Residents are being encouraged to get their blood pressure checked in a new initiative at Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries.

As part of Blood Pressure UK’s annual Know Your Numbers Week, held this year from 7 to 13 September, people can check their blood pressure at a dedicated ‘pressure station’ in any of the county’s 44 libraries.

People with undiagnosed and uncontrolled high blood pressure are more at risk from serious health issues such as stroke and heart attack.

Pressure stations will be available to anybody to use, whether they have been asked to do so by a doctor, or simply curious.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so the only way to know if your reading is high is to have it checked to lower your risk of serious health issues.

“Our libraries are trusted, welcoming spaces at the heart of communities across Oxfordshire, so they are a natural place to host these free pressure stations. This is a completely free and easy way to check your blood pressure, just drop into one of our libraries during the week where teams will be on hand to help. It takes just a couple of minutes but could change your life.”

The initiative was coordinated by Alet Ransom, Primary Care Network Pharmacy Technician and Cardiovascular Disease Champion, who worked alongside Oxfordshire County Council’s public health team and library service to develop the pressure stations and make it easier for people to check their blood pressure in familiar community settings.

She said: “I’m immensely proud to have helped bring this project from an idea into reality.

“The aim was always to make it easier for people, whether library users or visitors to the area, to ‘know their numbers’ and, where needed, take the next step towards looking after their cardiovascular health. 

“Knowing that the project is now being taken forward and rolled out across the county’s libraries is hugely rewarding, and I’m excited that it will give many more people the opportunity to access this simple but potentially life-changing service.”

Anyone found to have a high reading will be offered advice on simple steps they can take and encouraged to seek further support from their GP or local pharmacy if needed.

Residents can find their nearest library and check opening times on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

Find out more about the Know Your Numbers Week campaign by visiting Blood Pressure UK’s website.

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During 2025/26, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 58 chimney fires, with most occurring during the colder months when fireplaces, log burners and solid fuel appliances are used more frequently.

Many householders and businesses, despite being safety conscious, may forget to have their chimney or flue swept or inspected before using their fire when the weather changes.

They may also be unaware of the need to check first floor connections to chimneys, where debris and dust can accumulate in redundant upper floor fireplaces.

Andy Ford, Safety Manager for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “All chimneys and flues should be regularly cleaned and checked to ensure they’re free from debris, soot and other blockages, such as birds’ nests, and in full working order ready to use safely when the weather gets colder.

“A blocked or defective chimney can cause both chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisonings so it’s very important to employ a professionally qualified chimney sweep.

“If the worst should happen, working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms can give you an early warning. Make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them monthly; and don’t keep this advice to yourself – please, pass it on.”

Guidance for owners of wood burners includes not stacking logs next to the fire; they might look nice, but there is a risk of accidental ignition through radiated heat over time.

Care should be taken to use the correct fuel recommended for a fire or stove; firewood and fuel should be stored outside, away from buildings, with wood burners never left unattended when lit.

Residents are also being asked to always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers, making sure embers are under control and properly put out before going to bed.

Andy added: “Never be complacent when it comes to fire safety in the home, now is the time to get your chimney cleaned.”

Further information and advice is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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Eleven on-street sites in Berinsfield, Burford, Henley-on-Thames, Kidlington and Oxford were given the go-ahead at an Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member decision meeting on Thursday 3 September.

These sites are being delivered by the county council through a £4 million government funded programme to install more than 1,500 public chargers of different types by summer 2028. Most sites in the overall programme will be in off-street car parks, with the remainder on street.

Seven other on-street sites across Oxford, Shrivenham, Witney and Bampton were deferred, to allow time for more engagement and site assessment work.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Approving these first sites marks an important step in making electric vehicle charging more widely available across Oxfordshire.

“There is more work to do before some sites can move forward, but we need to achieve a balance between ensuring residents without EVs can continue to park and access essential amenities and providing a public charger service that encourages EV take-up.

“Reliable public charging is essential if people are to have the confidence to switch to electric vehicles. This is particularly important for residents without driveways and for rural and underserved communities, so that nobody is left behind.”

When finished, the programme will more than double the number of currently available public EV chargers in Oxfordshire ahead of 2030 when no new petrol or diesel vehicles can be sold in the UK.

The Oxfordshire EV infrastructure programme involves four strands of work:

• providing public chargers in council-owned car parks
• providing public on-street chargers
• allowing residents to apply for EV cable channels outside their homes
• and working with town and parish councils to install EV charging microhubs at community facilities.

The programme is designed to help the estimated 30 per cent of Oxfordshire residents who do not have a driveway or private off-street parking where they could charge an EV.

More than 700 responses were received during a formal traffic regulation order consultation on the first 18 on-street sites, held from 8 July to 7 August 2026. The council considered concerns about parking pressure, footway space, and the appearance of equipment in conservation areas before the decisions were made.

The network is intended to be reliable, easy to use and contactless. Most on-street units will be standard 7.4kW chargers so that residents without home chargers can charge their EVs at discounted energy rates while parked for several hours or overnight. There will also be a smaller number of rapid 50kw+ chargers installed in strategic locations and where the electrical supply allows.

Future proposed charger sites are still being assessed to make sure they are suitable, practical and carefully planned. This includes checking the detailed design, technical feasibility and electrical connections before any final decisions are made.

