Edition 17
Oxford Outlook: Talk of the Town
Mark Skipworth
July 31, 2025
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 17
Oxford Outlook: Talk of the Town
What defines a town? It’s a question being put to the residents of Kidlington, said to be the largest village in England, by its parish council which has announced it is “exploring the option” of becoming a town council.
The rationale behind the move can be described in two words – population growth. Kidlington is expected to expand from about 13,600 residents to at least double that figure in the coming years.
And Kidlington is not alone. The countywide population is forecast to increase by almost 10 per cent to 800,000 by 2031, with Didcot, Eynsham and Wantage among existing towns expected to expand rapidly.
So what will these places be like to live in, in the future? Of course, there will have to be hundreds, indeed thousands, of new homes built to accommodate these burgeoning populations.
But can an urban centre developed without shops, schools or adequate services, not to mention decent public transport, really consider itself a “town”? For the sad reality is that so many of these planned developments will lack basic amenities, as we are already seeing in the myriad of sterile housing estates going up everywhere across the county.
According to a BBC report in this week’s Oxford newsletter, Kidlington parish council previously attempted to adopt town status in 1988 – but in a referendum, residents voted overwhelmingly to remain a village.
And the signs today are many Kidlingtonians believe it should remain a village. As one resident put it: "We've got enough big, busy towns around here without having any more.” Pip! Pip!
The brazen theft of Kaleb Cooper’s tractor and gear reminds us all that rural crime is on the increase, and becoming ever bolder. Given added impetus by the Cost of Living Crisis, organised gangs as well as the odd opportunist have targeted quad bikes, power tools stored in vans, garages or garden sheds, and of course, those four-wheeled emblems of the county set, Range Rovers. Pinching a John Deere tractor, however, is on another level. Surely it will not be too long before it is traced and returned to the Oxfordshire farmhand and likeable star of Clarkson’s Farm?
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
Oxford has a growing economy, contributing more than £7 billion to the national economy in 2020
Just over 70% of jobs are in knowledge-intensive industries
The city is not without its challenges. Nearly one in five adults has no or low educational qualifications
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…
Hyper-local news articles
Town or village? Kidlington debates its identity
BBC News · July 29, 2025
Kidlington's parish council is consulting residents on the possibility of upgrading its status from England's largest village to a town, in light of significant population growth projections that could see numbers rise from 13,600 to between 30,000 and 40,000. Chair Lesley McLean argues that this change would better reflect Kidlington's expected development, aligning it more closely with similar-sized towns like nearby Witney.
Bicester solicitor calls for paid leave after miscarriages
BBC News · July 30, 2025
Employment solicitor Shahrzad Seifi is pressing the UK government to introduce two weeks of paid statutory leave for parents who experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks, highlighting the need for emotional and physical recovery time. With one in four pregnancies ending in miscarriage, her petition aims to address the current legal gaps that require parents to disclose personal losses at work.
Image: Aaron Chown / PA
Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper furious as tractor stolen
Oxford Mail · July 30, 2025
The young farmhand from Chipping Norton, known for his role in the Prime Video show Clarkson’s Farm, reported the theft of his John Deere tractor and post knocker, expressing concern about rising crime in England. Home & Country Fencing shared details about the stolen items and urged anyone with information to come forward.
MPs call for A34 safety improvements
BBC News · July 31, 2025
A cross-party group of MPs is calling for urgent safety improvements along the A34, citing dangers at junctions like Chieveley and Speen due to issues such as short slip roads and poor visibility. The Department for Transport is considering enhancements as part of a broader project pipeline, highlighting growing safety concerns in the area.
Abingdon-based broadband provider fined over 999 calls fault
BBC News · July 30, 2025
Gigaclear, a broadband provider in Abingdon, has been fined £122,500 by Ofcom for providing inaccurate location data for 948 emergency 999 calls between January 2022 and March 2024. Although no significant harm resulted from the inaccuracies, the company expressed deep regret and corrected the issue before notifying Ofcom in April 2024.
AI robot 'drills into biggest concerns of our time', Oxford creator says
BBC · July 27, 2025
Ai-Da, the ultra-realistic robot artist created by Aidan Meller, challenges traditional perceptions of technology and creativity with her ability to create art in real-time, including a portrait of King Charles III approved by Buckingham Palace. Through her work, Meller aims to spark discussions about human self-perception and the nature of creativity, highlighting both the human-like qualities of Ai-Da and the robotic aspects of human behaviour.
Ice rink users concerned about congestion charge
BBC News · July 29, 2025
Oxford Ice Rink users are voicing concerns over a proposed £5 congestion charge for car drivers, fearing it will hinder access to the rink and impact participation in ice hockey. Local coaches argue that public transport isn't equipped for transporting hockey gear, raising worries about the future of the sport in the city centre.
Thames Water investigates illegal Wheatley sewage works spill
BBC News · July 29, 2025
Thames Water is investigating an illegal discharge at Wheatley Sewage Treatment Works, attributed to a third party, while collaborating with the Environment Agency to mitigate environmental impact. Although the exact substance involved remains unconfirmed, officials suggest the worst effects of the incident have likely subsided.
