Oxford News by HANA - Edition 22

Oxford Outlook: C-Day is upon us!

A date for the diary: Wednesday, September 10. It’s the day, we’re told, when the elders of Oxfordshire County Council gather to make their final decision on the dreaded Oxford congestion charge.

I think we all know what the decision is going to be. According to a BBC report in this week’s newsletter, council officers are already recommending approval for the scheme that will impose a £5 daily charge on motorists to enter Oxford via six roads around the city.

The £5 charge is to apply to car drivers only (no surprises there); permits are likely to be available for carers, traders, blue badge holders and anyone commuting to or living in a central area of the city.

We have the Botley Road Shambles to blame. The county council previously claimed action was needed due to the road’s long-term closure which has resulted in delays to the introduction of their own traffic filter scheme.

To reduce traffic volumes and create “improved conditions for buses,” Liz Leffman, the county council leader, magisterially declared the congestion charge was the “only suggestion that's come forward that actually makes any real sense”. We got that?

There’s surely a wider issue here - namely, local accountability. For as we learned last week, 75% of 7,000 people who responded to a public consultation said the congestion charge would have a negative impact on their lives. Many said it was “unfair and unjust” and was bound to damage the city’s businesses.

It begs the question: what was the point of the public consultation if the views of the overwhelming majority were to be completely ignored, along with any helpful suggestions the respondents might have made? No wonder young people are disillusioned with politics, which appears to have become a tick-box exercise in the case of our county council.

* As the former owner of a narrowboat, it made painful reading to learn of the plight of Tooley’s Boatyard in Banbury. Dry and warm weather over recent months has shut a stretch of the Oxford Canal that this famous boatyard sits on, and may lead to its closure after losing a huge amount of business.

It cannot be allowed to happen. The boatyard first opened in 1778, and has one of the canal system’s oldest continuously working dry docks. It was immortalised in Tom Rolt’s classic work Narrow Boat, which started a revival of the English waterways. Without government help, will the vagaries of climate change be allowed to claim this historic victim?

Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor

Databox

• Between the last two censuses – held in 2011 and 2021 – the population of Oxford increased by nearly 7% to 162,000

• The city was among the top 20% most densely populated English local authority areas at the last census

• The average (median) age of Oxford residents increased from 29 to 31 years of age between the last two censuses – the lowest average (median) age in the South East

Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…

Best of Oxford News This Week

as chosen by our editors

Council set to approve £5 Oxford congestion charge

BBC News · September 3, 2025

Oxfordshire County Council is moving forward with a proposed £5 congestion charge on six roads in Oxford to tackle traffic issues and enhance bus services, despite significant public opposition, with 75% of respondents voicing concerns. The council's cabinet will make a final decision on September 10, as local leaders acknowledge the scheme's flaws while emphasising its necessity for improving transportation conditions.

Read more at BBC News (2 mins)

Thames Water hosepipe ban to continue due to ‘lack of rainfall’

BBC · August 28, 2025

A hosepipe ban affecting 1.1 million residents across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire will remain in place until significant rainfall replenishes water supplies, as Thames Water reports ongoing low reservoir levels despite the wet weather. The ban, which is saving 5 million litres of water daily, prohibits hosepipe use for gardening and car washing, with fines of up to £1,000 for violations.

Historic boatyard may be forced to close after 250 years because of the dry, warm weather

BBC · September 2, 2025

Tooley's Boatyard, the UK's oldest dry dock, on the Oxford Canal, faces potential closure after 250 years due to an 80% decline in business caused by severe drought and waterway closures. With the government investing more than £480 million in canal maintenance until 2037, concerns about the future of these vital waterways continue to grow amidst record-breaking heat and dryness.

Athletes swim Thames to highlight 'sewage crisis'

BBC News · September 3, 2025

Eight swimmers are embarking on a 200km relay along the River Thames to raise awareness of the UK's sewage crisis, organized by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS). The event, featuring athletes from all UK nations including world record-holder Jessika Robson, will conclude with advocacy efforts at Westminster while SAS monitors water pollution levels during the challenge.

Read more at BBC News (2 mins)

Oxford University college ‘unable to cope’ with Harry Potter fans visiting filming locations

The Tab · September 2, 2025

New College Oxford, a popular destination for Harry Potter fans due to its film appearances, is addressing overwhelming visitor numbers by proposing a range of improvements, including a new gate for better separation from students, a ticket office to streamline sales and a gift shop offering local products. These changes aim to enhance the experience for both tourists and college members while preserving the college's atmosphere.

Read more at The Tab (2 mins)

£600m plans submitted for Bicester theme park

BBC · September 1, 2025

Puy du Fou has proposed an ambitious £600 million history-themed attraction near Bicester, Oxfordshire, featuring four period villages, 13 live shows, and three hotels, set to open in phases starting in 2029. The project promises to attract 1.47 million annual visitors and create around 2,000 jobs while enhancing the local environment with new hedgerows, wildflower meadows, and thousands of trees.

