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.

A fun way to stay active has become a weekly must for residents who are part of a support service funded by Oxfordshire County Council.

Members who use the Banbury Community Support Service wanted to find a way to stay active, so joined forces with an exercise and nutrition expert, and the Mighty Movers were unleashed.

The Friday group focuses on what people can do and what feels right for them, with a healthy dose of encouragement and laughter with one participant declaring “it’s so nice to exercise again”.

Exercise expert Jane Hawthorn from JaneyHFit (pictured) thoughtfully adapts each session to suit individual abilities, helping people build confidence, maintain strength for everyday living and, most importantly, have fun.

There are also sessions to help the people being supported understand the importance of nutrition, healthy eating and hydration, which affect energy levels, help build muscle and support general health.

Being active and well is an important part of enabling residents to stay in their own environment for longer, happy and healthy, and is part of the Oxfordshire Way.

Mighty Movers is part of the Banbury Community Support Service in Neithrop and is funded by the Well Together Programme. Neithrop is one of 10 priority areas across the county where £1 million has been invested in grassroots groups, local charities and community organisations, helping to strengthen community-led health and wellbeing initiatives.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “For many people, traditional exercise settings can feel intimidating or inaccessible.

“There was a desire to create something different, built around encouragement, laughter and the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to move in a way that feels right for them.

“Because the funding is there to create bespoke services, Fridays have become something truly special for residents. What began as a simple wish from the people we support, to find a fun and welcoming way to stay active, has grown into something joyful, inclusive and deeply meaningful.

“These exercise and nutrition sessions are valuable and are helping people feel empowered to look after their wellbeing.

“The sessions are more than exercise, health and wellbeing; they are about connection, confidence, belonging and joy.”

Janey said: “I love the energy that the Mighty Movers group bring and we have so much fun.

“As a qualified exercise referral instructor, I tailor each session to meet the group’s mixed abilities, adapting the movements and equipment where needed. I work closely with the co-ordinator, and the support workers to ensure everyone feels comfortable and included.

“The feedback from the Mighty Movers really means a lot, and I’m grateful to be part of a group who enjoy the sessions as much as I do.”

Banbury residents can get involved in the group by emailing banburycss@oxfordshire.gov.uk

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Fabia Cerra never expected to end up running her own community support business when she started looking for work that fitted around caring for her autistic son, Leone.

With support from Community Catalysts, a programme funded by Oxfordshire County Council to help people set up small, local care and support services, Fabia has gone on to establish a community micro‑enterprise providing flexible support for people with learning disabilities, autistic people, older residents, and others who can feel isolated in their communities.

Through her service, Fabia supports people to live independently at home and stay connected in their communities. Her work includes helping with everyday tasks such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, shopping, and managing correspondence, as well as accompanying people to appointments, supporting travel on public transport, and enabling participation in hobbies and social activities. She also offers companionship, providing a reassuring presence for those who need it.

As Leone’s primary carer, Fabia, who lives in Oxford, wanted work that was both meaningful and flexible. With mentoring and guidance from Community Catalysts, she was able to turn her lived experience into a viable service and set up her enterprise in just a few months.

Fabia said: “I was inspired to start my micro‑enterprise as I’m my son’s primary carer. I was looking for a role that fitted in with my personal life, including my son, and this was ideal for using my experiences and knowledge of being an unpaid carer.”

More than two years on, she has an established customer base and continues to support people in her local area to improve their quality of life.

She adds: “The support from Community Catalysts has been brilliant.

“My mentor is always there if I need guidance or advice, and the Zoom meetings and private WhatsApp group are really helpful. I get to hear from other community micro‑enterprises and learn from their experiences.”

Fabia says the biggest impact comes from small, everyday changes: “I would like to think I’m helping people in my local community improve their quality of life. Making a small change in their day can make a huge difference to them.”

Rebekah Fletcher, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “By funding Community Catalysts, we are backing local people to build support that genuinely reflects the realities of their lives and communities.

“Fabia’s story shows how lived experience, with the right support, can be turned into something that benefits both families and the wider community.”

“Community‑led services like this complement wider adult social care provision and help people feel more connected, confident and supported close to home in line with The Oxfordshire Way.”

Fabia adds: “If you’d said to me two years ago that I’d be working for myself, I’d have just laughed it off.”

Fabia’s experience reflects the wider impact of the Community Catalysts programme across Oxfordshire, which has been working in Oxfordshire since 2020. The council funds the programme as part of its commitment to more personalised, community‑based approaches to care and support.

So far, the programme has delivered significant results across the county:

• In Cherwell, 89 community micro‑enterprises have completed the programme, together providing more than 4,000 hours of support and 118 activity sessions each week to over 2,000 people, while creating 150 jobs and 142 volunteering roles.
• In the Vale of White Horse, a further 37 micro‑enterprises have been supported since 2023, many offering activities for people with learning disabilities who previously had to travel much further to access support.

From 1 April 2026, Community Catalysts expanded into West Oxfordshire under a new two‑year contract extension, reflecting growing demand for local, flexible support, particularly in rural areas and among older residents.

Residents or community organisations interested in starting a micro‑enterprise, or exploring an idea, can contact Anita Wingad, Project Coordinator for Oxfordshire, directly or using the enquiry form on the Community Catalysts website.

Residents are also invited to attend free drop-in sessions at Chipping Norton Library, taking place on Tuesdays from 12pm to 1.30pm on 23 and 30 June and 7, 14 and 21 July, to speak with the local Community Catalysts coordinator and explore their ideas.

Existing CMEs in the county can be viewed on the Small Good Stuff directory.

Ends

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Tracy Hinton and Sarah Black, from the Henley area, are therapeutic foster carers; they are sharing their experience of making a difference to young people in the hope that others will feel motivated to follow in their footsteps, either as mainstream foster carers or in a more specialist therapeutic role.

Therapeutic fostering involves supporting children who need some extra care and stability in their placements because they have had a difficult start in life.