For more information about this release contact Oxfordshire County Council’s communications team on 01865 323870 or email press.office@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Notes to editors

• In Oxford, Binsey Lane, Cowley Road, Hamilton Road, and Whitehouse Road/Salter Close were approved, with Hockmore Street, Water Eaton Road and Cuddesdon Way approved pending additional work to establish that a minimum of 1.5 metres of space is left clear on the footway when equipment is installed.
• The Cuddesdon Way site is also dependent on whether an alternative off-street site can be delivered instead.
• Latimer Road was deferred to allow for further consideration of wider parking changes in the area and pending the council being unable to find better supported alternative local sites.
• The Phelps site in Kidlington was approved pending the council being unable to find better supported alternative local sites.
• Sites in Shrivenham, Witney and Bampton were deferred to allow for more local engagement.
• EV parking spaces proposed for Deddington will be decided upon at an October cabinet member decision meeting.
• EV parking spaces proposed for Carterton and Eynsham will not go ahead at this time.
• Installation of approved sites remains subject to detailed design, technical feasibility and electrical connection work.
• Connected Kerb is a partner investor in the programme and will install and operate on-street chargers, as well as chargers at Oxfordshire County Council park and ride sites and other county council car parks.
• Bicester firm EZ-Charge will install and operate charging hubs in participating city and district council car parks.

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An initial pre-feasibility study by Oxfordshire County Council explored the potential for the new station on the Chiltern Main Line, including assessing viability and identifying key considerations for further development.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “A new station at Ardley is something we explored in last year’s OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail, our ambitious plan to improve rail transport and connectivity across Oxfordshire and the wider region.

“This latest study, which we commissioned, has shown that a station at Ardley could significantly enhance rail access for nearby communities currently reliant on road travel. It could also serve a wider catchment area with appropriate infrastructure, mitigating the effects of wider proposed growth and transport changes.”

The pre-feasibility study is an early evaluation to see if there is enough evidence to continue developing the Ardley station proposal and to identify opportunities and constraints without selecting a final design or committing to delivery.

An initial simple station concept includes two platforms, accessible facilities, and modest parking, with an estimated cost range of between £24 - 29 million. A possible location would be the site of the historic Ardley station and its sidings, which closed in 1963.

Any further work would need to include detailed assessments of location, design, costs, timetable integration, environmental impacts, stakeholder engagement, and funding options to support the next stage – a potential strategic outline case.

OxRail 2040 proposes four new stations – Oxford Cowley, Oxford Littlemore, Begbroke and Wantage & Grove – while also exploring the feasibility of a fifth at Ardley.

These schemes will be developed through business case, design and delivery in partnership with the government, the infrastructure manager, operators, developers, commercial partnerships and district councils.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s temporary congestion charge will be replaced by the traffic filter trial on 28 September as the council continues its work to tackle congestion, improve bus reliability and support sustainable travel across the city.

For most people who already hold a temporary congestion charge permit, there is no need to take any action as their permit will automatically transfer to the traffic filter scheme. However, Oxfordshire residents, businesses and organisations that do not currently hold a permit are being encouraged to check their eligibility and apply before the trial begins.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: "If you don't currently have a permit and think you may be eligible, now is the time to check and apply. Taking action now will help ensure a smooth transition when the trial begins on 28 September."

Applications can be made online. Residents in the Oxford permit area are eligible for 100 free day passes per year, while residents in the Oxfordshire permit area are eligible for 25 free day passes per year.

The traffic filter trial was approved by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet in November 2022 following a public consultation.

The temporary congestion charge was introduced in October 2025 as an interim measure while the Botley Road closure prevented the planned introduction of traffic filters. Monitoring data published monthly shows a number of encouraging trends.

Use of Oxford's park and ride network has increased significantly since the congestion charge was introduced. The most recent data for July 2026 shows that usage was up by 44 per cent at Redbridge, 33 per cent at Oxford Parkway and 31 per cent at Seacourt compared with the previous year.

Oxford Bus Company has reported around 41,000 additional passenger journeys per week across Oxfordshire compared with the same period last year, representing approximately 12 per cent growth. Around 17,450 of those journeys each week are linked to increased park and ride use.

The council's monitoring has recorded consistently lower traffic volumes on a number of key routes into Oxford, including Magdalen Bridge, Folly Bridge and Abingdon Road, which showed reductions of 8 per cent, 12 per cent and 5 per cent respectively in June 2026. At the same time, some outer and ring-road sections are experiencing increased traffic or longer journeys, such as the sections between Cutteslowe roundabout and Wolvercote roundabout, Headington and Marsh Lane, and the southern ring road around Kennington, Heyford Hill and Hinksey Hill.

More than 129,000 permits have been issued since the temporary congestion charge was introduced.

Councillor Epps added: "The experience of the temporary congestion charge has shown encouraging signs that people are changing how they travel and that traffic and journey times have improved on many routes into central Oxford. We have seen strong growth in park and ride use, significant increases in bus patronage and improvements in journey times on a number of key routes into the city.

"The traffic filter trial is the next step in helping us tackle congestion that has blighted the city for decades.

“A six-month public consultation will open on 28 September. Feedback from residents and businesses will help us shape our future plans. We are listening and learning as we develop the best long-term solution for traffic in and around Oxford.”

