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

Stories for 16 January 2006

Oxfordshire News

My vow to beat the flyposters

It's wonderful, while most students are in recess, to see our streets, lamp posts, telephone boxes, park fences, trees, pavements, footpaths and so on clear of the detritus of advertising fliers and posters that make them so tatty during term time.   more...

Normal Tory service is restored

Well, I suppose it was nice while it lasted. By my calculation, the Tories' new leader has enjoyed about a month's honeymoon as 'everybody's friend, Dave'. However, with his announcement of a U-turn on student tuition fees, we seem to have normal service restored.   more...

Tower block evacuated in blaze

A tower block in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, was evacuated as firefighters tackled a kitchen blaze at a woman's flat.   more...

2,000 buy memorial garden ribbons

More than 2,000 people have now bought gold ribbons in memory of Eastern Bypass crash victims Liam Hastings and Josh Bartlett.   more...

Teen tells of attack ordeal

A disabled teenager who was left bleeding in the street after being asked for drugs by a gang of hooded youths has spoken of his ordeal to the Oxford Mail.   more...

Residents fear rat infestation after council blunder

Residents are risking a rat infestation because a council blunder means they must leave their rubbish in the street.   more...

Home help care costs to soar

Home care for some of the most vulnerable people in Oxfordshire is set to increase by nearly seven times the rate of inflation in the space of a year.   more...

Leaky roof puts centre in danger

A valued community building could be lost if money to fix a leaking roof is not found soon.   more...

Ram raid gang escape after being caught in act

A gang who were preparing to steal a supermarket cash machine in Wheatley with a digger fled after being disturbed by a passing workman.   more...

Monday, January 16: Time to disown the hotheads

It is probably inevitable that among a crowd of 400 protesters, there will be some hotheads.   more...

Help offered to axed call centre staff

A hundred employees who have lost their jobs have been promised help to find alternative work with the help of their local council.   more...

Inviting a visit from the PC thought police

Despite being a self-employed Englishman contributing to the coffers of government for the last 40 years, I still have to pay for dental treatment, glasses and prescriptions on top of income tax and VAT. As this is the way the system works, I accept it.   more...

Protest hit by violence

Violent clashes at an animal rights demonstration in Oxford saw protesters break through metal barricades and hurl missiles at riot police.   more...

Residents concern leads to police crackdown on drug dealers

Hoards of heroin and crack cocaine have been seized from homes on an Oxford estate since residents made the war on drugs the number one priority for police.   more...

Oxfordshire Sport

Football: BURGESS OFF TO A FLIER

Oxford United fans found a new favourite as £35,000 signing Andy Burgess made an immediate impact on his debut appearance at Macclesfield on Saturday.   more...

Football: BANBURY FAIL TO KILL OFF RIVALS

Banbury United had to settle for a share of the spoils as they were held to a draw in Saturday's exciting Southern League Premier Division encounter at Spencer Stadium.   more...

Football: Clanfield sunk by late strike

GLS Football Hellenic League - Clanfield 2, Trowbridge Tn 3: Clanfield remain in trouble near the foot of the Division 1 West table after a late strike denied them a deserved draw against the second-placed side.   more...

WEEKEND RESULTS CHECK: Scores from around the county

COCA-COLA LEAGUE TWO   more...

Football: ODHIAMBO SEALS ABINGDON REVIVAL

GLS Football Hellenic League - Ardley Utd 2, Abingdon Utd 2: Abingdon United staged a tremendous second-half fightback as they salvaged a share of the spoils in the Premier Division clash at Oxford Road on Saturday.   more...

Football: Spence hammers double for super City

Spartan South Midlands League: Ray Spence fired a double as Oxford City kept up their bid for the Premier Division title with this comfortable 3-1 victory in Bedfordshire.   more...