Local News

The Council is the latest to hike rates by the maximum allowed The amount of Council Tax to be paid by people living in Brackley and the surrounding villages in the West Northamptonshire area has been agreed. At a meeting held last night councillors finalised the authority’s budget and set the annual charge for households. […]

Previous forecasts have been lowered The income expected from the Castle Quay Shopping Centre looks set to be over £1m less next year than had been previously anticipated. As part of Cherwell District Council budget plans for 2025-26 the income from the council owned shopping centre has been reduced by £1.17m compared to previous forecasts. […]

The search is underway to find someone to take on the centuries-old secret recipe Could the famous Banbury Cake be about to die out? Air fryer manufacturer Ninja has named the oval-shaped puff pastry treat encasing a succulent filling as one of the British dishes which are at risk of extinction.   They surveyed 2,000 people […]

One-in-five of 25-34 year olds are living with their parents There are an estimated 4,327 25-34 year-olds living with their parents in the Cherwell District – that’s according to Banbury Labour who have analysed Institute for Fiscal Studies research and Office for National Statistics data. Banbury’s Labour MP says that’s why we need to build […]

King’s Sutton Millennium Memorial Hall is regularly used but needs a new Treasurer Villagers are looking for someone with financial experience who might have some spare time to give so their meeting place can remain open. The Trustees at King’s Sutton Millennium Memorial Hall need to find a new volunteer to take on the role […]

The youngsters decorated their own bird boxes and learned about keeping our planet healthy Pupils at Hill View Primary School in Banbury put their biodiversity knowledge to the test by participating in a new, free educational programme from housebuilder Orbit Homes. Eco Buddies aims to support pupils with their understanding of nature and what they […]

At a time of precarious funding the percentage of bequests to hospices is falling Katharine House has joining other hospices backing a week-long nationwide TV campaign this week encouraging people to leave a gift in their will for their local hospice. The ‘This is Hospice Care’ promotion is being run by Hospice UK.   It aims […]

The company said it would have run out of money by March 24 The company which provides water and sewage services to much of the Banbury FM area has been given a lifeline as it faced running out of money in the next month. The High Court has approved a £3bn loan for Thames Water, […]

An independent panel is suggesting allowances should increase in line with the staff pay rise Cherwell District Councillors will next week decide whether to accept an Independent Remuneration Panel recommendation of a 3.5 percent increase in their allowances. This would lift the basic councillor’s allowance by £180 to £5,220. The increase is in in line […]

QR codes give access to the back story of the people featured A new display featuring some of the people who’ve made a difference in Banbury has been unveiled at Banbury Train Station.   Members of the public nominated the individuals who’s pictures are featured in the overbridge walkway at the station. The project aims to […]