A former shop worker has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 after admitting offences linked to the supply of illegal vapes, following an investigation by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team.

Darian Kaify Hassani, 20, of Frederick Road, Cowley, admitted personally supplying illegal vapes to trading standards test purchasers and aiding and abetting the company in supplying hundreds more products that breached legal nicotine liquid limits.

Hassani changed his plea to guilty on the morning of the trial at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 2 September 2026. He was fined £720 and ordered to pay £1,000 towards prosecution costs, together with a surcharge of £288, making a total of £2,008.

The prosecution followed a trading standards’ investigation into Khalifa Super Store, formerly trading from 120 Cowley Road, Oxford.

Councillor Kate Gregory Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “I am pleased that our trading standards team have once again been able to remove illegal, addictive products from our high streets. This case demonstrates that individuals who knowingly assist in the sale of illegal products can be held personally accountable for their actions.”

The court heard test purchases were made by a trading standards officer on 23 February 2025 and again on 16 March 2025. Both devices sold by Hassani contained nicotine containing liquid five times the maximum 2ml capacity permitted by law. 

He also acknowledged helping the company supply 339 illegal disposable vapes, comprising 214 vapes containing 10ml of nicotine liquid, and 125 containing 24ml - up to twelve times the legal limit.

The packaging also failed to include the required UK producer or importer contact details.

The products were discovered on 16 March 2025 inside a concealed compartment, operated by electro-magnet, built into shelving directly behind the shop counter.  The court heard that Hassani regularly worked in the retail area of the shop and had been present during earlier trading standards inspections and seizures.

Despite being aware of officers' concerns regarding these products, he continued to involve himself in their sale and supply.

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council's Trading Standards Operations Manager, added: "Mr Hassani had previously been present during trading standards interventions and was aware of officers' concerns regarding these products. Despite that knowledge, he continued to assist in their sale and supply.

“My officers will continue to take robust action against those involved in this illegal trade in order to protect consumers and support legitimate businesses."

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco, vapes or related products can report it anonymously by calling 0300 999 6 999 or by visiting www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

More information

The court was told that Hassani had left his employment at Khalifa Super Store in December 2025 and is currently in receipt of Universal Credit of £338.50 and housing benefit of £660 each month.

Yadgar Ghafour, the former owner and director of Khalifa Super Store Ltd, previously pleaded guilty to all offences at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 28 November 2025 and was ordered to pay £3907.24 in fines and costs.  Khalifa Super Store Ltd also pleaded guilty to all offences and was ordered to pay £17,616.24 in fines and costs.

Khalifa Super Store Ltd now trades as Khalifa Supermarket from 120 Cowley Road and is under different ownership.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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An Oxford convenience store is set to have its alcohol licence revoked following a review by Oxford City Council’s licensing sub-committee brought about by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team.

At a hearing on Monday 27 July, councillors considered the licence held by Baweja Superstore, 334-335 Abingdon Road, Oxford, after being presented with evidence relating to the storage and supply of illegal tobacco, repeated breaches of tobacco display requirements, and concerns about the storage of fireworks at the premises.

After hearing representations from trading standards and the legal representative of the business, Oxford City Councillor James Taylor, chair of the licensing sub-committee, delivered the decision to revoke the premises licence.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for public health and inequalities, said: “I would like to thank our trading standards officers for their vigilance and dedication in protecting Oxfordshire residents and supporting legitimate businesses.

“This decision sends a clear message that illegal tobacco and other unlawful activity linked to licensed premises will not be tolerated. We will continue to support robust enforcement action against those who undermine public health, community safety and honest traders.”

The application from the county council’s trading standards team detailed a series of concerns identified during an inspection on 29 October last year. Officers seized 89 packs of illegal cigarettes, including 55 confirmed as counterfeit and 34 identified as non-duty paid.

Officers also found tobacco products on open display and fireworks stored in a manner described by the explosives officer as “very poor”.

Further evidence presented to the licensing committee included previous enforcement action involving Tamanpreet Singh, the sole director, premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor of Baweja Superstore.

This related to the supply of illegal vapes at another business in Windsor, which led to a prosecution, and the recent seizure of illegal tobacco products from a separate shop in Hertfordshire, where he was also the premises licence holder.

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards operations manager, added: “I’m proud of the work our officers have done in this case, and we will continue to pursue those who undermine legitimate businesses and put consumers at risk. Businesses involved in the illegal tobacco trade can expect us to take firm action.”

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

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An Oxford man has been fined more than £2,000 after pleading guilty to several tobacco offences following an investigation by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team.

Sami Shridi, 47, of Marshall Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates' Court on Friday 24 July to offences under tobacco legislation relating to waterpipe products, commonly known as shisha.

The court imposed fines totalling £506, a victim surcharge of £202 and prosecution costs of £1,625, making a total of £2,333 payable by Mr Shridi.

It also ordered the forfeiture of all seized tobacco products.

The prosecution followed an inspection of Thirst Bar, Park End Street, Oxford, where Mr Shridi operated a shisha business in the garden area.

During a visit in March 2025, officers seized more than eight kilograms of illegal shisha tobacco, which failed to comply with legal packaging requirements and was non-duty paid.

Officers found containers of tobacco products that did not carry the required health warnings and referred to smells or flavourings, which is prohibited by law.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: "Tobacco products are heavily regulated for good reason. Health warnings, prohibitions on flavours and restrictions on advertising all exist to protect public health and reduce the harm caused by smoking.

“These rules are there to protect people, and this case shows why it is important that businesses take their responsibilities seriously.”

The investigation also identified social media posts from the bar promoting tobacco products, which has been prohibited in the UK for many years as part of measures to reduce smoking and protect public health.

Trading standards had previously provided written and face-to-face advice to Mr Shridi on tobacco legislation and compliance following earlier seizures in 2019 and 2020.

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager, added: “Businesses that choose to ignore these requirements gain an unfair advantage over those who comply with the law. We were particularly concerned that detailed advice had already been provided on the same issues, yet non-compliant products continued to be supplied and promoted. We will continue to investigate and take action where businesses fail to meet their legal responsibilities."

Trading standards is responsible for enforcing a range of tobacco legislation, including laws relating to advertising, packaging and health warnings.

Anyone with information about the sale of illicit or non-compliant tobacco and nicotine products can report it anonymously by calling 0300 999 6 999 or visiting www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

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People are being encouraged to help drive out organised crime by reporting vehicles used as mobile storage for illegal tobacco to Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team.

This comes after recent multi agency operations uncovered two such vehicles, with illegal tobacco seized from both.

Parked vehicles, also known as ‘stash cars’, are increasingly being used by criminals to store counterfeit cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco. They are typically left near local shops, allowing sellers to replenish stock in small amounts and avoid detection during trading standards inspections.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities said: “The sale of illegal tobacco disadvantages legitimate local businesses, undermines efforts to reduce smoking and funds wider organised crime gangs.

“Unregulated counterfeit products also pose a heightened health risk, as they bypass strict safety standards on fire safety and are often sold cheaply to children by criminals who do not care about age restrictions.”

Signs that a vehicle may be a ‘stash car’ include:

• Frequent and brief visits by individuals retrieving small bags or packages from the vehicle
• Vehicles parked for long periods near local convenience stores or vape shops that are regularly approached by staff
• Transactions taking place directly from the window or boot of a parked vehicle
• Vehicles that appear abandoned on private land, untaxed or without a valid MOT

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager, added: “If you see suspicious activity around vehicles near local shops, please tell us what you know. You can tell us anonymously. Your report can directly help keep our community safe and stub out the sale of these illegal products.”

Members of the public are urged not to confront suspected sellers, but to report any suspicious vehicle activity, including the make, model, registration number and location.

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco and nicotine products should call 0300 999 6 999 to report it anonymously or visit www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

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Expansion of Oxford’s Mabel Prichard Special School will be achieved by remodelling and refurbishing the recently vacated foundation stage accommodation at Orchard Meadow Primary School, which is co-located on the same site.

The project will deliver three new classrooms, pupil toilets, a group room, and ancillary accommodation. Plans also include the creation of an improved entrance, office space, staff room, and supporting accommodation, and will provide additional car parking and enhanced highway access to the school.

A full business case is due to be submitted for approval by the county council’s cabinet in August 2026, with an estimated total capital budget exceeding £2m.

Mabel Prichard Special School is managed by the Gallery Trust; they are delivering this project using funding provided by the county council.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “We’re determined to continue investing in services for Oxfordshire’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) children and this commitment is reflected in these exciting plans for Mabel Prichard Special School.

“This will be a partnership approach, working with families, the academy trust, and communities to make a difference to the way children and young people get the support they deserve to help them thrive.”

Pupils and staff at Grove Church of England Primary School are set to benefit from a £9.4 million investment in new buildings and improvements.

Grove CE Primary School is an academy managed by Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, who are delivering this project using funding provided by the county council.

A major building project will expand the school’s capacity from 210 to 315 primary pupil places, plus 39 new nursery places.

The budget for this project was approved in an outline business case in June 2025, with the full business case scheduled for consideration within a few months’ time.

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 in the north of Grove.

Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, said: “These exciting plans for Grove Church of England Primary School are designed to provide high quality teaching and learning environments for children by adding nearly 150 places for primary and nursery pupils to meet future needs, supported by our partner Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust. We are also progressing ambitious proposals for Faringdon Community College.”

The new school building will consist of seven classrooms, a hall and kitchen, main entrance reception area, and administrative and staff accommodation. The existing building will be remodelled to create accommodation for nursery and reception aged pupils.

David Wilson Homes will provide the council with additional land to facilitate this school expansion. On the additional land will be a full-sized all-weather sports pitch, and a new main entrance into the school site with parking for staff and visitors.

Work on the new building is due to start in February 2027.

Faringdon Community College is the third educational establishment for investment, with proposals to replace four temporary buildings – eight classrooms – with permanent accommodation, which will be delivered in two phases.

Faringdon Community College is a secondary school academy, managed by Cambrian Learning Trust. Cambrian Learning Trust is delivering the project using funding provided by the county council.

Phase one will be a two storey teaching block with seven classrooms, three group rooms, offices, toilets, and a large first floor circulation and breakout area.

The second phase of the project will be a student centre with secure student reception, five work rooms, three staff meeting rooms, offices and toilets.

Construction is due to start later in 2026.

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The future of Oxford’s Castle Quarter looks bright after Oxfordshire County Council reached an agreement to purchase the lease at the site.

This follows expert independent advice that the deal represents a sound long-term investment for taxpayers, while creating the conditions to accelerate regeneration in a strategically important part of Oxford city centre.

It also supports a coherent approach to the western arrival into the city, sitting alongside the re‑imagining of County Hall as a hotel and the wider transformation underway around the railway station.

In 2005 the Council decided to sell a long-term lease for Castle Quarter to enable major investment in and redevelopment of a site that had previously operated as a prison for many decades.

That investment successfully transformed the site and brought new activity into the city centre. Since then, the mix of uses at Castle Quarter has continued to evolve.

While some elements, including the Malmaison Hotel, continue to perform strongly, others offer clear scope for renewal and further investment, particularly given the site’s location between the railway station, Westgate and Oxford’s historic core.

As existing freeholder of Castle Quarter, Oxfordshire County Council seized the opportunity to purchase the lease when it became available. Following careful consideration and having taken advice from legal, financial and property experts, it was determined that the deal represented an exceptional opportunity.

The prospect of delivering strong financial returns for taxpayers in future years, alongside the potential to drive regeneration within the area, made the decision compelling.

Cllr Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “This is an exciting moment for Oxford city centre, but it is not a decision the council has taken lightly. We have carried out thorough due diligence and sought expert advice to make sure the risks to the taxpayers and the county council are low while the prospects for real benefits are high.

