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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 62
Oxford News By Hana Edition 62
Littered with problems?
Mark Skipworth
July 02, 2026
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 62
Oxford Outlook: Littered with problems?
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Living in the centre of England has its obvious advantages: Oxford is less than two hours' drive from London on a good day, about the same amount of time to reach the south coast and little over an hour to get to Bath or Bristol. How lucky we are.
Except many of the major highways cutting through Oxfordshire are eyesores, littered with takeaway food boxes, soft drinks cans and other rubbish dumped alongside them.
Now a row has erupted between Vale of White Horse District Council and the government over who should be responsible for clearing up the litter shamelessly strewn along the busy A34.
Litter clearance, it turns out, falls to the Vale of White Horse and other councils which cover the A34’s route from north of Oxford down to Winchester. But here’s the rub: these councils are allowed to organise litter picking only when the road is closed by National Highways for maintenance work, making it difficult to co-ordinate.
And without regular clean-ups, the litter simply builds up.
“Litter not only looks untidy but can also have a negative impact on people's mental health, wildlife and the local economy,” Vale councillor Emily Smith has said. She wants to make National Highways responsible for the rubbish. Makes sense, you might think.
Yet her suggestion has already been tossed aside. According to a BBC report in this week’s newsletter, the government has no plans to change how rubbish along the country's A roads – including the A34 – is tidied up.
“Influencing public behaviour and discouraging littering from occurring in the first instance is important in delivering lasting improvements,” insists Simon Lightwood, the roads minister – a comment which, to say the least, comes with a heap of wishful thinking.
We are fast becoming the untidiest nation in Europe. What a mess!
* In Young & Strange, are we witnessing the next generation Penn & Teller? The Oxfordshire magician duo appeared on America’s Got Talent, the TV talent show competition, and crushed it, as the latest addition to the Oxford English Dictionary might proclaim.
Richard Young and Sam Strange wowed the judges – including Spice Girl Mel B – with a ‘grand illusion’, which was broadcast to more than 10 million viewers across the United States. Their act involved Young getting into a cardboard box which Strange then repeatedly skewered with wooden stakes. Ouch! Yet Young emerged unharmed, holding champagne and wearing a Spice Girls T-shirt!
Let’s hope the duo realise their dream – to have their own Las Vegas show. Worth noting: Penn & Teller hold the record for the longest-running headliners to play at the same hotel in Vegas history. Not a bad act to follow, then.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
Data Box loves comparisons. And exploring the areas which most resemble Oxford, statistically, is a particular pleasure.
Thanks to our friends at the Office for National Statistics, we can reveal that the London Borough of Lambeth is the fifth most similar area to Oxford. A surprising stat, perhaps, but the data rarely lies, so let’s do the Lambeth Walk and see where it takes us.
Population (2024)
Oxford: 166,034. Lambeth: 326,920.
Oxford is perfectly proportioned, while Lambeth is a bulging inner-city London borough
Five-year population change (to 2024)
Oxford: +3.3%. Lambeth: -3.8%.
But hold on a minute. Oxford is growing and Lambeth is shrinking, quite markedly.
Median age (2024)
Oxford: 31 years. Lambeth: 33 years.
Not much in it. Young people. Occasionally irritating but, nevertheless, essential. They keep our world turning.
Employment rate (2023)
Oxford: 80.8%. Lambeth: 74.7%.
Oxford scores well on this metric, but Lambeth does OK.
Average house price (April 2026)
Oxford: £475,481. Lambeth: £558,911.
Wow! That’s London gentrification right there. In Lambeth, we’re not talking mansions. We’re talking two-bedroom flats. Those numbers might help explain the population change stats.
GCSEs in English and Maths (2024-2025)
Oxford: 69.3%. Lambeth: 68.9%.
