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Clarion Weekend, 25 September 2026

Clarion Weekend, 25 September 2026
According to our calculations, this is 72,000 watts lighting the Divinity School. The Apple TV show Slow Horses has been filming in locations around the city centre this week. Photo by Roger Close.

Live music at the Museum of Oxford, happy 30th to Little Clarendon Street’s French bistrot, miscounted sheep, city centre bike repair, rural LTNs, and stadium news. All this and more in Oxfordshire’s ever eclectic newsletter!

This week’s top stories

£23m is to be spent on improving Oxfordshire’s walking and cycling network in the next four years – with big wins for Bicester, the ‘Science Vale’ around Didcot and Harwell, and junction safety in Oxford. The sum brings Oxfordshire’s per capita spending on walking and cycling up to the level of the Netherlands.

Middleton Stoney Road, set to get a cycleway as part of a £6.4m active travel spend.

Oxfordshire County Council has set out how it intends to spend Government transport funding up to 2030. Among the major schemes are:

  • £6.4m on improving cycling in Bicester, including a link to the nearby village of Ambrosden, cycleways along Middleton Stoney Road, and a ‘Bicester Central Triangle’ scheme
  • £5.3m for a cycle route from Milton Park to Harwell Campus, following the old Hungerford Road and connecting to a new bridge over the A34
  • £2.3m for a direct cycle route from Abingdon to Didcot by extending the existing Kelaart’s Field cycleway 
  • £1.6m for the East Oxford Active Neighbourhoods project, including new crossings and street improvements
  • £1.4m for more School Streets across the county
  • £0.9m for new signs for a county-wide cycle network
  • £0.8m for Oxford junction improvements, including Wolvercote Roundabout and new designs for troublesome junctions across the city

A further £8.8m will be spent over the four years on OCC’s Vision Zero programme, which aims to eliminate highway deaths and serious injuries by focusing on junctions and other blackspots. All this is dwarfed by the spend on road maintenance, which will total £168m – ramping up from £34.6m in 2026/27 to £49.7m in 2029/30.

Central Government funding is not OCC’s only source of highways cash, with other income from developer contributions and one-off funding pots. Overall, the county now spends 10% of its transport budget on active travel, working out at around £32 per person – broadly equivalent to the per capita spend in the Netherlands, though without the 50-year headstart. Centre-left thinktank the IPPR says this level of investment needs to be maintained for at least a decade.

Cllr Gareth Epps, cabinet member for transport, said: “This includes an increase in funding for active travel, though not to the level we would expect, as Government recognises our increased capability. We hope to announce details of additional investment in the future.”

Oxford’s traffic filters start on Monday. The trial scheme replaces the temporary congestion charge. Permit-holders will still be able to drive cars through the six camera points up to their annual limits (100 days for Oxford residents, 25 for Oxfordshire residents), but for others, there will be no option to pay the £5 charge. Instead, a £70 fine will be levied, reduced to £35 for prompt payment.

Within 18 months, a decision will be made on whether to keep the traffic filters, amend the scheme, or remove them. A consultation opens at noon on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Botley Road had no sooner reopened than heavy traffic was reported, including delays to the new bus services. The road is the only access to the Westgate Centre parking without passing through a congestion charge camera.

A legal challenge to Oxford United's new stadium has been refused. Mr Justice Johnson has turned down Friends of Stratfield Brake’s application for a judicial review into Cherwell District Council’s granting of planning permission for the new stadium, near Kidlington.

Working with activist lawyers Leigh Day, FoSB had argued that the stadium would have an adverse impact on ancient woodland, and queried the matchday traffic forecasts. The judge, however, concluded that the grounds of challenge were “unarguable”. FoSB have one week to file a final appeal. A terse OUFC statement confirmed the decision: FoSB have not yet commented.

