Latest news with #LiamWalker
BBC News
27-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
West Oxfordshire council defends four litter fines in decade
Only four fines have been issued for littering by West Oxfordshire District Council in the past decade, figures obtained by the BBC have revealed.A Freedom of Information request showed a total of 401 fixed penalty notices for the offence have been handed out by councils across Oxfordshire since City Council gave the most at Oxfordshire District Council said it took environmental offences "seriously" but argued fines can only be given when people are seen littering, which can "limit enforcement opportunities". Liam Walker, a Conservative councillor on the council, said the low level of fines was "astonishing" but he was also shocked at the level of littering."It's not just about enforcement from the council... and government and police, it's all also about education - teaching people not to be throwing litter in this day and age," he were given powers to issue larger fines of up to £500 for littering in Adams is part of the group Thame Wombles and does a litter pick most days, collecting as much as eight bags of rubbish at a time. "To make an example of a few people, it just might stop others doing it," she said."[Littering is] just pure laziness from people." The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) warned that littering has a serious impact on Polonara, community wildlife officer, said small mammals like hedgehogs were at said: "There's a huge issue where they get stuck in a lot of different litter, especially when they're looking for food, they can't free themselves and then they die."When asked about the level of fines handed out, West Oxfordshire District Council said it did recognise the importance of keeping public spaces clean.A spokesperson said: "Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for littering can only be issued when individuals are directly observed committing an offence, which can limit enforcement opportunities. "In many cases, litter found in public areas does not include identifying information, making it difficult to take formal action." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two firefighters and one other person die after fire at former RAF base in Oxfordshire
Two firefighters and a member of the public have died in a large fire in Bicester, the fire service announced. The firefighters died while fighting the inferno at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, which now hosts historic motoring and aviation centre Bicester Motion. Bicester Motion said in a statement that "a close friend of the site" also died in the blaze. The local fire service was called to the scene at 6.39pm last night. Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said: "It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters. Families have been informed and are being supported. "Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times and we ask for privacy to be respected." Local councillor Liam Walker also shared the "devastating" news of the three deaths, adding that his "thoughts are with the families and friends at this difficult time". Two other firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently being treated in hospital, Oxfordshire County Council said in a statement. Footage shared on social media shows black plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and flames swallowing the large building. Kieran McGurk, who lives opposite Bicester Motion, said he heard "multiple explosions" and "loud bangs". Another resident, who gave her name only as Ellie, said she saw a "big black plume of smoke" coming out of the Bicester Motion buildings on Thursday night. "I heard loads of pops and crackles and bangs. It was quite bad. It was so weird because I had my blinds shut at the time and I was like what is going on," she said. "It was crazy and then I looked out the window and saw it." Ten fire crews attended the incident, with four remaining at the scene. The blaze is still ongoing, but it is considered under control. Police officers erected a cordon and remained at the entrance to Bicester Motion on Friday, while a fire engine and ambulance could be seen leaving the scene. Local residents were asked last night to remain indoors and keep their windows shut, but this advice has now been lifted. Bicester Motion, which was formerly known as Bicester Heritage, said in a statement: "There are no words at times like this, but our thoughts and prayers are with (the victims') families and loved ones. "We pray for the two firefighters in hospital. The bravery shown by the emergency services teams has been overwhelming. "We are grateful for all the support and especially the exceptional work by all in such unprecedented circumstances." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deaths in the blaze were "devastating news", adding that he hopes "those in hospital make a full and swift recovery". The Bicester airfield, which is "the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase", according to Historic England, will remain closed over the weekend. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Leader Live
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
No opening day joy for Chirk and Northop Hall outfits
In the Shropshire League, Chirk opened their Division One tilt with a five-wicket home defeat at the hands of Wellington Seconds. Chirk skipper Liam Walker elected to bat first after winning the toss and his side was all out for 148 in 34 overs. This tally was boosted by 42 extras, while Aled King top scored with 22. A knock of 48 from Henry Morris helped Wellington to a winning 149 for five, as Chirk also shipped 42 extras. There were two wickets apiece for Oliver Gough and Nitish Sharma. Chirk Seconds lost out by eight wickets to Albrighton Seconds. In the Liverpool Competition, Northop Hall suffered a 24-run reverse at home to Ainsdale. Daniel Fitzpatrick' 90 formed the backbone of Ainsdale's patient 192 for seven declared (Paul Jenkins 4-71, James Hurlin 3-41). Despite a knock of 72 from skipper Ben Slater, Hall's response was ended on 168 (Dilanka Auwardt 5-79). Northop Hall Seconds were on the wrong end of a 71-run outcome away to Ainsdale Seconds. Michael Williamson (64) top scored for the visitors.
BBC News
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Witney and Oxford among new locations for ANPR cameras
New number plate recognition cameras are set to be installed in 20 locations around Oxfordshire to enforce traffic High Street and Market Square are among several places approved for the devices by the county council. The authority said it hoped they would help improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and added no date had yet been confirmed for their installation. The plans were decided at a delegated decisions meeting for Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for transport management, Andrew Gant, on Town Council submitted a written comment supporting the plans, saying the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras would "significantly enhance the safety and security of pedestrians, cyclist and road users".Witney High Street and Market Square were first closed to vehicles in 2020, but a permanent ban was put in place in 2021 to promote active travel and increase which would be exempt from any punishments include taxis and private hire vehicles, blue badge holders and shop deliveries. Speaking before the decision, Conservative councillor Liam Walker, shadow cabinet member for transport management at the county council, said: "This is yet another anti-motorist policy from the Liberal Democrats that disregards the needs of our community."Not only does it ignore the overwhelming local opposition to these measures, but it also risks harming Witney's businesses that rely on deliveries and customer access."A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council previously said: "The locations... have existing traffic restrictions and were chosen based on information from emergency services, local feedback, and traffic and congestion monitoring."In Oxford, ANPR cameras are to be added in St Clement's, North Way, Rectory Road, and Barracks Lane. Other sites include Sheep Street in Bicester, Rother Road in Banbury and Bath Street and Stratton Way in Abingdon. Motorists who ignore any restrictions face a fine of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Money earned from the cameras would go toward their running costs, paying contractors, installing ticket machines and maintaining park and ride sites, the council surplus cash would go towards transport-related improvements, it a full list of the camera locations here. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
