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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Since the closure of the original library, a temporary one has been provided at the Oxfordshire Museum.

Under new plans, work will begin to create a fresh, new modern library, which will provide a welcoming community space for residents.

Oxfordshire County Council and West Oxfordshire District Council will look to form a partnership of local stakeholders to inform and support the project. They will also look to engage and consult the wider community in the process making sure local needs are at the heart of future plans.

In a joint statement, Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, and Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We are delighted to announce that following a recent site visit, we have agreed to combine our efforts and accelerate plans for a new library and community hub for the residents of Woodstock on the former Hensington Road library site.

“Since the library closed in 2018 due to structural issues, the cleared site has remained behind fencing for far too long. While the temporary library at the Oxfordshire Museum has continued to provide an important service since December 2018, its location and capacity inevitably limit what can be offered to residents.

“Whilst a number of studies have already explored the potential of the site, we are clear that Woodstock deserves a modern, future ready library that not only meets changing needs but also has the potential to bring together a wider range of community services under one roof.

“To drive this project forward, we have asked senior officers to set-up a working-group, which we will co-chair to move as quickly as possible through feasibility, design, funding, planning and building of this exciting new hub.

“Woodstock residents have been incredibly patient during this period of uncertainty, and we will ensure they are central to the overall vision and delivery.

“There is significant work ahead and important challenges to overcome, but as councils working together with Blenheim Palace (who currently own the old police station) – we are making our intent clear.

“This represents an exciting, innovative and sustainable future for Woodstock.”

The news forms part of an ongoing project to update Oxfordshire’s libraries, with a number of other local communities already benefitting from upgrades to modernise and improve accessibility.

This is helping to provide communities with a welcoming, accessible community hub where people can meet, access services, take part in activities and feel connected.

Find out more about Oxfordshire’s libraries have to offer by visiting Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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The annual competition, hosted by Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries service, is a chance to discover new writers, original stories and unique voices from around Oxfordshire.

Winners of each category will see their short story published as an eBook on the Oxfordshire Libraries OverDrive platform and Libby app.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our short story competition is always popular and generates amazing levels of creativity and engagement.

“Past winning stories have gone on to become some of the year's most popular downloads, making this a fantastic opportunity to get your writing published, discovered and enjoyed by readers across the county.”

The competition is split into three age categories:

• Children: seven to 11 years old
• Young adult: 12 to 17 years old
• Adult: 18 and above.

Children’s stories can be up to 1,000 words. Stories by young adults and adults can be up to 3,000 words.

The competition is free to enter, and entries can be submitted until Sunday 15 November 2026.

Full competition terms and conditions as well as information about how to submit entries can be found on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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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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Children in Oxfordshire are being invited to turn up the volume on reading this summer by taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat!

Free to join at Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries, this year’s challenge celebrates the joy of reading over the summer holidays with a music-inspired theme.

From 4 July to 5 September, children taking part can collect stickers along the way. Those who complete the challenge will receive a medal, a certificate and entry into a prize draw. Children under four can also join in with a mini challenge, with their own collector’s folder and stickers.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We hope this year’s theme inspires children across Oxfordshire to discover the joy of reading in a fun and creative way, with music helping bring the challenge to life.

“National statistics show that just one in three children regularly enjoy reading, so initiatives like the Summer Reading Challenge are more important than ever.

“The summer holidays are an exciting time for children, but they can also mean less time spent reading outside school. This challenge is a great way to bring families into the library, help children discover new books and keep reading over the break.”

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running nationally since 1999. In 2026, The Reading Agency has partnered with Universal Music Group UK to bring the theme, Read to the Beat! to life.

To find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/summer-reading-challenge .

Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries host activities throughout the county for people of all ages. Find out what’s on by going to www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries.

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Residents and visitors to Wantage are being asked for their feedback on design proposals to improve the town centre and Market Place.

On Wednesday 10 June 2026, Oxfordshire County Council will launch a four-week survey to hear people’s views on the draft designs.

The design proposals have been developed following last year’s community engagement with local residents, businesses and councillors to help shape a vision to enhance Wantage Market Place, while improving walking, wheeling and cycling.

Officers from the county council have since been working with the local community to explore how space could be redesigned to the make the town centre a better place to spend time for shopping, leisure or business. There is also a key desire to support business by improving loading facilities. 

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “It was wonderful that we received such a wealth of feedback and inspiration from so many people last year. I am delighted to see how this has been realised in a draft design to support better active travel opportunities and create a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible town centre in Wantage, which is safer for residents and visitors.

"We want this plan to truly reflect local community needs and ideas, as well as support an increase in the size of the market and enable more community events.

“I am very much looking forward to hearing how people find the designs and what adjustments can be made. We are working hard to make sure the final designs are not only practical but also accessible for everyone.”

From 12 noon on Wednesday 10 June 2026, people can take part in an online survey on the county council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire. The consultation will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July 2026.

The online survey will also be supported by two drop-in events for members of the public to find out about the project and speak to the team in person:

• Saturday 13 June 2026 – 10am - 4pm at The Beacon, Portway, Wantage, OX12 9BX
• Tuesday 16 June 2026 – 5pm - 8pm at The Beacon, Portway, Wantage, OX12 9BX

Feedback will help to identify any possible amendments that should be incorporated into the final design. The improvements will be delivered in two phases – construction on the West End is expected to begin in Autumn 2027, while the Market Place construction is anticipated to start once funding has been secured.

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They have each been announced as the three winning entries in the Oxfordshire County Council Library Service’s 2026 Short Story Competition.

The annual contest invites people of all ages to share their creativity, with this year’s entries showcasing exceptional storytelling talent from across the county.

The winning stories are now available to read on the Oxfordshire Libraries OverDrive page and through the Libby app.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our short story competition is always popular, and generates such amazing levels of creativity and engagement. We very much appreciate all the efforts that our local authors go to, and choosing a winner is always a very tough task. Thank you and well done to all our talented writers.”

Meet the winners

Adult category winner: Kita Mitchell - What We Cover Up

Kita Mitchell’s absorbing story follows lifelong friends Tanya and Sandra, whose familiar bickering hides a deep loyalty - one that quickly becomes essential when they discover a body in Sandra’s garage.

Kita said: “I was delighted to hear that ‘What We Cover Up’ had won the competition. I’ve not written anything for adults before, so it meant a lot, and it’s especially nice that the recognition comes from libraries, which are such important places for so many people. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.”

Young adult winner: Pepper Thomasina - The Willow by the Lake

This poetic tale centres on a naiad and a dryad whose love flourishes in their natural world - until the arrival of humans threatens everything they know.

17 year old Pepper said: “I was in total shock and I still am to be honest!. Nothing will ever compare to the feeling of being told that you're good at what you love. Stories have always been such a comfort to me, and it makes me so indescribably happy that my story has brought joy to others."

Children’s winner: Ella Uglow – I Only Wanted Ice Cream

A simple shopping trip takes an enchanting and unexpected turn in this imaginative wintery adventure.

Ella, 11, said: “I felt very excited to find out I'd won the competition - it was quite surreal! It feels nice that my story will be shared with other children in Oxfordshire. Thank you!”

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Yummy Thai Restaurant Ltd and its director, Ms. Yook Ling Chong, of 8 Newbury Street, Wantage, faced enforcement action when a test purchase detected an undeclared allergen in food offered to customers.

During a routine allergen check on 15 November 2024, a trading standards officer told the restaurant about their soya and sesame allergies before buying a vegetable pad thai and spring rolls. Both dishes were sent for testing.

Laboratory analysis found 618mg of soy protein in the combined sample, which is much higher than the safe limit of 10mg.

After reviewing the test results, officers visited the premises on 8 May 2025. They discovered that ingredients used in dishes – including spring rolls, which were labeled as containing soya, sesame, and wheat – were missing from the allergen matrix and had not been disclosed to consumers.

At a hearing on 6 March 2026, Ms Chong pleaded guilty to selling food that did not meet purchasers' requirements under Section 14 of the Food Safety Act 1990.

Ms Chong received a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £26 victim surcharge. The company was also fined £1,000, plus a £400 victim surcharge and £1,505.20 in council costs.

The company has also now revised its allergen matrix.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety said, said: “This is a situation that could have had disastrous and even deadly consequences, which were fortunately avoided.

“Our trading standards team in its brilliant work securing this prosecution serves as a reminder to other businesses that they need to take their allergen management responsibilities seriously.”

Davina Walkin, Trading Standards Operations Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Food businesses have a legal and moral responsibility to protect customers with food allergies. Even small amounts of undeclared allergenic ingredients can have dangerous and potentially life threatening consequences for some people. This case demonstrates why robust allergen controls must be in place in every food business.

“We continue to conduct test purchases to ensure food businesses comply with food labelling legislation, including allergen information and take appropriate steps to safeguard consumers.”

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Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet today adopted the Science Vale movement and place plan that sets out 22 objectives and accompanying actions to create a long-term transport strategy for the area, which is spread across the districts of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

They prioritise people walking, wheeling, cycling and using public transport over private car use.

The Science Vale area has a concentration of world-class innovative research and enterprise facilities. It covers Wantage and Didcot, surrounding villages and the employment sites at Culham Campus, Harwell Campus and Milton Park.

It is home to around 73,000 people and this is expected to rise to more than 170,000 by 2050, which highlights the need to address challenges such as congestion, air quality, rural accessibility and pressure on public transport.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “Oxfordshire is embarking upon sustainable and positive change – placing people, communities and places at the heart of this.

“The movement and place plans, including this one for the Science Vale, are key to this. They reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities, help to protect our natural environment and deliver the homes, businesses and leisure facilities that our communities need and enjoy.

“A significant shift in this strategy has been putting people at the heart of plan making, alongside movement and working towards understanding the meaning of place at a local level.”

