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Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 2-3-25 This newsletter was started during the pandemic to inform about crime, scams and general interest for the community.
Collated and edited by volunteer Maggie Lewis, Area Representative and Administrator for Oxford Neighbourhood Watch Committee Member Thames Valley Neighbourhood Watch Association Cyberhood Watch Ambassador (National Neighbourhood Watch) SCAMbassador for Oxford (National Trading Standards)
You can join or apply to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme at https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/joinNW or any comments/information/queries or unsubscribing onw.enquiries@gmail.com Social Media sites https://www.facebook.com/groups/1937740226361938 (Oxford NW) https://www.facebook.com/groups/605172170528080 (Oxford NW Coordinators) https://www.facebook.com/groups/851711156124037 (Thames Valley Appeals) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1120468772825909 (Missing people in England and Wales) https://www.facebook.com/groups/550195784274126 (WANTED - Police appeals across England and Wales)
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK 1) Ronan's Law POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) This Week 2) e-newsletter THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Violence against women and girls 2) Chief Constable Ceremony Awards TVP AYLESBURY 1) Wanted man TVP CHERWELL 1) Bicester TVP OXFORD 1) Missing man appeal SCAM AWARENESS 1) The top scam ad trends 2) Websites 3) Here are some helpful tips on how to spot Scam Emails 4) Cyber Security Advice for Individuals 5) Courier fraud 6) Dodgy texts and ads. 7) Debt scams 8) Whats App 9) Child Benefit CRIME PREVENTION 1) HollieGuard 2) Holiday bookings CRIME INFORMATION 1) Cannabis 2) ASB - Police or Local Authority? 3) Seatbelts 4) Ben Kinsella Trust 5) Vehicle Theft Equipment (change in law) 6) Independent end-to-end review of online knife sales (Home Office) 7) New powers for police to tackle neighbourhood crime OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Preparing for the future 2) Consultations 3) Camera enforcement OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Council Tax 2) S.W.E.P. 3) Hinksey Splash Park 4) Support sustainable building projects 5) Parking ticket fraud 6) Changes to Botley Road roadworks pedestrian access 7) Meetings GENERAL INFORMATION 1) South Central Ambulance Service 2) Red hat appeal 3) Food recalls 4) Product recalls 5) Bus service update 6) Healthwatch 7) Network Rail 8) Dementia Oxfordshire 9) Road closure - JR2 Hospital 10) March Calendar
CONTENTS NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK 1) Ronan's Law We welcome and support the Government's introduction of ‘Ronan’s Law’ to deliver a tough crackdown on knife sales online, to better protect young people. It is essential that organisations and communities work in collaboration to stop the illegal sale of knives, and reduce the amount of tragic deaths by knife attack. 
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) This Week  2) e-newsletter The PCC e-newsletter is produced by the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner every two months, and includes the latest news and views from your Police and Crime Commissioner. https://sh1.sendinblue.com/akvr81tfglpfe.html?t=1740583694357
THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Violence against women and girls All violence is totally unacceptable and Thames Valley Police is committed to tackling abuse in all its forms. Crimes such as domestic abuse, rape, harassment and up skirting disproportionately affect women and girls and we know that their trust in policing has been damaged following recent significant cases. Whilst our strategy is focused on these crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls, much of the work behind it protects all victims of these crimes.
2) Chief Constable Ceremony Awards Thames Valley Police officers have been commended for their work in apprehending a man carrying a knife in an incident at Chieveley Services. Sergeant Kieran Baker, PC Rich Tarrant, PC Amber Perkins, PC Ross Maclean, PC Beth Williams, PC Oli York, PC Jamie Bushnell and PC Rachael Hebdon were commended at the Chief Constable Awards. On 23 December 2023, the officers responded to reports of a man with a knife threatening people at Chieveley Services. He was also attempting to ram people with a vehicle. The team assessed the risk to the public and acted to save lives, blocking the offender in and challenging him with a taser before apprehending him. Members of the public commented on their bravery and speed of response and thanked them at the scene.  (L-R) Bethan Williams, Oliver York, Jamie Bushnell, Ross Maclean, Kieren Baker, Amber Perkins, Richard Tarrant.
