Oxford News by HANA - Edition 39

Oxford Outlook: Behold, the megavoir!

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It’s all about trust. The public consultation for Thames Water’s planned ‘megavoir’ – a multi-billion pound reservoir near Abingdon – was supposed to end on Tuesday, but we are left wondering: does the water company have the wherewithal to deliver on this once-in-a-generation project?

The latest news that Thames Water has been obliged to extend the consultation process because of a technical glitch stopping people from submitting a long response does not augur well.

To recap: everything about this scheme is colossal-scale. Costing £7.5 billion, the coyly-named South East Strategic Reservoir Option is intended to supply 15 million people in the southeast of England.

Regardless of the obvious environmental impact the reservoir will have on the landscape and wildlife of the area – it will be roughly the same size as Gatwick Airport in its current form – can Thames Water really be trusted with this “vital piece of national water infrastructure” to put its customers first?

The water company, you may recall, was fined more than £120m in May for breaching rules over sewage spills and shareholder payouts. In November, it was one of six blocked from paying bonuses to bosses in the wake of serious pollution incidents and other performance issues. Hardly a glowing CV.

Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, last week questioned Thames Water’s ability to deliver on the project. During a Westminster debate, she called the failure of the company "inevitable". Sir Keir Starmer has also weighed in, saying payouts to its shareholders are unfair amid rising water bills.

Many questions remain unanswered: customers of Thames Water, Affinity Water and Southern Water will be expected to pay for the new reservoir through their bills, but what safeguards will there be to avoid almost-inevitable spiralling costs? How seriously did the water company go about finding alternative options, e.g., fixing leaks within the existing network?

According to Thames Water, almost 1,200 responses have so far been submitted to the public consultation, including formal opposition from the local Vale of White Horse District Council. Like a leaking pipe, this story is going to run and run.

* Things are "pretty terrible" at his Cotswolds pub, Jeremy Clarkson tells us in his latest Sunday Times column. The former Top Gear star, who purchased The Windmill pub in Asthall for around £1m and renamed it The Farmer’s Dog, has shared his fears over the “bleak” situation facing the struggling pub industry as a whole. "What's the point in being open?” he asks, singling out the prospect of sky-high rateable values coupled with the existing rise in national insurance.

Mr Clarkson is right to highlight the plight of Britain’s pubs, many of which are close to collapse or have already disappeared. As part of the nation’s social fabric, we should be helping to support and protect them, not allow them to wither on the hop. I’m reminded of the poem by the great Sir John Betjeman:

“The village inn, the dear old inn,

So ancient, clean and free from sin,

True centre of our rural life

Where Hodge sits down beside his wife

And talks of Marx and nuclear fission

With all a rustic's intuition.

Ah, more than church or school or hall,

The village inn's the heart of all.”

Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor

Databox

This week we focus on access to amenities for Oxford folk – from shopping to sports. I’m glad to say it’s largely good news:

• Supermarkets (per 10,000 of population). Oxford 3.3, better than the national local authority average of 2.7 in 2023.

• Sports facilities (per 10,000 of population). Oxford 22.1, better than the national local authority average of 18.6 in 2023.

• Museums (per 100,000 of population). Oxford 8.0, vastly better than the national local authority average of 4.2 in 2021. The data is a little crusty (much like some of the exhibits, perhaps). But it is a significant difference.

• Residents within a 30-minute walk of their nearest railway station. Oxford 26%, miles worse than the national local authority average of 51% in 2024.

So, if you want to visit a museum in your lunch hour or at the weekend, you’re in the perfect place. Want to hot foot it for a last minute train? Not-so good. But if food followed by fitness – or the other way round – is your thing, then Oxford is your city.

Source: Office for National Statistics

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

Top Stories From Oxford This Week

Consultation on Abingdon ‘megavoir’ extended after Thames Water technical glitch

BBC News · January 15, 2026

Thames Water has extended the deadline for public comments on its South East Strategic Reservoir Option near Abingdon until January 23, due to a technical glitch with its online submission form. The proposed reservoir aims to supply water to 15 million people by utilising winter flows from the River Thames.

Read more at BBC News (1 min)

Oxford study finds that stopping weight-loss drugs results in faster regain than ending diet programmes

Ox · January 8, 2026

A systematic review of 37 studies found that nearly half of adults discontinue GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments within a year, leading to an average weight regain of 0.4 kg per month, with newer drugs causing even faster regains. This highlights the need for comprehensive support and lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss after stopping medication, as individuals could return to their baseline weight in just 18 months.

