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More than one million illegal cigarettes have been seized through Oxfordshire County Council’s dedicated illegal tobacco project, marking a major milestone in efforts to tackle the illicit trade.

The project’s first seizure took place in Banbury in October 2017. Since then, intelligence-led enforcement, test purchasing, criminal investigations and partnership working have been used to tackle the supply of counterfeit, smuggled and other illegal tobacco across Oxfordshire.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Seizing more than one million illegal cigarettes from our communities is an extraordinary milestone and demonstrates the sustained effort to tackle this illicit trade across Oxfordshire. Illegal tobacco undermines legitimate businesses and makes smoking readily available at pocket-money prices. This achievement sends a clear message that those involved should expect trading standards to continue disrupting their activities.”

Since the project began, there have been:

• 92 seizures
• More than 1.1 million illegal cigarettes seized
• More than 96kg of hand-rolling tobacco seized
• More than 183kg of waterpipe tobacco, commonly known as shisha, seized
• 84 successful test purchases of illegal cigarettes or tobacco
• 42 successful prosecutions, comprising 41 guilty pleas and one conviction following a trial
• Sentences totalling 128 months’ imprisonment, including 72 months suspended
• 880 hours of unpaid work
• £594,900 in confiscation orders
• 12 premises licence review applications, resulting so far in five licence revocations and four suspensions

Dozens of cases are also progressing through the criminal justice system or remain under investigation, meaning enforcement figures are expected to continue rising.

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager, said: “This reflects nine years of determined enforcement work by officers past and present, supported by our partners, particularly Thames Valley Police. Seizures are only part of the picture. Our investigations have resulted in prosecutions, imprisonment, the confiscation of criminal assets and licensing action against businesses involved in illegal tobacco. With many more cases under investigation or before the courts, the work continues.”

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco can report it anonymously by calling 0300 999 6 999 or visiting the Stop Illegal Tobacco website at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

More information

• Oxfordshire County Council’s Illegal Tobacco Project began in August 2017, with its first seizure in October 2017.
• Illegal tobacco includes counterfeit, smuggled and other tobacco products that do not comply with UK legal requirements.
• Operation CeCe is the national initiative through which Trading Standards services work with partners to tackle the illegal tobacco trade.
• The figures above represent activity recorded since the project began and are expected to increase as existing investigations and court proceedings conclude.

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At full council on 3 November, councillors reaffirmed their commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, backing calls for stronger national action to prevent abuse and challenge misogyny, and sought assurances that investigations into serious offences are improving.

The motion responds to concerns about the scale and impact of violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, sexual violence and online abuse, and calls for stronger action nationally and locally to prevent harm, support victims and survivors, and improve confidence in the investigation of serious offences.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, put forward the motion, she said: "Everyone has the right to live free from fear, abuse and violence. Violence against women and girls has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities, and preventing it is everyone's responsibility.

“This motion reaffirms our commitment to supporting victims and survivors, promoting healthy relationships and challenging the attitudes and behaviours that can lead to abuse. We also want to see confidence that all victims will receive the support they need and that serious offences are investigated thoroughly and professionally. By working together locally and calling for stronger national action, we can help create safer communities for everyone."

Under the motion, the council agreed to continue to work on prevention, safeguarding, education and support for victims and survivors.

The council's leader will write to the Home Secretary and Oxfordshire MPs calling for stronger national action, including a long-term behaviour-change campaign to challenge misogyny and promote healthy relationships.

The leader will also write to the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner seeking assurances that concerns about investigations, specialist resources and officer accreditation are being addressed.

The council will also take forward actions within its own responsibilities, while the letters ask national government and policing partners to take action in areas outside the council's direct control.

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Applications should be submitted online at:

www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/primaryadmissions

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “Our school admissions team will always do their very best to provide preferred schools where possible.

“However, please do name four schools. This will not make it less likely that your first preference will be offered. However, it does reduce the risk of all preferences being unsuccessful and your child being allocated a place at a school that is not named on their list.

“I encourage you to please apply on time because late applications will be processed later in the year and are far less likely to secure places at preferred schools than applications received before the deadline.”

The deadline for submitting completed applications is 15 January 2027.

Parents and carers will then be contacted with the result to their application on National Offer Day, 16 April 2027.

Last year in Oxfordshire, almost 94 per cent of children were allocated their first preference primary school.

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Oxfordshire County Council has restarted work on the design and planning application for the road, after more housing was built in the area, enabling further funding to be secured. A new route will be created linking the A4095 at Middleton Stoney Road and Howes Lane with Lords Lane through a railway underbridge completed in 2021.

When finished, the road will support the continuing development of north west Bicester, where around 6,000 homes and at least 3,500 jobs are planned, and connect to a new secondary school to be built in the area.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “The strategic link road is an important investment in Bicester’s future. It will help support the sustainable growth of new houses, jobs and services by moving traffic away from existing homes, reducing queues and making it easier and safer for people to choose walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport for everyday journeys.

“Now that more houses have been built on site, we can move forward together with developers and other partners to develop proposals for the full route.”

Following a review of costs and the delivery of planned housing, work on the scheme was paused in 2021 to allow for more houses to be built and Section 106 developer funding to be secured.

The council has now commissioned further design and planning work, including preliminary design, environmental and technical assessments, the planning application, and preparing for detailed design work.

Preliminary design is expected to be completed in spring 2027, with the planning application being submitted that spring and a decision expected in winter of the same year.

Detailed design is due to begin in spring 2027.

Construction of the full route remains subject to planning approval, detailed design, land agreements, delivery arrangements with partners, and funding.

