Clarion Weekly, 15 August 2025

In any other week, the visit of US vice-president J.D. Vance to West Oxfordshire would be the biggest story. Until Thursday night, it was – then Oxford United got the official thumbs-up for their new stadium, as Cherwell District Council voted to give it planning permission. All this below, plus very expensive toilets, new pubs, and a controversy on tackling shoplifters…

This week’s long reads

Is your garden struggling in the heat? In a special feature for the Clarion, Oxford horticulturist Amandine Lepers-Thornton looks at how to future-proof your planting in the age of climate change.

Climate-proofing your garden

Is your garden suffering in this uncommonly hot summer? Oxford horticulturist Amandine Lepers-Thornton explains how to future-proof your planting in the age of climate change. Imagine a typical British garden. Lush green grass, shrubs and trees looking full and beds bursting at the seams with green leaves and spires of

Oxford ClarionClarion guest contributor

What happens when the US vice-president moves in down the road? Dean resident Jonathan Mazower found himself with an unexpected neighbour this week. He writes about the experience – and the changing shape of Oxfordshire.

J.D. Vance has taken over my village. Send help

The tiny Oxfordshire village of Dean has an unexpected visitor – US vice-president J.D. Vance on his summer holidays. Local resident Jonathan Mazower writes from inside Fortress Dean. What to do when J.D. Vance comes to stay? This wasn’t a question I’d ever considered, but it was

Oxford ClarionClarion guest contributor

This week’s top stories

Kidlington Triangle, here we come! Oxford United’s new stadium at the Triangle, over the road from Oxford Parkway station, got the go-ahead last night at a mammoth meeting of Cherwell District Council’s planning committee.

The 16,000-seater stadium and hotel complex will be OUFC’s new home from the 2027/2028 season, the moving-out date set by current stadium owner Firoz Kassam. Oxford Parkway will provide both parking and direct rail access to the stadium, with special matchday buses joining scheduled routes. Oxford Road will be closed for 45 minutes before and after matches to enable crowds to cross safely, with buses being escorted through.

The 4.5-hour meeting delved into the minutiae of traffic arrangements, biodiversity, and what conditions can legally be imposed in a planning agreement. But after an exhausting set of questions, nimbly fielded by Cherwell District Council’s planning officer Laura Bell and Oxfordshire County Council’s Will Madgwick, Banbury Labour councillor Kerrie Thornhill was the first to jump off the fence and say she’d be supporting the application, followed by the LibDem leader of Cherwell District Council, David Hingley. In the end, the only vote against came from Bicester independent John Broad, with three Kidlington councillors abstaining. (Here’s our ball-by-ball live commentary: Twitter, Bluesky.)

Oxford United’s Jonathon Clarke said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to have secured planning approval. We’re now one step closer to delivering on our goal of creating a once-in-a-generation venue for supporters and the wider community. I’d like to place on record my thanks to the Cherwell District Council planning officers for their constructive engagement throughout this process.”

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds said she was pleased with the news, though she’d be sorry to see the club leave her constituency:

“I'm really grateful to Cherwell District Council's planning committee for approving those plans. Of course, we're all heartbroken that the club can't stay here [at the Kassam]. But it's not sustainable: we don't have a fourth stand, the women can't play here. Now we will have a brighter future for the club, with more stability, finally.”

The Oxford Beer Festival has been cancelled. Oxford CAMRA chair John Winney apologised to the breweries and cider farms whose wares would have been on tap, as well as the punters looking forward to the October event. But he said that relations with the Town Hall had cooled:

“We thank the Town Hall for working with us two years ago to manage costs. But this time around we have faced a lack of communication and an obstructive attitude by Town Hall management, particularly over the cost of providing security and the refusal by their appointed events caterer, Elegant Cuisine, to allow any other kind of food into the building to feed volunteers and judges of the beer competition. We get the impression that they don’t really want this kind of event.”

Cholsey Parish Council is at the centre of a bizarre political row between Angela Rayner and Jeremy Corbyn.

