Business & Technology
Abingdon taxi driver suffers racially aggravated attack
The Kash Taxi driver picked up a white European couple in their 60s from the Abingdon rank for a trip to Prince Grove at about 7.45pm on Sunday, March 22.
The driver, a British citizen who also works in IT, was born and brought up in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana in India.
He moved to the UK in February 2010 to complete his master’s degree and has been an Abingdon resident since 2014, also working in the Spar shop in High Street.
When a political conversation about the Iran-Israel conflict was initiated during the journey, he explained that he could not discuss the matter.
He said the woman then “made a disturbing comment about ongoing international conflict” while the male passenger “expressed extreme political views, strongly criticising immigrants and insulting political figures”.
When asked about his ethnicity, which seemed to “trigger” the male, the taxi driver “remained silent and professional throughout”.
On arrival, the male slammed the car door and repeatedly swore at the taxi driver, adding racist insults.
Moments after the female passenger pushed the male inside the house, he came out through another door and attempted to charge at the taxi driver, shouting aggressively.
The taxi driver drove away, as he was “fearing for safety and potential physical assault.”
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He described the incident as a deplorable, unprovoked attack, interrogating his nationality and religion, rooted in a hostile, anti-immigrant sentiment.
“The couple has given me the worst experience of my life”, he said, “The perpetrators expressed extremist views, suggesting that international tensions justify local bigotry. Such a stance is not only logically flawed, but entirely unacceptable.”
“My family has been left deeply shaken by this violation of our safety”, he said, “We are taxpayers, neighbours, and law-abiding citizens who contribute diligently to this town. Our right to walk these streets in peace is absolute, and not subject to the approval of the intolerant.”
He warns others to report hate crime to the police.
He added: “If you or your loved ones encounter any form of harassment, please dial 999 immediately to report a hate crime.
“We must ensure we are heard, otherwise, we risk a future where our families feel unable to leave their own homes.”
Thames Valley Police confirmed that it is investigating the public order offence involving the aggravated racial abuse. Police also said no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Anyone with information should contact the police, quoting reference number 43260141168.
Dalcour Maclaren, a specialist in utilities and infrastructure, announced the news on June 22, following a detailed assessment of its operations, including governance, employee wellbeing, environmental impact, and social responsibility.
James Neil, CEO of Dalcour Maclaren, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Dalcour Maclaren.
“B Corp status gives us the official badge that recognises everything that matters most to us in our culture, our values, and how we make decisions for our people and our clients. We thrive on doing things differently at DM and B Corp absolutely endorses this.”
The certification means the company meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Dalcour Maclaren now joins more than 10,000 B Corps worldwide and over 2,600 in the UK, including well-known names such as The Guardian, Innocent Drinks, Patagonia, and The Big Issue.
Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK, said: “Welcoming Dalcour Maclaren to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. Its commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and will help spread the notion that success in business is as much about people and planet as it is profit.”
Dalcour Maclaren operates across the UK and Ireland, supporting major projects in energy, water, transport, and digital infrastructure. The company’s services include land, planning, environment, stakeholder engagement, and geospatial services.
South Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet will consider a targeted, one-off reduction in business rates in July, aimed at easing pressure on pubs across the district.
The move follows growing concern that many venues are struggling with rising costs despite their importance as community hubs, rural assets and employers.
Cllr Pieter-Paul Barker, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Assets, said: “Everyone knows that pubs are experiencing significant financial pressures.
“These venues play an important role in the economy and are vital for ensuring a thriving local community.
“We’re carefully considering how best to provide targeted support for pubs in South Oxfordshire which will both help to strengthen our local and rural economy and safeguard employment in our hospitality sector.”
Council leader Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers said: “While this support can’t fix everything, it’s a step in the right direction.
“We’re staying focused on collaborating with our local pubs and partners to provide the practical support and guidance they need right now.”
Details of the proposed business rates support are set out in a report to cabinet on July 2, when a decision is due to be made.
The popular shopping centre in Oxford’s Queen Street already has an exciting mix of shops on offer, from first-class dining options to familiar high street favourites and world-renowned brands.
Now, the Westgate has welcomed the latest addition to its retail offering, as David Clulow opticians opened on Friday, June 26.
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The eye health specialist store showcases the brand’s modernised retail format, with state-of-the-art testing rooms and improved accessibility.
It’s broad product range also includes designer frames from the likes of Chanel, Prada and Ray-Ban.
The store is the latest edition to David Clulow’s store collection which is hosted in nearly 30 cities and shopping centres across the UK.
The introduction of the new shop is the latest in a long line of recent Westgate comings and goings in recent months.
Shoe chain Russell & Bromley has departed its ground-floor store, leaving the unit empty, after the brand fell into administration.
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Similarly, Claire’s has also closed at the Westgate after the beauty and accessory brand also collapsed into administration.
Last month, the new Lego store opened on the ground floor of the centre, welcoming queues of shoppers at its grand opening event.
Oliver Bonas also recently moved from its home on the ground floor to a much larger unit on the middle floor, near the Queen Street and Bonn Square entrance.
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