Skip to content

Oxfordshire weekly round-up: 4 November - 11 November 2023

Steven Baker Wallingford Castle remainsSteven Baker
Wallingford Castle's remains have been repaired thanks to a grant of almost £300,000

The story of how remains of a medieval castle have been saved from ruin was among our most read this week in Oxfordshire.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Oxford and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

BBC Presentational grey line

Four charged over Blenheim Palace gold toilet theft

Getty Images Gold toilet by Maurizio CattelanGetty Images
The solid gold toilet disappeared from Blenheim Palace in September 2019

Four men have been charged over the theft of an 18-carat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace in 2019.

The £5m lavatory was stolen from the stately home in Oxfordshire shortly before 05:00 BST on 14 September.

They are due to appear before Oxford magistrates on 28 November.

BBC Presentational grey line

M40 shut after lorry carrying dustbin truck crashes

National Highways HGV crossover RTC on the M40National Highways
The lorry overturned on the M40 southbound near Banbury and crossed into the opposite carriageway

A stretch of the M40 in Oxfordshire was closed after a lorry overturned across both carriageways.

The vehicle crashed through the central reservation between junctions 11 and 10 near Banbury at about 16:30 GMT on Wednesday.

Closures were in place on the motorway for more than 18 hours after the crash involving a low-loader, which was carrying a dustbin lorry.

BBC Presentational grey line

Police force criticised over child neglect probes

Getty Images childGetty Images
Inspectors examined 70 cases in which Thames Valley Police had identified children at risk

Thames Valley Police is not effectively investigating child neglect and abuse cases, the police watchdog has said.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) Isaid the force was "letting down children" in too many cases.

Thames Valley Police said it had taken "significant steps" in response..

BBC Presentational grey line

Medieval castle remains saved from ruin

Wallingford Town Council Wallingford Castle remainsWallingford Town Council
Plants and "massive roots" were removed from the wall during the work

The remains of a medieval castle, built in the wake of the Norman invasion under William the Conqueror, have been saved from ruin.

The site of Wallingford Castle, in Oxfordshire, has been repaired thanks to a grant of almost £300,000 from Historic England.

Across south-east England, 15 sites have been added to public body's Heritage at Risk Register this year and 25 sites saved.

BBC Presentational grey line

Raw sewage in rivers again after major storm

Getty Images Sewage pipe at riverGetty Images
Thames Water has said putting sewage into rivers is "unacceptable" but necessary after heavy rain

Sewage has been discharged in Oxfordshire's rivers once more following Storm Ciarán's heavy rain.

Thames Water confirmed that "overflows" were "currently discharging" into the River Thames because of the effects of the storm.

Its storm overflow map indicates multiple areas in the county where those overflows are taking place.

The water company said this prevented sewers flooding homes, gardens, and streets.

BBC Presentational grey line

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].