Corbyn attacked Rayner for signing off the sale of eight allotment sites, including one in Cholsey. (The Allotment Act of 1925 protects allotments from development without ministerial sign-off.) The government confirmed on 16th July that allotment land at Wallingford Road had been deregistered. The Telegraph had Corbyn hitting back at ‘Rayner's war on allotments’: “Of course, social housing is desperately needed, but we need not sacrifice these vital green spaces to build it.”

But Cholsey Parish Council, who own the allotment land, have confirmed that it is not for sale. Rather, as poor quality growing land, it is being deregistered so it can be managed as a nature reserve to improve biodiversity. (We wrote about the joy of allotments, plus a series on the housing challenges in Oxfordshire.)

Around the city

• The new Oxpens River Bridge is full steam ahead following Oxford City Council cabinet’s decision this week to approve £3.7m of extra funding, reallocated from underspend elsewhere in the budget. We reported on delays to the project two weeks ago.
• Oxford City Council has announced it achieved an annual reduction of 6% in carbon emissions. This is a 27% reduction from the 2019/20 baseline though below the 10% required to achieve its goal of reaching net zero carbon by 2030. Reduction measures include a low emissivity ceiling at Oxford Ice Rink, energy-efficient showers at leisure centres, and an LED replacement programme. Cllr Anna Railton, Oxford City Council: “I am pleased we are continuing to reduce our carbon emissions. As an organisation we are responsible for just 1% of Oxford’s carbon emissions; however, we remain committed to achieving our 2030 goal.”
• Local residents have painted murals along the footpath behind Templar Shopping Centre in Cowley, newly named ‘Little Park Lane’. The project was initiated by Viv Peto and designed by two local residents, Jude Houseage and Andy McLellan. The community project was started to make the alley feel more cared for, with less litter. The organisers say it is working so far! It was crowdfunded with support in kind from local paint shop Brewers.
• Crowdfunding for the Vaults & Garden cafe’s legal fund has stepped up a gear, the organisers have announced. Customers can now tap to donate to the fund in the cafe, thanks to a CrowdJustice campaign card machine next to the existing payment machine. We reported on its legal struggles last month.
• The former Bike Zone shop on St Michael’s Street could be converted to a short-term holiday let. The upper floors of the building, no.26, are already marketed as Henry’s Hotel. A planning application submitted to Oxford City Council says the change would “contribute positively to the local economy”.
• The footpath connecting Cherwell Street and Dudley Gardens, off St Clements, has fully reopened following works to repair a retaining wall to the River Cherwell, which collapsed in August 2024. OCC says the repairs have been technically complex and logistically challenging, with the team often donning waders or working from scaffolding within the river. Several utility cables were buried in the footpath, while adjoining properties were supported by the wall.
• Oxford’s oldest pub (and venue for Clarion editorial meetings) The Bear has reopened after refurbishment, reports the Oxford Drinker. It has doubled its indoor space after taking over a former tanning salon next door.
• A boutique hotel has opened in the former public toilets on St Giles. Interior designer Rachael Gowdridge has furnished two suites at The Netty, labelled ‘number one’ and ‘number two’. The men's toilets were built beneath a traffic island in 1895 and closed in 2008. Rooms start at £135 per night, rather more than “spending a penny”, and have already been featured in the New York Times’ Style Magazine. There are eight remaining public toilets in Oxford city centre.

