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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 24
Oxford News By Hana Edition 24
Parking the problem
Mark Skipworth & Mark Skipworth
September 18, 2025
Oxford News by HANA -Edition 24
Oxford Outlook: Parking the problem
The saga of the unused Eynsham park and ride deepens. Having racked up an eye-watering £50m-plus to construct, it now transpires that the site is costing more than £9,000 a month – well over £100,000 a year – just to stand idle.
Anyone who has had the ill-fortune of making their daily commute into Oxford along the congested A40 will wonder when, if ever, they will be able to use this facility, branded the most expensive car park in Britain.
According to a BBC report in this week’s newsletter, Oxfordshire County Council has revealed in a Freedom of Information request that security, lighting and fencing at the site are amounting to about £9,500 every month.
The 850-space park and ride was actually completed in early 2024, but is not expected to open for use until 2027. Why the delay?
Believe it or not, the site was constructed without an access road and connection to the A40. The planning application to connect it up was submitted only in July, the delay due, says the council, to the added costs of high inflation.
Meanwhile, the council insists the security and maintenance of the site comes at no extra cost because it was agreed as part of the existing contract with Balfour Beatty. That is no excuse to prolong the delay.
The council has the gall to inform us that “when in use, Eynsham park and ride will offer frequent bus services with direct connections to Oxford and the surrounding areas. It will also provide improved facilities for cyclists, walking and community transport”. Then get on with it!
* Not since Michael Foot's donkey jacket at the Cenotaph in 1981 has there been such an exquisite sartorial gaffe. (I don’t count the recent shameful attack by Republican reptiles on President Zelenskyy’s attire at the White House). Take a look below at today's image of Tom Buckley, Mayor of Henley-on-Thames, and you’ll see what I mean.
It's hardly surprising Mayor Buckley has come under fire having chosen to wear a floral shirt, shorts, trainers and no socks to a parade of the Royal Marine, army and air cadets, our future defenders of the realm.
Despite the criticisms, Mayor Buckley has defended his dress sense saying that “people's preconceptions need to be challenged”. Fair enough, but is this really the respectful look that the well-heeled townsfolk of Henley want their leading civic ambassador to project to the outside world? As comedian and DJ Kenny Everett would often say: it’s all in the best possible taste!
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, described as “a new home for Oxford humanities,” is due to open as early as next month
The building has been made possible by gifts totalling £185m from the American businessman and philanthropist Stephen A. Schwarzman
Schwarzman is CEO of the Blackstone investment group, which this week pledged £90 billion to the UK, and attended King Charles’ banquet for President Trump
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…
Hyper-local news articles
New A40 park and ride, which stands idle, branded ‘most expensive car park in Britain’
BBC News · September 12, 2025
A £51 million park and ride facility near Eynsham, completed in 2024 but currently unused due to pending road access approval, is incurring over £9,500 in monthly maintenance costs for security, lighting, and fencing. These expenses, covered under a contract with Balfour Beatty, continue despite the facility's operational status being stalled.
Oxford man charged with attempted murder after ‘targeted’ hit-and-run attack
Oxford Mail · September 16, 2025
Romario Qatja, 30, has been charged with attempted murder and dangerous driving after a grey Mercedes allegedly ran over two men in Oxford, leaving one with life-changing injuries. The incident, described as a targeted attack, has prompted police to urge witnesses to come forward, especially those with dash-cams.
Oxford University academics 'rely on charities for food’
The Mirror · September 17, 2025
Academics at Oxford University are increasingly turning to charities for food and basic necessities, with around 150 individuals seeking assistance weekly due to the rising cost of living and Oxford's high rental prices. This issue is highlighted ahead of the Oxford CEO Sleepout on October 9, a fundraising event aimed at supporting the homeless, which has previously raised £5.5 million nationally.
Congestion charge decided 'behind closed doors'
BBC News · September 18, 2025
Concerns over Oxfordshire County Council's temporary £5 daily congestion charge have sparked criticism regarding the transparency and effectiveness of the public consultation, with many locals expressing opposition to the plan. Frustration from business owners and potential legal challenges highlight growing dissatisfaction with the council's decision-making process and its impact on traffic management.
