Connect with us

Crime & Safety

RSPCA slams ‘dangerous’ dog racing as broadcaster pulls out

Published

on



Sports Information Services will cease its coverage of racing at the Sandy Lane venue in a move described as “disastrous” to greyhound racing.

The sports broadcaster confirmed to the Racing Post that it will drop Oxford and Suffolk Downs from its schedule from Monday onwards.

READ MORE: Oxford Speedway breaks silence amid major stadium doubts

This will effectively end operations at both tracks under its service, with SIS claiming that the decision came as the betting industry braces for changes to betting duty and taxation set out in the Autumn Budget.

It’s unclear how the change will specifically impact the long-term operations of the stadium.

The RSPCA welcomed the news on Thursday (April 2), issuing a statement branding greyhound racing as “inherently dangerous”.

Sam Gaines, head of companion animals for the RSPCA, said: “The uncertainty around greyhound racing at Oxford Stadium is yet another sign that this industry is outdated and unnecessary, with interest clearly waning.

READ MORE: Future uncertain for Oxford Stadium as broadcaster pulls out

“Greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for the dogs involved, and the industry’s own data shows that thousands of injuries have occurred in recent years, while hundreds of dogs have lost their lives.

“The risks of suffering, purely for the purpose of entertainment, is simply unacceptable.

“Wales and Scotland have recently taken decisive action to phase out this sport, and we urge the UK Government to follow suit and consign greyhound racing in England to the history books.”





Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crime & Safety

Air ambulance deployed after boy hit by car in Banbury

Published

on



The incident occurred in Mascord Road, Banbury, on Friday, April 10, just before 3pm.

Thames Valley Police have confirmed that a boy, whose age has not been released, was hit by a vehicle.

READ MORE: Oxford green land sale will make ‘significant’ money

A Thames Valley Air Ambulance was deployed to assist in the care of the boy, and take him to hospital.

Mascord Road was closed while emergency responders dealt with the incident, and was reopened several hours later, at about 5.30pm.

Thames Valley Police has been asked for an update on the situation and further information, and Thames Valley Air Ambulance has been approached for comment.





Source link

Continue Reading

Crime & Safety

Pedestrian died in East Hendred crash with Volkswagen Golf

Published

on


The fatal road traffic collision occurred on the A417 Reading Road in East Hendred, near Wantage, on Thursday, April 9 just before 7.20pm.

Police say they were contacted by South Central Ambulance Service to report the crash, which involved a silver Volkswagen Golf and a pedestrian.

READ MORE: Emergency response in Oxfordshire village as road closed

Sadly, the pedestrian, a man in his 70s, died at the scene of the crash.

Thames Valley Police said the man’s family has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

No arrests have so far been made, but police are now appealing for any witnesses to the crash to come forward.

Police (Image: TVP)

Investigating officer detective sergeant Oliver Cahill‑Smith, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the loved ones of the man who tragically lost his life in this collision.

“We are investigating this collision as a priority and would urge anyone who witnessed the incident to get in touch.

“We would particularly like to speak to drivers who passed through the area between 7.10pm and 7.20pm, especially those travelling west towards Wantage, as they may be able to provide witness accounts or relevant dashcam footage of the driving conditions at the time.

READ MORE: Oxford green land sale will make ‘significant’ money

“Anyone who was in the area with a dashcam is asked to review their footage, as it could contain vital information relating to the collision or the moments leading up to it.”

Anyone with information or footage should contact police by calling 101 or submitting a report to the Thames Valley Police website, quoting reference number 43260172791.

Alternatively, make an anonymous report to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.





Source link

Continue Reading

Crime & Safety

Leading golf figures meet to discuss water sustainability

Published

on



Frilford Heath Golf Club welcomed industry stakeholders for its Water & Sustainability Summit ahead of Earth Day.

With water usage and conservation now critical issues for golf clubs across the UK, the summit aimed to help the club plan a water strategy for a dramatically changing climate.

Kevin Murray, chairman of Frilford Heath Golf Club, said: “Our Board is constantly analysing wider trends and demographics to maintain our position as one of England’s great golf club experiences, and being able to present excellent courses on a consistent basis is one of the biggest challenges we face in a climate that often gives you very wet winters and hot, dry summers.

“The experts at our Water & Sustainability Summit offered reassurance that we are on the correct path.

“They were able to show us that we are well-positioned to manage our own water resources now and in the future.”

The 450-acre, GEO-certified estate is already taking major steps to improve resilience, supported by a recent £2.6 million investment across its three championship courses.

The club’s focus on precision resource management includes a purpose-built reservoir to capture winter rainfall for use during summer months, placing the club in the top five per cent in the UK for proactive water management.

Paul Sheather, director of courses and estates, said: “Water conservation and sustainability are top priorities for Frilford Heath.

“Balancing course conditions with the expectations of members and customers is challenging given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

“But, working together, employing best management practices and investing in innovative solutions puts us in the best position possible.”

Summit participants included England Golf, the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), Irritech, Agrovista, and global equipment supplier Toro.

Andy Brown, senior sales manager for Toro and a club member, said: “This was an important opportunity to engage on the practical challenges of water security and long-term land management.

“As a long-standing member, I have a personal interest in seeing the courses maintained to the highest levels; and from a professional standpoint, it is vital to see how clubs can successfully align operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.”

Frilford Heath Golf Club is set within heathland terrain that includes a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), will host this year’s Women’s and Men’s Senior Amateur Championships.

Following the event, Chairman Kevin Murray said the club is now discussing hosting a wider industry summit of experts and golf club managers to further the industry’s ability to manage challenging water issues.

More information is available at www.frilfordheath.co.uk.





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending