|
||||
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 2-2-25 This newsletter was started during the pandemic to inform about crime, scams and general interest for the community.
Collated and edited by volunteer Maggie Lewis, Area Representative and Administrator for Oxford Neighbourhood Watch Committee Member Thames Valley Neighbourhood Watch Association 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 from newsletter please email onw.enquiries@gmail.com Admin for 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
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Scam Alert POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) Reinstatement of Chief Constable 2) Partnership Fund TVP OXFORD 1) Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeants and Teams 2) No. 5 Bus update 3) Missing person update 4) Missing Person Alert 5) Queens Street and St Ebbes Street 6) St Aldates NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAMS 1) South East SCAM AWARENESS 1) Scam phone calls 2) Fraudulent activity 3) Report a suspicious website and clickbait 4) Companies House 5) Online scam 6) Action Fraud 7) Scams are fraud and fraud is a crime 8) Leaflet translations CRIME PREVENTION 1) Secure Your Home 2) CCTV 3) Gaming 4) Smartphone -keeping data safe 5) How to avoid QR code scams CRIME INFORMATION 1) Cannabis Farms 2) Child criminal exploitation 3) Domestic Abuse Commissioner Report 4) Deepfake Images 5) Vehicles without vehicle tax or MOT certificates 6) e-bikes 7) Crash for cash 8) National Audit Office - VAWG 9) Stricter age-verification checks for all knife retailers OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Consultations 2) Feedback Opportunities 3) Cycling course 4) Digital cafe 5) Oxfordshire History Centre OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Officers for 2025/6 2) Oxford City Council Full Council 3) Park and Ride 4) Consultations 5) Covered Market 6) Oxpens 7) Holocaust Day 8) How to recycle textiles 9) Local Plan 2040 withdrawn GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Cycle Safety 2) Bus service updates 3) Wet weather 4) Unwell Child 5) Population data 6) Food Alerts 7) Product Recalls 8) Advice about key social media platforms and apps 9) Missing people 10) Network Rail 11) Thames Water 12) Oxford Jobs Fair 13) Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declared for whole of England 14) February Calendar
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Scam Alerts Many members have alerted me to a scam on social media. This gave two names and an image of a wanted person as they had allegedly killed some police officers on Saturday in Oxford. As a scam and probable click bait. I reported to Facebook and Action Fraud to remove as well as asking people not to share - this is the ‘dangerous' side of social media. Sharing correct information on social media remains useful. Appeals can be very successful not only for suspects or criminals but also for organisations like local hospitals. The JR Maternity Unit are appealing to knitters/crocheters for red hats for newborn babies! This has now been seen by 134,500 people on our Facebook group since January 6th 2025.
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) Reinstatement of Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police 2) Partnership Fund Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber has confirmed a 15% increase to his Partnership Fund for the next three years to help cut crime. The funding will provide almost £9m to allow local councils and the police to work together to help reduce crime and tackle anti-social behaviour. https://matthewbarber.co.uk/news/hr0ipvr42pbgnhna7pbp4905cufjul
TVP OXFORD 1) Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeants PS Sam French - North East Oxford (Barton, Marston, Headington, Risinghurst, Sandhills) PS Ben Clarke - Oxford East (Cowley, Woodfarm, East Oxford) PS Rosie Campbell - Rose Hill & Blackbird Leys (Littlemore, Iffley and Greater Leys) PS Peter Neale - City Centre & North Oxford 2) No. 5 Bus update
Thank you! We recently made an appeal in relation to a sexual assault on the No. 5 bus on 14th January 2025. We are happy to announce that we have made an identification. Thank you to everyone who took the time to contact us. 3) Missing person update
  Thames Valley Police is continuing its enquiries to trace a missing man from Oxford. Benedict, who is known as Ben, aged 20, from Oxford was reported missing on Sunday (26/1) and his last known sighting was in the Cripley Road area of Botley at around 1am on Sunday. He was wearing a red chequered shirt over a black t-shirt, light blue baggy jeans and trainers as shown in the CCTV image. Detective Inspector George Atkinson said: “We are carrying out ongoing enquiries in order to trace Ben. “This includes extensive CCTV enquiries, house to house enquiries, and aerial searches of the area around Cripley Road, we are also searching along the river banks and surrounding areas. “We are looking to deploy further resources onto the river when conditions allow, but currently the river and flooded areas are very dangerous due to the high level of the river and current flow. “We are liaising with the Environment Agency and we would advise members of the public to not try to enter flooded areas themselves to search. “Further search activity and enquiries are planned and we would like to thank the public for their assistance so far. “We would ask anyone who has CCTV or dash-cam footage in the Cripley Road and surrounding areas who has not yet contacted us to please do so. “If you have information then please contact us via 101 or add the information to our missing person’s sightings page quoting reference 43250042464.” 