Mayor is blasted for turning up at military parade in floral shirt, shorts, trainers and no socks
Mail Online · September 17, 2025
Tom Buckley, Mayor of Henley-on-Thames, is facing a backlash for his casual attire at a military parade, with critics arguing it disrespected the cadets' uniform standards. Defending his choice as a challenge to traditional norms, Buckley emphasized the importance of focusing on serious community issues rather than personal appearance.
'Very real risk' Oxford Canal closure could be extended
BBC · September 17, 2025
The Canal and River Trust has warned that the closure of the Oxford Canal due to critically low reservoir levels may extend beyond September 30, severely impacting local businesses like the Red Lion pub. With a festival set for October 4-5 threatened by the lack of access for trading boats, concerns grow over the event's success and visitor attractions.
President-elect of Oxford Union to face disciplinary proceedings for Charlie Kirk remarks
The Guardian · September 13, 2025
George Abaraonye, the president-elect of the Oxford Union, faces disciplinary proceedings after celebrating the shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, leading to a public backlash and threats against him. While Abaraonye expressed regret for his comments, the Oxford Union condemned violence but upheld free speech principles, noting no violations occurred under college policies.
Police find dead bodies of man and woman in Oxfordshire home
Oxford Mail · September 17, 2025
Emergency services in Milton near Didcot are investigating the unexpected deaths of a man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s, discovered at a residential property on September 17. Thames Valley Police have urged the public to refrain from speculation as the investigation continues, confirming that no one else is being sought in connection with the case.
Oxford University tops new university rankings with perfect score
Herald Series · September 17, 2025
Oxford University has secured its top spot in the latest annual university rankings with a perfect score of 100, marking its second consecutive year at number one; the University of St Andrews is second. Cambridge and the London School of Economics maintain their third and fourth positions, respectively, amid evaluations based on criteria such as student satisfaction and graduate employment rates.
Appeal against plans for Oxford's Oxpens bridge is refused
BBC News · September 17, 2025
Friends of Grandpont Nature Park are disheartened after the Court of Appeal upheld a High Court ruling for a £14 million bridge connecting Grandpont Nature Park to Oxpens Meadow, which they claim is "destructive and unnecessary." Despite their opposition and concerns over rising costs, Oxford City Council insists that the additional funding secured is crucial for completing a project that has been in the works for nearly two decades.
Revealed: How the world’s richest man is placing a £1 billion bet to turn Oxford into the next Silicon Valley
The Economic Times · September 13, 2025
Larry Ellison is investing £1 billion to establish the Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford, aiming to transform the city into a leading tech hub that blends innovation with its rich academic heritage. His plans include extensive research facilities and the renovation of the historic Eagle and Child pub into a collaborative space for scholars, highlighting a commitment to merging culture with cutting-edge technology.
Oxford Brookes silent on porn star visit
Oxford Mail · September 16, 2025
Porn star Bonnie Blue, also known as Tia Emma Billinger, is set to visit Oxford on September 21 and 22 as part of her controversial tour aimed at first-year university students. Following previous events in Glasgow and Newcastle, her appearances have sparked criticism from MP Joani Reid, who warns that they promote harmful narratives about relationships and misogyny.
Police probe into ‘heartless’ theft of Oxfordshire’s viral TikTok goats
Herald Series · September 16, 2025
Two adorable pygmy goat kids, Lawrence and Randall, were stolen from their home in East Hagbourne, prompting an outpouring of concern from the community and a police investigation. Owner Tom Goodenough, who has been raising them by hand and sharing their journey online, is appealing for their safe return as he fears for their well-being.
Oxford Quantum Circuits announces world-first quantum-AI data centre
UKTN · September 16, 2025
Oxford Quantum Circuits has partnered with Digital Realty to launch New York City's first data centre featuring a quantum computer, enhancing AI and quantum applications for industries like finance and security. This initiative, part of a UK-US tech trade partnership, aims to advance AI model training and make quantum computing more scalable.
