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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Saturday 5 July 2025 – 10am - 4pm

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

• Wednesday 9 July 2025 – 5pm - 8pm

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

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

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Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue’ team say the safest way to celebrate Bonfire Night is to attend a professionally organised public event.

They are also providing advice about Chinese sky lanterns and the importance of taking care with costumes, clothing and decorations.

Deb Forder, Community Safety Manager from Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Organised fireworks displays are more fun, cheaper and far safer than hosting your own fireworks or bonfire party.

“However, if you are planning on using fireworks for a private event on 5 November, or at other community gatherings, please familiarise yourself with the Fireworks Safety Code to ensure you keep everyone safe.

“Remember that fire safety is much more than fireworks and great care should also be taken with Chinese sky lanterns, and with costumes, clothing and decorations.”

Bonfire Night

As it will not be practical for everyone to attend organised public events, guidance is also being shared for anyone having their own fireworks display:

Top safety tips for Bonfire Night and other events where fire safety needs to be considered:

• Only buy CE marked fireworks from reputable and licensed shops.
• Keep fireworks in a closed, metal box.
• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
• Never return to a firework that has not gone off, and never throw used or unused fireworks onto a bonfire.
• Never drink alcohol while lighting a bonfire or setting off fireworks.
• Always supervise children and don’t give sparklers to a child under five.
• Keep your bonfire at least 18 metres away from houses, trees and hedges. There should be a barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators five metres away. Before lighting a bonfire, check it is stable and that there are no children or animals inside.
• Only burn dry wood, never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire and think about the direction of smoke travel.
• Keep some buckets of water nearby.
• Have consideration for those around you, including notifying neighbours who may have pets or farm animals.
• Consider where fireworks and debris might fall, ensuring safety distances are provided for people to keep safe. Safety distances are provided on each firework label or package.
• Remember, only buy fireworks from a reputable retailer. Before purchasing, seek advice on the suitability of fireworks for the space available, and check that they meet current safety standards.

Chinese sky lanterns:

Chinese sky lanterns have become popular at celebrations such as weddings, religious ceremonies and Bonfire Night.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service do not recommend the use of sky lanterns because of the fire risk that they pose.

However, if they are used:

• Make sure there are no flammable materials near the sky lantern launch site.
• Consider wind directions and don’t launch if the wind takes the lantern towards vegetation, thatched properties or built up areas.
• Don’t launch in winds stronger than 5mph.
• Remember that once launched there is no control over the direction of travel. The fuel cell can stay hot and ignite items that it lands on.
• Don’t launch near roads or airports.
• Damage to the paper or hanging things onto the lantern might increase the fire risk.

Costume safety:

Great care should be taken with costumes, clothing and decorations, particularly around candles and fires:

• When purchasing costumes, make sure that they are labelled as flame-resistant.
• Do not use flammable materials to make homemade costumes.
• Always keep children away from naked flames.
• If your clothing does catch fire, remember to stop, drop and roll to smother the flames.
• Always place candles in a proper holder on a stable, heat-resistant surface
• Consider using flameless candles – either LED, battery-operated or electronic.
• Decorations can burn easily – don’t attach them to lights or heaters.

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The two hour adults cycling with confidence training sessions  are being run by Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service and are taking place:

• 3 July, 10am - 12 noon at Didcot Fire Station
• 11 September, 10am - 12 noon, at Seacourt Park and Ride in Botley, Oxford
• 13 September, 10am - 12 noon, at Kidlington Fire Station
• 26 September, 10am - 12 noon, at Bicester Fire Station
• 17 October, 10am - 12 noon at Thame Fire Station
• 7 November, 10am - 12 noon at Redbridge Park & Ride in Oxford.

They can be booked by emailing:

roadsafety.education@Oxfordshire.gov.uk

The session is practical. Participants should come with their bike, safety helmet and 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 is an environmentally friendly form of transport. However, it is important that anyone using their bike is familiar with the Highway Code and the safety critical dos and don’ts, particularly on busy main roads and at junctions.”

 Safety advice is also available on Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website

Cycle Safety | 365Alive including:

• Cycle at least half a metre from the kerb to avoid drains and gutters.
• Never pass nearside between traffic and the pavement especially close to junctions, particularly when there are large vehicles where the driver may not have seen you in their wing mirrors.
• Do not ride on the pavement, except where it is designated as a cycle path. Where this is provided, moderate your speed and take care when passing pedestrians and give way at junctions.
• 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.
• Do not weave in and out of traffic or change direction suddenly without signalling.
• Give pedestrians priority when necessary.
• Use your bell to inform other road users of your presence. Fit a bell if your bicycle is not fitted with one.
• If you are not confident cycling in moving traffic you may want to consider further cycle training.
• Wear a cycle helmet, high-visibility clothing or accessories.

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

roadsafety.education@Oxfordshire.gov.uk

The session is practical and participants should come with their bike, safety helmet, and appropriate clothing.

The next sessions in January and early March are now fully both booked. However people who are interested in future sessions can email  RoadSafety.Education@Oxfordshire.gov.uk. 

Andy Ford, from Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Cycling is a great way to exercise and an environmentally friendly form of transport. However, it’s important that anyone using their bike is familiar with the Highway Code and the safety critical dos and don’ts, particularly on busy main roads and at junctions.”

Safety advice is also available on Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website:

Cycle Safety | 365Alive

• Cycle at least half a metre from the kerb to avoid drains and gutters.
• Never pass nearside between traffic and the pavement especially close to junctions, particularly when there are large vehicles where the driver may not have seen you in their wing mirrors.
• Don’t ride on the pavement, except where it is designated as a cycle path. Where this is provided, moderate your speed and take care when passing pedestrians and give way at junctions.
• 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.
• Don't weave in and out of traffic or change direction suddenly without signalling.
• Give pedestrians priority when necessary.
• Use your bell to inform other road users of your presence. Fit a bell if your bicycle is not fitted with one.
• If you are not confident cycling in moving traffic you may want to consider further cycle training.
• Wear a cycle helmet, high-visibility clothing or accessories.

Thank you

We received some very positive feedback from cyclists who attended our ‘adults cycling with confidence’ training sessions:

“Thank you very much to all the instructors. Lots of very useful advice and practice. Thank you very much especially to the instructor who accompanied me back to work, all her explanations and demonstrations were very useful.”

“I would highly recommend this course to others like me who are nervous about and unused to cycling in traffic.” 

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Oxfordshire County Council’s parking contractor Conduent Transportation is training its on-street parking civil enforcement officers to become the first in the country to participate in the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign to help vulnerable members of the public in dangerous or uncomfortable situations.

It is an extension of the Ask for Angela campaign that started in 2016 and is used by bars and other venues in the hospitality industry to protect people from sexual or violent assault. Anyone who feels unsafe, vulnerable, or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching staff and asking for Angela.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “This is an incredibly worthwhile initiative, and we are delighted to be trialling it first in Oxfordshire. Conduent and their officers are pioneering a new approach which we hope will make our streets safer for everyone.”

Jade Neville, Head of User Experience – UK Parking, at Conduent Transportation, said: “Conduent is proud to be the first on-street parking provider in the country to join the Ask for Angela campaign and make its contribution to improving safety on the county’s streets.”

This code phrase ‘Angela’ indicates that they require help, and a trained member of staff will look to support them. This might be through reuniting them with a friend, arranging a taxi, or calling security or the police. 

Working with Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council, and Oxford City Council’s ODS parking officers, Conduent Transportation saw an opportunity to help tackle violence against women, girls, and vulnerable people by expanding the Ask for Angela campaign outside of the hospitality industry.

Through the training, Conduent’s parking officers have been given an awareness of vulnerability and their responsibilities towards the public during their shifts. The aim is for officers to be an additional point of contact for those who feel unsafe, as Ask for Angela is taken into the wider environment.

Members of the Oxfordshire parking enforcement team receive welfare and vulnerability engagement training from the Safer Business Network, and this will also form part of the new starters’ induction process. The training is based on real life incidents and is designed to look at what can be done to tackle vulnerability on streets.

Parking Enforcement Officer, Roberta Santos, said: “The training helped me to identify a person in a vulnerable situation, or someone who does not appear comfortable. After this training, I am confident in my ability to help a person in need.”

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable, Katy Barrow-Grint, said: “Protecting vulnerable people is a priority for Thames Valley Police and partnership working is key to achieving this. Whilst we seek to prevent harm from ever taking place, we believe initiatives like this help to make people across Oxfordshire feel safer and prevent criminal activity.”

Councillor Diko Walcott, Oxford City Council Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “Oxford City Council has long supported and participated in the Ask for Angela initiative as part of our community safety strategy. It’s great to know that ODS are now including their parking attendants along with those from the county council in the scheme.”

The scheme will be operating in Oxford City, plus the Vale of White Horse, South Oxfordshire, and Cherwell District Council areas of Oxfordshire. West Oxfordshire will not be included at this stage, as different parking enforcement arrangements are in place until spring 2023.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service advice is:

• Parents and guardians to teach their children not to go onto the ice for any reason.
• Alter walking routes to avoid going near waterways, or only walk that way in daylight hours to reduce the risk of slipping or falling.
• Keep dogs on a lead near ice.
• Don’t throw sticks or toys onto the ice for dogs.
• Don’t go onto the ice to rescue a dog. Move to somewhere that the animal can climb out and call them to you.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “If you encounter somebody who is in trouble on or near ice, it’s vital that you don’t go in too. Call the emergency services on 999. Reassure the person, look for an object like a pole, rope, branch or a life-ring and throw it in to them.”

• Do not attempt to go out on to the ice yourself.
• Tell the person to stay still to maintain heat and energy.
• Try finding something that will extend your reach, such as a rope, pole or branch and throw it to them.
• Make sure that you are stable on the bank either by lying down or having someone hold on to you and pull the person in the water towards you.
• If you cannot find something to reach with, try finding an object that will float and push that out to them.
• Ensure that you always stay off the ice during the rescue.
• Continue to reassure the person and keep them talking until help arrives.
• Once the person is out of the water, keep them warm and get them checked by a medical professional even if they appear to be unaffected.