Notes to editors

· The north west Bicester strategic link road was previously known as the Howes Lane realignment and A4095 realignment scheme.

· The proposed route would run from the junction of the A4095, B4030 Middleton Stoney Road, Vendee Drive and Howes Lane to a new connection on Lords Lane.

· The scheme includes walking, wheeling and cycling facilities, bus infrastructure and highway improvements as part of the strategic link road.

· Planning permission for phase one of the scheme was originally granted in 2019, and the first phase was completed in 2021 with the construction of the railway underbridge and a separate underpass for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

· The current commissioned work covers preliminary design for the whole strategic link road, preparation and submission of a planning application, detailed design and a feasibility study for future arrangements on part of Howes Lane.

For more information visit the project web page: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/roadworks/future-transport-projects/north-west-bicester-link-road

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Confidence to go out again 

Trish was fully independent before the amputation, and had a dog-walking business, was sociable and was at the centre of her daughters’ lives. This was in stark contrast to being fully dependent day and night in the initial days after returning home following an five- week hospital stay after the surgery. 

Now living in a single room of her two-storey home, currently unable to get up the stairs or cross the threshold of the front door due to a small step, she started to feel like a burden. 

While support is ongoing to help with tasks around the home and find solutions for basic everyday living, a milestone in her recovery and confidence was to go to the Michael Bublé concert at Blenheim Palace just ten weeks after the surgery – tickets she had bought tickets to many months before.

OT's in action
The operation went ahead in April this year and she was entitled to support from Oxfordshire County Council’s Home First Occupational Therapy team within the Adult Social Care service. Olivia Turner, Occupational Therapist, and Joanna Edgley, Occupational Therapy Apprentice, were assigned to help her adjust to being back home. 

“I don’t know what I would do without Olivia and Joanna,” said Trish. 

“They have been brilliant, helping me in my home but also helping me with the confidence to go back and enjoy live music. 

“I loved going to Michael Bublé and Bon Jovi at Wembley Stadium. 

“It is a lot different now, as I have to plan more because I have a wheelchair at the moment, find accessible accommodation and step-free tube stations. But it won’t stop me. I love music, it is really important to me and to share with my daughters. 

“I am also looking forward to being a grandmother for the first time.”

Olivia said: “This is why I love my job and wanted to be an Occupational Therapist. 

“We are seen as people who help with how someone recovers after major surgery like Trish’s, or an illness. Usually, we are seen as people who help with equipment or adaptations so people can complete activities of daily living or adapt the way everyday tasks are carried out to increase someone’s independence. 

“But it is about what makes people happy and helping them to regain occupational identity to participate in meaningful activities and, in Trish’s case, it is her love of live music.” 

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Cherwell Street in Banbury partially reopened late on Friday afternoon (30 October) after Cherwell District Council advised Oxfordshire County Council that this could safely happen. 

The road had been closed due to a scaffolding collapse on Wednesday 21 October.

The council had been awaiting safety advice from Cherwell District Council. who have now confirmed that the parts of the road furthest from the scaffolding site can reopen between the George Street and Bridge Street junctions. Public safety has been at the forefront of all decision making.

To maintain traffic flow, some right turns into Lower Cherwell Street and the Morrisons petrol station are being restricted.

However, Cherwell Street is likely to close again temporarily at some point to allow crane operations for operations in assisting further in making the site safe.

The council will await further information from Cherwell District Council and the Health and Safety Executive before progressing to a full reopening.

It has made a new minded-to decision to replace the seven existing councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire with three new unitary councils.

Government has said it is minded-to proceed with decisions in five areas, with further representation and views being sought from council leaders and interested parties over a three week period before final decisions are made before Christmas.

The five areas are East-Sussex and Brighton and Hove, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

In Oxfordshire and West Berkshire, the three new councils will be:

· Greater Oxford Council – covering Oxford and its immediate surroundings.

· North Oxfordshire Council – covering most of the existing Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts.

· Ridgeway Council – covering most of the existing South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts, combined with West Berkshire.

Earlier this month, Oxfordshire County Council sent a legal letter to the government and also issued a protective claim in court in relation to a potential judicial review of LGR in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. The council has been asking government to provide the evidence and analysis that informed its minded-to decision in July for this area.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I’m deeply disappointed that the government is minded-to press ahead with splitting Oxfordshire into three unitary councils, despite the serious concerns we have raised about the impact on public services, costs and accountabilities.

“We are told that this is an entirely new decision and that our previous legal action no longer applies. Instead we are now being asked to make our case all over again before ministers take a final decision. That creates further uncertainty for our residents, colleagues and the future of vital local services.

“We still can't understand the government's rationale as the economic and service delivery case is so clearly in favour of delivery at the current scale.

“We believe a single Oxfordshire council offers the strongest foundation for financially sustainable services, clear accountability and effective working across the county.

“We will use the consultation to make that case forcefully and we will carefully consider our legal options in light of this new decision. Oxfordshire deserves a decision based on evidence and what works best for residents, not one that risks locking in unnecessary complexity for decades to come.”

The new councils are due to go live on 1 April 2029, with elections to the new shadow authorities taking place in May 2028. Shadow authorities will plan the new councils but not deliver services.

On 1 April 2029, the seven existing councils in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire will end and the three new unitary councils will be created. Serving councillors’ terms of office will continue until the existing councils come to an end on vesting day.

The county council will now consider any information shared by the government that has informed its new minded-to decision, assess its position and any further appropriate actions.

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Two Oxfordshire museums are offering four young people the chance to take on roles and gain first-hand experience of working in the sector.