TVP AYLESBURY 1) Wanted man Thames Valley Police is appealing for the public’s help in tracing a man who absconded from Spring Hill Prison. Michael Gilworth, who is 38-years-old, absconded at around 8.45pm yesterday (27/2). Gilworth is 6ft tall, of a slim build, with ginger hair and a ginger beard. He has a goblin tattoo on his upper left arm, a fish tattoo on his lower left arm, ‘Kelly’ written on his inner forearm, a lip tattoo on the side of his neck and ‘Lewis’ written on his right hand. He is known to frequent Stockport. He was last seen getting into a blue Ford Mondeo, wearing a light blue jumper, dark trousers and a black beanie hat. Investigating officer Detective Constable Melanie Cannon said: “If you see Gilworth, do not approach him and call 999 instead. “If you know where he is or may have seen him, please call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43250098823. “Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.” 
TVP CHERWELL 1) Bicester Thames Valley Police is appealing for the public’s help to find a man who is wanted in connection with failing to appear at court and driving offences in the Bicester area. Seamus Devlin, aged 31, was stopped by police on 11 October last year on the A4421 near to Finmere after driving erratically. He was also found to be driving whilst disqualified and without valid insurance. Devlin was also wanted for failing to appear at Boston Magistrates Court, Lincolnshire, on 28 July 2021 for driving whilst under the influence of drugs, driving whilst disqualified and driving without a valid insurance policy. Devlin then failed to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on 12 December 2024. He is around 5ft 10ins tall, has short brown hair, brown eyes and has a broad Irish accent. Devlin is known to frequent the Milton Keynes area but also has links up and down the country. Investigating officer PC Callum Cooper said: “Enquiries have been ongoing to locate Seamus Devlin after he failed to appear at court but we are now appealing for the public’s help. “There is no immediate risk to the public but if you see Devlin, do not approach him and call 999 instead. “If you know where he is or may have seen him, please call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43240601372. “Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website. 
TVP OXFORD
1) Missing man update Thames Valley Police is providing an update in connection with the investigation to find a missing man in Oxford. 20-year-old Benedict, who is known as Ben, was last seen in Oxford at the junction of Cripley Road and Cripley Place at around 12.50am on Sunday 26 January. Sadly, Thames Valley Police have today (23/2) found a body in the River Thames near Iffley Lock. Detective Inspector James Blackmore, based at St Aldates police station, said: “Extensive enquiries have been ongoing for Ben since he was reported missing, and very sadly, a body has been located this morning. “Although formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe this to be Ben. His next-of kin have been informed and officers are supporting them. Our thoughts are with them at this very distressing time. “A file will be prepared for the coroner but there is nothing to indicate that this was anything other than a tragic accident. “Our thoughts remain with Ben’s family at this difficult time. “We would like to thank Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire for the support they have provided in our search for Ben. “We would also extend our thanks to members of the public who also provided support.”
2) Missing man appeal Thames Valley Police is appealing for help to find a man who has been reported missing from Oxford. Michael, aged 62, was last seen in Summertown sometime between Saturday (22/2) and Monday (24/2). Michael is 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build, and usually dresses smartly, with brown shows, and may have a suitcase. He does not drive so may be using public transport. PC Harley Edwards said: “We are extremely concerned for Michael’s welfare and have been working hard to find him since he was reported missing. “We are now appealing for the public’s help to locate Michael so if you see him, please call 999, quoting reference number 43250098363. “Anyone with information on Michael’s whereabouts should make a report on our website.” 
