The space outside Donnington Doorstep, a family centre, and Donnington Community Centre, has been transformed into a garden for all.

Led by Earthwatch Europe and Donnington Tenants and Residents Association, the project saw the installation of four raised planters.

This includes dedicated herb bed, a picnic bench and additional seating at the centre, creating a welcoming and accessible environment for the community.  

The uplift was marked with a community planting day on 17 April, where various herbs, vegetables and fruits were planted.

Residents of all ages took part, including children from mothers and toddlers groups, who took home sunflower seedling to nurture at home.

Melanie Mendonca, local resident and member of Donnington Tenants and Residents Association, said the project has already inspired local involvement.

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She said: “A dedicated herb bed has been created for use by the Community Café at Donnington Doorstep and members of the Donnington 50+ Group have committed to helping maintain the planters.”

Funding for the project was provided by Earthwatch Europe, Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.  

Works were also undertaken to improve the nearby play area by upgrading play equipment and safety surfaces by Oxford City Council.

Susan Brown, current leader of Oxford City Council, said she was “delighted to have supported the creation”.

She said: “. The planting day was fantastic and shows how local nature spaces can make a big difference – growing fresh food, bringing people together and creating a space the whole community can enjoy.” 

Multiple police and fire service vehicles were seen yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, May 13) on the Eastern Bypass Road, near to Redbridge.

They were responding to reports that a person had fallen into the River Isis, the Oxford stretch of the River Thames.

An eyewitness who drove past the scene said: “Huge incident at Redbridge. Eleven emergency vehicles and people getting into river.”

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This morning police and the fire service have clarified what occurred.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 15:40, sending three fire engines and a specialist rescue vehicle to eastern bypass, Isis bridge, after a report of a person entering the water near the bridge.

The River Isis, which runs through Oxford (Image: Matthew Evans)

“The individual was assisted out of the water. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service departed at approximately 16:30.”

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Yesterday afternoon, Thames Valley Police responded alongside our colleagues from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service to an incident on the Eastern Bypass.

“Emergency services were called following reports of a woman who had entered the river.

The Eastern Bypass Road crosses the River Isis (Image: Google Maps)

“Thanks to the swift actions and professionalism of our fire service colleagues, a rescue team was quickly assembled, and the woman was safely recovered from the water.

“We are pleased to confirm that she did not sustain any long-lasting injuries and received prompt medical attention at the scene.

Redbridge, nearby to the incident (Image: Matthew Evans)

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“In order to ensure the safety of both the public and emergency responders, a temporary single-lane closure was put in place on the bypass while paramedics provided care.

“We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding while we dealt with this incident.

“Your safety remains our priority, and we appreciate your continued support.”

Karl Barratt, of no fixed abode, is wanted by Thames Valley Police for ‘further offending’ in Oxford.

The force has issued an appeal to the public to help find the 39-year-old in Oxford, and has released his mugshot to help identify him.

Karl Barratt, 39, is wanted by police (Image: Thames Valley Police)

Barratt is described by police as a white man of slim build with short, fair blond hair.

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He is known to frequent Redbridge Hollow, Abingdon Road, Kennington and Warwickshire. 

Investigating officer, PC Jon Kelly of the Integrated Offender Management Department, said “We are appealing for the public’s help in tracing Karl Barratt.

“Barratt is currently wanted on recall to prison and we are very keen to identify his whereabouts to prevent further offending and safeguard the local community.    

“If you see him, please do not approach him, instead call 999.   

“However, if you have information as to his whereabouts then please add it to our online reporting page quoting reference 43260208196.   

“Or if you do not wish to speak to the police you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, who will take your information 100 per cent anonymously.”