Thames Valley Police updated that they arrested a male this morning (Tuesday, May 26) after a major operation in Blackbird Leys.

Multiple teams were involved and it led to drugs, weapons and cash being seized, with the man arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences.

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A spokesperson for police said: “This morning, officers have carried out a drugs warrant in the Blackbird Leys area of Oxford, led by the local Neighbourhood Team.

“They were supported by colleagues from the Harm Reduction Unit, Oxford Central Neighbourhood Team, and the Proactive Disruption Team as part of a coordinated effort to disrupt criminal activity.

File image of police (Image: Matt Simpson)

“During the operation, drugs, weapons and a quantity of cash were seized.

“One male has been arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences and remains in police custody.”

The force added that this showed that they are committed to tackling illegal drug crime and protecting communities such as those in Blackbird Leys.

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The spokesperson continued: “We are committed to tackling drug-related crime and protecting our communities from the harm it causes.

“Warrants like this demonstrate our continued focus on those involved in supplying illegal drugs.

“If you have information about drug activity or other crime in your area, please report it to us.”

Motorists were stuck in a traffic jam of more than seven miles at one point on the A34 after three cars collided.

Police were called to assist with the incident at East Ilsley, northbound on the A34 into the Oxfordshire border from Berkshire.

Thames Valley Police said one person suffered minor injuries but declined to give more information.

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“As this is now resolved we wouldn’t look to provide further details,” a spokeswoman said.

Both lanes northbound into the county were blocked at around 8am on Tuesday, May 23, causing significant tailbacks all the way to Chieveley close to the M4.

Highways England reported drivers were stuck for more than 90 minutes during the rush hour commute, before things started to ease at around 10am.

In his first full day in the job, newly elected county council leader Tim Bearder was set to decide whether to give the plans approval on May 21, but delegated the decision to his deputy, Neil Fawcett.

The shared-use pavement and cycleway, bus stops, toucan and puffin crossing, will provide access to new developments on the road in Kidlington.

Raising objections in a consultation on the proposals, the Bicester Bike Users’ Group said: “Shared provision does not work for either pedestrians or cyclists.

“It is concerning that the plan also shows a proposed pedestrian only crossing to the north connecting to a shared (cycle and pedestrian) path.”

It questioned the policy compliance of plans, saying it had “poor design”.

Cycling advocacy group, Cyclox supported the scheme, saying it welcomed “the inclusion of a signal-controlled toucan crossing and the provision of a wider footway/cycleway, which will improve crossing opportunities”.

However, it said there is “opportunity to further strengthen the scheme so that it better reflects current best practice” noting how the current design of the bike path could “lead to conflict and reduced comfort for both pedestrians and cyclists”.

Oxfordshire Liveable Streets also had a mixed response, stating “we have a number of concerns”.

Responding to objections, Mr Fawcett explained he understood that “this is as good as we [the county council] can do and it is within the standard rules” for bike lanes in part due to funding agreements.

Neil Fawcett

He noted he could see how the scheme “could be better” but said physical and development agreements constraints impacted decisions and that he was “satisfied” with the plan.

The new additions will be paid for by developers building next to the road as part of a Section 106 agreement.

Residents had mixed responses.

One believes the toucan crossing could save lives.

Bicester Road, Kidlington (Image: Google Maps)

The anoymous resident stated: “Drivers regularly disregard the zebra crossings – even when people are crossing on them.

“It’s so dangerous. As a driver I use this road almost daily and have witnessed many near misses involving adults and children.

“A toucan crossing would help improve safety so much before some innocent person – likely a child, loses their life in a totally preventable tragedy and parents lose their child.”

An Oxford United fan said they thought the plans would be “beneficial to stadium users”.

Another resident noted: “This is good news for cyclists as it’s extremely unsafe to cycle on the parallel Oxford Road due to the vast number of potholes.”

One member of public objected, saying another shared-use path on the northern side of the road is “in very poor shape” leading to danger for cyclists in the busy road.