The plan’s objectives include:

• Creating a comprehensive active travel network that is safe, comfortable and direct by updating national cycle routes, improving lighting and surface quality, reducing severance caused by busy roads and adding cycle hubs.
• Public transport improvements including better bus frequencies, improved interchanges and long-term rail enhancements, for example support for a Wantage and Grove station.
• Supporting economic growth and innovation, given the area’s global reputation for life sciences, fusion research and space technology and the importance of dependable, low carbon connectivity.
• Protecting nature and the environment, with a focus on improving public spaces and strengthening community identity.

The plan’s vision received strong support during a public consultation.

There are 12 proposed movement and place plans for Oxfordshire that the council will be looking deliver over the next year or so. They will act as supporting documents to the council’s wider local transport connectivity plan, which was adopted in 2022.

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The new site will allow for a larger, more accessible, and modern library in a central location that better meets the needs of the community and the growing local population.

Following works to the site, the new library is expected to welcome the public in its new home at Castle Quay, by the end of 2027.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Libraries are more than just a place to borrow books. They are community spaces that play a vital role in helping people in everyday life from getting information and support to a place to socialise.

“The relocation will transform our library provision in Banbury with massively improved facilities, including better digital resources, flexible study areas, and dedicated spaces for community events. The new library, which will be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, will also be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all residents can benefit from its services.”

Councillor David Hingley, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “As a big supporter of libraries and their vital role in our communities, I’m delighted to be welcoming Banbury library into Castle Quay. This will provide a larger, more modern space that places the library in the heart of Banbury, which will be a significant cultural investment in our town centre and for our residents to be able to enjoy all the benefits a contemporary library provides.

“Through previous engagement residents have shown support for improving and regenerating Banbury town centre, and the library relocation forms an exciting part of our upcoming plans.

“In its new, central location, the library will add to the cultural vibrancy of the town as a hub for education, leisure and social connection. This move reflects our commitment to Castle Quay as a multi-use, community destination and to ensuring Banbury thrives as a place where people want to live, work and visit.”

The news forms part of an ongoing project to update Oxfordshire’s libraries, with a number of other local communities already benefitting from upgrades to modernise and improve accessibility.

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A major change to the way the government distributes grant money to councils means it and many other local authorities will face real challenges from 2026/27 with £1.5 million of new savings to services being discussed to help close a budget gap of £5.4m – and more significant reductions in the following two years.

The government only told councils how much money they would be receiving just before Christmas, leaving no time for officers to work up savings proposals for 2026/27.

The county council has options for delivering a balanced budget in 2026/27 but will be unable to expand services as it would have liked and will ask scrutiny councillors and cabinet for views on how a current funding gap of £5.4m can be dealt with by 10 February when a budget is set.

Measures will be proposed for debate including the use of reserves; setting less money aside in forecasting annual pay inflation and increasing the amount anticipated to be accrued in bank interest on money the council plans to spend in the normal process of delivering services  – each of which come with risk.

Another proposal for debate is increasing funding that will potentially be needed to fund the cumulative High Needs dedicated schools grant deficit but not by quite as much as originally planned.

A further option that would help the longer run budget is to seek additional savings of £1.5m from services in 2026/27.

The council now knows for certain that it will need to find further savings of at least £14m in 2027/28 (in addition to the £5.4m in 2026/27) because the government provided funding information for three years. As such there will need to be planning work throughout 2026 to meet this large challenge. Further savings will be needed in 2028/29, the first year of local government reform in Oxfordshire.

By 2028/29 there is a reduction of £24.1m in funding from central government. Within that there is an increase of £3.1m in funding for the Families First Partnership that the government will expect the council to use to fund new investment and activity in preventative services for children’s social care. Excluding that, the reduction in grant funding is £27.2m

Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Property, Finance and Transformation, said: “While we always take a prudent approach to budget setting there are pressures relating to social care that need to be met. These services are demand-led and if that demand rises then we have to find the money to meet the costs. There are also inflationary costs to be met in 2026/27.

“As a cabinet we will listen to councillors in the scrutiny committee and debate ourselves how we balance the 2026/27 budget and we have options that do not impact on services. However, people need to be under absolutely no illusion that in future we and many partner councils in local government will not have that luxury. Having three years’ worth of funding information means we know that stark reality for certain.

“Money is being redistributed away from Oxfordshire and other areas on a large scale by the government. There will be very real impacts on our budgets and our services in future.

“While we respect the government’s desire to put extra money into areas of the country that have higher levels of deprivation, we do not think this should be at the expense of Oxfordshire and its residents.”

The proposed Council Tax rise for 2026/27 is 4.99 per cent. The government has assumed that the council will set Council Tax at this level for each of the next three years in calculating the amount of grant funding it awarded the council under its new formula for distributing funds to councils across England.

Cllr Levy added: “This year’s budget features a number of positive investments but we are going to start facing real challenges thereafter. We need people to hear that message loud and clear. The government has cut grant funding and assumed the council will make up the difference with maximum Council Tax rises.

“The effect of this is that we will have to put up Council Tax by 4.99% each year, but a lot of this money will immediately be subtracted by the government and sent elsewhere. This is both financially difficult and hard to square with local accountability and choice.”

Key investments

• The council will continue the annual highway gully cleaning that was reinstated in 2025/26 and a further £4m will be invested (£2m in 2026/27 and £2m in 2027/28) in improved drainage infrastructure to help protect communities from flooding. This will deliver new and replacement drainage systems and help roads be kept free from flooded areas as much as possible, strengthening local flood resilience.
• A total of £150,000 will be invested to progress design and construction for Phase 1 of the Wantage Market Place project, focusing on the West End. Building on previous design work and consultation, the scheme will replace the tarmac surface with paving in keeping with the historic town centre, creating a safe, traffic-free space with step-free access.
• Libraries will see capital programme investment to create flexible, accessible spaces that supports a wider range of activities and resources with £360,000 for Wantage Library and £250,000 (rising by a further £500,000 in 2027/28) for Goring Library and £550,000 for Didcot Library.
• A total of £14m is proposed to be allocated to adult social care to deal with financial pressures including projected population growth and accompanying increases in people in care and the financial effect of the increase in high-cost complex placements.
• A total of £19m is proposed to be allocated to Children’s Services to meet additional costs of children’s social care and education. In addition to this, new activity required by the government as part of the Families First Partnership will be funded from a £3.1m increase in grant funding in 2026/27.
• Demand for the park & ride joint ticketing deal (£4 for 16 hours of parking and return bus ticket for one person, £5 for two people, plus up to three children under 16 travel free) has exceeded expectations. The congestion charge is working to shift people away from cars and onto buses and active travel.  Extra funding of £400,000 is required for it to continue in 2026/27 with potentially more in future years. This will be funded from parking income.
• Maintaining real time passenger information digital display boards at bus stops across the county in 2026/27, installed due to sustained Bus Service Improvement Plan funding from the government, requires additional investment. A total of £320,000 is required to maintain the entire system. This funding helps to ensure the lifespan of all display assets is maximised. This will be funded from reserves.

Savings

Because adult and children’s social care are now a much larger proportion of the council’s budget, it is challenging to find significant service savings. 

The following savings have been identified for 2026/27 but work will need to continue throughout 2026 to identify options from 2027/28 onwards.  

• The county council purchases electricity based on a forward purchasing price. If the prices and market trends remain as projected, there is potentially a £250,000 saving that the council can realise in 2026/27. This would need to be monitored and is subject to price changes.
• Other savings relate to the use of funding held in reserves to fund pressures where that is possible and the addition of £5.4m funding from the national packaging Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme that needs to be used to meet the cost of disposal of packaging waste.

The budget will be set by county councillors on 10 February

People can expect to receive a ‘warm welcome’ at Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries this winter, with the network offering a warm space and a hot drink for those who need it.

For the fourth year running, Oxfordshire libraries are partnering with the Warm Welcome Campaign, which supports a network of over 4,000 warm spaces across the UK.

The campaign seeks to open up more community spaces for free for those who may be feeling isolated, or whom need a warm place to stay during the colder months.

Oxfordshire’s libraries are also delivering a range of other support for residents including free cultural activities, advice sessions and signposting on helpful topics.

Simon Lay, Libraries Branch Network Operations Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We will be particularly focused on providing warmth, company and support to those affected by poverty and social isolation over the winter months.

“We’re continuing to see a rise in the number of people taking up the offer of a warm space and a hot drink. In Abingdon Library, for example, we are delighted to welcome back our regular visitors and welcome new faces.

“It’s a pleasure to see so many people enjoying the space we provide, reading newspapers, doing a jigsaw and connecting with others. Take up of the warm space offer has increased by 50 per cent, and the team are grateful that we are able to provide this hospitality.”

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Warm spaces such as our libraries provide a lifeline for many in our communities during the winter months. By offering a welcoming environment, a hot drink, and opportunities for connection, we’re not only helping people stay warm, but we’re also helping to tackle social isolation and support those facing hardship.

“This initiative is a clear reflection of our strategic priorities: we are committed to reducing inequalities, improving health and wellbeing, and building resilient, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. Our libraries are at the heart of this effort, ensuring that every resident has access to the support and warmth they need this winter.”

As well as libraries, many other community buildings across the county also provide a warm space for those who need them. Find out more by visiting Warm Welcome’s website.

Find out about other ways to keep warm during the winter months, including financial help and more, by visiting the council’s dedicated webpage.

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Householders can pick up a free roll of food waste caddy liners to help deal with the extra food waste expected to be generated over the festive period.

The free liners are available from the county’s libraries during December, while stocks last.

All households receive food waste recycling collections from their district council. Oxfordshire County Council arranges for the collected food waste to be recycled.

Although most households already recycle their food waste – the council recycled over 25,000 tonnes of food waste last year – it estimates that a similar amount is thrown away with non-recyclable waste.

If all the food waste that is thrown away was recycled, it would save Oxfordshire County Council an estimated £3 million a year.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “No one wants to waste food. But where that’s not possible and for inedible food waste, such as potato peelings and turkey bones, home composting or recycling it using the kerbside collection really help to reduce the impact of waste disposal on the climate.

