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Oxford Community Information Weekly Newsletter 27-4-25 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)
CONTENTS POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) This Week THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) TVP Call Performance Update TVP OXFORD 1) Missing person appeal 2) Carfax Tower 3) Queen Street 4) Cowley Road SCAM AWARENESS 1) Ticket Fraud 2) Do you know if your email has been compromised? 3) Payment cards 4) 5 Simple rules for protecting your money 5) M&S 6) Mystery box scams 7) TV Licence scams 8) Bogus callers CRIME PREVENTION 2) Behind the wheel 3) Protect your tools from theft CRIME INFORMATION 1) Unlicensed music events 2) Seat belts 3) Stalking 4) Domestic abuse myth 5) Domestic abuse reality 6) Domestic Homicide Project 7) Recorded crimes OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Temporary traffic orders 2) Active Travel 3) Trying to give up smoking? 4) Oxon Fire and Rescue OXFORD CITY COUNCIL 1) Consultation 2) Museum of Oxford 3) May Day 4) VE Day 80th Anniversary and St. George's Day 5) Meetings 6) Oxford Direct Services 7) Consultation GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Wild water swimming 2) Herbert Protocol 3) Food Alerts 4) Bus Service Updates 5) What3words - Find out more 6) Lithium-ion batteries 7) NHS 24/7 Text service for mental health support 8) Healthwatch 9) Bank Holiday Pharmacy Hours (5th May 2025) 10) Network Rail 11) Product Recalls
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER 1) This Week  THAMES VALLEY POLICE 1) Thames Valley Police Call Performance Update 
TVP OXFORD 1) Missing person appeal  Have you seen Stephen? The 54-year-old man was reported missing from Oxford on 20/4 having not been heard from since 30 March. Stephen is 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build, and may be wearing blue or black jeans, an open necked top, with a walking coat and boots. He is known to carry a backpack with him.. His car, a blue Mazda 3, was abandoned by a field on the Ridgeway near Southfields, Aldworth, West Berkshire. We are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare. Stephen is known to have a friend he often goes walking with, called ‘David’, from the Bristol area, who we have not spoken to yet. If this is you or you have any information that can help us speak to David, please get in touch. We're extremely concerned for Stephen’s welfare so if you see him, 999, quoting 43250192691. Anyone with information on Stephen’s whereabouts should make a report on our website https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/mp/v3.1/add-something-reported-missing/
2) Carfax Tower Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to an assault in Oxford in the early hours of the morning of 20/4. An offender punched the victim, a man in his late teens, in the face after arguing with him and his friends near the Carfax Tower at the junction of Queen Street at around 1.10am. The punch knocked out both of the victim’s front teeth; he required hospital treatment, where he remains. A 22-year-old man from Carterton has been arrested on suspicion of assault. He has been released on police bail until July. Investigating officer PC Megan Woodland, based at Cowley police station, said: "I am appealing for any witnesses and anyone with information about this assault to come forward. “There were multiple members of the public around at the time, including taxi drivers. “I would urge any drivers with a dash-cam who were driving in the city centre area at the time to please check your recordings in case you have captured anything that might help our investigation. “Please either call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43250191707. “Alternatively, provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
3) Queen Street
Thames Valley Police is releasing images of four men officers wish to speak to as they may have vital information about an affray in Oxford. At around 3.20am on 16 March, a large group of people were involved in a fight in Queen Street. Investigating officer PC Paul Lyford said: “I am appealing for anyone who recognises the men in these images to please get in touch as I believe they may have vital information about this affray. “If you are pictured, please come forward as soon as possible. “Anyone who can help us should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43250128037. “Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
    4) Cowley Road We're asking for your help following an assault which resulted in the male victim in his 30's having to seek medical advice, and sustaining a concussion.
The victim and his wife were approached by a male described as: Mixed Race, around 185cm (6ft) tall, aged between 25-35 years, with medium length dark curly hair wearing dark clothing. The suspect appeared to be intoxicated and tried to grab the victim by the hands and engage him in conversation. The victim and his wife walked away but were followed by the suspect who proceeded to punch the victim in the face. If you were in the area and witnessed this incident, or if you have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that may help with our investigation please contact us on 101, or online quoting Ref: 43250181011
SCAM AWARENESS 1) Ticket Fraud Over 9,800 people reported ticket fraud last year. Paying with a credit card can increase your chances of recovering your money if you get affected by fraud. Avoid bank transfer payments.