SCAM AWARENESS 1) The top scam ad trends The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received 1,691 reports of scam ads last year, and it has revealed the top trends that fraudsters are using to lure in victims. From its reports, the ASA found that the four biggest types of scam adverts in 2024 were:
How to prevent it There are a number of things you can do to prevent distraction burglary. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anyone at your door – genuine callers won’t mind. Always remember 'if in doubt, keep them out': use your door viewer to see who’s there if you open the door put the chain on first always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home use the phone number advertised in the phone book or online, as the number on their identity card could be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the door while you do this if you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there for pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of the caller, call 999.
2) Websites Fraudsters often set up websites that look real but are in fact fake. The aim of these websites might be to get you to make a payment for goods that don’t exist, or to infect your computer with a virus designed to steal passwords or other personal information. Some signs to look out for include:
For more information on how to protect yourself visit: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/how-to-spot-fraud/how-to-spot-a-fake-website/
3) Here are some helpful tips on how to spot Scam Emails: The Senders Address - The "From" line may include an official-looking address that mimics a genuine one.Generic Greetings - Be wary of impersonal greetings like “Dear User”, or your email address. A legitimate PayPal email will always greet you by your first and last name.Typos/Poor Grammar - Emails sent by popular companies are almost always free of misspellings and grammatical errors.False Sense of Urgency - Many scam emails tell you that your account will be in jeopardy if something critical is not updated right away.Fake Links - Check where a link is going before you click on it by hovering over the URL in an email, and comparing it to the URL in the browser. If it looks suspicious, don’t click it.Attachments - A real email from PayPal will never include attachments. You should never open an attachment unless you are 100% sure it’s legitimate, because they can contain spyware or viruses.Tracking Number - The email/SMS asks you to provide the tracking number of the dispatched item, before you’ve received a payment into your PayPal account.Clicking on links - Never click on a link in an email that requests personal information. Any time you receive an email about your PayPal account, open a new browser, type in www.paypal.co.uk, and login to your account directly.
4) Cyber Security Advice for Individuals Lots of people are worried about cyber security, but intimidated by the challenge of improving things. Implementing just the first two steps here is a massive improvement for most people – why not do this straight away. The majority of cybercrime reported to us by individuals would be stopped by these steps. Our advice follows the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Cyber Aware guidance, with an extra emphasis on protecting social media accounts because of the crime types being reported by individuals in the South-East. If you know you want to do something about this now, why not start by generating your own Cyber Action Plan on the NCSC website. https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/actionplan
5) Courier fraud Victims are being contacted by fraudsters who pretend they are police officers or bank officials. One tactic they use to scam the victims is by telling them they are assisting with a covert police investigation. The fraudsters persuade the victim to withdraw cash from their bank, to purchase EUROs or provide bank cards and PIN numbers for collection by a courier. Police officers or bank officials will never ask you to withdraw money, purchase goods or hand over private banking details.
6) Dodgy texts and ads. Scammers impersonate well-known brands to link your card details to their own digital wallets Fraudsters are doing this through dodgy texts and ads. International organised crime groups impersonating well-known brands and retailers are attempting to steal your card information, warns Cifas, the Cyber Defence Alliance and UK Finance. These scams typically begin as texts, such as those offering to help with your bills or telling you about a parking charge, or as social media ads boasting too-good-to-be-true offers or closing down sales. They lead to malicious websites which ask for your card details.
These scams typically begin as texts, such as those offering to help with your bills or telling you about a parking charge, or as social media ads boasting too-good-to-be-true offers or closing down sales. They lead to malicious websites which ask for your card details. Below, we tell you how to spot, avoid and report these scams
Cifas has warned that once your bank details have been entered into scam websites impersonating recognised brands, you are sent a one-time passcode (OTP) via text. This OTP has been requested by the criminals from your bank, now that they have your details. On the scam website, you're then asked to enter your OTP. Once the OTP has been entered, the criminals can link your bank account to their digital wallet, such as Apple, Google or Samsung Pay, and make both online and in-store payments. Scammers also sell on these card details to other criminals.