“That’s why we are giving Oxfordshire residents caddy liners again to make it easier for them at a time when food waste is likely to increase significantly. Reducing the amount of food waste that ends up in general rubbish could save the council millions of pounds – money that would be better spent on other projects to improve people’s lives.”

Non-recyclable waste in Oxfordshire is burnt to generate energy, which already reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to landfill, but recycling food waste doubles the climate change benefit.

The recycling process generates green electricity and a fertiliser that is used on farmland across the county.

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The Ukrainian Education Centre has officially opened its doors at the Oxford Westgate Library, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of educational and cultural support for Ukrainians in the UK.

Supported by Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, the event brought together over 120 attendees, including representatives from academia, local government, business and Ukrainians.

The ceremony was opened by Yevgenia Zhyryakova, Head of the Ukrainian Education Centre in the UK, and Alla Skrynnikova, Head of the Oxford Centre.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The opening of the Ukrainian Education Centre in Oxford is testament to the strength and spirit of our Ukrainian communities in the county and the power of education to bring people together.

“It’s inspiring to see such a vibrant initiative take root in our city. We’re proud to support a space that fosters learning, cultural exchange and resilience.”

Distinguished guests included Professor Lord Tarasenko (University of Oxford), Dr Nadiya Ivanenko, Dr Serhiy Savytskyi and Paddy Harris, who shared uplifting words of support and encouragement. The event concluded with a moving performance by Ukrainian musicians.

The Oxford centre is the third Ukrainian educational hub to open in the UK, following successful launches in London and Chichester. It forms part of a global network of 84 hubs supporting Ukrainian communities across Europe, North America and Asia.

Further events and activities are planned for later in the year, continuing the centre’s mission to empower and connect Ukrainians in Oxfordshire and beyond.

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A new and improved Witney Library is set to reopen to residents later this year, 6 December, following a comprehensive programme of modernisation.

Improvements to the Oxfordshire County Council library include new windows, more efficient heating, and a complete refurbishment, making it brighter, warmer, and more energy efficient.

The interior has been redesigned to create a flexible space that features new shelving, public computers, and areas with electric sockets for customers who wish to work.

A new community meeting room has also been created, alongside a vibrant and expanded children’s area.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “We are delighted to reopen Witney library after extensive repair and a fantastic refurbishment.

"The work, which coincides with the 60th birthday of the library, will make an even more welcoming and accessible space that will serve the local community for many years to come.

"The work will also make the library more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.”

A large number of new books have also been bought for the library.

The upgrades form part of an ongoing project to modernise Oxfordshire’s libraries, and improve accessibility, reflecting the changing needs of local communities.

The project has been made possible through a combination of central government decarbonisation funds, and developer funding also known as Section 106 Funding.

The work is being delivered by the county council’s libraries and minor works teams.

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Hook Norton residents are being encouraged to get behind a new crowdfunding campaign that aims to raise money for the local library, with Oxfordshire County Council set to add £3 for every £1 raised.

Friends of Hook Norton Community Library and the council are working in partnership with the goal of raising £10,000, which, if successful, will turn into £40,000 to fund the work, by the end of October.

The proposal will see an expansion into the Norman Matthews Hall next door, reconfiguring the existing library to maximise space, and provide a flexible area for more activities.

A new proposed larger space for children’s books will also delight the many young readers who make up 40 per cent of existing users.

Mark McCree, Head of Libraries and Heritage at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The project to expand Hook Norton Library is an exciting opportunity for us to develop and enhance this well used and much loved community asset, responding to changing customer demands and needs.

“It is also a chance for us to pilot a collaborative approach to project delivery, planning and funding by working with the Friends of Hook Norton Community Library.”

Jane Orchard, Chair of the Friends of Hook Norton Community Library, said: “Libraries have never been more vital. We’re launching this crowdfunder campaign to raise the all-important funds so the work can begin early in 2026, ready to celebrate the National Year of Reading.

“While other, libraries around the UK have closed, Oxfordshire County Council is offering us this exciting opportunity to reunite the whole building into a fun social space for reading, learning and community activities."

The library is currently in a small Grade II listed building dating from 1855, which has served the village well as a school, youth club and social space before becoming the library in 1973.

Now it will be re-configured to create a space that inspires the joy of reading for all, with dedicated reading areas for children and adults, and the flexibility to support more fun, social activities.

There will be more room for the many library facilities from books to PCs and a warm, welcoming place for all in the heart of the village.

To support Hook Norton Library with its fundraising, visit its crowdfunder page.

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Now in its eleventh year, the annual competition, hosted by Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries service is a chance to discover new writers, original stories and unique voices from around Oxfordshire.

The winners will have their story published as an ebook and eaudiobook on Oxfordshire libraries’ OverDrive platform, where they can be borrowed, read and listened to from anywhere.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The annual competition is a wonderful opportunity to inspire people of all ages to make their unique writing voice heard. 

“Past winners have proven to be the most popular downloads of the year, so this is the perfect way for new writers to get their story published and enjoyed by others.”

The competition is split into three age categories free to enter. The short story competition categories are:

• Children: seven to 11 years
• Young adults: 12 to 17 years
• Adults: 18 and above

Children’s stories can be up to 1000 words. Stories by young adults and adults can be up to 3000 words. 

Entries can be submitted from Monday 8 September until Sunday 9 November.

Full terms and conditions as well as instructions on how to submit entries can be found on Oxfordshire libraries’ webpages.

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The Oxfordshire County Council LCWIP, which aims to improve walking, wheeling and cycling around the town, has been developed using feedback gathered last year from residents, workers and visitors using a ‘map and pin’ exercise.

Their input was used to set out proposed improvements for local walking and cycling routes over the next 10 years. As well as focusing on the connection of cycling and walking routes in Wantage, the LCWIP looks at a wider area including Grove and East Challow.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Improving the routes in Wantage and surrounding areas will enable more people to use alternatives to the car or public transport to make our roads safer and our environment healthier. This plan has been drafted using valuable insights that people have taken the time to share with us and it is now our intention to take those changes forward and make these routes the best we can.

“I encourage people to look carefully at the plan and share their impressions with us, including whether the most important walking and cycling routes and improvements have been identified and what we can do to make the plan better.”

Feedback will be used to amend the plan. The final version will presented to the lead cabinet member towards the end of this year/early 2026 for a decision on if this can be formally adopted as council policy. This will support funding bids to improve walking and cycling in Wantage and the surrounding area.

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The Oxfordshire County Council run library will remain open until 3:30pm, instead of the usual 12:30pm, so that the community can visit, browse and become new members.

Children will be able to sign up for the “Story Garden” Reading Agency Summer Challenge which launches on the same day across Oxfordshire and the rest of the country.

The library will also be hosting a scene from the festival theatre production “Finding the Spindleberry” at various times throughout the event.

Cllr Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “This is an important event in the calendar in east Oxford and our library will be playing its part. Pay us a visit and learn more about what’s on offer as part of your enjoyment of the day.”

Available for free in public libraries and online, the challenge helps children stay engaged with reading during the summer holidays. Participants can discover new books, earn rewards and enjoy nature inspired events and activities

From 5 July to 6 September children across Oxfordshire will be able to collect stickers and those who finish the challenge at an Oxfordshire County Council library will get a medal and certificate, and entry into a prize draw. Under 4s can take part in a mini challenge with their own special collector’s folder and stickers.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge is a celebration of adventure, fantasy and the great outdoors. We hope to inspire children throughout Oxfordshire to tap into a world of imagination through reading and exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.

“National statistics show that only one in three children report enjoying reading, so this annual event is more important than ever before. The summer holidays are an exciting time for children but also a time when they are less exposed to books as a result of not being in the classroom. We welcome and encourage children across the county to visit the library and enjoy some great books over the summer.”

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running nationally since 1999. In 2024, nearly 600,000 children and families across the UK engaged with the event.

To find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/summer-reading-challenge .

Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries host activities throughout the county for people of all ages. Find out what’s on by going to www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries .

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Oxfordshire County Council has today (24 June 2025) launched a four-week survey to capture people’s views and ideas.

Proposals are being made to enhance the area and improve accessibility, walking, wheeling and cycling. This follows a commitment by both Oxfordshire County Council and Wantage Town Council in 2024, to explore ways to make the Market Place more accessible and safer for residents and visitors.

Officers from the county council have been working with the local community to investigate how space could be redesigned to the make the town centre a better place to spend time for shopping, leisure or business.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “Our vision for Wantage Market Place is to create a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible space for everyone. We aim to enhance the historical charm of the market town while addressing the challenges of climate change. By improving opportunities for walking, wheeling, cycling, and using public transport, we hope to make the Market Place a healthier, friendlier and safer environment for all.

“The project is at an early stage and a design is yet to be developed. Tell us what you think and make suggestions to help us shape the project designs and goals. We would like to find out what is important to local residents and businesses and how we can make it economically and environmentally useful for future years.

“We’ll use what we learn, work with the community to develop a draft design, and come back to you for further consultation next year.”

People can take part in an online survey on the county council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 22 July 2025.

The online survey will be supported by two drop-in events for members of the public to find out about the project and speak to the team in person:

• Saturday 5 July 2025 – 10am - 4pm

Vale & Downland Museum (Barn Gallery), 19 Church Street, OX12 8BL

• Wednesday 9 July 2025 – 5pm - 8pm

Wantage Methodist Church (Chapel area), 20 Newbury Street, OX12 8DA

A further public consultation on the draft design will take place in 2026, with construction expected once further funding is confirmed. 

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Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is a programme that has seen library staff seek to improve the health and wellbeing of local people by signposting them to important services as a result of chats that happen in libraries.

The recognition for MECC is part of the Libraries Connected National Awards 2025. Jake Tilling (Witney Library Manager) recently received the award at a special ceremony in Warwickshire. He shares the accolade with his colleague Karen Seymour, Hook Norton Library manager.

