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Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 23-2-25 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 or 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 OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Information about Thames Valley Alerts 2) Safer Internet Day 2025 POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) This Week TVP OXFORD 1) Missing man update 2) Missing person update 3) High Street 4) George Street 5) St Aldates/St Clements and Walton Street 6) Castle Street SCAM AWARENESS 1) Personal Experiences 2) Counterfeits 3) Gmail 4) Mobile banking fraud 6) Energy bill support scheme scam 6) Cryptocurrency scams 7) Car Tax Payment CRIME PREVENTION 1) Distraction burglary 2) CCTV 3) Gardens 4) Theft of number plates 5) Keep your car safe and secure CRIME INFORMATION 1) Illegal Drugs 2) Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) - Police or Council? 3) Sextortion 4) Nervous about reporting? 5) Preventing knife crime 6) Ronan's Law 7) Raneem's Law OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Consultations 2) Liver Health Check 3) Oxfordshire Targeted Youth Support Service 4) SEND Oxfordshire Conversations for parents and carers (March 2025) 5) Oxfordshire County Council Election 2025 OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Meetings 2) Consultations OXFORD DIRECT SERVICES 1) Textiles recycling 2) Coffee pod recycling 3) Garden waste collection scheme 4) Blister packs 5) No Black Bags in Recycling GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Food Recalls 2) Product Recalls 3) Citizens Advice Oxfordshire 4) Bus service updates 5) Network Rail 6) Chiltern Railways 7) TV Licences 8) The Peace Stone hiding in Plain sight (Oxford history)
OXFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 1) Information about Thames Valley Alert Thames Valley Alerts and Neighbourhood Alerts send exactly the same messages via police and/or Neighbourhood Watch (NW). The default is a ticked box for both organisations. If you registered to receive NW messages from the Thames Alert registration you are a NW supporter and not a registered member although you are on the NW database. To change from supporter to member you can login to your Thames Alert account and follow the link to sign up to NW. Your original registration will remain with Thames Alert. You may become part of a scheme or wish to start one. You can apply to start a scheme and it's easy to do - you just need to have at least 5 people on an email list to share local information with your members. Coordinators can have road signs, window stickers and direct contact with their local neighbourhood policing team.
Neighbourhood Watch is one of the UK’s largest community crime prevention initiatives. Every Neighbourhood Watch group is different because each is owned and run by the community. Members of the public and their neighbours come together to make their area safe and pleasant place to live. Groups decide what measures to take because they know what their community needs best. Local groups also draw on support from police, local authorities, fire and rescue services, the voluntary sector and other volunteers. Neighbourhood Watch is about making sure that no one has to feel afraid, vulnerable or isolated in the place where they live. It’s about people looking out for each other, crossing barriers of age, race and background to create strong, cohesive communities that benefit everyone. As a result, it has been shown that Neighbourhood Watch areas are far less likely to be targeted by criminals. If you would like to start a Neighbourhood Watch group in Oxford please contact onw.enquiries@gmail.com or reply to this message.
2) Safer Internet Day 2025 
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) This Week
 TVP OXFORD
1) Missing man update Officers searching for a man reported missing from Bicester have sadly located a body. Although formal identification has not yet take place, we believe this to be Alex. The death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the Oxfordshire coroner. Alex’s next of kin have been made aware, and are thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.
2) Missing person update Thames Valley Police put out an appeal to help locate missing person Olivia. Olivia has since been located safe and well. Thank you to all who shared our post and assisted with locating her.