About the traffic filter trial

• The traffic filter trial will operate in a similar way to the temporary congestion charge, with the filters being at the same six locations and a permit scheme in place. The trial, under an experimental traffic regulation order, can last for up to a maximum of 18 months.
• The key difference is that, from 28 September, car drivers will no longer be able to pay the £5 congestion charge to go through the traffic filters. However, with Botley Road open, everywhere in Oxford will be accessible by car at all times without driving through a traffic filter. You may need to take an alternative route, but often you won’t.
• Cars with valid permits and all other vehicles can travel through the filters at all times.
• At each traffic filter site, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will monitor and enforce the restrictions. There will be no physical barriers. Cars without a valid permit driving through the filters will receive a fine of £70 (reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days).
• During the first six months of the traffic filter trial, the council will send a warning notice the first time any car goes through a traffic filter without using a permit, instead of sending a penalty charge notice.
• The scheme only applies to cars. All other vehicles are exempt. For those where car use is essential, there are 20 different types of permits e.g. for carers and community health and care workers, making travel around the city easier for these groups.

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Residents are being encouraged to take up the offer of a free electric blanket check, part of Oxfordshire County Council’s programme to ensure everyone is safe, as well as warm, this winter.

As electric blanket tests are normally very popular, they must be booked in advance to be guaranteed.

Sessions will be held at locations across the county. The full address and a specific time slot will be provided at time of booking:

September 2026:

• Monday 21: Thame
• Tuesday 22: Rose Hill, Oxford
• Wednesday 23: Banbury
• Thursday 24: Chipping Norton
• Friday 25: Abingdon

October 2026

• Monday 5: Didcot
• Tuesday 6: Barton, Headington
• Wednesday 7: Bicester
• Thursday 8: Witney
• Friday 9: Wantage

Of the 920 electric blankets tested at last year’s events, 338 failed safety assessments - a failure rate of 36.7 per cent, which is an increase from the previous year.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “This is something we have been offering for 26 years, free of charge, to our residents, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of it. If the condition of a blanket is allowed to deteriorate, there is a risk it could become faulty, posing a danger of injury or fire.

“Blankets and throws might fail a safety assessment for many reasons, and even quite new blankets can fail. This is why it’s important to have them regularly tested at one of our free annual events.

“We know electric blankets might not be top of your summer to-do list, but now is the perfect time to make sure yours is safe for winter.”

Appointments can be booked by visiting electric blanket testing, calling 01865 895999 (option three) or emailing duty.officer@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

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The warning follows a series of Oxfordshire County Council trading standards’ investigations into the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products from retail premises across the county.

Officers have found businesses repeatedly selling counterfeit and smuggled tobacco from retail premises, undermining legitimate traders and depriving public services of vital revenue.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: "We hear the concerns of residents who are worried about the changing face of some high streets and the impact organised criminality can have on local communities.

“The illegal tobacco trade is not victimless. It damages legitimate businesses, facilitates tax evasion, undermines public health measures and is frequently associated with wider criminality.

“Oxfordshire is not a soft touch. The council and its partners are committed to creating a hostile environment for individuals and organised crime groups who profit from illegal tobacco and launder the proceeds of their offending.”

Illegal tobacco is often linked to organised criminal groups, tax evasion, money laundering and the exploitation of vulnerable people.

Landlords are advised to:

• Carry out appropriate due diligence before granting a new tenancy
• Ensure there is a written tenancy or lease agreement in place
• Verify and retain identification documents for tenants
• Know exactly who is occupying the premises
• Know who is paying the rent and investigate where payments are made by someone other than the named tenant
• Seek legal advice before permitting assignments or subletting arrangements
• Include clear provisions allowing action to be taken where criminal activity is identified
• Respond promptly to concerns raised by trading standards, police or other enforcement agencies

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager, said: " The overwhelming majority of landlords want to do the right thing and would be extremely concerned to learn that premises they own were being used for organised criminality. We encourage landlords to act quickly when concerns are raised.

“Where we inform a landlord that criminal activity is taking place from a property they own, we expect those concerns to be taken seriously and acted upon without delay. Failing to act after receiving clear warnings may expose landlords to significant legal and financial risks."

Criminal groups often try to hide their involvement by using “ghost” directors, front companies, informal tenancy arrangements or third parties to pay rent.

Illegal tobacco is often sold at pocket money prices and avoids the safety, packaging and health warning requirements designed to protect consumers

Anyone who suspects illegal tobacco is being sold in their community can report it anonymously via the illegal tobacco hotline on 0300 999 6 999 or online at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

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Advice can be found at oxme.info and on the National Careers Service’s website, or through its helpline 0800 100 900.

Young people interested in apprenticeships can visit a number of websites for further information: oxme, Gov.UK or UCAS.

While those who haven’t got the grades needed for their planned next steps and may be rethinking their college or sixth form options, the council encourages them to speak to their school’s careers officer, form tutor or head of year.

Students can also contact Activate Learning, Abingdon and Witney College or Henley College if further education is a preferred option.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Well done to students who have received their desired results. However, regardless of how well you’ve done, the big question will now be ‘what do I do next?’

“Some students will have decided; perhaps staying in education, beginning an apprenticeship or other type of training, or straight into a job. However, for others, it will be a time of reflection and possibly a need to adjust plans.

“Luckily, there are many choices, and support is available through a number of services that offer help for young people.

“I’d like to thank the many educational professionals who have taught and mentored our young people during their time in Oxfordshire’s schools and colleges.”