The duo have led on MECC in Oxfordshire for the last five to six years, taking the library service from having very little engagement with library users around health issues, to having trained 44 MECC champions (one in every library) and over 10,000 interactions in the last year.

On top of busy jobs delivering and managing frontline services, they have both enthusiastically taken on this additional role, expertly training and motivating other managers/staff to ensure that MECC conversations are of high quality and effective.

Councillr Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Resources, said: "It’s wonderful that the libraries team, and Jake and Karen specifically, have been recognised for their significant efforts to help improve the health and wellbeing of Oxfordshire residents.

“Libraries are ‘health centres’, in many ways, and are trusted, welcoming community hubs where all the community can connect and access information, support, and reading to help them feel better."

Goring resident Jacqui Gray, right, has spent over ten years now volunteering with at her local library through various roles.

Now this National Volunteers week, she is sharing her story to inspire others to take up voluntary work.

Jacqui, 57, began her journey with a simple love for books. She initially started as a library volunteer, shelving books and assisting visitors. Over time, her passion and commitment led to her becoming more and more involved.

“I just love books – I absolutely adore reading, and I couldn’t think of anything better than to be in an environment where I was surrounded by them and talking to people about them!

“So, I became a volunteer, helping with shelving books and answering questions.

“After a while, I then got onto the committee of the Friends of Goring Library, and when our then chair became the library manager I stepped up to become the chair, which is also a voluntary role.”

Throughout the years Jacqui has discovered volunteering extends to organising community events and providing support to residents.

“Ten years ago, I would have thought volunteering in a library is  all about books.. But, once I started to get involved, I realised it was so much more than that.

“We’ve always got events on, and people coming in for help and advice. Volunteering is also about engaging with people in the community who might not have realised what they can get from a library. It’s a community hub really.

“There’s always the next big thing to look towards too. We’ve recently had a library refurbishment, and now we’re planning a library garden.”

The social element of volunteering is also a great reward for Jacqui as much as helping her local community..

“I've got to meet many local people that I might not have otherwise come across.

“When I go into the village, there's a lot of people of all different age groups that I can talk to and that I know, and it really has helped me feel part of the community myself.”

Whatever the kind of voluntary work it is, Jacqui is now keen to encourage others to get involved too.

“You're helping the community, you're helping other people, and it gives you something as well. If you are just at a bit of a loose end or you're looking to broaden your horizons, then going to volunteer is a fantastic thing to do.

"When I started off with the library, I was only doing a couple of hours every other week, so you can commit as little or as much time as you can – most people are just really pleased you’re able to help.”

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Jacqui’s story is a powerful example of how volunteering can enrich both the volunteer and the community. Her dedication and enthusiasm have made Goring Library a vibrant and welcoming place.

“If you're inspired by her story, do consider volunteering. Whether you have a few hours to spare or can commit more time, your contribution can make a difference. Join the community of volunteers and experience the rewards of giving back.”

Jacqui is Chair of the Friends of Goring Library, which is a registered charity and provides outreach in the community, raises funds to pay for staffing on alternate Saturdays and Thursdays, and also provides extra funds for books and events at the library.

The charity has also supported the library service during its refurbishment last year and is supporting the library garden development.

Find out more about Oxfordshire County Council’s library service by visiting oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries

Volunteers’ Week is led by the UK Volunteering Forum, a partnership between Volunteer Scotland, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland. Visit the Volunteers' Week website to find out more.

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Ben Arthur Eltham, of Chalbar, Denchworth Road, Grove, near Wantage, had previously pleaded guilty at Oxford Crown Court of dishonestly entering into contracts for projects where he charged for materials he did not purchase and for failing to finish work. The work he did carry out was of poor quality.

He also began work on properties without the necessary applications according to building regulations and failed to have work inspected at the required stages, despite assuring clients that this had been done.

Eltham, 41, was sentenced on Friday 30 May to 40 months imprisonment.

Davina Walkin, Trading Standards Operations Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, said: The vast majority of Oxfordshire’s builders complete their work on time and to their customers satisfaction. When this is not the case and traders take money for inadequate work and misuse funds intended for materials before lying to their clients about why projects are delayed, then our trading standards works hard to give residents as much protection as possible from such rogue traders.”

At the time of the offences, committed between 2021 and 2023, Eltham was trading as Ben Eltham General Builder and JFE Building Contractor.

He was contracted to complete work for five customers, primarily in the Wantage area, on garage conversions, extensions and remodelling projects.

There was a distinct pattern to the projects undertaken by Eltham. Work initially progressed well but soon slowed, and it would become difficult for his customers to reach him.

His clients were given increasingly implausible reasons why no work was being carried out and, in some cases, the work was never finished years after starting.

Investigations found that instead of ordering materials and paying staff to carry out the work, Eltham was spending considerable amounts on gambling, holidays and social events.

Davina continued: “We always advise anybody looking for a reliable trader to get a number of detailed quotes, check with friends and family for trusted recommendations and consider a trading standards’ approved trader from our Buy With Confidence scheme.

“People should proceed with caution when agreeing payment for large scale building projects. Paying in instalments is entirely sensible but when the payment schedule is too heavily weighted towards the beginning of the work, as was the case with Mr Eltham, this can be a warning sign and can leave customers heavily out of pocket with little work completed.

“The same applies when making significant down payments for items like fitted kitchens and bathrooms, glazing and heating systems. Always ensure there is proof orders have been made to avoid incurring the expense of having to re-order if an unscrupulous trader uses the money to cover other spending.”

Any Oxfordshire resident that has concerns about activity of this nature should report it using the national consumer helpline 0808 223 1133

For the fourth consecutive year, 60 students from seven schools exhibited their innovative business projects at the annual Young Enterprise event in the BIPC in Oxford’s Westgate Library on 28 April, with project themes ranging from tackling climate change to mental health.

Young Enterprise is a national organisation that aims to give young people the life skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the world of work. It was joined at the event by representatives from the county council as well as the University of Oxford’s Said Business School and Westgate Oxford.

Ryan Johnson, Oxfordshire County Council’s Engagement Manager for the Business & Intellectual Property Centre, said: “We were really pleased to be able to host this event on behalf of Young Enterprise Oxfordshire once again. The day was filled with awards and celebrations, recognising the hard work and dedication of these talented students.

“The teams were very impressive with all that they had achieved, demonstrating their ability to prepare and submit business reports, give presentations and be interviewed. I’m confident many will go on to create thriving businesses and have a real impact in the county.

“The event is a great example of how the centre can support the ambitions of local young people, providing them with the skills and confidence to start and grow their own businesses.”

The BIPC offers many opportunities and activities for young people, where anyone can access one to one support or workshops to support their business start-up ideas.

For more information on the BIPC, visit the centre on the second floor of Oxfordshire County Library or go online at oxfordshire.gov.uk/bipc.

Find out how to get involved with Oxfordshire Young Enterprise by visiting its website. 

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Jake Tilling, Witney Library Manager, and Karen Seymour, Hook Norton Library Manager, have been nominated for their work around the council’s Every Contact Count (MECC) initiative.

MECC is a national programme aimed at improving health outcomes through everyday conversations with residents. It uses the natural interactions that occur in community hubs, such as libraries, to support people with their health and wellbeing.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health and Communities said: “Libraries are community hubs where thousands of conversations take place every day between staff, volunteers and library customers.

“MECC is perfectly placed to fit into these conversations and support people with their health and wellbeing. Often library staff are already having these types of conversations, but training in MECC ensures these conversations are high quality and effective.

“Jake and Karen have led our programme for almost six years on top of their roles as branch managers. In that time, they’ve helped us to train 44 MECC champions - one in every branch, resulting in almost 10,000 interactions per year. Together they have worked very closely to transform what we offer and improve health outcomes of their local communities. It is an excellent example of the benefits of collaborative working between the public health team and the library service.

“The nomination is a much deserved recognition of their brilliant work, and we wish both Jake and Karen every success.”

The Libraries Connected Awards celebrate the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users, or their local communities.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 10 during the Libraries Connected annual seminar in Warwickshire.

The Libraries Connected Awards celebrate the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users, or their local communities.

 he winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 10 during the Libraries Connected annual seminar in Warwickshire.

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Following a tendering process, Oxfordshire County Council has commissioned SLC Rail to put together the strategic outline business case for the project.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “Oxfordshire County Council has long been an advocate of a proposed Wantage and Grove Station.

“This area has had a rapid increase in population in recent years and if we are going to be able to meet our ambitious targets set in our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan, rail improvements will be a key factor.

“Providing fast, regular and reliable transport options that serve our local communities and businesses across the region is essential for supporting the people, our economic centres and climate change objectives.”

The proposed new station would support the substantial growth in population that has taken place over recent years and provide residents with a high-quality and sustainable alternative means of travel.

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

Claire Mahoney, Network Rail's industry programme director, said: “We welcome the feasibility study into a proposed new station for Wantage and Grove.

“The industry strategy – the Oxfordshire Rail Corridor Study, jointly commissioned by the county and city councils, Network Rail, and the Department for Transport – highlighted opportunities to expand Oxfordshire’s railway and help deliver economic growth to the region. This recommended a number of potential future improvements to support increasing interconnectivity across Oxfordshire, which could support the provision of new stations.”

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

GWR's Business Development Portfolio Director Tom Pierpoint said: “We welcome the development of new stations across our network and are proud of our record working with partners to connect communities to the railway in recent years with new stations opening in Bristol, Devon and Reading.

“We look forward to engaging with the study, including on line capacity, rolling stock and crew requirements.”

Proposals for the new station will feature in Oxfordshire County Council’s emerging OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail strategy, which is expected to be adopted later this year.

If reopened, according to an independent opinion in 2018, it is estimated to become the fifth busiest station in Oxfordshire, attracting at least a million users a year.

There is also a strong economic case for the station, as it is estimated to generate £2.48 for every £1 invested.

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The Oxfordshire County Council library, scheduled to reopen at 9am on Tuesday 8 April, has undergone an extensive refurbishment. Changes include new heating systems, lighting, double glazing for improved environmental sustainability, new contemporary furniture, and dedicated work and study spaces with charging points.

