|
||||
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 12-5-25 Newsletter and information collated and edited by volunteer Maggie Lewis Area Representative and Administrator for Oxford Neighbourhood Watch Cyberhood Watch Ambassador (National Neighbourhood Watch) SCAMbassador for Oxford (National Trading Standards) You can join or apply to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme at https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/joinNW
For any comments/information/queries or unsubscribing onw.enquiries@gmail.com Social Media sites https://www.facebook.com/groups/1937740226361938 (Oxford NW) https://www.facebook.com/groups/605172170528080 (Oxford NW Coordinators) https://www.facebook.com/groups/851711156124037 (Thames Valley appeals) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120468772825909 (Missing people in England and Wales) https://www.facebook.com/groups/550195784274126 (WANTED - Police appeals across England and Wales)
CONTENTS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK 1) Our news OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Social media reports NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF'S COUNCIL 1) Police Race Action Plan POLICE UK 1) Crime reports POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) This Week THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Missing person TVP CHERWELL 1) CCTV image appeal TVP OXFORD 1) Randolph Hotel update 2) Botley Road 3) Missing teenager update 4) Missing appeal 5) Peartree Roundabout 6) Sentenced 7) Marlborough Road SCAM AWARENESS 1) 5 scam trends for 2025 2) Avoiding cold call scams 3) Doorstep Fraud 4) Whats App- protect messages and attachments 5) HSBC 6) Great Western Railway 7) Sim-swap fraud - protect your phone number 8) Winter fuel payments CRIME PREVENTION 1) A sobering thought 2) ATM Distraction 3) Protect your mobile phone against criminals on bikes and mopeds 4) Fraud Protection Kit CRIME INFORMATION 1) SIM Farm Fraudsters 2) Protecting your home from crime 3) Hate crimes and hate incidents 4) Panorama - ebike revolution OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Consultations 2) Disabled Bays 3) Financial support for those in crisis 4) Free cycle training (aged 9 and over) 5) Oxfordshire is a Marmot Place 6) Local government reorganisation OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Local government reorganisation 2) SWEP in Action 3) Help, warmth and advice this January 4) Local Authority of Sanctuary accreditation 5) Flooding and adverse weather GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Highway Code 2) Stay visible 3) Car insurance 4) Neighbour disputes 5) Food Recalls 6) Product Recalls 7) Gamechanger app 8) Social media appeal 9) Bus updates 10) Oxfordshire Adult & Older Adult Mental Health Services Jan - June 2025 11) HealthWatch 12) Weather Alert 13) Network Rail 14) Accessible website 15) Driving in fog 16) Is it too cold for your dog?
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK 1) Our news
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Neighbourhood Watch is about people getting together with their neighbours to take action to reduce crime. Watch schemes are community initiatives owned and run by their members which are supported by the police. They work by developing a close relationship between community members and the local police. Neighbourhood Watch schemes can: cut crime and the opportunities for crime help and reassure those who live in the area encourage neighbourliness and closer communities
How to join a Watch scheme Go to Neighbourhood Watch to find out what groups are active in your area and to register to join. more information on how the scheme works the benefits of the scheme advice on running a scheme in your local area
1) Social media reports Just to clarify crime reporting and social media. It is useful to share with neighbours on social media, whats app and residents' meetings but reports must be logged with the police (not via social media). Sometimes comments can compromise police investigations. Social media cannot be used to report a crime or incident. Also, emails cannot be used to report a crime. All reports of crimes or incidents must be reported through 101 (non-emergency), via the TVP website or in a case of an emergency and a crime in progress call 999. Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators work in partnership with the police in order to reduce and prevent crime. Having a sole point of contact with a NW Coordinator and a sole point of contact with the local PCSO makes communication easier and more efficient to help the police. They need your help to help your community and members being part of a NW group can increase community cohesion and make residents feel less lonely and isolated. Neighbourhood Watch (NW) members can report to their Coordinator to share with other NW members but should be encouraged to report online or ring the police. If a member is unwillingly to report the Coordinator can report as a third person but not disclose the identity of the member.
NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF'S COUNCIL 1) Police Race Action Plan Police chiefs have agreed the focus of the Police Race Action Plan team for next year. It comes after chief constables voted last month to fund a national team to drive delivery of the Police Race Action Plan (PRAP) for a further 12 months. The PRAP is the biggest coordinated effort ever across every police force in England and Wales to improve trust and confidence in policing among Black communities. Every Chief Constable has signed up to support the plan and achieve its objectives, the first time there has been such a coordinated response across policing to making the vital improvements envisaged under the plan. In 2025 the programme will be focusing on giving police forces the tools and support they need to embed anti-racist policy and practice across policing. https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/police-race-action-plan-agrees-focus-for-the-new-year
POLICE UK 1) Crime reports
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) This Week 
THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Missing person Can you help our Northamptonshire Police colleagues in their search for missing man Craig? He was last seen on Sunday 29 December. Contact Northants Police if you can assist. Detectives are re-appealing for help to find missing 35-year-old Craig who was last seen in Walgrave, at about 4pm on Sunday, December 29. Craig is about 6ft and of a medium build with short brown hair and has a South African accent. He was last seen wearing a black jacket and black tracksuit bottoms. Officers are concerned for his welfare and would like Craig or anyone who has seen him, or knows of his whereabouts, to contact Northamptonshire Police on 999, quoting reference number MPD1/4913/24. Likewise, Craig if you are reading this – please contact us so we know that you are okay. You are not in trouble - we just want to make sure you are safe.  TVP CHERWELL 1) CCTV image appeal Do you recognise this person? We would like to speak to him following an incident of indecent exposure in Bicester on Friday 20 December at around 11.50pm. If you have any info, please call 101 or report it online quoting 43240616928. 
TVP OXFORD 1) Randolph Hotel update A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “A man who Thames Valley Police were looking to speak to in relation to an assault and criminal damage incident in Oxford on Friday, September 13 has now been identified.
2) Botley Road Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an assault in Oxford. At approximately 6.45pm last Thursday (2/1) a woman in her twenties was walking along Botley Road when 4 males approached and threw vinegar in her face. The victim did not attend hospital. Staff investigator Bethan Elliott said: “We are appealing for information following this assault. “We are asking anyone who may have assisted the victim after the incident, or witnessed the incident, to please get in touch. "Anyone with information can make a report online or call 101 quoting reference 43250002943. “If you do not wish to speak to police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
3) Missing teenager update Thames Valley Police can confirm that a girl who went missing from Witney has been found. Chloe, aged 14, was found on 8/1 and is safe and well. Thank you to everyone who shared our appeal.
4) Missing appeal Moustafa has been reported missing from the Oxford area and has links to Manchester and London. Moustafa was last seen on 03/01 around 16:30 and we are concerned for him. If you have seen Moustafa or have any relevant information that could help with locating him, please call us on 101, quote reference number 43250004416. 
5) Peartree Roundabout Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to an unexplained death in Oxford. At around 6.12pm on Tuesday (7/1), the body of a 61-year-old man was found off the A34 near Peartree Roundabout. His next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers. The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious and a file is being prepared for a coroner. Investigating officer Detective Inspector Richard Allmond said: “Did you see a grey Porsche Cayenne parked at the top of the A34 slip road at Peartree on Tuesday (7/1) between 8.30am and 6.12pm? “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen this vehicle, witnessed this incident or has dashcam footage to please get in touch. “If you have any information, please call 101 or make an online report, via our website, quoting 43250010032.”