3) High Street Do you recognise this person? We would like to speak to them as we believe they may have vital information about an assault in Oxford City Centre Saturday 11th January 2025 Approximately 8pm The Chequers, High Street, Oxford The victim, a female in her 20's, sustained a scratch to her face and a bite to her hand. She attended A & E, received treatment, and has since been discharged. Anyone with information, or if you are the person pictured, please call ring 101 or make a report on our website quoting reference number 43250016678
4) George Street Thames Valley Police is releasing an image of a man officers would like to speak to in connection with a sexual assault investigation in Oxford. At around 1am on 20 December 2024, the victim was on a night out at O’Neill’s sports bar in Oxford when a man has inappropriately touched her underneath her clothing. The victim, a woman in her twenties, was shaken, but not injured in the incident. Investigating officer PC Katie Hooper, based at Cowley police station, said: “This incident has occurred in the early hours of the morning of 20 December, and I am confident there will have been witnesses to what has happened. “I am also releasing an image of a man who I believe may have vital information about this incident. “If you recognise this man, or you believe this is you, I would ask you to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police. “You can call us on 101, or report online via our website, quoting reference 43240614535.”
5) St Aldates/St Clements and Walton Street Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been charged with 15 offences, including burglary, shoplifting and common assault, in Oxford. Dominic Walls, aged 32, of Holloway Road, Witney, was charged with nine counts of burglary, five counts of shoplifting, and one count of common assault on Tuesday (18/2). The charges relate to the theft of various items from Sainsbury’s stores in St Aldate’s, St Clement’s Street and Walton Street on multiple occasions between 13 January and Sunday (16/2). The common assault charge relates to a male security guard at Sainsbury’s in St Aldate’s, aged in his twenties, being pushed to the ground on 1 February. Walls was remanded in custody and appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. He was released on conditional court bail until Thursday (27/2).
6) Castle Street Thames Valley Police is releasing images of two teenage boys officers would like to speak to in connection with an assault investigation in Oxford. At around 8.30pm on Wednesday 29 January on Castle Street, a man was hit on the head with a metal bar when intervening during an altercation between a group of teenagers. The victim, a 50-year-old man, attended hospital for a deep cut to his face. He has since been released. Investigating officer PC Katie Hooper, based at Cowley police station, said: “I am releasing images of two teenagers who I believe may have vital information about this incident. “If you recognise them, or you believe this is you, I would ask you to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police. “You can call us on 101, or report online via our website, quoting reference 43250048175.” 
SCAM AWARENESS
Ofcom More than eight in 10 (82%) said they had received a suspicious message, in the form of either a text, recorded message or live phone call to a landline or mobile. That's an estimated 44.6 million adults in the UK (Ofcom- March 2023). https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/scam-calls-and-messages/45-million-people-targeted-by-scams 1) Personal Experiences
Here are some important tips to identify scams and keep your account and information safe:
Always go through the Amazon mobile app or website when seeking customer service, tech support, or when looking to make changes to your account.
Scammers may try to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to do what they're asking. Be wary anytime someone tries to convince you that you must act now.
Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information, including gift cards (or “verification cards,” as some scammers call them) for products or services over the phone.
Legitimate Amazon websites contain "amazon.co.uk" or "amazon.co.uk/support." Go directly to the website when seeking help with Amazon devices/services, orders or to make changes to your account.
2) Counterfeits Counterfeit perfume has been found to:
Counterfeit cosmetics have been found to:
How to Avoid
3) Gmail These new scam operations often commence with phone calls suggesting that a user's Gmail account is at risk of compromise. This contact is swiftly followed by what seems to be an authentic email purportedly sent from Google. The goal is to convince the target to provide the criminals with the user's Gmail recovery code, claiming it's needed to restore the account. If scammed, the criminals not only has access to the target's Gmail but also to a lot of services, which could even result in identity theft. The scams are getting increasingly sophisticated, more convincing and are deployed at ever larger scale Along with these account recovery scams, there is another warning about unsolicited emails and text messages which contain a link to a seemingly legitimate website that asks visitors to log in but the linked websites are fakes especially designed to steal the credentials. How to avoid AI Gmail phishing
4) Mobile banking fraud Mobile banking fraud overtook internet banking fraud for the first time in 2023 and has been rising ever since. With more and more of us banking on the go, criminals are using this to their advantage, leading to record levels of unauthorised mobile banking fraud. Fraud levels were expected to increase in line with usage. There are now almost as many people using banking apps (60%) as online banking (62%) and fraudsters generally view customers as the weakest link, regardless of the banking methods we use.