The new furniture uses fabric made entirely from recycled plastics, including sea debris and landfill bound bottles.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “We are pleased to reopen Henley’s library after extensive works.

"Our refurbishment makes the library more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, while also being a welcoming and accessible space. We are confident that local people will love the changes; and they now have a library that is modern, warm and better able to meet their needs.”

To facilitate the reopening of the library, the temporary provision at the Old Fire Station Gallery will close on 1 April at 1pm.

The upgrades form part of an ongoing project to modernise Oxfordshire’s libraries, and improve accessibility, reflecting the changing needs of local communities.

The project has been made possible through a combination of central government decarbonisation funds, and developer funding also known as community infrastructure levy (CIL), provided by South Oxfordshire District Council. The work is being delivered by the county council’s libraries and minor works teams.

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The sixth former, aged 18, from Fitzwaryn School, Wantage, has a heightened sense of anxiety, meaning doing things independently like travelling on public transport is a real challenge.

Luckily, help was available for Kiera through Oxfordshire County Council’s independent travel training.

The scheme is designed to help young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) use public transport. A travel trainer helps them gain knowledge, experience in completing their planned route, and develop road safety skills. 

It has boosted Kiera’s self-esteem for her daily journey to such an extent that she offered to be a guide for Councillor John Howson – Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services – so he could experience the training first-hand.

Kiera pointed out aspects she had gone through such as stranger awareness, journey planning, using a bus pass or money, understanding the Green Cross Code, and other practical safety advice including ‘what if scenarios.’

“Before the training, my confidence in travelling on public transport was so low that I couldn’t do it,” explained Kiera.

“I was getting to school by taxi, a journey I found noisy and lacking the sense of independence I get from being on a bus, which has better views out of the windows too.

“Look at me now, my confidence has changed a lot since I began the travel training. Now I’m independent, which feels good and helps me in things like talking to the bus driver, and I’m even showing Cllr Howson how I cope on my travel from school.

“My independent travel trainer has been amazing. Nothing has been a problem and nothing is ever an issue, I can’t praise the trainer enough and will never forget how their support and kindness has changed my life.”

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “I’m a regular bus user, and a champion of public transport, so I couldn’t resist the invitation to join Kiera on her journey from school.

“Kiera pointed out to me that it’s not always the same driver or passengers on board each day. This can be daunting in itself, particularly when Kiera and other young people on our independent travel training programme are often more comfortable and confident in familiar surroundings.

“However, the scheme is clearly working for Kiera. She was leading and acting as my guide because it is her route. Kiera knows when to press the bell to alight, making good use of the digital information screens to identify the correct bus stop.

“Indeed, I’d like to thank the bus companies and their drivers who support our independent travel training. They make our young people and their travel trainers welcome and look out for them throughout their journeys.

“We are rightly proud of our county’s bus services and it’s brilliant that we are encouraging young people to use public transport through initiatives like this, giving them independence, boosting their confidence and their freedom to explore and learn.”

Further information about the independent travel training scheme is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

Your Oxfordshire

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Based on feedback from 102 customers, 87.5 per cent rated the service as very good or excellent, and all respondents indicated they would recommend it to a friend.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “The home library service allows people who are unable to get to a library to be able to continue reading the books they love. It is more than just books alone; it’s a vital community asset.

"Many use the service because they can't leave home, sometimes making it one of their few social interactions. Our staff and volunteers also ensure these individuals are safe and their needs are met.

"We're so pleased with the positive feedback and will work on suggested improvements, such as adding more large print books."

Each year, over 800 residents benefit from the home library service, thanks to the dedication of approximately 187 volunteers and library staff.

In 2023 alone, 200 new customers signed up, with a further 143 in 2024.

Kevin Salway, Home Library Service Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I think we can all agree the home library service is a fantastic service that is hugely appreciated by its customers. We work to a tight three week schedule and the team put in a huge effort to ensure all our customers are happy. I hope this year we can reach out to new potential customers and continue to provide valued support to existing ones.”

With the help of library staff and volunteers, the service looks after and delivers books and audio visual items to those who struggle to visit a library due to their personal circumstances.

It is completely free of charge to customers, many of whom are elderly or housebound, and it can also be used on a short-term basis following illness or hospitalisation. Those with carer responsibilities are also welcome to apply.

To register for the service or for further information, telephone the home library service on 01865 810259, email homelibraryservice@oxfordshire.gov.uk or visit Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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Talks took place in 2024 between Oxfordshire County Council, the Lord Lieutenant and the Royal Navy about the possibility of an affiliation. Such connections have been common throughout the history of the navy and many current ships already have links with places in the UK.

HMS Diamond is a Type 45 destroyer with a crew of 240 sailors including a Royal Marines boarding team. The ship's motto, "Honor Clarissima Gemma," translates to "Honour is the Brightest Jewel.

Beyond her primary role in air defence, HMS Diamond is versatile and capable of performing a wide range of duties, from counter-narcotics operations to providing humanitarian aid. Her most recent operations involved protecting merchant shipping lanes from Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

Councillor Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This strengthens the bond and support between the Royal Navy and the local community and reaffirms the council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and our significant armed forces communities. The county already plays host to Naval cadet units.”

All major Royal Navy ships have affiliations as part of a long-standing tradition that binds their crews to the land via a network of relationships across the United Kingdom.

The range of organisations and establishments that are invited to become part of a ship’s extended family can encompass cities, hospital trusts, cadet units, army regiments and air force squadrons, as well as venerable city institutions and counties. The benefits of affiliation are mutual. An affiliation gives the ship and the ship’s company a link to the organisation. 

HMS Diamond has an existing affiliation with Coventry. Other current examples include Essex which recently affiliated with HMS Venturer, and the town of Wantage, which has an affiliation with HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Now, with the support of Oxfordshire County Council, Bryan’s company, Repolywise, has just secured funding from Innovate UK to put his ideas for plastic recycling into action.

He is now encouraging others to follow in his footsteps in taking up support from Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC).

Bryan, who became a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) at the University of Oxford, said: “I spent eight years at Oxford in the chemistry department as an undergraduate and a postgraduate, eventually obtaining my DPhil in inorganic chemistry in March 2024.

"As part of my DPhil work, I was involved in a project that looked at plastic degradation. That is where the inspiration for Repolywise came from,” explained the Oxford resident.

"The current limited options available for plastic recycling is partly a consequence of the difficulty in finding a solution. Nearly 80 per cent of all plastics in the world end up in landfill, just nine per cent is recycled.

“That’s why I wanted to create a business that focused on finding a solution to this.”

Bryan, 26, first came into contact with the BIPC back in September 2023, where his experience gave him the motivation to act.

Bryan continued: “I googled entrepreneur events in Oxford back in 2023 and that’s how I found the BIPC. I signed up to one of the start-up huddles to present my idea.

“Everyone was very enthusiastic and welcoming of my business proposal, and it was this that gave me the motivation to continue on with what I was doing.”

He has also utilised more of the services on offer, including one to one mentoring sessions, and computer software, such as Grantfinder.

Since then, Repolywise has gone from strength to strength, culminating in receiving £375,000 of funding from Innovate UK for the development of the ‘Atomic Scissors’ technology.

“The Atomic Scissors technology, developed at the University of Oxford, involves a highly innovative process to break down waste plastics at the atomic level to selectively convert waste into propane,” explained Bryan.

“This funding will allow us to develop the technology and get it to a point where it can be used commercially.”

With his business now thriving, Bryan is keen to encourage others to join the BIPC start-up huddles and share their ideas.

He said: “The BIPC centre is incredibly helpful to early stage entrepreneurs. You would be surprised what benefits the Oxford start-up community here can offer!”

Ryan Johnson, Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, said: “Repolywise’s rapid rise is a real success story for the BIPC. The fact that it was the start-up huddle that gave Bryan the motivation to put his idea into practice shows how much the centre can make a difference.

“We provide a range of services, resources and activities from one on one support, workshops and our start-up huddle to equipment, software, and even office space. By doing this we can give people in Oxfordshire an extra hand to make their dreams a reality and help their businesses thrive.”

One on one support can be booked online.

The monthly start-up huddle provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The BIPC was recognised by the national Libraries Connected Awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

Find out more about what’s on offer and what support is available by visiting the Business and Intellectual Property Centre’s website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council and St. Modwen, the master developer for the Kingsgrove housing development, have worked together to construct the new route that extends between the A417 east of Wantage, and the A338 north of Wantage. This provides easier travel for both residents of the Kingsgrove housing development and visitors to the area.

A three-metre wide path for walking and cycling runs along the length of the road, while the original entrance to the Kingsgrove development is now for pedestrians, cyclists and buses only.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “Wantage is a historic market town that has seen, and will continue to see, significant growth in much-needed new homes and associated community facilities. The need for this scheme was established long before planning approval was obtained, and I am delighted that the entire route is now open.

“King Alfred Way will encourage active travel through the provision of high-quality pedestrian and cycle facilities, together with opportunities for travel by bus. It is also expected to help reduce congestion and noise levels, and improve air quality, within Wantage town centre.

“The opening of the road is reflective of the commitment, hard work and successful collaboration between the county council and St Modwen – together with suppliers working on behalf of both parties.”

Thomas Snell, Development Manager at St. Modwen, said: "We’re incredibly proud to have played a central role in delivering the new road, a project that not only enhances local infrastructure but also supports our growing Kingsgrove community.

“By improving connectivity and prioritising sustainable travel options, this road reflects our commitment to creating thriving, future-ready places where people can live, work, and enjoy their surroundings.”

Officially opened by Olly Glover, MP for Wantage and Didcot and Councillor Iain Cameron, Deputy Mayor of Wantage, the link’s new title – King Alfred Way – commemorates Wantage’s royal history. The name pays tribute to King Alfred the Great, who was born in Wantage in 849, and who is the inspiration for the name of the Kingsgrove community – referencing Alfred’s apple orchards, which once covered the area.