You should never share an OTP sent to you if someone requests it, these passwords should only be used by you. You can report scam ads to the Advertising Standards Authority. You can report scam text messages by forwarding the message to 7726, and malicious websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre. Scam texts impersonating Amazon can be reported to Amazon. If you lose any money to a scam, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Action Fraud
7) Debt scams How to check an unexpected payment demand is genuine A letter, call, email, text or doorstep visit demanding debt payment can be an alarming and confusing experience – particularly if it comes out of the blue. If you don't recognise the debt, you need to be wary and verify the request before paying up, as not all such demands are genuine. In one recent case highlighted by BBC Radio 4's 'You and Yours', a victim was tricked into paying a scammer who'd phoned him posing as a bailiff and threatening to seize his furniture. Which? regularly hears from people being chased for unrecognised debts. This can sometimes be as a result of identity fraud – where debts have been racked up without the victim's knowledge. Civea warns about the following red flags in debt letters or notices appearing to come from enforcement agents:
Concerning calls Civea told us enforcement agents may contact you by phone to discuss a warrant of control. When they do this, they will offer to take debit or credit card payments over the phone. Genuine enforcement agents will have your court reference number, which cannot be obtained by fraudsters, so always ask for it if it isn't offered. A genuine enforcement agent will never telephone you to ask for your bank details, or to ask you to make a bank transfer using your sort code and account number.
8) Whats App
A WhatsApp message from a compromised verified business account tells you that your delivery has ‘failed’ and includes a link to a copycat Evri website. This message tells you that a courier failed to deliver your parcel because nobody answered the door. It then provides a link to follow ‘in order to reschedule a new delivery’.
9) Child Benefit HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to Child Benefit claimants, urging them to stay vigilant against potentially fraudulent messages related to their claims. These messages, often designed to appear legitimate, can be difficult to distinguish from official communications. While HMRC does send genuine notifications via text or email to update claimants on their applications or account status, the department emphasises that it will never request personal or financial details. According to HMRC’s official guidance, messages may include updates about received claims, successful applications, or important account changes. These texts may sometimes contain links leading to GOV.UK pages or HMRC webchat services. However, claimants are urged to exercise caution, as scammers often attempt to mimic these communications, tricking individuals into clicking on fraudulent links. HMRC reassures recipients that it will never ask for sensitive information via text or email. If a message claims to offer a tax refund in exchange for personal details, it should be treated as suspicious and ignored. Claimants are advised to contact HMRC directly if they are uncertain about the authenticity of a message.
HMRC has set up official channels for reporting phishing attempts and fraudulent messages. If you receive a suspicious email or text :
CRIME PREVENTION 1) HollieGuard One tip for staying safe when walking home alone, in a place your unfamiliar with or on a date where you don't feel comfortable. HollieGuard is a useful app that will help you protect yourself, a friend or a family member. Every 5 seconds the platform will update your precise location based on your speed and movement activity to identify where you are once an alert has been raised. HollieGuard is a personal alarm, deterrent, evidence catcher and more. Providing a lot more functionality than a regular keyring alarm for absolutely anyone who has safety in mind. On the app by simply holding down the hexagon button for 3-6 seconds, this sets off an alert and activates the phone’s camera, sending a message and recording to your pre-defined emergency contacts.
2) Holiday bookings Before booking your holiday, take the time to research the company you’re dealing with. A simple online search can help you avoid unpleasant surprises later. Planning your next holiday? Don’t let scammers ruin your trip. Holiday fraud affected over 6,000 travellers last year. Do your research. Pay securely. Look for trusted logos. Stay safe online. Check out Action Fraud's advice Find out more https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/holiday_fraud
CRIME INFORMATION 1) Cannabis It may seem like a harmless drug to some, but cannabis production is linked to exploitation and organised crime. Often, it’s victims of modern slavery who are forced into working in illegal cannabis farms. These people will be made to work against their will, and ultimately trapped in an impossible situation with no clear way to escape. If you know something about illegal cannabis farms in your local area, speak up to our charity. Any small detail you share could make a difference, and you stay 100% anonymous. Always. https://bit.ly/CannabisCriminalGangs If you have information about illegal drug activity in your community, please speak up. If you don’t want to report to us, Crimestoppers can be contact 100% anonymously. They don’t need to know who you are, only what you know.