Tracy also works with children who are neurodiverse. Fostering has always been something she wanted to pursue alongside this work, and her experience meant she was well placed for a journey into mainstream foster care before later moving into the niche role of therapeutic.

Tracy said: “I love both the challenge and emotional reward, playing an important part in developing these young people’s self-esteem, belief and understanding in overcoming and managing their emotions.”

Sarah was working as a mental health nurse manager in Oxfordshire before fostering. This type of care work was an ideal background and, like Tracy, she began with mainstream foster care before taking a similar route into her therapeutic fostering role.

Sarah said: “The therapeutic approach was particularly meaningful to me because it prioritises understanding the root causes of a child’s behaviour and providing appropriate care and responses. The support received from the wider Oxfordshire County Council team is invaluable and I really enjoy this work.

“Seeing its positive effects motivates me to continue helping young people overcome difficult early experiences in this way."

Tracy and Sarah receive training and support from Oxfordshire County Council’s therapeutic fostering team, giving them a deeper understanding of the psychology behind children’s behaviour and how to respond with empathy and confidence.

Therapeutic foster care provides a wraparound service for each child, with carers playing an active and valued role at the heart of a wider council support team.

One young person who was supported by the therapeutic fostering team had struggled emotionally and lacked confidence following multiple disrupted experiences in their early upbringing.

Tracy said: “Through the regular and consistent care we gave, with a strong therapeutic approach, gradually we connected with the child. Trust was built, slowly they came out of their shell, a personality started to shine through, and they were in a better place emotionally to enjoy life and make the most of their future.

“It was quite a slow process, which is understandable, but patience brings its rewards, and that’s what we both love about fostering and why by sharing our story we hope more people in Oxfordshire will consider giving it a go.”

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “Tracy and Sarah are role models, along with our other 146 approved fostering families.

“Through care and dedication, they make a big difference to the lives of children who, for various reasons, need to be cared for outside of their own family. I admire and congratulate each and every one of our dedicated foster carers.

“Our foster care service is not for profit, and where possible we are committed to keeping children and young people near to their birth families, friends and schools.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s foster carers receive:

• Generous fees, paid in addition to the child’s allowance, based on experience and skills.
• Dedicated social worker support.
• Access to professionals involved with the child/children, linked with support groups and specialised training.

For further information about becoming a foster carer, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk or phone  0800 783 5724.

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Identical twins Chris and Johnny Taylor, aged 18 and from Charlbury, are studying for their A levels alongside training as boxers at Banbury Boxing Club.

They entered foster care at 14, where the stability and support they received helped shape the exciting direction their lives are now taking.

Johnny said: “Our days are very structured now and that’s something that could only have happened through being fostered.

“When we first moved in with our brilliant foster carer, Lucy, life felt uncertain and we weren’t always sure what support would be available to us, everything felt strange and new.

“However, over time, that began to change as routine and structure gradually became a source of reassurance, helping us feel more secure and confident, something we hadn’t really had until that point.

“At first it felt like staying at a friend’s house, then after a while it felt like home.

“Once you’re settled, then you can dream; your ambition and drive kick in. We both love boxing, and train and coach together at Banbury Boxing Club. But it doesn’t end there because we also share knowledge about fitness and sports nutrition on our social media channels. You’ll find us on TikTok: thetaylortwins07 and Instagram: thetaylortwins.07.”

The twins’ commitment to boxing, alongside their academic studies, has brought its rewards; they were recently offered unconditional places on the psychology and sports performance undergraduate course at University of Portsmouth, where they’ll enrol in September 2026.

Having their own bedrooms and taking part in everyday family activities, such as shared dinners, holidays abroad, and spending time together, has helped the twins feel settled and truly at home, and they believe this has played an important role in how opportunities are now falling into place.

Chris sums it up: “It just makes everything calm, you know, it’s like we can wake up, we know what we’re doing, no stress.”

Their foster carer, Lucy, isn’t left to provide support alone, assistance comes from Oxfordshire County Council’s dedicated foster care team and by being linked with a wider network such as peer support from other fostering families.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “Chris and Johnny’s experience shows how fostering can make a real difference for children and young people, replacing uncertainty with stability, support and a sense of belonging that is now helping them pursue their ambitions.

“I hope in Chris and Johnny we have two future boxing stars and I wish them the very best.

“We have 147 approved fostering families and I admire and congratulate each and every one of them for their dedication and commitment to young people.

“Our foster care service is not for profit, and where possible we are committed to keeping children and young people near to their birth families, friends and schools.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s foster carers receive:

• Generous fees, paid in addition to the child’s allowance, based on experience and skills.
• Dedicated social worker support.
• Access to professionals involved with the child/children, linked with support groups and specialised training.

For further information about becoming a foster carer, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk or phone 0800 783 5724.

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A much‑loved Wallingford landlady has been invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the local community.

Emma Cox has done much to support the many people who attend Oxfordshire County Council’s Wallingford Community Support Service (CSS).

She is the landlady of The Dolphin pub on St Mary’s Street, and has long been a driving force behind community fundraising, generosity and practical support for local causes.

Emma was first introduced to Wallingford CSS through Ros Lester, a Town Councillor and one of the Friends of Wallingford CSS, and has since become one of its most valued supporters.

When staff identified that the courtyard garden at Wallingford CSS was inaccessible to many, including wheelchair users and people using walking frames, Emma stepped in. She arranged groundsmen and materials from The Dolphin’s network to transform the area into a welcoming, fully accessible space for all.

Each Christmas, The Dolphin also provides the service with a generous free buffet lunch, with staff delivering platters of sandwiches, quiche and savoury treats for people who use the service.

The pub additionally hosts group lunches for day service users throughout the year, with Emma’s team tailoring menus to individual dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

Alongside her personal support, Emma works closely with the Friends of Wallingford CSS, a group of community members, including former Mayors and Councillors, who fundraise for items and activities. Their contributions include a new Smart TV for the service and annual boat trips on the Thames for attendees.