“When the opportunity arose to purchase the lease, we looked closely at the financial, legal and commercial implications. The clear conclusion was that returning the lease to the county council as the existing freeholder was the right decision, with good prospects for both the city centre and public funds.

“Combined with the transformation currently underway in and around the railway station, this creates an opportunity to refresh and boost the Castle Quarter and support positive change to the western approach to the city centre.

“The site is very close to Westgate, the city centre attractions, the railway station and the new hotel that will replace County Hall. The ingredients for success are clear to see and there is excitement about the change that can now begin to be delivered.

“We are operating in a challenging financial environment and so it’s really important the council makes prudent, well‑evidenced decisions. This decision allows the county council and a successor council or councils after local government reorganisation to influence very positive change in the city centre while delivering a strong financial return to support the delivery of frontline services.”

Thousands of counterfeit cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco have been seized after Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team revisited premises already under investigation.

The action took place on the evening of Friday 1 May following raids at the same locations earlier in the year. The efforts form part of Operation CeCe, a national initiative funded by HMRC and led by National Trading Standards to tackle the illegal tobacco trade.

Earlier that same day, the director of one of the companies linked to the premises had been interviewed under caution. Despite this, when officers returned, they found more illicit tobacco hidden.

In total, 5,900 counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes and 950 grams of hand rolling tobacco were confiscated.

The latest seizure follows raids in March, when officers found more than 13,000 illicit cigarettes, almost nine kilograms of illegal tobacco products, nicotine pouches and single use vapes at seven locations across Cowley and Headington.

The two premises in question were revisited after evidence suggested the illegal activity was continuing.

Investigations are ongoing. The businesses could face criminal prosecution, financial penalties and licence reviews.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “We hear people’s concerns about the changing face of their high streets and the rise of shops used as fronts for crime. Our message is simple: stop funding organised crime. Every time someone buys counterfeit cigarettes, the money helps criminal activity take hold in our communities.”

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Operations Manager, added: “Despite previous enforcement action and clear warnings, some businesses are still willing to take the risk. These latest seizures show we are even more determined to act whenever and wherever necessary, including late at night and over bank holiday weekends, to protect our communities.”

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco can call 0300 999 6 999 or report it anonymously online at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

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The case, involving seizures of illegal vapes at Matean Market, 128 Hollow Way, Oxford, was heard at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27 April.

Shafiullah Malikzadeh, 38, of Northampton, was found by the court to have been the owner of Matean Market in 2024 and was subsequently convicted of all eight offences.

He was ordered to pay £3,000 in fines, a £1,200 victim surcharge and costs of £4,755.50, making a total of £8,955.50.

The court heard that trading standards officers tried several times to meet with Mr Malikzadeh in 2023 to provide advice on tobacco and related products, but he failed to attend a meeting and did not respond to other requests.

Officers subsequently inspected the premises on one May 2024, seizing 32 unit packs of vapes which contained nicotine containing liquid of up to five times the maximum permitted level.

Mr Malikzadeh was offered the opportunity to attend a meeting and to voluntarily surrender the seized items but again failed to respond. As a result, two more covert test purchases were attempted on 31 May 2024, and illegal vapes were sold on each occasion. A further inspection on 18 June 2024 resulted in more illegal vapes being seized.

After failing to respond to a request to attend an interview under caution, he was sent a questionnaire to his home address, and a copy was hand delivered to the shop. This resulted in legal proceedings being instituted.

At court, Mr Malikzadeh, who represented himself, denied that he was the owner of the business at the time and claimed the response to the questionnaire had not been sent by him.

He could not explain why three separate letters sent by officers to his home address had not been received and claimed documents found at the shop, purporting to show he was the owner, were false.

However, the court found that, on the weight of evidence, it was satisfied he was the owner at the time of the offences.

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards operations manager, added: “Shockingly, this is now the eighth different person who has been prosecuted in connection with activities at Matean Market. We will continue to relentlessly pursue anyone involved in the illegal tobacco and vape trade.”

Matean Market is now under new ownership and at its last inspection was in full legal compliance.

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco and nicotine products should contact 0300 999 6 999 to report it anonymously or visit www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.

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Carried out on 29 and 31 March, the team visited seven shops across Cowley and Headington, accompanied by specialist tobacco detection dogs.

Also seized were 123 units of nicotine pouches and 51 single use vapes, with the total street value of the haul was approximately £7,500.

Investigations are ongoing, with premises facing potential criminal prosecution, additional sanctions, including civil financial penalties, and licensing reviews. 

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety: “There is no such thing as a safe cigarette, but it is still very concerning that counterfeit versions are so widely available, sold at pocket money prices by criminals who don’t care who they sell to. Thank you again to our brilliant team for their work.

“We know it can be hard to stop smoking, but help is available to anyone living in Oxfordshire. People are three times more likely to successfully stop by using a service like Smokefree Oxfordshire. It’s free to everyone living in the County”.

The raids formed part of Operation CeCe, a national initiative to tackle the sale and supply of illegal tobacco products, funded by HMRC through a partnership with National Trading Standards. 

Individuals suspected of having no legal right to work in the UK were also identified and trading standards is liaising with Immigration Enforcement.

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council's, Trading Standards Operations Manager added: “The public can help us to create a healthier and safer Oxfordshire by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity, anonymously if preferred, using our hotline. The illegal tobacco criminality is relentless at the moment - but so are we.”

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco should contact 0300 999 6 999 or report it anonymously online at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.  

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Starting later this month, Go Electric Oxfordshire events are happening in every district to allow residents to learn about EVs and explore the wide range of vehicles and charging solutions that are currently available.

The events are open to all and are organised in partnership between Oxfordshire County Council and Oxfordshire’s city and district councils, with support from Let’s Experience Electric.

Councillor Ben Higgins, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Future Economy and Innovation, said: “These fabulous, free events are part of our overall programme to provide a confidence boost to drivers looking to switch to EV and build on our leadership in this field.

“Alongside hugely expanding Oxfordshire’s public EV charging network, we also want residents to simply feel better informed and more familiar with the types of electric vehicles that more of us will be driving in the near future.”

The series kicks off on Saturday 21 March at the Woolgate Centre in Witney from 10am - 3pm. To register your interest visit the Eventbrite website.

Attendees can test drive models from a range of local dealerships, receive tips from experts and explore options such as car clubs and leasing. There will also be e-bikes to try and lots of practical information on things like renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Councillor Andrew Prosser, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, said: “I’m thrilled to see a large scale event like this coming to Witney and helping give our residents real world experiences with electric vehicles.

“I’d encourage West Oxfordshire residents to visit and discover how it feels to drive an EV and explore the various ways it might be more viable than you think to make the switch.”

Free EV test drives will be available across a wide range of vehicles of all shapes and sizes and to suit all budgets.

Attendees can also find out more about Oxfordshire’s plans to expand the public EV charging network and to explore other charging options such as charger sharing and cable channels.

Further events are planned for Abingdon, Banbury, Oxford and Didcot later this year. More information is available at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/goelectric

Funding for these events comes from a combination of Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) grant funding from the government and contributions from local car dealerships and other stallholders.

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As the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine is marked worldwide, Oxfordshire County Council continues to show its support for Ukrainian people.

To recognise the anniversary, the council is flying the Ukrainian flag outside County Hall as a symbol of solidarity and its ongoing commitment to supporting people displaced by the conflict.

The council works with partners to ensure Ukrainians in the county can access coordinated support, dedicated resources and local services to help them stay safe, connected and well.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Four years on from the invasion, our thoughts remain with the Ukrainian people.

“Since the start of the war, around 3,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the county. They have been welcomed by residents who have opened their homes and helped them settle into communities.

“Flying the Ukrainian flag alongside the British flag at County Hall is a visible sign of our solidarity, and of our continued work with partners to support Ukrainian guests to settle, study, work and feel safe.”

Oxfordshire County Council is a recognised Council of Sanctuary, promoting a culture of welcome, compassion and inclusion for people seeking safety. Working in partnership, the council helps create communities where new arrivals are supported to rebuild their lives, take part in community life and feel valued across the county.

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Councillor Judy Roberts, council officers and the Environment Agency met with Layla Moran MP and Anneliese Dodds MP to discuss the condition of the bearings, concrete and temporary propping beneath the bridge and the potential impact of future lane closures or weight restrictions.

The rail bridge is a key part of the southern bypass, carrying around 50,000 vehicles a day and connecting essential science, technology and business locations across Oxford. The bridge is also a crucial part of the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, with its replacement designed to better allow flood water to pass through.

Oxfordshire County Council is working to secure central government funding for the bridge replacement after a £71 million funding gap was identified last year.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action said: “Replacing Kennington rail bridge is essential for the future resilience of our local road network and the continued growth of science and technology opportunities. Without its replacement, traffic crossing the bridge may be restricted, greatly impacting local businesses and residents.

“A new bridge is also a vital part of the Oxford Flood Alleviation scheme, with the bridge design allowing more capacity for flood water and working as part of the scheme to protect from future flooding.

“The support today from both MPs underlines our shared commitment to ensuring the bridge is replaced as soon as possible. We will continue to work with our MPs and other partners to secure central government funding.”

Layla Moran, the Member of Parliament for Oxford West and Abingdon, said: “Kennington Rail Bridge is absolutely critical to Oxford’s transport network and to major local projects like the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme and the Cowley Branch Line. If the bridge continues to deteriorate, the impact will be severe – restricting traffic, clogging up the local road network, and putting vital projects at risk.

“That’s why I’m making the strongest possible case to Government for the remaining funding needed to replace the bridge. The priority must be to act now, prevent disruption before it happens, and deliver a long-term solution for the whole of Oxford.”

Dame Anneliese Dodds, the Member of Parliament for Oxford East, said: “As I've said in Parliament to Government ministers, the replacement of Kennington Rail Bridge is essential for local people to be able to keep getting around but also for local jobs, homes and our environment. I'll keep pushing to ensure the bridge is replaced and the Oxford Flood Alleviation scheme is unlocked.”

Oxfordshire County Council wrote to the chancellor and the secretary of state for transport last year, emphasising the need for financial support from the Department for Transport’s new £1 billion Structures Fund to close a £71 million funding gap in the bridge replacement and improvement project.

The estimated full cost of the project, currently £180 million, has increased due to engineering challenges and inflation in the cost of construction materials. The remaining cost is being met by the council and the Environment Agency.

The rail bridge, built in 1965, needs to be replaced in a way that allows continued access, under traffic management, throughout the construction period.

A water main and fibre optic connections need to be diverted away from the bridge and overhead electricity cables need to be considered during work.

The site also includes a busy passenger and freight railway line and access needs to be planned carefully in advance.

If full funding is secured, Oxfordshire County Council plans to deliver a package of improvements including replacing the rail bridge, building better walking and cycling routes and a new eastbound bus and park and ride lane.

For further information, please contact Oxfordshire County Council’s communications team on 01865 323870 or email press.office@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

Notes to editors

Kennington improvements

Kennington rail bridge is part of the A423 Southern Bypass. The bridge was built in 1965 and needs to be replaced due to age-related deterioration and the need for an eastbound bus lane.

·       The structure was passed to Oxfordshire County Council as part of a de-trunking order made by the secretary of state in 2003. Subsequent inspections carried out by the county council identified corrosion and over-rotation of the bearings. Replacing the corroded bearings is not possible due to the construction form of the bridge.

·       The bridge lies above the same rail section affected by the 2023 Nuneham viaduct closure, which disrupted national freight and passenger services. 

·       The bridge has been propped at its piers since 2016 to increase its weight bearing capacity and is regularly surveyed and monitored. The most recent inspection was conducted in August 2025.

·       The A423 Kennington improvement programme includes:

o   the replacement of Kennington rail bridge

o   improved facilities for cycling and walking

o   a new eastbound bus lane – also for use by vehicles travelling to Redbridge park and ride

o   increased capacity of the Hinksey streams for flood alleviation

o   maintenance work on the Kennington road bridge.