6) Sentenced A man has been sentenced for playing a leading role in a tractor theft operation in Oxfordshire. Hristo Chenchev, aged 48, of Churchbury Road, London, has been sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, under Operation Jack Knife. He was convicted at Oxford Crown Court on 22 March 2023 after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer and remove from England and Wales criminal property. He was then subject of a Proceeds of Crime Act investigation and, on 24 December 2024, was ordered at Oxford Crown Court to pay a total of £873,852.48 over a three month period. As part of Operation Jack Knife, Chenchev was found to be involved with a local Oxfordshire crime group who stole tractors from the Oxfordshire area and removed them from the UK. He was arrested at the scene of the crime where officers from Thames Valley Police had been called to reports that persons were attempting to load stolen tractors onto the back of foreign lorries. Between 1 April and 26 May 2020, the group arranged for the onward exportation and sale of those tractors to Bulgaria, in which Chenchev played the leading part and financially benefitted from these crimes.
7) Marlborough Road Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been charged in connection with a bladed article and firearms incident on Tuesday (7/1). Troy Lockwood, aged 27, of Lye Valley, Oxford, was charged on Wednesday (8/1) with
The charges relate to an incident on Marlborough Road in Oxford on Tuesday. Lockwood appeared before Oxford Magistrates court on Wednesday (8/1) and was remanded in custody to appear at Oxford Magistrates Court on 7 February.
SCAM AWARENESS 1) 5 scam trends for 2025 Tips to avoid these scams:
Tips to avoid these scams:
Tips to avoid these scams:
Tips to avoid your accounts being hacked:
Tips to avoid these scams:
Tips to avoid these scams:
If you’re the victim of a scam, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Action Fraud
2) Avoiding cold call scams To avoid falling victim to scam callers:
3) Doorstep Fraud 
4) Whats App- protect messages and attachments If WhatsApp is your go-to messaging app, it's probably crammed with private conversations – including written messages, voice notes and attachments. Adding 2FA to your WhatsApp account means you'll regularly be asked to enter a Pin to continue using the app. If your phone gets stolen and ends up in the wrong hands, that means your messages (and attachments) will remain locked. When setting up 2FA, WhatsApp will also request an email address – this will be used as a backup in case you forget or misplace your Pin. Follow these steps:
You can revisit the Settings page at any time if you need to turn off 2FA or change your Pin. We also recommend backing up your data – explore Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
5) HSBC A scam text impersonating HSBC A text sent from a spoofed mobile number impersonating HSBC tells you that there's been a direct debit set up on your bank account. It tells you to reply 'STOP' if you didn't authorise this, which will most likely lead to a scam which will try to steal your personal and payment information. You can report scam text messages by forwarding them to 7726. 
6) Great Western Railway A fake post circulating impersonating Great Western Railway (GWR) on Facebook claims to offer a railcard for just £3. To claim this, you're asked to follow a malicious link which will try to steal your personal and payment data. You can report posts on Facebook by selecting the three dots in the top right corner and pressing 'report.' Suspicious websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre 
7) Sim-swap fraud - protect your phone number Sim-swap fraud is when a scammer steals your phone number by tricking your mobile network provider into transferring it to a Sim card that they own. They then attempt to hack into your accounts using one-time passwords sent by text. It can be staggeringly easy for a scammer to steal your number. They start by collecting personal information about you from social media, previous data breaches or phishing messages and phone calls. Next, they contact your mobile network provider posing as you - over the phone, online or in-store - to convince it to switch your number to a new Sim card that they possess, using the personal information they gathered to pass any security checks. They may stick with the same network, pretending the old Sim is missing or damaged, or ask to switch to a new network by requesting the Porting Authorisation Code (PAC). Once your number is linked to their own Sim, a scammer will attempt to get into your banking, email and social media accounts, knowing that login often requires one-time passwords or passcodes (OTPs) sent by text.
