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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 69
Oxford News By Hana Edition 69
Out in the cold?
Mark Skipworth
August 20, 2026
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 69
Oxford Outlook: Out in the cold?
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Where would we have been without them this scorching summer? Yet our fridges and freezers cannot go on forever, and when we think of replacing them, we automatically think of greenhouse gases. A sign of the times, certainly.
So it’s alarming to learn that a national backlog in their safe disposal has led to some local authorities, including Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Councils, refusing to collect them as part of their bulky waste service.
The districts say they have been instructed to stop picking them up by Oxfordshire County Council, which is responsible for their disposal, and follows a similar move by Oxford City Council and Cherwell District Council.
What is going on? Apparently, fridges and freezers require specialist treatment to dismantle them safely because the gases used in them can be harmful to the environment if not dealt with properly. But it turns out we are facing a “national crisis” from a major backlog caused by fires and other disruptions at several approved recycling centres across the country.
Not all local authorities are facing a problem, only those with limited storage capacity – including, guess what, Oxfordshire (though West Oxfordshire District Council is continuing to pick up white goods as it says it has depot-space to store them).
Environmental critics warn that Oxfordshire County Council’s moratorium, intended to last at least six weeks, could worsen the scandal of fly-tipping in our area, already the target for illegal dumping on a mountainous scale. They have a point.
The government, meanwhile, is suggesting local authorities explore “temporary” sites for storage of fridges and freezers until the national logjam is cleared.
There is one obvious place in the county that could fit the bill, I’m sorry to say. I’m referring, of course, to the 850-space park and ride near Eynsham which has sat idle for two years.
The opening of the £126m scheme has been delayed yet again – this time until summer 2028, we’re told. The facility remains closed due to no road access to the A40.
Rather than leaving the site to languish, unused, our clapped-out, old fridges and freezers could be gracing its empty parking bays. Just a thought.
• No one would disagree that the drought-causing weather in the south of England in recent weeks has been anything other than extremely extreme. So it was perhaps understandable when Thames Water issued a ban on its 10 million customers from using hosepipes for watering gardens, cleaning cars, filling paddling or – what a nerve! – swimming pools.
Thames Water said this week it was "grateful" to residents after household water demand across its region fell by 6% following the introduction of the hosepipe ban, which came into force in July. How very touchy-feely!
But let’s not forget in the premier league of useless companies, Thames Water is shamelessly near the very top. A startling statistic has come my way to confirm this. You ready?
Thames Water loses about 575 million litres of water a day through leaks or 210 billion litres a year if maintained at the current rate. Quite shocking, you’d be forgiven for thinking.
Yes, we’ve just come through our fifth heatwave, and yes, Oxfordshire is tinderbox dry, but have we been too soft on this dysfunctional water company?
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
Oxford United kicked off their campaign to escape League One with a last-gasp 2-2 draw against MK Dons at home (scroll down to Sport for the match report).
But just how good, bad or plain ugly have the men in yellow been over the last 10 seasons? Let’s look at the data.
2026: EFL Championship - 23rd (relegated)
2025: EFL Championship - 17th
2024: League One - 5th (promoted to Championship via playoffs)
2023: League One - 19th
2022: League One - 8th
2021: League One - 6th
2020: League One - 4th
2019: League One - 12th
2018: League One - 16th
2017: League One - 8th
There are 92 football teams in the top four tiers of English football. The highest The U’s have finished across the four leagues over the past 10 seasons is 37th (17th in the 2025 Championship). The men in yellow have barely been above bang average for years. But we still love The U’s.
And, of course, they won the League Cup in 1986 – 3-0 v QPR. United’s first and only piece of significant silverware. Their victory at Wembley came under the chairmanship of one Robert Maxwell (pension thief and general villain). A trophy tarnished, perhaps.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in and around Oxford…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Oxfordshire fridge and freezer recycling crisis adds to fly-tipping concerns BBC News - August 18, 2026 Oxfordshire councils are temporarily suspending bulky waste collections for fridges and freezers due to a backlog exacerbated by recent disruptions at recycling centres across the country, prompting concerns over potential fly-tipping. In response, a new booking system will be introduced to manage the disposal process and address the significant challenges faced by local authorities amidst a national crisis in waste management. |
Launch date for Eynsham park and ride moved back to summer 2028 BBC - August 18, 2026 The opening of the Eynsham park and ride site has been postponed to summer 2028 due to ongoing road access challenges, despite its completion in 2024. Oxfordshire County Council is focusing on a £126 million public transport improvement scheme, with recent planning permissions for enhancements and construction slated to begin in spring 2027. |
Petition exceeds 1m signatures on seventh anniversary of PC Andrew Harper's death BBC News - August 17, 2026 Thames Valley Police has expressed appreciation for the public support on the seventh anniversary of PC Andrew Harper's death, who was killed in the line of duty during a quad bike theft in 2019. Renewed attention to the case has arisen as concerns grow over potential early release for his assailants, evidenced by a petition garnering more than one million signatures. |
Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm Shop named ‘best in UK’ Oxford Mail - August 19, 2026 Diddly Squat Farm Shop, operated by Jeremy Clarkson's girlfriend, Lisa, has been recognised as the best farm shop in the UK by Welligogs, thanks to its strong social media presence and positive customer reviews. Despite mixed feedback on some aspects, the shop's efficient service and quality products continue to attract visitors, particularly boosted by the popularity of the Amazon Prime video series ‘Clarkson's Farm’. |
Clarkson reveals secret to beating hosepipe ban
The former Top Gear presenter explains how he keeps his Oxfordshire pub lawns ‘weirdly verdant’ without breaking the rules, including tailored watering schedules, organic fertilisers, regular aeration and native grass species. He emphasises proper mowing techniques to enhance root development and ensure compliance with environmental regulations while promoting healthy grass growth.