Mobile banking fraud occurs when a criminal uses your login details to hijack your account via a banking app downloaded to their device.
Most card fraud is done remotely, for example by using details leaked through third-party data breaches. However, losses were the lowest reported for nine years in 2023 (£361m) thanks to more stringent verification processes when you shop online.
Thieves snatching expensive handsets may ‘shoulder-surf’ victims to watch them entering Pins and passwords. If you’ve used the same or similar passwords for multiple accounts, a thief could easily pass security checks. If they can’t crack them, they will try to use your Sim in their own device.
Criminals can trick your mobile network into transferring your phone number to a Sim card in their possession – a scam known as Sim swapping. They can then redirect calls and texts to a new device, to intercept security codes and hijack your bank accounts or payment wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Scammers often contact potential victims posing as banks, law enforcement and telecoms providers to trick them into sending money or divulging security codes that they can use to authorise payments.
5) Energy bill support scheme scam
A scam email claiming that you're eligible for a £400 discount on your energy bills A scam email which tells you you're 'eligible to receive a £400 discount under the Energy Bill Support Scheme' leads to a malicious phishing website. In order to apply for the scheme, the email states you'll be asked for your name, address, date of birth and financial details. This information will then be used to try to scam you now or in the future. You can report scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Scam websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre  
6) Cryptocurrency scams With AI technology constantly evolving, crypto scams like celebrity endorsements videos and fake exchange sites can be hard to spot. Follow these tips to protect yourself: Don’t rush into making a decision. Seek advice first. Protect yourself and check https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart 
7) Car Tax Payment A scam email impersonating the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) A scam email tells you that your latest vehicle tax payment failed due to incorrect details. It then provides you with a link to update these details or risk a fine of up to £1,000. It also claims that your details may be passed onto a debt collection agency. This link will lead to a malicious phishing website which will steal your personal and financial information. Report scam emails by forwarding the email to report@phishing.gov.uk  CRIME PREVENTION 1) Distraction burglary Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they are not in order to gain entry to your home. Common methods used by distraction burglars
2) CCTV Installing a CCTV system can provide extra peace of mind and act as a powerful deterrent to criminals. Here are some top tips for using CCTV to secure your property:
CCTV isn’t just about catching criminals—it’s about preventing crime before it happens. Find more details and advice here https://orlo.uk/dJTM7
3) Gardens Don't let burglars have a field day in your garden! Want to protect your garden from burglars? Consider using these tips:
4) Theft of number plates Theft of number plates is an all to frequent occurrence. If you notice your number plates have been stolen, please report this to Police as soon as possible. In doing so, this allows the greatest opportunity to detect, disrupt and prevent further offences from occurring. In some cases, the stolen number plates are used only for a short period of time, such as in a ‘Bilking’ (the non-payment of fuel at a petrol station). In other cases, they may be used on a 'cloned’ vehicle. This is where the number plates are used on a vehicle of the same make, model and colour, in order to hide its true identity. In addition to being aware of the issue, and reporting to Police quickly. You can help reduce the risk of your number plates being stolen by:
5) Keep your car safe and secure Whenever possible don’t leave valuables in your unattended car, and don’t leave items on display, a thief will take the chance that a purse may have been left in that empty shopping bag, or there will be lose change in the pocket of that jacket. If at any time you have a doorbell camera or other CCTV that alerts you to the fact someone has targeted your car, or have any other knowledge or information about these incidents please contact the Thames Valley Police, a 999 call is appropriate if the crime is in progress, otherwise phone the force’s non-emergency contact centre on 101 or on line, or alternatively you can remain anonymous by passing information via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
CRIME INFORMATION 1) Illegal Drugs Illegal drugs can come in many different forms and it can sometimes be difficult to know if someone possesses them, selling them or growing/manufacturing them. Common signs that this may be happening include; What to Look out for –
There are various ways to report suspected drugs possession, dealing and/or cultivation/production and any associated anti-social behaviour; Telephone Thames Valley Police on 101 (999 for emergencies) or Visit website https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
2) Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) - Police or Council? Police
Here are some examples of ASB that isn’t a police matter and your local council could be informed on:
Full guidance on ASB and the different types can be found here: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/ In an emergency, if you or your property are at risk, or a crime is in progress call 999. If you aren’t comfortable contacting the police directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website:
3) Sextortion ‘Sextortion' is the short name for 'financially motivated sexual extortion’. It is a type of online blackmail where criminals threaten to share sexual pictures, videos, or information about you. They may be trying to take money from you or forcing you to do something else you don’t want to. Anyone can be a victim of sextortion. However, young people aged between 15 to 17, and adults aged under 30 are often most at risk. Sextortion: What to do if you've been targeted
Most social media sites have rules against sharing intimate content without consent. You should be able to get the material removed.