The initiative is part of Takeover Day, when museums, galleries, historic homes, archives and heritage sites across the country invite young people to gain behind-the-scenes experience. The Oxfordshire Museum and the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, both in Woodstock, will take part.

Those selected will go behind the scenes, experience a day in the life of a museum professional and learn a range of skills. The roles available are social media assistant and front of house assistant.

Jemma Davey, Oxfordshire County Council’s Museum Service Manager, said: “This is our second year taking part in Kids in Museums Takeover Day. At Oxfordshire Museum Service, we are committed to giving young people opportunities to gain new skills and learn more about the heritage sector as a career option.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum on this.”

This year’s Takeover Day takes place on Friday 20 November 2026 and has the theme of careers.

Ursula Corcoran, Director of the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, said: “We are really looking forward to raising the profile of young people in heritage through this year’s Takeover Day. We want more young people to get involved in our activities and become lifelong supporters of museums across the country.

“It will be a perfect opportunity to hear directly from young people about our museum and listen to their thoughts on the galleries as they spend the day immersed in the daily life of a small independent museum.”

Since Takeover Day began in 2010, more than 40,000 children and young people have taken part nationally. It was established to help heritage organisations empower young people and give them meaningful roles. The event is run by Kids in Museums.

Anyone interested can email the team to find out more and apply, marking their message for the attention of Laura Dean.

The deadline for expressions of interest is Sunday 8 November. The opportunity is open to anyone aged 25 or under who lives in Oxfordshire. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

Working in museums offers a broad range of skills and experiences that can support young people in further study and future careers. The transferable skills gained in a museum setting can also be applied to many different roles.

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John Healey, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced in his autumn budget statement that the Thames Valley region, alongside seven others across the country including Surrey, Hertfordshire and Wessex, will progress with plans for an MSA.

The announcement also came with a proposed allocation of £9.1 million of funding from the government’s Good Growth Funds for investment in growth priorities as the MSA is developed.

Leaders across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon, wrote to Jim McMahon earlier this week confirming their aspiration for an MSA for the region.

Following today’s announcement, the 13 councils within the region will now develop a detailed proposal in advance of a consultation planned for the new year.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I want Oxfordshire to have the powers, funding and influence to make a real difference to people’s lives. Devolution offers an important opportunity to achieve that, and we will now properly explore what it could deliver.

“But I have serious, unanswered questions about whether the proposed geography is right and whether the benefits will justify the costs and disruption involved.

“I remain particularly concerned about Buckinghamshire's absence, given our longstanding economic and public service relationships across the Thames Valley. The government has also indicated that public service boundaries should align with the new strategic authority. The implications for policing, the NHS and fire and rescue services could be significant, yet we do not have sufficient clarity about the practical consequences.

“These concerns are compounded by the government’s plans for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire. We are being asked to undertake major structural changes to our councils at the same time as establishing a new strategic authority, against the backdrop of a financial settlement that presents serious challenges for Oxfordshire. We must be confident that these changes will improve services and deliver value for money, rather than create additional complexity, costs and pressure on already stretched public services.

“We will engage constructively in the next stage, but we will also challenge proposals that do not serve our residents’ interests. We need meaningful dialogue with our partners, including the NHS, police and fire and rescue services, alongside proper consultation with residents.

“The test is simple: the final arrangements must deliver tangible benefits for Oxfordshire, be financially sustainable and strengthen rather than undermine the public services on which our residents depend. Devolution is an opportunity worth pursuing, but the ultimate deal must be one worth having.”

A Thames Valley strategic authority will give local leaders more funding and control over areas like transport, skills and employment support, inward investment and affordable housing to deliver better on things that matter to residents across the region.

In December, a proposal will be shared with councils across the region who will be asked to approve going ahead with a consultation. Subject to this approval and the consultation response, a formal proposal would then be submitted to government in spring next year.

A new MSA in shadow form would then be established later in 2027 following the statutory decision-making process. This would then be followed by mayoral elections in 2028.

A new MSA would be led by an elected mayor and board comprised of representatives from all upper tier authorities. The MSA would bring new powers and funding opportunities to the region.

Local councils would continue to be responsible for delivering day to day services such as waste collections, social care, housing, schools, leisure and local planning.

For further information visit reading.gov.uk/devolution

Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are being encouraged to discover the county’s history at a museum recognised for helping visitors feel included, welcomed and valued.

The Oxfordshire Museum, which is run by Oxfordshire County Council, has become the first organisation to receive the SEND Youth Forum's Seal of Approval.

The SEND Youth Forum was created by the council to strengthen the voices of young people with SEND in Oxfordshire, helping to shape services, improve support and provide opportunities for them to share their experiences, ideas and aspirations. Members who recently visited the museum found it to be a welcoming, engaging and accessible place to explore local history interactively.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: "We are delighted that the Oxfordshire Museum has received the SEND Youth Forum's first ever Seal of Approval. This recognition reflects the museum's commitment to ensuring everyone can enjoy and engage with Oxfordshire's rich heritage and collections.

"The feedback from forum members shows how important it is to listen to young people and involve them in shaping inclusive and accessible visitor experiences. We are grateful for their insight and look forward to welcoming them back in the future."

The award recognises the work the museum has undertaken to improve accessibility in recent years. As well as receiving the Seal of Approval, the museum has joined the Safe Places scheme, committed to seeking regular input from its Access Panel on everything from website information to temporary exhibitions, and introduced the Bloomberg Connects app to improve the visitor experience.

The Seal of Approval recognises organisations and venues that help children and young people with SEND feel included, welcomed and valued. Forum members were impressed by the museum's welcoming approach, accessible environment and engaging ways for visitors to learn about Oxfordshire's history.