Olly Glover, MP for Wantage and Didcot said: “Residents in Wantage and beyond have been eagerly awaiting the opening of this road for some time, following some delays. I am pleased to see it open and hope it will be of benefit to all road users in the coming months and years.”

Ends

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However, for 35 year old Sadia Ali, Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) made the process a whole lot less daunting, and she is now encouraging others to make the most of the centre and its variety of resources.

She explained: “After years of working in investment banking I knew I wanted something more. I knew I wanted a family, and the demanding hours of the banking world would have made that difficult.

“I’ve had my own journey with this, but I’ve also met so many people that are stuck in less than ideal situations because of money; whether that’s an environment, a relationship, cultural dynamics or a job.

“I’ve also witnessed the detrimental impact and spiralling effect finances and bad money management can have on mental health and overall wellbeing. There is nothing that gives you more choice, more options, more independence than having your own money set for growth and building an independent source of income.

“I wanted to make finance and wealth building more accessible for the everyday person. I wanted more people to understand how simple it is to build wealth and how it’s possible for everyone at any level of income to invest in the stock market.”

The Oxford born and bred entrepreneur first came to the centre thanks to a women’s event hosted by Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

 “It’s hard doing everything by yourself. Entrepreneurship is glorified as being easy, and so I felt out of my depth at times, especially as I was so used to high achieving,” Sadia commented.

“I found out about the BIPC through an event that I went to, hosted by OxLEP, at the Oxford Westgate Library.

“I was spending some time in Oxford, so it was the perfect little place for me to work from, providing the perfect balance between quiet focus time and also being around like-minded people in a similar position. I often used the marketing suite to film videos and podcasts. But mostly I used the booth for meetings!”

Sadia has also praised the support of the staff, particularly Ryan Johnson, Oxfordshire County Council’s BIPC Manager, and Sophie Silverstone, an officer.

She added: “The manager Ryan has also been a great help. He presented me with so many opportunities that I’m so grateful for, and Sophie was always available to help me through any real time challenges I was facing. I was really blessed to have had access to those two!”

Since using the BIPC to start her own business, Sadia is keen to share her own experiences and expertise to help others who may be feeling the same way she did.

She continued: “My business has grown so much in the last year and the centre had a huge role to play in this, mostly because of the space it gave me to focus and for helping me build a schedule for my work day. Also being around other business owners was so helpful, to support each other in quite a lonely journey. 

“I would strongly recommend anyone thinking about starting a business to use the BIPC and the resources available. From the free one on one mentoring to the marketing suite and the events that are held, it is such a brilliant space for anyone to start their journey. If you’re able to get through those first hurdles, then it is the most rewarding thing ever.”

Ryan Johnson, Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, said: “Sadia’s story just shows, yet again, how much the centre can help anybody to make the next step with their business. I wish her all the best.

“Much of what is on offer is free of charge. By providing free resources and support, we can give people in Oxfordshire an extra hand to make their dreams a reality and help their businesses thrive.”

Located in the Oxford Westgate Library, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one on one support, which can be booked online, or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.

A monthly start-up huddle is held to provide a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The BIPC was recognised by the national Libraries Connected Awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

Find out more about what’s on offer and what support is available by visiting the Business and Intellectual Property Centre’s website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The library, which reopened on 16 November, has been given a complete redecoration, as well as some new additions, including new moveable shelving to allow larger events to be held, and charging ports to allow customers to work on their own devices.

Surplus shelving and a counter from another library was also repurposed as part of the refurbishment to reduce the cost and environmental impact of the project.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “This newly refreshed library provides a lovely new space for people from all over the local community with a great range of books and so much more.

“This has been a real team effort, with the local community, our volunteer group, our staff and suppliers all pulling together. We have been lucky to have been supported by South Oxfordshire District Council, and the Friends of Goring Library, who also helped raise funds needed to buy some new books and hosted an event to celebrate the reopening.

“We are confident that local people will love the changes; and they now have a library that is modern, warm, welcoming and better able to meet their needs.”

 The refurbishment is part of an ongoing project to modernise Oxfordshire’s libraries, and improve accessibility, reflecting the changing needs of local communities.

It was made possible thanks, in part, to developer funding, applied for through South Oxfordshire District Council.

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Two years later, he kept his promise with support from Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC).

Now that his business, The Drone Rules, is thriving, 32 year old William is encouraging others to consider the BIPC to help turn their business ideas into reality.

Inspired by his Nigerian-born mother who was one of the first female aeronautical engineers in her town, William wanted to capitalise on his background in aerospace and astronautics engineering to create a business that centres on changing the world for the better through aerial technology – drones.

He said: “I had been working for an Oxford University spinout, having spent five years as a flight simulation engineer, building simulators and travelling the world to test them, but I had promised myself I would start my own business.

“The drone industry is a fast paced and rapidly growing market. This is because drones offer incredible value if used correctly – anything from aerial photography to delivering medical supplies at hospitals. There are so many opportunities with these incredible flying robots!”

William first came into contact with the team at the BIPC when he was offering free services at Oxford Westgate Library.

As he explains, “I quit my job in 2021, and I then began to offer free services to the library in the form of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) drone workshops. These were STEM based coding classes for young people.

“I was then introduced by a library manager to the BIPC management as she saw that I was keen to develop STEM workshops for young people.”

William was one of the first people to use the popular start-up networking huddles, which are now one of the most well attended of its kind in the country and has utilised almost every resource available.

“I have used almost everything at the centre to help my business, including the databases on offer, photography and lighting equipment, the green screen background, the meeting rooms for client discussions, and even the main room for various STEM sessions.”

Thanks to the help on offer at BIPC, William’s business is now thriving, providing educational and consultancy services to a range of different organisations.

“I have managed to branch the business out into two main areas: education and consultancy. “Drone City provides further development of STEM by inspiring young people (key stage one to two) through all mediums of education through practical sessions utilising our very own story books, online resources and STEM drones

“Meanwhile, Droneworxx (key stage two to post-16) helps with the development of careers by inspiring those aged 12 - 21 and over by offering programmes, workshops and practical sessions to help young adults to succeed in the world of autonomous aviation.

“The Drone Rules is the parent company for both Drone City and Droneworxx and is also helping businesses and organisations across Oxfordshire and surrounding counties adopt drone solutions including NHS, Oxfordshire County Council, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus and Oxford Business Park.

“I would strongly recommend anybody who is thinking about starting their own business to attend a meeting with the BIPC for a one to one, or join one of the start-up huddles, and gain insights into taking the leap into developing your idea into a viable business.

“You may feel ready to fly, but learning about the financial, administrative, and business planning frameworks may help make the ride a little less bumpy!”

Ryan Johnson, Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, said: “The Drone Rules is just another example of a small Oxfordshire startup that has benefited from the expertise and resources on offer at the BIPC.

“It’s always great to hear these success stories, and I hope to hear many more.

"The BIPC offers various free resources, including free business advice and mentoring from our team, networking events, database access, meeting spaces, and equipment. It's the perfect place to bring your business idea to life.”

Located in the Oxford Westgate Library, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one on one support or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.

A monthly startup huddle is held to provide a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The BIPC was recognised by the national Libraries Connected awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's national network of business and intellectual property centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

Find out more about what’s on offer and what support is available by visiting the Business and Intellectual Property Centre’s website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

With support from Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) 55-year-old Tim Pakouse has made his idea a reality and is encouraging others to make the most of the resources on offer.

Get Fed CIC (Community Interest Company) launched back in 2022 as a means of supporting young people identified as at particular risk of exploitation or exclusion from school. It aims to help them access employment while developing entrepreneurial skills along the way.

Experienced as a youth worker in a criminal justice setting,  Banbury-based Tim was concerned about the growing number of students for whom school was not working. He saw a link between these children and the developing problem of drugs exploitation: young people who weren’t achieving at school were more vulnerable to the offer of the local drug dealers, which gave Tim an idea.

He explains: “I was a youth worker for more than twenty years and saw so many young lads missing out on school for various reasons. I saw many of them at risk of getting involved with drug dealers and county lines.

“My idea was to create something where young people learn barista and business skills on our coffee van and have the opportunity to help project manage a gig in their community where they can earn 50 per cent of the profits. Making frothy coffees is a lot safer than dealing drugs!”

Tim first got in contact with the BIPC back in the summer of 2022 when he did a day of training with Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

 Although at first, he wasn’t sure about the impact that the BIPC would have, it was clear very soon how much of a useful resource it is, and had particular praise for BIPC manager, Ryan Johnson.

“I have worked with Ryan Johnson previously and stayed connected over various changes in role. Ryan is an inspiring person and amazing connector. When I heard about the launch of BIPC I was intrigued, and the timing seemed perfect for what I wanted to achieve.

“I was a bit sceptical at first as to whether BIPC would help me to be honest – I felt a bit inadequate to accept the help and I had a bit of imposter syndrome.

“However, the trainers were so helpful, and resources were so easily accessible. Being able to network with other business owners was great too – seeing your idea become a reality and getting useful feedback from others.

“I have used every resource available and I never miss a BIPC opportunity if I don’t have to!”

Since getting involved with the BIPC, Get Fed CIC has gone from strength to strength, with exciting plans including more involvement at local events and new vans. Tim even hopes to use the experience to help shape local government policy for young people.

“Get Fed is growing and gaining traction. We have now worked with more than 50 young people, with a high percentage of those having gone onto employment or further training.

“BIPC is the nursery from which we’ve sprung. The day of OxLEP (free!) training germinated the idea – talked about for years – which began to take on a plan and strategy.

“BIPC’s value is so organic and multi-layered it has to be experienced.  Ryan and the BIPC team energise the eco-system, which has incredible resources and potential – it’s one of the most exciting spaces I’ve ever known.”

Ryan Johnson, Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, said: “The BIPC is a great, but often underutilised resource that almost anybody with an idea could benefit from. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve already got a business, or you simply have an idea and want help taking it to the next step – the BIPC is here to help. Over 1,500 people have already been supported with their start-ups and their ideas.