2) Do you know if your email has been compromised? Do you know if your email address has been compromised in a data breach? You can easily check here: https://haveibeenpwned.com For more info on how to protect your accounts: http://cyberaware.gov.uk
3) Payment cards A sophisticated new scam attack that allows cyber thieves to instantly access the money of victims has been uncovered by experts. The devastating scam is pulled off when targets "tap" their payment cards on their infected Android phones. It's been dubbed "SuperCard X" and appears to be linked to Chinese-speaking threat actors. The ruse begins like many others, with individuals receiving a fake text or WhatsApp message claiming to be from their bank. These messages say there has been a suspicious transaction on their account and that they need to call a number to resolve it. Fraudsters pose as bank support staff and trick victims into revealing their card number, PIN and removing spending limits within their banking app But matters take a different turn next when the scammer tells them to install an app that's meant to be a security or verification tool. Instead, it hides the SuperCard X malware. The cyber crook finally urges the person to tap their payment card on their phone to verify it. However, this doesn't protect their account - it allows the malware to read the card chip data, which is instantly sent off to the fraudster. This process allows the attacker to access the stolen funds instantly and potentially outside traditional fraud channels that typically involve bank transfers.
4) 5 Simple rules for protecting your money
If your PC, tablet or mobile phone is no longer receiving security updates, don’t use it for banking. Windows 10, for example, is ending security support in October 2025, which means it won’t get security updates or fixes after this date. Your PC won't become riddled with viruses overnight (so don't panic), but it may become more vulnerable over time. Unsupported devices are more prone to malware and other cyberattacks because criminals will try to abuse known weaknesses. All apps and software should be kept up-to-date to protect you from the latest threats, though you might be surprised to learn that some brands only support devices with these vital security patches for as little as two years.
If you want to install a new app, stick to your phone’s app store, eg Apple’s App Store or Google Play, as they vet apps and remove rogue developers. Installing an app from alternative sources puts you at much greater risk of malware and privacy violations.
Tools such as AnyDesk, LogMeIn and TeamViewer (or its QuickSupport app) are legitimately used by IT professionals to fix problems from afar but scammers abuse these to get into bank accounts. They may pretend to be from your bank, broadband provider or even a retailer such as Amazon, perhaps claiming they can help you ‘secure your account’ or offer 'technical support'. If a cold caller wants you to share your screen or give them access to your device, this should be an immediate red flag. Never share bank security codes (those used to log in to online accounts and authorise payments) either. Your real bank will never ask to share these over the phone or in a message.
Number-spoofing technology means scammers can start to convince you even before you pick up the phone. That call or text may appear to be from ‘Barclays’, but there’s no guarantee it’s not a scammer, using software to mimic an official phone number or Sender ID. Spoofed texts can even appear in the same message thread as genuine ones, making it impossible to distinguish between the two. A common tactic is to refer to unauthorised transactions or another security breach to create panic.
Two-factor authentication, or 2fa, is usually the first thing I tell people to put in place to secure their online accounts, as it means that even if a scammer steals or guesses your username and password, they will need to pass an additional security check to get in. Even with 2fa, don’t be tempted to use the same Pin or password twice, as this is still your first line of defence. If an attacker has got hold of your login details for one online account, perhaps following a data breach, or stolen through a phishing message, they will use automated software to test these login details across other accounts.
5) M&S Marks and Spencer (M&S) has suffered a “cyber incident” that has affected stores for the last few days, resulting in “small changes” to store operations in order to protect customers “and the business." The retailer confirmed Click and Collect services were impacted by technical issues as a result, and some stores were unable to process contactless payments. It’s not yet clear if this incident has resulted in any breached customer or employee data, or if this was a ransomware attack, but customers should make sure to change their passwords and be on the lookout for suspicious activity just in case. In a statement released on 25 April, it's now said it is halting taking orders on both its website and app. 
6) Mystery box scams There's been a recent increase in scam posts and adverts on social media which say that a big brand is giving away products that are left over or that have been ordered by customers and not collected. In the example pictured, a social media post offers the chance to receive a box of clothes from online clothing retailer Shein, which are supposely left over from uncollected shipments. You are asked to click a link and fill out a form in order to be sent a selection of clothes.  There have also been adverts saying that Boots are offering 'mystery boxes' containing leftover cosmetics for £3. Again, you are asked to click a link and fill out a form before paying the money. The Get Safe Online Check a Website page is an easy-to-use online tool which helps you to determine whether a website is likely to be legitimate or a scam before you visit it.
