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Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 16-3-25 |
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Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 16-3-25 This newsletter was started during the pandemic to inform about crime, scams and general interest for the community.
Collated and edited by volunteer Maggie Lewis, Area Representative and Administrator for Oxford Neighbourhood Watch Committee Member Thames Valley Neighbourhood Watch Association Cyberhood Watch Ambassador (National Neighbourhood Watch) SCAMbassador for Oxford (National Trading Standards)
You can join or apply to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme at https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/joinNW or any comments/information/queries or unsubscribing onw.enquiries@gmail.com Social Media sites https://www.facebook.com/groups/1937740226361938 (Oxford NW) https://www.facebook.com/groups/605172170528080 (Oxford NW Coordinators) https://www.facebook.com/groups/851711156124037 (Thames Valley Appeals) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120468772825909 (Missing people in England and Wales) https://www.facebook.com/groups/550195784274126 (WANTED - Police appeals across England and Wales)
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Crime prevention POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) This Week 2) Request to report crime THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Vamoose burglary TVP OXFORD 1) Theft from vehicles 2) Boars Hill 3) Missing man update 4) City Centre 5) Wanted 6) Section 60 order in place in Cowley (14/3/25) 7) New Inn Hall Street NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAMS 1) Oxford North SCAM AWARENESS 1) Phone discount offers 2) Online shopping 3) Eventbrite 4) Driving lessons and tests 5) Mandate fraud 6) Apple 7) BP 8) Cotswold Wildlife Park CRIME PREVENTION 1) Garden and outbuildings security 2) Bright Sky 3) Property Alert service 4) Distraction burglary 5) Use of CCTV 6) PIN numbers 7) Police Crime Prevention Handbook 8) Crime Prevention Advice for the Spring CRIME INFORMATION 1) DA Friends (Domestic Abuse) 2) Addressing abuse in teenage relationships 3) Collisions and Incidents 4) Staying safe on a night out OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) SEND Conversations 2) Consultations 3) Food waste 4) Resurfacing programme 5) A reminder for all e-bike and e-scooter users OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Future of Oxford's local government 2) Housing service 3) SWEP 4) Oxpens River Bridge 5) Local Plan 2042 6) Swimming lessons uptake doubles at Oxford pools GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Motorcycle safety training coming to Oxfordshire 2) Bus Service Updates 3) Age UK Oxfordshire 4) DVLA 5) National Express Coaches 6) Healthwatch 7) Product Recalls 8) Food Recalls 9) Network Rail
CONTENTS
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Crime prevention Are you interested to prevent crimes in the area you live? Join Neighbourhood Watch today and make a difference in your community! Neighbourhood Watch is the largest volunteer-led crime prevention charity in the country, working in communities to support them in being safer. It is all about people getting together with their neighbours to take action to reduce crime. The Neighbourhood Watch schemes are community initiatives owned and run by their members /volunteers and are supported by the police but not owned by them. Neighbourhood Watch provides resources, projects and networks that supports volunteers and communities to work together to prevent crime, raise awareness around safety initiatives and community resilience and connect neighbourhoods. If you are interested to get involved and want to learn more go to https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/joinNW and register to join.
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER (THAMES VALLEY) 1) This Week 
2) Request to report crime Matthew Barber (Police & Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley) is asking the public to report crime and anti-social behaviour so action can be taken. In a new video, the PCC highlights his role as the voice of the people in policing to deliver an efficient and effective police service and safer communities: Watch the video: https://youtu.be/0x1jaJBkYu8 From Matthew Barber on X Report, report, report Sometimes people tell me, "the police won't do anything about it" - well I can guarantee the won't if they don't know about it! Overall crime is down and more criminals are being brought to justice, but if you see crime happening in your community - report it! You can report online at http://thamesvalley.police.uk or for non-urgent reports call 101 - call waiting times were down to an average of just 1 minutes and 15 seconds in January and February! If there's a crime happening now, or in an emergency always call 999!
THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Vamoose burglary Vamoose burglary is the type of burglary that takes place specifically to steal car keys, often for high value or new vehicles. Things you can do to deter the burglars…
TVP OXFORD 1) Theft from vehicles As we head into Spring, with the hours of daylight lengthening, please be mindful to removing all items from view within your vehicles. Please be vigilant, and protect what's yours. As the warmer months approach and the weather improves, we would like to remind everyone to stay vigilant when parking and ensure your car doors are locked. Be mindful of what belongings and valuables you leave in your car, and never leave them on display. Purses, handbags, laptop cases, sports bags, coats and phones can all be tempting, right down to the small change especially if the vehicle has been left unlocked. We have recently seen a rise in thefts from motor vehicles in the Oxford area. Let's not give car thieves any opportunity! Support us in reducing vehicle crime by keeping your car secure and your belongings safe. Take steps to make your car less appealing to thieves.