2) ASB - Police or Local Authority?
Neighbours Domestic abuse/suspected abuse Police Nuisance or loud noise Local Authority Vandalism Private property Police Public property Local Authority Drugs Found drugs or information Police Drug Litter Local Authority Parking Blocking road, driveway exit Police or immediate danger to public Yellow lines/zig-zags/pavements/ Local Authority cycle lane/disabled bay Homelessness Aggressive begging Police Sleeping rough Local Authority
3) Seatbelts It is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom to wear a seat belt if one is fitted. There are only a few exemptions. In 2017, 27% - over a quarter - of those who died in cars on the road were not wearing seat belts. You can be fined up to £500 for not wearing a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt not only helps protect your safety, it helps protect the safety of others. Only one person is allowed in each seat fitted with a seat belt. Never use the same seat belt across two or more passengers.
Children under 135cm tall must be in the correct car seat for their height and weight. You can be fined £500 if:
Find out car seat requirements and further information by visiting https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules
4) Ben Kinsella Trust Almost one in five (18%) secondary school teachers in England have seen pupils with knives in school, according to a special survey commissioned by Sky News. The survey also shows that despite recent high-profile knife attacks in UK secondary schools, only 15% of the teachers in England we polled said they had received any formal training or guidance on how to deal with pupils with knives.
5) Vehicle Theft Equipment (change in law) Vehicle theft equipment to be banned under new government law. Possession or distribution of electronic devices used to commit vehicle theft will be banned, carrying a maximum sentence of 5 years. Sophisticated electronic devices used by criminals in 40% of vehicle thefts in England and Wales will be banned under new laws. Police officers and the courts will be given new powers to target criminals who steal vehicles using electronic devices, including ‘signal jammers’, along with the organised groups who manufacture and supply these devices. Previously, prosecution for handling these devices was only possible if it could be proved by police that they had been used to commit a specific crime. Under these new laws, anyone who is found in possession of one, or to have imported, made, adapted or distributed them, could receive a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine. The burden of proof will instead fall on the owner to prove they were using the device for a legitimate purpose, to avoid being prosecuted.
6) Independent end-to-end review of online knife sales (Home Office)
7) New powers for police to tackle neighbourhood crime
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Preparing for the future Find out how you or a family member can prepare for the future and remain living well at home. Join us and others from across the south east for a free online presentation brought to you by Age UK Surrey. They will be covering topics that are relevant no matter where we live in the UK. From local support, types of care, typical costs, how technology can help, to why we should all set up a Power of Attorney and much more. Date: Tuesday 11 March Time: 7pm to 8.30pm Register for the event with Age UK Surrey: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/PlanningForYourFutureONLINEEVENTMARCH11  2) Consultations
We're asking for your views on the proposal to amend the eligibility of various properties within Oxford Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) to apply for Residents & Visitors Parking Permits. Closing date 07 March 2025
We're asking for your views on the proposals to construct new side road entry treatments (generally 85mm high platforms, with 1:10 ramp gradients) at the following junctions along the Banbury Road and Iffley Road in Oxford, which will provide continuous footways across the junction providing improvements for both pedestrians and cyclists: A4165 Banbury Road A4158 Iffley Road Belbroughton Road Radcliffe Road Linton Road Iffley Turn Rawlinson Road Westbury Crescent Norham Road Courtland Road (North and South) Bevington Road Cornwallis Road* St. Margarets Road* Improvements to some existing central traffic islands are also proposed which will help further aid safe crossing movements. In Oxford, the overwhelming majority of injuries on the highway are to pedestrians and people cycling, frequently at junctions. Therefore, the proposals for Banbury Road and Iffley Road are focussed on improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists with the proposed interventions being identified in conjunction with the Department for Transport (DfT) and Oxfordshire County Council’s Vision Zero team. Funding has largely been provided by the DfT’s Safer Roads Fund, and the DfT has identified the Banbury Road and Iffley Road for intervention to improve road safety, particularly for more vulnerable road users. This funding can only be used for this specific purpose, and on these specific roads * junction design to take into account the existing bus route. Closing date 28 March https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_a4165a4158_sret2025