4) Nervous about reporting? There may be some people in our community that are frightened or nervous to make reports to the police for many reasons. There is an independent charity called Crimestoppers, they give people the power to speak up and stop crime but 100% anonymously. Crimestoppers are a 24/7, 365 days a year service and can be contacted either by phone 0800555111 or via the link below, then the information is handed over to police or other trusted agencies. There is more information on Crimestoppers in the link below -
5) Preventing knife crime Passing on information to organisations such as Crimestoppers or Fearless cannot only help after a crime or incident, but vitally stop something from happening. This could mean that someone can be saved from being hurt, or helped before they commit a crime and end up in the criminal justice system. Fearless is part of the Crimestoppers charity. Both are 100 per cent anonymous and totally independent of the police. They never ask your name, they cannot trace your call or any electronic device such as your phone or computer and no one ever knows that you’ve passed on information. Vital information could include:
If you have information or you’re worried about your own safety or the safety of a friend or family member – speak up.
6) Ronan's Law This law was created in memory of Wolverhampton teenager Ronan Kanda, who was murdered yards from his house in Lanesfield in 2022 by two 17-year-old boys in a case of mistaken identity. His teenage killers illegally bought lethal weapons online and collected them from the Post Office on the day of the attack, with no age or identity verification taking place. It was later revealed that one of Ronan’s teenage killers had bought more than 20 knives online, including by using his mother’s ID. The measures include: an ‘end-to-end review’ of online knife sales, deeper enforcement of ID checks, creating an offence of possessing a weapon with intent for violence and new national police unit to tackle knife sales. Retailers will need to report suspicious and bulk purchases of knives on their platforms to police, with tougher sentences for selling knives to under 18s. The Government will also increase the sentence for selling weapons to under 18s from six months to up to two years prison time, which it said could apply to an individual who has processed the sale or a CEO of the company. The increased penalty will also apply to the sale or supply of prohibited offensive weapons such as, recently banned zombie-style knives In recognition of the broad array of knives - legal or banned - that are involved in knife attacks, a new offence of possessing an offensive weapon with intent for violence will be introduced in the Crime and Policing Bill. This will come with a prison sentence of up to four years and means that no matter if the weapon in possession is legal or not, if there is intent to cause violence, it is a crime. The Government will also explore through a consultation later this year whether a registration scheme should be put in place for all online retailers selling knives so that only responsible sellers are able to sell knives.
7) Raneem's Law Raneem’s Law has been launched to embed the first domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms across five forces to ensure that victims of domestic abuse receive more specialist support. West Midlands, Northumbria, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Humberside Police are all pioneering this new approach to improve the police response to victims of domestic abuse.
The government will work closely with these first forces to gain insight and understanding into how this new approach is working, to inform a national roll-out across all 43 forces and new statutory guidance for Raneem’s Law as soon as possible.
