Oxford News
Cherwell residents urged to register to vote before deadline
Voters in the district will head to the polls on Thursday, May 7, to elect district councillors.
A third of the seats on Cherwell District Council are up for election.
Additional seats in Banbury Calthorpe and Easington, and Bicester West will be contested following recent councillor resignations.
The last day to register to vote is Monday, April 20.
Those already registered do not need to take further action, but anyone who has recently moved, changed their name, or turned 18 must register by the deadline.
Gordon Stewart, Returning Officer, said: “Registering to vote is really quick and easy.
“The local elections are an important opportunity for residents to make their voices heard and have their say on who they want representing their communities.
“To cast your vote on 7 May, make sure you are registered to vote before midnight on 20 April.”
Photo ID will be required to vote at a polling station.
Accepted forms of ID include passports, driving licences, and certain travel cards.
Details can be found on the Electoral Commission website.
Voters without valid ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
Applications must be submitted by 5pm on April 28. Voters can cast their vote in person, by post, or by proxy.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on April 21. Proxy vote applications must be made by 5pm on April 28.
Oxford News
Banbury: Man ‘exposed himself’ near children’s nursery
The incident occurred on Drayton Road, near NOA’s Ark Nursery and North Oxfordshire Academy in Banbury, at about 4pm on Friday, April 17.
Police said no arrests have so far been made but the incident is being investigated as indecent exposure.
READ MORE: Oxford: Bridge partially closed with major police response
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We are investigating an exposure incident in Banbury.
“A man was seen exposing himself on Drayton Road at around 4pm on Friday. No arrests have been made at this time.
“Anyone with information should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43260187072.
“Alternatively, provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
NOA’s Ark Nursery and North Oxfordshire Academy share a site in Drayton Road, and are both operated by United Learning.
Oxford News
Police appoint new counter terrorism assistant chief constable
ACC Andrew Gould, who has more than 27 years of police service in a variety of roles primarily specialising in organised crime and counter terrorism, took up the role officially last week.
He transferred from City of London Police and previously led the national cybercrime team in the city for the National Police Chief’s Council.
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He was responsible for the police response to cybercrime at the national, regional and local level, including overseeing the operational activity of regional and force cybercrime units and supporting the response to major national cyber incidents.
The new assistant chief constable has also led on the development of effective police capability on the dark web and in cryptocurrency, and is a global cybercrime expert for Interpol.
Before this he led the Metropolitan Police’s cyber crime unit.
Prior to cyber crime, Mr Gould worked in the counter terrorism command in the Metropolitan Police, including as a CT Senior Investigating Officer (CT SIO) leading investigations and operations in the UK and overseas.
Following the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in 2013 he led the manhunt for the rest of the network to prevent further attacks.
READ MORE: Illegal migrants cost Oxfordshire businesses £350,000 fines
On starting his new role Mr Gould, said: “It is a real privilege to be joining Thames Valley Police and to be leading the South East region for Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime.
“I am looking forward to working with our highly capable and dedicated specialist teams across the region, who I know are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
“I am excited to get started and will continue the already very strong relationships that have been built across the Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of White, Surrey, Sussex and Kent, as well as with national partners, in our mission to target and stop those who seek to engage in serious and organised crime or terrorism.”
Oxford News
Oxford children gets close encounter with police helicopter
Pupils from Church Cowley St James Primary School took part in a Mini Police session at RAF Benson.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) described the visit as ‘unforgettable,’ saying it gave children ‘a real insight into police air support’ and the important work carried out by the National Police Air Service (NPAS).
In a Facebook post, TVP said: “Week 6 of Mini Police at Church Cowley St James was an unforgettable experience!
“The children had the chance to take photos with the helicopter and even look inside, making it a truly hands-on and inspiring experience.”
One of the highlights of the day was seeing the helicopter up close while it was running during pre-flight checks.
NPAS Benson is one of several bases across England and Wales operated by the National Police Air Service.
RAF Benson, located in South Oxfordshire, delivers rapid support for UK military operations around the world and also hosts Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
Church Cowley St James is one of the largest primary schools in Oxford, with approximately 460 pupils.
It has served the community for more than 170 years and prides itself on inclusivity, diversity, and a commitment to helping every child achieve their full potential.
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