We're asking for your views on the proposal to move the existing ‘Permit Holders Only 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Monday – Saturday’ parking places outside Nos.27 & 33 Frenchay Road, from being located wholly on the carriageway, to being located partly on the adjacent footway. The proposal is being put forward in order to help facilitate free movement of traffic in the immediate vicinity. Closing date 28 March https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_frenchayroad_parking2025
3) Camera enforcement Camera enforcement has now been approved at the 20 proposed sites around Oxfordshire. Blue Badge holders, taxis and private hire vehicles, and shop deliveries would be exempt from the cameras. If any drivers offend and fines are raised, these must go first to the costs of enforcement and second to transport improvement schemes. 
OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Council Tax Did you know you can view your Council Tax bill online? It’s as simple as registering for OPENPortal. To register: You must be an Oxford resident You must register with a UK address You need your Council Tax account reference – find this at the top-right of your Council Tax bill, it is 9-digits long and starts with a 6 Find out more and register for OPENPortal at https://www.oxford.gov.uk/council-tax/view-council-tax-account-get-bill-online
2) Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP)  Is SWEP free to access? SWEP is completely free of charge for people experiencing rough sleeping. Dogs at SWEP venues One of the SWEP venues is suitable for people with dogs and OxSPOT can also arrange free kennels if necessary. Kennels must be arranged in advance and are not available on the night. 
3) Hinksey Splash Park It's getting closer! Over the next few weeks, the new safety surfacing and painting will be added, followed by final tests and connections to ensure everything is ready to enjoy in April - weather permitting! The project will see the installation of a new seasonal splash play area in the park, as well as the installation of a ‘learn and play’ balance bike and scooter track for younger children.
4) Support sustainable building projects A new pilot initiative has launched in Oxford, aiming to match small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and community groups that want to reduce their carbon footprint with funders who can support their projects – helping Oxford’s local businesses and communities on the route to net zero. The Local Carbon Oxford Project (LCOP) is a pilot project from Oxford City Council and Low Carbon Hub. It aims to matchmake small and medium sized businesses and community groups (‘developers’) with larger businesses to fund energy efficiency projects across Oxford. We will be holding workshops for those who want to learn more about the initiative in March:
5) Parking ticket fraud We have been made aware of instances of attempted parking ticket fraud involving fake QR codes and fraudulent text messages. Fraudsters have attached counterfeit QR codes to ticket dispensers in car parks in neighbouring areas. These QR codes directed users to fraudulent websites PaybyPhonie.com that mimicked legitimate payment platforms like PayByPhone and RingGo. The fake sites have since been taken down, and enforcement teams have removed the QR codes. We have also been made aware of scammers sending text messages claiming to be from local authorities, falsely stating that a parking fine had been issued. Individuals should be cautious of QR codes on parking machines and verify official payment links before making transactions. Suspicious text messages should not be responded to, and official sources should be checked for any genuine fines.
6) Changes to Botley Road roadworks pedestrian access Next week, Thames Water will start work on connecting the new water main pipe that has been installed below the Botley Road rail bridge. To allow for safe installation, Network Rail will be installing temporary traffic lights in Frideswide Square between 11am and 12pm on Tuesday (4 March). The walkway leading into Frideswide Square will also be temporarily diverted to allow for works for a period of three weeks from Monday 10 March.
