Oxford News
Harwell BMX pump track vandalised as police to take ‘action’
A hotly anticipated brand new pump track in Harwell Recreation Ground has been under construction since early March, in a project brought forward by the Parish Council and OxTrails.
But the project has been delayed by motorbike and e-bike riders who broke through the site fencing and ‘destroyed’ the hard work of volunteers on the unfinished site.
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Thames Valley Police’s neighbourhood team for Wantage and Grove said they will be taking action against the vandals.
A spokesperson said: “The Harwell BMX pump track is a brilliant project for local young people — but it’s still under construction.
“Recently, some individuals have been entering the site on electric bikes and motorbikes, putting themselves at risk and causing delays.
“Heavy machinery is operating. The site is unsafe. And the more it’s interfered with, the longer it will take to open.
“We are already in the process of identifying those responsible, and action will be taken.
“This track is for you — don’t destroy it before it’s even finished.
“Officers will continue patrolling, and illegal electric bikes or motorbikes being ridden illegally will be seized and crushed.”
The parish council earlier said the track is facing ‘significant’ repair costs and will be delayed in opening due to extensive damage to the unfinished track and fencing.
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A spokesperson said: “Despite our best efforts to secure and maintain the safety barrier to the site, they have resorted to bending and climbing the fencing to get in.
“They have caused extensive damage to the track surface and to fencing on site.
“Because the surface isn’t finished and was never designed for motorised vehicles, the damage is serious enough that we’re now facing significant repair costs and a delay to opening.
“So much hard work by local volunteers has been destroyed.”
The council said motorbikes, including two green Revvi bikes, were among those to illegally break in.
The site remains still under construction and over the coming weeks, efforts will be made to repair the damage.
Harwell Parish Council has urged people to come forward if they have any information about the culprits.
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“If you see anyone riding the track who does not appear to be part of the build team, please call the police on 101 straight away,” it said.
“And if you know the young people involved, please make their parents or guardians aware of the damage they have caused.
“We’d love this to stop before it goes any further and destroys a facility designed by the community, for the community.”
David Wilson Homes’ The Pavilions, located on Bowlers Close, is now over 95 per cent sold, with just seven homes remaining.
The development offers three and four-bedroom properties designed to suit first-time buyers and growing families.
Helen Lewis, managing director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “We are delighted to announce that we are over 95 per cent sold at The Pavilions and it’s the final opportunity to secure a new home in the community.”
Launched in September 2021, The Pavilions will provide a total of 148 new homes.
The project also includes more than 23 acres of green space, 49 bird and bat boxes, 325 new trees, a wetland meadow, and community allotments.
Ms Lewis added: “We’ve enjoyed great success at the development and it’s been fantastic to see the community take shape.
“We encourage anyone interested in securing a place at The Pavilions to visit our marketing suite to learn more about the properties available.”
More than £750,000 was pledged to support the local area through S106 agreements, including £300,000 for schools and early year education, £186,869 for onsite outdoor sports facilities, and a £34,230 bus infrastructure contribution.
The developer has supported the wider Banbury community through event sponsorships and donations to organisations such as Banbury Men’s Shed and The Let’s Play Project.
All remaining homes are ready to move into, with prices starting from £390,000.
Nearly £38,000 has been donated to Katharine House Hospice in north Oxfordshire over the past 18 months, thanks to recycled metals from cremations at North Oxfordshire Crematorium.
The scheme is part of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme, which recycles metals with family consent and donates proceeds to charity.
Vanessa Moor, site manager at North Oxfordshire Crematorium, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Katharine House Hospice through our ICCM charity partnership, recognising it as our essential local charity.
“Many people don’t realise that, with a family’s permission, metals recovered following cremation can be recycled to benefit charities supporting local communities.”
The most recent donation of £17,000 brings the total raised for the hospice to £37,982.
Ms Moor said families frequently speak highly of the care and support they have received from Katharine House.
The partnership extends beyond fundraising, with crematorium staff volunteering at the hospice’s events.
Sue Blank, corporate engagement officer at Katharine House Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have Memoria’s continued support.
“The team at the North Oxfordshire site are a pleasure to work with and are always keen to support the hospice in any way they can, whether through volunteering, raising awareness of our work or through this fantastic recycling scheme.”
Waylands Volvo Oxford, based on Cumnor Hill, is inviting drivers to test drive the new Volvo EX60 during an exclusive event from August 21-23.
Recently named the UK’s most exciting upcoming new car at the What Car? Awards, the fully electric SUV combines Scandinavian design with advanced technology and sustainability.
Simon Bishop, general manager at Waylands Volvo Oxford, said: “We’re delighted to welcome local drivers for an exclusive first look at the new Volvo EX60 here in Oxford.
“This weekend long event is designed to be much more than a standard test drive, giving customers the chance to experience the technology that makes the EX60 so special.
“Whether it’s trying the latest safety features, seeing how straightforward fast charging can be or exploring the capabilities of Google Gemini, we want every visitor to leave feeling excited and confident about driving electric.”
The Volvo EX60 P12 AWD model offers a range of up to 503 miles on a single charge – the longest of any Volvo to date.
It can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 16 minutes.
Inside, the SUV features a spacious, premium cabin with a dashboard-mounted speaker and four contemporary interiors, all crafted from renewable and recycled materials.
Test drives will be guided by a Volvo specialist, who will demonstrate features such as the 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and driver assistance systems.
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