Emma has now been invited to attend one of the King’s Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace, which take place on 6, 8 and 12 May 2026.

Held each year, the garden parties recognise people from across the UK who have made a positive difference in their communities. Emma will be attending the event with her mother.

Emma said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be recognised in this way. Supporting Wallingford CSS and being part of such a caring community means the world to me.

“I never do any of it for recognition, seeing the difference it makes to people is what truly matters, but this honour is something I’ll treasure.”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Emma’s generosity and commitment embodies the very best of community spirit in Oxfordshire.

“Her support has made a real and lasting difference to people who use Wallingford CSS, helping them feel included, valued and connected.

“We are delighted to see her recognised at a national level, and incredibly grateful for everything she does.”

Emma’s invitation to Buckingham Palace comes following a nomination submitted by Wallingford Town Council to the Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire.

Find out more about Wallingford Community Support Service on the Live Well Oxfordshire website.

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Oxfordshire Shared Lives carer Jawaid Malik has been declared High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, in recognition of decades of public service and commitment to supporting people across the county.

Jawaid, who lives in Oxford, has spent many years serving others through both his professional and voluntary roles, including his long‑standing work as a Shared Lives carer alongside his wife, Rahat.

The couple began their Shared Lives journey in 2004 after responding to a local newspaper advert seeking carers for a young person who needed a long‑term home.

In 2005, they welcomed that young person into their busy family home, where they remain today, now approaching the age of 40.

In 2013, Jawaid and Rahat extended their care further, welcoming another person into their household and continuing their commitment to providing a safe and supportive home environment.

Over more than two decades, Jawaid and Rahat have been consistently described as kind, gracious and unwavering in their advocacy for the people they support.

Their whole family has played a role in this journey. Their adult children have always been closely involved, and their daughter, Sana, went on to become a Shared Lives carer herself, supporting her parents and continuing the family’s caring legacy.

The people Rahat and Jawaid support attend a local Community Support Service, whose staff have spoken warmly about the impact the couple have had, describing the genuine love and care they show as being “as if they are their own family”.

Alongside her role as a Shared Lives carer, Rahat also worked as a teaching assistant at her local primary school. She retired earlier this year but remains keen to find new ways to help others.

Jawaid continues his work as a Magistrate, following a long history of involvement in community groups and community development in East Oxford.

Reflecting on being declared High Sheriff, Jawaid said: “It is humbling and a real honour to be appointed High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve local residents.

“Supporting people and giving back to the community has always been at the heart of what my family and I do, and I’m proud to be able to continue that service in this role.”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Jawaid’s appointment as High Sheriff is richly deserved.

“His long‑standing commitment to supporting people through Shared Lives, alongside his wider public service, perfectly reflects the values of compassion, community and leadership that this role represents.”

The High Sheriff is a ceremonial officer in each county of England and Wales, representing the King in matters of law and order.

The role is largely symbolic and focuses on supporting the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and local communities.

High Sheriffs are involved in a wide range of community and civic activities, including attending public events, supporting voluntary and charitable organisations, and promoting local causes. The role is held for one year, running from April to the following April.

Jawaid’s appointment as High Sheriff recognises not only his formal public service, but also the quieter, long‑term commitment shown through opening his home and family life to others – reflecting the values at the heart of the Shared Lives scheme.

Oxfordshire County Council is always looking to recruit more Shared Lives carers. Read more about Shared Lives and how you can get involved.

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And with colder weather at the start of 2026, people can follow the activities of the newly named gritters’ journeys on cold winter nights through the online gritter tracker.

In 2025, Oxfordshire County Council and its highways maintenance contractor M Group announced a competition to name the 30 gritting lorries that ensure that the county’s roads keep moving and stay safe when the cold weather hits. Nearly 1,500 suggestions were received.

Wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Chur-chill and his Woodstock birthplace of Blenheim Pal-ice made the cut, along with Wantage-born King Alfred the Grit.

People would be right to suspect that Wallingford’s queen of the whodunnits Agatha Gritstie was a popular choice, while Oxford’s most famous fictional detective Endeavour Morse has been immortalised as Inspector Norse. The late actor who played him, the appropriately named John Thaw, was also chosen.

There will be no surprises that local rock legends Radiohead – fresh from their sell-out comeback tour – had a vehicle, Radiospread, named after them.

Sir Roger Ban-ice-ster, who broke the four minute mile barrier at Oxford’s Iffley Road running track in 1954, was a worthy recipient, along with the late footballer Joey Beauchamp – regarded by many as the greatest player in Oxford United’s history. Snowy Beauchamp was chosen to honour him.

Groundbreaking Oxford-born cosmologist Professor Stephen Thawking and Snowdo Baggins – named after Frodo Baggins, a character in Oxford don JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit – made the grade.

Oxfordshire landmarks Shotover Hill and the Wittenham Clumps – aka Shotover Chill and Grittenham Clumps – were also among the successful public suggestions.

The process followed the appeal in October, which put an emphasis on names with local significance, inspired by Oxfordshire’s rich history and cultural importance.

A shortlist was compiled from the 1,480 suggestions received, with the gritter drivers themselves choosing the winners.

Listeners to the BBC Radio Oxford Breakfast Show took part as well, coming up with three of the names.

Pupils from the schools closest to the council’s depots where the gritters and salt barns are based – Woodcote Primary, Deddington CE Primary and Drayton Community Primary – also chose three names each. The children will get the chance to meet their gritters later this winter.

Two vehicles were named in tribute to gritter drivers and supervisors who died recently, while Blizzard of Ozz was a nod to Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away earlier this year. While not local, the cover of their debut album was photographed on the Mapledurham estate in Oxfordshire.

