Located in Easington South, the new facility gives residents space to grow their own flowers, fruit, and vegetables in dedicated garden plots.

The site was formally opened during a ceremony led by Banbury Town Mayor, Councillor Kieron Mallon, who described the allotments as a valuable addition to the expanding town.

Councillor Mallon said: “I have been working with local residents to finally get these allotments from the developer and Cherwell.

“As the local member for Easington I personally had to intervene in the prolonged legal negotiations.

“The result is a fantastic addition to the amenities of this new part of our town, now to be managed by the Town Council.

“As a former allotmenteer myself I know the great satisfaction of growing your own can bring, now for the planting and sowing.”

Ownership of the Bloxham Vale site transferred to the council on February 25, and since then the area has been upgraded to meet the council’s standards.

Banbury Town Council, which manages several allotment sites across the area, prepared the site with soil improvements, plot dividers, and green waste composting facilities.

Drawing on experience from its other locations, the council designed the site to be accessible and easy to use for all plot holders.

Residents had expressed strong interest in the new allotments, and the council created a waiting list prior to the official opening to ensure a fair allocation of plots.

Demand for the new space was unprecedented and reflects a clear need for additional garden plots in the community.

Residents who have secured plots are now encouraged to begin cultivating their gardens and contributing to the growing success of the site.

Banbury Town Council hopes the new facility will not only support sustainable living but also help foster a stronger sense of community in the Bloxham Vale area.

Allotments have seen a resurgence in recent years, with many communities turning to home-growing as a way to improve food security, reduce environmental impact, and support well-being.

Banbury Town Council said it looks forward to seeing the allotment flourish in the months ahead and encourages residents who have taken a tenancy to get involved cultivating and producing home-grown produce.

Additional information about Banbury Town Council events and services is available online at www.banbury.gov.uk.

The council can also be reached by phone at 01295 250340.

Updates and news are regularly shared on the council’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Saturday Night Live (SNL) performed the gag on its UK show on Saturday, April 11.

There was a section in the news segment about the incident in a Banbury shop, playing on “never knowingly undersold.”

The faux newsreader said: “Oxfordshire police are hunting a shopper who defecated on a shop shelf in Banbury. The suspect is described as really needing a s*** in Banbury.

“Unfortunately, for a nearby John Lewis, they had to match it.”

READ MORE: Lorry overturns on Oxfordshire A43 roundabout with driver trapped

Jobs for a new The Range store in Felixstowe are being advertised (Image: Newsquest)

The incident occurred at the brand’s Banbury branch on Cherwell Street at around 1.40pm on Wednesday, March 25.

With Thames Valley Police alerted to the defecation, the situation was subsequently described as “criminal damage”.

Investigating officer, police constable Robert Watson, previously said he is looking for people who witnessed the incident.

An initial appeal on Sunday (April 5) released an image of a woman whom the force wanted to speak to as part of the investigation.

Then, in an update on Monday (April 6), the force informed the public that they are no longer looking for a woman who was previously pictured.

If you have any information about this incident, you are urged to get in touch with Thames Valley Police, either by making a report online or by calling the force on 101, quoting the reference 43260146564.

Witnesses can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The caravan was found in a layby off Banbury Road, north of Kidlington, near Sturdy’s Castle.

The layby can often be seen with caravans parked up, but this one seems to have been abandoned.

Thames Valley Police is now appealing to try and find its rightful owner.

READ MORE: Lorry overturns on Oxfordshire A43 roundabout with driver trapped

Commenting on Sunday afternoon, a TVP West Oxfordshire spokesperson said: “An abandoned caravan has been recovered.

“PC Speke and PCSO Duffield have found an abandoned caravan in the lay-by at Sturdy’s Castle, A4260.

“If you believe you are the owner of this caravan please contact 101 quoting the reference INC-20260412-0623 providing evidence of ownership.

“Best wishes, Woodstock Neighbourhood Team.”

It comes after this newspaper was told there was reportedly a large police presence near the pub on Saturday afternoon.

However, Thames Valley Police has not provided details of any incident in response to our enquiries.