4) Missing Person Alert Name: Chun 'Alan' Age: 16 years old Last seen in the morning of January 28, 2025. Wearing all black clothing with a white backpack. Known to frequent Oxfordshire. If you have any information, please contact 101 and quote reference number: 43250045091  5) Queens Street and St Ebbes Street We are appealing for witnesses following an assault in Oxford. At approximately 5.10am on Sunday 1 December, a man, who was previously seen walking with two other men along Queens Street, was punched in the face when at the corner of Queens Street and St Ebbes Street, causing him to fall backwards onto the floor. The victim proceeded to drop two bags and an unknown item before walking away from the scene. The offender followed the victim and approached him again while outside Pure Gym. A 19-year-old man from Oxford has been arrested in relation to this incident. He has since been released on bail. Investigating Officer DC Joanne Johnson said: “We are appealing for information following this assault. “We are asking the victim or anyone who may have witnessed the incident, to please get in touch. "Anyone with information can make a report online or call 101 quoting reference 43240580852. “If you do not wish to speak to police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” 6) St Aldates Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to an incident where a serious injury has occurred on a bus in Oxford and is currently being treated as a road traffic collision. At around 1.11pm 1st February, a man, in his sixties, fell down the stairs of a bus whilst on a Thames Travel service travelling from Didcot to Oxford. The incident has happened when the bus was at the junction and pedestrian crossing of Speedwell Street and St Aldates in Oxford. The man sustained serious injuries requiring hospital treatment, where he remains. Investigating officer David Lund, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was on the bus at the time of this incident to please come forward. “I have been made aware there were several people on the bus when the incident occurred who may have seen what happened and left the scene prior to police arrival. “I am also appealing to anyone who was in the area when the bus temporarily stopped at the pedestrian crossing” “If you have any information that can assist my investigation, please get in touch. “You can call 101 or make an online report via our website, quoting crime reference number 43250052861.
NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAMS 1) South East The Oxford South East Neighbourhood Team have conducted an E-Scooter operation on Littlemore Road, Oxford this morning. We have engaged with numerous users of E-Scooters, and offered educational advice as well as enforcing legislation around their use. We have seized two E-Scooters under section 165 of the Road Traffic Act for having no valid insurance. Private E-Scooters are illegal to use on public roads, and if you do so, your E-Scooter may be seized. Don't take the risk.
SCAM AWARENESS 1) Scam phone calls Which? recommend the time to call from the same phone following a scam phone call is 15 minutes.
2) Fraudulent activity Stay protected from fraud
Fraudsters will frequently try and rush you, but it is always recommended to Stop! Think Fraud https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/ Things to look out for include:
If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud, please remember that it is not your fault. Please report to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040. Victims First provides free emotional and practical support to victims and witnesses of crime, including family members of victims. Contact them on 0300 1234 148, by Online Chat or via an Online Referral. The Fraud Protection Toolkit focuses on the contact routes used by fraud criminals and provides the actions which someone may choose to take to try and minimise the risk as much as possible. It also includes sections on how to safeguard personal information and finances, as well as a dedicated section detailing how it may be possible to recover money lost to fraud. 3) Report a suspicious website and clickbait Please see under contents - Oxford Neighbourhood Watch https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website How to Spot Clickbait. Clickbait is a disinformation technique where an online link (often accompanied by an image) makes a claim so outrageous that a user's curiosity is provoked to click on it. This is used on websites that use a "pay per click" advertising scheme. 4) Companies House Companies House have received reports of scam letters being received by businesses across the Country which claim payment is required.
