Gavin Walton, Author at Vale of White Horse District Council

Winter in The Vale 

A guide to services and advice from the council, as well as local and national organisations, to help during the winter months.

The image is a medium-close shot of a young woman wearing a bright orange, reflective work jacket and black gloves. She is standing outdoors next to a green recycling bin that is overflowing with cardboard boxes and some other plastic and metal waste. The woman is looking directly at the camera with a neutral to slightly serious expression and giving a thumbs-down gesture with her right hand. Her left hand is resting near the large, brown cardboard boxes that are precariously stacked on the bin. She has her blonde hair pulled back. In the background, on a paved area that appears to be a works yard or street, there are several large refuse collection trucks, one of which is white and partially visible on the left, and another with bright orange and yellow reflective hazard stripes on its back is visible on the right. The day is overcast.

November 24, 2025

Household rubbish can only be collected if bin lids are fully closed

Find out why and what to do if you have excess waste or recycling

A group of guinea fowl and at least one chicken are gathered inside a fenced or netted enclosure, which appears to be in a garden or backyard. The ground is covered with a large pile of broken bricks and rubble. Guinea Fowl: There are several helmeted guinea fowl, easily recognizable by their spotted grey plumage and red heads (though some heads are obscured). They are standing on the rubble pile, and some are closer to the left side of the frame near a bowl. Chicken: One reddish-brown and white patterned chicken is visible near the center, standing closer to a small, light-colored wooden or plastic structure (possibly a coop or shelter). Enclosure: The area is enclosed by dark netting or wire mesh, visible in the background and draped over the top. Background: Behind the rubble and enclosure is lush green foliage and various garden items, including what looks like a small wooden/plastic shelter and another container. Human Element: A human hand is visible reaching into the enclosure from the upper left side. In summary: The image depicts a flock of guinea fowl and a chicken in a somewhat rough enclosure dominated by a large pile of construction rubble.

November 19, 2025

Owner fined after failing to address fowl noise

A man who let his birds create an ongoing disturbance has been ordered to pay more than £3,400. James Fell, of Manor Crescent, Stanford in the Vale, was found guilty in his absence of charges relating to a statutory nuisance arising from cockerel and guinea fowl noise. The case was heard at Oxford Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 13 November. […]

November 11, 2025

Partnership’s positive action reduces anti-social behaviour and makes our communities safer

The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has released its 2024–25 performance update, showcasing how coordinated action between councils, Thames Valley Police, housing associations, health services and local organisations is keeping residents safe and reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB). In 2024–25 the CSP’s Community Safety team received and investigated 126 reports of anti-social behaviours across […]

An illustration of a Halloween scene showing five costumed figures—a child in a grey cat suit, a man as a mummy, two people in white ghost costumes, and a woman dressed as a witch—standing on a wooden floor. They hold pumpkin baskets and jack-o'-lanterns against a wooden wall background decorated with black bats and spiders.

October 16, 2025

Five frightfully good ways to save waste this Halloween

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are urging residents to enjoy a spooktacular Halloween without letting waste come back to haunt them. Every year, thousands of pumpkins and costumes end up in the bin after just one night of fright. But with a few simple swaps, we can all help save money, […]

An illustration of 4 people doing gardening

October 8, 2025

Brown bin permit holders can have extra garden waste collected this Autumn

Brown bin permit holders can have extra garden waste collected for free, on their normal scheduled collection day only, between 27 October and 7 November.

These four images collectively appear to promote resources related to children's educational activities, particularly theatre, craft, and popular book-based themes.

September 29, 2025

Enjoy an action-packed half-term across South Oxfordshire and the Vale

From theatre shows and craft workshops to outdoor adventure challenges and family fun days – there’s something for everyone this October half-term! Families across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse can look forward to an exciting week of free and low-cost activities from 25 October to 1 November. Free and low-cost outdoor activities, […]

September 8, 2025

Remembering South and Vale’s New Waste Services Number is as easy as 123

8 September 2025 From today, residents in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse should use a new number for district council waste and recycling enquiries: 01235 422 123 The previous number (03000 610 610) is being phased out and will be switched off soon. The new number is already active, so residents should update their […]