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Consultations
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. Closing date 28 February 2025 https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_boswellroad_parkingcalming2025
We're asking for your views on the proposal to amend the eligibility of various properties within Oxford Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) to apply for Residents & Visitors Parking Permits. The proposals are in accordance with parking policy, and are a result of the relevant planning permissions granted by Oxford City Council with associated conditions, and internal review of current eligibility when requested. Closing date 07 March 2025 https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_permiteligibility_feb2025
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 09 March 2025
Following the Cabinet Member for Transport Management’s decision in November 2024 to approve the Controlled Parking Zone for the wider Iffley area, Officers agreed to investigate options for potential longer stay parking in the vicinity of St Mary’s Church due to concerns raised about the lack of longer parking provision spaces available for those using the church facilities. As a result, Officers have identified suitable locations on Church Way & Mill Lane adjacent to the Church to implement new ‘4-hour parking places’ for approximately six ‘standard-sized’ motor vehicles. Closing date 14 March 2025 https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_iffleycpz_longstay2025
We are looking for your views on the Oxford Greenways project. The greenways will create seamless cycling and walking routes that connect nearby towns, villages, and future development sites with Oxford. It will also connect key spots like workplaces and cultural hubs, making it easier to get around Oxfordshire. What is a greenway? A greenway is a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, found in both natural and landscaped areas, whether urban or rural. The Oxford Greenways will provide essential connections for those heading into Oxford. We need your feedback! Closing date 18 March 2025 https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford-greenways
We're asking for your views on the proposal to construct new traffic-calming ‘buildout’ features on both sides of Davenant Road, and to help facilitate the traffic calming, various amendments will also be made to existing parking provisions, through the removal of sections of permitted parking bays and the introduction of ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ (double yellow lines). Closing date 21 March 2025 https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_davenantroad_calmingparking2025
2) Liver Health Check * Previously consumed drugs or alcohol? * Been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? * A BMI over 30 (classified as obese)? * Previously resolved Hepatitis C, or are you at risk for Hepatitis B or C? Come get a free Liver Health check (includes a FibroScan) at Oxford Westgate Library next Monday 24 February between 10am-4pm
3) Oxfordshire Targeted Youth Support Service The Oxfordshire Targeted Youth Support Service is here to support young people through life’s challenges and help them reach their potential.
4) SEND Oxfordshire Conversations for parents and carers (March 2025) Please join us online for our next round of SEND Oxfordshire Conversations events. Book to participate in an evening or afternoon session on:
5) Oxfordshire County Council Election 2025 The Oxfordshire County Council election will take place on Thursday 1 May 2025. Here's what you need to know: The election will be held on the new boundaries, which were brought into force by The Oxfordshire (Electoral Changes) Order 2025. After the 1 May 2025 elections, the number of county councillors will increase from 63 to 69 elected members. Further details of the electoral changes can be found at the Electoral review 2023-2025 webpage. The last date to Register to Vote for this election will be midnight on Friday 11 April 2025. The last date to apply for a Postal Vote is Monday 14 April 2025 by 5pm. Applications to appoint a Proxy to vote on your behalf must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025. Photographic ID will be required at polling stations by everyone who is registered to vote. If you wish to apply for free photographic ID to use at a polling station, you will need to apply by 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025. https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/about-your-council/voting-and-elections/how-register-and-vote
OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Meetings Standards Committee: Monday 24 February, 6pm: Watch the livestream on our YouTube. Oxford City Planning Committee: Tuesday 25 February, 6pm: Watch the livestream on our YouTube. Climate and Environment Panel (Panel of the Scrutiny Committee): Wednesday 26 February, 6pm: Watch the livestream on our YouTube. Planning Review Committee: Thursday 27 February, 6pm.
