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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 34
Oxford News By Hana Edition 34
Out, damned blot!
Mark Skipworth
November 27, 2025
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 34
Oxford Outlook: Out, damned blot!
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And the truth will out? Like the monstrous river of fly-tipped rubbish dumped beside the A34, so a new heap is being dumped on unsuspecting Oxfordshire residents.
I’m referring, of course, to the shocking pile of information flowing from our dozy Environment Agency (EA), so-called guardians of our green and pleasant land.
To rewind: you may recall it was about a week ago that a huge heap of illegal waste in Oxfordshire made national and international headlines. Measuring up to 150m long and 6m high, this “river of rubbish” was revealed to be in a field next to the River Cherwell near Kidlington. According to a neighbouring landowner, truckloads of waste had been dumped there every night for months.
So extensive was the fly-tipped rubbish – mainly domestic waste, shredded plastics, tyres and other household items – that the site has been called an “environmental catastrophe”, prompting the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, no less, to describe it in Parliament as “appalling”.
Yet, as we learn from a BBC report in this week’s newsletter, the EA first knew about the build-up of waste as long ago as July. As if by way of reassurance, the agency stated that its officers became aware of “continued criminal activity” at the site in October, and a court order was sought and granted to close it. “Since this was granted on 23 October, no further tipping has taken place,” it said.
Excuse me: the EA knew about this illegal fly-tipping back in the summer and did nothing about it till last month? Presumably, by which time, the cost of the clean-up had escalated to an eye-watering level – it now stands at more than £25m, according to some reports. Furthermore, if the search is on for the culprits, who then did the agency issue the court order against in order to prevent further dumping?
The site is now a “live crime scene”. The EA, we’re told, is conducting a “major investigation” and co-ordinating with the police and other authorities. A 39 year-old man was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the pile of rubbish. The arrest was promptly declared by the agency as the “first step in delivering justice”. The suspect was released the next day. Hmm.
A recent House of Lords report concluded that large-scale waste crime is growing and becoming ever more sophisticated. Do we feel helpless in relying upon these EA quangocrats to tackle the problem? You bet we do.
* The decision to introduce entry fees could "kill off" the Museum of Oxford, say campaigners. The city council has voted for a £4 standard fee and £2 charge for concessions to visit the museum from January. I’m with the campaigners. In competition with so many “free” university museums, the fees are unlikely to save it. In any event, “people’s museums” like MOX should always be free. They are local treasures that should be cherished by all – lose them, and we lose our collective memory.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
Oxford’s environmental credentials are a bit of a mixed bag. A city of cyclists, it strives to be green, though traffic congestion is said to remain a problem. The data below is a snapshot of Oxford’s energy consumption and more.
Domestic electricity consumption (kWh): Oxford consumes 2,503.9, compared with the national local authority average of 2,586.6 in 2024. So, slightly lower but nothing to write home about;
Domestic gas consumption (kWh): Oxford gobbles through 10,298.8, compared with a national local authority average of 9,925.1 in 2024. A bit higher but broadly similar to the median for the country;
Greenhouse gas emissions (tCO2e per capita): Oxford belts out 3.5 per capita, while the national average was 4.7 in 2023. Take a silver star, Oxford;
Electric vehicle public charging devices (per 100,000 population): Oxford boasts 110.9, outstripping the national average of 80.3 in January 2025. Take a GOLD star, Oxford!
Source: ONS
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Suspect released over fly-tipped waste mountain in Oxfordshire
BBC · November 26, 2025
A 39-year-old man from Guildford has been released pending investigation into a massive fly-tipped waste pile in Oxfordshire, measuring up to 150m long and 6m high, which has been accumulating since the summer. The Environment Agency has declared the site a critical incident and secured a court order to prevent further dumping, as they work with local authorities and police to address the situation.
Islip homicide: Woman under police watch dies in hospital
Oxford Mail · November 21, 2025
A 49-year-old woman from Oxfordshire, who was under police watch, died in hospital following the homicide investigation of a nine-year-old girl in Middle Street on October 21. The local community is in shock, with officials and clergy offering support and reflection during this tragic time.
Thames Water lifts hosepipe ban after four months
BBC News · November 27, 2025
Thames Water has lifted a four-month hosepipe ban affecting 1.1 million customers in parts of England, including Oxfordshire, thanks to above-average rainfall and conservation efforts. The company encourages residents to continue using water wisely to ensure reservoirs are replenished for the summer months ahead.
