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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 57
Oxford News By Hana Edition 57
Parkstrife!
Mark Skipworth
May 28, 2026
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 57
Oxford Outlook: Parkstrife!
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It’s always a pleasure to visit Witney. With a decent range of high street and independent shops, a five-screen cinema, arts centre, museums, cafes and restaurants, this historic Oxfordshire market town manages to combine a surprisingly lively and relaxed vibe.
While other towns in the county and beyond have struggled in the face of out-of-town and internet shopping, Witney’s traditional centre remains attractive to local residents and visitors alike. So what has been its secret?
Surely one important factor is that the town has benefitted greatly from free car parking which, we learn this week, may now be under threat.
An Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) consultation document for “West Oxfordshire Lowlands”, which includes Witney, states: “The availability of free parking discourages the use of alternative modes of transport for short journeys”.
It adds: “We need to work proactively with community, local stakeholders and businesses to explore options to manage car parking (e.g. removal/limiting of free parking, re-locating car parking, reducing parking stock) while at the same time protecting the rural local economy”.
The document has ignited a furious row, and it’s easy to understand why. Witney defies the norm – it’s certainly not a ghost town like some of its rivals. But local politicians are warning that the removal of free parking will have “serious and devastating consequences” for the town, its people and the local economy. Who can disagree?
Free parking is more than just a financial benefit to motorists – it sends out a signal of civic welcome to those looking for a place to leave their vehicles in a convenient town centre spot without being forced to pay rip-off charges. Local businesses, too, benefit from the many customers it clearly attracts. Witney has done well out of this forward-thinking parking policy to date.
I understand that West Oxfordshire District Council remains committed to free parking and is urging the public to contribute to the OCC consultation. We have until June 2 to make our views known. Time to park our opposition to the county council threat?
Still on motoring, “deceased” drivers are this week revealed to be among thousands of people hit with Oxford’s congestion charge and low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) fines. More than a dozen violations have had to be cancelled due to the vehicle owners being dead, according to new data. In this world, declared America’s Ben Franklin, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes. And so it seems, in the case of Oxford’s anti-car traffic schemes.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
Oxford is a friendly city. So friendly, in fact, that it is twinned with seven other cities around the globe, as its official twin-city signs proudly proclaim on major roads leading into the city. Who’s in the family?
Leiden (Netherlands)
The Oxford-Leiden link was forged in 1946, in the wake of a post-war passion for peace. Leiden was an obvious choice. Holland’s oldest university paired with England’s oldest, plus other cultural links. Even the Westgate Shopping Centre honours the link with its very own “Leiden Square”.
Bonn (Germany)
The bond with Bonn, birthplace of Beethoven, was tied in 1947. Two musical cities united in a desire for mutual harmony. Just three years earlier, Bonn was blown to bits by Allied bombers. Flattened, in fact. Peace, thereafter, prevailed.
Leon (Nicaragua)
Not to be confused with the popular UK eateries (Oxford’s one closed in 2024), Leon is Nicaragua’s second largest city and something of an intellectual hub. Graced by striking colonial architecture and, more worryingly, surrounded by active volcanoes. Oxford tied the knot with Leon in 1986.
Grenoble (France)
Known as the capital of the French Alps, Grenoble is considered a good match for Oxford – both have major universities and strong science and tech sectors. In fact, Grenoble is sometimes called the “French Silicon Valley”. The city and its environs are the home of Chartreuse, a potent botanical brew first concocted by mischievous monks in the mountains. Its strongest version is green in colour and will turn you green in colour should you sup it. A glass to politely decline. Twinned in 1989.
Wroclaw (Poland)
Situated in the south west of Poland, Wroclaw is about a five-hour drive from the capital, Warsaw. It boasts a magnificent market square, fringed by pastel coloured houses and a Gothic town hall. Pretty close to the party town that is Krakow. Bored kids? Go on the Wroclaw Dwarf Hunt! Apparently, the city has hundreds of small bronze dwarf statues hidden in every nook and cranny. Hmm, not sure about that one. Twinned with Oxford in 2018.
