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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 18
Oxford News By Hana Edition 18
Oxford Outlook: Park-and-ride life
Mark Skipworth
August 07, 2025
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 18
Oxford Outlook: Park-and-ride life
Of the many and varied examples of today’s Broken Britain, the miserable fate of Eynsham park-and-ride stands ignominiously aloft among them.
We read in a BBC report in this week’s newsletter that the new £51m park-and-ride will stand empty until its hoped-for opening in 2027 after possible temporary uses for the site were turned down by Oxfordshire County Council.
The 850-space Eynsham park-and-ride was intended to improve congestion on the busy A40 by providing regular and reliable public transport services into Oxford, and was actually completed in 2024. Yet despite its obvious benefits, a planning application to connect it to the A40 was submitted only in recent months.
The council insists that although the park-and-ride was finished on time, “cost pressures caused by high inflation” have halted the rest of the A40 improvements scheme including the road access and bus lane.
So residents and businesses responded by suggesting worthwhile, interim uses for the site, including cycle training, park-runs and other recreational events. But the council has instead chosen to mothball the site to protect it “from damage and degradation”.
Once again, a local authority has opted for a “can’t do” approach, citing potential difficulties in obtaining planning permission for repurposing as well as concerns over staff costs and insurance. So the site will remain unused for yet another year or more.
Confused? This whole saga begs many questions. Why the debate over possible temporary uses in the first place? Why didn’t the council obtain funds for the access road to the A40 and bus lane at the same time as it obtained funds for the park-and-ride site?
Ominously, why is there no specific date for the opening of the site? We’ve been here before, of course, with other transport “improvements” in Oxford: Botley Road has been shut since 2023 and failed to reopen last October as planned thanks to delays courtesy of Network Rail; it is expected to stay closed for a further year.
I mean. Seriously?
• It’s gross, I know, but a ‘fatberg’ equivalent in size to a blue whale was found recently residing in an Oxford sewer. Now that’s a story! Thames Water says it took two weeks for its teams to remove 120-tonnes, more than 1km long, of congealed fat, oil, grease and wipes from a trunk sewer beneath the city. A new ‘first’ for Oxford perhaps – ‘city of dreaming spires and home of the fatberg’?
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
Overall, adults in Oxford are healthier than the England average, with a significantly higher percentage of physically active adults (71.6% vs 64.5%) and one of the lowest percentages of overweight or obese adults (49% vs 62%)
In Year 6, 25.1% of children are classified as obese, worse than the average for England at 23.4%
Levels of breastfeeding and smoking in pregnancy are better than the England average
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…
Oxford News
Eynsham park and ride to stand empty as temporary use rejected
BBC News · August 3, 2025
A £51 million park and ride facility in Eynsham, completed in 2024 but set to remain unused until its 2027 opening, was rejected for alternative uses despite local suggestions due to Oxfordshire County Council's decision. The site, which features 850 spaces and was built on time and budget, faces delays in connecting to the A40 because of planning issues linked to inflation.
'Whale-sized' fatberg removed from Oxford sewer
BBC News · August 6, 2025
A colossal 120-tonne fatberg, measuring over 1km long and composed of congealed waste, has been successfully extracted from a sewer in Oxford after a two-week operation. This massive blockage, likened to the size of a blue whale, underscores the critical challenges facing urban sewer maintenance due to improperly disposed materials.
Workman on hammock mural mocks Botley Road work delays
BBC · August 7, 2025
Local artist Mani Manson-Reeves has created a thought-provoking mural titled "Road to Nowhere," illustrating a workman in a hammock to highlight frustrations over the prolonged delays of Oxford's £231 million Botley Road project, which is set to close for over three years. The artwork resonates with residents and business owners affected by the disruption, sparking discussions about accountability in the project's management.
Controversial Oxford bridge scheme cost rises by £3.7m
BBC News · August 5, 2025
The Oxpens River Bridge project in Oxford faces a £3.7 million budget increase due to delays from a judicial review, raising the total cost to £14 million. Originally set for completion by March, the bridge aims to connect Oxpens Meadow to Grandpont Nature Park but has been stalled by campaigners' legal challenges.