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Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the University of Oxford, Thames Valley Police and cycling campaign group Cyclox are teaming up to hold the annual Vision Zero road safety event in Broad Street on Wednesday 4 November from 10am - 4pm.

The day will include the presence of a large lorry cab, so visitors can learn about blinds spots.

Visitors will be able to explore a range of stalls offering road safety advice and information, aimed at protecting road users.

Once darkness starts to fall, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police will jointly carry out its Be Bright, Be Seen operation, educating cyclists who put themselves and others at risk by riding without lights.

The University of Oxford will be providing a mobile bike mechanic to carry out cycle safety checks and minor repairs on a first come first served basis. The service is free, but users will have to pay for any parts.

Andy Ford, Road Safety Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This event will help people make sure their bike is in good working order and that they’ve got lights that are visible.

“Dark evenings are approaching so we want to remind people who walk or cycle that they have a responsibility for their own safety and urge them to wear something bright to give other road users a chance to see them.”

The Be Bright, Be Seen campaign stand will be open throughout the event, while the community policing teams will be giving away free bike locks and offering bike safety and security advice, and information about the laws around e-scooters and e-bikes.

Professor Mark E. Smith, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Planning and Resources at Oxford University, said: “Casualties on our roads are not inevitable – many of these tragedies could have been prevented. The University is proud to support Vision Zero, and we'll continue working with our partners to create a truly safe transport system.”

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “We support this cycle safety event and Oxfordshire County Council’s wider Vision Zero ambition to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

“As a force, we are committed to tackling the behaviours that contribute to the Fatal Five causes of serious and fatal collisions: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driver distraction and careless driving.

“Events such as this help educate all road users, improve safety awareness and encourage everyone to play their part in making our roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians, equestrians and motorists alike.”

Cyclox will be there to listen to people’s thoughts about cycling in Oxford and to share information on rights and responsibilities when you cycle, as well as providing information on safe cycling routes in Oxford city.

Ian Loader, Chair of Cyclox, said: “A city that is safe for cycling is safe for everyone.

“Come and find out why 20mph speed limits reduce collisions, injuries and deaths and why we're campaigning for everyone to be able to live and work on a street that is safe to walk beside, cycle on and to cross. No-one wants to see death or injury on Oxford’s roads.”

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Last year, Oxfordshire County Council commissioned SLC Rail to prepare a strategic outline case (SOC) for the new station. An SOC is the first stage in the Department for Transport’s business case process for projects such as developing new railway stations. 

The SOC estimates that the station could attract up to around 1,400 passengers a day and generate economic benefits subject to the station location and the routes and services being offered. It concluded there is a robust foundation for progressing the Wantage & Grove station scheme further.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This strategic outline case report has shown what we and many others believed to be the case – that Wantage and Grove is ripe for rail investment and justifies our calls for a station.

“Improving rail services will be a key factor in achieving the ambitious targets we have set for Oxfordshire in our local transport and connectivity plan. Wantage and Grove, with its links to the Science Vale area and growing population, is a prime location for the transformative impact of better public transport.

“Our local communities and businesses across the region need fast, regular and reliable transport options to support the people, our economic centres and climate change objectives. We look forward to working with partners to move this scheme forward to the next stage.”

The SOC also highlighted challenges including train service provision, complex infrastructure and the impact of Thames Water’s proposals for a large reservoir nearby. Furthermore, Network Rail has recently published its concerns that the Swindon-Didcot section of the Great Western Main Line is ‘likely congested infrastructure’ which adds to the station scheme’s complexity.

The council is continuing to engage with Thames Water to ensure their White Horse Reservoir proposals do not prevent delivery of a new Wantage & Grove station and to identify whether there can be station location and relevant infrastructure opportunities associated with their scheme.

The council is continuing to work with the rail industry to assess and understand wider capacity and operational issues on the Great Western Main Line and how these could affect or support the feasibility of a new Wantage & Grove station, including its train service, site location and commercial viability options. This work is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027 and will inform the council’s decision on committing to the next business case stage.

Andy Holding, founder of the Wantage & Grove Station Supporters Group, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved with their dedicated hard work, support and commitment with the reopening of Wantage & Grove Station and their continued support to reopen the station.

“We must keep pushing for the reopening of Wantage and Grove Station, especially with the continuing growth in the area with the population and businesses being attracted to the area.

“The station could become one of the busiest in Oxfordshire and the return on investment is beneficial to wider economy. It could help reduce congestion into Oxford, and there’s the potential for intercity services too.”

Oxfordshire County Council is leading on the promotion of the station and will be working closely with Network Rail, Great Western Railways (GWR) and South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils to progress any plans.

A Wantage & Grove station was initially opened in 1846 but has seen no trains since 1964.

Proposals for the new station featured in Oxfordshire County Council’s OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail, which was adopted last November. On Tuesday, its cabinet approved £20 million of investment in Oxfordshire’s rail system linked to the delivery of the plan.

The SOC and other rail-related documents will be published this month on the council’s new rail webpage: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/local-transport-and-connectivity-plan/rail

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After the successful partnership working that led to the publication of the local nature recovery strategy (LNRS), Oxfordshire County Council is now continuing its work with the Oxfordshire Local Nature Partnership (OLNP).

