The Six Bells in Mill Street has submitted plans to Cherwell District Council to install two illuminated signs to the front of its pub and three to an existing post near the entrance.

It also plans to change the render from cream to green and the colour of its windows from white to cream.

The largest sign, 1.6m long and 1.3m high, would be on the front of the building facing the street. It depicts a set of six free cut bells which will be illuminated by two 30 watt LED flood lights.

An amenity sign, which is 1.1m high and 0.7m in length, would be fixed to the bottom left of the façade. This will be replicated on both sides at the bottom of an existing post.

READ MORE: Alton Towers owner backs new Puy du Fou theme park plans

On the same post a 1.1m high and 0.8m long sign which shows the set of free cut bells and the pub name, will be fixed to a bracket from the top, which is illuminated from the top by two electric lights.

The keys to the Six Bells were handed to new landlords Nigel Worth and his partner Claire Brewis in October 2025 after being closed for just two days.

The planning authority is expected to make a decision by June 4.

The controversial former cabinet member for transport management oversaw the introduction of the heavily debated zero-emission zones and the temporary Oxford congestion charge, set to become traffic filters in August when the Botley Road reopens.

Mr Gant has been hit with personal attacks on social media throughout his time in office, including upon his departure.

These have been criticised even by those who do not necessarily align with him politically, with county councillor Andrew Coles (Labour) calling out a “nasty and negative video” shared by a local political party after Mr Gant’s leaving announcement.

Mr Gant, who remains a Liberal Democrat county and city councillor, said the “abuse” 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.”

Councillor Andrew Gant (Image: Esme Kenney)

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”.

Mr Gant also thinks the issue of online abuse is getting worse, but it was not the only difficulty he faced in the job.

He called the situation with the ongoing closure of Botley Road for the train station project “a total headache,” saying Network Rail and the minister for transport had “taken on the chin that that was their fault”.

Roadworks in Botley Road (Image: Network Rail)

He said working with central government was the hardest thing he had to deal with, referencing confusion and uncertainty with local government reorganisation as an example.

On the flipside, Mr Gant’s highlight is “seeing the electric buses on our streets”.

Mr Gant believes “they’re a wonderful addition”, but noted that he does not think they could have happened without the congestion charge.

He said: “There are too many demands on Oxford roads, there’s too much traffic on Oxford roads.

“There was before the congestion charge, and there is now and, the county council needs to continue to work on that in a huge variety of different ways, but the benefits that it has brought are significant and will stay, and that’s right.”

He said he has no regrets about the charge, noting that it was not designed “to solve everything”.

Kamil Idris is due to speak at the union today to discuss the responsibilities of leadership during times of crisis, and the importance of international cooperation in building peace and recovery in Sudan.

Mr Idris assumed office last May amid a devastating civil war in Sudan.

READ MORE: Oxford locals unimpressed by city ‘pod’ hotel plans

The invitation has drawn sharp criticism from some Sudanese activists and citizens.

They expressed concern that the high-profile appearance could serve to legitimise military-backed rule and prolong the conflict that has gripped the nation.

Bashir Ahmed, former chairman of the Sudanese community in Oxford, said: “The invitation extended to Dr. Kamel Idris by a respected organisation such as the Oxford Union amounts to normalising war crimes and granting legitimacy to Sudan’s de facto government, despite its commission of all these crimes—including murder, displacement, and rape.

“The invitation to Kamel has led the media of Sudan’s ruling regime to celebrate it as a resounding victory. 

“The war in Sudan has entered its fourth year, and the numbers of the dead and those who have fled their homes are staggering, we are talking about millions. 

“Therefore, an invitation from a respected organisation like the Oxford Union ultimately benefits the murderous regime in Sudan.”

READ MORE: Tesco’s response to supermarket failing hygiene rating in Oxford

Activist Bashir Ahmed (Image: Contributed)

The Oxford Union’s literature characterised the current administration as a “government of hope” tasked with maintaining essential services and managing a fragile transition.

It noted that the government operates under intense international and regional oversight during the civil war.

Mr Ahmed said: “I fully respect the Oxford Union’s long tradition of open discussion and engagement with controversial political figures.

“But for those directly affected, offering such a prestigious platform with high profile officials sends a deeply troubling message.”

Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris serves as a representative of the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan, whose military operations have been marked by the use of violence against civilians, contributing to the conflict, and advancing Islamist ideology.

The Brotherhood has been involved in the political and ideological control of Sudan, and has consistently rejected ceasefire negotiations.

READ MORE: 10 more people brought home to isolate due to viral outbreak

In April Labour MP Anneliese Dodds urged Sir Keir Starmer to prioritise Sudan in his international engagements. (Image: Lucy North/PA Wire)

Mr Ahmed continued said: “Across Sudan, survivors and victims continue to demand justice for atrocities, including mass killings and sexual violence.

“For Sudanese communities watching from abroad, and for those still trapped inside Sudan, this event is not seen as a neutral academic discussion. It is experienced as a painful political signal during a moment of immense national tragedy.

“We hope that British institutions with such global influence will stand clearly on the side of those principles.”

Rapper Tinie Tempah, TV personality Abby Lee Miller, Reform MP Matt Goodwin, and former Israeli politician are all set to speak at the Oxford Union this university term.

Oxford Union has been contacted for comment.