7) TV Licence scams
Links in these messages usually lead to a malicious website with TV Licensing branding which asks for your account details, payment information and personal details such as date of birth, address and phone number.
8) Bogus callers You should never have a cold caller complete any jobs around your house and garden. The usual scenario is that a price is agreed, which sounds very reasonable, but then the rogue trader find other faults and issues and this inflates the cost greatly. They can then become threatening when questions are asked. Please remind any elderly or vulnerable family or neighbours about this. If they are looking to get work done then encourage them to do the research or ask others they trust to recommend a company or tradesperson.
CRIME PREVENTION
2) Behind the wheel Nobody is invincible behind the wheel of any vehicle. A moment of distraction, a few extra miles per hour, a blind overtake, another drink, can all lead to a lifetime of regret. No journey is worth facing the life sentence of knowing your actions as a driver have left a family without their loved one. Drive safe, every time.
3) Protect your tools from theft With the nicer weather approaching, many will be spending more time in the garden and using sheds and garages more often. Unfortunately, that also means a rise in tool thefts, as opportunistic thieves target easy-to-access storage areas. Even basic extra measures can make a big difference — most thieves are looking for an easy win. Add time, noise, and risk to the equation, and they’re more likely to walk away.
Always secure your shed or garage, even if you’re just stepping inside for a minute. Use quality padlocks and reinforce weak doors or hinges. Secure doors with anti-tamper screws and reinforced hinges — weak points are easy to exploit. If you’ve got windows, reinforce them with shatter-resistant film or metal mesh from the inside.
Use ground anchors or wall brackets to chain up expensive power tools, lawnmowers, strimmers, and bikes. Even inside a locked building, chaining tools to a solid object adds another barrier for thieves. Use a lockable cabinet or tool chest inside your shed/garage for your most valuable or portable items. Lock that cabinet to a wall or floor if possible — think of it as your second line of defence. Use a shed alarm - Battery-powered ones are cheap and easy to install. Install motion-sensor lighting around sheds and garages. Thieves prefer the dark — light makes them think twice. Visible security cameras (even dummy ones) can deter criminals. If you can, use a system that sends alerts to your phone. Make a list of serial numbers for your power tools and take clear photos. If police recover stolen property, this information helps them return it to you. Don’t leave tools lying around in the garden or visible through windows. Secure ladders and larger items with chains or locks. Look out for suspicious activity around sheds and garages — especially at night or when neighbours are away.
1) Unlicensed music events Unlicensed music events are unlawful. (attachment) They cause distress and disruption to local residents and often don’t have plans in place to keep everyone attending them safe. Do you know the signs of an unlicensed music event?
If you see anything suspicious call 101 straight away with as much information as you can about the people and vehicles involved.  2) Seat belts Most of us wear our seat belt without giving it a second thought, realising how it can help to save our life in the event of a collision on the roads, but sadly a few people still choose to risk their life and travel without. You must wear a seat belt if one is fitted in the seat you’re using - there are only a few exceptions. You’re also only allowed one person in each seat fitted with a seat belt. You can be fined up to £500 if you do not wear a seat belt when you’re supposed to. Children You must make sure that any children in the vehicle you’re driving are:
You can be fined up to £500 if a child under 14 is not in the correct car seat or wearing a seat belt while you’re driving. When you do not need to wear a seat belt https://www.gov.uk/seat-belts-law/when-you-dont-need-to-wear-a-seat-belt
3) Stalking 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will experience stalking in their lifetime. Anyone can be a victim. If you have concerns about stalking contact us on 101 or call the National Stalking Helpline 0808 802 0300. Did you know the average stalking victim endures 100 incidents before they report? The Alice Ruggles Trust has produced a short video that aims to raise awareness of stalking and encourage people to seek help. This short video includes information about how people can be affected if they are being stalked, but provides help about what you can do if you are being stalked. It features two friends discussing the behaviour of an ex-partner. It can escalate, and in some cases, is a pre-cursor to violence or serious harm. The Alice Ruggles Trust video https://orlo.uk/0kirn Stalking and harassment are serious crimes that can have a devastating effect on a person’s life. The impact of being stalked can be both physical and psychological. If you believe you are being stalking, please report it. Think FOUR Stalking behaviour is Fixated Obsessive Unwanted Repeated Any kind of persistent, unwanted contact that causes distress is stalking, and is unacceptable.