Around the city

  • Two men have been cautioned for unauthorised digging in Port Meadow, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Following an arrest last autumn, a judge directed them to repay Oxford City Council for repair costs. Thames Valley Police said: “Port Meadow is a site popular with diggers for Victorian age bottles. Hopefully this will show that the site is not for digging and we will investigate those who disregard this.”
  • Plain-clothed officers, working in pairs, are to be deployed around pubs and bars in Freshers’ Week as part of Thames Valley Police’s Project Vigilant to keep students safe. TVP launched the initiative in 2019 following a series of sexual assaults linked to the night-time economy.
  • City centre streets have been closed this week for Apple TV, understood to be filming a new series of spy thriller Slow Horses, based on novels by Oxford writer Mick Herron. OCC charges up to £3,500 plus VAT per day for 'premium filming locations'.
  • BBC1’s investigative series Panorama returned to Oxford this week to look at the long-term impact on victims of the grooming gangs that operated in the city between 1998 and 2012. Operation Bullfinch and its successors led to 22 arrests, principally among men of Pakistani heritage, but survivors told Panorama that many perpetrators had not been brought to justice. A 2015 review criticised Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council for inaction; there were no significant resignations at the time. OCC says it is “committed to listening to victims” while TVP has promised “If you come forward to report abuse, you will be taken seriously.”
  • No sooner has a £340m upgrade to Oxford Sewage Treatment Works been confirmed than the prospect has been aired of moving it instead. Thames Water is planning a capacity upgrade which would meet demand until 2041. However, a report in UK Property Forums (a site which has, no word of a lie, must-read status here at Clarion HQ) says that developers have proposed relocating it from the current site on Grenoble Road. The Ellison Institute of Technology and South Oxford Science Village, among other projects, are set to make this area a focus of development in the next decade.
  • To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the North Wall is inviting local creatives aged 8-17 to submit a five-minute scene for a brand-new play co-written by children and young people from Oxfordshire. Selected scenes will be knitted together to create a vignette-style play, performed in July 2027. The arts centre, on South Parade, is owned by St Edward’s School, whose northern boundary wall it forms.
  • A new live events programme has been launched at the Museum of Oxford. Sounds of the City: Live offers a stage to local artists, building on the museum's Sounds of the City exhibition. The programme features intimate live music performances, lunchtime talks, walking tours, a film screening and family workshops between October and December. Cllr Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council said: “Oxford has a rich and diverse musical heritage, and Sounds of the City celebrates the artists, venues and communities that have shaped the city's soundtrack over the decades. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience that story in new ways, from live performances and film screenings to talks, tours and creative workshops.”
  • The Archbishop of Constantinople Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, visited Oxford last week. Speaking at the University Church, he described faith as a pillar of democracy “in a fracturing international order”. Revd Canon Dr Will Lamb, vicar of the University Church, said: “In recent years we have hosted a number of ecumenical guests, and this was the first time ever that an Ecumenical Patriarch has given a lecture at the University of Oxford.”
  • An Oxford Brookes researcher has joined forces with Oxfam to help it launch the first ever national charity fashion rental platform. Oxfam is well known for selling donated clothes through its charity shops, but its new service allows customers to rent selected garments for a 14-day period. Rebecca Beech, senior lecturer in marketing, advised Oxfam on consumer attitudes to clothing rental, including awareness of rental fashion in the UK, the types of consumers most likely to use the service, the barriers that might prevent people from renting clothes, and how the new platform could reflect Oxfam’s sustainability values. Dr Beech commented: “This new platform helps tackle textile waste by keeping quality garments in use for longer. By putting these garments back into circulation, the model offers a sustainable alternative to traditional retail while raising vital funds for Oxfam’s global poverty-fighting initiatives.”
  • Independent French bistrot Pierre Victoire on Little Clarendon Street is celebrating both its 30th anniversary, and receiving a coveted AA rosette. Here is Edible Reading's glowing review from 2024. The proprietors say:
         “At a time when much of the restaurant industry has moved towards centralised production, readymeals and reheating, we have deliberately and fiercely upheld the traditional approach of cooking everything fresh and from scratch. We are stewards of an iconic restaurant which has upheld its traditions and meant a great deal to Oxford for three decades. Our desire is to make sure it remains that kind of place for many years to come!”
         The original Pierre Victoire group began in London and expanded across the UK in the late 1980s and 1990s. After a spectacular bankruptcy of the chain in the late ’90s, some bistrots continued as independents — with one side of this history documented in the original founder’s book. The Jericho bistrot started out within the chain, but has been independently owned and run since c.1999. (Anyone for confit de canard and creme brûlée?)
  • Meanwhile, just round the corner on St Giles, the Good Habit coffee shop has opened beside Blackfriars Hall. The Dominican friars explain that the independently-run cafe is run on a profit-sharing basis, with the intention of “serving both the general public and the community of Blackfriars, providing meals and other social events for our student body and academic staff”. Cafe proprietor Rich Sewell said he was “massively blown away by the love we’re receiving… thank you so much for coming in, for all the lovely feedback and for getting behind what we’re doing”.