2) Boars Hill Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to burglaries in Oxford. The first incident occurred between 6.25pm and 10.45pm on Friday 28 February on Bedwells Heath in Boars Hill, where two offenders have forced entry via a window and stolen a safe, a large quantity of jewellery and money. The second incident occurred between 7.45am on Tuesday 25 February and 6.45pm on Saturday 1 March on Spring Copse in Hinksey Hill, where two offenders have forced entry via an upstairs window at the rear of the property, and stole a large quantity of jewellery. The offenders are described as two white men and were both seen to be wearing dark coloured coats, dark face coverings, trainers and gloves. No one was injured during these incidents. Investigating officer Detective Contestable Stacey Bateman, said: “We are conducting a thorough investigation, and we are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents could be linked. “I am appealing to anyone who may have seen what happened or has dash-cam or CCTV footage, to please get in touch. “If you have information, call 101 or make an online report, via our website, quoting either 43250100769 or 43250101795. “Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
3) Missing man found
A man has been safely found after being reported missing from Oxford. Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal to find 62-year-old Michael that we put out on Thursday.
4) City Centre Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been charged in connection with a series of arson attacks in Oxford, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning (13/3). Adam McVey, aged 43, of no fixed abode, was charged overnight (14/3) with arson with intent to endanger life and six further charges of arson. The charges are in connection with a series of incidents in which several businesses were targeted in New Inn Hall Street, Queen Street and Cornmarket Street between 3.30am and 4am on Thursday (13/3). McVey remains in police custody and appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on 14/3.
5) Wanted Can you help our North Yorkshire Police colleagues in their search for a wanted man, Jason Whiteoak, who is wanted on recall to prison. Whiteoak has convictions for sexual assault and robbery and is from Selby. Investigations have linked him to Reading, Oxford, Abingdon and Newbury in the last few days. Whiteoak, who can present as female under the name Karla, has also been known by a number of other names.
 
6) Section 60 order in place in Cowley (14/3/25) Thames Valley Police has authorised a Section 60 order, after intelligence was received that there may be violence involving weapons in the area. The order applies to the areas shown in the map pictured. A Section 60 order temporarily allows police officers greater powers to stop and search in a defined location. The order began at 6pm and will be in place until 9pm. If necessary, the order can then be extended. If anyone has any information please call us on 101, quoting reference 1721 (14/3).
7) New Inn Hall Street Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an incident of affray and grievous bodily harm in Oxford. At just before 9pm last night (14/3), at the junction of New Inn Hall Street and St Michael’s Street, there was an altercation between a group of children. Three boys left the Westgate shopping centre at around that time and walked along New Inn Hall Street, when a group of other children confronted them. This escalated into a fight, resulting in a 16-year-old boy being stabbed in the wrist. He was taken to hospital for treatment, but his injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing. Three boys, two aged 13 and one aged 12, have been arrested on suspicion of affray and are currently in police custody. A fourth person, a 40-year-old man, was also arrested for obstructing an officer in the execution of their duty. He also remains in custody at this time. Detective Sergeant Hal McKend, of Oxford CID, said: “This altercation has escalated quickly into a fight, in which, a boy aged in his mid-teens sustained a cut wrist as a result of a slash injury. “I am appealing to anybody who was in the area last night at around 9pm and witnessed this incident, to please come forward to us. “I’d also be keen to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam, mobile phone or CCTV footage or images which may assist this investigation. “You can submit your digital evidence via our dedicated portal for this investigation. “Alternatively, to report information to us, you can contact us online or by calling 101, quoting reference 43250126200 or via the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111. “I appreciate incidents such as this cause concern in our communities, but I would like to reassure the public we are making good progress and have already made several arrests.”
NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAMS 1) Oxford North Your local Police Community Support Officer, Claire Bonneville will be holding a "Have Your Say" event on Monday the 17th of March from 1800 - 1900HRS outside the primary school on First Turn, Wolvercote. If you have anything you would like to raise with her, then please come along.