4) Domestic abuse myth If it were really that bad, they would just leave Reality: Women stay in abusive relationships for many complex reasons and leaving can be very difficult. Like any relationship, abusive ones often begin with love & affection. Abuse can develop over time or happen on and off.
5) Domestic abuse reality In England and Wales, approximately 1 in 5 homicides are domestic homicides. Over the last decade, 898 female victims were killed in domestic homicides, with 78% killed by a partner or ex-partner. Data shows that a woman is killed in the UK every 3 days, on average, due to domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is all too common in the UK, and its harmful impacts on survivors can extend to many areas of their lives, including mental health, physical wellbeing and family safety. Fact: The police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds. Fact: 1 in 4 women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime. Fact: On average, one woman is killed by an abusive partner or ex every five days in England and Wales. Always call 999 in an emergency. Fact: It takes, on average, 7 attempts before a woman is able to leave for good. Fact: Domestic abuse is linked to depression and homelessness. Fact: Domestic abuse can lead women to suicide. Fact: 20% of children in the UK have lived with an adult perpetrating domestic abuse. Fact: Young girls in the UK report high incidence of sexual violence. Fact: 93% of defendants in domestic abuse cases are male; 84% of victims are female. Fact: Domestic abuse costs the UK an estimated £23 billion a year. Fact: Domestic abuse can increase during pregnancy.
6) Domestic Homicide Project Key findings: 262 deaths were recorded between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024
22 cases of deaths due to a fall from height were recorded across 13 forces during the four-year period, of those:
For the second year in a row, suspected suicides following domestic abuse have overtaken the number of homicides involving current or previous partners. This reflects increased awareness and progress made against recommendations in the project’s last report, which focused on improving policing’s ability to better recognise and record the link between domestic abuse and suicide. Over four years (1 April 2020 – 31 March 2024), the number of people killed by their current or previous partner consistently represents around a third of domestic abuse-related deaths each year.
7) Recorded crimes
More than half a million shoplifting offences have been recorded by police in England and Wales for the first time. A total of 516,971 were logged in 2024, up 20% from 429,873 in 2023. It's the highest since current recording practices began more than 20 years ago, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It said shoplifting had been at record levels for the last two years - with a sharp rise since the pandemic. However, many offences are not reported to police so the actual number is likely to be far higher.
Theft from the person offences have also reached their highest level under current recording methods. Police recorded 152,416 in the year ending December 2024 - a rise of 22%, according to the ONS. Mobile phones are the most commonly stolen item in this category. However, when considering the Crime Survey for England and Wales, rather than official police figures, the ONS estimates the 2024 figure to be much higher - 483,000 - up 50%.
In total, 1.8 million theft offences were logged by police, up 1% on the year before.
Other findings include homicide offences falling 5% from 563 to 535, the lowest since the 533 recorded in 2013-2014.
Meanwhile, knife crime was up 2% to 54,587 but is still below the pre-pandemic 2020 figure of 55,140. Overall, 6.64 million crimes were recorded by police in England and Wales, down by 1% from 6.68 million in 2023.
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 1) Temporary traffic orders
Knights Road in Blackbird Leys will be temporarily closed from its junction with Blackbird Leys Road to 65 metres southwards towards Willow Way. The closure, which came into effect on Monday, April 14, is due to road layout changes, including modifications to the footpath and cycle path. These works are expected to be completed by July 4. During this period, signs will be displayed to indicate when the measures are in force. Exceptions are in place for emergency services, for the works, and for access to premises that are only accessible from the closed section of the road. Motorists are advised to use the alternative route via Knights Road, Merlin Road, and Blackbird Leys Road.
Parking will be temporarily banned on parts of Grenoble Road due to network upgrades. The temporary order on Grenoble Road in Blackbird Leys, effective from Monday, April 21, is to allow for the installation of approximately 2,394 metres of ducting for fibre cables. Work is expected to finish on June 22. The prohibition will cover Grenoble Road between Nightingale Avenue and B480. The ban, which will be in place 24 hours a day, will also suspend parking bays and loading areas. Signs will be put up to show when the ban is in force. Exceptions are made for police, fire, ambulance services, and the work itself.
