South Oxfordshire District Council’s Cabinet will consider a targeted, one-off reduction in business rates in July, aimed at easing pressure on pubs across the district.

The move follows growing concern that many venues are struggling with rising costs despite their importance as community hubs, rural assets and employers.

Cllr Pieter-Paul Barker, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Assets, said: “Everyone knows that pubs are experiencing significant financial pressures.

“These venues play an important role in the economy and are vital for ensuring a thriving local community. 

“We’re carefully considering how best to provide targeted support for pubs in South Oxfordshire which will both help to strengthen our local and rural economy and safeguard employment in our hospitality sector.” 

Council leader Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers said: “While this support can’t fix everything, it’s a step in the right direction. 

“We’re staying focused on collaborating with our local pubs and partners to provide the practical support and guidance they need right now.”

Details of the proposed business rates support are set out in a report to cabinet on July 2, when a decision is due to be made.

The popular shopping centre in Oxford’s Queen Street already has an exciting mix of shops on offer, from first-class dining options to familiar high street favourites and world-renowned brands.

Now, the Westgate has welcomed the latest addition to its retail offering, as David Clulow opticians opened on Friday, June 26.

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The eye health specialist store showcases the brand’s modernised retail format, with state-of-the-art testing rooms and improved accessibility.

It’s broad product range also includes designer frames from the likes of Chanel, Prada and Ray-Ban.

The hoardings ahead of the opening of the new store at Westgate Oxford (Image: Newsquest)

The store is the latest edition to David Clulow’s store collection which is hosted in nearly 30 cities and shopping centres across the UK.

The introduction of the new shop is the latest in a long line of recent Westgate comings and goings in recent months.

Shoe chain Russell & Bromley has departed its ground-floor store, leaving the unit empty, after the brand fell into administration.

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Similarly, Claire’s has also closed at the Westgate after the beauty and accessory brand also collapsed into administration.

Last month, the new Lego store opened on the ground floor of the centre, welcoming queues of shoppers at its grand opening event.

Oliver Bonas also recently moved from its home on the ground floor to a much larger unit on the middle floor, near the Queen Street and Bonn Square entrance.

The scheme, designed to support attendance at Armed Forces Day events, will be in effect across the UK on June 27 and June 28.

It applies to all Stagecoach services except those operated by Megabus, Transport for London and the Bee Network.

To access free travel, serving military should wear uniform or present a valid military ID card, and veterans should present a veteran’s badge or military medal.

Martin Gibbon, managing director of Stagecoach West, said: “Our Armed Forces have given so much to protect our country, and offering free travel over this weekend is just a small gesture of our immense gratitude.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for our service people, past and present, to attend local events and celebrate with their communities.”

Stagecoach’s ongoing support for the military community includes similar free travel schemes on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday.

The company’s Veterans Network also offers a platform for veterans and service families within the business to connect and shape a more supportive workplace.

Stagecoach was awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award in 2024 in recognition of its commitment to supporting the military community.

Mr Gibbon said: “Through our Veterans Network, we are dedicated to ensuring Stagecoach remains a deeply supportive environment for the military community, both as passengers and as valued colleagues.”

Stagecoach has backed the Armed Forces Covenant since 2015.