SCAM AWARENESS 1) Phone discount offers Scammers impersonating phone networks claim to promote special offers, such as telling you that you’re eligible for a hefty discount on your mobile phone bill. If you accept the fake offer, you’ll receive a text message with a passcode. If you give this to the scammer, they will use it to try to gain access to your account.
2) Online shopping Many of us are spending more time than ever shopping online. These tips can help you to avoid scam websites, and purchase items safely:
You can find more useful advice about staying safe online by visiting the National Cyber Security Centre’s website https://orlo.uk/gWrjN There is a scam being used by criminals to take money from people selling goods over social media websites. Criminals are using a fake banking app which makes it look like money has been transferred when in fact it hasn’t. When a meeting takes place to hand over the item being sold, the victim puts their bank details into a fake app on the criminal’s phone. It then produces a screen which makes it appear that the money has been successfully transferred. But when the victim then checks their account, they find that the funds haven’t actually transferred. The criminal then pretends to call his bank saying that it takes up to two hours for the funds to show. But the money is never received by the victim.
3) Eventbrite Eventbrite ticket scams Eventbrite is a popular ticketing website where users can buy and sell tickets for anything from gigs to local community events. Unfortunately, a tactic known as 'event cloning' is used by scammers to sell fake tickets to seemingly genuine events. Find out what happened to one victim who had their event cloned by scammers. And if you ever buy tickets online, here are four things you need to know in order to stay safe, including how to report fraudulent events.
If you think you have paid a scammer you should contact your bank immediately.
4) Driving lessons and tests Learner drivers are being urged to be vigilant when booking driving lessons and tests after a surge in scams. Lloyds is alerting would-be drivers after scams related to driving lessons and tests have surged 92 per cent in just six months. Victims of the scams lose £244 on average, the high street bank says. Lloyds' new warning shows that the deception begins with fraudsters posting misleading ads on social media platforms - primarily Facebook – claiming to offer discounted driving lessons. They are even falsely affiliating themselves with reputable driving schools. Victims are contacted through WhatsApp directly with scammers asking victims to pay £150 upfront for five lessons, followed by an additional payment of up to £100 for insurance. The supposed driving instructor then doesn't appear for the lesson and the victims are blocked on WhatsApp. Another frequent scam being reported uses social media ads to guarantee early or specific test slots, only for the victim to arrive for their test and find no booking exists. Always use a reputable driving instructor or company and be very wary of adverts on social media - particularly those that are suspiciously cheap, are pressure selling with time limited offers or ask for payment to an account held in a random name.
5) Mandate fraud Mandate fraud is one of the most reported frauds in the UK. You can defend yourself and your business against it by following these simple tips:
Find out more https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/mandate-fraud
6) Apple
Apple has rolled out an urgent security update to fix a serious bug that hackers were exploiting in highly advanced attacks. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-24201, affects iPhones, iPads, Macs and even the Apple Vision Pro. Users are advised to update their devices immediately.
Apple ID has been locked for security reasons due to ‘multiple failed sign-in attempts’. You are asked to click on a link to 'verify your account' - the link leads to a scam website with Apple branding where you may be asked to confirm your name, address, password and bank details. Similar scam messages were reported last year, targeting those who use Apple Pay and saying that their account had been suspended.
Apple will never ask you to share your Apple ID password or verification codes in order for them to provide support. 7) BP impersonation email
8) Cotswold Wildlife Park A warning has been issued for people hoping to attend a popular West Oxfordshire zoo this summer as scam tickets are being sold online. Cotswold Wildlife Park in West Oxfordshire has been the subject of several scams posted on social media which are offering cheap tickets to the popular park. The scam, from an account named Zoo Tickets, was offering buyers an "exclusive deal" of four tickets for £2. Day tickets for Cotswold Wildlife Park cost £13.50 for children and seniors and £17.50 for adults. It read: "To mark the 55th anniversary of the UK's top zoo, we're offering only 250 tickets! The Cyber Crime Unit have requested Facebook to urgently remove the fraudulent account.
1) Garden and outbuildings security Warmer weather means people tend to spend more time outdoors, using gardening and leisure equipment, but burglars are also out and about looking out for valuable things to steal. Any valuable tools, bicycles or other expensive items left out or stored in poorly secured outbuildings can tempt them. Some tips to make your garden and outbuildings more secure:
2) Bright Sky Bright Sky is a domestic abuse support app. Free to download it has features that enable users to take self-assessments to determine if they are in an abusive relationship. It has a journal feature to record incidents and a directory of support services
3) Property Alert service Sign up to HM Land Registry's free Property Alert service to help protect your property from fraud. You can:
You will receive email alerts when there is certain activity on the properties you are monitoring.
