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Clarion Weekend, 21 August 2026

Clarion Weekend, 21 August 2026
What’s this wet stuff on the ground? Photo by Roger Close.

It has rained. Let joy be unconfined. Here is some equally refreshing news, brought to you by the news-maxxin’, inbox-crushin’, mango-lovin’, free-wheelin’, cat-botherin’, council-watchin’, live-postin’, number-crunchin’, bus-ridin’, cool-fizzing err... volunteer team at the Clarion. Cheers to you all. (We spent far too long on this intro.)

This week’s top stories

Oxford is to get £3.4m as part of the Government’s drive to end homelessness. New accommodation and support is set to be rolled out across England this winter, learning from approaches put into place during the pandemic, in a drive to get everyone “in for Christmas”. The rural districts will receive smaller sums, from £474,000 in Cherwell to £177,000 in West Oxfordshire.

The Oxfordshire Homeless Movement says that the actual number of people experiencing homelessness in Oxfordshire, rather than just people sleeping rough, has not altered significantly over the last two years:

“A lot of work is carried out in Oxfordshire to address homelessness, often under the public radar. Many people who were previously rough sleeping have since been helped into next-step accommodation. But rough sleeping is just the in-your-face part of a much bigger issue. Homelessness is directly linked to larger structural forces, such as rising housing costs and the strength of our social security net. Clean beds and hot meals alone do nothing to alter these grim facts.”

Banbury’s Labour MP Sean Woodcock said: “Organisations like the Banbury Young Homelessness Project do incredible work. But homelessness is still an issue – that's why when Andy Burnham entered Downing Street as Prime Minister, his first instruction was to end rough sleeping. And that’s what we’re doing.”

The proposed Cowley Branch Line pedestrian/cycle bridge.

Who’s paying for the Cowley Branch Line? A £14.5m funding gap in the reopened railway was the subject of heated speeches at Oxford City Council’s cabinet meeting this week – with Littlemore councillors saying their area, through which the line runs, was being “pillaged”.

The (currently freight-only) railway is to be upgraded for passenger use with two new stations built at Cowley and Littlemore. Central Government is contributing £120m; £23m is coming from the Ellison Institute of Technology (to be built in Littlemore) and Oxford Science Park; and the City and County councils are contributing. But forecasts suggest that a further £14.5m is needed. This would cover both railway construction and “public realm” works in the area, such as the planned new cycle bridge from Cowley station to Blackbird Leys.

As previously reported in the Clarion, the County Council has agreed to underwrite this shortfall from business rates income in the south of the county (‘Enterprise Zones’). It expects the money to be repaid by contributions from new developments (Section 106/Community Infrastructure Levy) in the Cowley Branch Line area.

The City Council reports that although EIT and the Science Park have agreed to fund the line, other landowners who will benefit have been less forthcoming. The S106/CIL payments, levied when land is redeveloped, are seen as a way of recouping the cost of the railway from the landowners who benefit.

But although Littlemore Parish Council already gets 25% of the CIL income from high-profile local developments like the EIT, two of its parish and city councillors, David Henwood and Anne Stares (Independent Oxford Alliance), told Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting this was not enough. Cllr Henwood said:

“Littlemore is set to contribute more than the Ellison Institute, an organisation with heat pumps, double glazing, and a Michelin starred restaurant – while Littlemore Community Centre has a gas boiler seemingly old enough to remember Noah, single glazing that is freezing in the winter and food supplied by the foodbank. I support the Cowley Branch Line and I want to see better public transport for Littlemore, but supporting the railway does not mean I support taking 25% of the CIL generated in three of Oxford's most deprived communities and putting it towards a citywide project. The Sheriff of Nottingham, apologies, the Sheriff of Oxford is coming back to pillage Littlemore.”

Deputy city council leader Cllr Anna Railton (Lab) – in the face of interruptions – responded that developer funds were not solely earmarked for particular areas.