8) Winter fuel payments Cold weather is a hot topic for criminals who are sending fraudulent texts on winter fuel payments to people. The text encourages people to click on unsafe links to register for, or claim, fuel allowance. However, clicking the link opens the door for fraudsters to steal your personal and financial data. This can be used to commit identity fraud - and take your money. Even clicking the link and not entering any information could result in malicious software being downloaded onto your device. If you receive unsolicited contact like this:
Please spread the word among your family and friends and especially with any elderly or vulnerable people who may be at risk but who are not on social media. Find out more on the A-Z of scams and pick up tips to avoid fraud at the Action Fraud website:: https://orlo.uk/qQ4ue
CRIME PREVENTION 1) A sobering thought Many drink and drug drivers are caught the next day! It's a myth: Drinking coffee, sleeping, or having a shower does not help you sober up, ONLY TIME. We all have a choice - don't become another statistic, don't drink or drug drive.
2) ATM Distraction Across the Thames Valley Police area there has been a rise in ATM Distraction thefts. You can also find more advice on the neighbourhood watch website as well as information on how you can become a member of your local neighbourhood watch, which can be highly effective in preventing burglary in your neighbourhood: https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/crime-prevention
3) Protect your mobile phone against criminals on bikes and mopeds While most thefts happen between six and ten at night, criminals operate during the day too, so always look out for what’s going on around you. Follow these simple steps to help protect your phone. Be aware of your surroundings
Use security features on your phone
Know how to identify your phone if it's stolen
Remember, never confront a thief or risk your own safety for the sake of your mobile phone.
4) Fraud Protection Kit Being targeted or worrying about the risk of fraud can be frightening and overwhelming. It can leave you with worries about money and create a sense of a loss of identity, control, and not knowing which way to turn. The need to remember lots of different fraud types can be confusing and feel like an added pressure upon you. What if there was a way to help you reduce the risk of fraud? Without pressure and just choice, and less fear? Creating a sense of empowerment and hope? The Fraud Protection Toolkit has been designed to help you do just that!
CRIME INFORMATION 1) SIM Farm Fraudsters The Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU), a specialist banking industry-sponsored police unit, arrested three men following an investigation which found they had been sending fraudulent texts and calls to the UK public. The Inner London Crown Court has now sentenced the perpetrators to a combined six years and nine months. Emanuel Oxford-Faparusi, 23; Syrus Johnson-Faparusi, 25; and Uchechukwu Orjih, 21; worked together to use a SIM farm in order to send volumes of fraudulent texts and calls to victims. They would pose as legitimate organisations to manipulate banking customers into handing over money and banking details, with fraud attacks being committed between August 2022 and March 2024. During this time, they stole a total sum of £223,183.53. Once the customers provided their card details through the channels, the fraudsters would use the details to make fraudulent online purchases, as well as send money to mule accounts which they controlled, and withdraw the funds from there. The texts and calls would pose as being from a bank, deceiving customers into believing that their account was compromised and encouraging them to transfer money into a ‘safe account’ controlled by the fraudsters. Oxford-Faparusi received 42 months in prison, and Johnson-Faparusi received 18 months. Orjih received a 21-month sentence, suspended for two years. Criminal Behaviour Orders were imposed for all three for a period of five years.