2) Consultations
Consultation for Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) with Prohibitions Restricting Unauthorised Persons from Gathering in Residential Communal areas serving 199-207 Barns Road and 36-44 Upper Barr. https://consultation.oxford.gov.uk/community-services/residential-communal-areas-public-spaces-pspo/ For more information on Public Space Protection Orders including current PSPO in Oxford, please visit: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/community-safety/public-spaces-protection-orders Closes 11 Mar 2025
To meet the requirements of Section 5A of the Licensing Act 2003, Oxford City Council is reviewing the current Cumulative Impact Assessment, which is required every three years. The Assessment is used as an evidence-based tool for the Licensing Authority to consider adoption of the Special Saturation Policy (SSP), which forms part of the Statement of Licensing Policy. This is a statutory requirement. https://consultation.oxford.gov.uk/community-services/cumulative-impact-assessment-review/ Closes 14 Apr 2025 If you have recently used our Building Control Service, we want your opinion on how you found the process, services you have used and any comments you have
If you have recently used our Building Control Service, we want your opinion on how you found the process, services you have used and any comments you have. https://consultation.oxford.gov.uk/business-improvement/building-control-customer-survey/ Closes 7 July 2025
OXFORD DIRECT SERVICES 1) Textiles recycling Thank you to all residents who have used our new kerbside textiles recycling service that launched at the end of last month. There have been over 150 collections weighing 1,300kg and 130kg collected from the textiles bank at Rose Hill Community Centre. https://www.oxford.gov.uk/goes-bin/recycling-textiles
2) Coffee pod recycling In addition to our kerbside recycling service for coffee pods, residents can now also take their pods to Redbridge Household Recycling Centre. A number of major supermarkets are offering a drop-off service too with a full list available on the podback website. However, you recycle your pods, please remember to separate your aluminium and plastic coffee pods as they will go into different bins.
3) Garden waste collection scheme With Spring around the corner and the weather, hopefully, improving soon, now is the time to start thinking about getting out into the garden. You can sign up to our Garden Waste Collection Scheme where we collect your garden waste from your home for recycling. We collect grass cuttings, flowers, branches, hedge trimmings, and leaves, plants and weeds. https://www.oxford.gov.uk/garden-waste
4) Blister packs Boots the chemist have rolled out recycling for empty blister pack to 800 of their stores. There are numerous stores around Oxford that will accept your empty blister packs. Check the Boots website to find recycling points in your area. If you have any unused medication, please take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
5) No Black Bags in Recycling Please remember to separate your recycling from your waste and use your correct bin. We prefer your recycling to be placed loose into your bin. Please do not put black bags into your recycling as we can't see what is in them and they are classed as contamination. This means the bin will not be collected and all of your recycling will be classed as waste. https://www.oxford.gov.uk/goes-bin
GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Food Recalls
Boundless are recalling Sour Cream and Onion Flavour Chips, because they contain milk which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents. Pack size 80g Batch code 31724 and 32424 Best before 30 November 2025 Batch code 34624 and 34724 Best before 31 December 2025
Cheshire Farm is recalling Caramelized Biscuit Ice Cream because it contains hazelnuts which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to nuts. 
The Vegan Patty Lady is recalling Assorted Jamaican Vegan Curry Patties because they contain celery which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to celery.  2) Product Recalls
Hazard: The product poses a risk of burns as the lid threads can shrink when exposed to heat and torque, causing the lid to detach during use. Product Description The Switchback includes two core products and Trigger Action includes nine core products, both in numerous colours that vary by product.
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of fire and burns as it may overheat while in use. Product Description A white, king size electric under blanket with detachable remote control, packaged in a red and white cardboard box. The data controller for the new organisation is Citizens Advice West Oxfordshire
Hazard: The product presents a serious chemical risk as it contains excess concentrations of phthalates. Product Description Flip flop with a black and red sole and a red strap. White logo and brand name ‘Saltrock’ on the sole. The red foot strap contains a Saltrock logo.
Hazard: The plugs present a serious risk of fire as it has been identified that they can overheat and melt, due to a fault with the plug’s fuse. Product Description White plastic 13amp and 3amp three pin plugs with three silver screws on the inner face. The affected plugs have been fitted by multiple installers to single ovens, hobs and cooker hood extractors in new build houses.
Hazard: It has been identified that incorrect product has been filled into batch #003 of the Balmonds Gentle Face Wash, and therefore the contents do not match that listed on the product, or on the ingredients list. Product Description Silver bottle with white pump cap and purple labelling with white writing, 125ml.
Hazard: The affected products present a risk of injuries as a parking brake issue has been identified. Product Description A four wheeled folding baby stroller/pram sold in various colours. Prams with a serial number that does not contain “AA” are not affected by the issue.