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As a result, Oxfordshire County Council is temporarily limiting the number of these items it can accept at its household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

The council has written to government to ask for action to be taken.

Residents booking a fridge or freezer slot will see the daily availability online up to one week in advance, rather than the normal two-week window. Other materials and HWRC bookings are not impacted by this.

Households will be limited to one fridge or freezer booking every three months, although they can bring up to two of these items with each booking.

The council has also asked Oxfordshire’s district and city councils to make similar temporary restrictions on the collection of fridges and freezers to their bulky waste services. Residents will need to check the situation in their area with their district or city council.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “We are exploring every avenue to address the backlog and support residents to continue recycling. I have written to the government to suggest steps they could take to alleviate the situation at a national level.

“Unfortunately, our capacity for treatment nationally has been reduced by a third and we have now had to introduce temporary restrictions at our HWRCs to help manage a growing backlog as we seek to maintain the service for residents.

“We would also like to thank residents for their understanding and working with us through this nationally challenging period.”

People are reminded they can use retailer takeback schemes when buying a new appliance or resell or donate working units. Retailers must offer a like-for-like collection service, although they may charge for collection from the home.

Last week, Oxfordshire County Council announced it was temporarily stopping accepting the items from people living outside the county to prioritise Oxfordshire residents.

All the measures will be kept under constant review, and the council will make existing customers aware of any updates through the HWRC booking system.

Customers are reminded to book a slot online on the council’s website before visiting their HWRC.

Residents without internet access can book slots by phone by contacting the council’s customer service centre on 01865 519800 between 8.45am - 5pm, Monday - Thursday, and 8.45am - 4pm on Fridays.

Oxfordshire customers are also reminded to bring proof of address with them when visiting an HWRC – such as a driving licence or recent utility or council tax bill – as visitors from outside the county will be charged £15.

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From 21 September, Oxfordshire County Council will be carrying out traffic signal installation and improvement work to Islip Bridge to keep it safe, improve pedestrian access and reduce unsuitable through‑traffic in the village.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “The work is needed because the bridge has deteriorated due to higher traffic volumes, including heavier vehicles. Action is required to protect the bridge and ensure safe use for everyone.

“We appreciate that the scheme is likely to cause significant disruption, but we will endeavour to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible.”

The first phase, from 21-25 September, will involve temporary traffic signals for preparation works.

Phase two, from 28 September - 20 November, involves the full closure of Islip Bridge to all motor vehicles, including buses. A signed diversion route will be in place, although pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained at all times.

The work will include the installation of permanent three-way traffic signals controlling vehicle movements across Islip Bridge; narrowing the carriageway to three metres to protect the bridge structure; installing a new 1.5 metre-wide footway on the west side of the bridge; and traffic calming on the southern approach.

Drainage repairs, resurfacing, footway improvements and new road markings will also be carried out, while Mill Street will be made one-way in advance of the scheme.

Staff will be present at either end of the bridge during the closure to manage safety and provide assistance.

Access to nearby properties and businesses will be accommodated where possible, although short delays may occur.

During the bridge closure, the H5 bus service between Bicester and the John Radcliffe Hospital will serve Islip from the north and then follow the diversion via Kidlington Road, Bicester Road, A40, to Barton and vice versa. 

A shuttle service will operate between Barton and the bus stop on the south side of the bridge.

The work was scheduled to take place after the summer harvest period, when agricultural traffic flows are lower. This helps reduce the impact on the surrounding road network, supports local communities and helps reduce the risk of delays.

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Academics, policymakers and community leaders in Oxfordshire came together on 15 July to celebrate the success and share insights and findings from the third Local Policy Lab Fellowship programme.

Supported and introduced by the Local Policy Lab’s Chief Scientific Advisors, the current cohort of 16 Fellows shared their project plans, research and outcomes at a showcase at the Blavatnik School of Government.

The Local Policy Lab, an alliance between Oxfordshire County Council, the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University. It gives students and researchers the chance to work with local communities and understand how policy affects people in Oxfordshire.

Professor Adam Briggs, Deputy Director of Public Health at Oxfordshire County Council and programme policy partner, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of this programme is seeing students get out of the classroom to embrace the complexity of local government, including the changing landscape of local government reorganisation, and deliver projects that provide really practical ways forward for us to better understand and meet the needs of local communities.

“By exploring questions that matter to people’s everyday lives, from care and support to employment, skills and children’s early years, the fellows are helping us build stronger evidence for decisions that can make a real difference to people across Oxfordshire.”

Aileen Marshall-Brown, Head of Engagement for the Social Sciences Division, University of Oxford, said: “For the fellows, this is an opportunity to apply their research skills to real policy questions, learn more about how evidence is used in practice, and work across institutional and professional boundaries.”