Further advice is available at Ice and frozen water safety | 365Alive

and on the website The Dangers of Frozen Water Factsheet | StayWise

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Halloween

• Make sure children’s vision is not impaired by costumes or masks, so they remain alert to moving vehicles and tripping hazards.
• Ensure costumes fit correctly and that they have had additional safety testing, such as provided by the British Retail Consortium’s code of practice. Notification is likely to be shown with wording, such as: ‘This garment has undergone additional safety testing for flammability.’
• For anyone with food allergies, carefully check the ingredients shown on packs of sweets.
• Use LED lights instead of candles. As beautiful as a glowing candle looks, it is a serious fire hazard.
• Carry electric lights or glow sticks, so children can be seen easily.
• Only knock on the doors of houses that are clearly supporting Halloween.
• Vehicle drivers are reminded to be extra cautious as there will be an increase in children on pavements and crossing roads.

Fireworks safety for Diwali and Bonfire Night

As Diwali and Bonfire Night approach, Oxfordshire County Council is reminding residents that the safest and most enjoyable way to celebrate is to attend a professionally organised public event.

However, if people do wish to have a display in their garden, trading standards gives the following advice:

• Only buy fireworks that are UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed), CE or BS EN 15947 marked compliant.
• Buy from reputable and licensed shops and ask advice before buying.
• Keep fireworks in a closed, metal box.
• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
• Never return to a firework that has not gone off, and never throw used or unused fireworks onto a bonfire.
• Never drink alcohol while lighting a bonfire or setting off fireworks.
• Always supervise children and don’t give sparklers to a child under five.
• Keep the bonfire at least 18 metres away from houses, trees and hedges. There should be a barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators five metres away.
• Before lighting a bonfire, check it is stable and that there are no children or animals inside.
• Only burn dry wood. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire and think about the direction of smoke travel.
• Keep some buckets of water nearby.
• Have consideration for those around you, including notifying neighbours who may have pets or farm animals. People are more likely to plan to protect pets and other animals if fireworks are let off on traditional dates.
• Consider where fireworks and debris might fall, ensuring safety distances are provided for people to keep safe. Safety distances are provided on each firework label or package. These are minimum distances, so follow instructions.

Permitted firework hours

• It is an offence to let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am except on 5 November when the cut off is midnight, and on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year when the cut off is 1am.
• It is also an offence to set off fireworks in a public place.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “Organised fireworks displays are more fun, cheaper and safer than hosting your own fireworks or bonfire party. However, if you are planning on using fireworks for a private event, please follow the fireworks safety code.

“Remember, only buy fireworks from a reputable retailer. Before purchasing, seek advice on the suitability of fireworks for the space available, and check that they meet current safety standards.”

Reporting unlicenced retailers

Anyone with concerns that retailers are not licensed or if shops are not storing fireworks appropriately, selling fireworks that do not display appropriate safety marks or selling to anyone under 18, please contact trading standards on 0808 223 1133

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However, if people do wish to have a display in their garden, they are encouraged to follow these tips and advice:

• Only buy fireworks that are UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed), CE or BS EN 15947 marked compliant.
• Buy from reputable and licensed shops and ask advice before buying.
• Keep fireworks in a closed, metal box.
• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
• Never return to a firework that has not gone off, and never throw used or unused fireworks onto a bonfire.
• Never drink alcohol while lighting a bonfire or setting off fireworks.
• Always supervise children and don’t give sparklers to a child under five.
• Keep the bonfire at least 18 metres away from houses, trees and hedges. There should be a barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators five metres away.
• Before lighting a bonfire, check it is stable and that there are no children or animals inside.
• Only burn dry wood. Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire and think about the direction of smoke travel.
• Keep some buckets of water nearby.
• Have consideration for those around you, including notifying neighbours who may have pets or farm animals. People are more likely to plan to protect pets and other animals if fireworks are let off on traditional dates.
• Consider where fireworks and debris might fall, ensuring safety distances are provided for people to keep safe. Safety distances are provided on each firework label or package. These are minimum distances, so follow instructions.

Permitted firework hours

• It is an offence to let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am except on 5 November when the cut off is midnight, and on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year when the cut off is 1am.
• It is also an offence to set off fireworks in a public place.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “Organised fireworks displays are more fun, cheaper and safer than hosting your own fireworks or bonfire party. However, if you are planning on using fireworks for a private event, please follow the fireworks safety code.

“Remember, only buy fireworks from a reputable retailer. Before purchasing, seek advice on the suitability of fireworks for the space available, and check that they meet current safety standards.”

Reporting unlicenced retailers

Anyone with concerns that retailers are not licensed or if shops are not storing fireworks appropriately, selling fireworks that do not display appropriate safety marks or selling to anyone under 18, please contact trading standards on 0808 223 1133

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Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet will decide on 19 October whether to endorse plans to make it simpler to lower speeds to 20mph as part of its aspiration to see limits lowered on most urban areas and village streets in places where it is suitable and supported by residents

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance, said: “It’s a hugely ambitious vision for Oxfordshire that can create a safer pace and a safer place. Making 20mph the new 30mph sits at the heart of all our active travel plans. Without this shift we'll never be able to persuade residents to make cycling and walking the natural first choice and reduce the dominance of vehicles in the hearts our towns and villages.

"I firmly believe this is an important step on the road to improving health and wellbeing. Combined with other measures it can create healthy, dynamic community spaces. There is huge local interest and desire to deliver 20mph within the county and the proposed policy and approach should make it easier and more cost effective to implement.

“We want the streets where people live, work, play and shop to benefit from this policy change with the aim to make Oxfordshire’s roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Last month, as part of the policy change work, 20mph limits were introduced in the south Oxfordshire village of Cuxham on a pilot basis, while four more pilot schemes are planned – in Long Wittenham, Wallingford Central, Wallingford North and Kirtlington – following consultations.

Although Oxfordshire County Council would be working alongside Thames Valley Police, there would be an emphasis on drivers adhering to the new limits through a change of mindset, rather than enforcement. It is hoped that as 20mph areas become more common, breaking the limit would become socially unacceptable for drivers.

There is a clear link between the speed of traffic and the likelihood of accidents happening in which people are killed or injured. You are seven times more likely to survive if you are hit by a car driving at 20mph than if you are hit at 30mph.

If the proposals are approved, a countywide survey of parish councils will be carried out to understand the potential level of interest.

The authority is committed to working with key stakeholders including bus, taxi, and haulage companies, as well as major businesses, throughout the process.

More information, including details about how towns, parishes and villages can register an interest in bringing in 20mph limits, are available on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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It is estimated that nearly two million people across the UK suffer from domestic abuse each year, while nearly 140,000 children live in homes where abuse takes place. The Domestic Abuse Act recognises children as victims in their own right.

Domestic abuse can include psychological, emotional and economic abuse, as well as physical and sexual violence.

Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “The need for household isolation and social distancing due to Covid-19 has put pressure on many relationships and families. We have seen a significant rise in domestic abuse over the past 18 months, likely due to movement restrictions increasing the severity of abuse and impacting upon access to usual coping mechanisms.

“One in five young people are said to be exposed to domestic abuse. Over the summer break, with more time at home and with peers outside of school, there is an increased risk of young people being the victims of abuse - whether that be through experiencing it in their home or in their own intimate relationships - without access to support.

“Summer holidays are also the peak time for young people to be subjected to female genital mutilation and forced into marriage. Young people especially may also be at an increased risk of so called ‘honour-based’ abuse, and these abuses can happen both at home in the UK, or abroad.

“It is, therefore, important Oxfordshire residents have access to information and support.”

There is a wealth of support and information for those who may need help, or have concerns:

• Anyone in immediate danger should phone 999. Or if in danger and unable to talk on the phone, dial 999 and then press 55. This will transfer the call to police, who will assist without the caller having to speak. Those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing can register with emergency SMS by texting ‘register’ to 999.
• Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Services offers free services to anybody aged 16+ experiencing domestic abuse (including so-called ‘honour-based’ abuse), with or without children, regardless of sexuality, ethnicity and immigration status. The Oxfordshire domestic abuse helpline is open and available. For help and support call 0800 731 0055 (Mon-Fri 10am-7pm), or email das@a2dominion.co.uk.
• Alternatively, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 24-hours to offer support 0808 2000 247.
• The Reducing the Risk website has information about what abuse might look like, how to stay safe, and what to do if you’re worried about somebody.
• Anybody worried about harming the ones they love can access support and help to manage their behaviours through the Respect phoneline on 0808 8024040.
• The Forced Marriage Unit offer a public helpline to provide advice and support to victims and potential victims of forced marriage, and to professionals working with cases. You can contact the FMU on 020 7008 0151.
• Children and young people with any worries around the issues explored can contact ChildLine, 24 hours a day 7 days a week, on 0800 1111.

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Many road crashes happen because drivers lose control, particularly on bends or in wet or icy conditions. The safety advice is to drive for the road conditions and give time to react by reducing speed. The difference of a few miles per hour could mean the difference between life and death.

Drinking alcohol, or taking drugs and driving puts all road users in danger. The safest option is not to drink alcohol. Other safe alternatives include taking a taxi, bus or train, or walking home.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “If you cause a collision, it can result in life-changing injuries to you and to anyone else involved. You will also carry the terrible guilt and for what? For the sake of a lunchtime drink, a phone call, or saving a bit of time? It really isn’t worth the risk.”

Andy Ford, Road Safety Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Oxfordshire has more rural roads than most counties. And Oxford city centre more cyclists per head of population than most other towns and cities. This means drivers must be alert, drive sensibly, safely and share the road, from the moment they turn the ignition key.

“With most people staying at home or with family this year, remember you may drink more that you realise, so it is even more important to remember that in the morning you may still be affected by alcohol in your system. Make sure you leave enough time the next day before you drive.

“This might be a Christmas safety campaign, but it should also be every driver’s new year’s resolution to make sure they never take a risk when in charge of their vehicle.”

Further information about driving safely is available at www.365alive.co.uk/fatalfour

In recent years, excessive alcohol consumption has also been a major contributor to fires and fire-related casualties. With the increased likelihood of many residents having a tipple and cooking across the festive period, they are being reminded to be sensible and to stay alert.

Home fire safety tips include:

• Don’t cook after consuming alcohol and never leave cooking unattended.

• Never place candles near the Christmas tree or close to materials that can catch fire easily.

• Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach. Never leave lit candles unattended.