“That’s why it’s so great to hear more about Tim’s business and the difference it’s already making to young people in the county. I am glad the BIPC was able to help Get Fed flourish.

“Much of what is on offer at our BIPC is free of charge, including one to one sessions with one of our advisors. If you have a startup, or simply a business idea, and need some advice, get in touch to book a free session now.”

Located in the Oxford Central Library at Westgate, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one on one support or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.

A monthly start-up huddle is held to provide a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The BIPC was recognised by the national Libraries Connected Awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

Find out more about what’s on offer and what support is available by visiting the Business and Intellectual Property Centre’s website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The monthly event, next taking place on 17 October from 6pm, provides a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The sessions are organised by the council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) and each event includes one or two business presentations, a question and answer period, and ample networking time.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community & Corporate Services, said: “What our award-winning BIPC has achieved in such a short period of time has been astounding. Over 1,500 people have already been supported with their start-ups and their ideas, and the startup huddle is just one of a range of ways that people can benefit.

“Many of the services offered are free of charge, including this one. By providing free resources and support, we can help people in Oxfordshire turn their dreams into reality and help their businesses thrive.”

Located in the Oxford Central Library at Westgate, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one-on-one support or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.

Its success was recognised by the national Libraries Connected Awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

For more information on the BIPC, visit the centre on the second floor of Oxfordshire County Library or go online at oxfordshire.gov.uk/bipc.

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The UK’s largest digital inclusion campaign, Get Online Week, aims to help tens of thousands of people get online in just one week.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community & Corporate Services, said: “Get Online Week provides valuable assistance and support to individuals of all ages, helping them build confidence in using the internet. With many council and essential services now available online, these events offer a fantastic opportunity to learn digital skills in a welcoming environment.

“Whether it’s using banking apps, booking appointments through the NHS app, or accessing eBooks and newspapers with a county council library membership, enhancing digital skills can significantly improve residents’ lives.

“It doesn’t matter what your level of knowledge and experience with the digital world is, there is something to help everyone.”

To celebrate this campaign and digital inclusion as a whole, Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries and community groups have organised events to help people learn more about the online world:

14 October
Abingdon Library from 10am
Drop-in session to help with banking, NHS and travel apps.

15 October
Aston Tirrold Village Hall from 10am
Help, advice and guidance for help using online services desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

16 October
Witney Library from 10am
Supporting people to use the Oxfordshire County Council library app.

17 October
Bicester Library and Carterton Libraries from 10am
eBook and audio digital drop-in session: free eBook, audio and magazine sessions to help with downloading and navigating apps.

Moreton Area Centre from 10.30am
Getting connected: learn to navigate your way in this digital world and explore the net and the endless possibilities to connect with the world using your phone or tablet.

Westgate Library, Oxford, 3pm - 4pm
New library computers, news and music streaming services: question and answer session about how to get online using new library computers, news searching and music streaming facilities.

18 October
Headington Library and Wantage Library, 2pm - 4pm
Intro to eBooks, magazines and audio: how to use eBooks and magazines. Bring a device.

There is support available throughout the year as well for those unable to make one of the Get Online Week events. Find out more about what is available by visiting Getting Oxfordshire Online’s website.

More information

Getting Oxfordshire Online was set up in 2021 by Oxfordshire Community Foundation, supported by seed funding from Our Common Good and Oxfordshire County Council. SOFEA are now the lead partner, working with Aspire and Bicester Green in the management team, supported by a network of partners.

They work in partnership with local communities to provide refurbished devices, connectivity and support to help everyone access the internet.

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The digital café is hosted on the first Monday of every month (2pm-4pm), and allows people who are struggling with or unfamiliar with technology to find help and support with using their mobile, laptop or tablet.

The initiative offers people free informal, one to one support around basic digital skills, with access to digital devices and the internet. It encourages and teaches people how to easily use digital technology as part of their everyday life.

The launch of this digital café is a collaboration between Oxfordshire County Council, NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) and Oxford City Council.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community & Corporate Services, said: “It’s important that in the digital world, we do not leave people behind. Libraries play a vital role in making online services more accessible, so I welcome this new initiative and encourage those who feel they may need some help, to come along.

“The library is a great digital resource in itself. There is free access to, and support with, IT at every library in the county – as well as free Wi-Fi provision, and fantastic, free, digital content for everyone to access through their library membership at their local library or on their phone or tablet, 24/7.”

Marta Fischer, Digital Access Lead for BOB ICB who is also an NHS App ambassador said: “Digital Cafes aim to give people the confidence and skills to use digital devices such as smart phones and the NHS App so they can access health advice and support promptly. We want to break down barriers around digital technology so there is more of a level playing field for people of all ages and from different communities using this technology.”

Marta also leads training sessions on the NHS App and said: “People find the app very easy to use once I talk them through it. Some people assume all those over a certain age cannot use digital technology; but many of the patients I work with already use apps and appreciate how the NHS App makes it easier to access high quality online care when they need it such as ordering repeat prescriptions and manage hospital appointments.”

Councillor Nigel Chapman, Oxford City Council Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies, said: “The Digital Café is free to attend and aimed at anyone who is struggling to use a mobile phone, laptop or tablet. The Council is very aware that there are large numbers of Oxford residents who are digitally disadvantaged but want to learn how to use online and mobile services. 

"They will find these free sessions friendly and informal and very useful. With so many services going digital in terms of access, I would encourage people to drop in. The Council really wants to see the city’s digital divide reduced so everyone can take advantage that access to new technology can bring”

There are currently 11 digital cafés located in libraries, GP practices, a care home and a leisure centre in the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West region.

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The 2024 Summer Reading Challenge ‘Marvellous Makers’ is taking place at Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries from 6 July.

In collaboration with The Reading Agency and Create, a top charity that delivers the creative arts to the most disadvantaged people, this year’s challenge wants to spark children’s imaginations and inspire them to be creative and tell stories through the magic of reading. 

From 6 July until 7 September, children aged four to 11 taking part in the free challenge can discover new stories, join in with free activities across the county’s libraries and explore their creativity – from junk modelling to music, dance to drawing and painting.

A mini challenge with a special card and stickers is also available for children under four.

Mark McCree, Service Manager, Libraries and Heritage at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is an annual opportunity for children to ignite and develop their love of reading, with the added bonus of being able to win some great prizes and take part in a whole range of activities at their local library. Reading, as well as being a fun hobby, sparks imagination and ideas.

“We welcome and encourage children across the county to visit the library and enjoy some great books over the summer. There are plenty of creative events to take part in too, and it’s all free!”

This year’s bespoke illustrations are created by Natelle Quek, celebrated illustrator of titles including Wild Wild Wood (Puffin Books) and I Am Nefertiti (Five Quills).

To find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/summer-reading-challenge

Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries service hosts activities and classes throughout the county for people of all ages. Residents can find out what’s on by going to oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries.

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Now in its tenth year, the competition continues to be a platform for the talented writers of Oxfordshire, with three categories to reflect the breadth of talent in the county.

Winning for the second time in the adult category was Jez Fernandez from Grove whose story ‘Dreamland’ is a wickedly funny, yet strikingly poignant story littered with pop culture references and a diverse cast of authentic characters, all set within a quintessential American diner.

Commenting on his second victory, 50 year old Jez said: “This is such thrilling news, and I am so honoured to win again.”

His 2017 winning short story ‘Time of Death’ is one of the most downloaded ever for a competition-winning title.

Thirteen year old Oxford High School student Alison Zhao was victorious in the young adult category with her story 2056. It is a thought provoking vignette exploring how bringing an AI robot into the home can have an unimaginably profound impact, for better and for worse.

“I couldn't believe it and had to stand there for a minute to just let it sink in. And then it hit me, I'm going to be published. That's amazing!” said Miami-born, self-confessed Swiftie, Alison.

Finally, this year’s children’s winner was eight year old Sophia Skidmore from Witney. Her story ‘A Street of Time’ is a rip-roaring time travel adventure spanning multiple centuries and countries.

Sophia said: “I felt emotional because I found out I was going to be an author and they were going to release an eBook and audio book and the whole world could hear me read out my story, which is a massive thing for a little girl like me. It makes me really happy!”

Mark McCree, Service Manager, Libraries and Heritage at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “It is fantastic that we have been able to run this competition for a decade now, and the creativity and talent of the writers continues to astound us. Well done to all the brilliant authors who submitted a story this time around, and particular congratulations to those who have been chosen as our winners.”

All the winners are available to read on Oxfordshire libraries webpage , or on the Libby app, available to download from the Apple store or Google Play store.

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This major building project will expand the school’s capacity from 210 to 315 primary pupil places, plus there will be 39 new nursery places. Temporary classrooms will be replaced by permanent structures.

The project will be managed by the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, which is responsible for the school, working in partnership with the county council and David Wilson Homes, who is delivering a new housing development to the north of the school.

Lisa Lyons, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Children Services, said: “These are exciting plans for Grove Church of England Primary School, reflecting our ongoing commitment to provide high quality teaching and learning environments for Oxfordshire’s children, and our success in securing resources for education from housing developers.

“This is a significant investment, adding nearly 150 places for primary and nursery pupils to meet future needs.”

The new school building will consist of seven classrooms, a hall and kitchen, main entrance reception area, and administrative and staff accommodation.

David Wilson Homes will provide the school with a full-sized all-weather sports pitch, and a new entrance into the school site with parking for staff and visitors. This will be on additional school land that forms part of the Monks Farm housing development.

Details of when work will start will be confirmed in coming months, based on the timetable for delivery of the access road by David Wilson Homes.

Your Oxfordshire

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The new and improved library, which reopened on 25 March, boasts an exciting new children’s area, complete with reading dens, dedicated working and study spaces with charging points, and moveable shelving to allow the space to be used for events.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “We have transformed Chinnor library on multiple fronts. We installed new signage and branding, updated the furnishings, created a flexible layout, installed a new heating system, and incorporated environmentally sustainable features.”