Walkway is 'key milestone' toward ending Botley Road shambles

BBC · August 31, 2025

A new four-metre wide walkway has opened in Oxford as part of a £231 million project to upgrade the city station, connecting Botley Road to Frideswide Square and improving access for pedestrians and cyclists. Despite previous delays since the road's closure in April 2023, project leaders are optimistic about reopening by August 2026, enhancing flow and accessibility in the area.

Read more at BBC (2 mins)

Forthcoming Downton Abbey movie is boost to Bampton tourism

Oxford Mail · September 3, 2025

"Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale," a film set to release in the UK on September 12, continues the story of the Crawley family in the summer of 1930 as they navigate a public scandal and financial difficulties. With key cast members reprising their roles, the film has already boosted tourism in Bampton, positively impacting the local community.

Read more at Oxford Mail (2 mins)

Residents still have ‘a lot of questions’ about plans to reopen immigration centre near Oxford

BBC News · September 4, 2025

The UK government plans to refurbish and expand the controversial Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre near Oxford, investing £70 million to create around 160 bed spaces, with a potential future increase to 400. Local MP Calum Miller has raised concerns over the government's use of a Crown Development Order to expedite the project, arguing it limits community input and leaves residents with many unanswered questions.

Read more at BBC News (2 mins)

Oxford study shows teen periods can lead to chronic pain in adulthood

Oxford Mail · September 1, 2025

A University of Oxford study has revealed that 60% of 15-year-olds experience moderate to severe period pain, with those suffering severe pain facing a 76% increased risk of chronic pain by age 26. Experts stress the need for better menstrual education and research to address the long-term health impacts of menstrual pain on young people's lives.

Read more at Oxford Mail (4 mins)

New A34 junction to open months later than planned

BBC · September 1, 2025

The new road junction at Lodge Hill, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, is now set to open in winter 2026, several months later than planned, due to delays in construction. The project will enhance the A34 with south-facing slip roads and improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians while implementing temporary lane reductions and speed restrictions for safety during construction.

Read more at BBC (2 mins)

Oxford University and Ellison Institute of Technology collaborate on AI vaccine research

Pharmaceutical Technology · September 2, 2025

The University of Oxford has launched the CoI-AI vaccine research programme, backed by £118m in funding, to enhance understanding of immune responses and vaccine effectiveness against severe pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae and E. coli. Utilizing human challenge models and advanced AI techniques, the initiative aims to develop innovative vaccines that could combat antibiotic resistance and improve public health.

Read more at Pharmaceutical Technology (3 mins)

Wantage cyclist prepares for 50-mile charity ride on penny farthing

BBC · August 29, 2025

Richie Mason from Wantage, Oxfordshire, is gearing up to ride 50 miles on a modern penny farthing for the Jon Egging Trust (JET) on September 13, 2025, supporting vulnerable young people. While most riders will opt for standard road bikes, Mason’s unique choice promises an exciting challenge in this charity event starting and ending at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

Read more at Bbc (2 mins)

Council announces £5.1 million regeneration of Bicester Market Square

BBC · September 3, 2025

Cherwell District Council has announced the £5.1 million regeneration of Bicester Market Square, set for completion in 2027, featuring outdoor dining, green spaces, and improved connectivity to Sheep Street. The project aims to create a vibrant community space while retaining car parking and enhancing the pedestrian experience.

Read more at Bbc (2 mins)

Wantage pedestrian, 60, dies in collision with motorcycle

This is Oxfordshire · September 3, 2025

A tragic collision on the A417 Mably Way on September 1 resulted in the death of a 60-year-old pedestrian from Wantage, while the motorcyclist involved has since been discharged from the hospital. Authorities are urging witnesses, especially those with dash-cam footage, to come forward to assist in the investigation.

Read more at This is Oxfordshire (2 mins)

SPORT

Filip Krastev: Oxford United sign Bulgaria international midfielder

BBC Sport · September 1, 2025

Oxford United have secured Bulgarian international Filip Krastev on a season-long loan from Lommel. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder, who impressed last season with PEC Zwolle, is eager to make an impact in England, vowing to give his all for the team while aiming to score goals and create opportunities.

Read more at BBC Sport (1 min)

Property news

Price slashed of stately home near Oxford once owned by earls

Oxford Mail · September 3, 2025

Wytham Abbey, a stunning Grade I listed manor house near Oxford, is now on the market for £5.95 million after a significant price drop from £15 million, following the Effective Ventures Foundation's loss of financial backing for its planned events venue. Set within 23 acres of gardens and woodland, this historically rich property boasts impressive architecture and versatility for residential or conference use, all while being just three miles from Oxford.

Read more at Oxford Mail (3 mins)

_{What’s on in and around Oxford?}

Month of September means St Giles’ Fair

Oxford Clarion · September 1, 2025

St Giles’ Fair, a beloved Oxford tradition since the early 17th century, will take place on September 8 and 9, 2025, transforming St Giles’ street into a lively funfair with rides and food stalls. As discussions about reimagining the space gain momentum, plans are underway to enhance it as a family-friendly public area while preserving its heritage.

Read more at Oxford Clarion (4 mins)

All photos are credited to Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.

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