Read more at Ox (4 mins)

Police monitor faces in Oxford city centre to make controversial arrests

Oxford Mail · January 14, 2026

Thames Valley Police have successfully used new facial recognition technology on a marked van to arrest three individuals in Oxford, capturing more than 34,000 faces while ensuring data is deleted if not needed. Despite the technology's effectiveness in locating persons of interest, human rights group Liberty has condemned its use as "dangerous," calling for the protection of individual rights.

Read more at Oxford Mail (2 mins)

Amazon plans data centre at former Didcot A Power Station as part of £8 billion UK investment

BBC News · January 14, 2026

Amazon is seeking planning approval to build a data centre at the former Didcot A Power Station site in Oxfordshire, part of its £8 billion investment in UK data centres from 2024 to 2028. Local councillor Ian Snowdon supports the development, viewing it as a positive community step, while Amazon's project aims to utilise 100% renewable energy.

Read more at BBC News (3 mins)

The Oxfordshire pothole: is this Britain’s biggest?

BBC · January 15, 2026

Residents of Wilcote near Charlbury, Oxfordshire, are battling severe potholes on Bridewell Lane, with one resident describing a particularly deep crater causing frequent punctures and costly repairs exceeding £300. In response, Oxfordshire County Council has initiated repairs using specialist materials, aiming to restore the road's safety for both drivers and local businesses.

Read more at Bbc (2 mins)

Jeremy Clarkson fears over 'bleak' situation for his and other pubs as things are ‘pretty terrible' right now

Oxford Mail · January 13, 2026

Jeremy Clarkson, who recently transformed The Windmill pub in Asthall into The Farmer's Dog, has voiced concerns about the struggling pub industry, citing steep cost increases, including a doubling of his pub's rateable value and soaring wage bills. Despite these challenges, the establishment has gained popularity since its August 2024 opening, featuring prominently in the latest season of Clarkson's Farm on Amazon Prime.

Read more at Oxford Mail (2 mins)

Drivers warned about Oxford congestion charge text scams

BBC News · January 14, 2026

Barbara Vardag has alerted the public to scam text messages falsely claiming to be related to Oxford's new congestion charge scheme, which requires a £5 payment for city centre access. Oxfordshire County Council warns residents that it will never request payments via phone or text, urging vigilance against such scams.

Read more at BBC News (1 min)

Concerns grow over response times in proposed Oxfordshire fire service shake‑up

BBC · January 13, 2026

Concerns are mounting over proposed changes to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, including station closures and potential redundancies, as local councillors call for a delay in decision-making due to worries about response times and firefighter morale. The public consultation, running until January 20, has sparked objections from various community members who fear inadequate awareness of the plans and their impacts.

Read more at BBC (3 mins)

West Oxfordshire council takes steps over sewage network failures in new developments

BBC · January 12, 2026

West Oxfordshire District Council is tackling long-standing sewage network issues by enforcing so-called “Grampian conditions” on new developments, ensuring homes cannot be occupied until vital infrastructure upgrades are completed. This initiative aims to address serious capacity problems and prevent pollution in local waterways while supporting sustainable housing growth.

Read more at BBC (3 mins)

Business leaders urge work on Oxford-Cambridge railway to start as soon as possible

BBC News · January 8, 2026

Business leaders are calling on the government to fast-track the East West Rail project, linking Oxford and Cambridge, to boost the region's status as a European science and innovation hub. However, concerns linger over the timeline for the necessary development consent order, not expected until 2027.

Read more at BBC News (1 min)

Bake Off’s Prue Leith delights children with opening of community kitchen

Oxford Mail · January 9, 2026

Prue Leith officially opened a new community kitchen at Chipping Norton School, aimed at supporting vulnerable students and the local community. The facility will serve as a breakfast bar and club, offering cooking interventions to enhance learning and foster connections among students, staff and families, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Read more at Oxford Mail (2 mins)

Oxfordshire County Council warns of major financial challenges

BBC · January 13, 2026

Oxfordshire County Council says it is grappling with severe financial challenges and needs to find £5.4 million in savings due to reduced central government funding. Councillor Dan Levy warns that while supporting deprived areas is essential, it should not compromise services in Oxfordshire, especially as the new funding formula limits local tax flexibility.

Read more at Bbc (3 mins)

Police tell Oxford residents: no need for Japanese ‘Hyōshigi’ deterrent

Oxford Mail · January 12, 2026

Residents of Littlemore, Oxford, are using traditional Japanese wooden clappers to deter crime, led by Councillor David Henwood who believes the sound promotes vigilance and safety. Despite police reassurance about safety in the area, Henwood remains dedicated to this proactive approach throughout the winter following recent incidents of crime.