“This has been a real team effort, with the local community, our volunteer group, our staff and suppliers all pulling together, and we are really proud of the end product. We are confident that local people will love the changes; and they now have a library that is modern, warm, welcoming and better able to meet their needs.”

Work was also carried out to improve the building’s environmental footprint, including the installation of additional loft insulation and solar panels, lighting upgrades, and replacing heaters with new air source heat pumps, which will also provide air conditioning in the warmer months.

The refurbishment was made possible through developers’ funding, alongside some additional council contributions.

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Following Oxfordshire County Council’s allocation last year of £1.2 million for rural public and community transport, further new buses will be launched on April 15 to connect more villages to market towns and Oxford.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “I’m really delighted to be able to back our commitment to high quality public transport with real delivery and budget, in rural areas as well as our larger towns.

“Not everyone has access to a car and so public transport is essential to help people get around for work, shopping, and socialising. We know there is a demand for bus services in these locations, which can’t be met by the commercial operators, and we are glad to be able to help fill this gap.”

The new services will all be operated by accessible minibuses from the council’s in-house fleet but will be open to all bus users.

The announcement follows the introduction in November 2023 of new bus routes to villages, which had been without public transport since 2016, and the allocation of grants worth nearly £425,000 to improve community transport in Oxfordshire last month.

The new routes are:

• 42: Abingdon to Oxford via Sunningwell, Bayworth, Boars Hill and South Hinksey (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays).
• 49: Cuddesdon and Denton to Cowley Templars Square and Oxford City Centre (Tuesdays and Thursdays; on Tuesdays via Toot Baldon and Marsh Baldon and on Thursdays via King's Copse and Cowley Tesco).
• 79: Hornton, Horley and Hanwell to Banbury Town Centre and Banbury Gateway (Thursdays only).
• 85: Goosey, Charney Bassett, Lyford, West Hanney and Denchworth to Grove and Wantage (Wednesdays only).
• 107: Oddington, Charlton-on-Otmoor, Fencott and Murcott to Bicester via Langford (Fridays only).

Timetables will be available on Traveline later this month.

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Twelve organisations are to share nearly £425,000 to help improve community transport in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council is awarding the grants, ranging from £700 to £135,000, to fund new vehicles, expand schemes, provide new services, offer administrative support and carry out surveys of potential passengers.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, pictured, said: “Most of us take it for granted that we will be able to get to the places we need to. However, when people can’t drive or access public transport, they can be stranded.

“That’s why Oxfordshire’s active and diverse community transport sector is such a lifeline to so many people. From small volunteer car schemes to larger minibus schemes offering timetabled services, we are incredibly grateful to all those who work so hard to keep our residents mobile.

“We know these grants will make a big difference to all these organisations and help them to continue the fantastic work they are doing.”

The recipients are West Oxfordshire Community Transport; Uffington, Baulking and Woolstone (UBW) Minibus; The Villager Community Bus; CAWNAC (Oxfordshire) Volunteer Driver Service; Daybreak Oxford; Readibus; Shrivenham/Bourton/Watchfield/Longcot Parish Councils; Wallingford Town Council; Wantage & District Community Transport Community Interest Company (CIC); Chinnor Village Centre; First & Last Mile CIC; Watlington Parish Council.

Daybreak Oxford, pictured above, has been awarded £135,000 to expand the scheme it has been running for 15 months, transporting people with dementia to and from day centres and taking the older population on shopping trips.

Lee Gray, Chief Executive of Daybreak Oxford, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this funding. It means we can increase the number of days we can operate, the number of centres we can visit, and double the number of people we can serve. We take them door-to-door and it is a real lifeline for so many people.

“We recently bought our second minibus, thanks to a donation from the MacFarlane Family Foundation, and the council’s grant will take care of everything else, from permits to safety inspections, as well as drivers and coordinators to make it sustainable.”

West Oxfordshire’s First & Last Mile, pictured right, has been awarded £40,000 to expand its services and provide administrative support to cope with the additional workload.

It has three vehicles and currently carries about 80 passengers a day, mostly schoolchildren, and serves villages between Long Hanborough and Standlake. However, it is in the process of improving its timetable from next month to include a shopper service from South Leigh into Witney for villagers.

Andy Swarbrick, First & Last Mile CIC Director, said: “We are very pleased to have been awarded a community transport grant. We feel it is in recognition of the widely applauded service we run in one of the most challenging rural areas of Oxfordshire since our inception in January 2022.

“The award will be used to establish not only a shoppers’ service but also put the whole business on a more professional footing. That said, a critical aspect of our philosophy is to engage locally, both in terms of volunteers and the support of the wider community.”

Community transport is part of the voluntary sector and plays a key role in filling gaps in service where public transport is not available. It helps provide safe, accessible, cost-effective, flexible transport run by the community for the community in rural and urban areas.

Community transport can include car clubs, community minibuses, dial-a-ride, lift shares, taxi shares and voluntary car schemes.

Some groups offer services just for their members, while others are open to the public. It can take disabled people to work, children to school, sick people to healthcare and older people to the shops. It runs local bus routes and provides transport for a wide range of clubs and other groups.

The council supports the development of not for profit community transport groups and services.

Small start-up grants to help groups in their development are available, while the council can also help with the cost of training volunteers as minibus and passenger assistants.

More information is available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

Measures had already been proposed to address what had become an £11.2m shortfall after central government grant funding announcements failed to provide local government with the required finance to meet the pressures being experienced across the nation.

The proposals form part of the final budget being recommended to the council’s cabinet on 30 January, which will then be decided at the annual budget setting meeting of all 63 county councillors on 20 February.

Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Councils throughout the country made clear to central government through the Local Government Association and other channels that more funding was needed this year and in following years due to the high levels of pressures in areas such as social care, special educational needs and other services.

“There has been deep disappointment at the failure of government to address these issues.

“Our track record of responsible financial management means that Oxfordshire County Council has been in a more resilient position than many other authorities. However, the overall position is extremely challenging.

“This final batch of proposed measures means we are able to put forward a balanced budget but it has been a difficult process and we know this is mirrored in town and county halls throughout the land. We know that we, and local government as a whole, will continue to face difficult financial challenges in 2025/26 and beyond.

“It remains the case that our budgets for both adults and children’s social care will increase in real-terms after accounting for inflation in 2024, with investments to meet pressures outweighing savings proposals.”

What are the newly proposed measures?

• The county council has been notified that district councils have given a further improved forecast as to how much council tax will be collected in Oxfordshire. This amounts to £300,000.
• The council is able to reduce the amount it puts in contingency funding by £100,000.
• The council’s award-winning innovation hub (iHub) will move to becoming self-financing, which has created a saving of £300,000. It was launched in 2018 by the council to promote innovation in the county. This includes developing solutions on intelligent infrastructure, health, environment and mobility systems, as well as implementing projects to improve the local economy and environment for Oxfordshire’s citizens.
• A series of rises to charges for on-street parking and residents parking permits (helping cover the full costs of maintenance of controlled parking zones), This would raise £200,000 combined. 

Further detail

Detail as regards proposed on-street parking and residents parking changes:

• Abingdon: On-street parking pay and display would rise from £1.10 for one hour (8am to 6pm excluding Sundays and Bank Holidays) to £1.30. Two hours rises from £1.50 to £2.
• Oxford city centre central area (Zone 1): Street parking for one hour would rise from £6.60 to £7.60; two hours from £13.20 to £15.20. Evening parking would also rise from £6.60 to £7.60. Parking for an hour on Saturday rises from £6.60 to £7.60 and from £13.20 to £15.20 for two hours.
• Oxford city centre (Zone 2 including Jericho): Street parking for one hour would rise from £5.50 to £6.30 and for three hours from £16.50 to £19. Street parking for evenings and Sundays would rise from £5.50 to £6.30.
• Wallingford: Street parking for one and a half hours would rise from 70p to 80p.
• Residents parking permits: In Abingdon and Henley-on-Thames, a second batch of 25 visitor permits would rise from £27.50 to £31.50.
• In Oxford, business permits would rise from £44 to £50.50 for three months, £82.50 to £95 for six months and £126.50 to £145 for nine months. An annual permit would rise from £165 to £190. A change of vehicle charge will rise from £22 to £25.
• In Oxford, residents parking permits would rise from £70 to £80 for a first and second car and £140 to £161 for a third car In the Kassam Stadium area a permit would rise from £17.50 to £20.
• In Oxford a traders permit per week would rise from £27.50 to £31.50. A second batch of 25 visitor permits would rise from £27.50 to £31.50.
• In Banbury and Bicester a residents parking permit would rise from £66 to £76 with a second batch of 25 visitor permits rising from £27.50 to £31.50
• In Wantage and Wallingford a residents parking permit would rise from £100 to £110, and a second 25 visitor permits would rise from £25 to £31.50.
• Parking bay suspensions:  The charge for the suspension of a parking pay (both pay and display and non pay and display) would rise from £33 to £38.

The annual competition is free and is a chance to inspire new writers, discover original stories and hear unique voices from around Oxfordshire.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “This is a great opportunity for budding authors to get creative and share their stories by entering this competition. Past winners have been some of the most popular downloads of the year, so this is the perfect chance for new writers to get their story published and enjoyed by others.”

There are three age categories:

• Children: 7 - 11 years old
• Young adult: 12 - 17 years old
• Adult: 18 years old and above.

Stories written by children can be up to 1,000 words and those by both young adults and adults can be up to 3,000 words.

Winners of each category will see their short story published as an eBook and eAudiobook for library members to borrow in 2024 on Overdrive – the library service’s online platform for downloading eBook’s, eAudiobooks, magazines and more.

As part of the celebrations, there will also be special creative writing opportunities on offer in libraries!

Full competition terms and conditions as well as information about how to submit entries can be found on Oxfordshire County Council’s website at oxfordshire.gov.uk/shortstorycompetition

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