Headington Headlines #1

Here is my first weekly round-up of Headington news. I hope to make this a regular item. To feed into next week’s summary you can comment on this article or tweet, either with the hashtag #ox3 or @mentioning @TonyOX3.

The closure of Londis was tweeted several times as people caught up with the news, but it was a surprise to hear that Clovers in Windmill Road is to close after 30 years’ trading. The owner blames changing shopping patterns rather than rising costs. ThisIsOxfordshire website reported on the temporary closure of the Post Office at Underhill Circus, Barton, which shut on Friday, February 18. It is hoped to operate a temporary community shuttle service to Risinghurst to help pensioners collect their pensions.

The Oxford Mail reported that the City Council wants construction work to start on the controversial Barton West development by December 2013. I’m sure this won’t be the last we hear on this!

The Farmers’ Market was on Friday. @CompassBrewery seemed to be the only traders there who are active on twitter. @OxfordCityGuide, @FoodOfTheOx and @headingtonnews all advertised it.

@headingtonnews reported the results of the painting and drawing competition organised by Friends of Bury Knowle Park. In other park news a large tree outside the library was cut down (picture c/o @headingtonnews). @OxfordCity confirmed it was dying and dangerous.

Waxwings in Headington Hill Park and the Churchill Hospital, and a peregrine falcon in Bury Knowle Park and the Churchill, were reported by @oxonbirdnews.

Osler Road was blocked for a while when a No 10 bus couldn’t get past an illegally parked car  (picture).

Active topics on Headington & Marston e-democracy forum (21 – 27 Feb):

  • Should the Dorset House planning application get planning permission?
  • Clover’s to close
  • Abolition of Area Committees
  • Cycling in Marston
  • Oxcar in Headington
  • The Friar
  • Headington parking charges to rise
  • Oxfordshire “Big Society” fund
  • Londis corner shop in receivership

And last (and probably least) @TheOxfordMail report “Headington grandma, 69, ditches painkillers for pilates” was widely retweeted.