2) Hate crimes and hate incidents In most crimes it is something the victim has in their possession or control that motivates the offender to commit the crime. With hate crime it is ‘who’ the victim is, or ‘what’ the victim appears to be that motivates the offender to commit the crime. A hate crime is defined as 'Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.' Evidence of the hate element is not a requirement. You do not need to personally perceive the incident to be hate related. It would be enough if another person, a witness or even a police officer thought that the incident was hate related. Types of hate crime Physical assaultPhysical assault of any kind is an offence. If you’ve been a victim of physical assault you should report it. Depending on the level of the violence used, a perpetrator may be charged with common assault, actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm. Verbal abuseVerbal abuse, threats or name-calling can be a common and extremely unpleasant experience for minority groups. Victims of verbal abuse are often unclear whether an offence has been committed or believe there is little they can do. However, there are laws in place to protect you from verbal abuse. If you’ve been the victim of verbal abuse, talk to the police or our partner organisations about what has happened. You’ll find a list of them on You’ll find a list of them on our How to report hate crime page. Even if you don’t know who verbally abused you, the information could still help us to improve how we police the area where the abuse took place. Incitement to hatredThe offence of incitement to hatred occurs when someone acts in a way that is threatening and intended to stir up hatred. That could be in words, pictures, videos, music, and includes information posted on websites. Hate content may include:
Report a crime, incident or suspicion
3) Panorama - ebike revolution The Battle for our Streets Adrian Chiles investigates the extraordinary rise of electric bikes on our streets and what that means for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0026sww/panorama-ebikes-the-battle-for-our-streets
4) More support for victims of antisocial behaviour Victims of antisocial behaviour are to get better information and access to support https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-support-for-victims-of-anti-social-behaviour
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Consultations
Oxfordshire County Council, in collaboration with the NHS and local partners, are developing a plan for services which support people living with dementia and their families/carers. We want to understand what works well for people now and what could be better. https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-live-well-with-dementia-survey-2024 Closing date 13th January
We're asking for your views on the proposal to introduce new & remove no longer required 'Disabled Persons Parking Places' from within parts of Oxford City. https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_dppp_dec2024 Closing date 5pm on Friday 17 January 2025
We're asking for your views on the proposal to install 'Automatic Number Plate Recognition' (ANPR) cameras at a number of locations to help enforce the current restrictions in place. https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/countywide_anpr2024 Closing date 31st January 2025
2) Disabled Bays
Disabled parking places are removed when the County Council are informed by either a relative or neighbour that the applicant has either passed away or moved home and that the disabled bay is no longer required.
3) Financial support for those in crisis
Do you know someone elderly or vulnerable struggling with rising living costs? The Oxfordshire Residents Support Scheme is here to help people who are facing financial hardship. We offer short-term support for essentials like food and credit for gas and electric prepayment meters. In some cases, we can also help with white goods, furniture and clothing. This support is designed for one-off crises or emergencies, ensuring people who receive it get what they need to stay comfortable and safe https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/help-rising-living-costs/residents-support-scheme Who does the scheme help? All residents aged 16 years or over are eligible to apply but the council has identified the following groups as a priority to support:
4) Free cycle training (aged 9 and over) Training to help children aged nine and over to develop the skills needed to cycle in traffic. https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/road-safety/cycle-training
5) Oxfordshire is a Marmot Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_9vijyxuEU
6) Local government reorganisation Oxfordshire County Council is in favour of a strategic authority for the Thames Valley (including Buckinghamshire and Berkshire), and merging county and district councils. A strategic authority, with an elected mayor, would have powers similar to ‘metro mayors’ like Andy Burnham in Manchester including coordinating and funding public transport, high-level planning for housing and commercial development, apprenticeships, and a Mayoral precept (tax). Oxfordshire County Council’s letter to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution was approved at a special Cabinet meeting
OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Local government reorganisation Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, addressed Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet yesterday to oppose the County Council’s devolution plans. The Government wants to create new mayors across regions of England, which would have devolved powers and money to coordinate housing, transport and economic growth. It then wants to merge district and county councils within the mayoral regions to create ‘unitary authorities’ that would carry out the day-to-day work of existing councils. Oxfordshire County Council has asked the Government to fast track plans to merge Oxfordshire’s councils, which could see the County Council’s elections in May cancelled. The City Council believes the boundaries of the new Thames Valley mayoral authority should be decided before any of the councils within the Thames Valley are merged. We also think cancelling the County Council elections, with no realistic prospect of a successor authority being in place quickly, risks creating a democratic deficit. People across Oxfordshire have a right to vote on the current administration’s record. As the County Council ignored our views at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, we have written to the Government today to set them out.