Around the county

• The cost of Thames Water’s proposed Abingdon Reservoir has tripled, from an original £2.2bn up to a possible £7.5bn. The disclosure came in the ‘Gate 3’ submission to water regulator Ofwat: the company blames rising construction costs. Bethia Thomas, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said “We have continually urged water providers to explore alternatives before committing to this reservoir.” Local councillor Andy Cooke looked at the project in a three-part guest series for the Clarion last month.
• Oxfordshire County Council has been awarded a share of £8m government funding as one of 12 ‘Pathfinder’ authorities in a Local Youth Transformation pilot scheme. The scheme will work with youth clubs and schools to create opportunities for young people, particularly those from deprived areas. Pathfinder authorities were selected from applications from authorities with the highest levels of low income families. Labour MPs Sean Woodcock and Anneliese Dodds, who represent wards with the highest deprivation in Oxfordshire, have written to OCC to request that any plan includes these wards.
• Plans for an electric vehicle fast charging station at Eynsham, which were turned down by West Oxfordshire District Council in March, have been resubmitted with the number of bays increased to 12 (from 8) and the access road redesigned. The new design removes the exit onto the A40 and faces the B4449 only, to avoid compromising the cycle track. Applicants Fastned say siting the facility at the Eynsham Park & Ride would not “fully utilise the benefits of fast chargers… slow charging is better paired with a P&R use case where cheaper lower powered chargers would take advantage of the longer dwell times”.
• Our Lady’s Abingdon, a Catholic co-educational independent school, has announced its closure. Founded in 1866, it had been seeking a merger with other schools but talks broke down last week. The governors say they are “truly heartbroken”. The school is registered as having 368 students on roll, averaging 33 per year group (from Year 3 to sixth form). In a statement, the governors say there has been “a sharp decline in pupil numbers in recent months, threatening the school’s short and long-term viability”. They cite “the introduction of VAT on school fees, higher National Insurance contributions, the ending of business rates relief for independent schools, and rising operational costs”, and say their focus is now “supporting families in securing alternative school places and assisting staff through redundancy”. James Plumb, Oxfordshire County Council’s Conservative group’s spokesperson for children, said “The imposition of VAT and business rates has dealt a hammer blow to schools like OLA.”
• The former HSBC building in Bicester could be about to become a games cafe. Noughts & Nibbles which advertises itself as ‘a table for every player’, has applied for permission for signage. It would join Jenny's Cafe and the Fat Zebra as independent cafes on Market Square.
• A straggler in Oxfordshire’s 20mph programme has caught up as consultation opens on reducing the speed limit in Carterton.
• Over half a million pounds has been awarded by Oxfordshire County Council to community flood reduction schemes. The 39 projects include surface drainage improvements, natural flood management schemes, ditch clearances, water pumps, timber dams and flood sensors. Councillor Judy Roberts, OCC: “We would have supported almost all the projects if we had enough money to do so. When it comes to knowing what is needed to tackle flooding, local communities are often the experts." We wrote about flooding in Oxfordshire, and what residents can do about it, last year, in a long read in collaboration with Dr Pete Sudbury, then deputy leader of OCC.
• Thames riverside pub the Old Anchor Inn in Abingdon is due to re-open on Friday after more than two years of closure, reports the Oxford Drinker. Independent operator Cask & Crew says it will be a food led pub with a 10% off loyalty scheme for locals.

Oxfordshire politics

It is suspiciously quiet on the elected representatives front – we reckon some of them are on holiday. Pretty much everyone has congratulated students on their results, so we'll take that as read. In other news…

• Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber had a controversial week. A Telegraph article [paywall] quoted him as saying members of the public needed to tackle shoplifters. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch backed him up, saying “there will never be enough police to do everything”. Social media was split, with commenters who’ve worked in retail disagreeing on safety (and public interest) grounds. In a lengthy defence on Twitter he called out his record of making shoplifting a priority in the Thames Valley, but added: “What if it wasn’t shoplifting? What if you saw someone being assaulted? Walk by on the other side? Don’t even call for help?”
• Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley & Thame, disagreed saying: “No, the public should not be asked to confront criminals. We need a return to community neighbourhood policing, where crimes are fully investigated and wherever possible prevented.” In other blue light news, he visited Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
• Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West & Abingdon, expressed shock at the closure of Our Lady's in Abingdon; her team said they were working with local authorities to offer support.
• Olly Glover, MP for Didcot & Wantage, has had a scientific week visiting Harwell to meet Nuclear Restoration Services, Space Solar and the UK Space Agency. He also got to ride on a combine harvester, the sort of photo-op Ed Davey would be proud of.
• Sean Woodcock, MP for Banbury, is celebrating a new government policy that will let Armed Forces members keep pets. And he welcomed Minister for Sport, Steph Peacock, to Banbury United.
• Calum Miller, MP for Bicester & Woodstock, visited the Eynsham Museum and wants you to fill out his survey on mobile phone blackspots.
• Charlie Maynard, MP for Witney, spoke to the Express about putting Thames Water into special administration. He went for a health check up and wants you to, too (if you are between 40 and 74). He's embarking on one of his constituency walks on 28 August: he's heading to Longworth, Buckland and Faringdon if you want to catch him.