• Never overload electrical sockets. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before going to bed.

• Check that Christmas tree lights carry this British Safety Standard sign.

• Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.

• Take time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas as they are potentially at greater risk from fire. Remember to follow COVID-19 social distancing guidance.

• Make sure family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency.

• Make sure the property has enough smoke alarms; and that they are tested regularly.

While many of us have been adapting to COVID-19 by changing our working habits and swapping the office for our spare rooms, the crews who drive the county’s gritting lorries have no choice but to go back to their depots – socially distanced, of course.

Between the end of October and the beginning of April, Oxfordshire County Council’s increased team of 65 drivers – based at Deddington, Drayton and Woodcote – will be on standby as highways managers monitor the weather forecast multiple times a day to see if road surface temperatures are set to drop.

When this happens – as it did on Tuesday, November 3 – it’s all systems go.

One man who has seen everything the weather has had to throw at Oxfordshire in the last four decades, ranging from mild frosts to 2018’s infamous Beast from the East, is Richard Boss.

Richard, a 60 year old married dad from North Aston, has been driving snow ploughs and gritter lorries for Oxfordshire County Council for 38 years. But this year, as well as spreading the grit, he is making sure he does all he can to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Richard said: “While we’re loading, everyone has to wear a face mask. All drivers have got sanitisers in the lorries to wipe the steering wheel and wipe everything down before they start salting.

“Then, when we’ve finished, we have to wipe everything down again to make sure it’s all spotless for the next driver to come in.”

Contingency plans are in place to make sure the gritters can hit the road, even if a number of drivers are forced to self-isolate at some point during the winter.

“We’ve got drivers being trained up pretty quickly to cover in case of a significant COVID outbreak,” said Richard, who usually grits the Bicester route in his lorry, which was given the name ‘Crazy Daisy’ by local schoolchildren.

In fact, 15 extra drivers have been given training to take over if required – and there will be help for the new recruits in the cab too, if they are called upon.

“We’ve just had new satnavs fitted to the vehicles,” said Richard. “Each vehicle is then set to a specific route so you could stick any driver in it if you need to, push the satnav on and it would tell them where to salt and where not to salt – the route’s already on there. That’s a big help.”

When the temperatures drop, Richard – who is a supervisor looking after issues such as potholes and hedge-cutting when not called on to grit the roads – knows the routine well at his Deddington depot.

“We have 13 people on a shift so all 13 have to go home at lunchtime to get their rest period as they will be driving through the night,” he said. “Weekends are not too bad. We’re told what time we’re on the road from. If we’re on the road at 7pm, we get to the depot for 6pm to check the vehicle over, fill the salt up, and make sure everything’s working as it should be.

“Most runs take about three and a half hours. Generally, one run’s good enough for the milder winter weather but if it’s bad weather we can come in and load up again and then go out. If it needs further gritting, we call the next team in to take over.”

Every time they are called out, Oxfordshire’s gritter drivers cover more than 1,000 miles, salting all A-roads, B-roads and some C-roads. The M40, A43 and A34 are covered by Highways England.

With such distances to cover during his 38 years at the wheel, it’s not surprising to learn that Richard has endured the odd scary moment.

“I’ve had some near scrapes over the years with the lorry skidding on ice but I managed to keep it in a straight line and keep it on the road,” he said. “It can be frightening out there at night, especially on your own.

“The Beast from the East was a fine, dusty snow,” he recalls. “It was blowing across the fields and blocking the roads left, right and centre.

“By the time we’d ploughed it off, it was back again. Most gritter drivers were pretty tired that weekend!”

The technology at the drivers’ disposal has improved almost beyond recognition since Richard started gritting the roads in 1982.

“Everything’s electric now,” said Richard. “You just sit in the cab, there’s no need to get out, it tells you everything that’s happening.

“In the old days, the lorries ran on petrol and paraffin and we had a ‘donkey engine’ [a small auxiliary engine] at the back of the lorry. You had to go out, start the engine, put it in gear and then do the salting. Then when you got to the end of the load you had to jump out, turn it off, and drive to the next location.

“Now we’ve got cameras on the back of the gritters so you can actually see what salt’s left and what’s happening - it’s really up to date.”

But one thing that doesn’t change is the message to other motorists to drive responsibly when the gritters are out doing their job.

“Drivers should just be aware that we are out there to help them out,” said Richard. “As the vehicles are restricted we can only do 30mph when salting so we often get traffic coming up behind us quite quickly.

“If you do get held up behind us gritters, just remember we’re there to protect you and keep you safer on the road, instead of blowing your horn and trying to get past!”

The numbers game

• 15: Number of extra drivers trained up for 2020 - 21
• 25: Gritter lorries on the road at any one time
• 220: Tonnes of salt used per treatment (approximately).

Paul Wilson, the man in charge of coordinating the county council’s winter weather response, said: “For 22 weeks of the year, the winter service becomes one of the key frontline services that the county council provides, keeping almost half of the roads across Oxfordshire free as possible from winter hazards.

“However, it should be remembered that even when we do treat, the salt we spread is not like magic dust, and ice and hoar frost can still form even on treated roads. One way to look at it is, if you have to clear your windscreen of ice or frost in the morning there is a possibility that there will be similar on the road surface, so motorists should drive to the prevailing conditions and stay safe.

“We receive a bespoke weather forecast for the county several times a day and, although similar to the forecast you see on the news, it is more specific to road temperature rather than air temperature. This forecast is checked regularly and it helps us to make the decision whether to treat the roads or not.

“The gritter drivers, as mentioned earlier, all have day jobs as well, whether that be filling potholes, patching roads, clearing drains, etc, so for them to drive large gritting vehicles as well can make it a tiring day, especially in severe winter conditions when they could be clearing snow for 12 hours at a time.”

For more information about our winter service please check out our webpages on Oxfordshire County Council’s website

The latest figures for the city show a doubling of cases to a rate of 43.9 per 100,000 of the population – putting the city on amber alert but edging closer to a red alert level. Oxfordshire as a whole is currently on yellow alert, with cases at 18.1 per 100,000.

The cases are across all parts of the city, with the majority among 18-24 year olds and cases per 100,000 are now at their highest level in Oxford since May.

Stark warning

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “We have seen a considerable increase in cases in Oxford.

“While this mirrors what is happening nationally, we must remember that cases in Oxford have doubled over the past week and the situation can deteriorate further very quickly. If we don’t all take this very seriously, we risk seeing tough local restrictions imposed that none of us want.

We have recently seen many other parts of the country go into lockdown. This is something we all want to avoid. But if cases continue to rise at the rate they have been doing, then we may have no choice.

“My plea is a simple one – keep your distance, wash your hands, wear a mask, and ensure you are adhering to the rule of six.

“It’s up to all of us to bring the virus under control. The latest figures are a stark warning that we must act now. We need to slow the rate before it’s too late.”

But for those of us with visual impairments and physical disabilities there can sometimes be issues with road layouts, pedestrian access, and one-way systems, whether there is a need for social distancing during a global pandemic or not. So, in the current circumstances there had been a real need to take account of such people’s views.

In Oxford, that’s where Oxford City Council’s inclusive transport and movement focus group project has come in.

Kate Laybourne from Oxfordshire County Council’s Sensory Impairment team joined her colleagues on the project, visiting potential sites for new bike racks to ensure they do not hinder access for the visually impaired and those with mobility issues.

Kate commented: “One example of how we’ve been able to help involved us steering our transport planners away from one particular site which would have made it difficult for white cane users to tap along the back edge of the pavement; this is one way they navigate around the city centre.

“Instead, we suggested for an alternative location of the racks nearby which would have much less of an impact for people with visual impairments.”

“This is just one example of the work being carried out by organisations and local authorities in Oxfordshire to ensure that those of us with disabilities or are visually impaired can continue to safely access our town centres and highways while we make changes across our town centres across Oxfordshire to tackle the virus.”

Oxford City Council Regeneration Manager Ted Maxwell helped to kickstart the focus group, which has been running regularly since late May.

He commented: “Like most areas of England, we’ve had to make a number of changes in Oxford to make it possible for us all to continue practising social distancing, from extending pavements to implementing one-way systems to keep us all safe during these profound times.”

“However, these changes also had the potential to create issues for many people with disabilities and those who are visually impaired when going into shopping areas. So, we needed to look at how we best supported those who needed it to ensure that they could still get around their city safely. To this end, the City Council created the inclusive transport and movement focus group.”

In May, officers at Oxford City convened the first meeting, through Zoom featuring people with experience of living, working and travelling around Oxford with disabilities, and organisations including KEEN Oxford, Wheels for Wellbeing, Free Thinking Network, University of Oxford, Ruskin College Oxford, a secondary school, and the Sensory Impairment Team at Oxfordshire County Council

Kate added: “We spent some time looking at the Oxford city centre one-way system, and some of the road closures, and how these changes could impact those with disabilities or visual impairment.

“In one instance, we were able to advise on changing the colour of pavement markings so that they provide a better contrast against the colour of the pavement and have worked with partner organisations – notably the Oxfordshire Association for the Blind – to develop audio text that accompanies the map of the system.”

Eunan O’Neill, Consultant in Public Health at Oxfordshire County Council said: We all must adhere to the systems put in place in our town centres to help us socially distance. If we all do this, and follow other guidance including wearing a mask in enclosed public places, and washing our hands regularly, we can help to #stopthespread.

Malcolm, 68, a grandfather with two adult children, lives near Thame and is a driver for the county council’s library service. He has worked for the council since December 2015 when he became semi-retired. Prior to working for the council, Malcolm was a production manager for a printer cartridge recycling firm in Berkshire.

Before the emergency struck in March, Malcolm’s work involved driving his van across nine of the libraries in Oxford collecting and delivering books and other materials - so serving the community was already something close to him.

When lockdown happened in March and libraries had to close, Malcolm stepped forward and answered the call to step in and make vital deliveries and collections for critical services as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) to help #stopthespread of the infection.

Malcolm’s PPE deliveries make a real difference; they allow essential, front line workers at the council to keep serving communities across the county in a time of critical need; they help keep our staff safe and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

Malcolm said:

“I normally work 25 hours a week but during lockdown my hours varied. I regularly worked Wednesday and Thursday and on other days worked as required depending on what I am asked to do amid the current need. My first call is to collect the council van from Holton (near Wheatley).”

