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Blessing new homes in Saxon style
Using wine, oil, corn and salt as a blessing... no this isn't a niche House of the Dragon reference.
Last week - along with OX Place and Willmott Dixon - we attended a traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony at Bridges Cross, one of our exciting new city centre housing developments.
The ceremony has origins dating back to Saxon times when wine, oil, corn and salt were poured onto the building to bless it with good luck.
Wine stands for fertility and wisdom. Oil represents liberty and prosperity. Corn ripens prosperity into abundance. Salt symbolises purity and hospitality.
The ceremony traditionally took place to ensure no evil spirits would be trapped in the building and to bring prosperity and good luck for the future. More recently, it was used to bless wood when this was the primary construction material.
We're sure that the new homes at Bridges Cross - built on the site of the former homeless hostel Lucy Faithfull House - will be loved by the people who live there.
The 36 flats provide 15 council homes let at social rent, three council homes at affordable rent and eight homes sold on a shared ownership basis. The remaining 10 flats are for market sale.
Housing, homelessness and rough sleeping strategy
We have opened a public consultation on our five-year plan to tackle the city’s housing and homelessness crisis.
The draft housing, homelessness and rough sleeping strategy 2023-2028 sets out our plans to provide more affordable and low carbon homes, improve conditions for all renters and do more to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping.
As the housing authority for Oxford, we are legally required to have a homelessness strategy and a strategy on rough sleeping. While there is no legal need for a housing strategy, we know that there is a strong link between housing, homelessness and rough sleeping.
Last year, we did a review of housing and homelessness which produced an evidence base, a draft vision and five emerging priorities. These were supported in an initial round of public consultation last summer. The five priorities are:
- providing more, affordable homes
- great homes for all
- housing for a net zero carbon future
- preventing homelessness and adopting a rapid rehousing response
- ending rough sleeping
We encourage you to share your views on the draft strategy and help us to make Oxford a better place to live.
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Do you fuel good?
With temperatures set to drop in the next few weeks, more people will be stocking up on fuel for wood burners. But do you know the different health and environmental effects of fuel types?
To help you "Fuel Good" this winter, we've launched a new campaign with information and best practice advice for people who use wood burning in addition to central heating, and for people who rely entirely on wood stoves for heating.
The campaign aims to highlight that:
- In Oxford city, 66% of all local fine particulates (PM2.5) come from domestic heating, compared with only 21% coming from transport. This includes the use of gas heating and cookers as well as solid fuel stoves.
- Particulates can have a serious impact on human health. It is especially harmful to children, the elderly, and those with illnesses or conditions such as asthma and emphysema.
- In Oxford, 5.52% of all deaths in people aged 30+ occur due to long-term exposure to particulates (PM2.5)
- For some people, wood stoves are the only option for heating their home. However, for most homes in Oxford, there is a cleaner, safer alternative.
Swift numbers decline in city
A recent report from The Oxford Swift City project has found that there are 20% fewer swift nests in Oxford City than in 2021.
Numbers of swifts, which are the fastest bird in level flight and are capable of reaching a top speed of 69mph, have been falling in recent decades. Across the UK the swift breeding population decreased by 51% from 1995 to 2015.
Swifts are not the only species in decline. Nature is declining faster than at any previous time, making it more important than ever that we reaffirmed our commitment to address the ecological emergency earlier in the month.
We are working on a report on the options for an evidence-based strategy and action plan to tackle the ecological emergency, as well as a report on the progress made so far.
You can help Oxford's swift population by installing swift next boxes. Get in touch with Oxford Swift City for more information.
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The next phase of East Oxford Community Centre
Work on the East Oxford Community Centre will step up next month as the site is prepared for partial demolition.
The old school building is staying as the historic heart of the site, however, the mid-century blocks and more modern extensions will be demolished to make way for a modern, accessible, purpose-built centre with a lower carbon footprint.
A key aim of the redevelopment is to create a sustainable, cultural hub that supports current users and attracts a broader range of the community, helping celebrate local diversity, heritage and cultural identity.
The site will also have 12 energy efficient flats for social rent.
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Cost of Living support for local businesses
We know its a very difficult time for local businesses. The cost of living crisis is adding extra worries in an already turbulent time.
We will continue to update our website with support and opportunities for local businesses as they come. Please do keep an eye on the pages.
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Oxford 2040
The Oxford Local Plan 2040 is a planning document that shapes the city for the good of its people,
Last year we collected your views on what Oxford's future issues could be. You told us that the climate emergency and transitioning to net zero was important, however, there was concern about how that could happen in a city with so many historical buildings. The two things can seem at odds, but #Oxford2040 looks to address both issues.
How do we protect Oxford's heritage while transitioning the city to net-zero and futureproofing it for future generations?
Have your say on the Local Plan 2040 by going to our consultation portal.
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Local charities need your vote
£16,000 could be going to charities in the area thanks to the charitable foundation from the Oxford Mail’s parent company.
Three great organisations in the county are on the shortlist of ten charities across the whole region, which ranges from Wiltshire to Buckinghamshire.
If you’re an Oxford Mail reader, or if you know someone who is, please get voting for the three brilliant local organisations:
- Oxsrad is the only sport and recreation centre for disabled users in the region
- The Gatehouse supports the needs of the homeless community around the city with food, showers and personal support
- Assisted Reading for Children helps with children’s literacy and is seeing much more demand due to covid and recent refugee schemes.
Put your votes in to secure local funding for these great organisations.
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Gloucester Green Vegan Market
Oxford Vegan Market is back at Gloucester Green this weekend!
The event brings together a huge variety of vegan street food vendors, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities and loads more.
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Christmas Light Festival
It's almost that time of year again!
We'll be kicking off the festive season with Oxford Light Festival from 18th to 20th Nov.
All participating organisations or groups should register their events by Monday 31st October via the website.
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Stay Connected:
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@OxfordCityCouncil
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@OxfordCity
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@oxfordcitycouncil
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