A temporary traffic order will ban waiting in two Oxford roads for construction. The order, affecting Between Towns Road and St Lukes Road, will come into force on April 20 and is expected to last until June 30. The measure is being implemented to allow construction access and will be in effect 24 hours a day. The temporary prohibition will apply to numbers 7 to 117 and 178 to 191 on Between Towns Road, and both sides of St Lukes Road. Appropriate traffic signs will be displayed to indicate when the prohibition is in force. Exemptions are included for emergency services and for the works, and for access to premises which are only accessible from the closed section of road.
2) Active Travel We have ambitious plans to give residents more options for travel as outlined in our county-wide Local Transport and Connectivity Plan. https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/connecting-oxfordshire/active-travel
3) Trying to give up smoking? Stop smoking in one day for FREE, with Allen Carr's Easyway. An exciting pilot scheme has been announced for the residents of Oxfordshire. In one of only a few partnerships with councils, residents of Oxfordshire now have the chance to stop smoking using the world-famous Allen Carr’s Easyway to stop smoking. Funded by Oxford County Council. Book your place for FREE to attend one of our world-class seminars. There are both online and in-person group seminars available. Oxfordshire County Council is offering limited spaces to residents of Oxfordshire only. Apply today to secure your seat at one of our online or in-person seminars https://www.allencarr.com/location/oxfordshire-council-d/
4) Oxon Fire and Rescue Meeting mates for a drink tonight? Leave the bike at home! It takes a lot longer than most people think for alcohol to pass through the body - even the smallest amount of alcohol can impact your ability to ride safely.
1) Consultation
Oxford City Council is starting the preparation of a new Local Plan for the city to guide where new development can go. This early involvement is taking place prior to the legally required stages to seek early views from residents, businesses and other bodies to help identify the main issues being faced. What is the new Local Plan? The new Local Plan will aim to address the key issues facing all of Oxford’s residents and businesses. Based on the existing use of the land in the city, it will outline where and how new housing developments can take place in the future, ensuring the city’s economic growth is managed and made more inclusive for everyone whilst preserving the qualities that make Oxford unique. https://consultation.oxford.gov.uk/planning-services/localplan2042-earlyengagement/ Closes 28 Apr 2025
2) Museum of Oxford For Older People Memory Lane. Tea & Talk and Movers and Shakers people can just turn up. Contact afleming@oxford.gov.uk for more information
Monday 28 April – 2pm – 3.30pm Memory Lane - Theme: Cutteslowe & Beyond
Friday 2 May 10.30 – 12 Noon Poetry Session with Jane Thomas – – places are still available, please let me know if you are interested in reserving a spot.
Tea & Talk - no booking required, just turn up.
Movers & Shakers – no booking required, just turn up.
Craft places are available, all materials are provided.
3) May Day Oxford's May Morning celebrations date back more than 500 years. The tradition sees thousands of people gather along High Street and Magdalen Bridge at 6am on 1 May to hear Magdalen College Choir herald the arrival of spring – and this year, May Morning will be celebrated next Thursday (1 May).
Crowds typically start to assemble around Magdalen College Tower from 5.30am. We've arranged a crowd management system to ensure a safe and enjoyable morning for everyone.   Please be aware, Magdalen Bridge will feature one-way channels to enable the crowd to flow during and after May Morning. Look out for stewards and signage guiding you to viewing spots. It's important to follow any instructions from stewards, who are there to help you and others enjoy the experience. Specific viewing areas for wheelchair users, families with young children, and those with buggies are set up in the Magdalen College School car park and in Rose Lane.
Expect road closures from 2am to 9am on May Morning, affecting all traffic, including bicycles:
Learn more: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/events-oxford/may-morning-oxford
4) VE Day 80th Anniversary and St. George's Day VE Day 80th Anniversary and St. George's Day in Oxford: Sunday 27 April, 10.30am, St. Michael's at the North Gate Today (27 April), a service will be held at St. Michael's at the North Gate to jointly celebrate St. George's Day and mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in Europe (VE Day). The service will be held at 10.30am and is open to all. For those who cannot attend the service, it will be livestreamed at this link
5) Meetings Recent meetingsSpecial Meeting, General Purposes Licensing Casework Sub-Committee Tuesday 22 April, 6pm. Upcoming meetingsCouncil meetings take place at Oxford Town Hall and are open to the public. ODS Shareholder and Joint Venture Group Tuesday 29 April, 6pm.
