Wallingford Town Council said it is “disappointed to report” incidents of vandalism in the Bullcroft park in the centre of the town over the past three days.

Two bins had been “deliberately” set alight, leaving behind burned-out plastic bin bags, rubbish, plastic fittings and ash in the bin fixtures attached to the ground.

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The town council said each bin costs more than £200 of taxpayer money to replace, which it described as “money that should be going into improving facilities for everyone, not repairing avoidable damage”.

Bins in the Bullcroft park in Wallingford were burned in an act of vandalism (Image: Wallingford Town Council)

A spokesperson for the council said: “With the Easter holidays currently underway and more people out and about enjoying the nice weather, we’re asking everyone to be mindful of how our shared spaces are used.

“The Bullcroft is a valued space for the whole community, and incidents like this affect everyone who enjoys it.

“If you witnessed anything suspicious, please report it to Thames Valley Police.

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“Let’s all do our bit to look after our town.”

One of the burned bins is beside the parks tennis courts, and the other on the concrete next to a bench just off its main path.

The Bullcroft is a large, historic greenspace which was gifted to the town in 1912 and as well as the tennis courts it has two children’s play areas, a bowling green and an out-of-use sports pavilion.

Laser misuse is a serious criminal offence, Thames Valley Police warned after the helicopter flying over Woodstock was hit by the light at 8.38pm on Monday, April 6.

A spokesman from the police said: “Shining a laser at planes, helicopters, cars, emergency vehicles, or any moving vehicle is extremely dangerous — and against the law.

“Under the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018, It is a criminal offence to, shine or direct a laser at any vehicle that is moving or ready to move and if the beam dazzles, distracts, or is likely to dazzle or distract the person in control.

“This includes aircraft and helicopters, cars, motorbikes, emergency vehicles, trains, buses, and other transport.

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“Under aviation law, shining a laser at an aircraft can also amount to offences under aviation law if it distracts or dazzles a pilot during flight, particularly during take off or landing.

“Laser attacks have temporarily blinded pilots, forced aircraft to abort landings, interrupted emergency missions and put passengers, crews, and people on the ground in danger.

” If you see someone shining a laser irresponsibly report it to the police immediately and try and note the location, time, and direction of the beam, if it is safe to do so.

“Please remember lasers are not toys. One moment of recklessness can have life changing consequences.”

The fashion retailer’s store in Kings Walk, off Limborough Road, has been trading in the town for at least a decade but it is due to close on April 27.

The chain also has shops in Abingdon, Didcot, Witney, Bicester and Banbury.

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A member of staff at the Wantage store said: “We are closing on April 27 – it’s the high rents.

“There could be opportunities for staff to work at other New Look shops including Abingdon and Didcot.

“The other stores are fine – it’s just this one that is closing.”

Shoppers in Wantage told by New Look staff about the closure have been discussing the news on Facebook.

One shopper wrote: “This is crazy, the only other places to get clothes is Sainsbury’s and Fat Face!

“Diabolical that we barely have any clothes shops left in Wantage. Greedy landlords charging too much rent. Argos has been standing empty for years now.”

Another added: “Well, I’m not surprised. It always looks empty.

“Still, at least you won’t starve or suffer broken nails or go without overpriced hair dos… plus the charity shops are full of clothing.

“Long gone are the days when Wantage was once a proud and thriving town!”

Primark, H&M and Next are clothing brands that shoppers in the town would like to see move in.

Another shopper added: “It’s about a combination of things isn’t it. How many people use the shop and how much it costs to run.

“The High Street everywhere is being crippled by investment company landlords that care only about making money, and online shopping. Time to get creative about what you want from your High Street (shoe shops, kids clothes shops and adult clothes shops struggle to do enough business).

“It’s not just in Wantage, it’s a problem throughout the country.”

New Look in Wantage (Image: Google Maps)

The New Look store at Westgate Oxford closed in 2022.

The womenswear retailer sells clothes to women aged over 18 and has more than 10 million loyal customers.

It operates more than 300 stores in the UK. There were a number of store closures across the country between 2022 and 2025.

A New Look model (Image: New Look)

Helen Connolly, chief executive officer of New Look, said in a statement: “For over 50 years, New Look has been a standout name in British fashion, built on a deep understanding of our customer and a lasting connection with generations of women.
“By continuing to evolve how we show up for her through a strong omnichannel model, ongoing investment in our digital capabilities, a well invested store network and feelgood fashion at great prices, we are confident in our ability to deliver long term, sustainable growth.”

A New Look spokesperson said: “Our store in Wantage is set close on April 27.

“We would like to thank all of our colleagues and the local community for their support over the years.

“We hope customers continue to shop with us online at newlook.com, where our full product ranges can be found.”