Ramallah (Palestine)
Oxford volunteers in the region appealed for help after Israeli tanks rolled into the Palestinian city. The Oxford Ramallah Friendship Association was duly formed. In 2019, Oxford twinned with Ramallah, which sits in the West Bank and has a vibrant university scene. Sadly, its twin-city signs displaying its links to Palestine have been vandalised with spray paint in the past. Not at all in the spirit of “friendly” Oxford.
Padua (Italy)
Padua. A genuinely gorgeous place, just a 30-minute train ride from Venice. It’s home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. One of the must-sees is the superb Scrovegni Chapel and its frescoes by Giotto, a Renaissance man, par excellence. The union between these two cities was formed in 2019.
That’s the magnificent seven. It should be eight. Unfortunately, Perm in Russia has been put on the naughty step by Oxford, thanks to pernicious Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Perm. Not a hairstyle from the 1980s but a place in the middle of nowhere. A 18-20 hour drive from Moscow, or two days on the train. There are flights, but who wants to jump on an Aeroflot plane now (or ever, frankly)?
Oxford remains twinned with seven superb cities, proud of their intellectual, artistic and architectural brilliance. That’s before we gorge on the gastronomy of it all. Just a lunch in Padua would seal the deal.
Sources: Oxford City Council
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in and around Oxford…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Almighty row as Oxfordshire free parking 'under threat'
Oxford Mail · May 27, 2026
Oxfordshire County Council's Movement and Place Plan for the West Oxfordshire Lowlands has sparked political debate over free parking, with Conservative leader Liam Walker accusing the Liberal Democrat administration of planning to increase charges, while Witney MP Charlie Maynard vows to campaign against such changes. A Labour politician has also voiced strong opposition, arguing that free parking is vital for supporting local economies and high streets in Witney.
Pharmacy drug shortages hit Oxfordshire patients
BBC
Patients with conditions including ADHD are facing acute anxiety as prescription drug shortages continue in Oxfordshire pharmacies. Despite government assurances the crisis would ease, pharmacists say shortages are ongoing and unpredictable, with some medications available only one pack per month per pharmacy.
County Hall move hits trouble — council faces 18-month homeless gap
This is Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire County Council's plans to vacate its historic County Hall at the end of 2026 have been complicated by significant archaeological finds at its planned new home, Speedwell House on Speedwell Street. The redeveloped building is now not expected to open until April 2028 — leaving the council without a permanent headquarters for 18 months. The authority says it is "actively exploring" temporary accommodation using its own buildings, insisting costs will be "minimal". Labour opposition councillors have accused it of being in a "rush to sell the family silver".
A34 closures to cause 10 months of disruption around Oxford
Herald Series
National Highways has confirmed a programme of A34 closures near Oxford that will stretch across the next ten months, with overnight and weekend shutdowns planned on both the northbound and southbound carriageways between Hinksey Hill and Peartree. The work follows a series of emergency and maintenance interventions on the route. Drivers are urged to follow signed diversions via the Oxford ring road and plan journey times carefully, particularly around Oxford United’s home fixtures.
Faith leaders 'disturbed' by Oxford Union’s Tommy Robinson invite
BBC · May 22, 2026
Faith leaders, including the Bishop of Oxford and Imam Monawar Hussain, have called for the Oxford Union to withdraw its invitation to far-right activist Tommy Robinson for a debate on Islam, citing concerns over rising community tensions and the potential for divisiveness. They urge sensitivity towards Oxford's diverse population and highlight the need for fostering unity rather than exacerbating global conflicts.
Oxford named UK's literary capital by Time Out magazine
Oxford Mail · May 25, 2026
Oxford has been crowned the UK's best city for bookshops, with 60% of locals praising its literary scene, highlighted by long-established Blackwell's and the new Barker & Co Booksellers. The city's rich cultural landscape is further celebrated, with high ratings for its art and film offerings, reflecting a vibrant community deeply invested in literature and the arts.