Most of the PPE deliveries have been to central locations known as Community Service Centres where they are then distributed on to staff who need the items. When making collections or deliveries, Malcolm has been very mindful to take all precautions to #stopthespread; “I make safe deliveries by first ringing the door, placing the items by the doorstep before moving at least two metres further away to let the person know their goods are delivered. Other steps I have to keep safe are gloves, a mask and sanitising spray which I use for the van.”

Malcolm’s commitment to his duties also goes well beyond what you might expect; another vital task he performs amid the pandemic is to help support the workforce of the council staff as they work from home. With so many of support staff dispersed from County Hall and Speedwell House in Oxford, Bodicote House in Banbury and other offices, who now must keep safe by working from home, Malcolm plays a vital link by delivering and collecting IT equipment.

He has enabled countless staff to keep up their support of services by making sure they have the laptops, phones and other equipment to continue their duties at a time of critical need. From Caversham in the south to the edge of Banbury in the north of Oxfordshire, Malcolm has selflessly covered miles to keep our services running.

At the beginning of the lockdown, the Coronavirus 2020 Act enabled registrars to register deaths by telephone instead of in face-to-face appointments. Malcolm played a key role in this transition, collecting confidential paperwork from registrars’ homes across the whole of Oxfordshire and delivering it safely to the Oxford Register Office, where it can be stored securely.

Ian Pike, one of Oxfordshire County Council’s registration staff said:

“I live outside of Henley and am a Registrar, (normally based at the Henley office), so I have been working from home with all the IT gear that entails.

“Since the home registration systems were set up Malcolm was the mainstay of making this all work. Initially he delivered the IT equipment, and then a regular weekly visit to bring stationery, ink cartridges and return with the registration material to Oxford. He was punctual and always a cheery smile and hello, a brief conversation and then he was off to the next registrar. A reliable and charming man.”

Keep safe wherever you work or travel

We all have a vital role to play in keeping Oxfordshire safe and in preventing local outbreaks. Make sure you follow these simple steps to keep safe and stop the virus spreading. Like Malcolm does, we need to keep our distance from other people where possible and avoid all busy gatherings. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available

Wear a face covering on public transport, in all shops and in places where it is hard to stay away from people. Like Malcolm, with your support, we all have a part to play in our goal to #stopthespread.

Colleagues from Emergency Planning, Highways and the Fire and Rescue Service as well as contractors worked round the clock to respond to all the problems caused by the storm conditions.

Since the storm hit the team dealt with:

153 fallen tree / branches

4 calls for property damage

3 problems with fallen temporary traffic management

2 road closures

4 calls of debris in the road

3 problems with electrical equipment - 1 illuminated bollard , 1 traffic signal and 1 streetlight down

2 problems of tree damage to footway

1 flood

Although Storm Ciara has passed there's some useful numbers it's worth storing away in case you need them in future.

Fallen trees can be reported via 101. Any that are endangering safety or life should be reported via 999.

Power cuts can be reported on 105.

Contractors working for Oxfordshire County Council will be refurbishing the junction of George Street, Worcester Street and Hythe Bridge Street – a £210,000 investment in the city’s transport network.

The team will be working on minor carriageway widening, traffic islands to separate the junction and installing new signals and new cable ducting.

The project is designed to help accommodate the increased pedestrian, cycle and public transport movements between the station and city centre, as a result of major development sites such as Westgate, Oxpens and Osney Mead.

Plan your journeys

Late on Sunday 9 February 2020 - the day before main works start - the crew will set up all the traffic management needed for the work to done.

The traffic management has been designed to minimise the impact as far as possible but delays are likely and everyone is being asked to review their daily route, mode of transport and time of travel and where possible consider alternatives such as park and ride.

County Councillor Liam Walker, Cabinet member for Highways Delivery and Operations, said: “This is the latest in a series of gradual improvements we have been making in this area.

“Major developments like the Westgate, Oxpens and Osney Mead mean that we have to have a plan to meet the increased demands this places on the transport network and I am confident that the £210,000 will be money well spent.”

The work is expected to last for up to seven weeks. For more information visit - https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/roadworks/major-current-roadworks/connections-oxford-station

Thousands of pupils will be getting active from May 20-24 as part of an innovative scheme commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council’s Public Health team working in partnership with Active Oxfordshire.

Walk to School Week is an extension of the WOW project supported by Public Health over the past two years. Run by Living Streets, the year-round walk-to-school challenge encourages children to collect badges each month as a reward for making journeys actively.

The council’s Public Health team seeks to promote, improve and protect the health of local people. It’s all part of the council’s commitment to thriving communities – we help people live safe, healthy lives and play an active part in their community.

Tracking travel habits

Since the launch of WOW across Oxfordshire in September 2017, active travel rates in participating schools – including walking, cycling, scooting or ‘park and stride’ – have risen from 65 per cent to 88 per cent.

The scheme provides schools with a ‘Travel Tracker’ which they use to record the different modes of travel, providing valuable insights into travel habits.

St Mary’s CE Primary School in Banbury is one of 20 schools across the county signed up to WOW and its pupils are shining stars when it comes to getting active and helping to reduce air pollution.

All 145 children in Years 1 to 6 are tracked and complete their own registration each school day on the Living Streets website.

When St Mary’s adopted the scheme in October 2017, 57 per cent were making active journeys to school. Now 76 per cent are moving actively.

Teri Smith, PE co-ordinator at St Mary’s, said WOW was now an accepted part of its daily routine. She said: “We want all children to be as active as possible and also want to make sure we’re doing what we can for the environment.

“There’s lots of excitement over the way children get to school and making sure they achieve their badges. We’re really proud of the way everyone has engaged with the scheme.”

Headteacher Victoria Woods added: “We as a school are in a really built-up area and the last thing Banbury needs is for us to be contributing to the congestion.

“We teach children about road safety and behaving properly on their walk to school. The children really like the badges and doing their own registration. They don’t have to walk every day which I think for working families makes it that little bit more accessible.”

What pupils at St Mary’s say

Year 6 pupil Rio Ali, 11, walks to school three times a week. “It takes about 15-20 minutes and is really good for my health and fitness. I actually prefer walking to being dropped off in the car – it’s about socialising and being with my friends.”

Year 4 pupil Line Al-awad, nine, walks the 15-minute journey to school every day. “If you walk every day it gives you more energy, you get fresh air and it helps to develop your muscles.”

Year 5 pupil Mati Perez, 10, walks 20 minutes to school every day with her mum. “I like walking because it gets your brain ready for the day and it’s good exercise. It’s also good because it’s not polluting the area.”

Year 4 pupil Finley Adu-Frimpong, eight, takes about 25 to 30 minutes to walk to school every day. “I like it because sometimes you can see your friends and chat to them. Walking also makes you fitter and stronger. I love the WOW scheme because you get badges every month – it makes you want to walk even more.”

How WOW is making a difference

Pupils are rewarded with badges once a month if they walk to school at least once a week. There is the incentive to claim up to 11 badges in the school year.

Since the first 20 schools in Oxfordshire started the programme in September 2017:

• Active travel rates (walking, cycling, scooting, park and stride and getting off the bus early) have increased from 65% to 88%)
• Walking rates have increased from 45% to 61%
• Park and stride – which encourages parents to park away from the school gates and walk the last part of the journey – has risen from 9% to 16%
• WOW costs less than £450 per school per annum and can be funded using PE Pupil Premium.

Creating healthy habits for a lifetime

Val Messenger, Oxfordshire County Council’s interim director for Public Health, said: “It has been wonderful to see such enthusiasm from schools and pupils in support of this scheme.

“It’s a great initiative which reduces congestion outside the school gates, improves wellbeing and creates healthy habits for a lifetime.

“Increasing day-to-day physical activity is a priority in Oxfordshire, where 79 per cent of children aged five to 16 do not meet the Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity guidelines. (See guidelines here)

“The children clearly enjoy taking part and are learning some great messages about the importance of being active by walking to school and helping to look after the environment by reducing air pollution.”

Working alongside the county council to promote active travel

Tom Gubbins, Cherwell District Council’s recreation and sport activities officer, said: “Cherwell District Council is passionate about helping children establish healthy habits early in life.

“We’ve got a targeted affordable activity programme for families in key Banbury areas which St Mary’s pupils are really making the most of. Working alongside the county council to promote active travel complements our wider aims for healthy lifestyles really well.”

‘Improving air quality for everyone’

Jenni Wiggle, of Living Streets, said: “More children walking to school means fewer vehicles on the road, helping to reduce congestion, road danger and improve air quality for everyone. We would like to see more local authorities following in Oxfordshire’s footsteps and prioritising the walk to school to help clean up our air.

“Walking to school not only improves our air quality but is a great way for children to build more exercise into their daily lives, helping them to arrive at school healthier, happier and ready to learn.”

Get your school signed up

Schools seeking more information on how to sign up should contact Sarah Ellis at Living Streets. Email her at sarah.ellis@livingstreets.org.uk

Well, if you ask Mark Boundy, it could well be tree branches, power cables and something known as ‘the Star Wars effect’.

Mark has been driving gritting wagons for Oxfordshire County Council for six years and last winter was a tough one, as he explains: “We had more trouble with fallen trees and branches weighed down by snow than the snow itself.

“You would be driving along and tree limbs that should have been well out of the way were often at cab level because of the snow. Power cables were also at lower than normal levels as well.

“Another thing you can experience is what we call the Star Wars effect. In the dark, with the snow falling your lights show up the flakes against the pitch-black sky and it looks like you are going into hyperdrive.

“All this means that you really have to have your wits about you at all times and it’s testament to the skill and experience of the drivers that they get round their routes in some pretty awful conditions.”

When asked why he does the job, Mark simply says that it’s a job that has to be done. He is also keen to get across the safety message to fellow road users during the worst weather that winter has to throw at us.

“Salt works as a de-icer, but it is only effective down to something like -6 °C and it also needs traffic to keep it moving it across the road. Salt helps, but it doesn’t guarantee that there won’t be ice anywhere on your route. My advice is to drive carefully at all times as there can be patches of ice or snow about.