·       In October 2024, the county council received planning permission for the improvements. Detailed design work, construction methodologies and all necessary surveys are now nearly complete. Design work revealed that costs would increase due to several factors including:

o   Inflation driving up the cost of materials, labour and specialist construction services.

o   The need for complex temporary work to ensure the existing structure remains stable during reconstruction and the road remains open to traffic.

o   Utility diversions including a complex two-stage Thames Water pipe diversion.

·       Funding for the A423 Kennington improvements comes from multiple sources, including Oxfordshire County Council, the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Department for Transport, and the Environment Agency (through the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme).

Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme

The A423 Kennington improvements are closely linked to the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme (OFAS), a major flood defence project led by the Environment Agency which will create a new stream with a wetland wildlife corridor to reduce flood risk in the city and surrounding areas.

The scheme will pass beneath the new Kennington rail bridge, and the new bridge design allows flood water to flow back into the Thames. The scheme will also significantly reduce the flood risk on the Botley and Abingdon Roads as well as the main railway line that will keep Oxford open for business.

Oxfordshire County Council is a key delivery partner, and the scheme is funding the flood alleviation elements of the Kennington project. 

Department for Transport Structures Fund

The £1 billion Structures Fund was announced by the chancellor in June 2025 as part of a national initiative to repair and renew transport infrastructure and road networks across the UK. The fund is designed to support local authorities in addressing critical infrastructure needs, such as the replacement of ageing bridges and viaducts, ensuring the resilience and safety of key transport routes for communities and businesses.

ENDS

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The grants, ranging from £100 to £1,700, will be used by organisations across the county to fund measures including rainwater harvesting, allotment improvements and flood advice.

The community resilience small grants programme, administered by Community Action Groups Oxfordshire (CAG) and funded by £12,000 from Oxfordshire County Council, supports local events and activities which address or raise awareness of climate adaptation.

Katherine Chesson, Director of CAG Oxfordshire, said: “Community groups are at the heart of ensuring that Oxfordshire's residents are resilient to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events.

“From rainwater harvesting at community gardens to raising awareness of local emergency plans, we're proud to support these fantastic groups to deliver locally led resilience work.”

Since 2007, Oxfordshire has experienced 20 significant flood events, 12 named storms, eight cold snaps, four major heatwaves and three periods of drought.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “We know that one of the best ways to mitigate against the impact of these increased incidents of extreme weather is to support activities and events that empower local groups to act.

“We received a great field of applications and we are delighted to be able to fund an exciting range of projects. We hope these grants will help some amazing organisations create new connections and raise awareness in order to support new people, local businesses and organisations to take climate action.”

The recipients are:

• Banbury Community Action Group: It will hold a film night and workshop to raise awareness of the need for community resilience and climate adaptation measures.
• Bridge Street Community Garden, Banbury: Funds will be used to upgrade the rainwater harvesting system at the garden to make the site more resilient to climate change.
• Bioabundance, Wallingford: Recognising the potential impacts of food shortages, the group will improve two allotment sites, which were set up to create a citizen network that could rise to support residents in time of crisis.
• Greener Henley: It will deliver a local resilience briefing for the town, tailored to local risks and resilience.
• Hendreds Environment Group: Funding will support the design, printing and distribution of leaflets to communicate the local emergency plan to the community and to educate residents on how they can become more self-reliant and prepare in advance in the event of an emergency.
• Her Land, South Oxfordshire: The group will deliver a workshop on the impact of droughts and flooding and outlining solutions such as rainwater harvesting. It will also install a rainwater harvesting system to better protect its site against extreme weather events.
• One Planet Abingdon: The group will engage with the community to raise awareness of Abingdon’s emergency plan workshop sessions and help residents create personal emergency plans.
• Steventon Parish Council: As a flood response group, it wants to provide every home with a flood education booklet describing what help can be provided within the village and from outside agencies.
• Stonehill Community Garden, Vale of White Horse: Its grant will support expanded rainwater harvesting to better protect the garden against future droughts, thereby improving the biodiversity of the site.
• Sustainable Didcot: Funding will support a month of themed climate resilience events, focused predominantly on water, as drought and flood are the biggest risks Didcot faces due to climate change.
• Transition Lighthouse Empowerment Space, Oxford: The group will purchase and install a yurt for shade at the Wellbeing Community Garden in Sandy Lane, to serve communities who face barriers in accessing and connecting to nature rich spaces. 

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Nearly 8,000 counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes were seized from a shop on Cowley Road in Oxford, following an investigation by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team.

The raid netted 7,740 cigarettes, 5.85kg chewing tobacco, 4.2kg waterpipe tobacco, 800g hand rolling tobacco, and 77 unit packs of nicotine pouches, the majority of which were hidden above a ceiling tile. The total street value of the haul was approximately £5,000.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “This operation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate illegal tobacco in Oxfordshire. These items not only undermine public health but are often tied to serious criminal activity. Thank you to our brilliant team for their work in tackling this tackling the issue.”

The action was part of Operation CeCe, a national initiative to tackle the sale and supply of illegal tobacco products, funded by HMRC through a partnership with National Trading Standards. 

An investigation has now been launched with those responsible facing potential criminal prosecution and additional civil sanctions including financial penalties.

Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council's Head of Prevention, Protection and Trading Standards, added: “The majority of this seizure was discovered hidden above a loose ceiling tile. However, it was spotted by one of our eagle eyed officers, who are highly trained in identifying the telltale signs of these concealments. My message to those who continue to sell illegal tobacco: expect us.”

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco and related items should contact 0300 999 6 999 to report it anonymously or visit https://stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk/share-information

More information

Photos shows ceiling concealment, total seizure and an example of the counterfeit cigarettes seized. Please note: Marilyn Monroe is not an official pictorial health image.

Shops cannot be named while investigations are ongoing.

It can be hard to stop using tobacco products but help is available. People are three times more likely to successfully quit by using a stop smoking service like Smokefree Oxfordshire. The service is free to everyone living in the county

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A company and its former director have been fined for illegal tobacco and nicotine product offences following an investigation by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team. 

Yadgar Ghafour, 38, of Phillip Street, Chester, former owner and director of Khalifa Super Store Ltd of 120 Cowley Road, pleaded guilty to all offences at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 28 November and was ordered to pay £3,907.24 in fines and costs. 

The current owner and director, Muhemed Hussain, 54, also pleaded guilty to all offences on behalf of the company, which must pay £17,616.24 in fines and costs.

The court heard that trading standards officers inspected the premises on 1 May 2024, seizing 160 cigarettes, 35 packs of shisha tobacco, 865 vapes and 122 unit packs of nicotine pouches. The vapes and shisha were found by a detection dog in compartments sealed with electromagnets, which officers had to force open.

Most of the nicotine pouches were not labelled in English, the tobacco products were smuggled, and the vapes contained up to nine times the permitted 2ml nicotine liquid capacity.

The director at the time, Marewan Salh, 51, of Ridgeway Avenue, Derby has been ordered to pay £2,000 in fines and costs at an earlier hearing.  

The company was then purchased by Mr Ghafour on 26 June 2024, and on 21 January 2025 officers inspected the premises again. They seized 121 unit packs of nicotine pouches that were either labelled in a language other than English or that did not have the required safety labelling information. 

Following two covert test purchases, officers inspected the premises again on 16 March 2025 when a further concealment was discovered built into the shelving units. Inside was 214 vapes of 10ml capacity and 125 vapes of 20ml capacity, 10 times the allowed limit.

Smuggled waterpipe tobacco was also identified and seized. 

The current owner and sole director of Khalifa Super Store Ltd, Mr Hussain, purchased the Company from Mr Ghafour on 21 March 2025.  The shop now trades as Khalifa Supermarket from the same address.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “I am pleased that our trading standards team has once again been able to remove illegal tobacco, nicotine pouches and vape products from our high streets. The work of our officers is vital for protecting residents and holding individuals and businesses accountable.”

Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council's Head of Prevention, Protection and Trading Standards, added: “We support honest businesses and do all we can to ensure the health, wellbeing and safety of all residents and visitors in the county. Our dedicated trading standards team acts swiftly and diligently against those who flagrantly flout the law. And, rest assured, it will continue to do so.”

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco and related items should contact 0300 999 6 999 to report it anonymously.

More information

Nicotine is highly addictive. Nicotine pouches are not currently age restricted and, unlike vapes, there is no bespoke legislation limiting their nicotine content. 

A Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) study (May 2024) showed that 18 per cent of the surveyed male players and 22 per cent of the female players use nicotine pouches.

Photos can be used for publication: Shows concealment identified on 16 March.

It can be hard to stop using tobacco products but help is available. People are three times more likely to successfully quit by using a stop smoking service like Smokefree Oxfordshire. The service is free to everyone living in 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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The sessions organised by Oxfordshire County Council’s music service – for children in school years 4-6 and for girls aged 11-16 – aim to build on the success of a similar project attended by 15 young people last year, when 13 tracks were produced.

The project gives children and young people an opportunity to learn how to make their own music using digital audio workstation (DAW) software on iPads and MacBook Pros.

They learn to create their own original tracks and cover versions, using loops, playing keyboards and singing or rapping in a portable recording studio setup.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Blending technology with music is an exciting way to develop interest among young people, unlocking a creative talent they might not even know they possess, and who knows a future career as a recording artist or producer.

“These and other themed creative sessions also provide an incentive to attend the youth club, to make new friends and with the added bonus of learning something exciting away from the school classroom.

“We believe every young person should have a chance to access musical learning and our music service supports school children through a wide range of genres, from today’s contemporary pop music to more traditional choirs, chamber groups and orchestras. 

"Parents and guardians of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds can apply for funding for their child to access music tuition or hire instruments from Oxfordshire County Council’s music service.”

Rose Hill Junior Youth Club works with communities in two of the most deprived wards in Oxfordshire, with their free sessions providing safe, meaningful, creative and healthy activities designed to improve participants’ self-confidence, social skills, and independence.

Aimee Winkfield, Interim Director at Rose Hill Junior Youth Club, said: “The music tech sessions are an absolutely fantastic addition to our after school youth clubs, and the young people really enjoyed creating their own tracks and dancing along with the beats they made before the summer holidays.

“We are looking forward to resuming these sessions at our girls' club and also introducing them to children aged eight to 10 at our junior sessions in November. It’s wonderful to be able to access such enriching and creative activities and share with the community, through our youth clubs.”

Further information about Oxfordshire County Council’s music service is available on the council’s website.

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A temporary congestion charge for cars at six locations in Oxford will begin later this autumn.

The decision was made by the county council’s cabinet at a meeting today (Wednesday, 10 September).

The scheme aims to reduce traffic in the short term while Botley Road remains closed, preventing the start of the traffic filter trial. It is designed to improve bus services and make it easier for those with permits, including carers, traders and blue badge holders, to travel by car into and around Oxford.

A six-week consultation took place on the proposals from 23 June to 3 August, which received over 7,000 responses. Feedback from the consultation helped shape the final proposals presented to cabinet.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Oxford needs a more sustainable, reliable and inclusive transport system for everyone. People have told us they want quicker journeys, more reliable bus services, and safer cycling and walking. In order to achieve that we need to reduce the number of cars on our roads. That is what the temporary congestion charge is set to achieve.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who responded to the recent consultation and previous consultations on the traffic filters scheme on which the temporary congestion charge is based. All of the comments have been considered by officers and helped inform the final proposals. We will continue to listen to people’s views and report on how the temporary scheme performs.”

A daily charge of £5 will allow cars without a permit to go through six charge locations on roads in Oxford. This will apply from late autumn when it is expected the scheme will launch. The council aims to have the scheme in place by 10 November.

Permits will be available for certain groups, including community health and care workers, carers, blue badge holders, and mobile traders. 