“You both say ‘I support the railway’, but fundamentally you don't support actually delivering it. CIL that is raised in the city is the city’s money. The same is true for Botley Road, the same is true for Oxford North. It is not ringfenced for just the area where it is generated – otherwise the wards in the city that don’t have any development would never get any improvements. We have to take stuff in the round, and Littlemore does have the amazing advantage of a parish council in receipts of huge amounts of CIL.”

At this point council leader Cllr Susan Brown (Lab) warned Cllr Henwood that “if you don’t stop interrupting I will ask for the room to be cleared” – but both IOA councillors walked out and did not listen to the rest of Cllr Railton’s answer. Later in the meeting, Cllr Brown went on to describe how she thought developments in the area might pan out:

“Building those stations will mean that both the business park in Cowley and the Science Park in Littlemore will be able to reduce the amount of car parking and car traffic on their sites, because they will be served by the railway. We would then expect some of that car parking space to be used, in turn, by more development on those science parks – which will then bring more receipts into the councils, enabling further investment in infrastructure including affordable housing. So I absolutely think this is a win-win project, not just for those local communities but actually for the city as a whole.”

Coincidentally, a group of students from Florida were in attendance to see the cabinet take its decisions. Cllr Brown closed the first item with “I'm very sorry for all those of you who are visiting… it's not normally this lively. Welcome to democracy in action!”

Thursday was GCSE results day. The traditional leaping-in-the-air press photo might seem an anachronism in this age of electronically-delivered exam results and privacy concerns, but as Headington Rye School puts it: “despite logging in online to check their results, many students choose to come into school to share the happy moment with teachers and friends”. Every school in Oxfordshire has its own story to tell and we couldn’t possibly hope to cover more than a fraction of them, but the very best of luck from the Clarion team to those students and families who received results this week.

Oxfordshire County Council has published a set of pointers for those still unsure of their next steps. Advice can be found at their dedicated Oxme site, on the National Careers Service’s website, and – this is presumably for parents who still use phones for the ‘phone call’ function – through its helpline on 0800 100 900. The council encourages those who haven’t got the grades they wanted, and who may be rethinking their college or sixth form options, to speak to their school’s careers officer, form tutor or head of year. For OCC, Cllr Sean Gaul said: “Well done to students who have received their desired results. Regardless of how well you’ve done, the big question will now be ‘what do I do next?’ Support is available through a number of services that offer help for young people.”

Oxenford House and Zedwell’s capsule beds.