Trinity College tower statues to be replaced 'for public safety' BBC - August 16, 2026 Oxford City Council has approved a proposal to replace four historic statues on a college tower, originally installed in 1694, due to safety concerns stemming from significant weathering over the years. The new statues will be meticulously crafted using 3D scanning technology for accuracy, alongside enhancements such as upgraded lighting and a taller flagpole, all aimed at preserving the building's integrity and ensuring public safety. |
Thames Path footbridge reopens after two-year closure Oxford Mail - August 19, 2026 Ten Foot Footbridge, which connects Buckland and Chimney near Bampton, has reopened to pedestrians following extensive repairs completed on August 18, 2026, due to safety concerns. The project, supported by the Environment Agency, not only restored this vital link for local footpaths but also included environmental considerations such as the replacement of bat boxes to support local wildlife. |
Oxford's Park and Ride service sees price increase BBC - August 17, 2026 Effective from Monday, Oxford will increase park and ride ticket prices by 50p to £3 for up to five passengers, a change supported by surplus revenue from the congestion charge scheme. Councillor Gareth Epps highlights that the scheme has improved journey times, air quality and road safety, with fares to be held until March 2027. |
Ariana Grande 'holed up' in exclusive Cotswold farmhouse with pop legend Oxford Mail - August 18, 2026 Ariana Grande has begun her highly anticipated O2 residency, expressing gratitude for her fans' support as she takes a step back from public life. The opening concert showcased her dramatic return, and amidst a retreat at Soho Farmhouse, speculation arose about a potential collaboration with singer Sabrina Carpenter who was also said to be staying there. |
Oxford Nanopore halves losses as it seeks to break even UK Investor Magazine - August 19, 2026 Oxford Nanopore Technologies saw a significant boost in share price following its report of reduced underlying losses for the first half of the year, with revenues reaching £116.7 million – a 12.3% increase at constant currency – and improved gross margins of 62.2%. Despite a decline in sales in Asia, particularly China, the company experienced growth driven by the clinical and biopharma sectors, with adjusted EBITDA losses narrowing to £22.1 million from £48.3 million year-over-year. |
Police seek mystery owner after finding stolen quad bike This is Oxfordshire - August 19, 2026 Thames Valley Police have recovered a red mid-sized utility ATV, believed to be linked to agricultural thefts, along with other stolen items in the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse areas. Community assistance is sought for identifying the quad bike; anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police via their website or by calling 101, referencing case number 43260426031. |
Meet the Oxford newsagents beating all UK competition Yahoo News UK - August 17, 2026 Kinnari and Hiten Patel, owners of Honey's of The High in Oxford, have garnered three prestigious accolades at the 2026 Fed Awards, including Home News Delivery Retailer of the Year, thanks to their customer-centric approach and adaptability to market trends. As ambassadors for home news delivery with the Federation of Independent Retailers, they are committed to elevating industry standards while continuously enhancing their offerings to meet evolving consumer demands. |
Coin hidden in Bicester in 1971 earns finder free pint of beer BBC - August 19, 2026 In a delightful renovation discovery, Ellie Mead unearthed a hidden 1945 penny along with a note promising a free pint of beer from electrician David Judd, who concealed such treasures during his work in 1971. Following a successful Facebook appeal, Judd's daughter confirmed that her 92-year-old father is eager to honour the offer, marking the first time someone has claimed one of his whimsical hidden coins. |
Ukrainian refugee wins place to study music at Oxford University BBC News - August 14, 2026 Nineteen-year-old Dmytro, a Ukrainian refugee, has been accepted to study music at Oxford University, highlighting his remarkable journey from struggling with English to finding solace and connection through music. As he prepares to join Lincoln College this October, Dmytro looks forward to collaborating with fellow musicians while maintaining ties with his roots, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to professional growth in the music community. |
Sport
Oxford Outlook: The Beautiful Game is Back!
