Edition #2090
18 December 2025
Hook Norton's housing row continues as expansion approved despite resident concerns. Plus, Affordable homes coming to West Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire colleges receiving green skills funding.
Intro Music
Hook Norton faces another housing expansion despite claims of excess development; Council ignores villagers’ concerns; Residents fear strain on resources with no guarantees on water upgrades.
Affordable homes coming to West Oxfordshire. County to gain 12 new homes in Charlbury. Cotswey teaming up with Clanfield Homes for sustainable housing.
College secures funding for green skills training. Abingdon and Witney College receives additional funds from Midlands Net 0 hub. New courses focus on renewable energy and advanced technologies.
Pony and trap racing to be banned on A40 due to safety concerns; West Oxfordshire District Council introduces PSPO; Fine set at £100 for violators after overwhelming public support.
A 25-year-old warehouse operative died, cause undetermined; Postmortem examination inconclusive, awaiting further tests; Inquest adjourned until February 23rd.
‘Serious injuries’ for a pedestrian struck by a motorcycle on A40; Incident occurred at Cassington Junction; No arrests as police arrived late.
Oxfordshire council considers parking permit changes in Witney West End to curb commuter parking; Residents invited to have their say via online survey before January 9, 2026.
Witney Mayor’s Carol Event kicked off the holiday season with local performances. The event thanked volunteers and contributed to charity, with Sainsbury’s providing mince pies for attendees who donated to Witney Food Bank. The event took place on December 5th and can be viewed online.
Concerns rise over the health of Witney’s beloved wishing tree due to falling branches and fungus growth; Tree will undergo a pool test by Whitneytown Council to assess disease progress and stability. Test scheduled for next week. Meanwhile, items were stolen from a food trailer at Crawley Mill Industrial Estate over the weekend.
20 Oxfordshire businesses honored at Cotswold Awards 2025; The Bull in Burford named best boutique hotel; Burford Garden Company wins best shop and shopping experience.
Oxfordshire initiatives and charities receive funding boost via West Hive platform. Over £124k pledged for 10 projects focusing on career support, village halls, and community well-being. West Oxfordshire District Council’s fifth round of funding shows local creativity and ambition.
Intruders broke into a village home in Upper Milton via patio doors, stealing jewellery last Thursday; Thames Valley Police warn residents to bolster home security.
The A40 slip road to close temporarily in Whitneytown for drainage works in February 2024, lasting up to five consecutive days. Multiple roads in Witney to close for carriageway improvement until September 2024, including Market Square and High Street.
A quiz round about pantomime and ballet, followed by a local news story about a coach firm.
Coach firm Blunsden Travel, established in Witney, is up for sale after 48 years. The well-established business has a loyal customer base and accessible coaches, with a sale price of £142,000. Despite the pandemic, the business offers a solid foundation with potential for growth through additional contracts or diversification.
Flooding crisis in Witney continues, damaging cars and posing danger on Buttercross Lane. Residents frustrated as road remains flooded despite drainage efforts. Council investigates long-term solutions and offers interim measures.
George Michael’s sudden death on Christmas Day 2016 shook fans worldwide; Despite coroner’s report of heart disease, partner Fadi Fawaz initially insisted it was suicide; Fawaz later claimed his social media accounts were hacked.
A town adventure play area introduces new toddler equipment. Witney Town Council installed two springers, funded by a grant from Witney Town Hall charity. The new equipment caters to children aged 2 and under, responding to local requests.
Driver jailed for hitting police officer with car while banned, resulting in officer’s injuries; Curtis, 31, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and drink driving; His 11-year driving ban will start again after release.
RAF Brize Norton honoured for Gaza relief effort; Award recognises exceptional contribution in Operation Underhill; AirDrop operations delivered essential aid under challenging conditions.
Oxfordshire’s markets nominated for Britain’s favourite; Several markets compete nationally; NHS trust highlights county’s rich market heritage.
Organised crime group boss jailed for supplying £6 million worth of ketamine. Sean Hatfield, 43, sentenced to 9 years 6 months for supplying over 200kg of drugs. Three men involved, another receiving 4.5 years. Judge: They harmed others with harmful substance.
A charity marks saving 25,000 homeless pets amid a growing crisis. Burford-based Blue Cross has seen an 18% rise in pets needing new homes due to rising costs, struggle. Critical 1st night Christmas appeal launched to help animals immediately after rescue.
Three omitted news items from last week’s recording are recapped. The items were missed due to technical difficulties, adding context to the repeat broadcast. Local listeners eagerly anticipate these previously unheard stories.
Poems for the Season: Reflection and Renewal
Christmas-themed poems about reflection and renewal; ‘Adult Advent Announcement’ highlights compassion for elderly, ‘Ring Out, Wild Bells’ calls for unity and peace.
Witney Town FC Makes Triumphant Return After \ Years
Whitneytown FC, dormant for a decade, revived by Paul Foster’s leadership, promoted after return season, awarded community accolade, attracting large crowds at free home games.
Four Generations of Support for Witney Town FC
The latest Witney Talking Newspaper discusses multiple content delivery methods and service instructions; a joke concludes the edition wishing listeners a Merry Christmas.