Latest news with #Faringdon
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Delay warning as roadworks cause long queues on major road to Oxford
Drivers have been warned to expect delays on a major A-road into Swindon as roadworks begin. Temporary traffic lights were installed at Little Coxwell on the A420 between Swindon and Faringdon shortly before 9am on Wednesday, July 23. This has caused long queues in both directions on the key route throughout Wednesday. One motorist said: 'I was really frustrated on my commute because traffic was moving really slowly, there is frequently works along the A420. 'I know they're maintaining the facilities but it can be frustrating at rush hour.' Suggested reading Emergency crews rush to out of control bonfire near nursery Man sought by police after assault near train station Search for black Doberman after dog attack at landmark Be the first to know with the Swindon Advertiser! 📱 💡 Our flash sale brings the latest local happenings directly to you. Save over 50% on an annual subscription now. 🔗 #SpecialOffer — Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) July 4, 2025 Slow traffic is expected to continue on the A420 for several days with the roadworks scheduled to remain in place until 5pm on Tuesday, July 29. During this time, Scottish and Southern Power Distribution will be working at the site. The AA has warned drivers using the A420 to expect delays in the area during the roadworks as queueing traffic continues. Its live traffic map said: 'Temporary traffic signals due to electricity work on A420 both ways at Little Coxwell turn off. Expect delays.'
BBC News
22-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Repair plan for Faringdon's 1930s Folly Tower
A plan to repair and preserve a Grade II listed tower which was built in the 1930s as a birthday present has been Tower in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, is thought to have been a gift from Lord Berners, who owned nearby Faringdon House, to his companion and fellow eccentric, Robert Heber-Percy, who later inherited the 30m (98ft) tower, which is now owned by the Faringdon Folly Trust, was opened to the public in the 1980s and was given Grade II listed status in is one of about 30 folly towers across the UK which were built for aesthetic pleasure rather than for practicality. The tower is opened to paying visitors for two weekends a month from April to October and can be privately hired for up to 30 trust said it wants to complete the work "to make the building fabric safe and weathertight and to ensure the long-term survival of this special building".An application submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council is being if approved, would include the replacement of the tower's steel and concrete floor to one made out of timber, the installation of a new 7m (23ft) flagpole and the improvement of existing windows. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tributes paid to footballer after sudden death as donations pour in
Tributes have been paid to a local footballer who died after entering a river near Swindon and thousands have been raised for his family. The body of a 23-year-old man named William was found on Sunday, July 13, after he entered the River Thames at Buscot Lock near Faringdon and got into difficulty the previous evening. While Thames Valley Police did not initially release his full name, they have now confirmed the man was Will Coker after tributes poured in on social media. Will played football for both Calne Town FC and Highworth Town FC during a burgeoning career. Both clubs have since paid tribute to Will. A GoFundMe has also been set up by Otis Lewis to pay for funeral expenses and support Will's family. It has raised over £4,500 in less than 24 hours. Will playing for Highworth Town (Image: Highworth Town FC) In a public tribute, Highworth Town manager Paul Braithwaite said: 'I've known Will now for the past three seasons, he always attended our preseason sessions since I've been at the club and pushed himself so hard at every session to try and break into the first team. 'He played a big part in the reserve team under manager Liam Coombley. 'And again this season Will was back in with us applying himself in his usual hard-working manner with a huge smile on his face. 'It was only last Saturday he was playing with us all against his ex-reserve teammates… it's so sad that only seven days later we receive this tragic news.' Off the pitch, Paul described Will as polite and respectful. He added: 'Will was a quiet but super polite and respectful lad who loved football so much. 'He won't be forgotten by myself and as a club we will be holding a two-minute silence on Tuesday in our home friendly against Devizes Town. 'Myself and all associated with Highworth Town FC would like to send all our love and condolences to Will's family and friends.' Suggested reading Motorcyclist 'fighting for his life' in hospital after serious crash Body found in search for man who disappeared in river Woman airlifted to hospital after being wedged between two cars A Calne Town spokesperson described Will as someone who was 'liked by everyone.' They added: 'We are very sad to announce that Will Coker has passed away over the weekend. 'Will was a part of our Reserve team for the last five years. 'Will loved his football, always had a smile on his face, and was liked by everyone. 'Our thoughts are with Will's friends and family at this sad time. 'Will has been taken far too early.' Police launched an extensive search lasting over 12 hours to try and find Will. They confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious.
BBC News
13-07-2025
- BBC News
Major search ongoing for man missing in River Thames near Oxford
Emergency services have been searching for a man reported to have got into difficulty in the River Valley Police said a 23-year-old man was reported to have entered the water at Buscot Lock, near Faringdon, Oxfordshire, just after 21:10 BST on National Police Air Service, specialist search teams, search dogs and Oxfordshire Lowland Search & Rescue have attended the scene alongside the Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue have asked people to avoid the area while the searches are ongoing. Temporary Ch Supt Lis Knight said searches had been "extensive and thorough" of the water and the river Supt Knight said the man was with a group of friends at Buscot Lock and entered the water before getting into difficulty. "Friends have tried to retrieve him from the water, but were unable to do so," she said."His next of kin are aware and are being offered support at this extremely distressing time, and my thoughts are with them all," she added. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New family-friendly music festival to launch this summer
A new family-friendly music festival is set to launch this summer. Tarantarti Party, taking place just outside Faringdon in Oxfordshire, will run from August 8 to 10, with early entry available on August 7, and is expected to draw around 1,000 attendees. The boutique festival is organised by the family of veteran band Tarantism and promises a grassroots atmosphere with music, arts, food, and camping. Read more: Optometrist issues warning to everyone wearing contact lenses this summer Hannah Pink, organiser and daughter of Tarantism member Mel, said: "This festival is a celebration of music, creativity, and community in a setting that feels both magical and welcoming." The festival will offer four unique stages: - The Tiny House Acoustic Stage - Dub & Dance Arena - Disco Cabaret - Dance Til You Die Main Stage The line-up will include China Shop Bull, Los Albertos, and P.A.I.N. The Disco Cabaret marquee will feature live music, drag acts, comedy, theatre, acrobatics, and fire shows, curated by members of the queer community. For younger visitors, there will be a dinosaur caravan, teddy tent, LEGO lab, craft workshops, circus school, and a teen chill-out space. Under-sixes can attend for free, and dedicated staff will ensure activities are safe and age-appropriate. There will also be a wellbeing and healing area offering yoga, meditation, reiki, massage, and sound therapy in a natural, peaceful setting. Workshops will include belly dancing, willow weaving, clay modelling, sewing, and circus skills. The festival has been designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wheelchair access, sensory-friendly areas, quiet zones, and accessible camping. Ms Pink said: "We want everyone to feel included and able to join in the fun, which is why accessibility is at the heart of our planning." The event will be powered in part by solar arrays and biofuel generators. Tickets are priced at £90 for adults, £45 for teens aged 11 to 16, and £30 for children aged six to 10. Read more: Highway Code: The road signs most drivers are getting wrong Early entry on August 7 is an additional £25, and late exit on August 11 is £30. The festival is dog-friendly, with a dedicated field for walking, and tickets for dogs cost £10. Horses are also welcome at £2 each. The address will be shared with ticket holders only. Parking and live-in vehicles are permitted at no extra cost.
