Update on works to 179 Kingston Road

The construction phase has started this week. The first stage will be replacement of the hoarding around the site to allow the foundations to be installed safely. This will mean that the pavement on the eastern side of Kingston Road will be closed for the duration of the construction period (projected 66 weeks). There will be signage to warn pedestrians. The contractors will provide weekly updates to neighbours, including anticipated major deliveries and noisy work. A Management Plan for traffic, deliveries and (minimal) parking has been agreed between the Council and the contractors. The route for large vehicles is via St Margaret’s Road/Kingston Road (in) and Walton Street (out) and large vehicles are not allowed to use the smaller side roads such as Leckford Road, Plantation Road and St Bernard’s Road. We will monitor compliance.

Contact details for the contractors (Wooldridge Simpson) and the site manager (James Long) will be posted on the new hoardings. Any issues should be addressed to them in the first instance. Please see this letter on our website for further information.

OxClean update

Our new OxClean representative, Laura Heybrook coordinated a successful litter pick on Saturday 7th March. She writes, "We were a merry band and the party started at 10am with laughter and enthusiasm that quite dispelled the grey clouds and east wind, never mind those at all!
Heading off in all directions, about 10 big sacks of rubbish were found and the general comment was a bit less than last year so well done world! A large orange plastic guitar was one treasure, also various bicycles and a decaying sofa, all dealt with. Most of the rubbish was around the Port Meadow car park and near the railway. I think everybody enjoyed themselves. Looking forward to next year!

Please help to protect Oxford's ground nesting birds

From 1 March to 31 July, Oxford’s open spaces become vital breeding grounds for rare ground-nesting birds such as larks. These birds nest directly on the ground, often in long grass or open fields. Their nests are extremely well camouflaged, making them difficult to spot and highly vulnerable; even the friendliest dog can unintentionally cause harm. Adult birds see dogs as predators. If disturbed, they may abandon their nest. When adults are away for too long, eggs or chicks can become cold and die.

How you can help:

• Stay on marked paths and tracks

• Keep your dog under effective control or on a short lead

• Be alert – if you see a distressed bird calling or trying to distract you, a nest may be nearby.

Follow the Countryside Code and help protect Oxford’s wildlife: https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/countrysidecode/

A date for your diary... 2026 Oxford Canal Festival

The next Oxford Canal Festival will be on

Saturday 19th September 2026
on Aristotle Lane recreation ground and the adjacent Oxford Canal moorings

Please keep an eye on the website for further information and if you would like to be involved please contact bill@manville.org.uk

With best wishes

The WMRA Committee