The names in full

• Bossy
• Monster Rich
• Snow-bi Wan Kenobi
• Robin the Great
• Duck, Duck, Grit
• Draytonator!
• Did You Just In-Salt Me?
• Great Gritain
• Hansel and Gritel
• Gritasaurus
• Ready, Spready, Go
• Elvis Spreadley
• Inspector Norse
• Agatha Gritstie
• Snowy Beauchamp
• Gritty Gritty Bang Bang
• Sir Winston Chur-chill
• Shotover Chill
• Snowdo Baggins
• Radiospread
• Professor Stephen Thawking
• Claudia Sprinkleman
• Blenheim Pal-ice
• Sir Roger Ban-ice-ster
• Grittenham Clumps
• Grittmeister 5000
• Alfred the Grit
• Spready Mercury
• John Thaw
• Blizzard of Ozz.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in helping us name these gritters. It’s been great fun and Oxfordshire’s residents have come up with some wonderful ideas.

“Our gritter drivers do an amazing job at the most unsociable hours and in the coldest temperatures, helping to make our roads safer. If you do find yourself behind one of them, which are restricted to 30mph when they are carrying out their work, so please be patient and considerate – they are there to keep you safe.

“And remember that while we make great efforts to keep roads clear in winter, drivers must never assume that a road will be free from ice and should adjust their driving to suit the conditions.”

The fleet of gritting vehicles consist of 15 26 tonne trucks, 12 18 tonne vehicles, two 7.5 tonne trucks and one 3.5 tonne ‘baby gritter’, to treat very narrow roads and the park and rides. In total, 30 vehicles are stationed at three winter depots across the county, ready for when the temperatures drop.

Every time the temperature drops below freezing, the gritters hit the highways to spread salt and make our motorists safer. They’ve already been out several times this winter.

Richard Lovewell, M Group Business Director, said: “Naming our new gritters has been a lot of fun but does bring into focus the hard work that goes into ensuring that Oxfordshire is ‘winter ready’, and highlights the huge effort required, throughout the winter period, to keep our roads as safe as possible.

“Our drivers enjoyed voting on the names that the public suggested and we hope you recognise a few names as the fleet heads out across Oxfordshire over the next few months.”

The fleet of gritting vehicles consist of 15 26 tonne trucks, 12 18 tonne vehicles, two 7.5 tonne trucks and one 3.5 tonne ‘baby gritter’, to treat very narrow roads and the park and rides. In total, 30 vehicles are stationed at three winter depots across the county, ready for when the temperatures drop.

The three covered salt barns in Woodcote, Deddington and Drayton, near Abingdon, keep around 10,000 tonnes of road salt dry and in optimum condition for use by 54 specialist gritter drivers.

The council salts approximately 42 per cent of Oxfordshire’s road network, one of the highest rates in the country.

While Oxford City Council looks after the gritting inside the Oxford ring road, Oxfordshire County Council is responsible for the rest of the county – including all A roads, B roads and some C roads, apart from the M40, A43 and A34, which are covered by National Highways.

Oxfordshire’s gritter drivers treat 27 routes across the county in each gritting session, covering over 3,500km in total, of which 1,960km (1,200 miles) are salted – the equivalent of travelling from London to Iceland.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s Witney Community Support Service (CSS) is celebrating a heartwarming success story that brought excitement and steam-powered wonder to a group of local train enthusiasts.

Every Wednesday morning, a dedicated trainspotting group – made up of four individuals supported at Witney CSS and two equally passionate staff members – co-ordinate visits to train stations across Oxfordshire and beyond. Their shared love of locomotives recently led them to a truly unforgettable experience.

Upon learning that Didcot Railway Centre was hosting a special ‘Steam Day’, featuring the legendary Flying Scotsman and the equally impressive Pendennis Castle, the group knew this was an opportunity not to be missed.

Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Witney CSS, the group was able to attend the event and even ride aboard the iconic Flying Scotsman.

John Marlin, from Witney CSS: “It was really good, and I liked travelling on the Flying Scotsman.” 

Mark Walker, another attendee, added: “Can we go again?” 

Adult social services support worker, Dean Farrell, said the day was: “Absolutely fantastic, I loved it. It was a very memorable visit.”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “This is exactly the kind of joyful, inclusive experience that makes Oxfordshire’s community so special. It’s wonderful to see people supported by Witney Community Support Service having the opportunity to pursue their passions and create lasting memories.”

This experience highlights the power of community, shared interests, and the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for those supported by Witney CSS.

The service extends its heartfelt thanks to FOWCSS for making this steam-powered dream a reality.

Find out more about Witney Community Support Service on the Live Well Oxfordshire website.

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South Oxfordshire based Sarah, who is in her sixties, kicked her 60 a day habit two decades ago but is still reaping the benefits of making the change today. Now she is encouraging other local people to ditch the addiction with the help of Oxfordshire County Council.

Like so many, Sarah started smoking in her teens along with her friends, at a time when it was seen as fashionable.

“I was very much into the pub and club scene when growing up and smoking went hand in hand with drinking and dancing, and there were no bans in public places as there are now, so it was easy to get hooked,” she explained.

Although it was initially the desire to be fitter that motivated her to cut down, it wasn’t until a visit to her dentist in her forties that she realised the full extent of damage smoking had done.

Sarah said: “Ironically, I was also very much into my fitness at that time and regularly attended aerobic classes and gym sessions. I was starting to get a bit wheezy while using some of the cardiac equipment and thought it would be helpful if I cut down. 

“But the main reason I quit was because I lost most of my top teeth due to gum disease. My dentist told me this was because I was starving my mouth of oxygen and smoking was a key factor in this. My teeth were literally falling out one by one when I would just bite on something even as soft as a roll or a piece of cheese.”

Eventually she lost all her top teeth, and after some failed attempts with dentures, she decided to take the plunge and invest in dental implants to regain her smile.

“My dental surgeon told me categorically she would not carry out the operation unless I gave up smoking completely because my mouth needed to be as clean as possible to ensure success. The surgery was very expensive (I had to take out a loan to cover the cost) and so I made sure I never smoked cigarettes again.” 

Quitting smoking not only gave her back her smile, but she noticed a big difference in other ways too.