Oxford and Lambeth are a peculiar pairing. That Oxford can barely scrape past Lambeth on this key metric is pretty shocking.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in and around Oxford…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Who should clean up rubbish on the side of roads like the A34? BBC News - June 28, 2026 A dispute has emerged between Vale of White Horse District Council and the government over litter clean-up responsibilities along the A34, with Councillor Emily Smith emphasising its detrimental effects on mental health, wildlife and the economy. Despite the council's concerns about the current policy, Roads Minister Simon Lightwood has no plans for change, complicating clean-up efforts due to bureaucratic restrictions on local authorities. |
Findings of national investigation into Oxford hospital’s maternity care revealed This is Oxfordshire - July 1, 2026 A national report on maternity services at Oxford University Hospitals highlights significant improvements since a 'requires improvement' rating, with families sharing concerns about communication and care quality amidst ongoing staffing pressures and facility challenges. Despite positive feedback on compassionate care from some staff, many patients reported feeling unheard and marginalised in their experiences, underscoring the need for change within the hospital trust. |
Oxford NHS maternity leaders 'arrogant' over staff concerns BBC News - July 1, 2026 Baroness Valerie Amos criticised Oxford University Hospitals for ignoring staff concerns about maternity care quality, describing the trust as "arrogant" and disconnected from patient needs. Despite a "good" overall rating from the Care Quality Commission, significant staffing issues and operational pressures were highlighted, prompting calls for leadership to improve accountability and responsiveness in addressing these challenges. |
Crushing it: Oxford English Dictionary unveils new additions BBC News - June 30, 2026 The Oxford English Dictionary has embraced contemporary language with the addition of 314 new words and phrases, including trendy terms like "life hack" and international expressions such as Australia's "yeah nah." OED's meticulous selection process highlights the evolution of language, featuring long-standing entries like "floordrobe" alongside recent buzzwords reflecting cultural shifts. |
Oxford congestion charge to end in September – to be replaced by traffic filter BBC News - July 1, 2026 Oxford's temporary congestion charge will end on September 13, transitioning to a new traffic filter scheme that imposes fines of up to £70 for driving past six designated points. Starting September 14, this trial aims to reduce through-traffic and promote public transport, walking or cycling, using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. |
Over 80 per cent oppose Oxfordshire town centre changes Witney Gazette - July 1, 2026 Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, reports that over 80% of Wantage residents oppose Oxfordshire County Council's proposals to restrict vehicle access in the town centre, citing concerns about parking loss and impacts on local businesses. While the council aims to enhance public space, Wantage Town Council finds the plans too radical, with a survey closing on July 8 for further community feedback. |
Henley Royal Regatta gets underway with record 862 entries BBC News - July 1, 2026 The 187th Henley Royal Regatta has kicked off in Henley-on-Thames, featuring a record 862 entries from 21 nations and attracting elite Olympic rowers. Running from Tuesday to Sunday, the event promises over 400 races and a fashionable gathering along the scenic River Thames. |
Oxfordshire residents shocked at asylum seeker housing plan BBC News - July 1, 2026 The Home Office plans to house 1,250 single adult male asylum seekers at a former military base in Bicester, sparking concerns from local residents and officials about the impact on the community. Critics, including the local council and MP Calum Miller, question the feasibility of integrating such a large influx into the area while emphasising the need for basic, safe accommodation. |
Oxfordshire magician duo wow ‘America's Got Talent’ judges Oxford Mail - June 29, 2026 Magic duo Young & Strange captivated audiences on NBC's ‘America's Got Talent’ with a daring illusion, earning praise from judges and advancing to the next round. With excitement for their potential ground-breaking performance in the live finals, they eagerly await confirmation of their participation. |
Which Oxfordshire roads are being considered for Quiet Lanes? BBC News - June 26, 2026 Oxfordshire County Council is launching a trial "quiet lanes" scheme to enhance safety for walkers, cyclists and horse riders by restricting car access on selected routes, starting with Shepherd's Pit Lane in Stanton Saint John. While some residents support the initiative, concerns remain in areas like Radley where opposition has emerged, prompting ongoing evaluations and community consultations before final implementation decisions are made. |