Following the public consultation in the summer, two new permit types were added to the scheme, allowing free travel for regular users of Oxford Ice Rink and for pool cars owned and operated by businesses or organisations in the Oxford permit area.

Details of the permit application system will be available on our website soon.

Cabinet members asked council officers to review how income generated by the temporary congestion charge should be used, to have the greatest possible impact. This could include other benefits instead of, or as well as, free Park and Ride fares.

More information about the scheme is available on our website.

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Oxfordshire County Council has exchanged contracts with buyers for County Hall who wish to create a high-quality hotel, transforming the existing buildings and continuing the regeneration of the West End of the city.

The proposed sale is to global investor and UK real estate owner and operator, L&G, on behalf of its Managed Property Fund. They have commissioned developers Reef Origin who already have strong experience of working in Oxford.

Receipts from the sale of County Hall will be used for the refurbishment and upgrading of Speedwell House on Speedwell Street.

The move out of County Hall will happen in spring 2027. A recent potentially significant archaeological find at the Speedwell site means staff may not be able to occupy that building from that time. A temporary alternative would need to be found.

County Hall was marketed for sale in autumn 2024 and 19 bids were submitted. A thorough analysis was undertaken to assess the bids against a range of criteria to ensure best value and deliverability.

A wide range of interest was registered in the buildings, with uses in mind such as offices, science labs, hotels, residential, student accommodation, education, commercial use and church/congregation space.

At the February 2025 cabinet meeting of the county council, officers recommended the freehold disposal of County Hall to the bidder selected after analysis had been completed. Now that the contract has been signed it is possible to disclose the identity of the bidder and their intentions for the site.

The building, which dates from 1973, currently primarily comprises office accommodation. Old County Hall, dating from 1841, comprises the Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court and is listed Grade II*.

Cllr Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “These plans are very exciting for Oxford and the ongoing transformation of the West End of the city. L&G and Reef are offering a very high quality and impressive future for the County Hall site that will complement and improve the whole area as well as offering a significant boost to our local economy.

“The plans for the County Hall site will link all of the regeneration schemes in the West End of the city and enable residents and visitors alike to access and enjoy the area around the castle site.”

Old County Hall was included in the marketing of the site to allow the council to assess market interest and to make an informed decision about the future of the building.

As a result, Old County Hall was included in the prospective sale. All listed buildings are legally protected meaning any alterations, extensions, or demolitions must receive consent from Oxford City Council who, when considering the planning application from the developer, would be required to protect its character and historical integrity.”

Rob Codling, Head of Commercial Funds – Real Estate Equity, L&G: “We’re delighted to announce the acquisition of County Hall Oxford. This represents a fantastic opportunity which builds on L&G’s established investor presence in Oxford and track record of delivering high-quality real estate throughout the city. Oxford is a vibrant city brimming with innovation, creativity and history, and we are continually dedicated to funding and developing assets which support the wider city’s economy and society.

“The repurposing of the Listed Old County Hall and the redevelopment of County Hall aims to deliver a high-quality hotel with strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials. We look forward to transforming the site into a prime asset within the West End of Oxford, all while upholding the historic legacy and rich charm of the building.”

Will Rohleder, a partner at Reef Origin, said: “Reef are delighted to have been selected to reposition this important project in Oxford City Centre. This will be our fourth major scheme in the last eight years having recently completed the redevelopment of the Boswells Department Store into the Store Hotel and secured planning for Beaver House.

“We are fully aware of the sensitivities regarding this asset and the Grade II * listed Old County Hall and will work closely with the county council and other key stakeholders to make sure it is curated accordingly.

“This is not just about preserving an important part of Oxford’s history but about breathing new life into it. By blending sustainability with heritage, we can create spaces that celebrate the history while paving the way for a greener, more responsible future.

“Old County Hall will include a mixture of restaurant, bar and gallery uses as well as a roof terrace open to the public to enjoy the stunning views across the famous city roofscape. We will also look to landscape and soften the buildings frontage and service yard to create external seating and a pocket garden sanctuary for both local residents and visitors.”

A specialist trauma therapy service based in Oxford has received a £20,000 boost from Oxfordshire County Council’s Community Capacity Grant programme, enabling it to continue offering life-changing support to residents across the county.

The Metta Centre for Trauma Therapy – Oxfordshire’s only dedicated, low-cost trauma service – supports up to 50 socially disadvantaged clients each year.

With a team of 14 volunteer therapists, the centre provides professional help to individuals suffering from flashbacks, panic attacks, anxiety, depression and other debilitating symptoms, many of whom have gone undiagnosed and untreated for decades.

The funding, administered by Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF), has allowed the Metta Centre to maintain its vital services.

It has also enabled the charity to pilot innovative approaches to trauma treatment, including neurofeedback – a cutting-edge technique that uses real-time brain activity feedback to help individuals better regulate their responses to stress and trauma.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It’s inspiring to see organisations like The Metta Centre using council funding to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“Their work is essential in building community resilience and supporting those who have long been underserved.”

The Metta Centre’s impact was celebrated last summer at its 10th anniversary event at the Oxford Friends Meeting House, where BBC special correspondent Fergal Keane joined live from Jerusalem to share his personal experience with trauma and PTSD, underscoring the importance of accessible, professional help.

Karen Stowe, Clinical Lead at The Metta Centre, said: “Thanks to the financial support provided from Oxfordshire County Council, and administered on their behalf by Oxfordshire Community Foundation, we’ve been able to make a profound difference as a small charity.

“The low-cost trauma therapy we provide fills a real gap in mental health provision, and we are always looking for ways to improve and develop the work we do by pioneering cutting-edge approaches like neurofeedback.”

The Metta Centre also extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters, including Oxford Quaker Meeting House, which generously provides free therapy rooms every Monday.

To learn more about The Metta Centre’s work or to support its mission, visit its website.

More information about the support offered by Oxfordshire Community Foundation can be found online.

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Postgraduate researchers, academics and policymakers in Oxfordshire came together to share findings and insights from the 2025 Local Policy Lab Fellowship programme, which concluded earlier this month.

The Local Policy Lab, an alliance between Oxfordshire County Council, the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University, provides an opportunity for students and researchers to engage with their local communities and to better understand the public policy context in Oxfordshire. 

The 14 Local Policy Lab fellows have spent the last three months working on projects in partnership with policy officers from Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council. Their work helps bring academic insights into local policymaking focused on improving wellbeing and tackling inequalities in the county.

Fellows shared their findings with an audience of academics, local policymakers and community partners at the event on 10 July at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government.

Dr Foyeke Tolani, Head of Research at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The Local Policy Lab Fellowship programme is laying the groundwork for real change and opportunity. Our partnership draws on the talents and knowledge of some of the brightest and best students in our local universities, working with council officers, to improve health outcomes for residents and address inequalities in our county. We are prioritising high-quality, people-centred research to ensure Oxfordshire becomes a fairer, greener, healthier county.”

Building on last year's pilot programme, and integrating fellows and researchers from both the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University, the projects ranged from exploring how family hubs could strengthen family care provision in Oxfordshire to understanding the factors that influence fair pay and workforce diversity.

Each project supports one of three Oxfordshire priorities as a Marmot Place:  supporting a best start in life, creating fair employment, and ensuring a healthy standard of living for all.

Professor Alexander Betts, Pro-Vice Chancellor of External Engagement, Sport and Community​ at the University of Oxford, said: “It’s wonderful that we can combine the academic assets of Oxford’s two universities and share these with the county and city councils to support evidence-based policymaking in these key areas.

“These projects, which are guided by real and pressing policy issues, have been co-created between our fellows, policy mentors and advisors, along with community partners and participants, so that together we can improve the quality of policymaking and meaningfully address the socio-economic underpinnings of health inequality in Oxfordshire.”

About the Local Policy Lab

As the home to two large universities – the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University – Oxford (and Oxfordshire) can access a wealth of cutting edge, impact driven research that could inform solutions to public policy challenges facing the city and county.

The Local Policy Lab aims to:

• Connect University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes researchers with county and district council policymakers, local volunteer and charity organisations, and with communities to support evidence-based public policy in key areas. The initial focus is on the socio-economic underpinnings of health inequalities.
• Create opportunities for graduate students, supervised by academics and county officers, to work on existing datasets, collect new qualitative data and undertake impact evaluations.
• Support stronger long-term relationships between Oxfordshire’s councils and universities.

Find out more by visiting the Local Policy Lab’s website.  

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The owner of an Oxford off-licence, stripped of its premises licence earlier this year, appeared before Oxford Magistrates' Court on Friday 25 July charged with offences relating to illegal vapes and tobacco. 

Avtar Singh Lulpurwal, 45, who runs Uni Food & Wine in Park End Street, saw his business investigated by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team last November, after they received a report that the shop had been selling tobacco snus from Sweden. 

The court heard that on November 18 last year, trading standards officers seized 81 illegal vapes, some claiming to contain up to 15,000 puffs, and found tobacco products on open display. 

The statutory warning notice stating, "It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18", was also not displayed. 

Revisiting the premises on 17 December, officers discovered a unit pack of Siberia Extremely Strong tobacco snus, labelled in Swedish, on open display. Tobacco snus has been illegal to sell in the UK since 1992. 

Tobacco products were also again on open display and the statutory warning notice was still not displayed. 

Lulpurwal, of Oxford Road, Kidlington, pleaded guilty to all charges. He had previously pleaded guilty at Oxford Crown Court on 17 June after over 1,000 illegal vapes had been seized in total from two of his shops, including Uni Food & Wine. 

The council is also seeking to recover around £19,500 in proceeds of crime. Lulpurwal will be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on 15 November 2025. 

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “Thank you to all involved for all of their work and dedication in bringing this case to court. We will always pursue reoffenders, and it is disappointing that that yet again trading standards has been forced to resort to court action to protect the public.” 

Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council's Head of Prevention, Protection and Trading Standards said: "It's disappointing when a retailer does not learn from its mistakes. Our role is to educate and assist where we can but we don't shy away from taking enforcement action when it's necessary – to protect the public and honest businesses alike." 

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco and related items should contact 0300 999 6999 to report it anonymously. 

More information

In March, Oxford City Council's licensing committee revoked Uni Food & Wine's premises licence to sell alcohol following an application from Trading Standards which was supported by the Police and Licensing due to a history of non-compliance with licensing objectives.

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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.”

A former Oxford business owner has been fined for illegal tobacco and nicotine product offences following an investigation by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team. 

The case, relating to a seizure from Khalifa Super Store of 120 Cowley Road, was heard at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 27 June.

Marewan Salh, 51, of Derby, the former owner and director of Khalifa Super Store Ltd, pleaded guilty to six offences and was ordered to pay a £1,000 fine, victim surcharge of £400, and a contribution towards costs of £600. 

The court heard that trading standards officers inspected the premises on 1 May 2024, seizing 160 cigarettes, 35 packs of shisha tobacco, 865 vapes and 122 unit packs of nicotine pouches. Mr Salh was not present at the time. 

The vapes and shisha were discovered by a detection dog in concealments sealed shut by electromagnets and forced open by officers.

Most of the nicotine pouches did not have English labelling, while the tobacco products were smuggled and the vapes contained nicotine liquid of up to nine times the maximum 2ml capacity allowed.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “The detection dogs are highly trained and will not only sniff out tobacco but can also find vapes and cash too. Their expertise makes short work of even the most sophisticated of concealments.

“Thank you to the team for all their work in bringing this case to court. It shows that Oxfordshire’s trading standards team, working in partnership with other agencies, will continue to crack down on the sale of all these illegal products.”

The company, Khalifa Super Store Ltd, was also charged with six offences but this matter was adjourned as the new owner is currently abroad.

Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Head of Trading Standards, added: “My team is committed to removing these illicit items from the High Street and creating a level playing field so that legitimate businesses can succeed.

