Oxfordshire weekly round-up: 23 March - 29 March 2024
- Published
The hedgehogs were found covered in dry cement
A story about hedgehogs covered in cement being rescued was among our most read this week in Oxfordshire.
A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Oxford and South Today.
We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.
UK Space Agency to expand with four new bases
The UK Space Agency recently announced a possible expedition by British astronauts to the International Space Station
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is opening four new bases across the UK including a new headquarters.
The main centre will be at Harwell Science Campus in Oxfordshire from June.
Regional bases will also open this year in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Leicester, while existing offices in London and Swindon will be retained.
UKSA said the "transformational" expansion would enhance links with the private sector and boost recruitment.
Soft Cell join Blenheim Palace concert line-up
British pop band Soft Cell is made up of Dave Ball (left) and Marc Almond, who reunited in 2018 to continue performing
The full line-up for a concert series featuring Chaka Khan and Sheryl Crow at Blenheim Palace has been revealed.
The palace in Oxfordshire will be hosting Nocturne Live over four days in the summer.
British pop band Soft Cell have now been confirmed, alongside the likes of Sugababes, Heather Small and Shaznay Lewis.
The event will run from 13-16 June at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
British fashion icons take over palace
Clothes from well-known fashion names are on show
World-famous designers and labels, from Dame Vivienne Westwood to Stella McCartney, are being displayed in a historic residence.
Each brand has taken over one of the rooms at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire for The Icons of British Fashion exhibition.
Many fashion shows, photoshoots and catwalks have been hosted at the 300-year-old building in the past, with some attended by royalty.
The exhibition runs until 30 June.
Skatepark reopens after nearly £158,000 upgrade
The town's mayor said he was pleased to see so many young people "get stuck in immediately"
A town's skatepark has reopened after an upgrade "emphasising inclusivity", a council has said.
The Wheeled Sports Park in The Leys park in Witney, Oxfordshire, officially opened.
Witney Mayor Owen Collins cut the ceremonial ribbon before local enthusiasts tested the new ramps, rails and obstacles.
The update was funded by £100,000 from Witney Town Council and a £57,975 grant from the FCC Communities Foundation.
Cement-covered hedgehogs rescued from building site
They were cleaned using diluted vinegar and a cleaning agent in warm water
Two hedgehogs have been cleaned and treated after becoming covered in dry cement.
They were found at a building site in Witney and taken to Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue.
The rescue charity said it was concerned they may have suffered chemical burns or respiratory problems.
After being cleaned with water and vinegar, it said they seemed to have suffered "little to no long-term damage" and would be released soon.
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- Published24 March