Scam letters may include:
5) Online scam (personal experiences)
Thank you to one of our NW Coordinators for sharing a scam received last week to alert others I gave some of my details but not my bank numbers just my bank card numbers, they kept me talking for nearly two hours. I contacted our bank straight away and stopped all or any out goings, also cancelled the card and its numbers so they could not access it.I spoke to 3 people all with American accents, also I contacted Microsoft and EE to explain the problem. I hope this info will help with your newsletter scam info which is a very good at alerting to one to these problems.'
I've spoken to the person who has reported to Action Fraud I’ve just had a very convincing call from ‘Scotland Yard’ asking about my bank card. A story that someone saying they’re my grandson has been attempting to use my card to make purchases in London. An officer - who then put me on to 101 to check details, then put me on to a more senior officer. They tried very hard to persuade me to give information about my accounts. I found this really upsetting as they were so convincing. I rang a police officer I know and they confirmed my suspicions, so I now feel ‘safe’. I knew deep down it must be a scam but they were really convincing. It’s left me feeling very vulnerable. Don’t get caught folks! 6) Action Fraud No one is immune from fraud. Fraudsters are experts in impersonating others. If you have been a victim, don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam, you could prevent it from happening to others.  Most malware is delivered by email. Always be suspicious of links and attachments in unsolicited emails. Report suspicious emails by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Your reports enable us to remove emails and websites used to perpetrate fraud.  7) Scams are fraud and fraud is a crime Fraud is the most commonly reported crime in England and Wales (approx 40%) yet only small percentage is actually reported so it is a HUGE problem. Nearly 90% of frauds are cyber enabled so staying safe online is key. By talking about scams, we hope to take away the stigma because there is no blame and no shame. 8) Leaflet Translations The Doorstep Crime leaflet has been translated into 13 different languages.  The leaflet is now available in: Arabic
CRIME PREVENTION 1) Secure Your Home Your home is only as secure as its weakest point of entry. That’s why it’s so important to have doors and windows that are as secure as possible. Double secureSimply shutting the door won’t prevent burglaries. Double-lock the door every single time you leave the house. Modern multi-locking and uPVC doors use a system of hooks and latches to secure the door but these only work if you lift up the handle and then remember to turn and remove the key. Remember – lift, lock and remove  2) CCTV Have you considered Installing CCTV or a burglar alarm? There is plenty of affordable CCTV models available and installing an alarm could be effective in keeping burglars away from your homes With the darker evenings make sure you have lights on at home to look like someone is home. Don't give burglars a chance to enter your home Share the information with friends, family, neighbours to make them aware and could help prevent crime in your area. https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/ 3) Gaming Whether you use a PC, console, phone or tablet, many love playing games online. In fact, an estimated 1.2 billion are regularly logging on, signing up and playing online. If you are one of these people, make sure you know how to protect yourself from criminals whilst online by finding out how to:
The National Cyber Security Centre has lots of information to help prevent you falling victim to a criminal and leave you free to focus on enjoying the game 4) Smartphone -keeping data safe For many of us, our smartphone is an essential part of daily life – as a result, learning how to secure your device against threats is crucial. 10 things every smartphone owner should do to keep their data safe
More information https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/things-every-smartphone-owner-should-do-to-keep-their-data-safe-aJ2vq7d3NHzO 5) How to avoid QR code scams User-friendly video from Which? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWrsleFn9mo
CRIME INFORMATION 1) Cannabis Farms It’s just a bit of cannabis, right…? Wrong. Not only is cannabis illegal to possess, cultivate, or supply, but their production is linked to organised crime. These organised crime groups are involved in wider criminality such as human trafficking and exploitation. If found guilty of the production of cannabis, you could face up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine. Don’t want to talk to police? No problem – you can talk to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 2) Child criminal exploitation 3) Domestic Abuse Commissioner Report The Domestic Abuse Commissioner has published her first report on the criminal justice system – ‘Shifting the scales: Transforming the criminal justice response to domestic abuse’.  4) Deepfake Images The Home Office has announced plans to make creating sexually explicit ‘deepfake’ images a criminal offence. 5) Vehicles without vehicle tax or MOT certificates To drive a vehicle or ride a motorcycle in the UK, the vehicle must:
Report a vehicle without vehicle tax You can check if a vehicle is taxed online. If you find that the vehicle isn’t taxed, you can report it online. You’ll need the: vehicle registration number