4) Distraction burglary Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they are not in order to gain entry to your home.
pretending to be from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak seeking help to leave a note for a neighbour or even asking for a drink of water if they claim to be thirsty or unwell claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get into your home quickly working in teams, with one person distracting you while the other searches your home
There are a number of things you can do to prevent distraction burglary. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anyone at your door – genuine callers won’t mind. Always remember 'if in doubt, keep them out': use your door viewer to see who’s there if you open the door put the chain on first always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home use the phone number advertised in the phone book or online, as the number on their identity card could be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the door while you do this if you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there for pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of the caller, call 999.
5) Use of CCTV
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) deal with CCTV guidance, as well as a number of other topics you may find informative. All information is available on their website:- https://ico.org.uk/ Please always check their website for the latest information: https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/home-cctv-systems/
6) PIN numbers Never share your PIN with anyone - the only times you should use your PIN is at a cash machine or in a shop. Ensure that you are the only person that knows your PIN. Your bank will never ask you to authorise anything by entering your PIN into the telephone. Be aware of who is around you you when you are paying with your card at the till. Always try and cover your card when entering your PIN. Never write your PIN on the back of your card or keep a written copy of your PIN in your purse or wallet.
7) Police Crime Prevention Handbook https://www.securedbydesign.com/images/LITTLE%20YELLOW%20BOOK%20%20CONTENTS%20JUNE%2024.pdf
8) Crime Prevention Advice for the Spring
CRIME INFORMATION 1) DA Friends (Domestic Abuse) Speaking to neighbours, friends, and work colleagues about domestic abuse can be challenging and frightening. But domestic abuse is so prevalent that many people who are not domestic abuse specialists will encounter victim-survivors in their daily lives. DA Friends helps everyone learn how to navigate these tough conversations. To Listen, Link, and Lend a Hand. https://reducingtherisk.org.uk/da-friends/ What are DA Friends for?
Reducing the Risk DA Friends aims to increase confidence in communities and individuals to know how to talk to and support a neighbour, colleague or friend who is living with domestic abuse and raise awareness of the issues locally.
DA Friends are anyone in the community, or those who work in communities who want to know how to support individuals who may be being impacted by domestic abuse. 2) Addressing abuse in teenage relationships The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) finds that young women aged 16 to 19 are more likely to experience domestic abuse than any other age group. Despite this high prevalence, this age group is less likely to be referred to support services. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 marked a significant step forward by recognising children living in homes where domestic abuse occurs between parents or other adults as victims in their own right. However, this protection does not extend to children experiencing abuse within their own relationships.
3) Collisions and Incidents The law defines a reportable road traffic collision as a collision involving a mechanically-propelled vehicle on a road or other public area which causes:
*You may also report collisions or incidents involving deer, but this is not a legal requirement. What to do if you're involved in a road traffic collision
If you're having trouble getting these details from someone involved or they have left without giving details, call the police on 101 while you're still at the scene of the collision. When should I call 999?
How to report your collision You don't need to report a collision to the police if you've exchanged details, nobody was injured and there are no allegations of driving offences. You must report the collision to the police if you were unable to exchange details at the scene, if anyone was injured, or if you suspect that the other person may have committed a driving offence. Report it onlineYou can report a collision online https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-beta-2.1/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ Once you have submitted your form, download a copy for your records and remember to make a note of the form reference number to give to your insurance company. What happens after reporting a collision? Your report will be assessed and you'll only be contacted if something further is needed from you, like a witness statement or for you to attend court. If you report a collision without an injury and or any allegation of bad driving, you're unlikely to be contacted again by the police. You should inform your insurance company and follow their advice. You can use the reference number as a police reference for insurance purposes. If you have made an allegation, then your report will be assessed by the police and either:
Penalties You must report the collision no matter who was at fault. If you don't stop at the scene or report an incident you could be committing an offence and be charged. The penalties include:
The court can also disqualify you from driving.
4) Staying safe on a night out Be aware of your surroundings.