Around the city

  • Oxford’s first capsule hotel looks likely to be built at Oxenford House on Magdalen Street, above Five Guys, after City Council planners recommended the 276-bed Zedwell development for approval. Only two public representations were received with objections, “both from an address in Hailsham, East Sussex”. Zedwell is owned by Criterion Capital, whose links to the phenomenon of ‘Harry Potter shops’ have been investigated by our friends at London Centric.
         The brand currently has seven hotels in London. The capsule beds are private and lockable, but dormitories and shower facilities are shared. Highways officers expressed concern about the impact of drop-off/pick-up activity on the Magdalen Street bus stops, and of loading/servicing on the busy pavements. Zedwell say they would “encourage taxis to use alternative drop-off locations”. A decision will be taken at Tuesday’s planning meeting.
  • Oxford City Council has launched a £20,000 Grassroots Music Fund, with grants available for venues, musicians and promoters. The fund aims to reduce costs for musicians and promoters to enable more musical activity in the city. Applications are now open with a deadline of 12 October. Cllr James Taylor, Nighttime Economy Champion, said: “Oxford has a proud music history. This fund will help local musicians, venues, and anyone who loves live music. By backing grassroots music we're ensuring events happen, while supporting the livelihoods of those working in this struggling industry.” (The Clarion would love to see a new Nightshift emerge from this…)
  • Donnington Bridge has now been closed to heavy vehicles for two years, with the second anniversary falling this week. The 7.5-tonne weight limit means that buses can no longer cross the bridge. Oxfordshire County Council has bid to the Government’s Structures Fund for help with repairs, but the Florence Park-based Save Our Buses Campaign is calling for a contingency plan should the bid be unsuccessful; accessible minibus services; an investigation into opening the bridge for buses while keeping it closed to other heavy vehicles; and a consultation on minimising further disruption. Residents who have contacted the Clarion say that the current limited minibus service is insufficient, especially for elderly residents, and that many journeys now require 20 minutes’ walk or more.
         Cllr Brad Baines (Lab, Isis) said: “Oxford residents are rightfully confused why tens of millions of pounds continue to be thrown at new expensive road projects in the south of the county, whilst necessary repairs to existing infrastructure like Donnington Bridge continue to go unfunded.”
         Oxfordshire County Council responded: "The county council has no current plans to expand the provision of the minibus services over Donnington Bridge, as the existing service is provided at reasonable cost using vehicles and drivers available in the off-peak period between other commitments. The cost of providing additional services covering school and peak times would, unfortunately, be prohibitive. Alternative services are available within a short walk on both sides of Donnington Bridge, and those wishing to travel between points across the bridge are able to change buses easily in the city centre – for example at Queen’s Lane where interchange between services is straightforward.”
  • Oxford University and its colleges have issued a joint statement on the death of Jason Arday, who resigned as a Cambridge professor two weeks ago. Arday died by suicide last Friday. The statement reaffirms the university's support for both diversity and academic freedom. A vigil in memory of Professor Arday, organised by student groups at Oxford University, will take place in Radcliffe Square from 6pm on Saturday.
  • New owners for the New Theatre: The company which owns and operates Oxford's New Theatre, ATG Entertainment, has been acquired by MARI, a US events company. MARI says that “ATG will continue under its existing brand and leadership and retain its commitment to creative independence”. Booking opens on Monday for (literal) behind-the-scenes tours of the New Theatre, as part of Oxford Open Doors on Saturday 12 September.
  • Let the music play: The City of Oxford Silver Band will be busking in Oxford city centre this weekend to raise money to travel to the National Brass Band Championships. The band have qualified for next month's finals and aim to raise £5,000 to take 28 players to York.

Around the county

  • Data centres and biotech companies in the Oxford–Cambridge corridor could have their water usage regulated. The Environment Agency says that a “stipulated standard for certain sectors” would encourage water-efficient design and improve forecasting. The EA reports that: “The design of new premises, particularly in the medical sector, shows massive improvements in water efficiency compared to existing stock.” Despite this, usage by biomedical businesses is forecast to more than double by 2040, from 516 megalitres per year to 1218.
  • The Conservatives are down to nine councillors on Oxfordshire County Council after Cllr Paul-Austin Sargent (Banbury Grimsbury & Castle) left to sit as an independent. He remains in the Conservative/Independent ‘Oxfordshire Alliance’, which means the group continues to tie with Labour for seats and therefore enjoys Shadow Cabinet allowances. The Conservatives are now only narrowly ahead of the Greens, who have seven councillors. (Labour has 12 and the LibDems 34.)
  • Further restrictions are now in place on recycling fridges and freezers. Oxfordshire households will be limited to one fridge or freezer booking every three months, although they can bring up to two of these items with each booking, with bookings up to a week in advance.
Islip Bridge.
  • 10 weeks of roadworks, including a bridge closure, are to take place in Islip next month. Cllr Liz Leffman, for Oxfordshire County Council, explained: “The work is needed because the bridge has deteriorated due to higher traffic volumes, and heavier vehicles. Action is required to protect the bridge." Further detail on the scheme is available here, including full details of the phased closure and public transport diversions. Pedestrian and cyclist access across the bridge will remain available throughout.
  • “The illegal tobacco trade is not victimless,” says Kate Gregory of Oxfordshire County Council, as they urge landlords to help stop illegal tobacco being sold from local shops by carrying out proper checks on tenants and acting quickly when concerns are raised.
         The warning follows a series of Trading Standards investigations into the sale of illegal tobacco products. Officers have found businesses repeatedly selling counterfeit and smuggled tobacco from retail premises, depriving public services of tax revenue. Cllr Gregory said:
“The illegal tobacco trade damages legitimate businesses, facilitates tax evasion, undermines public health measures, and is frequently associated with wider criminality. Oxfordshire is not a soft touch; the council and its partners are committed to creating a hostile environment for individuals and organised crime groups who profit from illegal tobacco and launder the proceeds of their offending.”
  • From cabinet to entire dresser: Oxfordshire County Council’s ruling Liberal Democrat group is considering appointing Deputy Cabinet Members to bolster the 10-strong Cabinet. The positions would be unpaid and have no decision-making responsibility.
         A Deputy Cabinet Member for Strategic Plan Delivery will be considered by council leader Tim Bearder next week. The role is described as “working to maintain momentum on delivery priorities, supporting informal Cabinet planning, and helping progress quick wins”.
         Currently, 10 of OCC’s 34 LibDem councillors are Cabinet members. 10 of the 12 Labour councillors are Shadow Cabinet members, and so are a further 10 from 12 in the Conservative/Independent group. All Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet members receive an allowance.
  • Moths to the flame? The Diocese of Oxford is encouraging churches and community groups to carry out moth surveys. A recent survey at St Giles in Great Coxwell, near Faringdon, uncovered “a great diversity of moths… so many shapes, sizes and colours”. The Diocese says “although they may not be remarkable individually”, the moths demonstrate how churchyards can support biodiversity when moth populations are declining nationally. In June, a rare picture-winged fly was recorded at St Mary’s in Kidlington.
Jousting at Stonor Park.
  • Charge! At the very outskirts of Clarion territory, but of interest to Mini Clarions, Stonor Park’s jousting and falconry event is returning on 19 and 20 September. This is billed as “an exhilarating clash of power and endurance as brave knights gallop through the arena, lances at the ready, displaying exceptional horsemanship on their valiant steeds in a bid to defeat their adversary”. Axe throwing is, apparently, optional.
  • And in just-over-the-border news, a computer and video game museum opens on Saturday in Haddenham, three miles from Thame. The FUZE Centre’s open day will feature an original Enigma machine and an appearance by 1980s star coders, the Oliver Twins. Haddenham is a short train (or bus) ride from Oxford. (The National Museum of Computing in Bletchley Park would also be a short train ride from the city were any trains running on the Oxford–Milton Keynes line.)