University and research

• Thursday was A-level, T-level and BTec results day across the county. The County Council provided advice for students on next steps while congratulating teachers across the county. The Clarion congratulates all students who sat exams and wishes them the best of luck for the future.
• To commemorate VJ Day today, the University of Oxford has published a 2,600-item collection of wartime love letters and photographs by Frank Watson, an RAF serviceman captured by Japanese forces in 1942.
• The Vikings were traders, not just looters, according to new research by researcher Dr Jane Kershaw. Scandinavian coinage discovered in 2012 has been traced back to Islamic silver dirhams. Dr Kershaw’s associate professorship is funded by a bequest from another successful Scandinavian trader, the late Swedish billionaire Gad Rausing, owner of Tetra Pak.
• Oxford Ionics, a quantum computing pioneer, has installed a new trapped-ion quantum computer, Quartet (QUantum Advantage-Ready Trapped-ion Exploration Testbed), at the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre in Harwell. Quartet is a full-stack computer using conventional electronic chips to control the ‘qubits’ (quantum computing elements), which helps to make it upgradeable. It will be used to develop commercial applications for quantum computing.
• Oxford has a new Menstrual Health & Menopause Clinic, designed to support patients where there is an interplay between their mental health and menstrual cycle or menopause. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Sophie Behrman said: “There are often complex interactions between a person’s menstrual cycle or menopause and mental health. We hope this clinic will raise awareness of the relationship between mental health, menstrual cycle and menopause for patients and clinicians alike.”

Walking and cycling

• The improved walkway under the Botley Road rail bridge is on target to open by the end of August, but not everyone is impressed. The route will follow the northern (station) side, and cyclists will still be required to dismount. Network Rail’s plans show that access will be via Cripley Road rather than directly along Botley Road. Bethia Thomas, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, called this “a temporary arrangement, much longer than before, which will continue to make journeys into the city more convoluted and time-consuming”.
• The footpath across Abingdon Weir has reopened, after the Environment Agency closed it due to corrosion concerns. Local councillor Tom Greenaway reports that the EA believes summer water flows have reduced stress on the structure, but that they will review the position at the end of September.

Charity begins at home

An occasional section. Requests for inclusion to news@oxfordclarion.uk.

• Sobell House Hospice is looking for volunteers across the county, from drivers to gardeners and hairdressers. Sobell House Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to adults living in Oxfordshire with a life-limiting illness, and support to their family and friends.
• ARCh Oxfordshire are looking for volunteers to go into primary schools across Oxfordshire to support children with reading, confidence and well-being. ARCh Reading Helpers support children in 1:1 reading sessions, sharing books, playing games, and giving children a safe space to thrive. If you could spare a little time each week, contact emma@archoxfordshire.org.uk. Opportunities are also available for people in full time work.
• Oxfordshire Homeless Movement is looking for a social media volunteer with 5-7 hours spare a week. Contact yvonne@ohmteam.org.
• Abundance Oxford is looking for volunteers to harvest fruit trees in Oxford, to stop fruit going to waste. They will redistribute to non-profits, and volunteers can take home fruit too. Details here [Facebook link]. And because the Clarion IRL has been offered apples by approximately six gazillion people, (no, thank you, also no courgettes), we are reposting this link for Oxford Farmhouse Pressing who will take your apples and either turn them into juice to sell (giving you a share), or bottle it for you.