Princess Diana 'revenge dress' Jaguar up for sale in Oxfordshire
BBC News · May 28, 2026
The Jaguar XJ40 that transported Princess Diana to the Vanity Fair party in her famous "revenge dress" is set to be auctioned, highlighting its royal history and significance in her life. The online auction begins on June 1 and lasts for seven days, showcasing a vehicle cherished by both the Royal Estate and a private owner.
Oxford-born conductor Bertie Baigent takes classical world by storm
Bertie Baigent, born in Oxford and educated locally before reading music at Cambridge, is rapidly building a global reputation after winning the Grand Prix, Classical Prize and Symphonic Prize at the International Conducting Competition Rotterdam in 2022. Now in demand with major orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National, Detroit Symphony and Rotterdam Philharmonic, the 31-year-old is also Music Director of Oxfordshire's own Waterperry Opera Festival. His 2026/27 season includes major debuts across Europe and America.
Dead drivers fined by Oxford congestion charge
BBC
New data reveals 13 penalty charge notices for Oxford's congestion charge and LTNs were issued to deceased vehicle owners and subsequently cancelled. In total around 14,000 fines have been scrapped, including two sent to vehicles owned by people in prison and 36 to ambulances.
BBC · May 23, 2026
Doom-scrolling on social media is harming the wellbeing of young people in the Western world, according to the World Happiness Report from the University of Oxford, which notes a significant decline in wellbeing among those under 25 over the past decade. While some social media use can foster connection, excessive engagement often leads to negative impacts, highlighting the need for self-awareness and personal responsibility in managing online habits.
Hinksey outdoor pool stays shut into summer
This is Oxfordshire
Hinksey Outdoor Pool — Oxford's beloved heated lido — has been delayed in opening after the plant room flooded during pre-season preparation in March, damaging electrical systems and pumps. More than £200,000 has been invested in upgrades, but swimmers face further disruption during the spring season.
Oxford spinout raises £4.3 million to fix tidal tech's biggest problem
Tech Funding News · May 27, 2026
Caudal Energy, an Oxford University spinout, has secured £4.3 million in funding to advance its innovative fin-based tidal generator designed for mid-flow sites, aiming for commercial deployment by 2028. With the tidal energy market expected to surge from $1.4 billion in 2025 to $3.66 billion by 2030, CEO John Kennedy emphasises the potential for simpler, cost-effective solutions in this renewable energy sector.
Oxford private school community XI in Chelsea football match
Oxford Mail · May 27, 2026
St Edward’s School has partnered with Chelsea FC to enhance football coaching for its students, resulting in an inaugural community match between the Teddies Select XI and Chelsea FC Soccer Schools at Chelsea's training ground. This initiative offers young players professional coaching while fostering essential life skills like resilience and teamwork, creating a transformational experience for the local community.
Didcot e-bike crash: boy seriously injured
Oxford Mail
A boy was left with serious injuries following an e-bike collision in the Didcot area. Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage. The incident adds to growing local concern about the rise in unregistered e-bikes on public roads across Oxfordshire.
Twin baby goats delighting visitors at Oxford City Farm
Yahoo News · May 24, 2026
Twin baby goats were born at Oxford City Farm on May 18, charming visitors and volunteers, especially as their arrival coincided with a goat-milking training session. The community-led farm in East Oxford highlights the significance of donations for sustaining its educational programmes focused on food and farming.
Drones used to drop drugs into Bicester area prison
Oxford Mail
Drones are being used to smuggle packages containing drugs into an Oxfordshire prison — the latest in a national trend of contraband deliveries by unmanned aircraft. Prison governors have described drone drops as a "significant" daily problem. The government has committed £10 million to anti-drone measures across the prison estate.
Mice-ridden Oxford restaurant was 'imminent risk' to diners
BBC · May 22, 2026
Peppers Burgers in Jericho, Oxford, has been shut down by Oxford City Council due to a serious mouse infestation and "extremely poor hygiene conditions," including a dead mouse found behind a freezer. The council issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, emphasising the urgent need for food businesses to maintain strict hygiene standards.
