Local News

Free testing ends as infection rates show a slight fall Covid cases in the Banbury FM area rose significantly during March, but the latest figures reverse that, with a fall last week. In the seven days up to April 1, 1,031 people tested positive for the virus locally, which is down from 1,298 the previous […]

Voters will head to the polls on May 5 The list of candidates for May’s local elections has been released.   One third of the seats on Cherwell District Council will be voted for on Thursday May 5.   In the Banbury FM area candidates from the Conservatives, Labour and Liberals are represented in all the contested […]

Victoria Prentis says an issue remains in the way that barbecues are used in the countryside Banbury’s MP’s Victoria Prentis has hinted that disposable barbecues could be banned.   Speaking in her role as an Environment Minister, Mrs Prentis told parliament that research was being commissioned to examine the role that barbecues – and specifically disposable […]

The Southern League noted Banbury United’s 100 per cent record in March Banbury United have been named by the Southern League as their “club of the month” for the Premier Central Division during March. It’s the fifth time the Puritans have won the award this season – they won it in February and also in […]

Whilst West Northamptonshire has one unitary authority, Oxfordshire remains two tier by Andy Mitchell, Local Democracy Reporter The leader of Oxfordshire County Council “can see no reason at the moment for changing” the way the region’s local authorities work. How best to operate public services in Oxfordshire is an age-old debate with some advocating a […]

Multiple staff absences lead to a warning on appointment availability A large number of staff being away from work due to COVID-19 infections has led one local surgery to issue a warning that it might struggle with the number of appointments it will be able to offer this week.   Banbury Cross Health Centre says it […]

Banbury man sentenced at Oxford Crown Court A man who lived in Banbury has been sent to prison for 19 years after he was convicted of a string of rapes and sexual offences against a child.   56-year-old Ian Bailey pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a girl, and taking an indecent photograph/pseudo photograph […]

A fight broke out in Churchill Way after Saturday’s match A group of 35 to 40 people were involved in a brawl after Brackley Town’s football game on Saturday (April 2).   Northamptonshire Police are now investigating the violent disorder. The incident followed Brackley’s 1-0 win over the league leaders Gateshead. The group were in Churchill […]

Around 50 young people are set to join the Easter holidays project Cherwell Theatre Company are planning a theatrical experience in an unusual location – Woodgreen Leisure Centre’s Open Air Swimming Pool. The company deliver community-based performance projects with young people.   For this production they are collaborating with Hill View School choir to stage a […]

The incident happened on Broughton Road on Sunday morning A taxi driver was threatened by a man with a knife in Banbury early on Sunday morning.   The incident happened at around 7.30am by Banbury and Bicester College on the Broughton Road. Thames Valley Police responded immediately and arrested the suspect.   A knife was seized at […]