Oxford News
F1 track Silverstone praises plans for a new theme park
The racing circuit, which is just over the Oxfordshire border in Northamptonshire, has backed the new Puy du Fou theme park plans near Bicester.
Silverstone’s chief executive Stuart Pringle described Bicester’s growth as having an “incredibly positive impact” on the local and regional economy in the past few years.
“Silverstone, as the home of British motor racing, has played a supporting role in that story albeit that we are just across the county boundary,” he said in a letter to Cherwell District Council.
Silverstone, just over the border of Oxfordshire near Bicester. (Image: Matt Simpson)
“In Puy du Fou, we see the potential arrival of another international, award winning, long-term investor as yet another very significant step in the much needed local, regional and national growth agenda.
“Oxfordshire is blessed with many renowned world class attractions: Blenheim Palace, Bicester Village, the Cotswolds and Silverstone nearby, to name but a few.
“Having won the attention of yet another significant international success story is a huge deal for Cherwell.”
Mr Pringle said the “spin off benefits” to Puy du Fou will be “very impactful”, as suggested by data shared with him by the theme park bosses.
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He said Silverstone believes the theme park will be a “force for good” by bringing new and diverse employment.
It will also be a “wonderfully colourful and theatrical addition” to the local cultural space, the chief executive added.
“We particularly like their proposal for a best-in-class conference centre attached to one of their hotels which we can see businesses that operate in conjunction with Silverstone viewing with great interest,” he said.
Stuart Pringle, chief executive of Silverstone (Image: Silverstone)
“We strongly support their planning application and encourage Cherwell District Council to do the same.”
As reported, Dominic Hare, the chief executive of Blenheim Palace, has also thrown his support behind the £600m Puy du Fou project.
He noted it for being a “significant strategic opportunity” for Oxfordshire and particularly the Cherwell district.
Puy du Fou, which is an historical theme park that already has attractions in France and Spain, is proposing to build its first theme park in the UK on land north of Bucknell, near junction 10 of the M40.
Silverstone, which has its own festival during the F1 Grand Prix every July, attracted a record-breaking 500,000 people over the 2025 British Grand Prix weekend, making it one of the highest-attended events on the Formula 1 calendar.
Puy du Fou says around 2,000 jobs would be directly made by the park, but estimates a further 6,000 jobs would be created through hotels, restaurants, suppliers and other local businesses.
Overall, park bosses estimate Puy du Fou could generate a £500m a year boost to the local and regional economy.
Oxford News
UK murder investigation after child dies with two arrested
Thames Valley Police said on Saturday morning that its investigation continues after a duo were arrested on Thursday, March 26 across the county border from Oxfordshire in Berkshire.
A 27-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman from Slough were arrested on suspicion of murder and grievous bodily harm.
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The force said both adults had been released on conditional police bail “pending further enquiries”.
The arrests come after a child “sustained serious injuries” and “tragically passed away in hospital”, according to Detective Inspector Nick Hind from the Major Crime Unit.
The detective said the force’s enquiries are “still at an early stage” and acknowledged the incident is likely to cause “significant concern” in the community.
Oxford News
Oxfordshire’s Hailey CE Primary School opens new library
Hailey CE Primary unveiled the library in conjunction with World Book Day, funded through donations from the Friends of Hailey School, community grants, local business donations and our generous families.
Mrs Davies, headteacher, said: “The school is proud that together we are building a brighter future for our children through the power of reading.”
The library offers a wide selection of books across different genres to help children improve their literacy skills and discover new interests.
Excitement is high within the school community.
Mrs Davies said: “We’re so excited about the opening of our library that everyone’s peeking through the doors to catch a glimpse.
“I cannot wait to unfold the magic behind the books.”
Oxford News
Faringdon school gets new sensory garden thanks to Tesco
The garden has been developed at Folly View Primary School and is designed to support pupil wellbeing, creativity, and personal growth by providing a calming and engaging outdoor space.
Funding for the project was secured through a £1,500 grant from the Tesco Community Grants scheme, made possible by votes from shoppers using blue tokens at the Faringdon store.
Muddy Spades, a local gardening business led by Royston Oxendale, also played a key role in bringing the garden to life by donating plants and building bespoke planters for the space.
Richard Evans, chief executive of Cambrian Learning Trust, said: “This wonderful sensory garden is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
“At Cambrian Learning Trust, we are proud to see Folly View Primary School bringing its core values of belonging, kindness, and aspiration to life in such a meaningful way.
“This space will not only enhance pupils’ wellbeing but also inspire curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.”
The garden will also support the school’s gardening club, offering pupils hands-on opportunities to care for plants and learn about the environment.
The school has thanked Tesco Faringdon, Muddy Spades, the PTA, and everyone involved in turning the garden into a reality.
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