Dormant Eynsham park and ride finally set to be connected to a road BBC News - July 2, 2026 Plans to connect the dormant Eynsham park and ride site in Oxfordshire, which has an 850-space capacity, to a nearby road have received planning approval as part of a £126 million scheme to enhance public transport along the A40. County council transport chiefs expressed their satisfaction with the progress, highlighting that this project will improve travel reliability and transportation options in the area. |
200-year-old law axed after Oxfordshire MP's campaign This is Oxfordshire - June 30, 2026 Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, has successfully led a cross-party campaign to repeal the Vagrancy Act, which criminalised rough sleeping – a move celebrated after years of advocacy since the campaign's inception in 2018. The repeal marks a significant shift in approach towards homelessness, aligning England and Wales with Scotland in abolishing this outdated law that disproportionately affected vulnerable individuals. |
Brize Norton: RAF's largest base set to close for essential works BBC News - June 29, 2026 RAF Brize Norton, the UK's largest RAF base, will temporarily relocate its operations for essential airfield modernisation starting in July, affecting around 5,800 service personnel and the RAF's Air Mobility Force. Despite the relocation of flights to various UK airports, the RAF assures that the country's air military capability will remain fully operational throughout the project. |
Raise the Colours individual accused of making indecent child images Oxford Mail - June 30, 2026 Ben Cullen, a 45-year-old from Wallingford and prominent member of the Raise the Colours movement, is set to face a jury at Reading Crown Court on July 1 for multiple charges related to the production of indecent images of children. The case has drawn attention amidst ongoing criticism and legal challenges facing the movement, including a recent injunction from Oxfordshire County Council against Cullen and others. |
Appointment of Regius Professor of Mathematics in the University of Oxford: 1 July 2026 GOV.UK - July 1, 2026 Professor James Maynard FRS has been appointed as the new Regius Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, succeeding Sir Andrew Wiles. A distinguished expert in analytic number theory and a recipient of the Fields Medal, he is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to understanding the distribution of prime numbers. |
Oxfordshire Aunt Sally world championship 'more and more popular' BBC News - June 27, 2026 Last weekend, the Aunt Sally World Championships featured around 70 competitors at the Charlbury Beer Festival in Oxfordshire, competing in a knockout format to dislodge a wooden block off a metal pole from 30 feet away. With last year's champion Roger Goodall making history as a four-time winner, the event's popularity continues to soar. |
Pink Floyd legend helped Jeremy Clarkson ‘break BBC advertising rule’ Oxford Mail - June 29, 2026 Jeremy Clarkson, known for his roles in Top Gear and The Grand Tour motoring shows, runs Diddly Squat Farm and recently opened The Farmer's Dog pub near Witney. In a light-hearted disclosure, Pink Floyd's Nick Mason revealed on a podcast that he let Clarkson use his rare Ferrari Enzo on Top Gear in exchange for promoting his book. |
Oxford Health launches Improving Black Health Outcomes Bioresource Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust - June 30, 2026 The Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) BioResource is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing health research for UK Black communities, which have been historically under-represented in genetic studies. With over 6,000 volunteers already on board, this project focuses on individuals aged 16+ from Black backgrounds and those with Sickle Cell or Thalassaemia, striving to improve understanding and treatment of health conditions affecting these populations. |
Trading Places experiment 'transformative' say Oxford friars BBC - June 28, 2026 Three influencers—Luke, Max and Alan—immersed themselves in the tranquil and contemplative lifestyle of the Carmelite Priory in Oxfordshire for a week, experiencing a profound transformation as they transitioned from their bustling social media lives to one of simplicity and self-discovery through silence and community connection. Father Alexander Ezechukwu emphasised the impact of hospitality and friendship, highlighting how genuine interactions enriched both the influencers and the friars, leading to deeper reflections on life and gratitude. |
Sport
Oxford Outlook: Leather on willow
Derby day in Oxfordshire
Banbury CC and Oxford Downs CC went head to head in the Home Counties Premier Cricket League Division One last Saturday.
