Crime & Safety
Community garden in West Lockinge celebrates anniversary
This month, during World Parkinson’s Month, the charity Parkinsons.Me, which is marking its 10th anniversary this year, is celebrating the continued growth of its Community Garden at West Lockinge, near Wantage.
The garden has been created as a welcoming, accessible space where people living with Parkinson’s, their families, and the wider community, including Gardening on Prescription groups, can come together in a supportive outdoor environment.
Designed with accessibility at its core, the garden includes raised beds, easy-access pathways, and adaptable features that allow people of all abilities to take part.
More than a garden, it offers a place to connect, reduce isolation, and support both physical and mental wellbeing.
The initiative reflects a growing focus on the role of nature and community in supporting long-term health conditions.
Activities in the garden encourage gentle participation, social interaction, and a renewed sense of purpose.
As Parkinsons.Me celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the garden stands as an example of how local, community-led initiatives can make a difference to everyday life.
With national attention on inclusive garden design through this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the West Lockinge Community Garden highlights how these principles are already making an impact at a local level — offering a space that can be enjoyed all year round.
Community members are also invited to visit and get involved throughout April.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain and impacts movement, coordination, and a wide range of non-motor functions.
In the UK, around 153,000 people are currently living with Parkinson’s, and this number is expected to rise as the population ages.
While it is more common in people over the age of 60, younger people can also be diagnosed.
Symptoms vary from person to person but can include tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement, fatigue, and mental health challenges.
As a long-term condition with no cure, Parkinson’s affects not only those diagnosed but also their families and carers, making community support and accessible wellbeing initiatives increasingly important.
Parkinsons.Me is a local, community-focused charity dedicated to supporting people living with Parkinson’s and their families.
Through practical initiatives, social opportunities, and wellbeing-focused programmes such as the West Lockinge Community Garden, the charity helps individuals stay active, connected, and supported in their everyday lives.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Parkinsons.Me continues to develop inclusive, person-centred projects that make a meaningful difference across Oxfordshire.
Police are investigating the disgusting dirty protest which happened at the budget shop in Banbury.
The incident happened at around 1.40pm on Wednesday, March 25 with the shopper seen exiting the store shortly after what is being investigated as “criminal damage”.
Investigating officer police constable Robert Watson, of Thames Valley Police, is looking for people who witnessed the incident.
Thames Valley Police has released an image of a woman they would like to speak to as part of the investigation.
Mr Watson said: “We’re looking to identify the individual in this CCTV image, as we believe they may have information that could help our investigation.”
If this person is you, or you recognise who this is, please get in touch with Thames Valley Police, either by making a report online or by calling the force on 101, quoting reference 43260146564.
Witnesses can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Waheed Amodu strangled, engaged in a controlling and coercive relationship and had “violent outbursts and physical assaults” against the woman.
The 23-year-old attacked his former partner multiple times between December 5 and December 15 when police were called to a home in the Oxford area.
The victim, in her 30s, suffered multiple injuries at the hand of Amodu, police say.
Police constable Niamh Meaney, of Thames Valley Police, said Amodu had no choice but to plead guilty to the charges due to the “weight of evidence” against him.
He pleaded guilty to one count each of intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm and three counts of assault by beating.
At Oxford Crown Court on Thursday, April 4, Amodu, of Diamond Drive in Didcot, was jailed for two years and three months and an unlimited restraining order was put in place against him.
Investigating officer Ms Meaney said: “This sentence reflects the seriousness of Amodu’s actions and the harm he was inflicting.
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“I would like to thank and praise the courage and bravery of the survivor of these attacks in coming forward to us.
“The guilty plea in this case is a clear reflection of the strength and thoroughness of the evidence. Faced with the weight of that evidence, he had no option but to admit what he had done.
“We remain absolutely committed to protecting the public and ensuring offenders like Amodu are brought to justice.”
Amodu was arrested by police just days before Christmas on December 15 following a number of calls made to 999 and he was formally charged the following day.
At around 9.10pm on Thursday, April 2, a fight broke out between two men in Millbrook Square, Grove.
The victim, in his 20s, was stabbed under the armpit during the attack and was taken to hospital with “non-life-threatening” injuries.
He has since been released from hospital.
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Police officers on Saturday, April 4 arrested an 18-year-old man from Grove suspicion of assault by beating, assault causing actual bodily harm, possessing a knife in a public place and section 18 wounding with intent.
In an update on Sunday morning, Thames Valley Police confirmed he has been released on bail until June 24.
Investigating officer detective inspector Iain Roberts continues to appeal for anybody with information on the incident.
He said: “I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have not yet spoken to us to please reach out if you have any information about this assault.
“If you do not wish to speak to police you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“I understand that incidents like this cause concern in the local community, but I want to reassure the public that you will likely see an increased police presence in the area while our enquiries continue.
“Anyone with information should call 101 or make a report online quoting reference 43260161353.”
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