‘Astonishingly rare' The Hobbit book sells for record-breaking sum
BBC · August 6, 2025
A rare first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, one of only 1,500 copies printed in 1937, sold for a staggering £43,000 at auction after a bidding frenzy, thanks to its pristine condition and unique illustrations by the author. Previously owned by botanist Hubert Priestley, this remarkable copy underscores the enduring allure of Tolkien's beloved fantasy world and its characters.
Oxfordshire's 'worst receptionists' revealed in survey
Oxford Mail · August 4, 2025
In a patient survey for GP surgeries in Oxfordshire, Wychwood Surgery in Shipton-under-Wychwood excelled with top ratings for receptionist helpfulness and phone contact satisfaction, while Newbury Street Practice faced the lowest reception satisfaction. Meanwhile, significant challenges were reported regarding website usability, particularly at Didcot Health Centre Practice, where nearly 68% of patients struggled to navigate the site.
Yes, yes, yes… no
Solar farm plan would wreck ‘Vicar of Dibley view’
BBC News · August 6, 2025
Plans for an 80-hectare solar farm near the scenic Stokenchurch Gap, made famous by The Vicar of Dibley, the TV comedy, have drawn criticism from local residents who fear it will mar the picturesque landscape. Developer Solar2 aims to power 16,500 homes, but community voices like Robert Massie question the suitability of such an industrial project in this quintessentially English setting.
Jeremy Clarkson 'devastated' over outbreak of TB at his Diddly Squat farm
BBC · July 31, 2025
Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire is reeling from a bovine tuberculosis outbreak after a pregnant cow tested positive, leading to devastating consequences for the farm. As the government plans to end badger culling amid ongoing TB challenges in the region, local farmers face stringent testing requirements to manage the disease.
Photo credit: Chiltern Railways
Chiltern Railways unveils new train carriages
BBC · August 5, 2025
Chiltern Railways is set to upgrade its fleet by replacing older Mark 3 carriages with 13 state-of-the-art Mark 5A trains starting next spring, featuring modern amenities like charging ports and air conditioning, all powered by recycled vegetable oil. This enhancement aims to improve customer experiences and expand services to meet growing demand by the end of 2026.
John Henry Smythe known as Johnny - BBC
Thame WWII hero awarded blue plaque to mark legacy
BBC News · August 4, 2025
A blue plaque has been unveiled in Thame, Oxfordshire, honouring John Henry Smythe, a war hero and one of Britain's first black barristers, who served with the RAF during WWII and spent 18 months as a prisoner of war. His son Eddy expressed pride in this recognition, celebrating his father's legacy at a well-attended unveiling event that included local dignitaries and community members.
Oxford mosque warned over posts after Hamas attack on Israel
BBC · July 31, 2025
The Central Oxford Mosque Society received an official warning from the Charity Commission for England and Wales for failing to control inflammatory social media communications following the recent Hamas attack on Israel. The commission emphasised the need for the mosque to implement a social media policy to promote unity and prevent community tensions.
Lindsay Skoll, Principal of Jesus College. Photo credit: University of Oxford
Oxford college appoints its first woman Principal
EdTech Innovation Hub · August 4, 2025
Lindsay Skoll has made history as the first woman appointed as Principal of Jesus College, University of Oxford, set to take office on August 1, 2026. Currently serving as the British Ambassador to Austria, she brings extensive diplomatic experience from her roles in Moscow, Seychelles, and North Korea.
Tributes for Michelin hotel chef killed in crash near Oxford
Oxford Mail · August 6, 2025
A road traffic accident in Horspath claimed the life of 19-year-old Talvin, who crashed into a telegraph pole while driving, leaving a female passenger with minor injuries. The incident has sparked calls for improved road safety in the community, as authorities seek witnesses to aid their investigation into the case.