Around the county

  • Countryside charity CPRE has launched a new campaign ‘Brownfield First’ – and they say 8,340 homes could be built on brownfield sites across Oxfordshire. Their data is based on councils’ brownfield registers, which lists previously developed (brownfield) land where new development could be suitable, available and achievable.
         Oxford City Council's register was updated in August 2026, and includes land at the John Radcliffe, the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, and Manzil Way Resource Centre. Cherwell’s includes Banbury Cycles on Broad Street, and Yarnton Nurseries. West Oxfordshire includes Heythrop Hunt kennels, and the former War Memorial Hospital in Chipping Norton. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse have a combined list.
         Marcus Gilleard from CPRE Oxfordshire said: “There is substantial previously developed land identified across Oxfordshire with potential for housing. Every site has its own constraints, but making the best use of brownfield land should be an important part of planning while protecting the countryside.”
         (We wrote about Oxfordshire's housing crisis, and why there are no easy answers, in our Housing Week series. Read it and weep.)
  • Trains resumed through Didcot on Thursday morning after a gas leak stopped all services between London Paddington and Oxford. The Clarion understands that the leak was caused by cutting into the gas main at a construction site by the Hadden Hill/Abingdon Road roundabout, where a gasometer once stood and where a new Lidl and self-storage facility are being built: the gas was said to be venting directly towards the adjacent railway line. SGN confirmed the incident, the second gas leak in Didcot within a week, involved “damage to our network caused by a third party”.
  • This week is Falls Prevention Awareness Week, and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has launched a new website offering advice on how to reduce risk of falling and stay independent for longer. It was developed by partners from across health, social care, councils, the voluntary sector and ambulance services. Antoinette Broad from the Trust said: “Falls prevention is a priority for us. I see first-hand the significant impact that falls can have on people’s health, confidence and independence, so anything that helps prevent them in the first place is really important.”
  • People in Oxfordshire who are eligible for annual winter flu and COVID jabs are being encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as Oxfordshire starts its annual rollout. Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “Getting the vaccine not only gives you extra protection but also protects your loved ones. It's important to boost your protection regularly, as immunity decreases and viruses change each year, so book your appointment today.”
  • 65 new homes are proposed for the Cherwell valley village of Bletchingdon, of which 23 will be ‘affordable’. The site is on the north-western edge of the village and is part of the Bletchingdon Park estate. Spitfire Homes have lodged an application with Cherwell District Council. (It’ll be a lovely two-wheeled commute through Kirtlington and across the fields to Tackley station in dry weather. Not so sure about the depths of February…)
  • The Eagle Tavern in Witney has won Hook Norton Brewery’s Pub of the Year award. The Castle Inn, opposite the Westgate in Oxford, won their Phoenix Award.
  • Sheep detectives at Thames Valley Police say they are no longer investigating the suspected theft of sheep from a farm near Chadlington (yes, it was ewe-know-who). They say: “The report was found to be the result of an accidental miscount by farm staff. All sheep have since been accounted for.”
  • A West Oxfordshire councillor has moved from the Liberal Democrats to the Conservatives. Phil Godfrey, councillor for Carterton North-West, said: “I am increasingly uncomfortable with what I see as the party's anti-motorist approach.” Cllr Godfrey runs a car servicing and tyre business in Bicester. The political balance on West Oxfordshire District Council is now LibDem 19, Con 17, Lab 8, Green 4, Reform 1. The council continues to be run by a LibDem/Lab/Green coalition.
  • A village near Witney could get a Low Traffic Neighbourhood. Well Lane, in Curbridge, could be closed at one end to prevent through traffic. Cllr Thomas Ashby (Con) wrote: “Officers are assessing the feasibility of closing the [nearby pub] Lord Kitchener end of the road. This is not a cast iron guarantee, but they are certainly looking into it… I am pleased I have managed to get the County Council to finally engage with the village.”
You too could have a photoshoot for your dog. Photo from Blenheim Palace.
  • Deck the paws: Blenheim Palace has announced that this year it will open its Illuminated Trail to dogs for the first time, giving visitors the chance to experience the magic of Christmas with their four-legged companions in tow. Trail tickets (on selected dates) start at £25 for adults and £19 for children. Dogs must be on short leads, and organisers ask dog owners to be considerate of other visitors and ensure they have enough bags to clear up after their dog.
  • Community Action Groups Oxfordshire celebrated their 25th anniversary this week. Since 2001, CAG Oxfordshire has facilitated and supported a network of over 130 community action groups working on themes such as waste, transport, food, energy, biodiversity and social justice. Together, they have engaged more than half a million people in events and activities, and provided more than half a million volunteer hours since 2019. Martin Reeves, chief executive of Oxfordshire County Council said: “For 25 years, the CAG network has shown what can be achieved when passionate people come together to make their communities greener, happier and more resilient. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this remarkable network and congratulate CAG Oxfordshire on this important milestone.”

