Edition #2081

Join us for a packed episode leading with the heated debate over a proposed solar farm and news of a planned doctor's surgery for Woodstock. We'll also delve into concerns over new homes, a £450k council refurbishment, and the seizure of illegal cigarettes worth £10,000. 🤖 Titles and summaries were generated with AI assistance and may not be fully accurate. 🙋 The audio recording is produced entirely by our volunteer team. Chapters [00:00:00] Intro Music [00:00:22] Solar Farm Not Needed Protestors argue against large solar farm, citing impacts on farmland and views. Hearings held, but developer PhotoVault's responses criticized for lacking detail. Both sides await inspectors' decision. [00:04:33] Objections to 450 New Homes Plans for 450 homes in Witney village face opposition due to inadequate infrastructure. Locals and Councillor Thomas Ashbury express concerns about impacts on health, education, and roads. Combined potential for over 1300 homes requires comprehensive impact assessment. [00:07:27] New Doctor's Surgery by 2028 End A new doctor's surgery planned for Woodstock by end of 2028; Surgery approved by NHS, three potential sites considered; After a decade of efforts, new surgery aims to resolve space and service constraints. [00:10:09] Council Defends Refurbishment District council defends £450k chamber refurbishment; Project delivered under budget and improved transparency, but criticized as vanity measure with no income generated and limited community use [00:12:23] Letter: Shopping in Witney 'Letter to Editor Calls for Cycling Ban to Improve Safety in Witney Shopping Area', Signs Removed, Guards Lack Authority [00:13:48] Two Short Items Witney gains 24/7 emergency bleed control kit; Nearly 100 schools across four counties taught PR and defibrillation by ambulance service. [00:15:49] 20,000 Cigerettes Seized Illegal cigarette and tobacco haul worth £10,000 seized in Oxfordshire NHS premises; Trading Standards used specialist dogs to find concealed contraband; Crackdown vows cabinet member Jenny Hanney [00:17:37] Brothers' Suspended Sentenced Two Romanian brothers admit stealing parcels worth over £8k from an Amazon van in broad daylight. The pair, aged 29 and 23, avoided immediate prison after showing remorse. They must now complete community service and adhere to curfews. [00:22:11] Police "First" Dealer Driving Ban Police celebrate securing first driving ban for rural drug dealer, after he pleads guilty to cannabis supply and is sentenced. Lewis Alder, linked to Witney, sentenced to suspended prison term and community service. Ban welcomed by police to disrupt drug-related vehicular criminality. [00:24:11] Duke Denied Driving Charge The Duke of Marlborough will stand trial for driving 80 mph in a 50 mph zone and failing to identify the driver involved. If convicted, it will be his latest brush with the law. [00:25:43] Police Warning of Cold Calling Woman A woman tried to enter homes in Milton under Wychwood asking about jewellery. Thames Valley Police warned locals about her suspicious behaviour. Officers advise not to engage with cold callers. [00:27:19] Deaths The Witney Gazette announced local deaths, including Paul James Dry at 80 and Danny Walter at 90. The list also included Helen Matinson and Sheila May Jennifer Smith at 87. The community offers condolences to families. [00:28:37] Reflection [00:35:55] Noticeboard The Witney Talking News will hold its 46th AGM on 3rd November 2025 for listeners and volunteers to meet. Refreshments will be served. [00:37:29] Last Week's Quiz [00:39:06] Editor's Pick - Charles Causley Poetic tributes to Mrs. Bessie Busybody and her town; Causley's work varies from light-hearted to haunting; Includes local news-themed verse [00:47:23] This Week's Quiz A quiz focused on common phrases and simple words, Short answers, long questions with 5 rounds, Participants provide the missing word based on context. [00:49:30] Two Firefighter Stories Firefighters raised over £2,000 for their charity, exceeding their target in a half marathon dedicated to colleagues who died in a fire; The fire in May claimed three lives, including two firefighters responding to the emergency; The Oxford half marathon was also part of series of charitable efforts by firefighters in the region. [00:52:17] Sustainable Fashion Show Returns Sustainable fashion show returns to Blenheim Palace; Features eco-friendly designs made from waste materials like Coke cans and football kits; Event diverted over 190 kg of waste from landfill. [00:54:01] Goodbye [00:55:05] Outro Music [00:55:20] TNF Soundings Radio & TV Listings