2) SWEP in Action While we help people experiencing rough sleeping off the streets year round, our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) means we provide extra support during freezing winter weather. We activate SWEP every night the Met Office forecasts subzero overnight temperatures and in other severe weather. It means we lay on extra emergency beds available to anyone experiencing rough sleeping – providing a lifeline for people at particular risk due to the freezing weather. It also gives us another chance to offer the help they might need to leave the streets behind for good. We extended SWEP this morning over the entire weekend, meaning that by Monday morning, emergency beds will have been available for 13 consecutive nights. The forecast for Friday and Saturday night is for continued freezing weather, while keeping beds open on Sunday means outreach workers will have the chance to offer more sustainable support to people as they leave their SWEP venues on Monday morning.
3) Help, warmth and advice this January January can often feel like one of the longest months – cold, dark, and for many, financially challenging. If it’s feeling tough for you too, you're not alone – there’s support available to help make this month a little easier. If you’re worried about money, ignoring that growing pile of unopened bills is an understandable reaction. But it won’t make the problem go away and the best thing you can do is get some practical advice and support from a money advice service. Find a list of advice services in Oxford here. There are also national money advice services and you can find more details at GOV.UK. If you're struggling to afford or access food, check out the many free and affordable food options in the city. Community larders are open to everybody and are a great way to help save on your weekly shop. The network of warm spaces provide a welcoming environment where you can stay comfortable, meet others, and enjoy free or low-cost activities, such as the Community Library at Rose Hill Community Centre.
4) Local Authority of Sanctuary accreditation Oxford City Council has been awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary accreditation to help those fleeing global conflicts and persecution. The accreditation aims to help refugees and asylum seekers adjust to life in Oxford, as well as providing them with the language and skills needed to help the city’s economy. To support the accreditation, we have created a three-year action plan, which will be discussed at a Cabinet meeting on 22 January. Since 2015, we have resettled 58 refugee families that have arrived through government-backed resettlement schemes.
5) Flooding and adverse weather Oxford is experiencing a cold weather snap and there are Flooding Alerts for the city, so residents are advised to keep up to date with weather forecasts, especially if you're travelling this weekend.
GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Highway Code When did you last check out the Highway Code? The Highway Code is considered to be essential reading for all road users – including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists. You can find out more information about road safety, vehicle rules, and the Highway Code, here: https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code-road-safety
2) Stay visible BE BRIGHT, BE SEEN Whether you're going for a walk, jogging, ridding, please wear reflective clothing in the mornings and evenings. Stay Alert! It’s vital to stay visible on the roads.
3) Car insurance With the icy weather setting in drivers should not leave their vehicle unattended whilst defrosting them. This leaves your vehicle vulnerable to opportunistic thieves who can make an easy getaway in your car. Remember it is actually illegal to leave your vehicle running unattended. While you de-ice it or warm it up in cold weather and if someone takes it while it’s left like this, your insurer won’t pay out because you won’t be covered. Make sure you stay with your vehicle at all times when it is defrosting or running and keep your keys with you.
4) Neighbour disputes We don’t always see eye-to-eye with our neighbours, but in most cases simply talking peacefully to one another is the best way to solve a problem. However, if talking hasn’t worked or you can’t discuss the issue with your neighbour, find out how you can get help to resolve the issue. Common types of neighbour disputes Living in such close proximity to one another, it’s no surprise that disputes with neighbours can get heated quite quickly. The most common ones relate to: Noise, such as loud music and barking dogs
What is the impact?Disagreements between neighbours, however small, can fester over time and do lasting damage to your relationships in the long term. If you can’t resolve a dispute with a neighbour it can really wear you down. This can have a serious effect on your quality of life, especially if it leads to you feeling threatened, isolated or scared in your own home or community. What you can doAlways talk to your neighbour if possible and try to resolve the issue peacefully. If you have a difference of opinion, see if you can find a compromise that works for both of you, such as no loud music after 11pm. More advice on resolving neighbour disputes. If talking hasn’t worked If you live in rented property or social housing, your landlord or housing association may be able to help you. If the problem involves noise, such as a loud party or dogs barking, please contact your local council as this isn’t a police matter. For disagreements over boundary walls, fences, trees or hedges, contact Citizens Advice for free information and support. In some cases you may also want to contact a solicitor. You can also refer to government guidance on the Party Wall etc Act 1996. If you feel targeted or intimidated If the problems have escalated or you’ve been threatened, verbally abused, or personally targeted please report the crime to the police.
