Oxford News
British Pest Control Association warns holidaymakers
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has warned that the pests could return home with travellers in their luggage, and has issued advice to help prevent unwanted infestations.
Bed bugs are commonly found in multi-occupancy settings with high turnover, such as hostels, holiday camps, hotels, blocks of flats and student accommodation.
Niall Gallagher, technical manager at BPCA, said: “Bed bugs feed on blood and will thrive almost anywhere they can get a meal.
“They can survive in temperatures as low as 0°C and as high as 49°C, and are adept at concealment, meaning it’s entirely possible that they will infest luggage taken on holiday and travel with it back to the home.”
Mr Gallagher said bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene, but rather a matter of bad luck.
They often travel undetected in suitcases or clothing and can settle in furniture, behind skirting boards, and even inside plug sockets.
He advised: “We always advise checking for signs of bed bugs when checking into holiday accommodation and immediately reporting any signs of activity if they occur.
“Avoid putting your luggage directly on the bed or furniture as this is the easiest way for bed bugs to attach themselves to your belongings and give everything a thorough check on your return.”
Early signs of bed bug activity include red, itchy bites, small blood stains on bedding, dark faecal spots on mattresses or upholstery, and clusters of reddish-brown marks.
Other indicators may include shed skins, page-white eggs, empty eggshells, or sightings of the insects in and around the bedframe or sleeping area.
Mr Gallagher said: “There is a long-standing stigma around bed bugs, but it’s really important that action is taken at the first sign of bed bug activity.”
He warned that do-it-yourself pest control methods can make the problem worse by causing bed bugs to move into other rooms or neighbouring properties.
Mr Gallagher said: “We always recommend seeking advice from a pest professional to ensure an efficient, safe and legally compliant solution to the problem.
“A BPCA member will leave no stone unturned in looking for evidence of an infestation and will set out clearly the process and timeframe of any proposed treatment plan.”
BPCA members are trained to British Standard and have access to specialist products not available to the public.
The association represents organisations with a professional interest in the eradication of public health pests and aims to promote the highest standards of professionalism.
Oxford News
Camera club: Actors ‘going into battle’ is our photo of the week
There were lots of shots of people messing about on the River Thames, walking the dog, or playing games including golf.
Julia Johnson-Fry’s photo of re-enactors at a fete remembering a battle is packed with energy but still manages to stick to the theme.
READ MORE: Town splash pad reopens
Julia sent in a wide variety of striking images throughout week and we have picked this one as our photo of the week.
Each week, camera club members are given a theme and then post their photos on the club’s Facebook page.
A selection of photos are then featured in The Oxford Times and the Oxford Mail, and one photo is chosen as photo of the week.
The winning photo has to relate to the theme, not a different subject.
Club members devised a list of themes earlier this year, and it is posted on the club’’s Facebook page.
The next theme is ‘rain’.
Oxford News
Witney town centre set for new signs and digital maps
The project aims to support both residents and visitors with clearer signage, maps, and digital information to improve access to shops, public spaces, and attractions.
Councillor Duncan Enright, executive member for economic development for West Oxfordshire, said: “Witney is a thriving market town and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to enjoy everything it has to offer.
“Clear and accessible wayfinding information will encourage residents and visitors to spend longer in the town and support local businesses.”
Led by West Oxfordshire District Council, the project involves Witney Town Council, Oxfordshire County Council, and the Witney Chamber of Commerce.
Plans include improved physical signage as well as a possible digital interactive map.
Adrian Bullock, chairman of Witney and District Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are proud to collaborate on this project to enhance the visitor experience of Witney town centre.
“This, along with other initiatives we have in development, will help raise the profile of the town, attracting more visitors and increasing money spent in our local businesses.”
The project is investigating placemaking opportunities, including decorative gateway features that could celebrate Witney’s heritage.
Funding will come from Section 106 agreements, which require developers to contribute to community projects as part of planning permissions.
Liz Leffman, executive member for planning and infrastructure, said: “Section 106 funding gives us an important opportunity to invest in projects that improve our town centre and benefit local communities.”
The scheme is expected to receive approximately £84,000 in Section 106 funding.
Oxford News
Cotswolds home for sale with hot tub and terraced gardens
Sitting within private grounds off Worcester Road, the stone-built property is listed with a guide price of £715,000.
Access is via a tree-lined approach which gives the house a ‘natural sense of seclusion’, according to Rightmove.
There are views over open countryside from the gardens, which wrap around the house and are described as offering ‘privacy and seasonal interest’.
Several terraced sections are in place, and the hot tub and shower area are included in the sale.
The interior offers a central entrance hall leading to four reception rooms, including a sitting room and a dining room with garden outlooks.
Light enters the house from several directions, and a conservatory to the rear offers space for sitting and for taking in garden and countryside views.
A kitchen, adjoining pantry and boot room are described as ‘practical’. All three bedrooms have outlooks over the grounds, and there are two bathrooms.
Several outbuildings, including a workshop, carport and sheds, can be found on the plot, providing further storage.
The listing notes the ‘exciting opportunity for a purchaser to undertake a programme of cosmetic updating’, with scope to modernise and adapt the interior.
The property is within easy reach of Chipping Norton’s amenities and local schools.
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