The OLNP is launching the first of Oxfordshire’s strategic nature projects – a growing portfolio of the county’s most ambitious nature recovery initiatives, now live on the OLNP’s website. It will include 15 projects, with these six already promoted and more to come:

• Black poplar project to recover Britain’s rarest tree species back to floodplains in Oxfordshire.
• Cotswolds Savannah project: a large-scale chalk grassland and mosaic habitat restoration project on 2,000 hectares.
• Evenlode landscape recovery project restoring habitats, soil health, and waterways. Led by farmers without sacrificing food production.
• Thames Valley wildflower meadow restoration project in Eynsham, including the acquisition of a new piece of land.
• Ock and Thame landscape recovery project, including benefits for people, food, farming, and nature.
• Reconnecting Bernwood Otmoor and the Ray project.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “The selected projects are built to last, with trusted partnerships, and plans to sustain their impacts well beyond any single funding cycle. Together, the projects span a significant area of Oxfordshire and represent a shared vision for nature recovery across the county, helping to deliver the LNRS’s strategic vision.

“Publishing these projects is just the first step. We will continue working with and through the OLNP to help these projects unlock the specific delivery funding and investments that they need.”

Each project has been assessed for its strong alignment with the LNRS, which the council published in November 2025, and its potential to deliver lasting, landscape-scale change. The projects include key actions to connect habitats across the county, support the recovery of priority species, and build greater local resilience in the face of increasingly extreme weather events.

Beyond nature recovery, the strategic projects each offer a variety of key wider benefits for people and place – cleaner water supplies, greater flood resilience, more opportunities for communities to connect with nature, and improvements for health, wellbeing and local economies.

Given that these projects are at different stages and different scales, the right kind of support will vary.

For some, philanthropic or grant funding will be the right fit. For others, public sources such as agri-environment payments or woodland creation grants may be more appropriate. As projects mature, opportunities through emerging nature markets are also expected to open up.

Over the coming months the OLNP and its members, including the council, will be promoting the portfolio more widely and connecting projects with the funders and partners best placed to support them.

Looking further ahead, the OLNP hopes to make it easier for individuals and businesses to contribute directly to the projects that matter most to them, through a crowdfunding-style approach – so that everyone with a stake in Oxfordshire's landscapes can play a part in their recovery.

For now, the public is invited to explore the projects, share them widely, and get in touch to help create a greener and more resilient Oxfordshire.

People can see the projects and get in touch with them directly through the OLNP’s website.

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The building will replace County Hall as the council’s city centre hub. The aim is to create a high-quality flexible space for colleagues and councillors to work and meet in. The development will also play an important part in the regeneration of the southern end of the city centre.

The overall budget for the Speedwell House project remains unchanged and is still being paid for entirely from the receipts of the sale of County Hall. The cabinet decision is merely a case of seeking earlier than previously planned use of funding to prepare the building for fit out, reduce exposure to construction cost inflation and allow key items that take a long time to deliver to be ordered.

Work will include internal strip-out, structural alterations, fabric repairs, fire protection work and early procurement of window and roofing materials

Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Transformation, said: “The earlier we pay for certain things in the Speedwell House project the less exposed we are to inflation. No additional funding was requested of cabinet and none is approved.”

“It will be exciting to see the building take shape and we believe it will help regenerate this area of Oxford as well as being a modern, net-zero home for council staff and councillors into the future, whatever shape Oxfordshire’s local government takes. As we have said, the sale of County Hall will provide the funding for the renewal of Speedwell House. The plan works financially as well as operationally.”

As reported in September 2025, contracts have been exchanged for the sale of County Hall to global investor and UK real estate owner and operator L&G, on behalf of its Managed Property Fund. They have commissioned developers Reef Origin who already have strong experience of working in Oxford.

The plan remains to move from County Hall in late 2026. During 2027 and early 2028 the council plans to utilise its existing office space in and beyond Oxford to accommodate staff whose current home base is County Hall as well as a council chamber and coroner’s court. It will also use Midland House in Botley.

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The council’s cabinet has agreed to progress the next construction phase of the A40 programme, covering the stretch between Eynsham Park and Ride and Cassington. The scheme includes bus priority measures, junction improvements, crossings and improved infrastructure for walking, wheeling and cycling. Meanwhile, further work is needed before starting construction at Duke’s Cut bridge.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair said: “This stretch of the A40 is a vital transport route and we remain committed to improving journeys and providing people with better, more sustainable travel choices.

“The decision means we can move ahead with the main improvements while taking a responsible approach to the more complex work at Duke’s Cut bridge.

“We need to make sure that we fully understand the work required, the costs and the risks before committing further public money to that section of the scheme.

“Pausing this element does not mean it is being abandoned. Bus priority at Duke’s Cut remains important and we will continue working to identify the right way forward.”

Further work will now be undertaken on the Duke’s Cut element of the wider scheme, to better understand the structural maintenance requirements and consider opportunities to reduce costs and identify funding.

Main construction is expected to start in early Spring 2027 and continue for at least two years.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet today adopted the West Oxfordshire Lowlands Movement and Place (MAP) Plan which sets out 15 objectives and 114 accompanying actions to create a long-term transport strategy for the area.

This is the third MAP plan the council has adopted. These plans will influence movement and place schemes and help to secure funding. 

The plan prioritises walking, wheeling, cycling and using public transport but also recognises that some people will need to use private cars. It aims to enhance connectivity between homes, jobs, services and amenities while creating healthier, safer and more attractive places for people to live, work and visit.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “For the West Oxfordshire area, including Witney and Carterton, this attention is essential and overdue. Since the closure of the railway to Witney in 1970, the people living along the Windrush valley have been subject to inadequate options for getting about.

“We are investing and making the plans for the future that the area urgently needs, including progressing a mass rapid transit study but also looking for short-term changes to provide better transport options.”

