Oxfordshire weekly round-up: 18 May – 24 May 2024

A story about 16 people being arrested due to their role in a Gaza protest at Oxford University was among our most read this week in Oxfordshire.

A variety of local issues were featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Oxford and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

A former MEP has refused a city council’s demand to remove a European flag from outside her home.

Catherine Bearder has proudly displayed the flag since Europe Day on 9 May at her property in Cowley, Oxford.

Oxford City Council said the European Union flag required planning consent following post-Brexit legislation.

But Ms Bearder said she has now told the authority she is flying the flag of the Council of Europe, which is identical and does not require consent.

A cat that went missing two years ago has returned to his family.

Sian Williams from the village of Begbroke, Oxfordshire, said her family’s pet Nev went missing in May 2022.

This was out of character for the then three-year-old moggy, she said, adding: “I never gave up hope that he would return.”

Sixteen protesters were arrested after a University of Oxford building was locked down due to an occupation by a pro-Palestinian group.

Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P) started a sit-in at university offices on Wellington Square at 08:00 BST, demanding a meeting over its policies relating to the Israel-Gaza conflict

The university accused them of “threatening and violent actions”.

Oxford United’s head coach has released a picture showing himself dressed in his club’s colours as a baby.

The team was promoted to the EFL Championship for the first time in 25 years after a 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers.

During a pre-match press conference, Des Buckingham revealed a photograph existed showing him in 1986 when the U’s won at Wembley in the Milk Cup.