“Snow ploughing is another thing I’d like to tell people about. Firstly you can’t plough and spread grit at the same time. You need the weight of the salt in the back to counteract the weight of the snow you are trying to push – there’s some incredible forces involved in moving snow and sometimes you can end up with the snow pushing the vehicle sideways as you can get up to three tonnes of snow in the plough.

“That is one of the reasons we really try to get salt down ahead of the snow.

“The other thing people may not realise is that the ploughs don’t go right down to the tarmac – they can’t as that would risk damaging things like cats eyes. So even if a road is ploughed and passable we need to go back and grit it and, of course, drivers need to be very careful.

Another of the more unexpected perils that face drivers is thirst. They find that the salt has a habit of eventually drying out the air in the cab meaning that having some water and perhaps some sweets to hand is a must.

While our gritter drivers are a dedicated crew, it is not their only talent. Mark also works in the depot’s sign making department and also looks after road closures. It’s not often that the two sides of Mark’s career mix, but he does recall one occasion: “I was manning the closure of Abingdon Road during one of the particularly bad floods and got a call on my mobile telling me I needed to get back to the depot to go out in the gritter!”

So what would Mark recommend for anyone heading out in freezing weather? Beyond the obvious ‘take care’ there’s a few other things he’d definitely suggest: “Clear your cars of any snow on the windscreen and roof. I’ve seen the police stopping people who have set off with a clear screen and then the snow from the roof has slipped down after a few minutes. As well as possibly getting a fine you can also effectively be blind for a few seconds and you can hit anything in that time.

“Also think about what’s in your boot. A snow shovel a warm jacket and some boots can make all the difference if you get stuck.”

Paul Wilson manages the council’s winter operation and explained how the decision is made on whether the gritters should swing in to action or not. He said: “We make that decision on a daily basis based on the detailed weather forecast for Oxfordshire.

“The crucial thing that councils check to judge whether the gritters should go out or not is whether the road surface temperature will be at 0.5 degrees or below. That’s the temperature at which frost will form and surfaces will become slippery. Many other factors are also taken into consideration by the decision officers.

“Right the way through from November to spring we take this daily decision. Often it is a straightforward judgement but occasionally there are complications. For instance, the forecast might be telling us that the night will start very cold and frost will form but it’ll later warm up and that there’ll be rain coming in.

“On other occasions there might be snow in the forecast and we’ll want to time the gritting run just right and perhaps fit the snowploughs to the front of the gritters. On such occasions there’s every chance we’d send the gritters out more than once.

“We know it’s a difficult job for a driver of one of the gritters. Driving down a country road in freezing conditions at 2am in dark depths of winter is no picnic.

“The aim is to have the main roads in as safe a condition as possible. It should however be pointed out that gritting is not a magic elixir that prevents the driving hazards that winter brings. It lessens them – it does not eliminate them. Our advice is always that people should drive to the conditions. Don’t drive in December like you would in June or July. It’s common sense really - but it’s important.”

Things you might not know about gritting:

• It’s not grit – it’s salt (we don’t know why it started being called ‘gritting’)
• The salt is corrosive and the gritters must be steam cleaned and wax-oiled regularly. Even so, parts have to be replaced due to rust.
• Normally the spinners at the back spread the salt across the full width of the road. But snow on the ground means that the salt particles don’t bounce and so more work is needed to get it where it’s needed.
• The wheels drive the spinners that spread the salt – if the gritter isn’t moving it’s not spreading grit, so try not to hold them up!
• Salt needs traffic to help make it work – driving over it mixes it with any ice on the road surface and makes sure it gets spread around properly
• Salt only works down to about -6°c and care is always needed if you are driving in freezing temperatures even if you can see a road has been salted
• When it snows we do also plough the roads. BUT the ploughs can’t go right down to make contact with the road surface so that things like cats eyes are not damaged.
• “Winter” in Oxfordshire starts in November as far as gritting is concerned and runs through to April.

As the pictures show, our crew have resurfaced the old tarmac and sealed the edges, ready for residents to pass through once again.

With almost 3,000 miles of road to look after across the county, we need your help – tell us how we can help you fix your street at https://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk/.

With almost 3,000 miles of road to look after across the county, we need your help – tell us how we can help you fix your street at https://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk/.

Following a tip-off about potentially unsafe tyres at Bicester Tyres Ltd – previously of Buckingham Road, Bicester – officers found used tyres of various makes and sizes that had received an inadequate temporary repair. The tyres failed to meet the relevant legal requirements.

Unsuccessful attempts were made to work with the company to resolve this safety issue, and the business has now left its trading premises, removing a quantity of part worn tyres with them. This has led to today’s unusual step of publishing a public safety warning.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team aims to protect the public, the environment, consumers and others. It carries out enforcement functions in in a fair, practical and consistent manner to promote a thriving local economy and help people stay safe in their community.

Jody Kerman, from Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards, said: “Driver safety is paramount. We encourage everyone to check carefully any newly purchased part worn tyres, particularly if they were bought from Bicester Tyres Ltd.

“We’re warning residents and businesses to only buy tyres from trusted providers and to report any suspicious advertisements or cold-call sales attempts regarding part worn tyres.”

If anyone has information about the location of these tyres, they should contact Trading Standards on 0345 404 0506

Below is the safety notice published by Trading Standards:

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

BICESTER TYRES LTD (not to be confused with similar named businesses)

Gulf Service Station,

Buckingham Road,

Bicester, OX26 3EU

Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is concerned about the sale and supply of potentially unsafe part-worn tyres by the above business.

The Trading Standards Service is advising any customers who have had part-worn tyres sold to them, or fitted to their vehicle, by Bicester Tyres Ltd, to take their vehicle to a trusted source for a safety inspection.

If customers of the business require any consumer advice, such as any rights to redress, or to report further concerns or information regarding the business to Trading Standards, please call 0345 404 0506

More information regarding the safety of part worn tyres can be found at the website of the charity TyreSafe https://www.tyresafe.org/

Check out our list of public events here!

Chris Barber, Community Safety Manager from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Organised fireworks displays are more fun, cheaper and far safer than hosting your own fireworks or bonfire party. If you are planning on using fireworks for a private event, please keep the Fireworks Safety Code in mind”.

www.saferfireworks.com/

Top safety tips for Bonfire Night:

• Only buy CE marked fireworks from reputable and licensed shops.
• Keep fireworks in a closed, metal box.
• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
• Never return to a firework that has not gone off, and never throw used or unused fireworks onto a bonfire.
• Never drink alcohol while lighting a bonfire or setting off fireworks.
• Always supervise children and don’t give sparklers to a child under five.
• Keep your bonfire at least 18 metres away from houses, trees and hedges. There should be a barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators five metres away. Before lighting a bonfire, check it is stable and that there are no children or animals inside.
• Only burn dry wood, never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire and think about the direction of smoke travel.
• Keep some buckets of water nearby.
• Have consideration for those around you, including notifying neighbours who may have pets or farm animals.
• Consider where fireworks and debris might fall, ensuring safety distances are provided for people to keep safe. Safety distances are provided on each firework label or package.

If people do plan a private display, they’re encouraged to only buy fireworks from a reputable retailer. Before purchasing, seek advice on the suitability of fireworks for the space available, and check that they meet current safety standards.

This safety advice is part of 365alive, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service’s vision to work every day to save and improve the lives of people across the county. For more information, visit www.365alive.co.uk 

If you have concerns that retailers are not storing fireworks appropriately, selling fireworks that do not display a CE mark, or selling to anyone under 18, please contact Trading Standards.

They can also provide safety advice on disposing of unused or damaged fireworks. Do not put fireworks into your bin.

Trading Standards: 03454 04 05 06.

In the five years to December 2017, in Oxfordshire there were 24 people injured while using mobility scooters, and one death.

Nationally, during the same period, 859 mobility scooter users were injured, and there were 41 deaths.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service is holding a driver training scheme in Wantage that if successful could be replicated in other parts of the county.

The Wantage workshops aim to raise awareness of the issues users face – such as pavement obstructions, and judging when it is safe to proceed on pedestrian crossings – and improve their driving skills.

Participants get to meet scooter manufacturers to discuss design and safety features, whilst an obstacle course allows them to put driving theory into practice.

Sean Mienie, from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“At the county council, we aim to help people live safe, healthy lives and play an active part in their community. These workshops will support mobility scooter users in understanding their responsibilities to the public and teach them how to drive in a safe manner. It’s also the perfect way to make new friends.”

Talking about his vision for the future, Sean added: “I hope this group of mobility scooter users increases so that we can educate more people and learn from their experiences.

“This could be a model for each town or village in our county. It is a fantastic initiative and opportunity. The users enjoy meeting new people and attending the workshops."

Locals are asked to support the scheme by being more considerate, especially in their parking and driving.

The next training workshop takes place at Wantage Fire Station on Tuesday 23 October between 2:30pm to 4pm.

For more information about the mobility scooter training workshops email Sean.Mienie@Oxfordshire.gov.uk or phone 07469 937 982.

The UKRO Challenge is unrivalled for showcasing the incredible skills and commitment of emergency service personnel. It replicates real-life scenarios in disciplines such as vehicle extrication, trauma care, urban search and rescue, and water rescue.

The six-person Oxfordshire team will use the challenge to hone their accident rescue skills. They are training with the latest hydraulic tools in readiness to access, release and remove ‘live casualties’ in a range of vehicle crash scenarios.

Chris Barber, from the Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service team, said: “We’re taking every opportunity to train when we can, at work and in our own time, and we’re determined to give it our best shot. What we learn as we prepare for the Cardiff challenge will translate into how we respond to real collisions on the road, hopefully making Oxfordshire a safer place.

“Community support for our team has been fantastic. We’ve got great relationships with local scrap yards, who help us to mock up vehicle smashes using old car and van bodyshells.”

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service’s UKRO challenge team are:

Chris Barber (44), based at Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service HQ

Mark de la Coze (39), based at Kidlington

Chris Battle (40), Kidlington

Justin Stanley (40), Kidlington

Chris Aust (41), Kidlington

Paul Roberts (39), Kidlington

The campaign aims to provide businesses with information and advice to reduce the number of fire incidents and false alarms in the workplace,

Businesses are encouraged check they have taken necessary steps, required by law, to protect their premises and employees from fire. Advice is being given on preventing arson attacks, reducing false alarms, and taking safety precautions for sleeping accommodation.