This year’s research projects brought together knowledge from many areas, including psychology, public policy, education, computing and law, and looked at important local issues such as adult social care, children’s early years, green skills, employment and more:

• Measuring What Matters: Identifying Practical Approaches to Evaluating Community Capacity Grants for Grassroot Organisations, by Freya Cole Norton and Ishbel Anderson

• Beyond the Front Door: Equity and Experience in Adult Social Care in OCC, Belen Tomic Perez and Ruben Moss-Keys

• Beyond Counting Conversations: Developing a Meaningful Evaluation Framework for Making Every Contact Count (MECC) in Oxfordshire, by Neha Bhuvarahan and Nandini Bohra

• Mapping Green-Skills Provision Across Oxfordshire, by Khin Oo Thazin and Anna Luiza Barbosa

• Understanding the Impact of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on Young People's Engagement in Education, Employment and Training, by Nafisa Salsabil Zaman and Valter Manuel Gomes Neto

• Making the Invisible Visible: The Assessment of Harmful Parental Conflict in Children's Services, by Cameron Tan and Charlotte Mason

• Towards Meaningful Outcomes for Families, Children & the System: Evaluating the Adult-Facing Practitioner Role in Domestic Abuse Interventions, by Raquel de Almeida Lima and Otilia Rose-Marie Meden

• Best Start in Life – Good Levels of Development in Oxfordshire, by Pippa Naegeli-Evans and Yasmin Arnould

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The £126m project will enable the Eynsham park and ride to open, deliver new bus lanes, improvements to active travel infrastructure and support delivery of new homes in the area.  

Following the granting of planning permission on 30 June 2026, Oxfordshire County Council and their contractor, Balfour Beatty, have conducted a review of the construction programme to take account of the activities required before main construction can begin, including discharging planning conditions, utility diversions and other preparatory works. 

It is currently anticipated that enabling works will begin in autumn 2026, with main construction starting in spring 2027. Connecting the park and ride to the A40 remains a priority for the project and this element of the work will be delivered first. 

Based on the current programme, the park and ride is expected to open in early summer 2028, with the remainder of the project completed and open by summer 2029. 

Councillor Liz Leffman, Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: "The A40 Eynsham park and ride to Wolvercote project is an important investment in Oxfordshire's transport network that will enable the Eynsham park and ride to open, provide new bus lanes and improve walking and cycling facilities along the A40 corridor. We know people are keen to see these benefits delivered, and our focus is on progressing the work needed to connect the park and ride to the A40 and bring it into use as soon as possible.” 

Preparatory works are already underway, and there will be increasing activity on site over the coming months. 

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That is why Oxfordshire County Council is acting.

We are already leading the way on clean transport. Oxfordshire has one of the country's largest fleets of electric buses, helping to cut carbon emissions while making our air cleaner and reducing noise pollution. The progress has been recognised nationally, with Oxfordshire now described as a leader on clean air.

We are also helping residents reduce their own emissions and their energy bills. Through the Warm Homes: Local Grant programme, eligible households can receive free energy-saving improvements, including insulation, solar panels and heat pumps. More than 100 households have already benefited—including a Witney family who have had solar panels and a battery installed at no cost. (Oxfordshire News)

But the transition to a low-carbon economy has to work for communities too. We are working with partners across Oxfordshire to develop a framework that could allow communities hosting large renewable energy projects to share in the benefits—including through community payments and opportunities for shared ownership. (Oxfordshire News)

We are also changing the way the council itself operates. This summer Oxfordshire became the first local authority in England to introduce a dual-fuel hydrogen and hydrotreated vegetable oil highways maintenance vehicle. It is a practical example of how we can reduce emissions from the vehicles needed to keep our roads running. (Oxfordshire News)

Climate action isn't just about reducing carbon. It is about restoring the natural systems that protect us. Oxfordshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy provides an ambitious, evidence-led plan to restore and reconnect habitats across the county, helping nature recover while making our landscapes more resilient to flooding and climate change. (Oxfordshire News)

And we are making our roads and communities better places to walk, cycle and live. Our new Quiet Lanes programme will create safer routes for walking, wheeling, cycling and horse riding where there is local support, reducing through traffic and making rural roads calmer and safer. (Oxfordshire News)

None of this means the job is done. Far from it. The climate crisis demands that we keep going—and sometimes that means making difficult decisions.

But when people ask what Oxfordshire County Council is actually doing about climate change, the answer is simple: a great deal.

We can tackle climate change while improving people's lives, cutting household bills, protecting nature and creating healthier communities. That is the future we are working to build—and Oxfordshire is determined to lead the way.

Help is on offer about continuing in education to seeking employment or training from key and trusted organisations.

Advice can be found at oxme.info and on the National Careers Service’s website or through its helpline 0800 100 900.

Young people interested in apprenticeships can visit a number of websites for further information: oxme, Gov.UK or UCAS.

While those who haven’t got the grades necessary for higher education or their university of choice, there are options. Students can access key advice from UCAS or can read the education hub blog on Gov.UK.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Results day is always a big moment for young people and regardless of how well you’ve done, for many the big question will now be ‘what do I do next?’

“Some students will have a clear path forward. However, for others, it will be a time of reflection, perhaps adjusting plans, or for some who decided to have a break from the moment they finished their final lesson or exam; now it’s time to consider their options.

“Luckily, there are many choices available, from higher education, like university, to beginning work, starting a career on an apprenticeship or embarking on a training programme.

“Support is available through a number of services that offer help for young people.

“I’d like to thank the many educational professionals who have taught and mentored our young people during their time in Oxfordshire’s schools and colleges.”

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All but the most westerly stretches of Oxfordshire were previously included in this warning. The Met Office extended this further west to cover the whole county and beyond.

Weather forecasts

The Met Office issues weather warnings when severe weather is expected. These give an indication of problematic weather that may be on its way to Oxfordshire

Advice in hot weather

The government provides the following advice on how to stay safe during hot weather. Anyone can become unwell if they get too hot. However, some people are at higher risk.