“The use of sophisticated concealments, which can be difficult to detect, shows the lengths that criminals will go to. We will simply not tolerate this activity in Oxfordshire.”

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco and related items should contact 0300 999 6 999 to report it anonymously.

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Residents, businesses and organisations will be able to share their views on a proposed Oxford temporary congestion charge, as part of a public consultation starting next week, Monday 23 June, for six weeks. Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet approved the engagement process at its meeting today, 17 June.

The proposed scheme would improve bus services and make it easier for those with permits, including carers, traders and blue badge holders, to travel by car into and around the city. This follows the council’s commitment to addressing congestion in the short-term, after its plan to implement six trial traffic filters was postponed due to the ongoing closure of Botley Road, now expected to reopen in August 2026.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “I’m looking forward to hearing what residents, businesses and visitors have to say about the proposal for temporary congestion charging points while Botley Road remains closed.

“I’m pleased that we’re continuing to consultation on this scheme that could have a significant positive impact on people’s travel in and around the city. We must do all we can to improve bus services and reduce overall traffic, to help people get around.”

The council has been exploring ways to reduce traffic congestion until the traffic filters trial can start. In this proposal, the charge locations would be exactly the same as the trial traffic filter points. The scheme could make use of the existing infrastructure and back-office systems intended for traffic filters. Any surplus income from the proposed scheme could be used to fund travel improvements like cheaper bus tickets and parking at park and ride sites.

The consultation will gather feedback on the proposed scheme's impact and details. It will include a survey on the council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire. Paper copies of information will be available in main libraries and at County Hall. A series of online information and Q&A events for the public will take place.

After the six-week consultation period, a report will be presented to the council’s cabinet for consideration. The council’s cabinet will make a decision at a meeting in September on whether to implement the scheme. If approved, the scheme would be implemented later in the autumn.

More information is available on the council’s website.

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The case, relating to Oxford Shop of George Street, was heard at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 13 June.

Bashar Mizori, 53, sole director of Oxford Shop Ltd, pleaded guilty to eight offences and was ordered to pay a £1,000 fine (reduced by one third following an early guilty plea), victim surcharge of £400, and a contribution towards costs of £3,500.

He also pleaded guilty on behalf of his company, Oxford Shop Ltd, to eight offences and was fined £5000 (reduced by one third for an early guilty plea), a victim surcharge of £2000, and a contribution towards costs of £3,500.

The total to pay in this case amounted to £15,400. All seized items were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.

Trading standards officers inspected the premises on 15 March 2024, seizing 800 cigarettes, 168 vapes and 326 unit packs of nicotine pouches. Mr Mizori was present at the time.

On 30 April 2024 a further covert test purchase was carried out and illicit cigarettes were purchased from the shop. As a result, more illegal vapes were confiscated the following day.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “Thank you to the team for all of their work in bringing this case to court. It shows that Oxfordshire’s trading standards team, working in partnership with other agencies, will continue to crack down on the sale of illegal products.

“People can help us to stamp out illegal tobacco and create a healthier and safer Oxfordshire by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity using the illegal tobacco hotline.”

Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Head of Trading Standards, added: “This is our first completed case involving illegal pouches and, as we understand it, one of the first in the UK.  Nicotine is highly addictive, and some of the seized products claimed to have very high levels of nicotine content. 

“The majority were also not labelled in English, so had no instructions for safe use, or what to do if one was accidentally swallowed, which could lead to poisoning”.

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco and related items should contact 0300 999 6 999 to report it anonymously.

More information

Nicotine is highly addictive.  Nicotine pouches are not currently age-restricted and, unlike vapes, there is no bespoke legislation limiting their nicotine content.  A Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) study (May 2024) showed that 18 per cent of the surveyed male players and 22 per cent of the female players use nicotine pouches.

It can be hard to stop using tobacco products but help is available. People are three times more likely to successfully quit by using a stop smoking service like Smokefree Oxfordshire. The service is free to everyone living in the county.

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Proposed options to manage congestion in and around Oxford will be discussed by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet on 17 June. Options will include a temporary congestion charge for the city.

The council has committed to addressing congestion in the short-term, after its plan to implement six trial traffic filters was postponed due to the ongoing closure of Botley Road, now expected to reopen in August 2026.

The council’s cabinet will be asked to approve the start of a public consultation on a temporary congestion charge. The scheme would improve bus services and make it easier for those with permits, including carers, traders and blue badge holders, to travel by car into and around the city.

If approved, a public consultation would start on 23 June, with a view to implementing the temporary scheme in autumn this year.

Cllr Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “We urgently need to see improvements to travel around the city; better bus services and less traffic overall, to help people get around.

“We must take action for our residents, businesses and visitors while Botley Road remains closed and I look forward to discussing the options with cabinet colleagues.”

The council has been exploring measures to alleviate traffic congestion until the traffic filters trial can start. A temporary congestion charge could make use of the existing infrastructure and back-office systems intended for traffic filters. Any surplus income from the proposed scheme could be used to fund travel improvements like cheaper bus tickets and parking at park and ride sites. 

Subject to approval, a six-week public consultation on the introduction of a temporary congestion charge would start later this month. The consultation would gather feedback on the proposed scheme's impact and details. It would include a survey on the council’s digital engagement and consultation platform, Let’s talk Oxfordshire. Paper copies of information will be available in main libraries and at County Hall. A series of online information and Q&A events for the public would take place. 

See the Traffic Filter Trial Delay - Mitigation Proposals report

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Now, this National Volunteers’ Week, the National Management Trainee at Oxfordshire County Council is keen to encourage others to try volunteering.

Volunteers’ Week takes place from 2 - 8 June this year, and the county council is joining thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK, including Brianna.

The 24 year old’s journey began when she decided to give back to her new community. She said: “I had recently moved to Oxford from the north west and wanted to take advantage of the council’s volunteer policy and get involved in my local community, with a new challenge outside of work.”

She decided to work with the charity Jacari, which pairs individuals within Oxford with local schoolchildren from refugee, asylum seeking and migrant communities who need help with their English language skills.

“Jacari jumped out to me because of how positive and friendly they seemed, how it would fit in with my work commitments, and coming from a family of teachers I thought I would try my hand at teaching as a new challenge which was very different to the kind of work I engage in day to day.”

Brianna began work with the charity in February 2024 and has tutored two students at two local schools.

She explained: “My role is to provide one-on-one informal tutoring sessions through conversation, games, reading, writing and listening to help improve students’ academic and social English language skills. These sessions are tailored to each individual student’s needs.

“For me it’s a wonderful way to refresh and refocus midweek and be energised by young people who are excited to learn and develop. In my time so far at the council I have focused on the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in my work, and these sessions help to put that work into a sharper personal perspective.

“My experience has been really positive – with the students, the organisation and with other volunteers. I couldn’t recommend it enough.”

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: "Voluntary work provides an excellent opportunity for people to engage with and contribute to their communities. It also allows individuals to connect with many interesting people they might not have otherwise encountered.

“Brianna deserves tremendous praise for her efforts, and I am sure that she has made a real difference to the young people she has supported.

“As a council, we take pride in supporting our employees, and we are proud to offer two days’ paid leave for colleagues who wish to volunteer within their communities.”

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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Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team is holding an event on 5 June between 10am and 3pm at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford for business owners to hand in all unsold products affected by the ban of single use vapes, which comes into force on 1 June.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Safety, said: “From next month it will be illegal for businesses to sell of supply what is commonly known as ‘disposable’ – or single use – vapes. These are products that cannot be refilled or reused.

“When discarded these vapes have been known to leak harmful substances, such as mercury, and microplastics into the surrounding environment, which can poison animals, damage the local eco system, and take hundreds of years to break down. They have also been known to cause fires when not safely disposed of.

“We want to help business owners not get caught out by the new law, and by providing these sessions we hope we can offer people a quick and easy way to return unsold stock, which we can safely dispose of in as environmentally friendly a way as possible.”

Those unable to attend on the 5 June can arrange an appointment to drop off products at trading standards’ offices in Oxford.

Anybody found to be selling or supplying single use vapes after 1 June can face criminal charges, including a heavy fine, a prison sentence, or both.

The legislation applies to all disposable vapes, including zero per cent nicotine varieties.

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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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As part of Oxfordshire County Council's safer routes to school programme, the raised zebra crossing, speed humps, side road entry treatments and footway widening were completed this week at Sandy Lane West in Littlemore.

The zebra crossing allows pedestrians coming from both directions along Sandy Lane West to access St John Fisher Catholic Primary School.

Paul Higgins, headteacher of St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, said: “We have been petitioning for a crossing at St John Fisher for decades, and I made it my top priority when joining the school.

“This crossing will improve the lives of our children, and the children of Blackbird Leys and Littlemore for generations to come. We are proud to lead on improvements for our community and delighted to have seen this crossing open.”

The £400,000 scheme was funded through the council’s Vision Zero programme, a package of initiatives aimed at eliminating deaths and serious injuries on Oxfordshire’s roads by 2050.

Road humps on both sides of the crossing will reduce vehicle speeds and increase awareness of the crossing point. Visibility has also been improved by the removal of the hedge in front of the school, although a replacement hedge will be planted on the school grounds at a later date.

Side road entry treatments on three side roads will enhance pedestrian safety along the southern footway that is used extensively by pupils at both St John Fisher School and the Oxford Academy.

Paul Fermer, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Environment and Highways, said: “Everyone should be able to walk to their destination safely, especially children travelling to school, so we are pleased that these safety measures are now in operation.

“We hope they will make a real difference to the confidence of pupils and parents at both St John Fisher Primary School and the Oxford Academy.”

The scheme was designed and delivered by Oxfordshire County Council’s principal highways maintenance contractor, M Group, which was previously known as Milestone Infrastructure.

Richard Lovewell, M Group business director for Oxfordshire, said: “Improving walking routes and providing safer routes to school is very important to M Group and we’re proud to support Oxfordshire County Council’s Vision Zero programme.

“Our teams worked closely with Oxfordshire County Council, ODS and St John Fisher School to design and deliver a comprehensive solution so improve safety on this busy road, including speed humps, footpath widening and a zebra crossing.”

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The events, part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Future Generations Programme, are designed to help those aged 11 to 18 understand local democracy and encourage them to participate in politics.

Following the success of the first pilot event back in November, young people were joined at County Hall in Oxford, Edmonds Park Pavillion in Didcot and Banbury Children and Family Centre by county council directors and councillors from across the political spectrum in Oxfordshire who shared their experiences.

MP for Didcot and Wantage, Olly Glover, and MP for Banbury, Sean Woodcock, also took part in the events, providing an overview of their roles as MPs and answering the young people’s questions.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, who attended the Oxford and Banbury events, said: “I would like to thank our young people from across Oxfordshire who attended our pizza and politics events across the county. I was inspired by their questions and contributions, which were insightful and eye-opening, and will ensure that young people's voices continue to be heard as part of our future generations programme of work.”

The agenda included an introduction to local and national government, a vibrant question and answer panel session between young people and politicians, and themed discussions.

Participants had the opportunity to ask questions throughout, discuss important issues, and share their thoughts on various topics linked to different services the county council provides.

The events form part of the county council's Future Generations work, which seeks to put the wellbeing of future generations at the heart of all decision making.

Councillors passed a motion back in March 2023 with cross party support setting out a commitment to considering the wellbeing of Future Generations in all decision making.

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Teams from eight schools took part in Oxfordshire County Council’s Consumer Challenge Quiz on 4 March at Unipart House, which teaches life skills and consumer knowledge through a fun, visual and hands on contest.

Each school was represented by a four member team, accompanied by a volunteer from Oxfordshire County Council. This year, Orion Academy emerged as the victorious school.

