Oxford News
Six tips in Oxfordshire to close, council announces
People planning to use the county’s household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) have been warned of a series of short closures in May and June.
This is to enable essential work to be carried out, and Oxfordshire County Council will be shutting the centres for two days, although never at the same time.
Deep cleaning and essential maintenance will take place, including jet washing sites and structures, repainting lines and safety areas, and other general work.
READ MORE: Man ‘stabbed several times with knives’ as police arrest two in Oxfordshire
The closing dates are Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8, for Oakley Wood, near Wallingford.
For Alkerton, near Banbury, the centre will be closed on Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12.
Ardley, near Bicester, will be shut on Thursday, May 14, and Friday, May 15, while Drayton, near Abingdon, will close on Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22.
Stanford in the Vale, near Faringdon, will shut on Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19, and Dix Pit, Stanton Harcourt, on Tuesday, June 2 and Wednesday, June 3.
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All closures are on quieter weekdays to minimise disruption, and sites will reopen at 8am the following day.
The deep clean for Redbridge HWRC in Oxford will be carried out later in the year, and full details will be provided in due course.
Redbridge is also due to close for around three months in the summer for essential safety work.
READ MORE: Locals warned ‘do not use’ as section of Oxfordshire park forced to close
Customers are reminded that they must book a slot online on Oxfordshire County Council’s website before visiting their HWRC.
Bookings are available up to two weeks in advance or 30 minutes prior, subject to availability.
No booking slots will be available for those affected sites on the dates they are closed.
More information can be found on Oxfordshire County Council’s website, including details of alternative sites during the closures if visitors are unable to wait until their local site reopens.
Oxford News
Gregg Wallace to sell £1m home and downsize after sacking
Mr Wallace, 61, has said he intends to put the property on the market because he is “unable to live the life he used to have” financially since losing his role on the BBC cooking show.
He told The Sun he wants to sell his “enormous” house and buy “something modest” to give himself stability.
The Daily Mail has also reported that Mr Wallace is preparing to list the £1 million home in Kent, where he lives with his wife and young son.
READ MORE: Old Oxfordshire prep school with seven bedrooms for sale at £1.9m
Mr Wallace’s decision comes after he was sacked from MasterChef last year following an investigation into allegations about his conduct on the programme.
An external inquiry commissioned by production company Banijay upheld more than 40 allegations relating mainly to inappropriate sexual language, humour and comments judged to be culturally insensitive or racist.
Mr Wallace has denied engaging in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature and has said he was cleared of what he described as “the most serious and sensational accusations”, while apologising to anyone he may have upset.
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He is currently pursuing legal action against the BBC and BBC Studios, claiming he suffered “distress and harassment” during the handling of his case.
In addition to his national broadcasting work, Mr Wallace has previously appeared on BBC Radio Oxford, featuring as a guest on Tim Smith’s show alongside comedian Joe Pasquale.
Mr Wallace, who first came to prominence as a London greengrocer and restaurateur before joining MasterChef in 2005, has said he now plans to spend more time in Italy once his Kent home is sold.
Oxford News
Shoppers warned do not eat M&S greek yoghurt due to recall
The supermarket is recalling its 500g pack of Authentic Greek Yoghurt with Vanilla as it’s “a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to gluten or have coeliac disease”, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The affected product has a use-by date of May 12, 2026 and barcode number 29308750.
M&S has issued the recall with a “do not consume” warning for anyone with a gluten allergy or intolerance.
Saturday 18 April: @marksandspencer is recalling Authentic Greek Yoghurt with Vanilla because of undeclared gluten #FoodAllergy https://t.co/54upEpx7zJ pic.twitter.com/fM8VFRmhDM
— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) April 18, 2026
It added: “Customer safety is of paramount importance to Marks & Spencer, and we take food safety extremely seriously.”
M&S reassured customers that “only the displayed date codes are impacted” and “no other M&S products are affected.”
The supermarket issued an apology “for any inconvenience caused”.
Food recalls explained
The FSA said: “If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or an intolerance to gluten or have coeliac disease, do not eat it.
“Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.
“For more information contact Marks & Spencer on 0333301-48555.”
What is a food recall?
The FSA explains what a food recall is: “If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).
Recommended reading:
“The FSA issues Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.
“In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued.
“This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers.”
Have you shopped at M&S recently? Let us know your favourite items in the comments below.
Oxford News
French band to headline traditional folk dance in Oxford
Cosmos Chocolat, an award-winning quartet known for their fresh take on traditional French folk music, will perform at Kennington Village Centre in Oxford on Sunday, April 26.
The event is a collaboration between Balfolk Oxford and Oxfolk Ceilidhs, following their sold-out French dance during the Oxford Folk Festival earlier this month.
The band will bring an evening of music and movement to life using the hurdy-gurdy, accordion, fiddle, and French ‘boha’ bagpipes.
A short beginners’ session will take place before the main event, led by Kerry Fletcher, one of the UK’s most loved French dance teachers and Co-Artistic Director of Folk Dance Remixed.
A spokesperson for Balfolk Oxford said: “Some dances are partnered, some are circles, some snake along in long, trancy lines.
“All are lively, soulful, and rich in spirit.
“If you are new to balfolk, this is great opportunity to learn some dances and hear music from a top quality band.”
The workshop begins at 3.30pm, with the main dance running from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
A bal is a relaxed, continental folk dance and music session, for everyone.
People are encouraged to bring family, friends, children and even their dog to have a dance.
Tickets can be booked through buytickets.at/oxfolkceilidhs.
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