6) e-bikes An e-bike must have an electric motor with a maximum power output of 250W, and should not be able to propel the bike when it is travelling more than 15.5mph. If an e-bike does not meet these requirements then it is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered, taxed and insured. You also need a driving licence and to wear a helmet. If you are riding an e-bike which does not meet these requirements and it is not registered, taxed or insured, your e-bike could be seized and you may be liable to criminal proceedings. https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules 7) Crash for cash Ten plead guilty to £320,000 ‘crash for cash’ fraud An organised crime group that pocketed over £320,000 through a ‘crash for cash’ scheme have pleaded guilty to fraud charges. Detective Sergeant Adam Maskell, from the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), said: “‘Crash for cash’ fraud puts motorists at risk and contributes to the rise in premiums for everyone who buys insurance. The sophisticated level of planning involved in this scheme shows the greed of calculated insurance criminals and the measures they will take to gain financially. “This was a complex and lengthy investigation and the fact that the group have now admitted their guilt demonstrates the strength of the evidence against them. ‘Crash for cash’ fraud doesn’t go unnoticed by the insurance industry or law enforcement and we will work collaboratively to root out organised crime, as this case has shown.” Patel and Vadukul purported to run a body repair shop for vehicles involved in road traffic collisions. Full story 8) National Audit Office - VAWG Violence against women and girls is a significant and growing problem, affecting one in 12 women and causing significant harm. This report examines the Home Office's leadership of the 2021 “Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls” Strategy and the 2022 “Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan”, to identify lessons to support the delivery of the government’s ambition to halve violence against women and girls. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, support is available from the organisations listed at the end of the report. https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/tackling-violence-against-women-and-girls/ 9) Stricter age-verification checks for all knife retailers These new measures will prevent weapons getting into the wrong hands. A stringent 2-step system will be mandated for all retailers selling knives online requiring customers to submit photo ID at point of sale and again on delivery. In addition, delivery companies will only be able to deliver a bladed article to the same person who purchased it. Under the new measures a person may need to submit a copy of a photo ID such as driving licence or passport, as well as proof of address such as a utility bill, before showing ID again when the package is delivered. This could also include a person submitting a current photo or video of themselves to an online retailer alongside their ID. It will also be illegal to leave a package containing a bladed weapon on a doorstep when no one is in to receive it. The measures announced on 28th January 2025 are set to be included as part of the Crime and Policing Bill which is expected to be introduced to Parliament by spring, with more proposals still to come in the coming weeks
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Consultations
We are consulting on proposed changes to our home to school transport policy (for compulsory age pupils), and our post 16 transport policy statement (for pupils in post 16 education). These documents set out the statutory (legal) responsibilities that we have to help with transport to school or another education setting for children and young people living in Oxfordshire. Closing date 9th March 2025 Want to find out more? Sign up now for one of our online information sessions on:
Closing date 28 February
We're asking for your views on the proposal to construct a new traffic-calming ‘buildout’ feature to be located on the eastern side of Boswell Road, adjacent to the footpath linking through to John Smith Drive. The ‘buildout’ will give priority to road traffic travelling north-eastwards from Barns Road, with vehicles travelling south-westwards required to give-way. To help facilitate the new feature, additional ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines) parking restrictions will be introduced on either side of the road, between its junctions with Barns Road & Frederick Road, which will help avoid obstruction & congestion around the proposed buildout and ensure good visibility for pedestrians wishing to cross. Have your say. Please read the detailed information provided on this consultation and take the time to complete the survey as your views and opinions matter. Your response should be completed and returned by 5pm on Friday 28 February 2025 https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_boswellroad_parkingcalming2025
2) Feedback Opportunities
Oxfordshire is taking part in a national survey on highways and transport, and we want to hear your views. Tell us what you think about:
https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/national-highways-and-transport-nht-network-2024
The NHS is asking professionals working in schools for their views on mental health services for children. To take part in the survey click here.