3) Citizens Advice Oxfordshire From 1st April 2025, three of the local Citizens Advice offices will merge to become Citizens Advice Oxfordshire. They are;
You will continue to receive the same high-quality service and your data will remain secure and confidential.
4) Bus service updates Our Chatty Bus event is back on the road on Monday, 24th February! Join us for heartfelt chats on the X32 route between Didcot and the John Radcliffe Hospital https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/chatty-bus-24th-february-2025
Oxford Bus Company
24th - 25th Feb 2025
Due to roadworks, the Blackbird Leys-bound Crescent Hall stop will be temporarily suspended between 24/02 and 25/02. Passengers are advised to use the Fern Hill Road or Barracks Lane stops during this time.
24th - 26th Feb 2025
Due to roadworks, the Hamilton Road stops will be temporarily suspended in both directions, between 24/02 and 26/02. During this time passengers are advised to use the South Parade East stops as the closest alternative.
28th Feb 2025 - 1st Mar 2025
Due to roadworks, the Headington Shops HS2 stop will be temporarily suspended between 21:30 28/02 and 05:30 01/03. Passengers are advised to use the Headington Shops HS4 stop during this time.
5) Network Rail
On Wednesday (26 February) we will be holding our next community session so that local people can get the latest updates on the project. It will be between 5pm and 6pm in the Cherwell Room at the King’s Centre on Osney Mead. The event will start with a presentation and be followed by the opportunity to ask questions. You don’t need to book for this session but please note the room has a maximum capacity of 80 people, so seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 
Work to install 16 large concrete piles as part of the foundations for the new railway bridge has passed the halfway point, with 12 completed.
Work to install 16 large concrete piles as part of the foundations for the new railway bridge has passed the halfway point, with 12 completed. They are currently working on installing what is referred to as a ‘thrust block’. A thrust block is a concrete structure placed against the pipe and surrounding soil to distribute the thrust forces, caused by internal pressure, over a wider area. This is vital for helping to protect against damage and keep the pipework aligned.
6) Chiltern Railways Saturday 1st March 2025 The railway will be closed between Oxford Parkway and Oxford after 22.55, affecting late-night services to/from Oxford. Rail replacement buses will operate between Oxford Parkway - Oxford and/or Bicester North - Oxford. 
7) TV Licences The TV Licence fee is due to rise again this April, coinciding with an increase in several other household bills. This has left many pensioners, who depend on their weekly state pension, looking for ways to balance their budgets. Despite the growing popularity of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video, nearly all households still need a TV licence. To watch any live programme as it's being broadcast, or any BBC show, you must pay the £169.50 charge. With costs set to increase by another £5 to £174.50 in April, now is a good time to investigate if you can lower your TV licence costs, possibly even to nothing. State pensioners do not automatically qualify for a free TV licence. To be eligible, you must be 74 years old or over, with an income below a certain threshold. This means that only those born in 1951 or earlier may qualify for a free TV licence. However, your income also needs to be low enough to qualify for Pension Credit. This benefit is given to those with a weekly income of less than approximately £218 (£235 for couples). Additionally, for those not eligible for Pension Credit due to higher income, there's still a chance for a discount if someone in the household is registered as legally blind. In such instances, the TV licence fee is halved to £84. This reduction benefits the whole household, provided one member is certified as legally blind.
8) The Peace Stone hiding in Plain sight Everyone travelling eastwards via the Plain roundabout passes this peace stone, but most people (if they notice it) probably assume that it is just the base of a lamppost. The stone refers to the Treaty of Paris that was signed on 30 May 1814. Peace was proclaimed in Oxford on 27 June 1814 when Napoleon was imprisoned on Elba, and two peace stones were put up in Oxford to commemorate the event.   The following notice about the forthcoming proclamation of peace appeared in Jackson's Oxford Journal on 25 June 1814:
I hope you have an enjoyable and peaceful week Take care and stay safe, Maggie | ||||||||||||||||||
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