Walking and cycling

  • Two new cycle routes into Oxford are being planned from fast-expanding villages. Oxfordshire County Council has commissioned transport consultants PJA to design routes from Berinsfield and Wheatley, at a cost of just under £115,000. The routes themselves could be funded by Government or developers.
  • Bike repair is returning to Oxford city centre. A mechanic from Broken Spoke Co-op will be fixing bikes every Wednesday morning from 8.30am to 1pm, at the Handle Bar on St Michael's Street – formerly the location of Bike Zone until it closed in 2024.
  • Another Oxford footbridge has been closed due to safety concerns. Inspectors identified structural problems with Swan Street footbridge, which links Osney Island to Ferry Hinksey Road and is used by pupils at West Oxford Primary School. Oxfordshire County Council is now assessing repair options. Cllr Liz Leffman said: “We know how popular this footbridge is, and how important it is for this community. However, we cannot compromise when it comes to the safety of the public. The decision to close the bridge has not been taken lightly, but it was the only option in the circumstances.”
  • The Cuttle Brook path in Thame is being resurfaced thanks to developer funding. Recycled road planings will be used to create “a route that is genuinely usable for wheeling and will be long-lasting, rather than simply one that looks more natural”. Thame Town Council says the improved path will be easier for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, adapted cycles, walking aids and pushchairs.
  • A youth hostel on the Ridgeway, just across the Oxfordshire border, is for sale for an estimated £650,000. YHA Streatley goes up for auction on 21 October. The hostel was previously put up for sale in 2023 but failed to sell at a higher price. The YHA has overseen successive rounds of closures in attempts to stabilise its financial position. In Oxfordshire, the former YHA Ridgeway now operates as an independent hostel; YHA Oxford closed in 2023 for the Botley Road works, after having relocated from Jack Straw’s Lane in 2001; YHA Charlbury closed in 2001, YHA Henley in 1985, and others as long ago as 1932.
  • Thames Valley Police have appealed for witnesses following two collisions involving cyclists on Wednesday 16 September. At 4.20pm on Botley Road, two cyclists collided at a side-road junction resulting in a serious head injury. Then at around 7.40pm, a collision between a cyclist and a pedestrian on St Mary’s Road in East Oxford caused significant injuries. Anyone with information is asked to get in touch.
  • More running than walking – okay, a lot of running. Organisers of the Cambridge and Oxford Half Marathons have announced a new collaboration: ‘Cambridge ⨉ Oxford, The Half Marathon Challenge’. The 500 competitors get an exclusive training t-shirt, plus two limited-edition medals — one earned at each race — designed to combine into a single Challenge award, and an exclusive race bib design. Pre-register for access to the Cambridge Half (250 tickets will be released on 30 September), and the Oxford Half (250 further tickets will be released on 11 October).
Inclusive circus show Circus Starr.

