Crime & Safety
Congestion charge transport boss ‘should get a knighthood’
Theo Hopkins, who lives in Oxford, said his life has improved as a result of new traffic restrictions now in place.
Drivers without permits or exemption are now fined if they pass through six congestion charge points in the city, and there are other measures in place controlling traffic, including LTNs (Low Traffic Neighbourhoods).
READ MORE: Congestion charge boss speaks
Mr Hopkins said Andrew Gant, who stood down as the county’s transport boss earlier this month after four years in charge, deserves special recognition “for the benefit he has brought to society”.
He said in a letter: “As an octogenarian with mobility problems I would like to thank Andrew Gant, the retiring lead at Oxfordshire County Council for transport, for his visionary provision of LTNs and 20mph urban speed limits in Oxford.
“These make my trips (or to be honest, ‘shuffles’) to the shops and the health centre safer and more pleasant.
“Further, seeing the non-stop, vociferous and personal attacks on social media that he has courageously fended off, I suggest he is awarded a knighthood for the benefits he has brought to society.
“Sir Andrew Gant would sound good.”
Anyone can be nominated for a UK knighthood or damehood, provided they have made a major, inspirational contribution to national life, usually over a long period, or achieved something exceptional.
Nominations are open to all, including non-British citizens (who receive honorary awards), but nominees must still be actively involved in their field.
Anyone can submit a nomination for another person but you cannot nominate yourself.
Mr Gant, former cabinet member for transport management, was in charge of the introduction of the heavily debated zero emission zones and the temporary Oxford congestion charge.
The congestion charge points are set to become traffic filters at the end of August when the Botley Road reopens, following the completion of Network Rail work linked to improvements for Oxford rail station.
Mr Gant has been hit with personal attacks on social media throughout his time in office, including upon his departure.
He said earlier the abuse he received was “not reasonable in a democracy”, adding “it’s unpleasant, it’s unnecessary, it’s unhelpful and I wish it didn’t happen”.
He said: “You have to develop strategies as an individual, and mine is just not to read them.
“I don’t engage with social media at all, I just don’t, that’s been my strategy – and it’s worked.”
He stated that the personal hate “makes no contribution of any kind to the policy” adding, “if those people think that they’re somehow affecting the debate, they’re not”.
Asked if this had an impact on his choice to step away from the role, he said it had, explaining: “it’s a very demanding role for all sorts of reasons, and that is one of the things that makes it demanding, so yes, in a word”.
One of the highlights of Mr Gant’s time in charge of the roads was seeing new electric buses on the streets.
The Liberal Democrat remains a county councillor and represents the Wolvercote and Cutteslowe division. He is also a city councillor for Cutteslowe & Sunnymead.
Mr Gant said he would comment later on Mr Hopkins’ suggestion that he should be awarded a knighthood.
The 53-year-old lives on the Oxfordshire border near Banbury in a £9.2m mansion with the former Red Bull racing boss.
Mr Horner had been team principal at Red Bull since 2005, overseeing eight drivers’ world championships and six constructors’ titles.
But this all came to an end last year when his team let him go mid-season over performance relating to the team.
READ MORE: TV legend’s daughter selling £3.95m Oxfordshire mansion with swimming pool
Prior to that, Mr Horner had also been locked at the centre of allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he was later cleared of.
This week, Hello! magazine has published quotes from Ms Halliwell talking about her marriage to the former Red Bull boss.
“We walk the dogs together, we like walking. I bought him a goldendoodle for his birthday. I hid the puppy in a phone box and handed it to him,” she revealed, originally to the Sunday Times.
“We’re very much old-school and family-focused. He loves doing barbecues – it’s a real man thing. He’s very tidy. I might leave things around, which makes him a bit cross.”
READ MORE: Clarkson’s Farm star shares worrying update from Diddly Squat
The Spice Girl also revealed the couple’s TV habits, adding that Severance was one of their recent watches together.
“We’ll find a TV series that we lock into. I’ll try my best not to watch it when he goes away. I waited for him before finishing Severance,” added Ms Halliwell.
“We like playing games too. The other day, in the kitchen, we were playing 20 questions – you’ve got to guess what the object is. We’re quite silly.”
Yesterday (Thursday, May 15), it was confirmed that a trio of meningococcal infection (meningitis) cases have been discovered in young people in Reading this week.
This was according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which added that one of the three has since died from the infection, who had been studying at Oxfordshire’s Henley College.
A statement said: “Sadly, one of the individuals has died and our thoughts and condolences are with their friends and family.”
The other two cases currently remain in the hospital, receiving treatment at this time.
Here is everything we know about the situation so far:
Oxfordshire college student dead
As mentioned, the outbreak has seen three young people contract meningitis, with one of these cases turning fatal.
Henley College has since confirmed that one of its students died earlier this week following the UKHSA statement.
A spokesperson for the local educational institution said: “Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the student’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“We are supporting those affected within our college community and are following the advice and guidance given by the UK Health Security Agency.
“Out of respect for the family, we will not be providing further details at this time.”
The statement was issued in response to questions about the meningitis reports, but did not expressly confirm the cause of the student’s death.
READ MORE: Young person dies after meningitis outbreak as two being treated
What is being done about the outbreak?
