The guide explains that Witney Town Council covers community and recreational services within the town, including parks, play areas, allotments, the lake and country park, bus shelters, and some civic and community events.

The council recently allocated funding for youth services and is also responsible for cemeteries as the town’s burial authority.

It can comment on planning applications but does not have the power to approve or reject them.

West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) provides services across all towns and villages in the district, including waste and recycling collection, housing, council tax, business development, and larger community grants.

WODC also handles maintenance of certain areas of land across the district, some of which are managed under contract from the county council.

Oxfordshire County Council is the highest tier, responsible for services including education, libraries, social care, and transport.

It also manages the maintenance and repair of roads, pavements, and most verges.

The guide aims to help residents direct their queries to the correct authority and reduce confusion over who is responsible for different services.

It is available to read in full on Witney Town Council’s Facebook page.

Gladwell Lodge, part of Churchill Living, earned the award during National Gardening Week, earning praise for its biodiversity and sustainable features.

The award is part of a scheme led by Sustainable Didcot in partnership with Wild Oxfordshire.

Jo Ridehalgh, divisional marketing lead for Churchill Living South West, said: “We’re delighted that the garden at Gladwell Lodge has been recognised with this award.

“It means a lot to the Owners, who have devoted so much of their passion and time to creating a space that can be enjoyed by both people and wildlife.

“It’s wonderful to know that we are playing a part in supporting biodiversity in the area.”

The gardens were commended for being wildlife-friendly and providing valuable habitats.

The garden was also praised for its rich variety of plants and sustainable features.

Gladwell Lodge is a Churchill Living development offering 33 self-contained one and two-bedroom apartments for independent living.

Amenities at the site include the owners’ lounge.

The development is within easy reach of the Orchard Centre, Didcot Leisure Centre and the Cornerstone arts venue.

Didcot’s parks and green spaces offer further opportunities for residents to connect with nature.

Churchill Living builds and manages more than 200 developments nationwide.

It has received numerous industry awards, including Gold for Best Retirement Home Developer in the WhatHouse? Awards for three consecutive years since 2023.

Gladwell Lodge’s win highlights the role of community gardens in promoting wellbeing and environmental awareness.

Dr Michael Holland will become the next chief executive later this year, subject to the completion of pre‑employment checks, following the retirement of Grant Macdonald.

Dr Holland brings extensive clinical and leadership experience, having started his career at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust as a consultant psychiatrist before moving into senior positions.

Dr Holland said: “I am very pleased to have accepted the role of Chief Executive of Oxford Health.

“The Trust has a strong record of providing compassionate, high-quality care, and I look forward to working with colleagues to continue supporting patients, service users and carers.

“My focus will be on maintaining safe, inclusive and person-centred services, and on building confidently on the strong foundations already in place.”

He served as executive medical director from 2016 to 2022 and later became chief executive of The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.

In that role, he led the organisation through a merger, improving its governance, performance and quality.

Chair of NHS Oxford Health Andrea Young said: “The Board is confident that Michael has the experience and values needed to lead the Trust into its next chapter, and we very much look forward to welcoming them to the Trust.

“I would also like to thank Grant Macdonald for his leadership and dedication to Oxford Health.

“Grant has led the organisation with integrity and compassion, with a clear focus on patient care and staff wellbeing, and we wish him well in his retirement.”