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families, said: “It’s very important that young people learn early about the challenges that they face from the risks as consumers, and how to deal with them. Trading standards in Oxfordshire has a long history; this particular event has been going for 30 years, and that shows the worth of it – schools are still turning up with their teams, and their supporters, to encourage them in what is a time of fierce competition. Both groups take away many lessons learnt in a new and exciting location.”

Schools that took part includes Bardwell School (Bicester), Bishopswood School (Sonning Common), Fitzwaryn School (Wantage), The Iffley Academy (Oxford), Kingfisher School (Abingdon), Mabel Prichard School (Oxford), John Watson School (Wheatley), Orion Academy (Oxford) and Springfield School (Witney).

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Safety, said: “This popular event is a great opportunity for young people to learn skills – from knowing what their rights are when they are buying products, to understanding the risks of products such as vapes and how to stay safe in the home – in a fun way, while working as a team.

“Congratulations to the winners, and all the schools who took part!”

A mascot competition for fellow students who are not members of their team is also included, which was won this year by Mabel Prichard School.

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Oxfordshire County Council is asking for feedback on ideas that have been developed, and inviting suggestions on new ones, for the future of the city’s streets and squares as part of a Central Oxfordshire Movement and Place Framework project. 

The project aims to improve a number of public spaces, support a shift to more walking, cycling and public transport, and improve access to green spaces and water. It builds on the success of recent public realm transformations in Broad Street and Market Street, as well as ongoing improvement works on St Michael’s Street. 

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “This project is about imagining the Oxford that puts people first. Suggested improvements will be made possible by our plans to reduce traffic and congestion across the city, and these options show how we could create safer streets with more greenery and space for socialising.”

An initial list of locations that could benefit from improvements has been identified, including Carfax junction, St Giles’, Hythe Bridge Street, Little Clarendon Street and Summertown, among others. Improvements have been suggested for reclaiming street space for more creative uses such as enhanced paving, seating, play spaces and greenery; relocating pick up and drop off points for tourist buses; how buses move around and services connect together; school traffic; and how junctions work. 

This list of options has been developed in collaboration with local resident groups, civic organisations, public transport operators, landowners and transport user groups. 

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, added: “We have worked in partnership to develop an initial list of ideas. This is not set in stone but, so we can be ready to make improvements when opportunities present themselves, we want to have early conversations to check if we’re moving in the right direction. I’m looking forward to hearing if the suggested opportunities are the right ones and what other ideas residents have for the future of our beautiful city.”

The Central Oxfordshire Movement and Place Framework project is funded by the government’s Housing and Growth Deal and aims to improve the way public realm is planned and managed by considering transport, planning and regeneration opportunities at the same time.

Initial suggestions are available for review at letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/compf, with a survey open until 23 March 2025. 

A full report, including public feedback, will be published later this spring. Individual schemes will be taken forward as funding opportunities arise and will be subject to further public engagement and design work.

More information

This project is one of the measures in the Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan, which sets out actions towards a sustainable and reliable travel and transport system for the area.

Artist impression of St Giles’ (Oxford) with improved facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and bus users. 

Artist impression of Carfax junction (Oxford), with widened pavements, more greenery and safer crossings. 

Artist impression of Queen Street (Oxford) with improved benches and greenery. 

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The prospective sale offers the opportunity for the council to move into modern, net-zero accommodation at Speedwell House on Speedwell Street in the city.

The move is intended to happen by spring 2027. Receipts from the sale of County Hall will pay for the extension and refurbishment upgrading of Speedwell House.

County Hall was marketed for sale in the autumn and 19 bids were submitted. A thorough analysis was undertaken to assess the bids against a range of criteria to ensure best value and deliverability.

Savills was selected to advise the council on the disposal and marketing of County Hall, following a tendering exercise to an international market.

The marketing produced a wide range of interest in the buildings with offices, science labs, hotels, residential, student accommodation, education, commercial use and church/congregation space.

The building, which dates from 1973, currently primarily comprises office accommodation.  Old County Hall dating from 1841 comprises the Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court and is listed Grade II*.

Council officers have been asked by cabinet to proceed to agreeing final heads of terms with the developers. Once these have been agreed, more detail including the identity of the developers can be disclosed.

Councillor Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “These plans are incredibly exciting for Oxford and the ongoing transformation of the West End of the city. A huge amount of technical and professional work has gone in to getting us to this stage and it was a difficult choice for our officers to select a preferred bid.

“County Hall is in a prime location in one of the world’s most famous cities and so we knew there would be widespread interest in the site. The bidder that has been selected is offering a very high quality and impressive future for the County Hall site that will compliment and improve the whole area as well as offering a significant boost to our local economy.

“The plans for the County Hall site will link all of the various regeneration schemes in the West End of the city and enable residents and visitors alike to access and enjoy the area around the castle site.”

Old County Hall was included in the marketing of the site to allow the council to assess market interest and to make an informed decision about the future of the building.

As a result, Old County Hall is to be included in the prospective sale. All listed buildings are legally protected meaning any alterations, extensions, or demolitions must receive consent from Oxford City Council who, when considering the planning application from the developer, would be required to protect its character and historical integrity.

The move to Speedwell House

The county council will move its headquarters to Speedwell House on Speedwell Street. These offices had for many years provided city centre office accommodation for the council in addition to County Hall.

The intention is to create new net zero headquarters for the council, using sustainable technologies including air source heat pumps. The Speedwell House offices will be designed to maximise natural light and make best use of technology. The building will be extended utilising the site more effectively.

The work will positively re-shape the Speedwell area of the city into a public/civic quarter and contribute significantly to social regeneration.

Designs of Speedwell House include a new Council Chamber and Coroner’s Court in a building that is modern, fit for purpose and accessible. There will be an ambition for a 20 per cent biodiversity net gain.

People will be invited to give their views on the plans during a forthcoming public engagement.

The proposal to create a series of ‘greenways’ – high-quality paths in urban or natural areas prioritised for pedestrians and cyclists – comes from a joint project being developed by Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and the University of Oxford.

The aim is to create a network of safe, convenient and well-connected cycling and walking routes linking surrounding towns, villages and future economic development sites with Oxford city centre and other key employment, cultural and economic locations.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “Many people who want to walk or cycle more, for their health, wellbeing or to save money, are often put off by having to share the space with motor vehicles. Some of our towns and villages have no safe options at all, despite their close proximity to Oxford.

“That’s why the Oxford greenways project is so important. I would urge as many people as possible to take part in the consultation so that we can prioritise and design routes where they will make the biggest difference.”

The consultation runs until Tuesday 18 March. To take part, visit Let’s talk Oxfordshire.

Councillor Louise Upton, Oxford City Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Cycling Champion, said: “In order to encourage more people to walk and cycle into Oxford for work, studying, entertainment or shopping, we need to provide them with safer and more accessible routes.

“This engagement is a chance for pedestrians and cyclists to share their feedback on six proposed greenways. These new routes are designed to promote healthier and safer options as people travel across Oxford and Oxfordshire.

“I encourage everyone interested in cycling to participate – whether you're an experienced cyclist or someone who wants to start cycling.”

A first set of greenways is proposed to connect Oxford with areas including Woodstock, Otmoor, Wootton near Abingdon, Kingston Bagpuize, Kennington, Botley and Wytham.

David Prout, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Planning & Resources) at Oxford University, said: “Safe walking and cycling routes between Oxford and its surrounding towns and villages would be a massive boost for everyone living and working in Oxford. We are very pleased to have been part of this study and hope its recommendations will be implemented.”

The Oxford greenways project began in 2020 but was put on hold due to the pandemic. Feedback from the latest consultation and other engagement events will help inform the development of a delivery plan.

Initial funding is in place for design of the first set of greenways. However, route construction and further design development of the proposed network – which could improve links to around 60 towns and villages – would require successful funding bids and grant allocations.

Greenways schemes will be developed alongside other improvements to cycle routes around the county, including National Cycling Network routes, Oxfordshire’s Strategic Active Travel Network, and area and corridor travel plans within the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan.

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New solar panels are being installed at the centre on Awgar Stone Road as part of the county council’s environmental programme to retrofit zero carbon solutions to 30 of its buildings over the next year.

Fire stations, libraries and family centres are also on the list for green improvements.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: "The climate emergency is everyone’s business and we can all play our part to help make Oxfordshire a greener place to live and work.

“It’s great to see the council’s innovative retrofitting scheme arriving at our adult social care community support service buildings, making our centres fit for the future.”

The solar panels that are being fitted at the Oxford adult day care centre will produce an estimated £2,000 of electricity each year.

It’s part of a wider programme of work estimated to decarbonise approximately 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year. That’s about the same amount as a diesel car would produce after driving 18,000 km or the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption from 4784 houses each year.

Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance with responsibility for property, said: “These programmes alone won’t bring us to our net zero carbon ambitions, but they will help us on that journey. Every bit we can do, we will do, as part of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint

“By providing Oxford Community Support Service with the ability to capture and save solar energy through battery storage, we are removing fossil fuels from everyday actions, including heating and cooking. And with more buildings in the pipelines for zero carbon upgrades, we’re taking significant steps towards our environmental targets.”

The Bicester Community Support Service’s adult social care centre will be the next to benefit from decarbonisation work, with an air source heat pump, new windows and loft insulation being installed later in the year.

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Almost 10,000 counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes and other tobacco and nicotine based products have been seized following a series of visits to retail premises by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team.

Officers were accompanied by specialist tobacco detection dogs, which can sniff out contraband in concealments within till points or hidden in storerooms.

Premises involved included off-licences, convenience stores, food retailers and barbers in Banbury, Kidlington and Oxford.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 9,340 illegal cigarettes, 700g of counterfeit hand rolling tobacco, 180 unit packs of non-compliant nicotine pouches and 42 disposable electronic cigarettes, or vapes, with a capacity of nicotine containing liquid nine times the maximum allowed.

The total street value of the haul was approximately £5,000.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety: “Our trading standards team, working in partnership with other agencies, will continue to crack down on the sale of these illegal products and cause the maximum disruption possible to criminal networks.

“People can help us to stamp out illegal tobacco and create a healthier and safer county by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity using the illegal tobacco hotline.”

Other issues detected were:

• Two premises in breach of their licensing conditions.
• One premises with a concealment operated by electromagnets, although no illegal product was contained within it.
• Four premises with tobacco products on open display, whereas they must be out of sight of customers.
• Two premises with evidence of staff sleeping or living in store rooms, which was referred to other agencies.

Investigations are ongoing, with premises facing potential criminal prosecution, licence reviews and additional sanctions, including financial penalties.

Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Head of Trading Standards, added: “We are serious about taking action whenever we find anyone selling illegal tobacco. Its sale undermines legitimate businesses in Oxfordshire and puts money into the hands of criminals.”

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco should contact 0300 999 6 999 or report it anonymously online at stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk

More information

It can be hard to stop using tobacco products, but help is available. People are three times more likely to successfully quit by using a stop smoking service like Smokefree Oxfordshire. The service is free to everyone living in the county.

Photo: The seized haul found by detection dog Billy.

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At Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 24 January, Ahmad Horik, 23, of Blenheim Court, Kidlington, admitted illegally using a blue badge to park in Oxford city centre on 21 May 2024.

When officers from Oxfordshire County Council Council’s counter fraud team checked the badge, they established it was not valid as it had been reported lost and a replacement issued. 

When interviewed under caution by council officers, Mr Horik said the badge belonged to a family member and he had no knowledge why it had been reported lost and replaced.

As the badge holder was not present when he parked, there was no entitlement to any blue badge concession. 

Mr Horik was fined £209, ordered to pay a court charge of £84 and pay the council’s costs of £500.

The case follows the prosecution of two men for similar offences in December 2024 as part of the same on-street enforcement exercise.

Blue badge misuse is a criminal offence and can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record. A penalty charge notice will normally be issued to anyone misusing a disabled parking bay.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “People rely on their blue badges so that they can park near workplaces, supermarkets, and health facilities. Illegal use of the scheme denies a space to someone who really needs it.