People who have come into close contact with the three meningitis cases are being offered antibiotics “as a precaution”, and information about meningitis symptoms has been passed to students and parents at “all affected schools”.
UKHSA said young people should check that they are up to date with their vaccinations.
The agency said its specialists are working closely with the local authority and NHS partners in Reading following the discovery of the three cases.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Early symptoms of meningitis, such as vomiting, fever, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches, can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu.
The key difference is that someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours.
Early recognition of meningitis and sepsis symptoms can greatly improve the outcome of the disease, and so anyone concerned about any of these symptoms, at any time, should contact their GP, call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.
Symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not happen at all. For meningitis, common signs and symptoms include a fever, stiff neck, rash, vomiting, confusion and delirium.
Also mentioned is a dislike of bright lights, fits, severe sleepiness, losing consciousness, and a very bad headache, but the latter alone is not a reason to get medical help.
READ MORE: New statement after Oxfordshire student dies from meningitis outbreak
How high is the threat level?
UKHSA said the risk to the wider public “remains low” and added that one of the cases has been confirmed as Meningitis B, while test results for the other cases have not yet come through.
Dr Rachel Mearkle, consultant in health protection, said: “We understand that many people will be affected by this sad news and would like to offer our condolences to the friends and family of this student.
“Students and staff will naturally be feeling worried about the likelihood of further cases.
“Meningococcal meningitis requires very close contact to spread, and large outbreaks, as we saw in Kent recently, are thankfully rare.
“We are working closely with partners and have provided public health advice and precautionary antibiotic treatment to close contacts of the cases.
“Meningococcal disease does not spread easily, and the risk to the wider public remains low.
“Anyone can get meningitis, and around 300 to 400 cases of meningococcal disease are diagnosed in England every year.
“It’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. It needs to be treated quickly, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms.
“They can appear in any order and may not all be present, so seek rapid medical attention if there is ever any concern.”
What has the council said?
Matthew Pearce, Director of Public Health at Reading Borough Council, said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the young person who has sadly died, and with the other two young people who are currently receiving treatment.”
He said the council is “working closely” with UKHSA and NHS partners in the wake of “these three cases of meningitis B infection”.
Mr Pearce continued: “It is completely understandable that parents, young people and the community may be feeling anxious at this time.
“We want to reassure residents that the risk to the wider public remains low. Meningitis B does not spread easily.
“Parents, carers and young people who want to know more can visit the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis.
“It is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis, which can appear in any order and may not all be present.
“Someone with meningitis or sepsis can become seriously unwell very quickly.
“Residents should call 999 or go to their nearest A&E immediately if they suspect they or someone they care for has meningitis or sepsis.
“If they are unsure, residents can seek advice through NHS 111 online or by calling NHS 111.”
READ MORE: Three meningitis cases in the area, death reported at college – live updates
Oxfordshire reaction
Henley MP Freddie van Mierlo said on Friday morning: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the students affected.
“I’m also urging everyone in the area to re-familiarise themselves with the symptoms and signs of meningitis.”
Nearby Wheatley Pharmacy added: “Due to increased local interest around Meningitis B vaccination, we currently have Meningitis B vaccine in stock at Wheatley Pharmacy.”
The Hollywood actor is known for starring in gritty action films like Guy Ritchie’s 1998 classic Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, as well as 2000’s Snatch.
He has also found global success with action movies like The Transporter series, Crank, The Expendables franchise, and in the Fast & Furious saga as Deckard Shaw.
Now, the 58-year-old is reportedly planning to quit the US and start a new life on the south coast, according to our sister paper in Southampton, the Daily Echo.
READ MORE: TV legend’s daughter selling £3.95m Oxfordshire mansion with swimming pool
The palatial home between Lymington and the Beaulieu River will boast stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.
Mr Statham is said to have paid £20m for the waterside site, with the house itself expected to cost about £5m.
Initial design work was carried out by Ben Pentreath, who also designed the Cotswolds estate of DJ Calvin Harris and his wife, BBC Radio One’s Vick Hope. Others involved in the project include Nicholas Umney, who turned it into a minimalist modern home in line with the actor’s tastes.
The property comes complete with a large treehouse, a huge gym, and a private beach, which is said to be about 1,200ft long.
READ MORE: Major American TV star makes surprise appearance at Oxford University
Other people living in the area include Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler and billionaire businessman and Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who both own beachside homes.
This move comes after Mr Statham and his fiancée, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, were spotted taking a festive stay at Estelle Manor near North Leigh in West Oxfordshire last Christmas.
The couple, who have been together since 2010 and got engaged in 2016, share a son and a daughter.
Back in December on Instagram, Mr Statham posted a selection of black and white snaps from the family’s Oxfordshire getaway.
READ MORE: National UK restaurant chain to close 23 sites after administration
A report in the Daily Mail said: “Rosie and Jack splashed out on a festive family break at the Estelle Manor, where they enjoyed country walks, archery and target shooting.
“The couple looked in good spirits as they enjoyed a sunny winter walk around the 85-acre estate and beamed for selfies together.”
Estelle Manor is known for lavish staycations, with the spot named among the 50 best hotels in the world, being Oxfordshire’s only entry on the list published this year.
Several other famous faces have been spotted at the hotel in recent years, including Pitch Perfect actress Rebel Wilson, while Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague is a regular visitor.
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