It is important to follow this guidance so that you are prepared for hot weather and can take action to cool yourself and your home. The NHS offers additional advice .

Heatwaves may increase the likelihood of seizures in people with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Society has some useful information on managing epilepsy during heat.

Water safety advice in hot weather

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has water safety advice related to avoiding getting into difficulty in the county’s waterways during the hot weather.

Road and driving conditions

If any roads are affected during this period of extreme heat they will be listed on our road closures in severe weather webpage. National Highways are offering travel advice in hot weather.

Advice from district councils

This includes information on work undertaken with the homeless.

• Vale of White Horse District Council

• South Oxfordshire District Council

• Oxford City Council

• Cherwell District Council

Thames Water incidents

Thames Water regularly updates its list of water related incidents in the region.

Power outages

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks list power outages at any one moment.  You can zoom in and out of the map on this page or search by postcode.

Oxfordshire County Council, which operates the county’s seven HWRCs, said it would temporarily stop accepting the items from people living outside the county in order to prioritise Oxfordshire residents.

The measure reflects a nationwide shortage of specialist facilities able to process fridges and freezers.

This has created a significant backlog across the sector, with some councils around the country suspending acceptance of all fridges and freezers at their HWRCs.

Oxfordshire County Council’s targeted approach is intended to reduce incoming tonnage and protect limited storage capacity, while maintaining the service for Oxfordshire households.

The HWRC booking system has been adjusted so that non-Oxfordshire customers can no longer select fridges or freezers when making a booking, and customers with existing bookings will also be contacted to advise them of the temporary restriction.

The situation will be kept under close review and the council will continue discussions with its contractor and disposal outlets.

Customers are reminded to book a slot online on Oxfordshire County Council’s website before visiting their HWRC. Bookings are available up to two weeks in advance or 30 minutes prior, subject to availability.

Residents without internet access can book slots over the telephone by contacting the council’s customer service centre on 01865 519800 between 8.45am - 5pm, Monday – Thursday, and 8.45am - 4pm on Fridays.

Oxfordshire customers are also reminded to bring proof of address with them when visiting an HWRC – such as a driving licence or recent utility or council tax bill – as visitors from outside the county will be charged £15.

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The traffic filter trial will operate in a similar way to the temporary congestion charge, with the filters being at the same six locations and a permit scheme in place. The trial, under an experimental traffic regulation order, can last for up to a maximum of 18 months.

The key difference is that, from 28 September, car drivers will no longer be able to pay the £5 congestion charge to go through the traffic filters. However, with Botley Road open, everywhere in Oxford will be accessible by car at all times without driving through a traffic filter. You may need to take an alternative route, but often you won’t.

Cars with valid permits and all other vehicles can travel through the filters at all times.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I’m pleased that we are finally in a position to launch this important trial measure to reduce traffic in the city. The traffic filter trial aims to further reduce through-traffic and tackle congestion that has blighted the city for decades, creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive Oxford.

“A six-month public consultation will open on 28 September. Residents and businesses’ feedback will help us shape our future plans. We are listening and learning as we develop the best long-term solution for traffic in and around Oxford.”

Most people with congestion charge permits don’t need to take any action as their permits will be automatically transferred to traffic filter permits. The permit’s start date will revert to the traffic filter trial start date. Day pass allocations will automatically re-set to 100 for Oxford residents and 25 for Oxfordshire residents.

The council will be contacting all permit holders before the trial starts to explain what will happen next.

For people who don’t yet have a permit, applications are open online. Residents in the Oxford permit area are eligible for 100 day passes per year, while residents in the Oxfordshire permit area are eligible for 25 day passes per year.

The start date of the traffic filter trial is subject to Network Rail reopening Botley Road on 20 September.

About the traffic filter trial

• The traffic filter trial was approved by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet in November 2022, but implementation has been delayed because of the closure of Botley Road, due to Network Rail’s improvements to Oxford Rail Station.
• At each traffic filter site, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will monitor and enforce the restrictions. There will be no physical barriers. Cars without a valid permit driving through the filters will receive a fine of £70 (reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days).
• During the first six months of the traffic filter trial, the council will send a warning notice the first time any car goes through a traffic filter without using a permit, instead of sending a penalty charge notice.
• The scheme only applies to cars. All other vehicles are exempt. For those where car use is essential, there are 20 different types of permits e.g. for carers and community health and care workers, making travel around the city easier for these groups.

The locations and operating times of the traffic filters will be the same as the temporary congestion charge:

- Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way - Monday to Saturday - At peak times between 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm

- Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement’s Street and Thames Street - Monday to Sunday - 7am to 7pm

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As highways authority, the council said it would issue fines and other fees – likely to total tens of thousands of pounds – against the company for closing the slip road in Marston without a valid permit, leading to an increase in heavy traffic travelling through the villages of Elsfield and Woodeaton.

By failing to obtain the necessary permit and working outside the agreed statutory process, the company prevented the council from managing the wider impact of the roadworks to minimise disruption.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “It’s completely unacceptable that they did this unilaterally and without agreement.

“We, as highways authority, need to agree and schedule roadworks in a planned and considered way and I will be challenging this company about why this happened.

“It has caused immense disruption to residents who have seen heavy goods vehicles, double decker buses and a huge amount of traffic diverted on to a single-track road through their tiny villages.

“This must not happen again, and we will be making that perfectly clear to the utility company involved while also making sure that this work is completed as soon as possible.”