Sarah explained: “I am now a fairly healthy weight and am very active. I attend a gym two to three times a week and go hiking regularly with friends and with local rambler groups, walking between 20 to 30 miles a week. I’m pretty sure I would have been unable to do that if I had carried on smoking 60 cigarettes a day!

“I felt free of an addiction once I had given up nicotine completely and my clothes and house no longer smelt disgusting. I now absolutely detest the smell of smoking.”

Sarah admits going cold turkey was almost impossible so used multiple therapies to aid her in quitting for good, including patches, gum and lozenges, and recommends Oxfordshire County Council’s Stop for Life Oxon support services for anybody who would like to quit themselves.

“I would definitely have used the local Oxfordshire services had they been available to me, because at the time I was trying to quit, half of my friends were still smoking, and that type of external support would have been invaluable. So I would urge anyone trying to quit to seek help of that kind.”

Free support is available to all smokers in Oxfordshire and can include one to one coaching, a free rechargeable vape kit and or nicotine replacement therapy for up to 12 weeks.

Oxfordshire County Council’s stop smoking service, Stop for Life Oxon, has already helped thousands of people across Oxfordshire quit smoking using tools like vapes and other nicotine replacement therapies.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “Oral health is just one thing that can be massively impacted by smoking. People that smoke are at a higher risk of gum disease, staining, tooth loss – like Sarah suffered – and mouth cancer.

“We know how daunting it can be for people to give up smoking. So that’s why there are tools and aids to support everyone in their journey to a smoke free life. Our Stop for Life Oxon service provides free support, which is proven to help people who want to quit smoking in Oxfordshire.”

Residents can find out more about the support on offer to help quit smoking for good by visiting the Stop for Life Oxon website, or phoning 0800 122 3790.

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Oxford is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the opening of the country’s first permanent park and ride site.

On Monday, 10 December 1973, Redbridge began operating with a car park and dedicated bus service. Although experimental park and rides had been set up earlier – including one in Oxford at the Forte Motor Lodge on the A34 in the 1960s – Redbridge was the first permanent example of the pioneering transport management system.

Previous proposals for easing Oxford’s traffic congestion had included an inner relief road through Christ Church Meadow, which was rejected after a campaign opposing it. There were also calls for a giant commuter car park on Port Meadow, connecting to a water ferry on the Oxford Canal, but this didn’t materialise into a plan.

The success of Redbridge inspired Oxfordshire to create the largest park and ride system in the country, with 5,900 parking spaces at five sites on the outskirts of the city.

Oxford Parkway and Thornhill park and rides are run by Oxfordshire County Council, while Pear Tree, Seacourt and Redbridge are all operated by Oxford City Council.

The golden anniversary comes at an exciting time for the county’s bus industry, as the first of 159 electric buses start arriving as part of an £83.8 million deal – many of which will serve Oxford using the park and rides.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “It’s almost unthinkable now to imagine Oxford without its park and rides. They have become part of everyday life for so many people, providing a convenient and economical way to travel into the city centre and Oxford’s hospitals.”

Park and ride in numbers

• Oxford Bus Company uses 28 buses each weekday on the three park and ride services it operates
• These services (300, 400, 700) collectively travel 1,057,000 miles each year
• They carry around four million passengers annually
• Stagecoach runs up to 240 trips a day to and from Oxford Parkway Park and Ride and Oxford city centre, on routes 2 and 2A
• In addition, it runs up to an extra 236 trips a day stopping just outside on Banbury Road on routes S4, S5 and S7, connecting Oxford Parkway with Oxford city centre

Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Healthier Communities, Oxford City Council said: “Oxford has a proud history of leading transport innovations, and I am delighted that we are able to celebrate 50 years of park and ride services in our city. Our park and ride services have evolved over the years to cater to the changing needs of users. Imagine the number of car journeys into the city that have been saved over 50 years! 

“By using the park and ride service instead of driving, commuters and visitors are helping to reduce congestion on our roads, improve our air quality and support a faster, more reliable bus network.”

To continue to make the park and rides the first choice for visitors, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach introduced a joint ticketing and parking offer in 2022. Parking for up to 16 hours and return bus travel for one person costs just £4, while for two people it is £5.

With both options, up to three children under 16 can travel for free. The deal proved so popular that it was recently extended until April 2024.

Unlike many other park and rides around the country, Oxford’s are thriving again following the impact COVID-19 had on the bus industry and user numbers are close to pre-pandemic levels.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said: "Myself and the team at Oxford Bus Company are very proud to have been involved in operating Oxford's world-leading park and ride system continuously for the past half a century. There have been major changes in the vehicles and technology we use on the service since it started 50 years ago, and the introduction of the new fleet of electric buses to the service is the latest step in this continuing evolution.

“With today's levels of traffic congestion, the park and ride is more important now than it has ever been. We look forward to developing the service further over the years to come, to support the continued development of our city.”

Redbridge itself has evolved and last year became home to Energy Superhub Oxford, Europe’s most powerful electric vehicle charging hub. The charging hub at the Abingdon Road site offers fast and ultra-rapid charging for 42 vehicles and is powered entirely by renewable energy.

Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director of Stagecoach West, said: “We’re delighted that Stagecoach have played our part in the longevity and success of the world’s first permanent park and ride scheme and to be able to toast its success over 50 years. It’s great to be part of a collaborative group of partners who have worked together to present the customer proposition for existing and new customers.

“We’re excited to take this as an opportunity to look forward to the introduction of the new electric vehicles on to the park and ride routes in 2024, along with the continuation of the combined parking and bus tickets, taking the scheme to another level and providing affordable and sustainable travel options to our residents and visitors."

Ian Green, Oxford Civic Society (OCS) Chairman, said: “Fifty years ago, persistent pressure and well-argued advice from OCS was instrumental in the council's decision to introduce the park and ride scheme. Oxford was only the second city in the country to do so and Redbridge was the first such site to be made permanent.

“The job of better managing traffic in our city is far from finished and we are proud of the vital role the park and ride sites continue to play.”

