Oxford News
Raise the Colours threatened with legal action for flags
The group was initially issued a legal notice banning it from putting up flags in Oxfordshire on April 1.
It came after members livestreamed themselves hanging flags, with locals said to have been subjected to “abuse and threatening behaviour” if they criticised or challenged them.
The movement says it is placing flags around the county in the name of patriotism, but it has attracted criticism with allegations of intimidation and threatening behaviour from some members towards the public and council staff.
Now, the council has threatened group members with a High Court injunction, saying flags had continued to be hung despite the ban.
In a livestream last week, Raise the Colours co-founder Ryan Bridge was filmed holding an urgent letter from the authority, which he said needed legal attention.
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Bridge was previously arrested in Oxford on suspicion of causing racially and religiously aggravated assault on Wednesday, April 1 in Abingdon Road, Oxford.
At the time a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Last week, we launched an investigation following reports of incidents of public order offences on Abingdon Road, Oxford.
“Officers are investigating those public order offences and have arrested a 44-year-old man from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, on suspicion of causing racially and religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.”
His arrest on Saturday followed an alleged hit-and-run crash involving a van and a pedestrian in Birmingham on Thursday, May 14.
A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: “Oxfordshire County Council has issued legal correspondence to individuals in relation to the continued unauthorised placing of flags on or near the public highway.
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“As the highway authority, the council has a legal duty to keep roads and public infrastructure safe.
“The council has also seen instances of unacceptable behaviour towards employees and contractors carrying out their work and has a responsibility to protect its workforce and the wider public.
“The letters request that this activity stops and seeks assurances that it will not continue. If these are not provided, the council will consider further legal steps, including seeking an injunction from the High Court.”
Liz Leffman, former leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said at the end of March: “The scale and persistence of this activity is affecting communities across Oxfordshire.
“We are proud of our diverse communities in Oxfordshire and of being the first county council to be awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary status.
“We proudly fly the Union and St George’s flags, which are visible symbols of democracy and unity. However, the widespread installation of flags by Raise the Colours is not a sign of patriotism.
“It is an act of intimidation and division that is having a real and damaging impact on our communities. Our residents report feeling distressed, unwelcome and unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.”
David Wilson Homes’ The Pavilions, located on Bowlers Close, is now over 95 per cent sold, with just seven homes remaining.
The development offers three and four-bedroom properties designed to suit first-time buyers and growing families.
Helen Lewis, managing director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “We are delighted to announce that we are over 95 per cent sold at The Pavilions and it’s the final opportunity to secure a new home in the community.”
Launched in September 2021, The Pavilions will provide a total of 148 new homes.
The project also includes more than 23 acres of green space, 49 bird and bat boxes, 325 new trees, a wetland meadow, and community allotments.
Ms Lewis added: “We’ve enjoyed great success at the development and it’s been fantastic to see the community take shape.
“We encourage anyone interested in securing a place at The Pavilions to visit our marketing suite to learn more about the properties available.”
More than £750,000 was pledged to support the local area through S106 agreements, including £300,000 for schools and early year education, £186,869 for onsite outdoor sports facilities, and a £34,230 bus infrastructure contribution.
The developer has supported the wider Banbury community through event sponsorships and donations to organisations such as Banbury Men’s Shed and The Let’s Play Project.
All remaining homes are ready to move into, with prices starting from £390,000.
Nearly £38,000 has been donated to Katharine House Hospice in north Oxfordshire over the past 18 months, thanks to recycled metals from cremations at North Oxfordshire Crematorium.
The scheme is part of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme, which recycles metals with family consent and donates proceeds to charity.
Vanessa Moor, site manager at North Oxfordshire Crematorium, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Katharine House Hospice through our ICCM charity partnership, recognising it as our essential local charity.
“Many people don’t realise that, with a family’s permission, metals recovered following cremation can be recycled to benefit charities supporting local communities.”
The most recent donation of £17,000 brings the total raised for the hospice to £37,982.
Ms Moor said families frequently speak highly of the care and support they have received from Katharine House.
The partnership extends beyond fundraising, with crematorium staff volunteering at the hospice’s events.
Sue Blank, corporate engagement officer at Katharine House Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have Memoria’s continued support.
“The team at the North Oxfordshire site are a pleasure to work with and are always keen to support the hospice in any way they can, whether through volunteering, raising awareness of our work or through this fantastic recycling scheme.”
Waylands Volvo Oxford, based on Cumnor Hill, is inviting drivers to test drive the new Volvo EX60 during an exclusive event from August 21-23.
Recently named the UK’s most exciting upcoming new car at the What Car? Awards, the fully electric SUV combines Scandinavian design with advanced technology and sustainability.
Simon Bishop, general manager at Waylands Volvo Oxford, said: “We’re delighted to welcome local drivers for an exclusive first look at the new Volvo EX60 here in Oxford.
“This weekend long event is designed to be much more than a standard test drive, giving customers the chance to experience the technology that makes the EX60 so special.
“Whether it’s trying the latest safety features, seeing how straightforward fast charging can be or exploring the capabilities of Google Gemini, we want every visitor to leave feeling excited and confident about driving electric.”
The Volvo EX60 P12 AWD model offers a range of up to 503 miles on a single charge – the longest of any Volvo to date.
It can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 16 minutes.
Inside, the SUV features a spacious, premium cabin with a dashboard-mounted speaker and four contemporary interiors, all crafted from renewable and recycled materials.
Test drives will be guided by a Volvo specialist, who will demonstrate features such as the 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and driver assistance systems.
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