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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 21
Oxford News By Hana Edition 21
Highway robbery?
Mark Skipworth
August 28, 2025
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 21
Oxford Outlook: Highway robbery?
The people have spoken – well, at least some of them. Of the 7,000 who bothered to respond to a public consultation, an overwhelming 75% say the plans to implement a congestion charge in Oxford will have a negative impact on their lives.
The consultation on this controversial traffic scheme has come to an end and now it is up to the elders of Oxfordshire County Council to decide whether to go ahead.
Don’t hold your breath. There appears little or no justice in the scheme which, under the current proposals, will oblige motorists to pay a £5 daily charge to enter Oxford via six roads around the city.
According to a BBC report in this week’s newsletter, the county council has tried to sweeten the pill by making permits available to carers, traders, blue badge holders and those commuting to or living in a central area of the city. There are also recommendations to provide free park-and-ride journeys for the first two months as well as additional permits for ice hockey clubs (seriously).
What is it about traffic “congestion” that gives Oxfordshire County Council and other local authorities around the country the justification to charge for it? If it is for environmental reasons, then why are EV cars not automatically exempt? In short, it seems to be a cynical tax levied on those that the elders think will be most likely to pay up - namely, law-abiding motorists. Small wonder it has been condemned as “disgusting” and “unfair".
The county council insists the charge will be temporary whilst it is unable to implement approved traffic filters, which have been delayed – wait for it – by the shambles that is the Botley Road closure. “Temporary”? No doubt, like the temporary introduction of income tax in Britain during the Napoleonic Wars!
What intrigues me are the 25 per cent of respondents who are supposedly in favour of the congestion charge. Who are these masochistic martyrs? Am I missing something?
The Witney Gazette, that bible of the Hollywood glitterati - apologies, but it was impossible to resist - speculates on a burning issue of the day: could Taylor Swift be getting married in the Cotswolds following the announcement of her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce? After all, the gazette intones, she reportedly stayed in a £3.3m cottage near Chipping Norton while performing the British leg of her Eras tour last summer. That’s good enough for me.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
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Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…
Hyper-local news articles
Oxfordshire County Council scrutinises congestion charge proposal
BBC · August 27, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council is reviewing plans for a £5 daily congestion charge in Oxford after a public consultation revealed significant opposition, with 75% of over 7,000 responses expressing concerns. The proposed charge aims to manage traffic during ongoing construction on Botley Road and includes recommendations for free park and ride journeys for the first two months and permits for specific groups.
Oxford congestion charge is "not perfect" admits council leader
BBC News · August 28, 2025
Oxfordshire County Council is proposing a temporary £5 daily congestion charge on six city centre roads to improve traffic flow and bus journey times, despite public concerns from more than 7,000 consultation responses. While the council leader defends the plan as necessary, scrutiny committee findings highlight potential road safety issues, including a projected increase in collisions on the ring road.
Oxford University company bought for record £1.1 billion in landmark sale
Oxford Mail · August 27, 2025
OrganOx, a pioneering Oxford University spinout focused on advanced organ preservation technology, has been acquired by Japan's Terumo Corporation, marking a historic venture capital exit in the UK. With its innovative devices that enhance kidney and liver transplantation, OrganOx has already supported more than 6,000 transplants globally, underscoring the university's commitment to impactful research and innovation.
BBC · August 22, 2025
The Oxford Canal remains closed for navigation until at least early September due to low reservoir levels caused by exceptionally dry conditions, with 16 locks shut to conserve water resources and protect the canal's infrastructure. The Canal & River Trust warns that further closures may be necessary if local conditions worsen, emphasizing that restrictions will only be lifted following sustained rainfall.
Thames Water to pay a fifth of its record £122m fine by end of September
Oxford Mail · August 27, 2025
Thames Water has been hit with a £122.7 million penalty by Ofwat for sewage treatment failures and improper dividend payments, with 80% of the fines contingent on the company's financial stability amid ongoing rescue funding discussions. Critics argue the arrangement allows Thames to defer accountability, while the firm vows that customer bills will not be affected as it explores options for recapitalisation.
Oxfordshire man bitten in bed by UK's most dangerous spider
Oxford Mail · August 27, 2025
A 64-year-old man has been bitten in bed from a false widow spider. The painful bite has prompted David Brimson to warn his community in Yarnton to be vigilant about checking for spiders in their homes. As August marks the mating season for these spiders, arachnologist Dr. Tom Elwood explains that they often wander indoors, highlighting the need for caution this time of year.
Could Taylor Swift be getting married in the Cotswolds?
Witney Gazette · August 27, 2025
Pop singer Taylor Swift announced her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce on August 26, sharing a playful Instagram post about their teachers getting married and revealing her stunning Old Mine Brilliant Cut engagement ring. Speculation surrounds their wedding location, with the picturesque Cotswolds being a strong contender, following the recent nuptials of Eve Jobs in the same area.