The council has taken formal enforcement action in relation to the permit breach. A fixed penalty notice has been issued in accordance with national regulations – the highest level of penalty ordinarily available for this category of permit offence.

In May, the council’s lane rental scheme came into force – a system which allows it to charge companies up to £2,500 per day for working on the busiest roads at peak traffic times.

As the work took place on a designated lane rental road during periods where charging applies, the firm is expected to face fees of around £60,000.

Council officers will continue discussions with the company to ensure that appropriate improvements are made and that a similar situation does not arise again.

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People with a range of learning and physical disabilities, and mental health needs use Bicester Community Support Service (BCSS) in Launton Road on a daily basis.

There’s now an opportunity to use an industrial kitchen already on site and the service would like to purchase equipment and customer facilities to make it a lunch hot spot.

The team is looking to buy tables and chairs, coffee making equipment, panini makers, and more, so they can make and serve lunches, snacks and drinks.

A JustGiving page has been created to raise funds for the equipment, licences, training and resources needed to set up the café. Once established, it is hoped the café will generate enough money to sustain itself and grow to give more people positive experiences.

Adults with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health needs, and dementia regularly attend the Bicester centre and the café will help people live more independent, fulfilling lives. The café would provide experiences in additional to the meaningful activities and opportunities that improve health, build confidence, and reduce social isolation. This year the service has already taken a theatre trip to see Steps the Musical, day trips and have built a brand-new custom shed.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet member for Adults, said: “This is a fantastic idea which will create a real-life work environment and experience for the people we support.

"It is through innovative ideas like this that we, and our fantastic communities, can help people build confidence, independence and social connection, a genuine sense of purpose and achievement.

“Not only will they still attend BCSS but the people we support will have a café to go to where they can genuinely participate in supporting their local community.”

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As well as improving bus travel in the town, where congestion has historically affected journeys, the changes make it easier for people to walk to bus stops, shops, businesses and the rail station.

Oxfordshire County Council’s project, funded through the government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan programme, provides a longer running lane along Cherwell Street and optimised traffic signals at the George Street and Bridge Street junctions.

Pedestrian crossings have also been improved and nearby drainage and gully infrastructure cleaned.

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “I’m delighted that work on the Cherwell Street improvement project is now complete on time and that people can begin to experience the benefits it will bring. I’d like to thank residents, businesses and everyone who uses this route for their patience during construction.

“Cherwell Street is a main gateway into Banbury town centre and an important route for local bus services. These improvements will help buses move through the area more efficiently, improving reliability for passengers and helping make public transport a more attractive choice.

“The project has also delivered safer and more accessible pedestrian crossings, making it easier for people to get around the town centre and connect with local shops, services and Banbury station.

“These improvements are an important part of our wider commitment to creating a transport network that is safer, more reliable and supports sustainable travel across Oxfordshire.”

Construction started in January 2026.

Surfacing and road lining works finished on 17 July, and the new permanent traffic signals have just been tested and installed.

The Cherwell Street scheme forms part of the council’s wider commitment to creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive county where journeys are quicker, more connected, more flexible and more reliable.

Ends

Notes to editors

The Cherwell Street bus service improvement project focused on Cherwell Street, between the George Street and Bridge Street junctions, and the Bridge Street and George Street junctions themselves.

The completed project includes:

· a longer running lane along Cherwell Street for left-turning vehicles, including buses, travelling north-bound into Bridge Street (west)

· optimised traffic signals at the George Street and Bridge Street junctions to reduce delay for buses and cars

· improved pedestrian facilities with new, safer, and more direct crossings

· and lining and signing work to improve traffic flow, safety, and overall road user experience.

The project is largely funded by the Department for Transport's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) programme and improvements to bus service reliability and journey times were core requirements.

Additional money from local developers (known as Section 106 contributions) funded crossing facility and signal improvements at the Bridge Street junction.

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The Department for Transport has confirmed personal injury collision and casualty statistics for Great Britain. The trends are very encouraging for Oxfordshire.

Analysis of the data indicates that people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Oxfordshire’s roads fell by around 18 per cent compared with the previous year. Across the Thames Valley area as a whole, KSIs appear to have increased by approximately 20 per cent over the same period.

The KSI measure is generally regarded as the most robust indicator within the provisional dataset because serious and fatal collisions are more consistently reported and recorded than lower-level incidents.

In February 2022, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet approved funding to support the roll-out of 20mph schemes in communities across the county at no cost to town and parish councils. Since then, more than 275 communities in urban and rural areas have requested and implemented 20mph measures.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is extremely encouraging. Oxfordshire is bucking the wider Thames Valley trend, with serious and fatal casualties falling significantly at a time when neighbouring areas are seeing increases.

“This shows the approach we have taken in Oxfordshire is working. We have made a conscious decision as a county to take speed seriously because lower speeds save lives, reduce the severity of injuries, and make our communities safer and healthier places to live.

“Our ambition is for Oxfordshire to become known as the county that takes road safety seriously. Whether someone is walking to school, cycling to work, catching a bus, or driving through one of our towns and villages, everyone deserves to get home safely.

“The growth in support for 20mph schemes across the county shows that communities understand the benefits. These measures are not about stopping people getting around; they are about creating streets that feel safer, calmer and more welcoming for everyone.”