5) Food Recalls
TriOn Pharma is recalling two food supplement products. Aactive D3 Drops and Aactive D3 Solution because they contain higher levels of vitamin D3 than written on the label. 
TJX Europe are recalling several Sultans Turkish Delights products, because they contain milk which is not mentioned on the label. This means the products are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents. Update 1 with more products - please check both blue links https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-aa-01-2025-update-1
6) Product Recalls
Product: Amika Mirrorball High Shine + Protect Antioxidant Shampoo Hazard: The product poses a microbiological risk as it could have a change in odour & in rare cases cause temporary irritation due to the presence or potential presence of the bacterium P. Gergoviae. Product description 
Product Tonka 80 g Candle by Granado (sold by Liberty London) Hazard: The product presents a risk of fire, cuts and burns as it is possible for the candle glass to crack or shatter while in use. The product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Product description Barcode 7896512972088 Batch 241208 
Product: Lanehunters Ltd Armored Black Hoodie with Kevlar and Level 2 Padding Set (Back/Shoulder/Elbow) Hazard: The product presents a high risk of injuries as it does not provide sufficient protection to the user in the event of an accident. Product description A black motorcycle ‘hoodie’ which includes inserts and protectors for the shoulders, elbows and back. Affected products were sold through the website https://www.lanehunters.uk/ to customers in the UK, EU and USA from January 2024 to December 2024
7) Gamechanger app
GameChanger is a research project led by University of Oxford and supported by Alzheimer’s Society. Over12,000 people are now supporting dementia research simply using their smartphones.
It will help understand more about how the brain works to support research that could prevent, slow down, or even stop the progression of dementia in future. Researchers can paint a picture of how the brain works from the way we interact with our smartphones. If researchers know more about how the brain works, they hope to be able to spot the very early changes in the brains of people with dementia in the future, and use this information to develop new treatments.
Join thousands of others and help drive dementia research forward simply using your smartphone.
Help advance dementia research Anyone over the age of 18, who doesn't have dementia, can take part. Sign up to GameChanger https://www.joingamechanger.org/
8) Social media appeal (122k+ reach)
9) Bus updates
Unable to serve Stowford Road6th - 17th Jan 2025
Due to ongoing works around Underhill Circus and Stowford Road, Stowford Road will be closed to all traffic from 6th–17th January 2025. During this period, all City8 services will need to divert and will not be able to service the Stowford Road bus stop. 9th - 14th Jan 2025 Due to Thames Water works, the Marsh Road (Oxford bound) stop will be suspended from 9th January 2025 until the 14th January 2025. Temporary bay closures at Gloucester Green Station Oxford14th - 16th Jan 2025
Due to resurfacing works, bays 1-8 at the Gloucester Green Station will be temporarily suspended between 14/01 and 16/01, as a result, our Airline services will be using bays 9 and 10 while our City Sighseeing services will be using bay 11. 15th - 17th Jan 2025
Due to roadworks, the Manor Road stops on St Cross Street will be temporarily suspended between 15/01 and 17/01. Temporary stops will be provided in close vicinity.