“It is not acceptable to misuse this service and the recent enforcement operation shows that this council is taking action to stop this abuse.”

As well as removing blue badges from people who are misusing and abusing the scheme, enforcement is used to raise awareness of the importance of the badges for residents who really need them.

Many people rely on their blue badge to remain mobile and independent, enabling them to access goods and services.

Inappropriate use of disabled parking bays can result in blue badge holders missing medical appointments, not being able to get out to buy food, or get to work.

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The county council has been running the interest free loan scheme since July 2023 to help maintained schools reduce their overall energy usage, which in turn could help cut operational costs.

The school, located on Meadow Lane, applied to the council for just over £69,000, out of an £800,000 fund, to finance the installation of solar panels and a battery storage system.

Councillor John Howson, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “We’ve already carried out 50 energy efficiency audits on our council maintained schools. The latest round of the loan scheme was launched last year, with St Mary and St John CE Primary School being the sixth to make use of the fund.”

Rebekah Stott, Headteacher at St Mary and St John CE Primary School, said: “We treat energy efficiency seriously at our school and encourage the children to understand why it’s so important to look after the environment. This investment will help us to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Other schools are applying for energy efficiency loans and details of their plans will be released in the coming months.

Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools (ACES), an energy efficiency support service, funded by Oxfordshire County Council and delivered by Oxford Brookes University and Low Carbon Hub, has been supporting schools with applying for the loan.

Your Oxfordshire

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The new programme will see Botley Road reopen in August 2026, while improved access for pedestrians and cyclists will be introduced this summer. 

The £161 million project, which began in April 2023, was due to be completed in October 2024 – including the replacement of the Botley Road railway bridge.

However, Network Rail was unable to keep to this schedule due to the discovery of an inverted brick arch under the surface. It also failed to reopen Botley Road between October 2023 and March 2024, as previously planned, because of the same problem.

Another obstacle was the proximity of sewerage to clean water, preventing it working on both at the same time as initially planned. Thames Water has now found a solution to diverting the water supply and the main sewer, which has been built into the new programme. 

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “The residents and businesses in the Botley Road area have suffered nearly two years of disruption because of this project.

“They have been left in limbo since July 2024 when the most recent delays to the scheme were announced. Network Rail has told us it is confident its revised plan is deliverable and it is essential that it sticks to its timetable. We will be holding them to account on that.

“We remain supportive of the redevelopment of Oxford Station, which will bring improved capacity for passengers and freight, and is vital for the development of future rail projects. We also welcome the pledge to deliver improved pedestrian access this summer.

“Until the project is completed, we will continue to work with partners to minimise the impact of the extended Botley Road closure on the rest of the road network.”

Oxfordshire County Council will now assess the impact of today's update on the timing of its own schemes in and around Oxford, including the six trial traffic filters.

Network Rail said that this summer, a much-improved and larger walkway will open, giving much more space for pedestrians and cyclists to get into and out of the city as the rest of the project is completed.

A new upgraded flood defence system will also be installed, which includes a new concrete layer, well below ground, to keep out rising ground water and a new pumping system with huge retention tanks to deal with surface water.

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, visited Oxford yesterday for Network Rail’s announcement.

Lord Hendy said: “The continuing works surrounding Botley Road are frustrating, and the delays are unacceptable, which is why I wanted to hear firsthand from all those affected.

“I tasked Network Rail with producing a robust plan for its completion, which included additional measures to minimise and mitigate disruption as much as possible while still allowing this work to progress.

“I’m pleased they have acted and I can assure residents and businesses that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Network Rail’s Western Route’s Managing Director, Marcus Jones, said: “We’re extremely sorry for the impact the road closure is having on the people of Oxford. 

“This is an incredibly complex project, involving multiple organisations, which has faced a number of significant challenges, but we understand the anger and frustration the delays to this project have caused. 

“Our review has scrutinised every aspect of the programme, and with the utility diversions now well advanced, we’re confident the revised plan is deliverable.”

Network Rail will hold a public information event at the West Oxford Community Association Centre on Botley Road on Wednesday 29 January for residents to find out more about the updated timeline and the status of the work.

For information on the project visit Network Rail’s Oxfordshire Connect website, where people can also sign up for regular email updates.

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The two hour ‘adults cycling with confidence’ training can be booked by emailing:

roadsafety.education@Oxfordshire.gov.uk

It will be a practical session with participants needing to bring their own bike, safety helmet and wear appropriate clothing.

Andy Ford, from Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’ community safety team, said: “Cycling is a great way to exercise and an environmentally friendly form of transport, and the dangers are often perceived to be much greater than reality. However, it’s important that anyone using their bike is familiar with the Highway Code and the safety critical do’s and don’ts, particularly on busy main roads and at junctions.

“The type of thing you’ll learn more about on the day includes things like cycling at least half a metre from the kerb to avoid drains and gutters and maintaining a dominant road position. We’ll be explaining the dangers of passing on the nearside between traffic and the pavement especially close to junctions, particularly when there are large vehicles where the driver might not be able to see you in their wing mirrors.

“Please don’t ride on the pavement, except where it is designated as a cycle path, and where this is provided, moderate your speed and take care when passing pedestrians and give way at junctions. It is illegal to cycle on the pavement too and you might encounter young children and elderly people who won’t be able to get out of the way.

“There’ll be lots of emphasis on remembering that if a road junction is busy, do not feel you have to continue cycling. You can always get off, push your bike, or walk on the pavement.

“We’ll also discuss not weaving in and out of traffic or changing direction suddenly without signalling, and giving pedestrians priority when necessary. Use your bell to inform other road users of your presence, and fit a bell if your bicycle doesn’t have one. And always wear a cycle helmet, bright contrasting clothing and accessories so drivers can see you more easily.”

The meeting location for the training will be:

Bardwell Road, near the entrance to Cherwell Boathouse in Oxford.

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On behalf of England’s Connected Heartland, Oxfordshire County Council has selected AWTG, a 5G mobile private network supplier, to install infrastructure along the route following a public procurement exercise. AWTG will begin work on the project over coming weeks.

Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the project aims to enhance rail passenger connectivity and bring benefits to businesses and residents along the route. There will be an extension of fixed wireless broadband to rural communities and trackside business parks, and to farms to support agri-tech applications.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This ambitious project represents a significant leap forward in improving onboard passenger connectivity, and better connecting Oxfordshire’s rural communities.

“I am optimistic it will become a blueprint to be replicated on other similar railway routes both locally and nationally.

“AWTG’s expertise will allow us to deliver the vision we share with England’s Connected Heartland partners in Buckinghamshire to pioneer a connectivity solution for passengers and be a leader in digital innovation.”

The 5G rail project aims to develop a combined revenue commercial model for delivering enhanced passenger connectivity through onboard WiFi. Train companies will also be able to offload data collected onboard their services for operational purposes.

Abbey Alidoosti, Chief Executive Officer of AWTG, said: “The opportunity to address connectivity issues through this project is incredibly exciting, it provides a blueprint on the best solution for connectivity for rail passengers and trackside communities.

“We look forward to deploying a solution that not only boosts the passenger experience but also offers invaluable support to the railway industry as a whole. The same solution that addresses digital divide and provides the much needed broadband services for trackside businesses. We are eager to see the outcomes of this initiative and its positive impact on the community and businesses.”

Councillor Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said: “We are delighted to have the first England’s Connected Heartland 5G Rail project in Buckinghamshire, which builds on the strategic investment we and other partners previously made in trackside fibre along this route.

“While 5G is often seen merely as a faster version of 4G, its potential extends far beyond that, offering significant advantages for the UK rail industry. We anticipate that once the benefits of 5G connectivity are proven, awareness and demand for 5G networks in the rail industry will grow exponentially.

“We are thrilled to be part of a collaboration that will demonstrate these benefits and provide a blueprint for replicating our project to bolster the UK economy.”

Notes

England’s Connected Heartland (ECH) brings together local authorities in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Central Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Oxfordshire with a mission to accelerate advanced wireless adoption across the region.

Co-ordinated by Oxfordshire County Council, it is creating a blueprint that can be adopted throughout ECH and beyond to benefit the whole of the UK.

About AWTG

AWTG is an end-to-end engineering services and technology solutions provider operating in telecommunications, immersive tourism, smart education, smart cities, smart retail and shopping, industry 4.0, smart health, new media, internet and other markets that employ digital technologies. AWTG’s technology solutions cover digital transformation, rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence, internet of everything and software.

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The school streets trial at five primary schools in the county will continue but will now be operated with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras from today (29 November).

Oxfordshire County Council has been trialling school streets during the 2023/24 school year. This involved timed road closures with volunteers operating pop-up gates close to school entrances at start and finish times. The aim is to reduce the volume of motor vehicles during drop-off and pick-up times, creating a safer environment for children, parents, and teachers to walk or cycle to school.

Manor primary school in Didcot, and Tyndale Community, St Mary and St John Church of England, Sandhills Community and New Hinksey Church of England primary schools in Oxford have been trialling school streets during 2024.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “It is fantastic news that school streets have made such a positive difference to school start and finish for these schools. These are two of the busiest times of the day for schools and for families – filled with hustle and bustle, trying to remember and coordinate everything with multiple time pressures to meet.

“The school street creates a quieter road that provides a calmer and more welcoming environment where children and their families and carers can socialise and enjoy the moment helping set them up for a brighter rest of day.” 

The school streets tackle some of the pressures of school-run traffic, supporting the county council’s commitments to improve Oxfordshire’s carbon impacts and to reduce the pressure on the county’s road network.

The formal decision to install ANPR cameras as the next progression of the school streets trial was made at the county council’s cabinet member meeting on 5 September 2024.

ANPR cameras have been installed at the school street entry points over recent weeks to help operate the scheme consistently without reliance on a volunteer team. The cameras will operate only during set school drop-off and pick-up times, on school days only and covering only the entry point.

Blue badge holders and residents near the school gates can still drive through during these times should they need to. Residents and businesses in the school street locations have received letters on how to apply for their vehicle exemptions and when their school street ANPR cameras will become operational.

The county council’s school street webpages also provide a full of list of exempt vehicles – which includes residents, local businesses, blue badge holders and carers – and details on how to register an exemption.

The county council welcomes interest from more schools in trialling a school street. 

More information

More information about school streets:

• School streets programme to install ANPR cameras
• Full report to cabinet.
• Local Transport and Connectivity Plan.
• Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure plan.
• School streets (including details of existing school street locations and operating times, and exemptions).

• ANPR cameras are triggered by vehicles (not people) entering a set trigger area – in which case they photograph the vehicle’s licence/ registration plate details, and an automatic notice is issued if that registration is not on the school street’s exempted list. They do not record continuously.
• School streets are a part of the vision set out in Oxfordshire County Council’s Local Transport and Connectivity Plan to deliver a net-zero Oxfordshire transport and travel system that enables the county to thrive while protecting the environment and making Oxfordshire a better place to live for all residents.
• Four primary schools in the county previously trialled their phase one school streets with the support of Oxfordshire County Council under the UK government’s active travel initiative since 2021. Larkrise, St Ebbe’s and Windmill schools in Oxford and St Nicolas school in Abingdon were the first schools in the county to successfully implement permanent school streets. They trialled volunteer-led pop-up gates before progressing to ANPR use.

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An electric car club pilot scheme has proved so popular that 15 vehicles are set to remain in place at more than 10 new and existing locations around the county, following the end of the 18 month trial period.

Since the pilot scheme was launched in April 2023, it has attracted over new 1,200 members, seen over 5,200 individual hiring sessions and led to more than a quarter of a million electric miles being driven.

The scheme has been coordinated by Oxfordshire County Council and is supported by Oxford City Council and Cherwell, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire district councils who have hosted the pilot vehicles in their car parks. The vehicles have been provided and operated by hire companies Co Wheels, Enterprise CarClub and Zimbl.