The West Oxfordshire Lowlands is home to around 87,000 people. It is a largely rural area, benefiting from close connectivity to the Cotswolds National Landscape, but is also home to a range of employment sites including RAF Brize Norton, the UK’s largest RAF base, business parks, industrial estates and commercial centres across Witney, Carterton and the surrounding settlements. The area is also a key tourism destination for Oxfordshire.

Around 16 per cent of residents in the area commute to Oxford for work and so improving links between Oxford and other key destinations will be critical.

The plan’s objectives include:

• delivering a comprehensive, comfortable, direct, safe, coherent and inclusive walking, wheeling and cycling network
• ensuring new developments deliver comprehensive on wheeling and cycling provision
• creating a network of transport hubs to support seamless, integrated and convenient travel
• enhancing and expanding bus services to provide a more frequent, reliable and integrated bus network
• working alongside partners to improve rail services and infrastructure.

There are 12 proposed MAP plans for Oxfordshire that the council will be looking deliver – the West Oxfordshire Lowlands one is the third to be adopted, following the Science Vale and the Bicester area earlier this year.

Cllr Epps added: “We are embarking upon sustainable and positive change – placing people, communities and places at the heart of this. The movement and place plans are key to this.

“They reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities, help to protect our natural environment and deliver the homes, businesses and leisure facilities that our communities need and enjoy.”

They will act as supporting documents to the council’s wider local transport connectivity plan, which was adopted in 2022.

Each will be reviewed regularly to reflect ongoing changes within the area.

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The package includes:

• Free parking for up to 16 hours per day at Oxford’s five park and ride sites.
• £1 single bus tickets to and from their workplaces in Oxford.

All staff working at NHS sites, schools, nurseries and early years settings in Oxford, including teaching, clinical, administration, catering and facilities management staff, can apply for the scheme.

Eligible staff will receive a link from their employer inviting them to apply.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Cabinet Member for Transport at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our NHS staff and education professionals provide essential services that people rely on every day.

“We are pleased to be using income from the temporary congestion charge to support them with the cost of travelling to work, while also encouraging more people to choose park and ride and bus travel.

“These benefits are part of our commitment to investing income from the scheme into measures that help reduce congestion in Oxford and improve travel in and around the city.”

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “The temporary congestion charge was a success in reducing traffic on Oxford’s roads and it’s essential that the funds raised support worthwhile initiatives to help encourage modal shift towards more sustainable travel.

“We’ve worked closely with Oxfordshire County Council to provide these benefits for NHS and school staff, and we’re delighted they will extend to all staff working at NHS sites, schools and nurseries.

“These staff are the backbone of our communities, and we look forward to welcoming them to our services, supporting more people in travelling sustainably in our city.”

Martin Gibbon, Managing Director of Stagecoach West & Oxford Tube, said: “We know that NHS staff and those working in schools and early years settings play a vital role in supporting Oxford’s communities every day, and we're pleased to be part of this initiative. By making bus travel more affordable, we're helping more people access a convenient, reliable and sustainable way to get to work.”

"The £1 fare offer, alongside Oxford's park and ride network, provides a great-value travel option for staff working across the city. We look forward to welcoming more healthcare and education workers on board and helping them leave the car at home for more of their journeys."

Those eligible can apply online using their work email address and will receive a travel card to obtain the £1 single tickets. Free parking at the park and ride sites can be accessed by the RingGo app, or by calling 0203 046 0010 if you don’t have a smartphone.

The offers are expected to be available for around eight months and will be reviewed during that time.

The investment forms part of a wider programme of measures funded through the temporary congestion charge. A £3 combined park and ride ticket was launched in August and covers return travel for up five people of any age and 16 hours of parking. Hospital express services from three park and ride sites are expected to start in early 2027.

Notes to editors

• A multi-million pound temporary congestion charge investment plan was agreed by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet on 19 May 2026.
• Oxford’s temporary congestion charge was in operation from 29 October 2025 to 27 September 2026.
• Income raised by the temporary congestion charge is ring-fenced for development and administration of the scheme and transport improvements in the county.
• The temporary congestion charge was replaced by Oxford’s traffic filter trial on 28 September 2026.

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Oxfordshire County Council and Buckinghamshire Council are sharing initial route options for feedback, with the survey open until Tuesday 24 November.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “For many years, local people and organisations have wanted a safer and easier route for sustainable travel between Haddenham and Thame, including access to the train station.

"A good connection between the two communities could make it easier for more people to choose walking, cycling or public transport for everyday journeys. We're still at an early stage and no preferred option has been selected. 

"I encourage people to look at the proposals and tell us what they think. Their feedback will help inform the next stage of the work."

Councillor Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We’re really pleased to be taking this next step in our work with Oxfordshire County Council, looking at the possibilities of a safer and more sustainable travel link between Haddenham and Thame, so that people can more easily choose walking, cycling or public transport.

“At this early stage it’s really important for people to tell us what they think about the options and our assessment, so I encourage everyone to take part in the engagement. 

"We know there’s been local interest in an active travel route for many years, and we hope that this engagement will provide us with some good feedback to understand the viability of the project going forward.”

The two councils are assessing different route options to understand how feasible they would be and identify any significant challenges, costs or barriers to delivery.

No preferred option has been selected at this stage nor any decisions taken on delivery.

This engagement is being carried out jointly by the two councils. The survey is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s digital engagement platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire, for people to share their feedback on the proposals. The survey closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 24 November 2026.

There will also be two drop-in events where members of the public can view the information in person and speak to project officers:

• Haddenham on Thursday 5 November 2026 from 3pm to 8pm, in the Conference Room at Haddenham Parish Council
• Thame on Saturday 14 November 2026 from 10am to 3pm, in the Upper Chamber at Thame Town Hall.