Statistics show that in 2016-17 there were 19,410 fires in UK businesses with about 30% (5,518) started deliberately.

Chris Wilson, from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We want to work with small businesses to help them understand their legal responsibilities when it comes to fire prevention and safety.

“We’re promoting anti-arson measures and general fire safety in restaurants, takeaways and other licensed premises, particularly those with sleeping accommodation.

“Leaflets are available in a range of languages to help business owners whose first language is not English. Forthcoming seminars will provide an opportunity for employers to ask questions and learn how to ensure they maintain a safe working environment.”

For further information email fire.service@oxfordshire.gov.uk or visit the website www.365alive.co.uk/cms/content/work

Last year, Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards tested 800 blankets; nearly a quarter failed to meet the safety standard.

In response, Trading Standards is teaming up with Oxfordshire Council Fire and Rescue Service and district councils to highlight the dangers associated with faulty blankets.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, the county council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “It’s extremely worrying that so many electric blankets have failed the recent safety checks.

“A faulty or damaged blanket could result in a fire or electrocution. Free advice and a safety check, which only takes five minutes, really could save lives.”

The tester will do a visual check – checking for signs of wear and tear and any scorch marks. They then test the controller to ensure the correct amount of electricity is passing through the blanket.

Checks are made for any breaks in the blanket’s wiring, date of manufacture, and if it has over-heat protection. The plug is also inspected.

The free electric blanket checks will be taking place in the following locations during October:

Oxford (Monday 01 and 15 October)

Banbury (Tuesday 02 October)

Thame (Wednesday 03 October)

Witney (Thursday 04 October)

Abingdon (Friday 05 October)

Bicester (Tuesday 16 October)

Didcot (Wednesday 17 October)

Chipping Norton (Thursday 18 October)

Wantage Friday 19 October)

To pre-book an electric blanket safety check, phone 01865 898642 or email communityengagement@oxfordshire.gov.uk

What the electric blanket safety check involves:

The tester will discuss simple steps for purchasing, using, storing and disposing of electric blankets. Residents are encouraged to:

• read and follow the manufacturer's instructions before use
• examine the blanket regularly for signs of wear or damage
• use the blanket only for the purpose the manufacturer intended
• check the manufacturer's instructions for suitability to wash the blanket
• carry out a visual check of the blanket to make sure there is no visible signs of damage caused in transport when first purchased.

And advised not to:

• use the blanket whilst it is still folded, rucked or creased
• use a hot water bottle at the same time as using the electric blanket
• touch the blanket with wet hands or feet
• insert or use pins to hold the blanket in place on the bed
• use the under-blankets on adjustable beds, or if used on an adjustable bed, check that the blanket and cord do not become trapped, for example in hinges
• use an electric blanket on the bed of a helpless person, an infant or a person who may have a condition that makes them insensitive to heat
• allow the appliance to be used by young children, unless the controls have been pre-set by a parent or carer

Contractors working for Oxfordshire County Council will start work on Monday 18 June on a toucan crossing on Middleton Stoney Road, just to the west of Newton Close, a shared footway/cycleway on the western side of Oxford Road along with walking and cycling improvements along Queens Avenue.

County Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet member for Environment, said: “I know that there has been a lot of interest locally in seeing these improvements happen and I think those who campaigned for them will be pleased to see work begin.”

The works, all of which are developer funded, include:

Middleton Stoney Road toucan crossing – this will connect to the internal footway and cycleway network on Kingsmere. Residents of Kingsmere and from older parts of the town to the north of Middleton Stoney campaigned for a safe crossing, particularly for school children attending the St Edburg’s primary school which moved onto Kingsmere in 2016.

Shared footway/cycleway on the western side of Oxford Road – this will pick up from where provision stops short opposite Pingle Drive, and run round on the southern side of Middleton Stoney Road to Newton Close and the new toucan crossing. This is to remedy a missing gap in the network, which was raised by local councillors and there is clear evidence of cyclists using the grass verge at the moment.

Walking and cycling improvements along Queens Avenue – widening of two sections of shared footway/cycleway on the western side of Queens Avenue to a width of 3m: from Kingsclere Road to the access to The Bicester School and leisure centre, and from the zebra crossing near to the police station up to Bucknell Road. Providing an improved off-carriageway facility for users of all ages, particularly for those accessing schools and the leisure facilities as raised by local councillors.

The civil engineering works will start on Middleton Stoney Road first and lead round to Oxford Road, and the Queens Avenue works will follow that. The electrical work will be done by Siemens for when the schools return in September.

Our Road Safety Education team says that when working at events in the community, they are often asked: “how many drinks can I have and still be under drink-drive limit?”. The truth is that it’s impossible to work that out. It all depends on how the units, the size of the person, their blood volume, their metabolic rate, whether the person has eaten, if they are taking medication or are tired. Women have smaller livers, so process the alcohol more slowly.

One drink could put you over the drink-drive limit and even small amounts of alcohol (or drugs) can affect our vision, co-ordination and decision making skills. The best bet is not to drink at all.

The vast majority of drivers are doing the right thing but a significant minority continue to put themselves and others at risk. Alcohol plays a part in almost 1 out of 5 deaths on Oxfordshire roads in 2016. That’s why we are saying that it’s not worth the risk.

The morning after the night before…

Many drivers are sensible and make a plan so they don’t drink-drive on an evening out. However, many people aren’t aware of just how important it is to know what you’ve been drinking during that night out, to work out when you’ll be OK to drive the next day.

Andy Ford, Oxfordshire County Council, Fire & Rescue Service’s Road Safety Education Team Manager said, “Our ‘Morning After’ campaign and resources remind people that it takes around 1 hour per unit of alcohol to be processed by our liver. There’s no way to speed that up the process, drinking water or coffee might make you feel better/more lively but it won’t increase the speed at which your body processes the alcohol - Only time work”.

Top Tips for a Safe and Merry Christmas:

• Look at our recipes for ‘Mocktails’ (non-alcoholic) cocktails with a few ideas to make the designated driver feel special too. Atomic Cat or a Virgin Mojito? http://www.365alive.co.uk/cms/content/mocktails

• Make a plan for your night out: book a taxi, get on public transport or walk

• Think of the morning after: Time is the onlyhttp://morning-after.org.uk/?page_id=82 and check this info: http://www.365alive.co.uk/cms/content/should-you-drive-morning-after

• Don’t accept a lift from a driver you know has drunk alcohol or offer an alcoholic drink to someone else who is intending to drive.

• Remember it’s not worth the risk

As the dark nights continue to draw in many people are undeterred and set out on two wheels – but some do so without any lights. Our video (above) shows the startling difference between using and not using lights.

Riding without the right lights and reflectors can result in a fine as well as putting others at risk. However in a recent initiative Thames Valley Police stopped more than 80 cyclists for not having working lights in one evening in Oxford.

Cllr Suzanne Bartington, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cycling Champion, supports Cyclox’s Rights and Responsibilities campaign which lists very simply what cyclists can expect and what they need to do while out and about and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue’s own 365Alive campaign which provides road safety information and guidance for cyclists as well as pedestrians and all road users.

Health benefits

County Councillor Suzanne Bartington, the county council’s Cycling Champion, said: “Cycling is a great way to get about all year round thanks to its health benefits and the fact that it creates no pollution and doesn’t add to congestion.

“I want more people to start cycling and, for those who don’t, for cyclists to be safe and be highly regarded by other road users.

“The law states that you should have a red light at the back and a white one on the front, but you should also ask yourself whether you are as safe as you can be and visible to other road users.

“Having good working lights and considering other safety items such as reflective clothing and a helmet do not need to cost very much, but their value in terms of safety can be immeasurable.”

Read up before you ride off

The county council’s fire and rescue service’s 365alive website has quick and comprehensive advice you can follow to make sure that your next bike ride or commute is a safe one.

Wear the right gear

• Ideally you need to set off in an outfit in which you feel a bit chilly for the first few minutes. You’ll soon warm up.
• Remember to keep your head, hands and feet warm. These tend to feel colder the longer you ride.

Maintain your bike

• Check your tyres and brakes before you ride

Be visible

• Use front and rear lights and reflectors after sunset, before sunrise and in poor visibility. Check they are working correctly and keep them clean.
• Wear high-visibility clothing or accessories, or something white or bright.

Protect yourself

• Wear a cycle helmet and make sure it is the correct size and properly fitted.

Make sure you know what’s going on around you

• Have a good look around before starting, stopping, turning left and right and also before overtaking parked vehicles.
• Use your ears as well as your eyes. Don't use a mobile phone or MP3 / iPod’s as they will distract you; you need all your senses so you are aware of everything around you.

Passing vehicles

• Never pass nearside between traffic and the pavement especially close to junctions. Particularly with large vehicles where the driver may not have noticed you in their wing mirrors.

When you can ride on a pavement

When it is a designated as cycle path. Where this is the case, moderate your speed and take care when passing pedestrians and at junctions.

Earlier this year there was a consultation on a proposal to extend westwards the 30mph speed limit on the A4095 Witney Road westwards by approximately 75 metres in place of the current 40mph speed limit.

The extended limit was put forward to improve the safety of all road users in the vicinity of a new access road serving residential development on the south side of the road.

Funding for the amended limit has been provided by the developers of the adjacent residential development.

The change comes after a decision made by the county council’s Cabinet member for Environment, Yvonne Constance, following a request made by a local business.

The new restrictions will mean that vehicles servicing the shopping area will be able be unloaded safely and conveniently. The associated costs are being paid for by the business who requested the measures.

The county council’s Cabinet member for Environment, Cllr Yvonne Constance, has approved proposals that will see the crossing installed on the A422 Warwick Road, approximately 90 metres south east of its junction with Ferndale Road.

Warwick Road is a key radial route into Banbury, carrying over 10,000 vehicles in an average 12 hour period. This causes problems for residents trying to cross the road, including school children.

The need for a pedestrian crossing was included in the council’s National Productivity Investment Fund bid and was accepted as a suitable scheme for the 2017/18 allocation.

A consultation was held earlier this year into the extension northwards the 30mph speed limit on the B4100 Warwick Road from its current terminal position just north of its junction with the A422 Stratford Road northwards to just north of its roundabout junction with Dukes Meadow Drive, replacing the current 40mph speed limit.