Consider downloading the HOLLIE GUARD APP, the app provides extra support for anyone experiencing stalking, or wanting the benefit of extra security on a night out. HOLLIE GUARD includes a panic alarm and is free to use! Read more about Hollie Guard here: https://hollieguard.com/
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) SEND Conversations SEND Oxfordshire Conversations for parents and carers (March 2025) About this event This is your chance to connect with key representatives from the SEND Local Area Partnership (LAP) and hear first-hand about the improvements we’re making to SEND services. Throughout the event, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, provide feedback, and be part of the conversation. Come along and meet representatives from the County Council, NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, and the Oxfordshire Parent Carers Forum. Please join us online for our next round of SEND Oxfordshire Conversations events. Book to participate in an evening or afternoon session on:
2) Consultations Last opportunities
We are looking for your views on the Oxford Greenways project.
https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford-greenways
We're asking for your views on the proposal to construct new traffic-calming ‘buildout’ features on both sides of Davenant Road, and to help facilitate the traffic calming, various amendments will also be made to existing parking provisions, through the removal of sections of permitted parking bays and the introduction of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines).
https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_davenantroad_calmingparking2025
Following the Cabinet Member for Transport Management’s decision in November 2024 to approve the Controlled Parking Zone for the wider Iffley area, Officers agreed to investigate options for potential longer stay parking in the vicinity of St Mary’s Church due to concerns raised about the lack of longer parking provision spaces available for those using the church facilities.
https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_iffleycpz_longstay2025
3) Food waste We have created tips, ideas and inspiration to help you save money and reduce food waste at home. Keep an eye out for the two-page guide to help you plan, shop, store and eat the food in your fridge and cupboards. Meanwhile, our waste and recycling team have this advice for you https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/household-waste/food-and-garden-waste
4) Resurfacing programme Our resurfacing programme starts on 22 April. Weather permitting, we’ll visit nearly 100 roads in 73 towns and villages by 16 June to carry out surface dressing work, treating over a million square metres of carriageway. “The council is urging motorists to watch out for notifications of the work taking place and to drive carefully after it has been carried out.” Driving too fast on a recently treated road can result in broken windscreens or chipped paintwork, as the friction from the tyres can dislodge loose chips. There is also an increased risk of skidding while the new chippings ‘bed in’. For these reasons, an advisory speed limit of 20mph will be put in place. It is important to adhere to these low speeds until all warning signs have been removed. Surface dressing involves applying bituminous emulsion onto the road as a binder. This is followed immediately by the application of chippings to dress the emulsion layer. https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/road-resurfacing-programme-to-begin/
5) A reminder for all e-bike and e-scooter users Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Oxfordshire City Council and Oxford City Council would like to remind all residents about the dangers Lithium Ion batteries that are found on e-bikes and e-scooters, can present if they catch fire in your home. Remember:
https://fireengland.uk/news/how-keep-your-home-safe-when-charging-your-e-bike-or-e-scooter
OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Future of Oxford's local government Councils across Oxfordshire are set to reply to a government request for interim proposals on the future shape of local government reorganisation in the county. The options are:
More information:
2) Housing services Our housing service has been recognised as one of the UK’s best for its efforts to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping. Our Housing Needs team has been shortlisted in the Housing category at the LGC Awards 2025, which celebrate excellence and innovation in local government. We have reorganised this service to put preventing homelessness at the heart of our work – with a 241% increase in homelessness prevention in the last two years alone. Key results
Why is homelessness rising in the UK? In recent years the cost of living and record – and rising – private rents have helped fuel a sharp rise in homelessness and spiralling demand for temporary accommodation across the country. In Oxford, this has meant a 128% rise in the number of households requiring homelessness support in just three years. At the end of 2023/24, there were 246 households in temporary accommodation in the city – including 123 households in hotels – and the Council was placing more than 10 households a week in temporary accommodation. 
We have agreed a grants budget of £1.75m to help prevent rough sleeping and single homelessness. At its meeting on Wednesday 12 March, Cabinet approved allocations to the preventing homelessness budget (PHB) during 2025-26. This £1.75 million investment will ensure vital services will continue to support people at risk of rough sleeping and homelessness across Oxford.
3) Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) Emergency beds for people experiencing rough sleeping are open from Thursday 13 March until the morning of Monday 17 March. We have activated SWEP because there is a forecast of borderline to zero degrees Celsius temperatures during the early hours of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Whilst the temperatures rise for Sunday night into Monday, are using our discretion to keep beds open so outreach workers can engage with people leaving their SWEP venue on Monday morning. We’ll review the forecast on Monday 17 March and decide whether to extend or close SWEP.