Read more at Oxford Mail (3 mins)

Oxford Green Party has more seats than ever after defection

Oxford Mail · January 12, 2026

Councillor Ed Mundy has defected from the Oxford Community Independent group to the Green Party, boosting their representation on Oxford City Council to nine and making them the joint-second largest group alongside the Lib Dems. As local elections approach, Mundy praises the Green Party's focus on sustainability and equality, while the Labour minority administration currently holds 21 seats.

Read more at Oxford Mail (4 mins)

Pedestrian dies after early hours crash on Oxford’s Eastern Bypass

Oxford Mail · January 10, 2026

A tragic crash on the Eastern Bypass Road resulted in the death of an 80-year-old pedestrian, prompting the arrest of a 28-year-old man for causing death while driving unlicensed and uninsured. Police are urging witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident to come forward as investigations continue.

Read more at Oxford Mail (2 mins)

Emma Watson in line for national award after public feud with JK Rowling

Oxford Mail · January 14, 2026

Emma Watson, currently pursuing a Master's in creative writing at Oxford, has been nominated for Media Personality of the Year at the 2026 British Diversity Awards for her advocacy in social change. Amidst a public feud with J.K. Rowling over views on gender identity and women's rights, Watson emphasises the importance of mutual understanding and love despite differing opinions.

Read more at Oxford Mail (3 mins)

Two Oxford academics awarded first-ever Green Future Fellowships

Ox · January 12, 2026

UK Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance highlights engineering innovations in combatting climate change, featuring the Green Future Fellowships that support groundbreaking research by Professors Robert House and Moritz Riede at Oxford University. Their work on advanced batteries and organic photovoltaics aims to enhance renewable energy solutions, reduce emissions and promote sustainable technologies globally.

Read more at Ox (3 mins)

Bird of prey found dead in Oxfordshire park after nylon string tied across trees

Oxford Mail · January 12, 2026

Thames Valley Police is investigating a disturbing case in Willow Walk Nature Reserve, Wantage, where nylon string has been deliberately tied across the tree canopy, creating hazards and resulting in the death of a bird of prey. The police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or additional string to help protect local wildlife.

Read more at Oxford Mail (2 mins)

Sculpture trail set to link new and old Watlington

BBC · January 10, 2026

Watlington's public art trail, featuring seven sculptures including five large clay busts by artist Joseph Hillier, has received planning approval to connect the historic town centre with new developments. The project aims to enhance community cohesion and is supported by approximately £125,000 in public art funds from local developers.

Read more at BBC (3 mins)

Maine Coon cat needed surgery after eating 21 elastic hairbands

Cotswold Journal · January 13, 2026

Winnie, a one-year-old Maine Coon cat, ingested 21 elastic hairbands, leading to surgery after her owner noticed concerning symptoms. Thankfully, after a successful operation, Winnie recovered, and her owner has since taken precautions to prevent similar mishaps.

Read more at Cotswold Journal (2 mins)

Sport

Oxford Outlook: The U’s

Oxford scraped into the fourth round of the FA Cup, thanks to a 4-3 penalty shootout win over MK Dons after the match finished 1-1. The Dons play in League Two, so Championship United avoided an upset by the skin of their teeth. To be fair to the men in yellow, it was away in Milton Keynes on a miserable Friday night. Nobody’s idea of a holiday.

The fourth round draw was kind to United in one respect – a home tie. But it’s against the Premier League’s surprise package in the shape of Sunderland. The match is scheduled for 3pm on Valentine’s Day. We can hope for soaring hearts but it’s probably best to expect broken ones.

The Sunderland cup game means Oxford’s Championship clash with Norwich City has been bumped. After the weather-related postponement of the match at Sheffield United, fixture congestion is fast becoming a real issue for the U’s.

A clogged up calendar is the last thing United need. It usually sounds the injuries alarm bell and they remain second bottom of the Championship - three points from safety.

New manager Matt Bloomfield (ex-Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers) faces a tough task keeping the men in yellow up. We wish him well.

The Sports Desk

Matt Bloomfield's first training session at Oxford United

Bicester Advertiser · January 14, 2026

Matt Bloomfield has been appointed as the new head coach of Oxford United, taking over from Gary Rowett, and aims to instil a strong team identity while focusing on hard work and attacking play. With the club currently struggling in the Championship, Bloomfield's leadership will be crucial in their battle against relegation.

Read more at Bicester Advertiser (2 mins)

Property news

_{What’s on in and around Oxford?}

Lord of the Rings returns with extended edition in Oxford

Oxford Mail · January 13, 2026

Vue Oxford is celebrating the 25th anniversary of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy with screenings of the extended editions, starting January 16. Tickets are available online from £6.49, inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to experience Peter Jackson's Oscar-winning epic once again.

Read more at Oxford Mail (2 mins)

All photos are credited to source articles or Mark Skipworth unless otherwise specified.

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