The proposals also included the installation of a toucan crossing on the B4100 Warwick Road approximately 30 metres north of its junction with Firtree Close. The crossing will provide a safe and convenient place for pedestrians and cyclists travelling to and from the new development to cross the road.

Funding for the installation of the amended speed limit and toucan crossing has been provided by the developers of the adjacent residential development.

A traffic calming build-out will be installed on the Murcott Road at Arncott, approximately 20 metres south-west of its junction with The Village Close.

Murcott Road which is long and straight with good visibility approaching the village, meaning that traffic has a tendency to exceed the existing speed limit of 30mph as it approaches the residential part of the village.

With new development extending the village along the Murcott Road it was felt that some traffic calming measures would be appropriate to extend the current series of buildouts.

Funding for the installation of the traffic calming build-out has been provided by £13,000 of developer funds .

Oxfordshire County Council is proposing to introduce a 30mph speed limit and other measures on Chipping Bridge, Station Road from Kingham to Bledington.

To find out more and have your say visit: https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/StationRoadKingham30mph/consultationHome

Chris Barber, Station Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue service said: “Where possible, residents should attend organised public firework displays. These community events bring people together and raise funds for local schools and charities. Organised fireworks displays are more fun, cheaper and far safer than hosting your own fireworks or bonfire party. If you are planning on using fireworks for a private event, keep the Fireworks safety Code in mind”. www.saferfireworks.com/

Top 12 tips for Bonfire Night

• Only buy CE marked fireworks from reputable and licensed shops

• Keep fireworks in a closed, metal box

• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary

• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back

• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks

• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them

• Never drink alcohol while lighting a bonfire or setting off fireworks

• Supervise children at all times and don’t give sparklers to a child under five

• Keep your bonfire at least 18 metres away from houses, trees and hedges. There should be a barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators 5 meters awayBefore lighting a bonfire, check it is stable and that there are no children or animals inside

• Only burn dry wood, never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire and think about the direction of smoke travel

• Keep some buckets of water nearby

Councillor Judy Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for Fire and Rescue, said: “I would encourage people to only buy fireworks from a reputable retailer to avoid being sold illegal or counterfeit products that can cause serious injury and harm. I would urge all to follow the advice of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and attend only organised public displays. This is the safest option and we are lucky in Oxfordshire to have very many superb public displays on our doorsteps across the county”.

Here’s a list of fireworks displays in Oxfordshire: http://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/fireworks-in-oxfordshire-2017/

This advice is part of 365alive, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s vision to work every day to save and improve the lives of people across Oxfordshire. For more information, visit www.365alive.co.uk .

If you have concerns that sellers are not storing fireworks appropriately, selling fireworks that do not bear a CE mark or selling to those under 18, please report to Trading Standards via 03454 04 05 06

Monday 30 October marks the start of the second half of the Autumn term which means more cars on the roads and passengers on public transport.

The busiest times to travel on the roads are the morning and evening peak time of 07.30 to 09.30 and 15.30 to 18.30 as people travel to work and schools, although you can beat the traffic to an extent if you use public transport, park and ride services or cycle.

Clocks go back

The clocks will go back an hour this weekend too which means darker evenings making checking headlights and indicators and giving your car a general check over is a good idea. Cyclists also need to ensure that they have working lights and reflectors while pedestrians also need to bear the change in conditions in mind while out and about.

County Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet member for transport, said: “The start of the new school term is often a surprise for people whether they have got used to the roads being quieter or are resuming their commuting routine.

“Sometimes setting off a little earlier or even after the peak times can make for a quicker journey, but so can looking at how you travel and perhaps changing modes.

“Whatever you decide there’s a few things you can do to keep up to date with what’s happening on the roads. The BBC broadcast travel updates from the county council’s traffic control centre each day on Radio Oxford and you can also follow them on Twitter @bbcoxtravel.

“Safety is also really important so I would advise anyone who will be out and about on the roads to treat the clocks going back as a prompt to be safe and be seen.”

Best ways to get to new shopping centre

There is currently added interest in Oxford generated by the opening of the new Westgate centre and the best way to travel into the city centre to enjoy your day is to use the park and rides or public transport wherever possible.

New variable message signs have been installed on the outskirts of Oxfordshire to update people on space availability on the park and ride sites nearby and to direct them there. There are also temporary signs within the ring road which give directions, for those who have chosen not to use the park and rides, to city centre and Westgate.

There’s more information on travelling to the Westgate at: https://westgateoxford.co.uk/your-visit/getting-here

The council also aims to educate the public about how to spot illegal tobacco: what the dangers are, and how to report sales. The Illegal Tobacco Roadshow will start in Banbury and go around the county.

Meet sniffer dogs Scamp, Phoebe and Yoyo. They are all ex-rescue dogs and have found millions of pounds-worth of illegal cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco in locations across the UK. The talented mutts are needed as stashes are often hidden behind fake walls or in unusual locations secured by electro-magnets and operated by remote control devices.

Illegal tobacco makes it easier for children to start smoking, as it is sold at cheap prices, and it also makes communities more attractive to criminals, who may have links to organised crime groups. Reports suggest that illegal tobacco is an important part of Organised Criminal Groups’ portfolios. Far from being a victimless crime, this illicit trade is connected to drug trafficking, money laundering, firearms and other crimes that threaten communities and endanger lives.

Pocket money prices pose threat to children and communities

Judith Heathcoat, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “All tobacco is harmful, but illegal tobacco poses an additional threat to our children and communities, because it is sold at pocket money prices by criminals who are not interested in asking for proof of age. There is a lot of work being done across the county to tackle illegal tobacco but we need the public support to help us. Please tell us about where illegal tobacco is being sold, either in person at our mobile illegal tobacco unit, go online or via our hotline. “

Jodi Kerman Operations Manager, Trading Standards at Oxfordshire County Council added: “This is one of our top priorities for action, not only because smoking remains one of the UK’s biggest causes of premature death but we also know that the availability of cheap, illegal tobacco helps recruit the next generation of smokers and undermines our initiatives to help adults quit smoking.”

In the South East, illegal tobacco had a street value of £37 million and equivalent retail value of approximately £76 million in 2010. We believe that this share has now increased substantially.

The sale of illegal tobacco is a criminal offence. Anyone wishing to report the selling of illegal tobacco can do so anonymously online to Trading Standards at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk or call the Illegal Tobacco Hotline on 0300 999 6 999. For more information check:

http://www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk/

The first event will take place In Banbury: Monday 23^rd October 10am to 3.30pm Outside Castle Quay Shopping Centre (between M&S and Debenhams)

The new crossing would be installed 12 metres north of the B4017’s junction with Hilliats Field and would be sited on an extended flat top road hump.

More details on the proposals can be found here

The consultation closes on 18 August 2017.

Six crews and one aerial platform appliance attended the incident – they were from Oxford, Kidlington, The Slade (Headington) and Wheatley.

On arrival crews were faced with smoke coming from the entrance to the ground floor store area of the building. Thames Valley Police also attended the incident to provide assistance with the investigation and traffic control around the area.

Two crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the store area with firefighting jets to extinguish the fire. The fire involved one store cupboard in the area that is used as a store area for residents. The crews quickly extinguished the fire to stop any spread in to the main part of the building.

Incident Commander, Group Manager Paul Bremble, said: “The crews were quick to extinguish the fire and stop it from spreading to other parts of the building. The store is situated at the ground floor of the tower and does not have direct access to the main part of the building. The construction of the store is designed to stop the spread of the fire to other parts of the building. There was no risk to residents during the incident and no spread of the smoke or the fire to the flats above.

“Thankfully no one was hurt at the incident and our crews are working with Thames Valley Police to ascertain the cause of the fire.”

Stephen Clarke, Head of Housing and Property at Oxford City Council, said: “Everybody is rightly concerned about fires in tower blocks since the tragedy in Grenfell Tower in London. Today’s small fire, and the textbook response to it, shows that the safeguards in place in Oxford work well.

“We are very grateful to the firefighters for their speedy and successful response, and are reinforced that we were right a couple of years ago to decide to go above and beyond national fire safety standards in our £20 million refurbishment programme for all five Oxford tower blocks.

“The comprehensive fire measures we decided on included fitting sprinklers – which Oxfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer has confirmed puts our blocks amongst only 18 in the country with sprinklers, out of around 600 blocks in total.”

Stonewall, Britain’s lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity, listed the council in third place in its Education Equality index 2017, which rates local areas for combating this form of bullying and celebrating difference in schools.

The council, which made sixth place in last year’s Index, is a member of Stonewall’s Education Champions Programme and has developed nationally recognised strategies to address anti-LGBT bullying, providing both resources and guidance to school staff.

Sarah Rose, Senior Account Manager at Stonewall, said: “Oxfordshire County council has once again made huge progress. It has a fantastic array of online resources available providing vital support and guidance to schools and young people across the area.”

Project Q

An innovative drama project developed as part of Oxfordshire’s anti-bullying strategy is also being staged today (Wednesday 28 June) at the Stonewall Education For All conference in Birmingham.

Led by staff and pupils at The Warriner School in Bloxham, Project Q is a 20-minute play using physical theatre and dialogue taken directly from interviews with young people about their experiences relating to gender, sexuality and how these are treated by their peers and adults.

The drama, which has been performed to young people and adults across the county, aims to challenge its audience to think about what school would be like to ‘come out’ in. It also features a question and answer session with the cast.

Students from The Warriner School perform Project Q

Providing support

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Hilary Hibbert-Biles said: “We’re delighted to be ranked once again among the country’s very best local authorities for tackling this issue. Any young person can experience homophobic, bi-phobic or transphobic bullying, and like all forms of bullying it should never be allowed to go unchallenged.”

Cabinet Member for Children and Families Services Steve Harrod added: “We are very proud of the partnership work we are doing with schools and other agencies including Thames Valley Police, Health, and youth groups both to prevent bullying and to provide support for LGBT children and young people.”

Find out more

Now in its seventh year, the Stonewall Equality Index remains a vital tool for local authorities to benchmark their success in making local schools inclusive of LGBT issues and young people, measuring practice and policy at all the participating local authorities.