Walking, cycling and boating

Top-quality pointing here. (Photo via Thames Path National Trail.)
  • The Thames towpath is being repaired between Donnington Bridge and the Isis Farmhouse. A parallel route through Iffley Meadows is open for pedestrians. The works, which are expected to last until late October, follow repairs near Folly Bridge last summer.
  • Didcot & Wantage MP Olly Glover has called for walking and cycling to get 5% of all Government transport funds, rising to 10% over time. The target is part of a motion that Glover, the Liberal Democrats’ transport spokesperson, is bringing to the party’s autumn conference. In the motion he also calls for all new housing developments to include “continuous, high-quality walking and cycling routes”, more School Streets, and a national “Rails to Trails” programme to build cycleways on disused railway trackbeds. The motion would become LibDem policy if adopted.
  • The Oxford Canal will remain closed to through navigation until at least October. With locks north of Aynho shut due to the drought, the Canal & River Trust has taken the opportunity to bring forward extensive repairs to Aynho Lock which were originally scheduled for the winter. Work is now beginning and is expected to be complete by 2 October.

Tenfoot Bridge (photos via Charlie Maynard MP and the Environment Agency)

  • A 19th century wooden footbridge over the Thames near Faringdon has reopened after a closure of more than two years. Local MP Charlie Maynard says he is “delighted”. Tenfoot Bridge was closed in March 2024 due to structural concerns. The bridge was built to replace a weir that formerly crossed the river here, over which a right of way had become established. It links the small villages of Buckland and Chimney, but is not itself part of the Thames Path which remains on the north bank. As part of the work, the Environment Agency has installed new bat boxes on the underside of the bridge, complete with helpful illustrations of a bat.
  • Reservoir vs canal: The charity restoring the historic Wilts & Berks Canal, which ran from Abingdon to Grove, Shrivenham and beyond, has launched an emergency appeal to protect it from Thames Water’s White Horse/Abingdon Reservoir. They say “with proper planning, the reservoir and a restored canal can coexist”. Volunteers of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust have been rebuilding the canal since 1977 (despite the name, it runs through present-day Oxfordshire, not Berkshire). The reservoir threatens to obliterate the historic canal line: the Trust is calling for Thames Water to build a replacement channel. They write: “This is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project. Existing planning policies are intended to safeguard the canal. We are calling on Thames Water to honour those protections.” Donations can be made online.