Ticket prices We are making some changes to our ticket prices from Wednesday 1st January 2025. We have made every effort to keep our ticket prices affordable for customers, with many remaining unchanged. However, due to rising operational costs, we've made the difficult decision to increase the price of some tickets. Oxford Tube prices are not affected by this price change. See the website for more details on Oxford Tube prices. Singles & Returns The £2 national fare cap scheme is ending on 31st December 2024. We're taking part in the £3 National Bus Fare Cap scheme which means that from 1st January 2025, a single bus journey in England will be capped at a maximum of £3. £3 is the maximum you will pay. Lots of journeys will cost less - in fact most of our single fares across England will be less than £3. For information on single ticket prices in your area please use the following link: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/oxfordshire/local-3-pound-single-fare Service 14 Oxford Route 14 timetable change from Sunday 5th January 2025 to 19 Jan 2025 Following discussions with Oxfordshire County Council in response to feedback from staff and parents at Cherwell School, we are making a minor change to the Service 14 timetable in Oxford, to improve punctuality for pupils and staff travelling in the morning to Cherwell School. Monday to Friday, the 0753 service will now leave JR Hospital at 0743 and continue to run 10 minutes earlier than the current timetable, arriving at Oxford Station at 0830. Service 14 is a tendered service from Oxfordshire County Council. View the updated timetable here.
10) Oxfordshire Adult & Older Adult Mental Health Services Jan - June 2025 https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/carers/
11) HealthWatch New Survey - Tell us about using urgent and emergency care services We'd like to hear from people who have needed urgent or emergency health care in Oxfordshire in the last two years. This might include calling NHS 111 or your local GP practice, going to a hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, or contacting a mental health crisis team. We’re interested in knowing what you understand about these health services, any information you have used to find out about services, and your experience of getting the right help quickly. Your feedback will help us understand your experiences and identify areas for improvement. Please share your thoughts with us by completing this short, anonymous survey
12) Weather Alert  13) Network Rail
On Monday (6 January), Thames Water and its contractor, Barhale, resumed work on the new water main. This next phase of work means the section of Botley Road between Abbey Road and Mill Street junctions is closed, and a diversion is in place. How does this impact me?
Thames Water are also working in Frideswide Square to install what is referred to as a ‘line stop’. The line stop will act as a temporary valve to allow them to shut off the existing water main pipe that runs through Frideswide Square so they can work on it. This will help minimise the impact of shutting off the water main, ensuring people are still supplied with water. As the water main serves around 60,000 houses, they must take every precaution to ensure people’s water supply isn’t impacted. Thames Water have set up their site by the row of shops near Becket Street this week. All businesses remain open as usual throughout. 
Next week work is set to start on the foundations for the new rail bridge, which will involve piling activity to drill large piles into the ground. The drilling will take place during the day, but there will also be some work taking place at night, including using a crane to lift large equipment into place. Prior to Christmas, work was taking place below the rail bridge (see images above) to lay what is referred to as a ‘piling mat’. The mat is a compacted layer of gravel to provide a stable base for the piling rig to move around the site. Below the images show the areas marked out under the rail bridge where piling is due to take place.
This week SSE have been working in the area around Botley Road to test a number of unidentified cables, 11 on each side of the rail bridge, not claimed by any of the utility companies. They were not believed to be live, but we couldn’t take any chances, so SSE used a process known as ‘spiking’, which sometimes produces audible bangs. This is nothing to be concerned about.
14) AccessAble website I came across this useful website for searching for accessible places locally and nationally. AccessAble is here to take the chance out of going out. To give you the accessibility information you need to work out if a place is going to be accessible for you. We've surveyed 10,000s of venues across the UK and Ireland, including shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, colleges, universities, hospitals and more. Use AccessAble to find wheelchair friendly venues or check out disabled access and facilities. AccessAble is Your Accessibility Guide. Download our free App to use Accessible on the go.
15) Driving in fog A lot of modern cars have day running lights and it may be easy to overlook but this means there are no lights on the rear of your vehicle. Please take the extra time to ensure adequate lights are on when visibility is poor to prevent accidents occurring.
16) Is it too cold for your dog? 
I hope you have an enjoyable week ahead. Keep safe and warm, Maggie
| ||||
Reply to this message | ||||
|
||||
|
|
|
|