Tell us how you access and use pharmacy services in Oxfordshire We want to hear how you access and use your community pharmacy (or local chemists) services in Oxfordshire. Your views are important to ensure the pharmacy services in Oxfordshire meet your needs. https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxon-pna-2025 Closing date 9th March 3) Cycling training If you’re a cyclist, do you feel safe and confident on Oxfordshire’s roads? Perhaps some training will help boost your confidence. Why not sign up for a practical FREE two-hour session at Cherwell Boathouse in Oxford, Tuesday 4 March, 10am? To reserve your place, email roadsafety.education@Oxfordshire.gov.uk You'll need to bring your own bike, safety helmet and wear appropriate clothing on the day. Find out more about what the training will cover: https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cycle-safe-training-for-adults-coming-to-oxford/ 4) Digital cafe Want to learn how to get the most out of your digital devices? A free digital café operating at the Oxford Westgate Library will take place on Monday (3 February) from 2 pm-4 pm. Aiming to help more people access online health services – in particular the NHS App – the digital café is hosted on the first Monday of every month and allows people who are struggling with or unfamiliar with technology to find help and support with using their mobile, laptop or tablet. 5) Oxfordshire History Centre A reminder that the Oxfordshire History Centre is closed for annual stocktaking in the first week of February; it will reopen at 9:30am on Tuesday 11 February.
OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Officers 2025/6 New Roles: Lord Mayor will be Cllr. Louise Upton Deputy Mayor will be Cllr. Mike Rowley Sheriff will be Cllr. Andrew Gant Councillor Louise Upton is set to become the new Lord Mayor of Oxford. The ceremonial role will see Councillor Upton carry out a wide range of civic engagements during 2025/26, from leading Oxford’s Remembrance service to school visits and charity events. Councillor Mike Rowley will be the Deputy Lord Mayor of Oxford, and Councillor Andrew Gant will be the Sheriff of Oxford for 2025/26. The Lord Mayor, Deputy and Sheriff will be sworn in at the traditional mayor making ceremony in Oxford Town Hall in May. The bells of Carfax Tower will then be rung by the Oxford Society of Change Ringers to commemorate the ceremony. 2) Oxford City Council Full Council (livestreamed video meeting) 27/01 Video starts at 25mins https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24892066.climate-protestors-gatecrash-oxford-council-meeting/ 3) Park and Ride The Park & Ride provides great access to Oxford City. Benefits of using Park and Ride (P&R):
P&R combined tickets: https://oxfordbus.co.uk/parkride  4) Consultations
Oxford City Council has worked with Historic England, Oxford Preservation Trust and local communities to develop the Oxford Heritage Asset Register (OHAR). We want to hear your views on the Oxford Heritage Asset Register (OHAR) nominations that have been proposed for inclusion on the City’s Heritage Assets Register for 2025. All Oxford heritage asset nominations https://www.oxford.gov.uk/directory/18/oxford-heritage-asset-register-nominations-list/category/28 Closing date 16 Feb 2025 5) Covered Market  We have proposed allocating over £1 million of additional funding to enhance the Covered Market redevelopment, which would bring the total investment to almost £8 million. The redevelopment of the market, which celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2024, will see the entrances in High Street and Market Street transformed, larger seating areas inside the market, and a new outdoor seating area in a more pedestrian-friendly Market Street. If approved by Cabinet next week (5 February), the project team is ready to progress to the next phase, with detailed designs and planning applications set to begin later this year. If the plans are then approved, work on-site could commence late 2026, with the market remaining operational throughout. 6) Oxpens Oxford City Council Planning Committee approved the planning application for the redevelopment of Oxpens. Oxpens is one of the most significant development opportunities in the city centre. The site lies between Oxford Train Station and Oxpens car park. The site is largely owned by OXWED, a joint venture between Oxford City Council and Nuffield College. Oxpens Meadow, which is close to the site, has been designated a Field in Trust which protects it from development. https://www.oxford.gov.uk/building-projects/oxpens-development 7) Holocaust Day On Monday, 27 January, Oxford Town Hall hosted a Holocaust Memorial Day service, bringing together faith leaders, Anneliese Dodds MP, Lord Mayor Mike Rowley, and local residents to reflect and remember. Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually to honour the millions of Jews murdered in the Holocaust and those lost in genocides that have followed. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance, education, and standing against hatred. