Crime & Safety
Oxfordshire councillors call for investigation on A417
Works began on the A417, near West Hendred, in March and are due to finish over the bank holiday weekend.
Wantage councillors, Jane Hanna OBE and Jenny Hannaby, welcome the news of the completion of the 10 weeks of roadworks but raised concerns about the lack of traffic management staff at the site.
In a new statement, the councillors said: “We have been picking up the complaints of residents about presence of traffic management staff and site operation and also passing on our own lived experience because we are residents that use this road regularly as well as councillors.
“Our latest update from the contractor confirmed that there was a short period when staff could not work on the site due to the unforeseen problem of electricity supply.
“That is resolved and we were promised yesterday morning by MGroup that banksmen will remain in place for the duration of the works and will attend during the agreed hours, as previously committed.
“Last night at 6.40pm we passed through the lights, there were no banksmen and there were five cars coming from Wantage direction and a long tailback coming from Rowstock direction. We have called for an investigation.
“If you have similar experiences it would be helpful if you could let us know very specifically the date and the time.”
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The roadworks have caused controversy in the local area after suspicion had arose among the community that the road would be dug up after being filled.
The works, which began on March 16, were to install a new traffic light pedestrian crossing on the A417 Reading Road.
Four-way traffic lights were installed for 10 weeks, and have since operated everyday from 7am until 8pm.
Originally planned to complete on Friday, May 22, the works will officially complete on Monday, May 25 with traffic lights taken down then.
The councillors also confirmed in a statement on Facebook that the works will continue for extended nighttime closure works before the project is completed in June.
Residents can expect disruption on the nights of Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23 between 8pm to 6am.
Despite the works completing on Monday, May 25, more works will also take place between Thursday, June 4 to Monday, June 8 and also on Tuesday, June 9.
The councillors confirmed this was because of the electricity contractor needing to return to install the signal heads.
Drivers can expect this to cause the same temporary traffic lights for another two to three days starting from Tuesday, June 9.
The pictures were taken between 2002 and 2008 by Oxford Mail photographers covering days out in the spring and summer at dog show events.
Beyond the pets, many of the events included town fayres, games and market stalls, and produced classic images of Morris dancers, children eating ice cream and more.
READ MORE: 13 old photos show Oxford nightlife and clubs back in 2008
Dog shows have been held for years in towns across Oxfordshire, with pictures in this gallery from Didcot, Chipping Norton, Burford, Carterton and beyond.
Some of the most adorable shots show youngsters with their beloved pets, whether or not they won accolades in the show.
Take a look back through this archive picture gallery to see if you recognise any of these dogs – or the owners pictured with them.
Alice’s Day returns on Saturday, July 4, with a programme of family-friendly events, performances and interactive experiences inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved character.
The festival marks the anniversary of the first telling of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, shared by Charles Dodgson with Alice Liddell and her sisters during a boating trip from Folly Bridge in 1862.
Events will take place across the city at venues including The Story Museum, Alice’s Shop, the Bodleian Library, Christ Church, the Museum of Oxford and Oxford Botanic Garden.
Conrad Bodman, CEO of The Story Museum, said: “We’re proud that Alice’s Day has become such firm fixture in Oxford’s cultural calendar.”
A highlight of this year’s celebrations will be a street theatre performance by Creation Theatre, reimagining Alice as she chases the White Rabbit.
At Westgate, Rough Magic Theatre will present the Jabberwock using a mix of shadow puppetry and live singing.
Visitors will be able to try their hand at croquet in the Master’s Garden at Christ Church and attend a Magic Lantern show in the Dodgson Room.
The Museum of Oxford will offer a special Hands-On History session exploring the objects and stories connected to Alice’s Day.
At the Weston Library, storyteller Lucy Walters will perform tales from Wonderland.
The Bodleian Library will also host talks from the Lewis Carroll Society.
The Story Museum will offer half-price entry to its galleries, including Small Worlds, and a full day of themed activities.
These will include face painting, poetry with the Oxford Poetry Library, a giant interactive board game, and a talk by author Anna James about her latest book, Alice With a Why.
Afternoon tea will be served in the Story Museum’s Magic Common Room, with traditional sandwiches, cakes, and treats.
The event is sponsored this year by law firm Howes Percival.
Alice’s Day is held on the first Saturday of July each year, close to the date of Carroll’s original storytelling in 1862.
The festival commemorates not just a story, but a turning point in children’s literature and Oxford’s literary legacy.
Mr Bodman said: “Over the years, we’ve welcomed Alice fans from around the world who want to celebrate an enduring literary icon.”
After the publication of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Oxford became known worldwide as a centre for children’s storytelling, inspiring writers such as Kenneth Grahame, CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Philip Pullman.
Councillor Andrea Powell, who represents Benson and Crowmarsh, was elected to the role on May 14 and will serve for the next 12 months.
She takes over from Katharine Keats-Rohan, having previously served as her vice chair.
Councillor Powell said: “I’m honoured that my peers at South Oxfordshire District Council have elected me as the new Chair.
“I’m really looking forward to the next twelve months, meeting as many residents and community groups as possible, not just the groups that I’m a part of.
“I want to celebrate the remarkable generosity and dedication of our communities and volunteers here in South Oxfordshire.
“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to our latest Chair, Councillor Katharine Keats-Rohan, for her excellent term.
“It was a privilege to serve under her as the Vice Chair.”
Councillor Powell has served as a district councillor since 2019 and has held roles as a cabinet member and Green group leader.
As part of her new role, she has chosen two charities to support during her term: Style Acre, which helps people with learning disabilities and autism, and Cycling Without Age Oxfordshire, which offers free trishaw rides to elderly and vulnerable adults.
To support the charities, she plans to take part in a 66-mile cycle event on Dartmouth on June 20.
The council website offers more information on the duties of the chair.
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