Banbury water supplies disrupted for second time in 10 days
BBC · September 18, 2025
Water supplies in Banbury have been disrupted again due to a burst pipe on the B4035, affecting residents in postcodes OX15, OX16, and OX17. Thames Water says it is actively working to resolve the issue after a similar incident just ten days ago.
Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper: 'I started out selling eggs'
BBC · September 13, 2025
Kaleb Cooper, star of "Clarkson's Farm," began his farming journey at 13 with just three chickens and has since expanded to a thriving contracting business while emphasizing the importance of teaching children about food production through his new children's book. He cherishes the opportunity to work on the farm alongside his young children, encouraging them to explore their own passions while fostering a love for agriculture.
Oxford United fan banned for racially abusing stadium staff
BBC · September 17, 2025
Mark Cox, a 49-year-old football fan from Kennington, has received a three-year ban from attending matches after racially abusing and assaulting stadium staff during an Oxford United game. Pleading guilty to multiple charges, he was fined over £1,100 and must surrender his passport for England's away fixtures.
Sport
Gary Rowett: Oxford United boss reacts to 2-2 draw with Leicester
BBC Sport · September 13, 2025
After a 2-2 draw with 10-man Leicester City, Oxford United boss Gary Rowett reflected on the match, noting it felt like points dropped despite facing a quality former Premier League team. He praised his team's strong start in the game but highlighted the need to avoid mistakes that lead to crucial goals in future matches.
Property news
Poshest places to live in Oxfordshire according to locals – do you agree?
Yahoo News · September 13, 2025
Oxfordshire locals have named Barton as the poshest place to live, with average house prices at £488,481, followed closely by Henley and Boars Hill. Despite a slight two percent decrease from last year, property values in Barton remain seven percent higher than their 2022 peak, reflecting the area's continued desirability.
10 best places to live in Oxfordshire are announced
Herald Series · September 16, 2025
Henley has been crowned the best place to live in Oxfordshire by Muddy Stilettos, thanks to its lively riverside charm and thriving cultural scene, followed closely by Woodstock and Witney. Meanwhile, the Cotswolds shines in culinary delights, with Chipping Norton leading the way for food enthusiasts, supported by the appealing atmospheres of Woodstock and Witney.
BBC star puts Oxfordshire home on sale amid 'new chapter'
Oxford Mail · September 16, 2025
Chris Hollins, BBC Breakfast sports presenter, has listed his stunning home "Bluebells" in Rotherfield Greys for £2.95 million. Set on nearly 10 acres, this beautifully updated property boasts five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and planning permission for a swimming pool or tennis court, all within reach of excellent schools and Henley's amenities.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Oxford video game exhibition 'explores storytelling'
BBC · September 15, 2025
Discover the Story Arcade exhibition at Oxford's Story Museum, where the evolution of storytelling through video games comes to life with arcade machines, board games, and interactive activities. Supported by National Lottery funding, this permanent exhibit highlights gaming milestones from "Space Invaders" to "The Lost Words," showcasing how video games inspire creativity and empathy in players of all ages.
Why Oxford is among the UK's best city break options for autumn
Yahoo News · September 13, 2025
Discover the charm of Oxford this autumn, as The Times highlights the city for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Enjoy iconic attractions like the University of Oxford's historic colleges, the Ashmolean Museum, and picturesque punting along the river, all the while savouring the cosy atmosphere of local coffee shops and restaurants.
Fossils discovered during HS2 works go on display in Oxford museum
BBC · September 16, 2025
Discover fascinating fossils from the HS2 rail project at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, featuring ichthyosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. This temporary exhibit not only showcases remarkable specimens from local regions but also pays tribute to 19th-century palaeontologist Professor John Phillips and highlights the impact of railway development on geological research.
Women's MI5 World War Two roles shared in new Blenheim Palace trail
BBC · September 13, 2025
Explore the "Women of Wartime - Secrets" trail at Blenheim Palace, celebrating the unsung heroines of MI5 during World War II. Engage in code-breaking activities while discovering the palace's historical significance and the vital contributions of women to the Allied victory, running until September 30.
All photos are credited to Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.
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