6) Oxford Direct Services
Please continue putting your items in the blue bin, making sure they’re rinsed, squashed, and loose—no bags needed. Just a gentle reminder: black bin bags should always go in your general waste bin—they don’t belong in the blue bin at all. And when it comes to food waste, separating it into your food caddy is actually much more hygienic than mixing it in with your general waste (trust us on that one!). If you don’t already have a caddy, we’re happy to help. Just give us a call and we’ll arrange a free 5L indoor food caddy (for flats and houses) or a 23L outdoor caddy (for houses only).
We’ve recently seen an increase in fly-tipping at some of our communal flat sites, and we want to reassure you that these areas are being closely monitored. Fly-tipping is illegal, harmful to the environment, and expensive to clear. Not only does it spoil the shared spaces we all use, but it can also attract vermin, pose public health risks, and lead to enforcement action and fines for those responsible. We understand that reporting this kind of behaviour can feel uncomfortable—but if you have any information about individuals who may be fly-tipping, you can report it anonymously. Every bit of information helps. Together, we can protect our shared spaces and keep them clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Let’s take pride in our community—thank you for doing your part. https://www.oxford.gov.uk/street-cleaning/report-flytipping
Bins will be collected as normal over both May Bank Holidays, so please put your bins out on the usual day.
Blue recycling bins, blue sacks, and clear sacks are for recycling only Green rubbish bins and lilac sacks are for general household waste Food caddys are for food waste Brown bins and eco sacks are for compostable garden waste
7) Consultation (last opportunity) Oxford City Council is starting the preparation of a new Local Plan for the city to guide where new development can go. This early involvement is taking place prior to the legally required stages to seek early views from residents, businesses and other bodies to help identify the main issues being faced. https://consultation.oxford.gov.uk/planning-services/localplan2042-earlyengagement/ Closes 28 Apr 2025
GENERAL INFORMATION 1) Wild water swimming 49% of UK accidental drownings occur between May and August. There is also see a heightened risk of drowning when air temperatures are higher. When UK air temperatures reach 25°C or higher...
Now the weather is warming up please stay safe around water – visit Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK for advice on enjoying water safely Be wary of hidden dangers under the water and cold-water shock, which can both get even strong swimmers into difficulty. If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to Float to Live:
If someone else is in trouble in the water:
2) Herbert Protocol The Herbert Protocol was first introduced in 2009 in Norfolk. The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme to help make sure that people living with dementia who are at risk of becoming lost can be found and brought home safely. Police forces and emergency services across England and Wales use the Herbert Protocol as a kind and proactive way to help when someone with dementia is reported missing.
3) Food Alerts
Asda is recalling Asda Simple To Cook Asian Inspired Pork Belly Slices because the product may contain milk and sulphites 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 a sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and/or sulphites. Some packs have been mispacked with Asda Simple To Cook Tomato & Mozzarella Pork Meatballs.
Morrisons is recalling Morrisons The Best 6 Thick Cumberland Sausages because the product may contain small pieces of blue plastic. Pack size 400g Use by 01 May 2025 
Damasgate Wholesale is recalling Sofra Potato Chips Seasoning because it contains peanuts which are not mentioned on the label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts. Lot number All lot numbers Best before All best before dates
4) Bus Service Updates STAGECOACH
Due to roadworks on Garsington Road, the bus stops at Longwall / Beefeater are closed during the above dates. Passengers should use the Garsington Road bus stops as an alternative. OXFORD BUS COMPANY
1st May 2025
Due to roadworks being carried out at the junction of Cowley Road and College Lane in Littlemore, the bus stops located at the front of the Blessed Dominic Barberi Catholic Church will be out of use all day on 1st May 2025, in both directions. Customers are advised to use the stops by Littlemore Shops as an alternative. Apologies for the inconvenience this may cause.
