Preparation works for the new Oxpens River Bridge are set to begin imminently in Grandpont Nature Park, and a key footpath connecting North Hinksey to the city centre could close for more than a year to enable them to happen.

Originally scheduled to shut on Monday, August 3, the closure of the well-used path through Grandpont Nature Park has now been pushed back to Monday, August 17, according to signage displayed on the route.

The footpath through Grandpont will close for up to 56 weeks (Image: Newsquest)

On the other side of the river, the footpath through Oxpens Meadow was due to shut from Wednesday, July 29.

READ MORE: Oxford neighbourhood ‘cut off’ by 56-week footpath closure

Though an approved temporary traffic regulation order allows for a closure of up to 56 weeks, Oxford City Council said the paths are expected to reopen in Spring 2027.

A map of the path closures through Granpont Nature Park and Oxpens Meadow (Image: Oxford City Council)

The city council earlier said that while it recognises the paths are used as a diversion during the long-running Botley Road closure, waiting until it reopened would delay the delivery of the bridge project.

The Oxpens River Bridge is a controversial scheme to redevelop the Oxford West End, providing a new crossing for walkers and cyclists between Oxpens Road and Grandpont, which received significant opposition from locals.

The bridge’s construction is expected to be completed at the same time as the footpaths reopen in spring next year.

Fred Hart, aged 33, a staff member at Headquarters North, Kidlington, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, following a hearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (August 8).

It follows his conviction at an earlier hearing in which he pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images/pseudo images of children.

READ MORE: Wallingford – Police say drug dealing will ‘not be tolerated’

He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for five years, and placed on the registered sex offenders list for seven years. Additionally, he was made the subject of a 35-day rehabilitation order.

Hart was suspended immediately from his duties, which were non-public facing, when the investigation was launched in October 2024.

According to the court record Hart, of Cirencester, made two category A, eight category B and 32 category C indecent images of children.

Deputy Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, Ben Snuggs, said: “I trust that the decisive action taken by Thames Valley Police to investigate and prosecute Hart’s actions underline to all our commitment to maintaining the high standards we all expect in policing.

“The offences he has been convicted of and sentenced for are extremely serious and have absolutely no place within our police force.

“I am grateful to the officers who diligently and professionally investigated his crimes, which led to him pleading guilty.”

The 56-year-old TV presenter was recently fined £999 by a court after he was caught speeding twice in the space of three weeks while driving his luxury cars.

Documents from his court case show the former Top Gear host was caught out by a police officer with a handheld speed camera at just before 1pm on December 2 last year.

His Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo was clocked at 68mph in a 50mph limit on the A40 in Pencraig, Herefordshire.

At around 11.45am on December 22, Hammond’s Bentley Continental GT was speeding at 82mph in a 70mph limit on the A50 Rudhall Overbridge in Herefordshire.

READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson is supported by Lisa during difficult time

Mr Hammond was prosecuted and convicted for the speeding offences on July 22 in the Single Justice Procedure – a fast-track court process which allows magistrates to sit behind closed doors to deal with low level criminal cases.

Now, though, the floor is his as his online motoring community Drivetribe is hosting a Q&A with the ex Grand Tour host.

Viewers are being asked to provide questions to Mr Hammond relating to six Grand Tour specials.

It includes Lochdown (Series 4, Episode 3), Carnage a Trois (Series 4, Episode 4), A Scandi Flick (Series 5, Episode 1), Eurocrash (Series 5, Episode 2), Sand Job (Series 5, Episode 3), One for the Road (Series 6, Episode 1).

Mr Hammond famously presented the motoring show alongside Oxfordshire farmer Jeremy Clarkson and James May.

The trio started together on BBC Top Gear in 2003, which grew to be one of the most watched TV shows in the world.