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

Stories for 6 September 2005

Oxfordshire News

The power of our MPs

Former Labour councillor Mick McAndrews (Oxford Mail, August 30) suggests that Labour MP Andrew Smith is justified in not signing any Early Day Motions (EDMs) because reading them would take too much of his time.   more...

Hospital treatment was first-class

I have just spent time in the Manor Hospital at Headington, Oxford, having a knee replacement operation through the NHS.   more...

NOC department `must be closed'

NHS managers are to close a hospital department to help achieve massive savings by the end of the financial year.   more...

Neighbours from hell wreck flat

Bailiffs got more than they bargained for when they turned up to evict nightmare neighbours Jimmy and Alison Cox from their Oxford council flat.   more...

On the road to ruin

Haulage companies in Bicester fear the A34 roadworks will be another nail in the coffin for their businesses and are bracing themselves for lost profits and hours of delays.   more...

Fury over phone masts by school

Three mobile phone antennae are being erected less than 200 metres from an Oxford primary school -- and parents, teachers and residents can do nothing about it.   more...

Bar giant told to walk away

Fears over an increase in drink-fuelled violence and disorder in Oxford city centre has led to bar giant Walkabout being refused a licence.   more...

Language drop `hits work hope'

An Oxford headteacher has warned that the employment prospects of young people are under threat because pupils are opting out of languages at the age of 14.   more...

Stop these commuters

I have serious reservations about some of the transport policies advocated by Oxfordshire County Council's ruling Conservatives.   more...

We need some radical ideas

Why can't local people, and people who call Oxford their home town, be given the chance to say how they would like their city to develop?   more...

Cowley Road under threat

Another step was taken towards mono-culture in Cowley Road, Oxford, when planning inspector David Stephenson gave permission for the former bed shop to be converted into a bar and restaurant.   more...

Family speaks of hurricane horror

Hurricane Katrina survivor Catherine Nichols said today she was lucky to be alive after the devastating storm battered her wooden bungalow on the Gulf coast.   more...

Fears rising for brother

An Abingdon man is desperately trying to find out if his brother, nephews and nieces have survived Hurricane Katrina.   more...

Oxfordshire Sport

Football: THE BUCK STOPS HERE - TALBOT

Manager Brian Talbot says he is taking full responsibility for Oxford United's dip in form and insists he will get them back on track.   more...

Speedway: FLYING FREDDIE IN DREAM DEBUT

Oxford Silver Machine 49, Eastbourne Eagles 41: FLYING Freddie Ericksson made a fantastic debut as Oxford Silver Machine almost certainly put an end to Eastbourne's play-off hopes at Oxford Stadium last night.   more...

Rugby: Ward stars in Trophy opener

Chinnor 39, Reading Abbey 0: Chinnor showed plenty of potential as they brushed aside Reading Abbey in the Powergen National Trophy first round on Saturday.   more...

Rugby: Collett and Henderson shine

BB&O Premier Division: Johnny Collett and captain Olli Henderson proved a winning combination as Wallingford beat Drifters 24-10.   more...

Rugby: Fowler is hat-trick hero

Southern Counties North: Owen Fowler bagged an impressive hat-trick as Witney opened their campaign with a 28-13 win at home to Bletchley.   more...

Rugby: Banbury season gets off to a flier

Midlands Division 3 East South: Banbury Bulls player-coach Simon Purnell stepped off the bench to seal a 27-17 home win over Northampton Old Scouts.   more...

Rugby: Quins lapses let Heath off hook

Oxford Harlequins ended their pre-season programme with a 35-29 loss to London 1 side Haywards Heath at Horspath Road.   more...

Rugby: Banbury season gets off to a flier

Midlands Division 3 East South: Banbury Bulls player-coach Simon Purnell stepped off the bench to seal a 27-17 home win over Northampton Old Scouts.   more...