4) Oxpens River Bridge Last year, the Friends of Grandpont Nature Park sought a judicial review challenging the legality of the Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the Oxpens River Bridge. The High Court has now ruled on the case, dismissing all five challenges.
5) Local Plan 2042 From Monday (17 March), we are inviting residents, businesses and other organisations to share their views by taking a survey on key development issues as we prepare our new Local Plan. The Local Plan 2042 will guide all planning decisions in Oxford for the next 17 years. It will set out how and where housing can be built, support fair economic growth and protect the city’s unique heritage, culture and environment. The early engagement survey will be open for six weeks on our consultation website from Monday (17 March). https://www.oxford.gov.uk/news/article/1656/council-seeks-oxford-s-views-on-key-development-issues
6) Swimming lessons uptake doubles at Oxford pools More people than ever are learning to swim in Oxford, with swimming lesson sign-ups doubling in less than a year. Since taking over the running of our leisure facilities in April 2024, MORE Leisure Community Trust has seen numbers grow from 1,086 to over 2,200 across Ferry, Barton, and Leys Pools and Leisure Centre.
7) Meetings
General Purposes Licensing Casework Sub-Committee: Monday 10 March, 6pm. Standards Committee: Tuesday 11 March, 6pm. Watch the livestream recording. Cabinet Meeting: Wednesday 12 March, 6pm. Watch the livestream recording.
Council meetings take place at Oxford Town Hall and are open to the public. Cabinet Meeting: Wednesday 19 March, 6pm. OX Place, Shareholder and Joint Venture Group: Wednesday 19 March, 6.30pm. GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Motorcycle safety training coming to Oxfordshire Motorcyclists are being encouraged to sign up for specialist training sessions, designed to improve and refresh their safety awareness and riding skills. The Be a Better Biker workshops are provided by the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists as part of road casualty reduction work run by Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service. The sessions will take place in a number of Oxfordshire towns including Kidlington, Abingdon, Chipping Norton and Thame. Details of dates, the booking fee and how to reserve a place are available on the Be a Better Biker website.
2) Bus Service Updates Oxford Bus Company
13th - 22nd Mar 2025
Due to roadworks, the Rose Hill/Reading/Harwell Campus-bound Freelands Road stop will be temporarily suspended between 13/03 and 22/03. During this time, passengers are advised to use the Iffley Turn or Cornwallis Close stops during this time.
7th - 24th Mar 2025
Due to the emergency closure of Queen Street, services operating in the area will have to divert. The X1, X15, 35 and X2 services will terminate at the Police Station and will not serve up to the Rail Station/Westgate. Passengers are advised to connect with the 5 or 400 services to St Aldates, where the usual stops can be used. Longwall Stops temporarily suspended 15th - 16th Mar 2025
Due to roadworks, the Longwall stops will be temporarily suspended between 15/03 and 16/03 in both directions. During this time, passengers are advised to use the Garsington Road stops as the nearest alternative. Due to roadworks, the Longwall stops will be temporarily suspended between 15/03 and 16/03 in both directions. During this time, passengers are advised to use the Garsington Road stops as the nearest alternative. Manor Road Stop temporarily suspended17th - 19th Mar 2025
Due to roadworks, the JR Hospital/Harwell Campus-bound Manor Road stop will be temporarily suspended between 17/03 and 19/03. During this time, passengers are advised to use the St Cross Road stop as the nearest alternative. Barton Park West End stop temporarily suspended17th - 28th Mar 2025
Due to roadworks, the JR Hospital-bound Barton Park West End stop will be temporarily suspended between 17/03 and 28/03. During this time, a temporary stop will be provided near the junction with Cherry Tree Avenue.
17th - 21st Mar 2025
Due to roadworks, Finmore Road in Botley will be temporarily closed between 17/03 and 21/03. During this time, our services will be diverting via Arthray Road and Montagu Road. Passengers are advised to use the Westminster Way or Laburnum Road Shops stops as the nearest alternatives.
18th - 19th Mar 2025
Due to roadworks, the George Street North stop B1 will be temporarily closed between 21:00 18/03 and 06:00 19/03. During this time, passengers are advised to use the Magdalen Street stop as the nearest alternative.