Dates for your diary

• Free Music and Poetry Workshop with author James Carter. Wednesday 20 August, 11am–3pm. Didcot Cornerstone, organised by ARCh (Assisted Reading for Children). Email emma@archoxfordshire.org.uk for more information. 
• Foodies Festival, Saturday 23–Monday 25 August, South Parks. ‘Gastro-Glastonbury’ featuring Blue, Example and Scouting For Girls, MasterChef champions, children’s activities and chilli-eating competitions.
• Ukrainian Independence Day Rally, Sunday 24 August. 2pm and 3.30pm, Radcliffe Square, Oxford.
• Headington Beer Festival, Friday 5–Sunday 7 September. Mason's Arms, Headington. 40 real ales, craft beers and ciders.
• Oxford Open Doors, Saturday 13–Sunday 14 September. The annual opportunity to look behind the scenes in buildings from the Divinity School to the Blavatnik School (can you spot the seagull?) and from the Museum of Oxford to the Mini Museum. Top tips: this former leper chapel and Corpus Christi College Barge.
• Garsington Opera. If opera is your bag (or you’re opera-curious), their next event is a ‘Schubertiade’ on Saturday 27 September, in Garsington – a special concert in partnership with Oxford International Song Festival. Have a listen to ‘Nacht und Träume’ if you are looking for a moment of calm. Tickets here.
• Sabbat Sessions, Thursday 30 October, 5.30pm, Blackwell's on Broad Street. A free celebration of Samhain with “Blackwell's resident witches”.
• Estonian composer Arvo Pärt is 90 this year and Music at Oxford is staging a festival in celebration, on 11–16 November. We’re telling you early because this is bound to sell out. (While you’re on the Music at Oxford site, you might want to book your Christmas at Christ Church tickets, with several tiers already exhausted.)

This weekend

• Caption Small Press & Comics Festival, all weekend at Seacourt Hall, Botley. Returning after an eight year absence, a unique “relaxed, social, non-sales focused” for illustrators, authors and their fans.
• Headington 5m Road Race, organised by Headington Roadrunners. Sunday, 9.30 at OXSRAD (OX3 0NQ). Fast, flat and chip-timed. 5 miles, suitable for all abilities (time limit 75 minutes).
• Celebrating one hundred years of Brian Aldiss, Weston Library, Friday to Monday. Small free display of work by the celebrated science fiction writer and late Oxford resident.
• Dine & Devour. Food retailers on Broad Street, Friday–Sunday.
• Rose Hill Community Fun Day, Saturday. Bouncy castle and bike repairs at the community centre between 11am and 3pm, then a free outdoor screening of A Minecraft Movie at 9pm.

Oxfordshire’s independent media

• Morris Oxford looks at the villages that make up Oxford – Binsey, Hinksey, Cowley, Iffley… and why they end in ‘-ey’.
• The Oxford Sausage looks at a 19th century map of Oxford.
• Bitten Oxford reviews Summertown's Oxford Wine Tavern. (Thirsty?)
• Daily Info reviews Don Giovanni at Waterperry Opera Festival.
• Oxford Student, still publishing in the Long Vac, has a guide for new Oxford students.
• Ox in a Box visits a new crêperie in Woodstock. That sound you can hear is your Clarion team loading kids onto cargo bike for an outing.
• The Fence tours the pubs of Charlbury.
• The Witney Gitzette raises a satirical eyebrow to a controversy over ANPR in Witney and conjures up a Witney/Carterton rivalry over fried chicken.

Notes from Clarion HQ

We didn’t have any predictions as to how Thursday’s OUFC planning meeting was going to go, but “Cherwell District Council planning officer trending on Twitter” was not what we expected. Hats off to Laura Bell, whose good humour, patience and complete command of the issues made her the stand-out performer of the evening, rightfully appreciated in dozens of post-match tweets.

Aside from the day-to-day news, we were delighted to welcome two guest contributors this week with long reads on climate-proof gardens and J.D. Vance – plus, behind the scenes, an extra subeditor to keep our italics and crossheads in good order. Thank you to everyone who helps us keep Oxfordshire informed, through tip-offs, sharing the newsletter, or just amusing us on social media. Enjoy the weekend.