Fostering is about providing stability, positivity and reassurance when a child needs it most. It’s not easy – because many of the children need a lot of support. But with the county council’s team, foster carers get all the training they need, plus fair pay and so much more besides.

One of our most experienced carers, Laura, who lives in Bicester, has shared her top facts:

1. There are so many options. Becoming a foster carer is amazing – there is nothing like it – but we come in all different shapes and sizes, just like birth parents. So, if you have space in your heart and your house, then whoever you are, what is the harm in finding out a bit more?

2. Things can change. As my son grew, I needed to change who and how I fostered. I started with teenagers and that was great, but now with younger children my son can build an easier connection.

3. The support on offer is unique to the county council. When I see new foster carers, I can see the training they get really helps build confidence, but it’s the network of other foster carers – that chance to share – that makes the most difference.

4. Working isn’t a barrier. I chose to focus on fostering initially but now I’m running my own business too. I know plenty of carers who balance fostering and working somewhere else and that’s great because it means that you can keep a bit of you.

 5. Financially, it’s covered. It’s not an easy job, there are plenty of challenges, but you get the best feeling from making a difference – and importantly we get a good allowance and on top of that we get paid a fostering fee too!!

It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to the idea of fostering, have been thinking about it for a while or are just curious, why not take a moment to speak to our team.

Sound interesting? Join us this November and December. No commitment, just conversation.

We’re holding some online events for anyone who is interested in fostering and wants to find out more – save the date and follow the links below. Feel free to join us for the whole thing (about an hour), or drop in to ask a question in the chat.

• Monday 27 November, 7pm - live stream
• Monday 4 December, 7pm - live stream

Or speak to us in person in Bicester on 28 November and 6 December.

Find out more about fostering on our website.

 

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‘A Care Leaver’s Survival Guide’, designed by former children in care from Oxfordshire, is now ready for use by Oxfordshire County Council as a new and valuable resource for young people preparing to leave care.

The interactive and informative book includes practical advice on subjects such as education, writing a CV, preparing for a job interview, paying bills, housing options, and tips around mental wellbeing.

The book is being published by Oxfordshire social enterprise, the Office of Care Leaver Advocacy (OCLA). It will be re-released each year, regularly updated to cover new policies and legislation, in addition to feedback from care leavers.

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “Year on year, higher numbers of children and young people come into local authority care with significant complex needs.

“In Oxfordshire we are incredibly lucky, and proud, to be able to partner with Office of Care Leaver Advocacy to provide a wide range of support for the children we care for and care leavers. This innovative partnership is quite unique and allows us to engage and offer support to young people through both professionals and peer role models.”

Chantelle Chamberlin, a director of Office of Care Leaver Advocacy, said: “Like many other children in care, I moved between various foster carers when growing up. When I reached eighteen, I wanted to go to university but the fear of not knowing where I was going to live outside of term time was a barrier.

“I don’t think at the time I had the right awareness and support to access the information that is now available. And even though things have improved, it’s still hard to find relevant guidance when leaving care. You already have so much to think of when you’re 18 and it can be incredibly overwhelming”.

“Young people who have been in care are already forced to grow up quicker than other children and sometimes they aren’t given the right tools to do this successfully. We hope our book will make a big difference.”

Megan MacLeod, also a director of Office of Care Leaver Advocacy, added: “This book is available for anyone across the UK. We hope it will be adopted by other local authorities to provide consistency of information to aid their care leavers. Our team of care leavers worked really hard to ensure it covers all aspects of independence, everything I wish I’d known when I entered the adult world.” 

Collaborations between Oxfordshire County Council and OCLA have included consultation on the council’s local offer for care leavers, peer mentoring, a young inspectors programme to help quality assure children’s homes, training for social care staff and joint drop-in sessions to support care leavers with education, employment and training.

Further information on support available to care leavers is available from Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

The book, ‘A Care Leaver’s Survival Guide’, can be ordered from the Office of Care Leaver Advocacy.

Your Oxfordshire

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The theme of this year’s Black History Month is ‘saluting our sisters’, highlighting the crucial role that black women play in inspiring change and building communities.

Oxfordshire resident Eileen Momanyi, 48, talks with pride about the difference she has made to the lives of 13 children she has fostered over the last four years.

Eileen explains: “It is personally rewarding to see a child ‘come out of their shell’ as they begin to feel safe. Watching their confidence grow living under my roof.

“The 13 children I’ve fostered have stayed with me for between a couple of days and six months. They are often placed with me because of tensions or worries they’re experiencing in their family home, or because a previous placement has sadly broken down.

“They come to me at difficult moments in their lives. I understand that. I do everything possible to make them feel comfortable and secure. Even if I know they will be moving to a more permanent home in a few days, I want their short time with me to be memorable, a springboard to give them a boost as they prepare for their next step, whatever that will be.

“I combine my love of walking and the great outdoors with the fostering experience, taking the children on walks. Some rarely visit the countryside. They find it uplifting and exhilarating and find freedom to escape their worries. Trees, open fields, wildlife give us perspective, which hopefully the children will take into the next chapter of their young lives.

“Alongside being a foster carer, I’m employed by Oxfordshire County Council as a social worker for adults.

“I am a real people person. I love both opening my door to foster children and supporting adults in my professional capacity with the council. I am making a difference. The feel good makes it so worthwhile.

“Inspiring change and building communities are two of the themes for this year’s Black History Month. Volunteering can be a hugely rewarding experience for both foster carers and the young people staying with them. I would encourage any existing carers to get involved. And I would encourage anyone thinking of being a foster carer to find out more.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s foster carers receive:

• A welcome payment of £1,500, to help make the transition to foster carer.
• Generous fees, paid in addition to the child’s allowance, based on experience and skills.
• Dedicated social worker support.
• Access to professionals involved with the child/children, linked with support groups and specialised training.

For further information about becoming a foster carer, visit:

Website: oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering

Email: fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Phone 0800 783572.