This weekend

  • Botley Bridge Bash (free/£), Fri, Tap Social. Road reopening celebration at the far end of Botley Road. Suggested dress code: hi-vis and hard hats.
  • Phase, Pattern, Pulse (£), from Fri, Schwarzman Centre. Three Steve Reich compositions played in 'immersive audio' at the Schwarzman's Black Box.
  • Tiny Ideas Festival (free/£), Sat/Sun, across Oxford. Delightful shows for small children including Bin Rat and The Mushroom Show.
  • Circus Starr (free/booking), Sat, Oxford High School. Inclusive circus show with free tickets for disabled children and low-income families.
  • Charlbury Oktoberfest (£), Sat, Cricket Club. ‘Bier, Brezn und guter Laune’, or so it says here.
  • Memorial Concert for Judith Gairdner (£), Sat, St Michael & All Angels Church (Summertown). Isis Chamber Orchestra pay tribute to their principal viola player, raising funds for Help Musicians.
  • Blue Hour* (£), Sat, Schwarzman Centre. Grand finale of the Oxford Chamber Music Festival with Ravel, Stravinsky, and Cage. *actually 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Fat Man's Chest (£), Sat, The Nest. Pet Gât bakery, a 'gay-liedh' band, zines, tattoos, and live music till late. Fundraiser for top surgery for The Nest's director.
  • 'Who's Got the Remote?' (£), Sun, Exeter Hall (Kidlington). TV-themed interactive family concert from Kidlington Concert Brass.
  • Kidical Mass (free), Sun, across Oxford. Five family bike rides converging in the city centre.
Kidical Mass. Photo by Roger Close.

This week

Coming up

  • European Space Agency open day (free/booking), Sat 10 Oct, Harwell Campus. Astronauts, robots, and space rocks.
  • Anyone Can Play Guitar (£), Sat 24 Oct, Ultimate Picture Palace. The 2010 documentary about Oxford's pop music scene, followed by Q&A with director Jon Spira (Videosyncratic) and Dave Gilyeat (BBC Introducing).
  • Next weekend: Klub Kakofanney’s 35th on Friday, Wallingford Literary Festival, autumn festivals at Oxford City Farm, Wolvercote, and Waterperry. More next week.

Oxfordshire’s independent media

Notes from Clarion HQ

What do you do with a problem like Botley Road? Three years closed and no one is happy: one week open and it’s already a case of ‘situation normal, all snarled up’. Our lead story this week reports the upbeat news that Oxfordshire’s active travel spending is now on a par with the Netherlands’ – but while the Dutch have been making their towns walking- and cycling-friendly since the ’70s, we have 50 years to catch up on. If Oxford is to offer genuine alternatives to the car, improving the sub-par slalom that is the Botley Road cycle track must surely be a top priority.

Thank you to all those of you who have sent us stories and tips (news@oxfordclarion.uk). It's a joy opening the treasure box of an inbox at the end of the day to find out what's arrived, even if it is a little daunting at times (should we recruit an inbox Marie Kondo?). We're working with some new collaborators on some cracking long reads at the moment, so watch this space. As ever, you make the Clarion what it is. Have a lovely weekend.