Due to May Morning celebrations, Magdalen Bridge, Longwall Street, and a section of the High Street will be closed between 02:00 and 09:00 on 01/05/2025. During this time, all of our services operating through this travel corridor will need to divert as shown below. We expect major disruptions and delays as a result of this and advise passengers to allow more time for their journeys. Towards Oxford, services will operate via the Ring Road and Abingdon Road, resuming their regular routes from Speedwell Street. Towards Oxford, services will operate via Iffley Road, the Ring Road and Abingdon Road to resume their regular routes from Speedwell Street. Towards Oxford, services will operate via the Ring Road and Abingdon Road, resuming their regular route at Speedwell Street.
5) What3words - Find out more If you have broken down, been involved in a road traffic accident, or in any danger and need assistance, tell the emergency services exactly where you are with what3words.  The free app and website uses a system of 3 words to identify any location down to a 3 metre by 3 metre square. In an emergency you only need to read out the 3 words for the 999 operator to know exactly where you are. You don’t have to find street signs or describe your location. Find out more https://what3words.com
6) Lithium-ion batteries Did you know that lithium-ion batteries that are used for e-bikes and e-scooters can cause fires? Take these steps to protect yourself from fire risks
For guidance visit: http://gov.uk/buy-safe
7) NHS 24/7 Text service for mental health support Text ‘SUNRISE’ to 85258 for immediate mental health support Urgent mental health support is now available by text message to people of all ages across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The service offers free, confidential, 24/7 support via text message for anyone struggling to cope. Anyone experiencing anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health challenges can use the service by texting the word ‘SUNRISE’ to 85258 at any time of day or night. It is a simple, straightforward way to get mental health support from a mental health professional when people need it most.
8) Healthwatch
The next public webinar will be held on Tuesday 13th March at 1pm and is called ‘Living Well in Oxfordshire’. It's a great chance to find out more about some of the many helpful support services in Oxfordshire, and how to access them. For more details: https://healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk/news-and-events/patient-webinars/
Have you got a question or query about health or social care services in Oxfordshire? If so, we are here to help! You can get in touch with our friendly team by calling 01865 520520 or emailing hello@healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk
Have you visited or been in touch with your GP recently? If so, what was it like? Our Feedback Centre allows you to leave reviews of GP surgeries in the county. It only takes a few minutes to do and is completely anonymous. Share your experience via our Feedback Centre
9) Bank Holiday Pharmacy Hours (5th May 2025)  10) Network Rail
Work is continuing under the railway bridge to prepare for installation of the new walkway/cycleway on the station side of the road. The current work is to install temporary infrastructure that will support the bridge walls while the ground is excavated. Over the Easter weekend, metal frames were installed and then concrete has been poured into them.
Thames Water must complete water main work in Oxford's Botley Road before a new walkway can be completed. A new walkway at the rail bridge for pedestrians and cyclists will be completed by August - but it will only serve the north side of the road - closest to the rail station. Network Rail explained that there is still work that needs to be completed before the new walkway can be built. This includes Thames Water diverting the main water connections. With two weeks of testing the new water main successfully completed, the old pipe has now been disconnected and the ends will be grouted up. This means the site between Mill Street and Abbey Road (see image above) can be removed, with the road due to be reinstated. The next phase will see work on the connection area for the smaller water main pipe, as well as a start to preparations for the sewer diversion beside the Westgate Hotel. Direct access onto Botley Road to/from Mill Street will be restored and the walkway diverted, with an entrance/exit being created next to The One restaurant (see image below). Unless any issues arise, the schedule will be as follows:
11) Product Recalls
Hazard: The product presents a risk of injuries as when an infant is seated in the baby set accessory seat in the highchair, the legs of the highchair can detach from the frame if the screws attaching the legs to the frame are not tightly secured.
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of fire because the fuse within the plug does not contain any granular filler.
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of electric shock because it is supplied with a noncompliant plug.
Product: Erth Beauty Revitalise Steamer Cap sold via TK Maxx Hazard: The stoves present a risk electric shock and fire as the fuse inside the plug is non-compliant and does not meet required safety standards.
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of fire as the live and neutral pins are too short and do not meet the dimensions of BS 1363.
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of injuries as the metal bends and could collapse under repeated normal use. Product: Simplon Bicycles fitted with SwissStop Centerlock Adapter Sets Hazard: The product presents a risk of injuries, as the locking rings within the adapters can loosen over time and detach from the braking system.
Hazard: The product presents a serious risk of electric shock because the user can easily access the internal live parts.
Wishing you an enjoyable week ahead Take care, Maggie Lewis | ||||
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