After the engagement period closes, the feedback will be reviewed alongside the technical evidence.  Oxfordshire County Council and Buckinghamshire Council will then make a joint decision on what happens next.  

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This follows employee engagement work, and a 13 week public consultation that took place between October 2025 and January 2026.

The recommendations are designed to ensure that fire and rescue resources are located where they can best meet current and future needs across the county.

Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire County Council’s fire and rescue service’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “Our aim is to provide a more sustainable service for the future, improve emergency response times, strengthen community safety and ensure resources are located where they can have greatest impact and benefit.

“We listened carefully to communities and colleagues during the consultation. I’m extremely grateful for everyone’s contribution, helping us to refine and develop these recommendations.”

A key part of the proposals is the redistribution of fulltime staff to crew fire stations during daytime periods in Bicester, Chipping Norton, Faringdon, Witney and Henley.

These fire stations would have fulltime firefighters based there during the day, providing a more consistent and reliable emergency response when the service is typically at its busiest.

Having fulltime firefighters based in these locations during the day would also increase ability to carry out prevention, protection and wider community safety activities such as safe and well visits.

The recommendations, if approved, would also retain two fire engines in Oxford at Rewley Road fire station.

Councillor Neil Fawcett , Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: "These proposals are about making sure Oxfordshire has a fire and rescue service that is ready for the future and able to meet the needs of our communities.

“This includes adapting to risks associated with climate change such as wildfires. I’m confident what is being recommended will mean that crews are even better positioned to deal with a range of environmental challenges.

"The proposals have been shaped by what we've heard from residents, partners and our firefighters.

"I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to take part in the recent consultation; your feedback has helped us develop and improve these plans.”

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That thought stayed with them over the following decade, temporarily paused while they saved to buy a house and fulfilled their travel bug, but always there.

Then, on 21 February 2025, a date etched in their memories forever (see image below), they carried Posy through the front door and into their west Oxfordshire home. The dream was finally achieved, they had officially adopted a child.

With National Adoption Week now nearly upon us (19 - 25 October) the couple are sharing their story to encourage others to consider adopting.

Rachel describes Posy as “the light of our life.”

She explains: “This beautiful two year old adopted daughter has filled a spot in our hearts that we didn’t know existed, a perfect family fit. Smiley, confident, bubbly and definitely mischievous, always with a twinkle in her eye.”

Posy became part of Rachel’s and Dave’s life through the early permanence adoption programme, which gives babies and young children the opportunity to move in with a stable family at the earliest possible stage, reducing the number of moves between homes they might otherwise experience.

Approved adopters initially look after a specific child as foster carers and then, if the court approves the adoption plan, they can adopt the child themselves.

Rachel said: “Early permanence has given us the most beautiful gift; we've bonded with Posy in a way we never thought possible, and in such a short space of time.

“We took each day as it came, loved being foster carers but also longing for the moment we could officially and permanently become mum and dad, and we quickly reached that magical moment… Posy is now our adopted daughter.”

Posy wants to copy mum and dad and even at the age of two shares Dave’s passion for Formula One.

Dave said: “I switch to children’s TV channels for Posy; however, her protests force my hand on race day if she realises I’d been watching F1. Thank you, an extra unexpected gift through adoption, a daughter who, like me, is a petrol head.”

Rachel doesn’t lose out through, Posy feels equally comfortable in the kitchen, helping mum bake cakes, chocolate chip cookies being her favourite both in preparation and consumption; their toddler has a sweet tooth.

Early permanence adoption also means the couple are able to experience the joys of watching their daughter grow from being a baby. They remember fondly her first word “doggy” – a reference to Winston, their pet cockapoo – along with the boundless energy Posy displays running around the garden, normally only pausing when distracted by fish in their pond.

Rachel said: “The lead up to adopting involves a lot of paperwork and checks by Adopt Thames Valley, you’d expect that. However, their team was so supportive in guiding us through the process, and continues to be there when needed.

“Dave and I would go through the same process again in a heartbeat, because the joy at the end of it is almost indescribable; knowing Posy is permanently part of our family and that we’ll have that fulfilling role as mum and dad in helping her reach for the sky and achieve her dreams.”

Adopt Thames Valley, the regional adoption agency hosted by Oxfordshire County Council, is urgently seeking more adopters like Rachel and Dave.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “Adoption isn't about being perfect or extravagant milestones; it’s providing a warm and loving home. Being there for a child during ordinary, everyday routines like nursery, family meals, bedtime chats and – just like Rachel and Dave in years to come – the school run and eventually preparing for adulthood.

“For any child who has experienced early upheaval or temporary care, these simple daily moments mean everything.”

Statistics show that children in England spend an average of 646 days waiting for a permanent home, nearly two years, and for a young child, that is a huge proportion of their life. In Oxfordshire, children spend an average of 537 days waiting for a permanent home.

Residents from all backgrounds who want to find out more about becoming an adopter can call 0800 731 0171 for an initial, no obligation conversation or visit Adopt Thames Valley’s website.

Notes

For child safeguarding reasons, we are unable to provide specific details for which town Rachel and Dave live in, or their surname. It has also been necessary to give their adopted child a pseudonym.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet will be asked to authorise funding allocations to help deliver OxRail 2040, its ambitious plan to improve rail transport and connectivity across Oxfordshire and the wider region over the next 15 years.

The funding includes contributions towards:

• An Oxfordshire Metro: creating an integrated transport network that brings together rail, bus, walking and cycling in a better co-ordinated and seamless user-centred travel offer.
• The delivery of the Cowley Branch Line, including new stations at Oxford Cowley and Oxford Littlemore
• Three other proposed new stations at Begbroke, Ardley, and Wantage & Grove to support growth.
• Continuing studies with industry partners to deliver more overhead wiring and introduce new battery-electric passenger trains across the county
• Installing an underpass at London Road in Bicester, linked to the East West Rail project and the need to remove the existing level crossing.