Swing from Paris and Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness.

This weekend

  • Tractor Ploughing Weekend, Sat/Sun, Rectory Farm. Masterclass and ploughing match. For tractor fans and ex-tractor fans alike.
  • Didcot Town vs Swindon Supermarine (£), Sat, Loop Meadow Stadium, Didcot. FA Cup action in Didcot. Up the railwaymen!
  • Brick Adventures (£), Sat, Didcot Railway Centre. A celebration of the carefully unnamed 'world's most popular building brick', including the Railway Centre in miniature.
  • Swing from Paris (£), Sat, Islip Village Hall. Swing quartet, actually from the Cotswolds. Finishes in time for the last train back to Oxford Parkway.
  • St Bartholomew's Day (free), Sun, Cowley Road. Procession from St Mary & St John for a service at (tiny) Bartlemas Chapel, celebrating its 900th anniversary.
  • Bat and Moth Evening (free), Sun, Aston's Eyot. Identifying the creatures of the night. Supervised children welcome to stay up.

This week

  • Rally for Peace (free), Mon. Marking Ukrainian Independence Day with a gathering in Radcliffe Square and a picnic in the University Parks.
  • Harvest at the Clumps (£), Mon-Thu, Earth Trust Farm. Meet queen bees and the Harvest King beneath Wittenham Clumps.
  • Cinderella: A Fairy Tale Through Time (free/booking), Tue, Weston Library. Book talk following Cinderella through the ages.
  • BCUC (£), Thu, The Bullingdon. Afrofuturist seven-piece Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness play their second Oxford gig this year.
  • Big Dreams (£), Thu-Sat, Pegasus Theatre. Tales from care workers marking time on the night shift. Age 12+.
  • Meet Darren Shan (free), Fri, Waterstone's. Book signing with the author of Cirque du Freak.

Dates for your diary

A selection of upcoming events we think might get booked up.

  • Oxford Open Doors (free), Sat 12–Sun 13 Sep. Booking opens Monday for behind-the-scenes events including the Centre for Islamic Studies, Holywell Cemetery, Rhodes House, and the New Theatre.
  • Engineering Modern Life (free), Tue 1 Sep, Harwell Campus. Jonn Elledge answers questions about his new book 31 Inventions That Built Our World.
  • The Botley Road Mess (£), Tue 1 Sep, Lula's. Andrew Gant, Layla Moran, and two transport journalists walk into a restaurant on Frideswide Square...
  • Climate-Proofing Your Garden (£), Sun 18 Oct, Flo's (Florence Park). Clarion contributor Amandine Lepers-Thornton on preparing for drought and flood.

Oxfordshire’s independent media

Notes from Clarion HQ

In Tuesday’s newsletter we sent out a survey. Around one-tenth of you have responded so far, which is fantastic, and statistically robust enough for us to believe the numbers. Here it is again if you've not had a chance to complete it yet. We plan to share more detailed results later, but some early toplines:

  • You think the length is about right.
  • You like ‘About the city’, ‘Events’ and ‘Walking and cycling’ sections the most.
  • We probably need a business/tech section rather than lumping things into ‘University and research’.
  • You have some very strong views on what we should cover next, and our list of ‘to be written’ has grown alarmingly in the last few days. (We love this.)
  • You are amusingly split on the frequency of cats in our newsletters, and many of you have strong opinions on this. (We love this too.)
  • Quite a few of you said you didn't know how to get in touch with us, so we'll make sure we put our email address into each newsletter. You can reach us on news@oxfordclarion.uk, or interact with our posts on Bluesky and on Facebook. We read them all.

Thank you, as ever, for being here, for sharing our posts and this week, particularly, for completing our survey. You make the Clarion what it is, and together we will make it better.