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Why the Government scrapped plans for Bicester ‘New Town’

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Dorchester Living has built 1,200 of the planned 13,000 homes on the former RAF site near Bicester over 15 years, which is a £5 bn project.

Plans for 9,000 new homes at the site were dropped when the government cut its new towns list from twelve to seven earlier this week. However, plans could still go ahead if they are approved by Cherwell District Council.

The six remaining locations are expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes with several delivering 40,000 or more in the decades to come.

The Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), said: “To ensure credible delivery of the programme in the long-term, the government has prioritised those places that demonstrate the strongest evidence of impact.”

Heyford Park will not receive money from the Government to contribute towards an affordable housing fund and new investment agency, which would be set up to help encourage house building.

READ MORE: Reopening of Oxford Hinksey Pool delayed due to flood damage

However, the Government has confirmed it will “continue to look at further ways they can be supported through existing housebuilding programmes.”

No final decision will be made on locations or delivery until the completion of the Strategic Environmental Assessment process. This is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

The MHCLG said: “This requires the Government to assess the environmental impacts of the proposed locations and to consider and assess the environmental impacts of any reasonable alternatives to achieve the programme objectives.”





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Aureus School girls were inspired by Navy’s women’s day

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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.





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Ryanair launches two new routes in significant move

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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.





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Drug driving arrest carried out in Oxfordshire market town

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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.





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