7) Meetings
Where Council meetings are livestreamed or recorded, the link will appear below. Standards Committee: Monday 24 February, 6pm. Oxford City Planning Committee: Tuesday 25 February, 6pm: Watch the livestream recording. Climate and Environment Panel (Panel of the Scrutiny Committee): Wednesday 26 February, 6pm. Planning Review Committee: Thursday 27 February, 6pm.
Scrutiny Committee: Monday 3 March, 6pm. Licensing & Gambling Acts Casework Subcommittee: Tuesday 4 March, 6pm. Housing and Homelessness Panel (Panel of the Scrutiny Committee): Thursday 6 March, 6pm.
GENERAL INFORMATION 999 is for life-threatening emergencies like serious road traffic accidents, strokes, heart attacks & severe burns/blood loss. If it's not life-threatening but you need urgent medical help use: 111 (call, go online or use the NHS App) Visit your local pharmacy
2) Red hat appeal Well done to Blackbird Leys Community Group members (Facebook) which was viewed by 136,000 and shared by 1,200.  3) Food recalls
Cereal Partners UK and Ireland are recalling Nestlé Frosted Shreddies because they may contain small hard lumps of sugar which have formed in the product. This makes the product unsafe to eat and may present a choking hazard No other batches of Nestlé Frosted Shreddies, Nestlé Shreddies varieties or other Nestlé Breakfast Cereal products, are affected. Consumers are requested not to eat any product with these batch codes. Before disposing of the product, please take a photo of the batch code, which can be found on the top of the pack, and contact our consumer services team through the contact us form on our website www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/contact or by phone on 0080007890789 to receive a refund. 
Cheshire Farm is recalling Caramelized Biscuit Ice Cream and Biscoff Ice Cream because they contain hazelnuts which is not mentioned on the label. This means the products are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to nuts. This recall has been updated to include the Biscoff Ice Cream.
Baxter’s Food Group is recalling Baxter’s Sliced Gherkins Crunchy & Sweet because they contain mustard which is not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to mustard. 
Unisnacks Europe Ltd are recalling Orion Turtle Chips Sweetcorn Flavour because of undeclared milk, soya and wheat (gluten) which are not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, and/or an allergy to soya and/or an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten, or with coeliac disease. Pack size 80g Best before 10 April 2025 and 24 April 2025 https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-aa-09-2025
4) Product Recalls
Hazard: The product presents a serious chemical risk as the white paint circle contains excess concentrations of lead. Product Description Watercolours pallet (plastic) with 12 colours.
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of injuries as there is insufficient protection to the user. Product Description Red and black battery chainsaw.
5) Bus service updates Oxford Bus Service
Affected routes: Affected stops: Oxford City Centre, Magdalen Street East, S-bound Oxford City Centre, Magdalen Street, N-bound Oxford City Centre, Magdalen Street, N-bound Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, N-bound Oxford, Plantation Road, N-bound Oxford, Canterbury Road, N-bound Due to an emergency closure of Magdalen Street East from 28/02 until further notice, our services will need to divert as follows:
6th - 7th Mar 2025 Affected routes: Affected stops: Littlemore, Kassam Stadium, SE-bound Littlemore, Holiday Inn Express Hotel, SE-bound Due to roadworks, the Templar's Square bound stops at the Kassam Stadium, and the Holiday Inn Express will be temporarily suspended from 06/03 to 07/03, each day between 09:30 and 15:30. Passengers are advised to alight at the Frys Hill Roundabout stop.
6) Healthwatch
Our next public webinar will take place on Tuesday 18th March at 1pm and is called 'Supporting mental health and wellbeing in our young people through their teenage years'. Full details, including speakers and a Zoom joining link, will be announced on our website here next week, but for now please save the date to join us if you can. You can also watch recordings of previous webinars on our website here including our webinar last month, which offered an interesting insight into how teams at doctors’ surgeries are changing and expanding to help patients get the care they need.