New drug offers hope for boy with wasting disease
BBC
An Oxfordshire family has spoken of their relief after a new drug treatment was approved for their son who has a rare muscle wasting condition. The therapy, recently licensed in the UK, is hoped to slow the progression of his condition significantly and has been described as a "life-changing" development by the family and treating clinicians.
Oxford: Man died in major police incident on A40 ring road
Oxford Mail · May 27, 2026
The Northern Bypass Road in Oxford was closed westbound on Wednesday due to a police incident following the death of a man in his 20s, which is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. The closure caused significant traffic delays extending to the Headington Roundabout and beyond, with emergency responders on the scene.
The cat who jumped off a houseboat to find his 'forever family'
BBC News - May 25, 2026
Meet Horatio, the beloved tabby cat at Kelmscott Manor, who endured a year-long disappearance and a life-threatening condition but has since become an integral part of the team, even having his own bank account. His charming presence has captured the hearts of staff and visitors alike, making him a delightful resident and "second in command."
Sport
Oxford Outlook: Leather on willow
This week we turn our attention to Banbury Cricket Club. A brave team battling, bowling and batting it out in Division One of the Home Counties Premier Cricket League.
Banbury CC don’t have a nickname. So it falls to this column to bestow one upon them. “The Banbusters”, especially given the way they sunk local rivals Henley by six wickets at their place last Saturday.
The victory leaves them in fifth, a place behind Oxford Downs in Division One. Nip and tuck. And remember your box. It’s a hard game played with a hard ball.
Division One table
High Wycombe
Harefield
Finchamstead
Oxford Downs
Banbury
Great Brickhill
Slough
Wokingham
Aston Rowant
Henley
So Banbury enjoy mid-table respectability (or mediocrity, if you’re a cynic). As for Henley? Stick to rowing.
The Sports Desk
Property news
BBC show's iconic £45m Oxfordshire lakeside mansion for sale
This is Oxfordshire · May 23, 2026
The stunning Edgcote Estate, a historic 18th-century country house renowned for its role as Netherfield House in the 1995 BBC adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice," is on the market for £45 million, offering expansive grounds, a residential portfolio of 31 properties, and extensive agricultural and equestrian facilities across 1,149 acres. This remarkable estate, steeped in history since the Norman conquest, includes modern racing facilities and has been recently refurbished to maintain its prominence in the racing community.
125 new Backhouse homes across Wiltshire and Oxfordshire see approval
Backhouse has secured planning permission for two residential developments in Wiltshire and West Oxfordshire, together delivering 125 homes with a strong focus on affordability and sustainability. The projects will incorporate eco-friendly features and contribute approximately £1.4 million to local infrastructure, with the first homes expected to be available by spring 2027.
Rightmove says West Oxfordshire a hotspot for house buyers
Oxford Mail - May 24, 2026
First-time buyer homes have seen a remarkable 45% surge in demand year-on-year, despite a national decline in buyer interest, with Scotland leading the charge with a 1.6% increase in house prices. These properties, now 37% more available, remain a significant part of the market, making up 55% of home transactions.
New Oxfordshire housing development 75 per cent sold
Yahoo News - May 24, 2026
Croudace Homes' Priory Grove development in Oxfordshire has successfully sold 75% of its properties, attracting a wide array of buyers with its modern homes, green spaces, and convenient access to the city centre. Featuring sustainable designs and high-quality specifications, the development is ideal for families, first-time buyers and professionals alike.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Oxfordshire festival named 'must visit' UK event this summer
Oxford Mail · May 27, 2026
Truck Festival in Steventon has been named the eighth best UK music festival by Go Outdoors, boasting a family-friendly reputation with an impressive score of 9.10 out of 10, nearly 30,000 Instagram posts and over 260,000 Google searches annually. Established in 1998, it stands out among top events like the Isle of Wight Festival and Download Festival for its popularity and vibrant community engagement.
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