Palestine Action: Baptist minister arrested in Oxford over banner
BBC News · August 27, 2025
James Grote, a Baptist minister, was arrested in Oxford for supporting Palestine Action, a group recently designated as a terror organisation, during a protest against UK entities supplying weapons to Gaza. His arrest underscores the tension following a Hamas-led attack on Israel that resulted in significant casualties and led to heightened security concerns regarding Palestine Action's activities.
Breast cancer survivors' cancer risk lower than thought
BBC · August 28, 2025
A new study from the University of Oxford reveals that women who have survived early breast cancer face a much lower risk of developing a second cancer than previously thought, with only a 2% increased likelihood after 20 years. Researchers emphasise that while these survivors do have heightened risks for new cancers, they are significantly less concerning compared to the risks of recurrence and mortality from breast cancer itself.
Cancer vaccine research in Oxford to be aided by AI supercomputer
BBC · August 27, 2025
Researchers at the University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Medicine are harnessing the power of the UK's AI supercomputer, Dawn, to develop innovative cancer vaccines by analysing vast data sets from cancer patients. Led by Dr. Lennard Lee, this groundbreaking project aims to uncover hidden patterns in cancer, offering unprecedented insights into the disease at remarkable speed.
Man found dead at former Oxfordshire quarry site
BBC · August 26, 2025
A man has died at Chinnor Quarry in Oxfordshire, with Thames Valley Police investigating the incident as unexpected but not suspicious. The site, known for its dangerous "highly toxic" water pools, has a history of safety concerns, prompting warnings to the public and security measures to deter trespassers.
Oxford University duo living in pop band's old tour bus
Oxford Mail · August 25, 2025
Leo Bevan and Kit Renshaw, two university students facing steep rent increases, creatively transformed an old tour bus into a living space, investing in renovations and planning to save over £2,500 each annually. Their project, fuelled by loans and savvy purchases from Facebook Marketplace, promises a unique and affordable alternative to traditional student housing.
Plan submitted for new mental health hospital in Oxford
BBC · August 23, 2025
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has unveiled plans for a £750m mental health hospital and research campus at Warneford Park in Oxford, aiming to modernize patient care with wellness-focused amenities and spaces for biotech companies. The project seeks government funding and envisages transforming the historic Warneford Hospital into a graduate college for first-year students.
Oxford hospital patient claims he strangled nurse in self-defence
Oxford Mail · August 27, 2025
Ibraheem Shan, 26, is on trial for attempted murder after allegedly strangling two nurses at Littlemore Hospital, claiming he acted out of fear and in self-defence. While he denies the murder charges, Shan has pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation, asserting that discrepancies in accounts highlight potential misconduct by the hospital during his stay.
Controversial Wantage development approved unanimously
Oxford Mail · August 27, 2025
The Vale of White Horse District Council has approved a controversial plan to build 59 homes on Fullers Field in Wantage, despite overwhelming opposition from residents and local officials concerned about the loss of green space and the strain on infrastructure. Part of the larger Kingsgrove project, the development is expected to contribute to economic growth while addressing flooding concerns with an adequate drainage system.
SPORT
Gary Rowett: Oxford United must take chances
BBC Sport · August 23, 2025
Oxford United head coach Gary Rowett lamented his team's lack of offensive effectiveness after a 1-0 loss to Birmingham City, highlighting their struggle to convert opportunities despite a solid start. The defeat underscored ongoing challenges with maintaining performance and capitalizing on key moments, which have persisted since last season.
Property news
Beyoncé and Jay-Z's move to the Cotswolds is a 'done deal'
Oxford Mail · August 26, 2025
Beyoncé and Jay-Z are reportedly finalizing their purchase of a 58-acre property in the Cotswolds, with plans to maintain their base in LA while embracing the support they receive in the UK. As villagers speculate about the couple's potential engagement with the community, local representatives express caution about the realities of integrating a high-profile resident into their small village.
Phil Spencer shares 5 tips to help your home sell quickly
This is Oxfordshire - August 23, 2025
To sell your house quickly, property expert Phil Spencer recommends decluttering, freshening up with a coat of paint, addressing repairs, and deep cleaning to ensure a positive first impression. Choosing the right estate agent is also crucial; look for those with positive reviews and clear selling strategies to achieve the best price in a competitive market.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace set for weekend sell-out
Oxford Mail · August 27, 2025
Salon Privé has made history by selling out tickets for Supercar Saturday on August 30, with a remarkable 30% increase in sales compared with last year, prompting the addition of a fifth day for 2024. Celebrating its 20th anniversary from August 27 to 31, the event promises an extraordinary lineup of classic cars, supercars, and luxury experiences, attracting up to 27,000 visitors.
Final founder of Bunkfest leads another show in Wallingford
Oxford Mail · August 27, 2025
Celebrate 21 years of Wallingford's beloved Bunkfest, founded by Colin Dolton and his late co-founders, with a lineup featuring The Amy Winehouse Band and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers from August 29 to 31. This free-entry festival, supported by 500 dedicated volunteers, significantly boosts the local economy while encouraging community involvement and donations during tough times.
All photos are credited to Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.
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