Oxford and Oxfordshire news, sport and information updated throughout the day

Stories for 18 August 2005

Oxfordshire News

Bid to free empty homes

Thousands of empty privately-owned homes in Oxford are to be brought back into use under a scheme starting later this year.   more...

Hunting row goes on despite ban

Supporters of hunting in Oxfordshire have vowed to continue having an `active presence' in the countryside and to hunt within the law - six months after the ban came into force.   more...

Oap faces bill to fix graves

A pensioner faces a bill of hundreds of pounds for fixing three of her relative's gravestones after they were knocked down for being health and safety hazards.   more...

Water demands upset residents

Residents whose water bills were waived after their sheltered housing was flooded have been threatened with legal action for not paying their bills.   more...

Soaring costs sink arts dream

Spiralling costs could scupper ambitious plans to convert Abingdon's redundant Old Gaol into a multi-million-pound arts and culture centre.   more...

A-level results continue to improve across county

Schools across Oxfordshire are celebrating another record A-Level year as pass rates continued their relentless rise for the 23rd year running.   more...

Store shelves 24-hour drink plan

Supermarket giant Sainsbury's has shelved plans to sell alcohol 24 hours a day in two of its Oxford stores amid police fears it would lead to increased crime and disorder.   more...

Oxfordshire Sport

Football: Boss Talbot set to go for Lowe

Brian Talbot has dropped the strongest hint yet that he may try and lure Jamaican striker Onandi Lowe to the Kassam Stadium.   more...

Speedway: Pawel set for debut at last

Pawel Staszek, the Polish youngster who was barred from making his Silver Machine debut last month, because his documents were out of date, has been given the all clear to make his debut against Poole in the Skybet Elite League clash at the Stadium tonight (7.30pm).   more...

Bowls: Central are champs again

Banbury Central A retained their Oxford & District League title, despite losing their unbeaten record to closest rivals City & County A.   more...

Golf: Pepperell lands English title

Eddie Pepperell produced the finest performance of his young career to win the English Boys Under 14 Championship.   more...

Golf: Duo's shock debut

Frilford Heath executive director Steve Styles and junior member Jamie King made surprise international debuts in the European Seniors Amateur Championships.   more...

Sailing: Third place buoys Ayres

Witney sailor Henry Ayres is celebrating a notable third-placed finish in the Rolex Fastnet race.   more...