Edition #2092
15 January 2026
A Cotswold village theft rocks the headlines, as residents fight back with vigilante groups. The hunt for parking spaces clashes with housing expansions, and tragedy strikes on the roads. Meanwhile, new beginnings at Hanborough station cafe and rhinos experience snow for the first time.
Intro Music
A Cotswold village featured in ‘The Times’ as one of the UK’s prettiest was targeted in a Christmas burglary. Police launched a probe after offenders forced entry through a rear window. Residents warned to fortify their homes and join Neighbourhood Watch to prevent future incidents.
Villagers in Cotswold fight crime; form vigilante groups after spike in burglaries; gang fleeing after 30 locals mobilize
Crime spree hits West Oxfordshire villages; Police warn locals after thefts and burglaries; Residents urged to secure belongings and vehicles
Fears of gridlock as town centre car park eyed for housing development. Plans for 70 affordable homes in Witney spark concern over loss of parking spaces. Conservatives warn of gridlock while Liberals insist on housing needs.
Plans for 350 homes near Carterton passed despite 116 objections due to housing shortage. Developer aims to build a new village with community spaces, but nearby councils worry about infrastructure strain.
NHS dental clinic opening in Witney. A new NHS dentist is launching in Corn Street, aiming to provide modern care. Patients signing up early will get priority access.
Canon Charles Chadwick discusses human creativity in healthcare, comedy, and music, with examples including the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine and Miranda Hart. He argues that creativity is essential to humanity and connects it to the Christian belief in human creation.
NHS body objects to military housing plans due to insufficient healthcare capacity; Developer Taylor Wimpey proposed to contribute £240,140 towards GP services; Impact on primary healthcare infrastructure remains unresolved
New railway station cafe opens at Hanborough, providing indoor seating and wider food options; owned by Cafe dbe lab Poste of Chadlington; more station cafes planned.
Burford Road in Minster Lovell to close temporarily for resurfacing; Nighttime closure from 8 PM on February 12th to 6 AM on February 13th; Motorists advised to plan alternative routes.
Road closure announced for Dry Lane in Crawley from February 9th to 13th, 2026 for essential cabling works by Sunbelt Rentals UK Ltd.
Man dies after ingesting dishwasher detergent; advanced Alzheimer’s and frailty were contributing factors; Full inquest awaits. Husband banned from Witney after threatening police officers.
An inquest reveals the possible cause of a fatal crash involving a Range Rover and a recovery truck on the A361 between Burford and Lechlade. The driver of the Range Rover, Hazel Moreton, 75, may have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to her death and the serious injury of the truck driver. The coroner concluded that Moreton’s death was due to a road traffic collision.
Baby white rhinos at Cotswold Wildlife Park experience snow for the first time, delighting animal keepers with their playful reactions; Assistant manager Chris Kibby reports that not all animals enjoy the cold despite preparations for warmth-loving species; Park thanks visitor Mark Bentley for captivating photos
Elderly rector finds commercial traveler hiding under his bed; Intruder identified as Alfred Tackley, sentenced to 5 years penal servitude; Break-in occurred before 9 pm, avoiding more severe charges
Thames Water fined for violating traffic light management rules near Ducklington. Lights were left unmanned during peak hours, causing traffic disruption. Company faces daily overrun charges if lights remain on site.
A woman from Carterton died after falling down stairs. Hillary Marshall, 56, succumbed to traumatic brain injury following the incident. Inquest set for March 18 to determine cause of death.
Blenheim Palace undergoes annual deep clean; Duration of six to eight weeks; This year’s clean is more complex due to simultaneous £12 million roof restoration.
The A4095 in Curbridge, dubbed the ‘Grand Canyon of Oxfordshire’, is set to receive a road surfacing update between February 10th and 12th. The council confirmed the works after local residents campaigned for better road conditions to prevent damage from potholes. The upcoming maintenance aims to improve safety for all road users.
Storm Goretti fears failed to deter 250 runners; Town park run proceeds successfully despite muddy conditions; Friendlier weather appreciated by participants, organizers thank volunteers.
A millionaire sparked controversy in Ebrington by proposing a ‘monstrous’ pool house, sparking resident opposition due to light pollution fears, with planning officials rejecting the scheme.