The money is expected to come from a variety of sources, including enterprise zone grant funding, East West Rail ‘works in kind’ funding, and section 106 contributions from developers.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We welcome the work and industry engagement that has gone in so far, which is helping to turn the OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail vision into reality. I look forward to discussing the paper at cabinet.”

Following the completion of Network Rail’s installation of a new railway bridge and redesigned road layout at Oxford Station last month, attention will now turn to what further measures are required to enable the station to cope with growing passenger numbers, improve its mobility links and upgrade its appearance and facilities.

The council is planning to allocate £1.5m towards a £3m project to improve safety and the customer experience at the station’s eastern concourse. The government and Great Western Railway are expected to fund the rest.

The planned £20m investment will build on the £1m allocated by the council in its 2025 - 26 budget for rail development activity. This funding has helped leverage wider investment in Oxfordshire’s rail network, improve active travel access to stations, progress station enhancement programmes and develop business cases that assess the environmental, economic and community benefits of rail investment.

OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail, which was approved by the council in November 2025, was extensively consulted on and has driven the funding priorities.

The council’s cabinet will meet on 20 October to discuss the latest recommendations.

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The County Museum officially opened in Woodstock on 15 October 1966. It found a fitting home at Fletchers House, a place with a long history of its own: people have lived on the site since 1279, while its oldest surviving tree was planted in 1798.

Since then, the museum has become a place where generations of families, schoolchildren and visitors can explore Oxfordshire’s heritage, enjoy exhibitions and events, and make memories of their own.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “For sixty years, The Oxfordshire Museum has brought the county’s history to life and created lasting memories for generations of visitors. This milestone is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes the museum special, from its fascinating collections and exhibitions to its activities for families and schools.

“Its success is thanks to the dedication of staff, volunteers, the Friends and everyone who has supported it over the years. I hope people will join the celebrations, share their own memories and continue to enjoy this much-loved museum for many years to come.”

The museum has seen significant change during its sixty years. When budget pressures threatened it with closure in the early 1990s, the public rallied to support it. With the help of lottery funding, a major renovation followed, bringing new galleries, a café and a shop to the site.

Another memorable chapter arrived in 2009, when the museum welcomed its own Megalosaurus and fossilised dinosaur footprints. They became part of a newly designed Dinosaur Garden, complete with Jurassic planting. The project attracted national press attention and was promoted by wildlife presenter Chris Packham.

Something for everyone

Today, the museum continues to thrive, welcoming around 115,000 visitors each year with a varied programme of exhibitions and events for all ages and interests.

Its Open Art Competition 2026 is on display until 1 November, showcasing work by Oxfordshire residents. This year’s theme, ‘celebration’, was chosen in honour of the museum’s milestone birthday.

It has also been a special year for the museum’s Learning team, which received two national heritage education awards. Staff and volunteers welcomed more than 3,300 people to summer holiday activities alone during the 60th birthday year.

Visitors can discover more about the museum’s history and highlights from the past sixty years in a special display throughout the museum.

With support from the Friends of The Oxfordshire Museum, a film has also been created to capture people’s memories of the museum. It will be available to watch in the museum’s galleries and online.

Edward Dowler, Chair of the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, said: "For over half of the museum’s sixty years, the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum have been proud to support the museum and its work. We were pleased to fund a special film for the museum’s birthday celebrations and to help promote the museum’s proud history and the people who have played a part in it.”

Everyone is welcome to come and discover what The Oxfordshire Museum has to offer. Find out more by visiting the Museum’s website, or visit the Friends of The Oxfordshire Museum website to find out how to become a Friend.

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The council has been asking government to provide the evidence and analysis that informed its minded-to decision in July to create three unitary councils across this area. In the absence of a response, the county council has now formally issued a pre-action protocol letter that provides the legal basis for requesting the evidence and documents underpinning the government’s decision-making.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, shares his thoughts in the video above.

In September, the government announced a pause to review its minded-to decisions on LGR. The government is yet to update on the scope or timetable for this. The county council remains ready to engage constructively with the government on the review.

Its priority remains to secure future local government arrangements that protect vital services, are financially sustainable and deliver the best outcome for its communities.

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Oxfordshire County Council is working on plans to build a modern HWRC next to the Bicester Park and Ride site by 2030 – subject to consultations and planning permission.

Planning permission for Ardley HWRC ends on 30 December 2026, although a planning application is expected later this month seeking an extension through to March 2031.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “Ardley HWRC is more than 40 years old and no longer meets the standards expected of a modern recycling centre.

“With the lease due to expire, we have an opportunity to plan a new facility, closer to population centres in Bicester and Kidlington and accessible from major roads.

“As well as providing up-to-date recycling facilities, the new centre will be home to a new re-use facility – something residents have been requesting for a long time."

The preferred access point would be a new junction off Vendee Drive.

“Residents and other interested parties will have opportunities to comment on the proposals as they are developed,” added Cllr Gordon. “A programme of public consultation will support the planning application, and we will keep people informed as the scheme progresses.”

The estimated cost of the new HWRC would be around £6 million and the site is planned to include a reuse shop where suitable items can be sold.

The wider project would be designed to deliver a 20 per cent biodiversity net gain, with habitats managed and maintained for years afterwards, in accordance with national requirements.

The council provides seven recycling centres around the county for Oxfordshire residents to bring household waste. The proposal would maintain this level of service.

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