For more information, help and advice about all forms of bullying, visit the council’s anti-bullying web pages

Oxfordshire County Council has already started a review of fire risks related to the construction and materials used in its buildings.

A spokesperson said: "These reviews are being conducted as a precaution, and are not the result of any concerns about specific buildings. We have not yet identified any sites that have used such cladding material but the review is on-going. We have offered support to schools to ensure that fire risk assessments and evacuation plans are properly managed.”

27 June: Firefighters at high-rise towers in Blackbird Leys reassure residents about fire safety

Three crews from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service were at Evenlode and Windrush Tower in Blackbird Leys this afternoon door knocking and reassuring and advising residents about fire safety. Free Safe & Well visits were offered to residents who had concerns about fire safety in their home.

This follows Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Community Safety & Chief Fire Officer Simon Furlong speaking at a resident’s meeting in Blackbird Leys last night. Oxford City Council has confirmed that it will replace the rain-screen cladding on Evenlode and Windrush Towers with improved non-combustible material in line with the requirements of the new central government guidance.

A crew from Bicester Fire Station helped young Alan and his mum on friday evening, after he inadvertantly got locked in the family car.

The crew were able to assist by gaining the keys to the car, just as Alan finally managed to press the button himself as the crew had the spare key!

All's well that ends well - Mum and son reunited!

Live in Bicester? Follow Bicester Fire Station on facebook!

Chris Barber, Station Manager for Oxfordshire County Council Fire & Rescue Service said:

“Whether you’re off camping in the countryside, barbecuing with friends or enjoying a picnic with the family, you can take some simple steps to protect yourself and those around you from danger. We want people to enjoy the warm weather, but to do so safely which is why we’re reminding everyone of our summer safety tips which are also on our website at www.365alive.co.uk .”  

Cooling off when it’s warm

During the current spell of warm weather rivers, lakes and canals may look like an appealing way to cool off. However, even on a really hot day, the temperature of a body of open water can remain very cold. Cooling off in open water can have deadly consequences. Cold water shock can cause difficulties with breathing and the movement of limbs.

If you would like to go open water or wild swimming there are a number of clubs that offer supervised sessions. To find out more or to locate a club near to you visit: www.swimming.org/britishswimming or www.openwaterswim.co.uk .

Countryside fires and picnics

If you’re going to be out and about exploring the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, on a walk or enjoying a picnic you can help to reduce the risk of wildfires. 

Hot dry weather means there’s an added risk of a fire starting, so please take your rubbish homeas sunlight shining through discarded bottles or glass can start fires. Also please extinguish cigarettes properly and don’t throw the cigarette end on the ground or out of car windows.

The great bank holiday getaway

If you’re heading off for a bank holiday break or day out remember to take your sunblock, hat and plenty of water with you. If you’re going on a long journey also take any medication you need with you in the car, you never know if you’re going to get stuck in traffic.

Barbecue chefs

A bank holiday barbecue is a great way to spend time relaxing with family and friends. If you’re planning on firing up your barbecue this weekend make sure it is placed away from anything that can catch fire, such as fences, overhanging trees or sheds.  

When lighting it, only use barbecue lighters and starter fuel on cold coals and never use petrol or paraffin to light your barbecue.

Keep an eye on your barbecue and don’t leave it unattended. Allow the barbecue to cool and make sure it is cold before you empty the ash into your wheelie bin. Hot ashes can melt the plastic and cause a fire. 

Check on elderly relatives

Hot weather can affect anyone, but the elderly and people are most at risk in extreme heat. During the hot spell please check on elderly relatives or neighbours and make sure they are okay.

For more summer safety tips from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, visit www.365alive.co.uk . 

This Puffin is a “pedestrian user friendly intelligent crossing” which senses traffic and also when people have completed their journey across the road.

It was designed and built by Oxfordshire County Council with the £126,000 needed to do the work being provided by South Oxfordshire District Council. Work started in March with the switch on last week.

A little more work will be done in the next few days on the footpaths, but people can now use the Puffin to get across the road more easily and safely.






 

The paintings and other exhibits are part of the council’s ongoing partnership with schools to help prevent and reduce bullying of young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, those who have LGBT family members and those who don’t fit gender stereotypes.

The county council is a member of Stonewall’s Education Champions Programme and has developed nationally recognised strategies to combat this issue, providing resources and guidance to school staff. Last year Oxfordshire was rated sixth-best out of 50 councils in the charity’s Equality Index.

Partnership work

The council’s Deputy Director for Safeguarding Lara Patel said: “Any young person can experience homophobic, bi-phobic or transphobic bullying, and like all forms of bullying it should never be allowed to go unchallenged.”

“We are very proud of the partnership work we are doing with schools and other agencies including Thames Valley Police, Health, and youth groups to support young people and combat this particular type of bullying.

She added: “In particular there are many schools in Oxfordshire doing excellent work and developing ideas to help inspire others. We wanted to showcase some of that work here at County Hall.”

The artwork was created by pupils at Dr Radcliffe’s Primary School and Wheatley Park School, alongside children taking part in the My Normal youth arts project.

The council has also raised the rainbow flag at County Hall and Fire Headquarters in Kidlington to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Oxfordshire County Council has just finished building the new path between the existing bus shelter located on the south verge to the access to the nursery at the periphery of the village.

Following discussions with Launton Parish Council it was decided to use funding from developer contributions associated with the recent developments within the village.

Station Road is the main route for pedestrians residing within the properties along Sycamore Road, Blenheim Drive and the proposed development at Yew Tree Farm. The path means that people can now get around without walking in the road.

Motorcyclists are just 1% of total road traffic, but account for 21% of all road user deaths in Oxfordshire. Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users because there have no seatbelts, airbags or side impact bars to protect them.

Mick Clarke, Road Safety Manager for Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service said: “We expect to see an influx of bikers returning to the roads this bank holiday weekend so we’re urging new and experienced motorcyclists to take all the necessary precautions to ensure their bike is safe and ready for the journey ahead.

“If you are dusting off your bike after keeping it in storage over winter, of even if you’re an all-weather rider, Spring is the perfect time to give your bike a basic safety health check to make sure it’s in tip top condition. It’s also the ideal time to consider contacting an advanced training provider to brush up on road riding skills, so you are in as good a condition as your bike. You’re never too good or experienced to learn something new. Refreshing riding skills can help you get more from riding, stay safe and can even reduce insurance costs.

“All of us who ride motorcycles, including myself, have an obligation to brush up and refresh our road riding skills on a regular basis as a momentarily lapse in concentration, anticipation, observation and ride planning can have serious, if not fatal consequences and which in turn effects the lives of many.”

Expect the unexpected

Oxfordshire County Council’s road safety team are asking motorcyclists to expect the unexpected and adjust their speed to give themselves time to react and to take extra care when filtering through traffic as car drivers may not always be aware of them.

Road Safety Manager, Mick Clarke added: “I would also like to encourage drivers to regularly check their mirrors for motorcyclists, to always check and check again for bikes at junctions to ensure that they are not taken by surprise by a motorcycle. As road users sharing a space for commuting or for pleasure, we all have a duty of care to look out for one another to ensure we arrive at our destinations safely. Please remember to look longer for motorcyclists.”

Advice for drivers

• Take longer to look for bikes: look carefully for motorbikes when you pull out at a junction. If you're approaching a junction, look out for motorcyclists pulling out too
• Keep your distance: driving too close can intimidate a less experienced motorcyclist
• Check for bikes when changing lanes: a motorcyclist may be in the space you want to move into, or moving into it fast. Remember your blind spot
• Check for bikes when turning: parked cars or large vehicles can obstruct your view of a motorcyclist
• Motorcyclists might pass you on either side: double-check for motorcyclists, whether you're turning left or right

Advice for motorcyclists

• Make sure you anticipate the actions of others and are alert
• Position yourself in the safest and best place to maximise your visibility of potential hazards
• Make sure you can slow down and stop if the unexpected happens
• Take a 'lifesaver' glance over your shoulder before carrying out manoeuvres, so you know where others are and what they’re doing
• Consider further skills training to improve your performance and safety on the road
• Wear the right gear: fall off your bike and tarmac will shred through your jeans in seconds. Wearing the right gear is just as important to your safety as servicing your motorcycle and knowing how to ride it
• Wear bright or florescent gear during the day and reflective gear at night
• Wear a protective jacket, gloves, boots and trousers
• Choosing the right helmet could help save your life

For more road and fire safety advice, visit www.365alive.co.uk

Simon Furlong, formerly Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service starts as Chief Fire Officer today, succeeding former Chief Dave Etheridge OBE, who retired at the end of March.

As well as being Chief Fire Officer for the county, Simon has also been appointed Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Community Safety which includes road safety, business continuity, gypsy and traveller services, emergency planning and trading standards.

Simon Furlong first joined Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service in 2012 as the Assistant Chief Fire Officer before being promoted to Deputy Chief Fire Officer in 2016. Prior to this he served in West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, after joining in 1990 as a whole-time firefighter and progressed through the ranks to Area Manager and has spent almost 27 years in the fire service.

Oxfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer Simon Furlong said: “I am extremely proud to be taking on the role of Director of Community Safety and Chief Fire Officer for Oxfordshire County Council. I believe that we are in a strong position to face the challenges ahead and to deliver real benefits to all our communities by working together with my colleagues in the County Council.

“We have highly professional fire and rescue and community safety services here in Oxfordshire and I feel very honoured to be given the opportunity to lead such dedicated staff. Everyone who delivers our services, from firefighters to emergency planning officers to support staff, play an integral part in delivering our vision of ‘working together every day to save and improve the lives of the people across Oxfordshire’ and remain fully committed to doing so.

“I know, with the commitment and innovation demonstrated by our staff and by working closely with our partners, that we will be able to deliver even better outcomes for the local communities of Oxfordshire.

“The Fire and Rescue Service being part of the County Council provides a unique opportunity to evolve and improve how we deliver solutions that positively respond to the challenges of providing efficient and effective services that are tailored to the expectations of our communities.

“One of my key aims as Director of Community Safety is to increase the diversity of our workforce to enable us to represent Oxfordshire’s communities more effectively. Creating a more diverse workforce will improve our understanding of individuals’ needs to enable us to develop our services to be even better than they are now. The Fire and Rescue Service offers great career opportunities and we welcome applications from those groups that are currently under-represented in the service.”