Every three months we produce a report summarising our recent work and examples of how this is making a difference. Our latest summary focuses on the impact of our report looking into people’s experiences of leaving hospital. The summary also outlines how we:
You can read this summary on our website here
7) Network Rail
Future sessions 
Once the piling work is complete, we need to temporarily divert the walkway on the Frideswide Square side of the bridge to make space for Thames Water to access the water main. The work to realign the walkway will start on Thursday 6 March and continues until Sunday 9 March. From Monday 10 March, the entrance/exit for the walkway on the Frideswide Square side of the bridge will be accessed near the station (see diagram above and image below.) It is scheduled to be in place for three weeks before returning to its original location. We’re sorry for any disruption this causes.
Next week, Thames Water will start the work to connect the new water main pipe that has been installed under the railway bridge. It will be done in two stages:
This is scheduled to take place on Tuesday (4 March). While doing this, they need to access a valve that is located below the roundabout in Frideswide Square, in front of Sainsbury’s (see image below.) To allow them to access this safely, there will be temporary traffic lights in place in Frideswide Square between 11am and 12pm. In preparation for the above, Thames Water will also be working in Abbey Road on Sunday night (2 March) to access the valve that is located there. For safety reasons, this has to be done at night, when buses have stopped running.
This is scheduled to take place on Thursday 13 March. Similar to the above, they will need to access the valve that is located below the roundabout. There will be temporary traffic lights in place in Frideswide Square between 11am and 12pm.
Great Western Railway has set up a new, staffed, passenger assistance meeting point at Oxford station to help customers with reduced mobility access the station. Step-free access is already available from the main station entrance on Park End Street, and an accessible gate on the west side of the station in Cripley Road was opened in October for those who need it. The new meeting point will offer a welcome to people approaching the station from the west who need additional help to access the station, and will be open between 07:30 – 21:00 Monday to Friday, and 08:00 – 21:00 on Saturday, and 10:30 – 20:00 on Sunday.
8) Dementia Oxfordshire Did you know that anyone worried about their memory can now access expert support and advice from Dementia Oxfordshire? Our new Memory Support Service provides a one-to-one consultation with one of our friendly and expert Advisers, who can help with memory strategies, explore lifestyle changes, advise on benefits and provide support with planning for the future. We can also support anyone who already has a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or who is waiting to be seen at a memory clinic. To access the new service, anyone with concerns about their memory will need to be referred by their GP. A GP can advise on the causes of memory loss and refer to our Memory Support Service if it is appropriate. More information about the new Memory Support Service: https://buff.ly/3CYtE5c  9) Road closure -JR2 Hospital Road closure on John Radcliffe Hospital site, Oxford, on Saturday 8 March The road between Oxford Children's Hospital on the John Radcliffe Hospital site and the JR Level 2 Main Entrance will be closed on Saturday 8 March between 6.00am and 6.00pm. (Timings are approximate.) This section of road has to be closed in order for a crane to lift heavy equipment on to the roof of the Oxford Heart Centre. All traffic coming in from Headley Way will have to turn left at the roundabout and go round the site clockwise past the West Wing, Trauma, the Industrial Block, and the Women’s Centre. To leave, all traffic will have to do the same route but in reverse. The delivery drop-off bay, Cardiac Day Case entrance and the entrance to Level 0 will not be accessible. Controlled access and egress for cyclists and pedestrians will be operational throughout the day to ensure their safety. Buses that come in from Headley Way to the main entrance will stop at the roundabout in front of Oxford Children's Hospital and go back out on to Headley Way. There will be signs at the bus stops near the Level 2 main entrance to direct passengers down to the roundabout for the day. Buses coming in from Osler Road are not affected. For a map of the John Radcliffe Hospital site please visit: https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/hospitals/jr/documents/jr-hospital-sitemap.pdf
10) March Calendar 
I hope you have an enjoyable week Take care and stay safe, Maggie | ||||||||
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