Notes

There are currently 10 black foster carers working for Oxfordshire County Council out of 167 fostering families, and 37 black children living in foster care. 

Your Oxfordshire

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Cllr Liz Leffman

Oxfordshire County Council leader

“Our nation has to do something about recovering biodiversity. Here in Oxfordshire, we are committed to playing our part as it’s essential in tackling the climate emergency, and ensuring we have a healthy environment, not just for ourselves, but for the species which live in this county.

“This project is about creating a network between the various patches of land that exist along the Thames. Long Mead is one of the most biodiverse wildflower meadows anywhere in the UK and it’s amazing that we’ve got it here in Oxfordshire. We have the opportunity now to expand that. The county council owns two adjacent pieces of land and we want to recreate what’s been created at Long Mead.”

Catriona Bass

Chief executive of the Thames Valley Wildflower Meadow Restoration Project 

“Long Mead is one of the very few remaining ancient flood plain meadows in the country. There are only four square miles left of this particular habitat in the whole of the UK – that’s about the size of Heathrow Airport. Roughly 25 per cent of this surviving habitat is in and around Oxfordshire. It’s a habitat that is on the verge of extinction, so we have a great opportunity and a huge responsibility both to protect it and then restore it.

“It's a landscape that’s only visible for about two months a year, so it’s disappearing without our knowing it. Here we have this fantastic opportunity with the county council to use their land, which is ripe for restoration, to create a nature recovery network linking Long Mead with other ancient meadows along the River Thames and areas of special scientific interest. We’re delighted that the council is joining us to create this connected network.

“It's a difficult and long-term project, but these are irreplaceable habitats. It’s absolutely critical that we protect them.”

Cllr Pete Sudbury

Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for climate change & environment

“Wildflower meadows are some of the most biodiverse sites you can get. They also lock up a lot of carbon dioxide. The more biodiverse they are, the better they are at storing carbon.

“The UK is one of the most biodiversity depleted countries in the world. There is a lot of evidence that as you chip away at biodiversity, at some point you lose whole ecosystems. And we depend on healthy ecosystems to produce the food that we eat, to keep the air purified, and so on, so losing biodiversity is a really bad idea.

“Oxfordshire County Council owns a site next door to Long Mead which has been very badly degraded by being overgrazed as a pasture, but which could be restored. By transferring the lease to the owners of Long Mead we believe they will be able to restore it.

“We have a unique opportunity here to create a continuous band of wildlife-rich meadows all the way to the middle of Oxford.

“The natural world is our entire life support system. Degrading it is a very bad idea. We need to not only help it recover but to make it stronger because it’s probably also our strongest bulwark against climate change.”

Prof Kevan Martin

Co-founder of the Thames Valley Wildflower Meadow Restoration Project 

“A wildflower hay meadow like Long Mead provides hay which feeds the cattle or sheep in winter and it also provides the aftermath grazing for the cattle. Long Mead, which is in the Domesday Book, has been doing that service since before the Norman invasion of 1066. So, for 1,000 years, pretty much the same thing has happened. That’s an extraordinary thing in agriculture.

“The impact of climate change means that we now have started thinking about other things. One particular issue that worries us in this region is flooding, which has become more frequent. But these meadows are actually built to be flooded – that’s part of the ecology. The plant populations that have built up on the meadow are extremely resilient, so if anything is going to get you through climate change, it’s these meadows. When they flood, silt comes on to the meadows and in medieval times these were the most valuable fields because they had free fertiliser coming from the silt.

“The plants found on the meadow, which are perennial and are often very deep rooted, pull down carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and then it’s stored in the soils and stored very deeply. Because the soils are never disturbed – they are never ploughed, all that happens is hay is taken – that carbon stays there. The storage is massive. In the top 10cm you’ve got over 200 tonnes of carbon per hectare.”

Caroline Svendsen

Nature recovery network senior advisor for Natural England

“As part of a 25-year environment plan, the government has a commitment to create a connected nature recovery network across the whole country. Here in Oxfordshire, Long Mead and its surrounding meadows are an absolutely key part of that network. We’ve seen from history that we can’t reverse biodiversity decline just by protecting these meadows in isolation, we need to connect them together and make them bigger to create this network. These meadows are going to be a vital part of that in Oxfordshire.”

Mike is among the first to experience the new Home First project, a joint initiative by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, and Age UK Oxfordshire, rolled out last week.

The 69-year-old returned home following a six week stay in the John Radcliffe Hospital, on Monday.

He is now benefiting from the new service, which helps patients leaving hospital to identify what support they need to regain independence and confidence.

Home First lead, Sally Steele, explained: “We met Mike in his home on Monday - the day he was discharged from hospital - to establish how we could support him in re-gaining as much independence as possible.

“Our reablement assessor Maariyah, and Occupational Therapist Kate, talked through with Mike what’s important to him; and how our team could help.

“Mike had been finding taking the right medication at the right time difficult and wanted support to establish a new way of doing this. He also likes cooking his own meals; we’re helping him adapt so curry will soon be back on his lunchtime menu!”

Mike has lived in Kidlington for many years. He has family and friends nearby that he enjoyed getting out to see. This was another area that required Home First’s support to achieve.

Team members Maariyah and Kate developed a reablement plan for his first few days of being home.

Sally explained: “This includes assistive technology to help with medication. Reablement support workers visiting three times a day to re-establish meal preparation skills and routines, and a request for Age UK Oxfordshire to come and meet Mike to look at how they can help.

“We’re confident that with this support, Mike will achieve his goal of getting back out into the community to meet with family and friends. He’ll also be cooking his favourite curry again very soon.”

Sally and team are now working closely with Mike to see how he is progressing and to gradually reduce hands-on support as he slowly moves towards achieving independent living once again.

“We’ll regularly review his progress during the reablement period. Close working with our colleagues in GP’s and community health teams will also be key to sustaining Mike’s wellbeing in his own home.”

The Home First team is a collaboration consisting of representatives from a wide range of health, therapy, voluntary and social care backgrounds; coming together to operate as a single unit to provide support for residents leaving bed-based care.