3) Age UK Oxfordshire The population of Oxfordshire is ageing, with 1 in 4 residents expected to be aged 65 or older by 2034. According to the most recent Oxfordshire Uncovered report, there are an estimated 35,000 people over 65 living alone in Oxfordshire, and 48,000 people in the county say they often or always feel lonely. Engage magazine
4) DVLA In 20 days, vehicle tax will change for electric and low emission vehicles. From 1 April 2025, registered keepers of electric, zero or low emission cars, vans and motorcycles will need to pay vehicle tax in the same way as registered keepers of petrol and diesel vehicles. This change will apply to both new and existing vehicles. This new measure removes band A under the existing VED system which is currently £0. Vehicles in this band will be required to move to the first band where a rate becomes payable. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vehicle-tax-for-electric-and-low-emissions-vehicles  Check your vehicle tax and MOT status Set up your Driver and vehicles account on http://GOV.UK today. It’s free, quick and secure: http://gov.uk/dvla/account 
5) National Express Coaches From 17 April, National Express coach route 210 will no longer call at Oxford. This will cut the service between Oxford & Birmingham to four coaches a day. However, route 160 between Oxford & Bournemouth will increase from two coaches a day to three.
6) Healthwatch
Last year we were commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council Public Health to speak to residents of the Wood Farm and Town Furze area of Oxford about what it is like to live there. This formed part of ongoing work by the council to listen to communities in areas where residents are most likely to experience health inequalities. Between July and November 2024, we heard from 255 people about what supports them to be healthy and well, what makes this difficult, and their ideas for making Wood Farm a healthier, happier place to live. Based on what people told us, we have made a number of recommendations to the Wood Farm Health and Wellbeing Partnership and Community Profile Steering group, which will work to support implementation of these suggestions. Today we presented our report and findings to the Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board, and we will also share this with other key local decision-making bodies. You can read our report on our website here
Have you visited or been in touch with your GP recently? If so, what was it like? Our Feedback Centre allows you to leave reviews of GP surgeries in the county. It only takes a few minutes to do and is completely anonymous. Share your experience via our Feedback Centre
7) Product Recalls
Hazard: The products present a health risk as testing has identified potential migration of heavy metal components during use of the product.
Hazard: The products present a serious chemical risk as the small string weights used in the bottom of the lining have been found to contain excess concentrations of lead.
8) Food recalls
TJX Europe Ltd are recalling Lokumella Mini Pistachio Bars because they contain milk which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents. 
Kelly Loves is recalling Sushi Ginger because it may contain pieces of glass. The possible presence of glass makes this product unsafe to eat. The affected product was sold in ASDA and Waitrose.
Safa Food 1 Limited is recalling Dolma Spices because they contain peanuts which are not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts.
9) Network Rail
On Wednesday (12 March) Thames Water successfully completed the first stage of connecting up the new water main pipe under the railway bridge to the existing network. The work took place on the western side of the bridge, between Mill Street and Abbey Road. Next week, they are scheduled to do the connection work on the eastern side on Wednesday (19 March), on the site beside Domino’s Pizza, at junction of Becket Street and Frideswide Square. (The image below is looking down into the eastern connection area site, showing the water main pipe at the top and the sewer below). Similar to this week’s work, they need to access a valve that is located below the roundabout in Frideswide Square, in front of Sainsbury’s. To allow them to access this safely, there will be temporary traffic lights in place in Frideswide Square between 11am and 12pm, then again later in the evening once work is complete. 
Last weekend, the walkway on the Frideswide Square side of the railway bridge was diverted to make space for Thames Water to access the water main (see image above). This means the entrance/exit to the walkway on the Frideswide Square side of the bridge is now next to the station/Said Business School. This is scheduled to be in place for three weeks. Sorry for any disruption this causes.
Today (Friday 14 March) Osney Lane footbridge has been closed as work to install a cycle rail has begun. During the day we have been replacing timbers with new wood to hold the mounts for the cycle rail. The rails themselves will then be installed over two more days but with a cordon in place so we can keep the bridge open to pedestrians while we work. The rail will be installed on steps on both sides of the bridge, making it easier for cyclists to push their bikes over the footbridge.
A reminder that our next public engagement event to update on project progress is scheduled for Wednesday 26 March at the King’s Centre on Osney Mead between 5pm and 6pm.
If you have any questions about the improvement work in and around the station, then please do feel free to contact us by calling us on 03457 11 41 41, or emailing OxfordFeedback@networkrail.co.uk You can also find out more on our website by clicking the button below: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/western/oxfordshire/
I hope you have an enjoyable week Take care, Maggie Lewis
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