Jailed Didcot teacher who groomed girl wins partial appeal
BBC News · July 30, 2025
Catherine Pearl, a former deputy head teacher at Didcot Girls' School, was sentenced to over two years in prison for grooming a pupil but has successfully appealed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, with the Court of Appeal deeming its restrictions excessive and unnecessary. The new order prohibits her from holding specific positions rather than imposing stringent monitoring measures.
JD Vance could face 'awkward' Jeremy Clarkson meet in Cotswolds
Oxford Mail · July 30, 2025
Vice President JD Vance, on holiday in Charlbury, UK, may face an awkward encounter with Jeremy Clarkson, who has publicly criticised him for his comments about the UK. Clarkson's previous derogatory remarks, including calling Vance a "bearded God-botherer," have heightened media interest in a potential meeting.
Funeral for Bicester Motion firefighter Martyn Sadler
BBC News · July 31, 2025
A funeral service is being held for firefighter Martyn Sadler, 38, who tragically lost his life in a blaze in Bicester, alongside fellow firefighters Jenny Logan and Dave Chester. The procession will honour Mr. Sadler with a minute's silence at the fire station before a private church service at St Edburg's.
Allen Beechey: Oxford News by HANA - Edition 17
Henley Iron Age hoard fundraiser launched by Oxfordshire charity
BBC · July 29, 2025
Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum is raising £10,500 to secure a remarkable Iron Age hoard discovered in Rotherfield Peppard, featuring a 2,000-year-old horse brooch and other treasures. The museum aims to keep these significant artifacts publicly displayed, ensuring they remain part of the region's heritage.
Property news
Plan for major logistics centre near Banbury dismissed
BBC News · July 29, 2025
A proposed logistics centre by Greystoke CB, aiming to create 1,900 full-time jobs in Banbury, has been rejected by planning inspector Patrick Hanna due to significant public opposition. The outline planning application for a 65-acre site near the M40 was initially dismissed by Cherwell District Council, with around 260 residents expressing their concerns.
Travellers still in situ on Oxfordshire housing estate, councillor confirms Yahoo News - July 27, 2025 An unauthorised encampment of Travellers has been set up at Longford Park near Banbury, prompting concerns from residents. Cherwell District Council is in contact with the landowner, as they and Oxfordshire County Council lack enforcement powers on private land. |
George Michael's Oxfordshire home receives raving reviews Oxford Mail - July 27, 2025 George Michael's former pool house in Goring, now an Airbnb rental, attracts superfans and offers luxurious amenities for a two-night stay priced at £2,345. Following his passing, it was revealed that the pop icon made significant anonymous charitable donations, including £10,000 to save Thrupp Lake, underscoring his lasting legacy of generosity and community support. |
Blenheim Estate unveils new shared ownership properties UK Property Forums - July 30, 2025 Blenheim Estate Homes has unveiled four new shared ownership properties at Park View in Woodstock, offering 40% ownership stakes in two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes for buyers with a household income under £80,000. This initiative aims to support local employment and community integration, with interested parties encouraged to reach out via email or phone for more information. |
Oxford City Council rents out historic buildings to save £210k BBC News - July 28, 2025 Oxford City Council is set to lease five vacant Grade II listed buildings on Ship Street and St Michael's Street, aiming to save £210,000 annually while facilitating their restoration. This strategic move addresses the significant structural issues that have kept these historic properties empty for years, allowing private tenants to undertake necessary repairs. |
New statistics show Oxford retail vacancies at 15-year high Yahoo News - July 26, 2025 Oxford's retail vacancies have surged to a 15-year high, with available space in the city center reaching 5.8% in Q2 2023, according to CoStar Group. This increase is attributed to the growing impact of online shopping and declining consumer confidence, resulting in plummeting leasing activity. |
Image: Savills
Look inside Witney Victorian house on market for nearly £3m Oxford Mail - July 27, 2025 Woodlands House in Woodgreen, Witney, is a remarkable 10-bedroom Victorian property for sale at £2,750,000, boasting over 8,000 square feet of living space and rich historical significance dating back to 1860. Set on more than an acre, this stunning home combines classic architecture with modern updates, making it one of the finest residences in the area. |
Remortgaging approvals rise amid ‘unusually high’ housing market activity This is Oxfordshire - July 29, 2025 In June, the UK saw a significant uptick in mortgage approvals and remortgaging activity, reflecting increased borrower confidence amid relaxed lending rules, despite ongoing financial strain evidenced by rising consumer credit borrowing. Meanwhile, small and medium-sized enterprises experienced their first positive growth in borrowing since August 2021, signalling a shift in the business lending landscape. |
Slade Camp memories project receives National Lottery funding BBC News - July 24, 2025 The Oxford Preservation Trust and Shotover Preservation Society have received a £49,204 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore the stories of Slade Camp, a post-World War Two Army training camp in Oxford that housed displaced families. This project aims to connect with former residents to celebrate their resilient childhood experiences in this historically significant area. |
What’s on in and around Oxford this weekend?
All photos are credited to Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.
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