Sally continued: “Home First aims to get people home from hospital more quickly by getting the right professional or volunteer to meet them in their home on the day of discharge or soon after.

“By assessing people at home and not in their hospital bed, together we can find out what is important for the person and how to help them to be as independent as they can be.”

Sam Foster, Chief Nursing Officer at OUH, said: “This initiative is a really wonderful development for our patients.

“Once hospital care is complete, many people want to be back home as soon as possible, which is completely understandable. Being in hospital for longer than needed often leads to a deterioration in people’s general condition, and can even increase their long-term care needs.

"By helping people regain their independence and continuing our 'home first' approach, the team can continue to deliver safe, effective care and support in the most appropriate and often happiest setting for our patients."

And Sara Bolton, Oxford Health’s Associate Director of Allied Health Professionals, said: “We are delighted our community based occupational therapists and physiotherapists are working in new ways with colleagues across the Oxfordshire health and social care system.

"Our patients are always at the centre of everything we do and this model of support aims to increase people’s independence on discharge home, so they people can lead the best lives they can.”

The pilot project is covering Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington and Woodstock and will be supporting residents from both acute and community hospitals in achieving and sustaining their optimum levels of independence in their own homes.

Over the festive period the county council has a team monitoring the roads and traffic signals so that any problems can be dealt with as quickly as possible.

They are based at Oxfordshire County Council’s traffic control centre in Kidlington and their knowledge, combined with technology that includes cameras in key locations and live traffic flow data, usually goes unseen. But if there’s a problem their help can be invaluable.

Lights are not just for Christmas

The Christmas period brings unusual traffic patterns and its own unique problems and our dedicated team are on hand during the busiest times to keep an eye out for unforeseen problems.

Things like faulty traffic lights or a crash somewhere on the network often mean congestion and the quicker an engineer can be dispatched or on-call colleagues alerted the better.

And, as well as being the base for the county council’s traffic experts the building is also home to BBC Radio Oxford’s traffic and travel presenters. They play an integral role in quickly getting important information out to road users at key times during the day via the radio and social media.

Early present for road users

To keep things moving each year Oxfordshire County Council introduces an embargo on all non-essential roadworks on the major routes in and out of the larger commercial centres so that Christmas traffic – be it cars, cycles, pedestrians or public transport - can flow more easily at this peak time.

Make your list and check it twice

Regardless of where you plan to visit the best advice is always to plan your journeys. You can find more useful information about what is happening on the roads here and keep up to date with public transport times here.

You can also keep up to date through BBC Oxford on your car radio on 95.2FM or via DAB and you can also follow them on Twitter via @bbcoxtravel

The Dorset based firm already manages five of Oxfordshire’s HWRC sites which means there will be minimal disruption to residents when the new contract starts on 1 October 2017. W&S Recycling will manage the HWRC sites at Alkerton, Ardley, Drayton, Oakley Wood, Redbridge, and Stanford in the Vale. Dix Pit HWRC will continue to be managed by FCC Environment.

Household waste remains free to bring to HWRCs

Residents will continue to be able to dispose of all household waste free of charge at any of the county’s recycling centres.  Oxfordshire has had a system of charging for non-household waste which includes soil, rubble and DIY waste for 15 years and has not increased the charge of £1 per item over that time. When the new contract starts on 1 October, W&S Recycling will increase the charge for non-household waste items to £1.50 which is less than other authorities who charge for this service. In the HWRC public consultation carried out in summer 2016, 91% of Oxfordshire residents favoured charges for non-household waste over site closures. 

Highly valued service 

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment said:

“Oxfordshire’s residents told us very clearly that their priority was to see all the HWRCs kept open when the new contract started and I am delighted that we have been able to achieve that.

“Oxfordshire has one of the best recycling rates in the country which is thanks to the hard work of our residents who collectively make a huge difference to the environment by separating out their household waste and recycling as much as they can.

“While the county council does not have a legal obligation to accept non-household waste at HWRCs, this is a popular and highly valued service among local communities and I am therefore pleased that W&S Recycling is able to continue to offer this service, with only a modest price increase. Overall, I am delighted that our HWRC service remains an accessible, affordable service.”

New low-emission vehicle fleet

Geoff Thompson, owner of W&S Recycling said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract and are looking forward to working closely with Oxfordshire County Council to increase recycling rates at sites and continue to make improvements to the HWRCs which we know residents use regularly and value.

“Many Oxfordshire residents already pre-sort their waste and recyclables before visiting their local HWRC but we will be encouraging more residents to do the same as that will help to boost the county’s excellent recycling rate even further. We also plan to invest in a new low-emission vehicle fleet which will be used to transport materials from all of Oxfordshire’s HWRCs to their end destinations.”

Facts and figures

The £27m contract, which starts on 1 October 2017, is for a seven year period with an option to extend for up to a further three years. The Dorset based firm W&S Recycling will manage all of the county’s Household Waste Recycling Centres except for the site at Dix Pit which will continue to be managed by FCC Environment but W&S Recycling will provide management for the recyclable materials. W&S Recycling will take over responsibility for managing the Ardley HWRC which is currently operated by Viridor Waste Management Ltd.

Oxfordshire’s seven Household Waste Recycling Centres accept approximately 50,000 tonnes of household residual waste and recyclables each year with an average recycling rate of around 60%. Residents make over 1.25 million visits to the sites every year.

The locations of the county council’s seven Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) are:

• Alkerton - Stratford Road, Alkerton, Nr Banbury
• Ardley Fields- Brackley Road, Ardley
• Dix Pit - Linch Hill, Stanton Harcourt
• Drayton - Steventon Road, Drayton, Nr Abingdon
• Oakley Wood - Old Icknield Way, Crowmarsh, Nr Wallingford
• Redbridge - Old Abingdon Road, Oxford
• Stanford in the Vale - Faringdon Road, Stanford in the Vale, Faringdon.