The success of the extended trial scheme means that car club vehicles are set to continue in the following locations:

• Abingdon – Cattle Market and West St Helen Street car parks (Co Wheels)
• Banbury – Calthorpe Street West and Windsor Street car parks (Zimbl)
• Bicester – Claremont car park (Zimbl)
• Eynsham – Back Lane car park (Co Wheels)
• Henley – Greys Road car park (Co Wheels)
• Oxford – Redbridge and Seacourt Park and Rides (Co Wheels and Zimbl)
• Wallingford – Cattlemarket car park (Co Wheels)
• Witney – Woodford Way car park (Enterprise CarClub).

New car club vehicles are also set to be introduced at these new locations:

• Chipping Norton – New Road car park (Zimbl)
• Woodstock – Hensington Road car park (Zimbl)
• Thame – Upper High Street (Co Wheels).

Councillor Pete Sudbury, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council with Responsibility for Climate Change, Environment and Future Generations, said: “The popularity of the EV car clubs has led to the continuation of the schemes in many places, meaning even more residents and businesses can try out these shared cars for themselves.

“Car clubs give people the chance to use an EV when they need one, without the expense of owning or leasing one outright. They can make it much more affordable for people who don’t drive every day and provide real-world experience of driving electric without a long-term commitment.”

It is estimated that a successful car club vehicle can take on average 20 individually owned cars – often petrol or diesel vehicles – off the road.

EVs in the scheme can be hired from £5.95 per hour, including insurance, plus 12p per electric mile.

If demand for car clubs continues and funding can be identified, then it’s likely more car club locations will be introduced within the next few years. Residents can submit locations where they would like to car clubs using Oxfordshire County Council’s EV charger and car club demand tracker.

Updated details about the EV car club pilot and where your nearest car club location is can be found on the Oxfordshire County Council website.

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Asylum seekers staying in a hotel are entitled to less than £9 per week, which severely limits their ability to access services and learn about the British way of life.

The scheme will enable asylum seekers to attend medical appointments, pick up medicines more quickly and build confidence through being able to use the transport system. It will also assist them in getting a job once they are allowed to work which can take many months, if not years.

Asylum seekers can look for work once they have been granted asylum status or after they been in living in the UK for 12 months.

The county council has been working on the scheme with local organisation Asylum Welcome and bus companies following the decision made by its cabinet back in June that it should become a Council of Sanctuary. The cabinet decision followed the adoption of a motion at full council in November 2023.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This is one small thing we can do support asylum seekers who are awaiting the outcome of their asylum claim. It will enable them to prepare for work by accessing services and learning to adapt to life in Oxfordshire.

“We hope that the scheme will help asylum seekers integrate into Oxford life by enabling them to attend appointments”.

“This will promote and enable integration and help the individuals in question build connections with local people. It would also assist them in the longer term to become economically active and contribute to the community in which they live.

“The support being provided helps us deliver on our decision in June to become a Council of Sanctuary. We are very grateful to the local bus companies and Asylum Welcome for working with us on this scheme.”

Mark Goldring, Director of Asylum Welcome said: “This is a really positive commitment by Oxfordshire County Council that enables asylum seekers to study, volunteer, worship and prepare for when they are allowed to work. It reduces isolation, improves well-being and the sense of inclusion that Oxfordshire is trying hard to promote.”

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company said: “We’re proud to have partnered with Asylum Welcome for several years now, supporting those claiming asylum both in Oxford, and the wider county. We’ve positively built the relationship and we’re pleased to help with this important scheme in partnership with key stakeholders that will make a real difference to asylum seekers in our community.”

Chris Hanson, Managing Director, Stagecoach West, said: “Stagecoach West is delighted to participate in this pilot travel scheme for asylum seekers in Oxfordshire, reflecting our commitment to supporting our communities. The initiative will enable individuals to travel freely, fostering a sense of belonging and opening doors to future job opportunities. It’s a pleasure working with Oxfordshire County Council and Asylum Welcome to do all we can to make sure this scheme is a success, creating a more inclusive community for everyone.

It is calculated that around 275 asylum seeking people accommodated within Oxford would be eligible.

The pilot scheme will cost around £31,000. Asylum Welcome will administer it. The pilot will operate only within the boundaries of Oxford.

Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS), the University of Oxford and Thames Valley Police (TVP) are teaming up to hold the Vision Zero safety event in Broad Street on Monday 4 November from 10am - 7pm.

Visitors will be able to explore a range of stalls offering safety advice and information, aimed at helping to protect the most vulnerable road users. Once darkness starts to fall, OFRS and TVP will carry out their ‘Be Bright Be Seen’ operations, educating cyclists putting themselves and others at risk by riding without lights.

Andy Ford, Road Safety Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “There are many reasons why cyclists and pedestrians can become involved in road collisions. However, by ensuring they have lights, and wear bright clothing, we can easily improve their visibility to other road users and reduce the risk they will be hit by drivers.”

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

Cycling campaign group Cyclox will be there, as well as an HGV, supplied by Huws Gray, to help people to understand where blind spots occur in the cab.

There will also be innovative cycle safety systems on display, such as the FHOSS cycle lane and the Oxford Robotics Institute RobotBike which is carrying out trials in Oxford to monitor safety in overtaking cyclists, as well as information about cycle training.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “Vision Zero is our ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on Oxfordshire’s roads by 2050. No person should be killed or seriously injured as the result of a road collision, whatever mode of transport they are using.

“Education is a key part of this, whether you’re a motorist, a cyclist, or a pedestrian – or all three. So, it’s great to see so many organisations coming together in Broad Street to share advice and information that could help prevent lives from being lost on our roads.”

The University of Oxford will be providing a mobile mechanic from 10am - 4pm to carry out cycle safety checks and minor repairs for all visitors on a first come first served basis. The service is free, but users will have to pay for any parts.

Dr David Prout, Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Oxford, said: “The cyclists, scooter users and pedestrians being hurt on the roads are our friends, colleagues, students and family members; every death or injury is a tragedy that could and should have been prevented.

“Our goal is streets that are truly safe for everyone, and to reach it we need the whole community to work together, from individuals and families to the councils, universities and emergency services. We hope this event makes a real difference to keeping people out of harm's way, no matter how they choose to get around Oxford.”

Sergeant Pete Neale of the Oxford Central Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Thames Valley Police, in partnership with our local agencies, is dedicated to making bike safety more accessible and promoting safer riding habits in our community.

“Officers from the Neighbourhood Team will be present at the event to educate cyclists on best practices for safe riding. Additionally, we’ll be offering advice and providing security equipment to help protect bikes and reduce the risk of theft.”

The Broad Street event comes shortly after the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, published a road safety strategy to reduce deaths on the roads in the region, including Oxfordshire.

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A new shuttle service will be provided for people affected by the re-routing of buses due to the weight restriction on Donnington Bridge Road in Oxford.

Oxfordshire County Council will use its own minibus fleet to provide the off-peak shuttle service – the 46A – from Mondays to Fridays, starting on Monday 14 October.

This will comprise four return journeys between Cowley Centre, Florence Park, Donnington Bridge and Speedwell Street in Oxford city centre to provide some connectivity for essential travel between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “The absence of buses on Donnington Bridge Road for essential safety reasons has been a huge inconvenience for people in this area who rely on public transport, especially those who find it difficult to walk longer distances to use alternative bus services.

“Our officers have worked hard to try to alleviate some of the problems and we’re delighted to be able to unveil this shuttle service to connect passengers with the places they need to be.

“By using the council’s own vehicles when they are not in use elsewhere, we are able to reduce the costs involved, improving value for money.”

The 7.5 tonne weight limit was imposed by the county council on Donnington Bridge in August after ongoing monitoring revealed that the condition of materials in the structure required further assessment.

As a result, it was no longer possible for three bus routes – the 46, BB1A and ST1 – to operate via Weirs Lane and Donnington Bridge Road.

This lack of bus services between Iffley Road and Abingdon Road meant that direct connections to shops at Cowley Centre and medical and leisure facilities on Abingdon Road have been broken. To improve this situation, the shuttle journeys will be timed to connect to service 46 journeys at Cowley Centre.

The council’s fleet of minibuses provide transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and adult day centres but are available on weekdays between 10am and 2pm to provide this shuttle service. Timetables will be available from the usual online journey planners and at bus stops in due course.

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Occupational therapists from County Council’s adult social care team are working with experts from University College London (UCL) and the Oxford Robotics Institute (ORI), University of Oxford, on the innovative research which uses robots to take the place of a person being assessed, programmed to take on different life like characteristics and health concerns.

It's part of a five year partnership between Oxfordshire County Council's Innovation Service and ORI, helping to design the future of cutting edge technology in adult social care.  

The groundbreaking work will offer a greater understanding about the way different people experience being touched and manoeuvred, helping occupational therapists to develop their skills and improve assessments for residents.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Our occupational therapists play an important role in our Oxfordshire Way vision by supporting people to live well and independently within their own homes.

“We’ve had an opportunity to work with world renowned institutions, giving our occupational therapists access to innovative technology that gives them greater confidence in how they carry out their vital work and supports our residents to have a better experience during physical assessments.”

Occupational therapy is an important role within adult social care. Occupational therapists are often the first people to come into contact with residents who need additional support from the council to live well in their own homes.

Their varied and multi-skilled role enables them to make important initial assessments about how a person is experiencing physical and cognitive challenges. They can also recommend improvements within their homes to help support them to continue to live independently.

An important part of the assessment happens through physical interactions to assess a patient’s mobility and posture. Understanding more about the way their touch impacts the people they support can have significant benefits for both the resident and occupational therapist.

In addition to this, the research by UCL and ORI also aims to look at how touch can be used as an effective method of non-verbal communication, something known as ‘affective touch’, to soothe a patient or convey support. 

Nadia Berthouze, Professor in Affective Computing and Interaction at UCL, said: "We are adopting a user-centred approach in designing this innovative technology, collaborating closely with occupational therapists to ensure the solution is tailored to their needs and enhances training effectiveness."

Here comes the science

Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council through the Embodied Intelligence: From Sensing to Collaboration programme grant, experts at UCL and ORI have built a robot and accompanying software with an array of sensors, capable of recreating a patient’s physical health profile and behaviour, to provide standardised training platforms for the occupational therapists.

By capturing this occupational therapist-patient interaction in a more scientific way, the data provides a way of measuring and capturing nuanced, hard to describe interactions, with the goal of improving the occupational therapy training process overall.

The programme has been running for two years, from the initial objectives around further understanding the role of touch, to the most recent development of a mannequin-like robot. This can be programmed to simulate various medical conditions such as arthritis and dementia.

Perla Maiolino, Associate Professor of Engineering Science at the Oxford Robotics Institute, said: “The development of a robotic platform, capable of precisely capturing very gentle, as well as more forceful interactions, while providing a realistic feel and semblance, has required the use of state-of-the-art technology for sensing, actuation and control.

“The ability of the sensors to respond quickly to small touch, features challenging requirements of the application, which are crucial for correctly estimating contact area and, in future, performing gesture recognition.

“The ability to easily alter every control parameter, including sensitivity to pain in the sensorised areas, makes the robot a versatile and adaptable training tool for rapidly and accurately testing different scenarios, while also maintaining repeatability.”

The future

The robot mannequin, called Mona by the research team, is now ready to be used by occupational therapists as a training platform.

During this time, it will gather important information on the use of functional and affective touch, which will be analysed by the experts at UCL and the ORI to further develop the ability of the robots to accurately replicate patient’s real life conditions.

The ultimate scientific goal of the programme is to understand the more nuanced uses of the sense of touch, which is the first sense to develop in newborn babies, to create robots that can better collaborate with humans for a better, more-sustainable future.

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