Sir Philip Pullman says home city of Oxford is 'a frustrating place'
BBC · November 22, 2025
Sir Philip Pullman has voiced his frustrations over Oxford's "egregiously bad" planning decisions, particularly the closure of Botley Road, which he believes harms local shops and accessibility. He also expressed deep concern about low literacy rates among disadvantaged children in Oxfordshire, emphasising the urgent need for resources to promote reading and access to books.
Oxford hospital apologises after baby's sepsis death
BBC · November 25, 2025
A hospital in Oxford has issued an apology following the tragic death of 10-day-old Willow Rose Courtney-Thompson from preventable sepsis linked to a poorly managed biopsy procedure. Her parents, devastated by the loss, are advocating for improved care to prevent similar tragedies and honour Willow's memory.
Criticism of Oxford green belt 'supercomputer' science park plans
BBC News · November 25, 2025
Plans for the EXOq supercomputer science park by the University of Oxford's Exeter College are facing backlash over their proposed location on green belt land near Kidlington, with critics emphasising the importance of preserving such land for community health and environmental benefits. While the college advocates for job creation, local leaders argue that development shouldn't compromise vital green spaces.
High-profile Oxfordshire celebrities listed in Jeffrey Epstein files
Oxford Mail · November 23, 2025
Donald Trump has signed a bill to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, revealing a list of notable figures linked to the convicted sex offender, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and David Cameron, the former Prime Minister. The House Oversight Committee emphasises that mere mention does not imply wrongdoing, as over 30 British celebrities and royals are named in the documents.
Protesters fear entry fees could kill off Oxford museum
BBC · November 25, 2025
Protesters are voicing strong opposition to the Museum of Oxford's new entry fees, set to take effect in January, fearing it could jeopardise the institution's future and access to local history. With a petition amassing over 1,050 signatures, campaigners argue that the £4 standard and £2 concession charges will hinder the museum's ability to compete with free alternatives nearby.
Oxford University is winner of Queen Elizabeth education prize
Oxford Mail · November 26, 2025
His Majesty The King has approved awards for 19 UK universities and colleges, recognising excellence in higher education through the Queen Elizabeth Prizes. Among the winners, the University of Oxford was honoured for its innovative data analysis platform, OpenSAFELY, which leverages NHS GP records to support impactful research while safeguarding patient privacy.
Four arrested after £450,000 watch and £1.1m in cryptocurrency stolen in Oxford raid
The Guardian · November 19, 2025
Masked robbers stole a £450,000 watch and £1.1 million in cryptocurrency from five individuals travelling from Oxford to London on November 4, forcing their way into the victims' car before abandoning them nearby. Thames Valley Police are investigating the incident and seeking public assistance regarding three specific vehicles involved, while four men have been arrested in connection with the crime.
Oxford City Farm 'devastated' over £2,000 meat theft
BBC News · November 26, 2025
Oxford City Farm was hit hard by a break-in on Saturday, losing £2,000 worth of pork, including premium cuts meant to support its community initiatives. As the farm rallies to recover from the theft, which also damaged their storage units, Thames Valley Police are investigating a similar incident at nearby mental health service Restore.
Canada’s former deputy PM will move to UK for new job as CEO of Rhodes Trust educational charity
CBC · November 20, 2025
Liberal MP Chrystia Freeland has been appointed as CEO of the Rhodes Trust and warden of Rhodes House at the University of Oxford, starting July 1. Although she has not announced plans to resign from Parliament, Freeland has stated she will not run in the next election, marking a significant career transition for the former deputy prime minister and finance minister of Canada.
Cotswolds crash near Aldsworth leads to death of man in his 20s
BBC · November 26, 2025
A tragic single-vehicle crash in the Cotswolds claimed the life of a man in his 20s and left a 19-year-old seriously injured. The incident occurred on the B4425, where police discovered a Mercedes-Benz SLK that had left the road late on Tuesday night.
It’s not a drill: Sophie takes charge on visit to Oxford workshop
The Independent · November 26, 2025
The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, demonstrated her drilling skills at the RAW Workshop in Blackbird Leys, learning about their innovative furniture refurbishment model and engaging with young people overcoming personal challenges. Her visit highlighted the impactful work of this social enterprise and its charity, RAW Potential, dedicated to youth education and empowerment.