Fifth person charged over break-in at RAF base
BBC News · August 3, 2025
Muhammad Umer Khalid, 22, has been charged by counter-terrorism police in connection with a break-in at RAF Brize Norton, where activists from Palestine Action caused £7 million in damages to military aircraft. He is one of five individuals facing charges related to this incident, and he will appear in court after being remanded in custody.
Prehistoric teeth help create historic map of infectious diseases
BBC News · August 4, 2025
Researchers from the University of Oxford, Copenhagen and Cambridge are uncovering insights into modern infectious diseases by analysing DNA from prehistoric teeth and bones, spanning 12,500 years. This interdisciplinary project may enhance vaccine development and shed light on zoonotic diseases, bridging ancient health patterns with contemporary public health strategies.
Sport
Oxford United’s new stadium edges closer to approval
BBC Sport · August 5, 2025
Cherwell District Council planners have recommended Oxford United’s proposed new stadium for approval.
Citing “very special circumstances”, planners gave the green light to the purpose-built, 16,000-seater stadium, on a site near Kidlington. The planning report will now be discussed by the council’s planning committee on 14 August.
The proposed complex – poised to be constructed on a 12-acre site known as The Triangle – could include a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre and community plaza.
The scheme would see United up sticks from the Kassam Stadium, although the U’s could may well play matches at their current home until June 2027.
Planners agreed that “very special circumstances” justified building on greenbelt land. But local campaigners claim the new stadium would cause “irreversible damage to a site which has high local ecological significance and value”.
New loanee Lankshear aims to spur Yellows on to Championship glory/survival
BBC Sport · August 5, 2025
Oxford United have secured a season-long loan for promising Tottenham Hotspur forward Will Lankshear, who is eager to make an impact after finishing as the top scorer in Premier League 2 this season. The 20-year-old, who has made six senior appearances for Spurs, is ready to bring his goal-scoring touch to Oxford.
Property news
Closed pub in village near Bicester placed on market
Oxford Mail · August 6, 2025
The historic King's Head pub in Fritwell is on the market for £425,000, featuring a main bar, restaurant, and owner accommodation, while the Gardiner Arms in Tackley, recently reopened after a year-long closure, is available for £480,000. Both charming establishments are listed by Sidney Phillips, offering unique opportunities for prospective buyers.
Farmer buys historic Oxfordshire village pub with ambition
Oxford Mail · August 5, 2025
Robert Crocker, a 70-year-old farmer, has taken over the historic Hand & Shears pub in Church Hanborough, aiming to revitalise the village community with homegrown food from his farm on the menu. Despite the challenges facing pubs today, the local community is optimistic about the future of this cherished establishment under Crocker's leadership.
Nine filming locations that feature in Netflix's new movie ‘My Oxford Year’
Yahoo News · August 2, 2025
My Oxford Year, a romantic film based on Julia Whelan's novel, follows Anna De La Vega as she pursues her dream at Oxford University and features stunning locations across the city. Now streaming on Netflix, the film has received positive reviews and boasts a talented cast including Sofia Carson, Corey Mylchreest, Yadier Fernández, Nia Anisah and Hugh Coles.
Emma Watson's 9-bedroom mansion where she shields from the spotlight while pursuing a PhD
HELLO! - August 3, 2025
Emma Watson, now 35, has taken a break from acting to pursue a DPhil in Creative Writing at the University of Oxford, having recently purchased a luxurious multi-million pound home in Jericho. With a strong academic background that includes studying at Brown University and furthering her literary education at Oxford, she continues to blend her passion for literature with her impressive career.
What’s on in and around Oxford this weekend?
Radiohead album cover image taken in hospital basement
BBC News · August 2, 2025
Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood, the creative duo behind Radiohead's iconic album covers, share their fascinating journey – from sneaking into a hospital basement for inspiration to their collaborative process – at the exhibition "This Is What You Get," now on display at Oxford's Ashmolean Museum until 11 January. The showcase highlights their artistic synergy and the significant role of visual art in music, all while offering humorous anecdotes about their early design struggles.
All photos are credited to source article or Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.
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