Households in the residential roads around Gloucester Place in Witney were first left without electricity supply at about 12.15pm on Sunday, April 19.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said they were aware of the power cut in the area, which is suspected to be affecting six postcodes, and an engineer was deployed.

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One report on social media said: “Big power cut on Gloucester Place. Smell of burnt plastic in the air.

“Scottish and Southern Electric currently investigating and sending someone to the Mill Street station.”

Witney High Street (Image: Ed Nix)

According to SSEN, a fix isn’t expected to restore power until 5.30pm this evening, leaving some homes without power for more than five hours.

A statement from the electricity operator said: “The power cut has been caused by a fault on our underground network.

“Issues like this do happen, and our engineers are very experienced at fixing them.

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“Often, power can be restored quickly with a simple reset or by replacing a fuse at a nearby substation.

“If the problem is more complicated, repairs may take a little longer but our teams will keep working until everything is safely back up and running.”

Streets in Witney currently affected include Gloucester Street, Puck Lane, cul-de-sac Jacobs Close and parts of Mill Street, with a total 25 customers affected.

Alison Donaldson, managing director of Barchester’s North West and Midlands division, is taking part in the Barchester Charitable Foundation Cook Off 2026.

She will compete against other managing directors and executive team members in a culinary challenge to raise funds for the charity, which supports people living with disabilities and those in vulnerable circumstances through community grants.

Ms Donaldson said: “I absolutely love to cook and I am extremely competitive so when I was asked to take part in the Cook Off alongside my fellow MDs, I jumped at the chance.

“The Foundation is a very worthy cause so it is fantastic to think that our efforts will help so many people live better lives.”

The Barchester Charitable Foundation awarded £424,000 in 2025 alone, supporting 262 groups, charities and 123 individuals.

Tyisa Houghton, general manager of Hempton Field care home, said: “We are all so proud of Alison for taking part in this challenge, we know she will give it her absolute best shot.

“The Foundation is so close to all of our hearts and the Cook Off will raise vital funds to help so many people, we’re 100% behind her – MDs for the win.”

Based around the village of Dorchester, near Wallingford, on the River Thames, the festival will see 61 events held across 10 days, from music and entertainment to activities, comedy, art and food.

This year will see MP for Henley and Thame Freddie van Mierlo cut the ribbon and lead a 100ft abseil down Dorchester Abbey tower, in a daring stunt.

The 100ft abseil down the tower will this year be led by Freddie van Mierlo (Image: Dorchester Festival)

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He’ll be joined by Sabiene North, CEO of Be Free Young Carers, the festival’s chosen charity, along with county councillor Gavin McLauchlan and 15 other brave locals and young carers who are kicking off the festival with the abseil.

Jazz pianist and food critic Jay Rayner is in the line up (Image: Dorchester Festival)

Headliners include the world-renowned Kings Singers, Liza Pulman singing Streisan, jazz pianist and food critic Jay Rayner, John Rutter and Steve Knightly.

Promising to be the ‘biggest and best programme yet’, according to festival director Steph Forman, the line up will also include comedy, art, food, gifts, a dog show, a 5k fun run, a vicar walking on custard and a silent auction.

Liza Pulman sings Streisand (Image: Dorchester Festival)

Festival director Ms Forman said: “Our 300 volunteers are ready to give visitors a warm welcome with tea and 3,000 pieces of cake, bars and BBQs.  

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“We encourage people to support local young carers by buying tickets, bidding in the online auction, or sponsoring a brave abseiler today.”

Be Free Young Carers charity CEO Ms North said they are ‘excited’ to raise awareness of the ‘often unheard and unseen’ work of young carers through the festival.

The opening day is on Saturday, May 2 and attendees are encouraged to book tickets online at www.dorchesterfestival.com.