The result? A frustrating draw which did neither side any favours.
Banbury looked favourites, bashing 331 for 5 declared. But the Downs managed 212 for 5 and Banbury failed to find those final wickets. Old Father Time, well, called time. Match drawn.
At the same time, Finchampstead were busy putting High Wycombe to the sword. A result which changes the table.
Division One - top of the table
1 Finchampstead CC (141 points)
2 Banbury CC (136 points)
3 Oxford Downs CC (129 points)
4 High Wycombe CC (127 points)
5 Harefield CC (100 points)
Eight rounds of matches have now been played. But that means there are still 10 to go this season. Plenty to play for at Oxfordshire’s best two Home Counties clubs.
The Sports Desk
On the eve of the British Grand Prix, the rise of Oxfordshire in F1 revealed BBC News - July 2, 2026 Oxfordshire, known as "Motorsport Valley," is a booming hub for the motorsport industry, valued at £750 million annually and home to four Formula One teams, including Williams F1. The region not only fosters innovation in racing technology but also embraces green initiatives, contributing significantly to local employment. |
Frankie Kent: Former Heart of Midlothian defender joins Oxford United BBC Sport - June 27, 2026 Oxford United have bolstered their defence by signing former Hearts centre-back Frankie Kent on a free transfer. The experienced 30-year-old, who made 95 appearances for Hearts, joins under new head coach Aaron Ramsey, bringing valuable leadership and understanding of League One's demands. |
Property news
College plans revamp of Oxford city centre medieval building Yahoo News - June 30, 2026 Lincoln College is seeking to renovate a historic Grade I listed building at 126 High Street in Oxford, formerly a Bubbleology shop, by addressing safety and damp issues while preserving its medieval features. The renovation aims to attract quality tenants for the retail space while ensuring any future changes will undergo separate applications. |
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Blenheim Palace closes summer music festival with Michael Buble BBC News - June 26, 2026 An unforgettable summer music festival at Blenheim Palace, top artists such as Alanis Morissette and Katy Perry, draws to a stunning close in the Great Court of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. With convenient transportation options including on-site parking, coach packages and a shuttle bus service, attendees have found it relatively easy to join the celebration following the end of the Nocturne Live Oxfordshire festival. |
Westgate Oxford to celebrate ‘Alice’s Day’ on Saturday This is Oxfordshire - June 29, 2026 Join Rough Magic Theatre on Saturday, July 4, for a magical performance of Lewis Carroll’s "Jabberwocky" featuring shadow puppetry and live singing at Westgate Oxford, with shows at 11am, midday and 1:30pm. Enjoy character interactions throughout the centre and the enchanting ‘Looking for Alice’ exhibit on the Roof Terrace, celebrating Carroll's whimsical world against the stunning backdrop of Oxford's skyline. |
Stagecoach Witney: High School Musical and circus summer workshops Witney Gazette - July 13, 2026 This August, Stagecoach Witney invites children aged 4-18 to two exciting themed workshop weeks: the first week celebrates the High School Musical trilogy with performances on Friday, while the second week immerses participants in circus and showman themes, both designed to foster creativity and skill development. Families can enjoy a 25% discount for enrolling in these enriching summer workshops led by experienced educators, including Rosa Bonasera, a dedicated lecturer and performer. |
Global animal ethics summer school to return to Oxford Yahoo News - June 28, 2026 Join the 11th annual Oxford Animal Ethics Summer School from August 3-6 at Merton College, where experts will explore "Ethical Strategies for Animal Protection". This year's programme features global speakers, including participants from The George Washington Law School tackling critical issues surrounding animal welfare and the moral status of animals. |
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