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7M6aBtWW-s 8) How to recycle textiles Oxford City Council is now offering a new free kerbside textiles recycling collection service for domestic residents in Oxford, in partnership with Recycling Solutions, who work with charities and local authorities across the UK to collect unwanted clothing, shoes and textiles. In Oxford, Recycling Solutions partner with Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Further information https://www.oxford.gov.uk/goes-bin/recycling-textiles Domestic residents can easily arrange a kerbside collection of unwanted textiles by completing the online form: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/xfp/form/258 9) Local Plan 2040 withdrawn
https://www.oxford.gov.uk/local-plan/oxford-local-plan-2040-examination Any questions regarding the withdrawal of the Oxford Local Plan 2040 – Draft Submission Plan November 2023 should be directed to planningpolicy@oxford.gov.uk
GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Cycle Safety Safe and responsible cycling involves thinking about and doing five things: 1. Making good and frequent observations 2. Choose the most suitable riding position for each point in your journey 3. Communicating intentions clearly to others 4. Understanding priorities on the road 5. Be prepared https://www.think.gov.uk/cycle-safety/ 2) Bus service updates Stagecoach Changes to Park and Ride services https://bustimes.org/services/600-redbridge-pr-thornhill-pr-via-greater-leys-cow Oxford Bus Company
27 Jan - 21st Feb 2025
Due to roadworks, the Westgate stop E3 will be temporarily suspended between 27/01 and 21/02, during this time our 35 and 46 services will be using the Westgate stop E5.
The operator is adjusting its 3 and 3A services along Iffley Road to provide a more frequent service along the key corridor, between the two services. From February 23, service 3A will operate every 15 minutes, rather than every half hour on weekdays between Oxford and Kassam Stadium. Service 3 will continue to operate every 15 minutes. Combined, this will provide an every seven to eight-minute frequency along Iffley Road on weekdays. On Saturdays, services 3 and 3A will each run every 20 minutes, providing an every 10-minute frequency along Iffley Road. On Sundays, services 3 and 3A will both run every 30 minutes, providing a combined frequency of every 15 minutes. Service X40 will continue to operate along Iffley Road, and the 3A will continue to extend beyond the Kassam Stadium to serve Greater Leys and Cowley Centre, every 30 minutes on Mondays to Saturdays and hourly on Sundays. The frequency of service 5A between Minchery Farm and Oxford City will be sped up, with buses no longer scheduled to serve Herschel Crescent and using Crowell Road bus gate instead of Bartholomew Road. A new, limited stop 500 service will launch on February 23 which will operate from the BMW plant in Cowley to the city centre, calling at ARC Oxford, the Original Swan, Manzil Way and the Plain, in addition to stops in the city centre. This new route, which replaces the 11X service, has been designed to help Oxford Bus Company further manage the variability of traffic levels on Abingdon Road, and to provide customers with faster and more direct journeys into the city from the Cowley area. Bus services between Oxford, Thornhill, Wheatley, and Thame will also be improved via the introduction of a more comprehensive 400 service, which will incorporate the current 280 service. This will provide buses up to every 10 minutes between Oxford rail station and Wheatley services, continuing every 30 minutes to Thame on weekdays. Full story https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24900261.oxford-bus-company-announces-raft-changes-services/ 3) Wet weather In wet weather, stopping distances can be double those for dry roads as tyres have less grip on the road. To stay safe, lower your speed to give enough time to slow down and stop if needed & keep your distance from the car in front. 4) Unwell Child Having an unwell child can often be stressful. Finding concise, reliable information on how to manage their illness is tricky at times. To solve this, the Healthier Together website and complimentary app - is available now. Download it today for NHS support to help you manage your child’s health right there, on your phone, when you need it. https://bit.ly/OHTApp  5) Population data The Office for National Statistics predicts the UK population will reach 72.5 million by mid-2032, up nearly 5 million from the figure in 2022. 6) Food Alerts
Coco-Cola Europacific Partners is taking the precautionary step of recalling a small number of their soft drinks range because they may contain elevated levels of Chlorate. This poses a low food safety risk especially when only consumed occasionally, however consumers who are sensitive to chlorate and have pre-existing mild to moderate iodine deficiency may be more adversely affected. Only the products listed below are affected.  
