Oxford News
Trains could run on Cowley branch line after 60 years
East West Rail Company (EWR Co) has announced a major consultation on the latest designs for the route linking Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.
The eight-week consultation will run from Tuesday to June 9, 2026, offering communities along the route an opportunity to have their say.
Contributions will help shape the final design before a Development Consent Order application for government backing is submitted next year.
Proposed changes have been made to improve Oxford Parkway station to accommodate the expected increase in passenger demand for East West Rail (EWR).
This includes from proposed nearby developments such as the new Oxford United stadium near Kidlington.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire rail freight interchange plans submitted
As part of the plans, there is a new active travel hub with cycle parking, an improved pedestrian access route between the station building and the existing park and ride terminal, and safer crossing facilities for walkers and cyclists at the junction with Oxford Road.
There are also plans for hybrid electric/battery-equipped trains to operate between Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village.
Network Rail is also proposing to open the Cowley Branch line for passenger services after being closed for 60 years.
This would free up platform capacity at Oxford Station and allow trains on EWR services to terminate at the station.
Up to five trains an hour with up to five carriages could run across the whole route during peak times to meet increase demand and enable service extensions on the wider rail network.
New stations and sections of the line will open as soon as they are ready with the full railway open by the mid-to-late 2030s.
One of the consultation events will be at the Kings Centre in Osney Mead, Oxford, on Tuesday, May 12, from 11am to 6pm.
To commemorate the launch of the brand-new spring/summer menu, guests who book a table to dine at Godstow Road-based restaurant between April and June will receive a Bloom & Wild discount code as a thank you.
The offer will give new Bloom & Wild customers 20 per cent off, while returning customers can enjoy 15 per cent off their next floral order.
The collaboration coincides with the arrival of the restaurant’s new seasonal menu, which the business says reflects the “vibrant ingredients and lighter dishes” that accompany the changing of the season.
One of the UK’s most popular online florists, Bloom & Wild is known for its letterbox flowers and thoughtfully curated bouquets.
Paired with the culinary expertise of famed chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White, the collaboration offers diners something extra special this spring.
Venue director Madalina Duminica said: “This is a fabulous way to not only step into spring, but to come and try our brand-new seasonal menu.
“Bursting with fresh, vibrant dishes, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a meal that’s been overseen by the great Marco Pierre White.
“And to make guests’ visit even more special, the new partnership with Bloom & Wild will help bring a little extra joy.”
Philip Foster, of Headington, was previously on trial at Oxford Crown Court.
The 49-year-old was charged with one count of inciting a female child to engage in sexual activity between August 1, 2022 and December 21, 2023.
He was also charged with rape of a female child during the same time period.
Foster pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire Budgens closed for good after 27 years
The court heard that Foster was working as a childminder at the time of the offence.
On Tuesday, April 7, a jury found him guilty of inciting a female child to engage in sexual activity. It could not reach a verdict on the charge of rape.
On April 14, Foster appeared on a video link from HMP Bullingdon after he was remanded in custody following his conviction.
It was confirmed that Foster will face a retrial on the rape count on October 26 this year.
Customers who buy one of NEOM’s three new 100 per cent natural body washes will receive a limited-edition Tease smoothie.
READ MORE: Bicester Village car park to bring 517 additional spaces
The expanded range, Feeling Grounded, Squeeze the Day and Great Day, costs £32 for 500ml and is described as a ‘body wash wardrobe’ to turn everyday showers into targeted wellbeing rituals.
Matching flavoured smoothies include Feeling Grounded, made with strawberry, banana and coconut milk, Great Day, with spinach, avocado, mango, and Squeeze the Day, blended with pineapple, mango and turmeric.
Two existing products, Cocooning Shower Cream and Super Shower Power Body Cleanser, are also being refreshed as Real Luxury Body Wash and Super Shower Power Body Wash.
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoPolice race to crash on Oxfordshire A34 with severe traffic building
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoGary Lineker’s nephew-in-law death inquest to be next week
-
Business & Technology6 days agoAqilla launches AI invoice tool to speed accounts payable
-
Oxford News5 days agoOxfordshire children care provider employed illegal staff
-
Crime & Safety3 days agoLorry overturns on Oxfordshire A43 roundabout with driver trapped
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoAmerican Akita and a French Bulldog seized after dog killed
-
Crime & Safety4 weeks agoWiltshire 12-year-old girl with Oxfordshire links missing
-
Oxford News4 weeks agoStatins do not cause the majority of side effects listed in package leaflets