Oxford United v MK Dons 2-2
The U’s scraped an opening League One draw against the Dons on Saturday. It took until 90+5 minutes for men in yellow to pinch a point.
Not a brilliant start, given they were at home, but not a disaster. The season still young. Yet the match data suggests United were fortunate to escape even stevens, despite having the majority of possession. MK Dons struck 24 shots (six on target). The U’s hit 17 (four between the posts and, crucially, two of them hitting the back of the net). They will have to sort out their home form if they have any chance of a bounce-back promotion to the Championship.
Oxford Outlook: Leather on willow
Home Counties Premier Cricket League
Division One
Oxford Downs CC v Finchampstead CC
The Downs downed Finchampstead in a low scoring match on Saturday. The Oxford outfit rattled off 108 runs in barely 18 overs to see off the boys from Berkshire.
The win leaves Oxford Downs second in the table with three games to go.
Result: Oxford Downs CC 108/2 (18.1 overs). Finchampstead CC 107/all out (28.1 overs).
Oxford Downs won by eight wickets.
Aston Rowant CC v Banbury CC
Banbury blundered to a brutal beating at the hands of the men from South Oxfordshire.
They failed to score a hundred runs and lasted less than 27 overs - with a pathetic run rate of just 3.7.
Banbury remain fourth in the division as the season draws to a close.
Result: Aston Rowant CC 104/4 (27.3 overs). Banbury CC 98/all out (26.3 overs).
Aston Rowant won by six wickets.
Top Four
1 High Wycombe CC (289 points)
2 Oxford Downs CC (284 points)
3 Finchampstead CC (257 points)
4 Banbury CC (253 points)
It looks like a shootout between High Wycombe and the Downs now.
Division Two
Horspath CC v Oxford CC
Oxford saw off county rivals Horspath with plenty to spare. The win leaves them second in the table, but level on points with leaders Datchet.
Result: Horspath CC 199/all out (39.1 overs). Oxford CC 270/8 (50 overs).
Oxford won by 71 runs.
Top Four
1 Datchet CC (268 points)
2 Oxford CC (268 points)
3 Wargrave CC (267 points)
4 Gerrards Cross CC (263 points)
Crikey, it’s tight at the top.
The Sports Desk
Kidlington-based Formula E team wins world championship BBC News - August 20, 2026 Jaguar TCS Racing has clinched the Formula E teams' championship title, finishing 17 points ahead of Porsche, with a total of 288 points and four wins at the London E-Prix. Team principal Ian James celebrated the team's dedication and the thrilling racing experience provided to fans, while Mitch Evans secured third place in the drivers' championship before departing from Jaguar. |
The refugee football team in Oxford 'uplifting' its players BBC News - August 16, 2026 Oxford Phoenix FC, a football club formed exclusively for refugees and asylum seekers, is gearing up for its second season after notable achievements in its inaugural year, including an 11th place finish in the Oxfordshire Senior League and reaching the Ivor Gubbins Cup Final. Founder Youcef El-Barhdadi and coach Denis Mao'Mahad emphasise the team's resilience and community spirit, working to foster understanding through football while addressing challenges faced by their players both on and off the pitch. |
Oxford Chargers host unbeaten Leicester Lion Cubs this Sunday Yahoo News UK - August 19, 2026 Oxford Chargers will face Leicester Lion Cubs in a WSRA National League match on Sunday, August 23, at 3 PM at BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium. Tickets are available online for £13 (increasing to £15 on race day), with free entry for under-16s. |
Property news
Housing market ‘won’t be affordable for at least 7 years’, says Oxford report
RealEstateNews.com · May 27, 2026
An Oxford Economics report highlights a challenging landscape for housing affordability, projecting it may take at least seven years to improve, with the Housing Affordability Index potentially reaching the critical threshold of 100 by 2033 – if home prices stabilise and mortgage rates decline. The report underscores persistent issues such as rising insurance costs and a significant supply shortage, indicating that while some markets have seen slight improvements, the overall pace of affordability recovery remains slow and uneven.
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What’s on in and around Oxford?
Lee Miller: A Woman at War Exhibition – Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum
Sofo -
The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum is hosting the exhibition ‘Lee Miller: A Woman at War’ till September 13, 2026, showcasing the impactful wartime work of Lee Miller, a pioneering female photo-journalist. The exhibition features her significant contributions during World War II, including images from the Normandy invasion and concentration camps, with tickets available as part of standard admission.
Pets & their People Ox - The ‘Pets & their People’ exhibition at Bodleian Libraries explores the historical bond between humans and pets, featuring unique artefacts such as an early assistance dog depiction and a rare copy of "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland". Complemented by Charles Foster's insightful book on the cultural history of pet ownership, the exhibition also encourages the public to submit photos of themselves with their pets, either recreating classic images or capturing new moments. |
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