Lidl GB is recalling two Alpenfest Salted Mini Pretzel products because they may cause a burning sensation in the mouth when consumed, potentially causing discomfort and making them unsafe to the consumer.  7) Product Recalls
Hazard: The product presents a risk of choking as small parts may detach Product Description A wooden toy box with wooden toy vegetables 
Hazard: The product presents a risk of fire as it is supplied with an incorrect plug type. Product Description A black extension lead with two 13A socket outlets, 2 USB outlets and a 5A plug for the mains. The extension is only available when supplied with the Costway Abraar desk. The safety issue identified affects the extension lead only, and not the desk.
Hazard: The product presents a risk of choking due to potential access to small parts. Product Description A light green wooden baby walker with orange and black wheels, an orange handle and an assortment of wooden features to the front.
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of choking as the red pom-pom attachments may detach, producing a small part. Product Description A range of sleepsuits, pyjamas and a hooded towel from the Jingle Christmas range. Includes a coloured stripe with reindeer antlers and a red pom pom for the reindeer’s nose.
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of fire as it has been identified that the airer can overheat, causing burning and potentially leading to a fire. Product Description A white frame constructed of metal tubes incorporating heating elements, with fold-out extensions. The airer can be identified using the article number on the batch label, which can be found near the on/off switch
Hazard: The product presents a risk of burns as it has been identified that internal components can overheat. Product Description A red, black and white Christmas themed projector torch 8) Advice about key social media platforms and apps
https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/social-media-guides 9) Missing people
Missing People Helpline 116 000 It is for people who are missing or thinking of going missing, as well as families and friends who are worried about someone. You can contact us by text, email or phone, for free and in confidence. The helpline is available 9am-11pm, every day. It is for people who are missing or thinking of going missing, as well as families and friends who are worried about someone. You can contact us by text, email or phone, for free and in confidence. We’re here to listen, and to help you think through what to do next. We don’t judge or tell you what to do, and we can help you in times of crisis. And importantly, we’re free and completely confidential. 10) Network Rail There was a good turnout for initial briefings on our revised programme. If you have a question or some feedback you would like to pass on, please email OxfordFeedback@networkrail.co.uk
With the new water main pipe installed under the rail bridge, running from near junction of Becket Street on eastern side to near Abbey Road junction on western side, work is now focusing on connecting it to the existing network.
Openreach have been working to install new cables under the rail bridge. This includes:
With the new cables installed into the ducts running under the road, work is now underway to transfer services across from the old cables, so that they can then be removed. They were previously working last weekend and are scheduled to do further work overnight on Thursday (6 February) and on Sunday 9 February during the day. While it’s Openreach working on the cables, they provide services to a number of phone/broadband suppliers. Openreach agreed these dates with individual suppliers, who then should have notified their customers. Openreach will make every effort to minimise any outages. 11) Thames Water Thames Water charges are going up from 1 April 2025. On average, bills for typical water and wastewater customers will increase by £17 per month in 2025-26 You can also sign up for our Priority Services if you or someone you know needs a little extra support. https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/understand-your-bill 12) Oxford Jobs Fair The Oxford Jobs Fair is a great way to speak with potential employers face-to-face, free of charge. You can register with employers for jobs, collect info on employers, ask them questions, apply for jobs, or even have a mini-interview on the day.
This event attracts a mixture of different employers from various industries all recruiting for local jobs. This event is free to attend, with no registration needed. Bring a CV if possible (advisable but not essential). Be prepared to chat to different HR related people from employers wanting to recruit new staff. 13) Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declared for whole of England The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has ordered a new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to cover the whole of England from noon on Saturday 25 January following the escalating number of cases of avian influenza and continued heightened risk levels in wild birds. The move will require keepers to conduct enhanced biosecurity to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease. The AIPZ measures apply to all bird keepers whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock and are essential to protecting flocks from avian influenza. Further information on the latest situation and guidance to help bird keepers comply with the new rules is available via gov.uk/birdflu but includes measures such as cleansing and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds– if practical, use disposable protective clothing. 14) February Calendar 
I hope you have an enjoyable week Take care, Maggie | ||||
Reply to this message | ||||
|
||||
|
|
|
|