Quadruplet parents praise Ronald McDonald House in Oxford
BBC News · November 27, 2025
Jodie Keeley and Lyde Darien, parents of quadruplets born prematurely, express their heartfelt thanks to the Ronald McDonald House in Oxford for providing them with essential accommodation during their babies' 14-week stay in intensive care. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the charity has supported over a thousand families, highlighting its crucial role in offering comfort and stability during challenging times.
Victoria Beckham 'set to join Spice Girls reunion in 2026'
Witney Gazette · November 26, 2025
Victoria Beckham and her husband, Sir David Beckham, have lived in a Cotswolds mansion for nearly a decade, close to fellow Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. With rumours of a reunion for their 30th anniversary in 2026 fuelled by Victoria's recent performance of "Viva Forever" with her son, the iconic girl group is generating buzz among fans once again.
Sport
Oxford Outlook: The U’s
They say it’s tough at the top. True. But it’s brutal at the bottom.
Tuesday night saw Oxford United draw 1-1 away to Norwich City. An unremarkable result for the casual observer. But the fact that United’s 95th minute equaliser (wow) keeps the Canaries in their cage in the battle to avoid relegation from the Championship was important for all who support the men in yellow. It followed a creditable 1-1 home draw against third placed Middlesbrough the previous Saturday.
But - and in football there’s always a but - cold, hard steel threatens the U’s survival in the second tier of English football.
Sheffield United are now the danger. The Blades beat arch rivals Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 last Sunday. Given the Owls are almost certainly doomed for the drop following a points deduction for breaching Football League rules, it seems there are only two (unwelcome) berths available in the relegation zone.
The draw at Norwich seemed to have given Oxford a little breathing space. But not so. Sheffield United tonked Portsmouth 3-0 on Wednesday night at Bramall Lane. The result means the Blades leapfrog the U’s in the table.
Brutal at the bottom…
Sheffield United (21st): 16 points
Oxford United (22nd): 15 points
Norwich City (23rd): 10 points
Sheffield Wednesday (24th): minus 4 points
Oxford host in-form Ipswich Town on Friday night. A win against the Tractor Boys would settle the nerves a little. But it’s a big ask.
With Norwich struggling badly, as things stand it looks like a fight between the men in yellow and the men from steel city to avoid that third drop spot.
There is still a long way to go. But hold on to your hats because this could prove to be a relegation rollercoaster.
The Sports Desk
Oxford City Women celebrates record turnout in Swindon cup defeat
Yahoo News · November 26, 2025
Oxford City Women celebrated a record turnout of over 750 fans at the MGroup Stadium despite a 3-0 loss to Swindon Town in the Women's FA Cup, underscoring a growing support for the team. Aliyah Anthony praised the club's staff and young players for their efforts, expressing optimism about continuing to build on this momentum in women's football.
National title for Didcot boxer who lost first five fights
BBC · November 26, 2025
Sixteen-year-old Jakson Myers from Milton Heights has overcome early setbacks, including five consecutive losses and a spinal fracture, to become the English junior boxing champion, achieving an impressive 18 straight wins. His journey of resilience and dedication, marked by intense training and perseverance, has transformed him from a struggling fighter into a champion celebrated by his father and coach alike.
Property news
Auctioneer says £100k River Thames island may be leisure retreat
BBC News · November 25, 2025
Hallsmead Ait, a triangular island on the River Thames, was auctioned for nearly £100,000, attracting significant interest despite its risky valuation and challenges in obtaining planning permission for residential use due to flood risks. The sale presents a unique opportunity for leisure activities, particularly for boat owners, with potential for a small structure like a boathouse.
Netanyahu's son slashes asking price for Oxford flat after it fails to sell
Middle East Eye · November 20, 2025
Avner Netanyahu, now known as Avner Segal, has slashed the asking price of his Oxford flat from £620,000 to £500,000 after struggling to sell it for nine months. Citing safety concerns linked to his father's political position, he changed his surname and previously faced censorship regarding the property purchase.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Christmas in Oxford city centre - what's on and when
This is Oxfordshire · November 23, 2025
Join the festive fun on Broad Street from November 22 to December 31 (closed Christmas Day), featuring live music, delicious street food, and family-friendly attractions like a carousel and ferris wheel. Enjoy late-night shopping at The Covered Market and festive promotions across the city while soaking in the holiday spirit with dazzling lights and community events!
All photos are credited to Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.
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