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “"These figures show real progress and the positive impact of our Vision Zero programme.   Day by day, week by week, year on year, more people in Oxfordshire are getting home without harm from road collisions.  The patterns are good across all indicators.

"There is more to do, and we continue to need more enforcement of the law.  To achieve Vision Zero requires more year-on-year work.  That's why we are working to tackle issues on particular A and B roads, working with our town and parish councils, and will be putting forward more proposals through the year."

Donnington Bridge has operated under a weight restriction since summer 2024 after deterioration was detected in inspections. It forms part of Oxford’s inner orbital route (B4495) and is one of a limited number of River Thames crossings within the city’s ringroad.

The council is bidding to government’s Structures Fund for £8m to fund a strengthening scheme that would restore full loading capacity and enable efficient movement of goods and services, improve public transport reliability, and reduce congestion. The council would provide £2m of funding to make a scheme total of £10m.

Since late 2024, the council has provided a shuttle service for people affected by the re-routing of buses due to the weight restriction using its own minibus fleet.

Cllr Liz Leffman, Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair said: “Donnington Bridge provides a key link between residential areas and major employment centres including Oxford city centre, Cowley, Headington and Littlemore.

“The weight limit that had to be imposed in 2024 has inconvenienced residents, disrupted bus services and heavy goods vehicle movements, increased journey times and decreased efficiency across the road network generally.

“That is why we have been working hard to put this bid to government together. We believe that we meet all of the relevant criteria and we are hopeful of a positive outcome. We want to see Donnington Bridge restored to full working capacity for the benefit of all road users and the residents of the city generally.”

Oxfordshire County Council has appointed GRAHAM to deliver the Didcot to Culham river crossing section of the Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure (HIF1) scheme. This is the third and final construction contract to be awarded for this scheme.

The project will enable more reliable journey times, improve pedestrian and cycling connectivity, support new employment sites and housing in and around Didcot, and help facilitate new and enhanced bus services.

The Didcot to Culham river crossing includes a new 3.6km single carriageway road between the A4130 at the existing Collett roundabout junction in Didcot and the A415 at Culham. It will include a new bridge over the Appleford railway sidings and a new bridge over the River Thames. Segregated walking and cycling facilities will also be provided along the length of the scheme.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Construction and Repair, said: “The Didcot to Culham river crossing will significantly reduce congestion in the area, and provide a safe route for walkers and cyclists. In particular, it will help relieve the congestion at the existing historic river crossings through Sutton Courtenay/Culham villages, and also at Clifton Hampden.

“These existing local bridges are old and not suitable for modern levels of traffic movement. They are often congested and subject to flooding in the winter months. This new crossing over the River Thames will help improve traffic flow, public transport journey times and reliability, and offer more resilience for public transport from flooding.

“The entire Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure scheme will give people more choice in how they travel, with improved conditions for active and sustainable kinds of travel which are better for everyone.”

Andrew Henry, GRAHAM Contracts Director, said: ““It is fantastic to have partnered with Oxfordshire County Council once again on another essential civil engineering project in the area.

“The Didcot to Culham river crossing is a complex project, which is ideally suited to our expertise. It will involve a complete overhaul of the current infrastructure, which is no longer fit for purpose, to deliver vital improvement works that support an enhanced quality of living for residents.”

Enabling works, including site clearance, archaeology investigations and utility diversions began earlier this year, and early construction activities are underway. Construction is expected to last approximately two and a half years.

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Oxfordshire has been recognised nationally for its work to build a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system, after becoming one of only seven places in the UK to win the Sustainable Food Places Gold Award.

The award celebrates places that have embedded food in local policy and taken cross-sector action to tackle environmental, social and economic food challenges.

Oxfordshire County Council has worked closely with Good Food Oxfordshire, the partnership driving sustainable food change across the county, and other partners to support this work, which aims to make healthy, affordable and sustainable food easier for everyone to access.

Good Food Oxfordshire applied for the award earlier this year, following a silver award in 2023.

Jenny Ekelund, CEO of Good Food Oxfordshire, said: “Winning the Gold Award is an incredible validation of the years spent weaving together local businesses, councils, community groups and farmers across Oxfordshire. It shows what happens when a whole county commits to working as a team.

“This achievement showcases gold-worthy sustainability work being done in all corners of Oxfordshire, from grassroots community projects and local farms to academic research and local government policy. This award belongs to everyone who has grown, served, and advocated for better food in Oxfordshire.”

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Good food is about much more than what is on our plates. It is about supporting local producers, reducing our impact on the environment, helping communities to thrive and making it easier for everyone to access healthy, affordable food, particularly those most vulnerable to food insecurity.

“We are proud to work closely with Good Food Oxfordshire and partners across the county. Together, we are showing what can be achieved when councils, communities, businesses, farmers and the voluntary sector work towards a shared goal.”

As part of the rigorous application process, Good Food Oxfordshire highlighted two areas of exceptional achievement that set Oxfordshire apart: community-centred research through the Oxfordshire Living Lab (FEAST) project and its collaborative, solutions-led approach with Oxfordshire County Council.

Chloe Smee, Sustainable Food Places Partnership Lead and one of the Gold Award assessors, added: “Good Food Oxfordshire has shown what a mature, trusted food partnership can achieve. The care invested in building participative, cross-sector governance has been immense. That often invisible work of holding relationships together pays off when it matters most, ensuring Oxfordshire has an active, resilient network ready to respond whenever opportunities or challenges arise.”

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