Crime & Safety
Oxfordshire secondary school to get Government funding boost
In March, Langtree School in Reading Road, Woodcote, close to the south Oxordshire and Berkshire border, had to put in ‘temporary arrangements’ for pupils to keep learning on-site as parts of the school estate have had to be closed.
Now the school is part of hundreds across the country to receive grants worth over £450 million to replace heating systems, mend roofs, and update electrical works, among others.
Lords William’s School in Thame will also receive funding.
The funding is part of a 10-year plan to deliver a decade of renewal for schools and colleges across England.
In September 2023 Langtree School partially closed due to flooding where water came in from the ceiling into the main reception building.
Schools minister Josh MacAlister said: “Opportunity for our children starts with a great education, and children can only learn well in buildings that are safe, warm and fit for purpose – not classrooms disrupted by leaking roofs, failing boilers and declining buildings.
“This funding will help schools tackle urgent issues before they become bigger and more costly problems.
“It is part of our longer-term plan to break the cycle of schools and colleges doing patch-and-mend repairs, by committing to unprecedented long-term funding to improve the school and college estate – because world-class classrooms are key in helping children to achieve and thrive.”
Hundreds of thousands of pupils across the country will benefit from more funding to improve their school buildings, including 103 schools in the south east, as part of the Government’s long-term plan to improve the school estate.
The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) grants will give 684 schools and sixth-form colleges funding to help to replace heating systems, mend roofs and update electrical works, among other projects, after years of declining buildings.
The funding forms part of a wider package of investment in programmes including the School Rebuilding Programme which is rebuilding and refurbishing 58 schools in the south east.
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These programmes form part of a 10 year plan to renew buildings across education, and are designed to ensure children can learn in classrooms fit for purpose – with high-quality and inspiring school buildings.
By improving classrooms, the Government says it is providing the opportunities children need to succeed in education and prepare for future careers.
The Government is also investing at least £3.7 billion between 2025 and 2030 to support councils in providing places for children and young people with SEND or who require alternative provision, and to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of mainstream settings.
The advice comes as warmer weather arrives and insect activity increases, raising the risk of uninvited guests around homes and gardens.
Residents are urged to take simple steps now to avoid bigger problems later in the summer.
Niall Gallagher, technical manager at the BPCA, said: “These two simple steps in spring can make a real difference in the summer.
“Deterring wasps and mosquitoes from settling down and breeding in your garden means you’re much less likely to have problems with them later in the summer.
“You can’t keep them out, but a few visitors are much less hassle than thousands of insects that have moved in for the season.”
The first tip is to check regularly for wasp nests, especially in sheds, garages, under eaves, and in other sheltered areas.
Early-stage nests are typically small, around the size of a golf ball, and can be removed before the colony expands.
Wasp nests left undisturbed can grow to house between 5,000 and 8,000 adult wasps by late August.
While wasps are valuable pollinators and natural pest controllers, a large nest close to living areas can become a serious hazard, as threatened wasps release pheromones that trigger a defensive stinging response from the entire colony.
The second tip focuses on reducing mosquito breeding sites by emptying out water butts, buckets, watering cans, and any other containers where stagnant water has collected.
These should also be cleaned where possible to remove overwintering mosquito eggs.
Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, and removing these sites can prevent thousands of insects from emerging during warmer months.
Mr Gallagher said: “Of the native mosquito species in the UK, only a handful are connected to nuisance biting reports and generally, the only risk is a bite which is uncomfortable, itchy, and swollen, although occasionally people can have an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite which may need medical attention.”
He warned that changing climate conditions could increase the risk of non-native mosquito species becoming established in the UK, highlighting recent detections of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus eggs in England.
The BPCA also reminds residents that different stinging insects require different treatment options, and correct identification is key to safe removal.
Mistaking a wasp nest for a bee colony could put endangered bee species at risk if removed incorrectly.
Mr Gallagher said: “If there is any doubt at all, we highly recommend getting in touch with a BPCA member for advice.”
The campaign, spearheaded by Rawda Jehanli during her mayoral tenure, managed to collect the impressive sum for Occtopus, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with colorectal ailments such as bowel cancer, Crohn’s, and Colitis.
In addition to advancing vital research, the money will significantly contribute to patient wellbeing undertakings and enhanced colorectal care at the hospital.
During her visit, Mayor Jehanli engaged with the colorectal department, learning more about the issues faced by patients and the critical role Occtopus plays in their recovery process.
Reflecting on the experience, the mayor emphasised her personal connection to the charity following her own bowel cancer diagnosis in 2023.
Speaking about the visit, Mayor Jehanli expressed her gratitude for the medical professionals at the hospital, noting their dedication and commitment to patient wellbeing.
“I have directly experienced the importance of exceptional care during a colorectal cancer diagnosis and wanted to not only give something back but also raise awareness on the importance of knowing the bowel cancer symptoms because the earlier it is treated, the better the outcomes,” she said.
Occtopus and Oxford University Hospitals representatives expressed thanks to the mayor and her local supporters for their dedication to boosting patient care across Oxfordshire.
The charity, since its inception, has pioneered groundbreaking treatments for colorectal cancer, colitis, and Crohn’s, while also funding national and international research projects to enhance patient care standards.
Plum Tree Cottage, a detached property with Victorian origins, is located in the centre of Oakley.
The house is described as offering an ‘appealing balance of period character and practical modern living’.
It sits back from the main road and is situated just a short distance from the local pub, The Chandos Arms.
Inside, the accommodation is arranged around a hallway.
There are two reception rooms, both described as ‘well-balanced and light-filled’.
The sitting room has a dual aspect and a log burner, which is said to create ‘warmth and atmosphere’.
The dining room is intended for family meals and social gatherings.
The kitchen provides storage and work surfaces and is accompanied by a separate utility room.
Upstairs are four bedrooms.
The main bedroom has dual aspect windows and an en-suite which has been ‘stylishly refitted’, according to the listing.
The other bedrooms are served by a modern family bathroom.
A west-facing rear garden is noted as a highlight, being described as ‘bathed in afternoon and evening sunlight’.
Outdoor space is intended for dining, gardening, or quiet relaxation, according to the listing.
An attached single garage comes with an electric door and off-street parking. Wiring has been installed for an electric vehicle charging point.
Oakley is surrounded by Buckinghamshire countryside with transport links to Bicester, Thame and Oxford.
The listing describes the location as ‘prime central,’ with village amenities and a community spirit.
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