Oxford News
Thames Water propose major project for Didcot Valley Park
The water company has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment screening opinion to both South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils for the development of the ‘Didcot Valley Park Trunk Main’.
It proposes a new pipe, 4.7km in length, to connect Hagbourne Hill Service Reservoir with the existing Steventon Diversion Main at a point just south of the A4130.
READ MORE: Man found dead near Oxford city centre church named for the first time
One kilometre of the southern part of the underground water main will be in the South Oxfordshire district, with the remaining 3.7km in the Vale of White Horse District Council area.
The approximate alignment of the pipeline through South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse (Image: Stantec)
Didcot Valley Park development, being built by Persimmon Homes, will result in a total of 4,250 new homes, along with local centres, schools, community and leisure facilities, open space and green infrastructure in the west of Didcot.
CGI of Valley Park Primary School (Image: Vale of White Horse District Council)
Agent Stantec submitted initial documents to the councils on behalf of applicant Thames Water Utilities Ltd for the new main, which said the provision of drinking water to the large-scale development will require ‘modification’ to the existing clean water supply network.
The application said: “The proposed project is of local importance and there will not be any permanent above ground works located in an sensitive sites.
Valley Park (Image: Taylor Wimpey)
READ MORE: Man found dead near Oxford city centre church named for the first time
“A key consideration for the pipeline construction is the temporary nature of the potential environmental effect.
“The pipeline will not be visible at ground level after completion and restoration of the affected land and as such any impacts on the landscape will be short term in nature.”
The councils will advise the applicant on whether an Environmental Assessment is required for the development by early April.
Oxford News
Aureus School girls were inspired by Navy’s women’s day
Three Year 10 pupils from Aureus School in Didcot travelled to London for the Royal Navy International Women’s Day event, held on HMS President during Careers Week and designed to showcase opportunities within the Royal Navy and beyond.
Students Antonia Pop, Ellie Swan and Tilly Mulvey are all taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
Ellie Swan said: “It was fantastic to see the possible career paths within the Navy.”
Rob Hayden, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award manager at Aureus School, accompanied the students to the event.
He said: “During the day, students had talks from individuals within the Navy and from guest speakers, including Hannah Botterman, who last year won both the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations with England.”
He said: “Students also had the chance to network with the speakers and other attendees.
“The event showed the students a wide range of inspirational females within the Navy and other careers.”
Aureus School, part of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust, says its vision is focused on ‘cultivating ambition’ and ‘high standards for all’.
Headteacher Kirsty Rogers says the Didcot-based co-educational comprehensive has undergone a ‘transformative journey’, creating a community where students feel a strong sense of belonging. She emphasises inclusivity, high expectations, and a broad curriculum that encourages ambition, resilience and respect, supported by dedicated staff and diverse extra-curricular opportunities.
Oxford News
Ryanair launches two new routes in significant move
The flights mark a major boost to the airport’s connectivity ahead of the budget airline’s record Summer 2026 schedule.
The new routes form part of Ryanair’s expanded Glasgow programme for Summer 2026, which will see the airline operate over 100 weekly flights across eight routes.
The new double-daily London Stansted service further strengthens Glasgow’s access to the English capital, while the launch of the Warsaw service enhances Glasgow’s international offering.
Jonathan Ford, portfolio manager at AGS Airports, said: “It’s fantastic to see Ryanair’s new services to London Stansted and Warsaw take off today.
“The double-daily Stansted route offers even more flexibility for business and leisure travellers heading to and from England’s innovation corridor, while Warsaw provides a valuable new link that expands the international connectivity available to our passengers.
“These launches mark the start of what will be a record summer for Ryanair at Glasgow, and we look forward to welcoming even more travellers through our doors.”
Last month, Ryanair launched its 2026 plan for Glasgow with 10 routes, including holiday hotspots like Lanzarote, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife, as well as city break destinations like Barcelona and Pisa.
The budget airline will also operate extra frequencies on its Alicante, Faro, Pisa, Malaga and Murcia routes.
The new schedule is underpinned by Ryanair’s two Glasgow Prestwick-based aircraft.
Oxford News
Drug driving arrest carried out in Oxfordshire market town
Thames Valley Police said it stopped a vehicle yesterday evening (Saturday March 28) after noting it had defective lights in Woodstock.
The car “smelt of cannabis” and following a “positive drugs test” the police arrested the motorist.
READ MORE: Investigation launched as unidentified Toyota ‘hits’ pedestrian near Uni Parks
A positive drugs test (Image: TVP)
A spokesperson for the the roads policing unit said they “stopped a vehicle this evening with defective lights in Woodstock”.
They added: “The vehicle smelt of cannabis. The driver provided a positive drug wipe and was arrested.”
Driving under the influence of drugs (drug driving) is a criminal offence and if found guilty, the driver could face an automatic driving ban, a hefty fine, and potential prison time.
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoOxford: ‘Next generation’ LimeBikes in city from today
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoWhy Join Oxford | Oxford University Jobs
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoExplore our Careers
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoMichelin Guide Oxfordshire Restaurants – The Oxford Magazine
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoOxford News and Events, What’s on in Oxford, Exhibitions
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoInternal Job Board for University vacancies
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoCrash partially blocks A40 and causes severe Oxfordshire traffic
-
Student Life2 weeks agoThe independent cinema battling Oriel College to stay open
