Latest news with #LindaSmith
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
City council team wins national award for work to prevent homelessness
An Oxford City Council team has won a national award for its work to prevent homelessness. The housing needs team was crowned Housing Team of the Year at the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2025 on June 11. The awards event, with more than 1,200 attendees and more than 100 judges, recognises the best in council achievements across the UK. The housing needs team was recognised for its prevention efforts, its success in reducing rough sleeping, and its long-term focus on improving outcomes for people in temporary accommodation. Oxford City Council's housing needs team at the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2025 (Image: Oxford City Council) It was also praised for its multi-pronged and data-driven strategy to prevent homelessness, its commitment to the Housing First approach, and its partnerships with health and other services across the county. Councillor Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that our housing needs team has received this national recognition. "Their commitment, creativity, and relentless focus on reducing homelessness in incredibly challenging circumstances is nothing short of inspirational. Councillor Linda Smith (Image: Ed Nix) "This award is a testament to years of hard work, strong partnerships, and a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe and stable home. I could not be prouder of the team." The Local Government Chronicle Awards included a rigorous judging process, with teams presenting their work to panels of senior local government leaders. A spokesperson for the council said: "To win is a powerful endorsement of Oxford's approach to tackling homelessness and housing insecurity."
CTV News
18-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Stream of Dreams unveiled at Dearness
Volunteers at the Stream of Dreams, Dearness Home on June 18, 2025. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London) There's something fishy going on at London's Dearness Home. 'It looks beautiful, beautiful. Everybody did a wonderful job,' said Dearness resident Betty Pierce, 82. The senior was among those who took in the unveiling of the 'Stream of Dreams' mural at the long-term care home Wednesday. The 'Dream Fish' display was installed on a fence outside the care home. Colourfully decorated, painted fish are strung together in patterns along the length of a chain link fence outside the home, complementing the beauty of the natural gardens. Each fish is meant as an expression of memories, hopes, and dreams for local waterways. The mural was made in partnership with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. 'Stream of Dreams' Coordinator Linda Smith said she hopes it gets people thinking about where water ends up when we discard it. 'One of the main messages of the Stream of Dreams program is understanding that when your water goes down storm drains, it's going directly to the Thames River or the nearest creek, and it's not cleaned first. So, we really want people to be aware of what they're doing at home, so we can all take better care of our water,' said Smith. The fish were painted by residents, family, staff, and volunteers. Dearness Director Leslie Hancock said it's been a great way for residents to express themselves. 'A wonderful opportunity for our residents to have creative expression, and also show their support for the environment,' said Hancock.
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Our stunning UK city is blighted by ‘eyesore' shopping centre that NEEDS revamp – or will send us into ‘downward spiral'
The centre has become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour GROT SPOT Our stunning UK city is blighted by 'eyesore' shopping centre that NEEDS revamp – or will send us into 'downward spiral' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOCALS say their stunning city has been blighted by an "eyesore" shopping centre that needs a revamp. The rundown building has been affected by crime and antisocial behaviour. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Templars Square Shopping Centre is in desperate need of a revamp Credit: Alamy 4 Local politicians are keen for developers to go ahead with plans to revive the centre Credit: Alamy The Templars Square shopping centre in Cowley, Oxford, first opened on May 11, 1965 - 60 years later, there are concerns that it is on a "downward spiral." In March 2022 the property was bought by Redevco, a real estate investment manager and developer, for £38.8 million. They hoped to turn the centre into a mixed-urban scheme, however, they said they are still "some way off" from being able to publicly share their plans. They last held a public consultation in late 2022, with around 9000 locals invited to attend. In the meantime, they are trying to encourage independent retailers to move into the empty units. These delays are leaving local politicians frustrated by the lack of change. The city council had approved redevelopment plans back in 2017 which included building a hotel, restaurants and 226 flats and was set to cost £60 million. These plans were made by developer NewRiver prior to selling the centre to Redevco. Councillor Linda Smith, the cabinet member for housing at Oxford City Council told Oxford Mail: "The city council aren't holding Redevco back at all. "We understand it's a difficult time for investment in this kind of development. Historic George square statues removed "But if it is going to take time, then it's really important that the centre isn't allowed to just spiral downwards and get worse." As it currently stands she said it is "not fit for purpose" and is "nothing less than an eyesore in places." Not only is the building ruining the cityscape, but it has also become a hotspot for crime. Police were recently called to the site following reports that groups of youths were having organised fights in mid-March. Annaliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, raised concerns over crime in Cowley earlier this year, and is keen for more resources in the suburbs. There were 189 crimes recorded by the Oxford Cowley Neighbourhood Policing Team in December 2024, largely occurring near Templars Square. Locals celebrated the 60th anniversary of the centre on the 11th May with an Elton John tribute act, a display of three Leyland Princess cars, and an historical walking tour with historian Maurice East. We have approached Oxford City Council and Thames Valley Police for comment. 4 Councillor Linda Smith said the building is 'not fit for purpose' Credit: Oxford City Council
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Our stunning UK city is blighted by ‘eyesore' shopping centre that NEEDS revamp – or will send us into ‘downward spiral'
LOCALS say their stunning city has been blighted by an "eyesore" shopping centre that needs a revamp. The rundown building has been affected by crime and antisocial behaviour. 4 The Templars Square shopping centre in Cowley, Oxford, first opened on May 11, 1965 - 60 years later, there are concerns that it is on a "downward spiral." In March 2022 the property was bought by Redevco, a real estate investment manager and developer, for £38.8 million. They hoped to turn the centre into a mixed-urban scheme, however, they said they are still "some way off" from being able to publicly share their plans. They last held a public consultation in late 2022, with around 9000 locals invited to attend. In the meantime, they are trying to encourage independent retailers to move into the empty units. These delays are leaving local politicians frustrated by the lack of change. The city council had approved redevelopment plans back in 2017 which included building a hotel, restaurants and 226 flats and was set to cost £60 million. These plans were made by developer NewRiver prior to selling the centre to Redevco. Councillor Linda Smith, the cabinet member for housing at Oxford City Council told Oxford Mail:"The city council aren't holding Redevco back at all. "We understand it's a difficult time for investment in this kind of development. Historic George square statues removed "But if it is going to take time, then it's really important that the centre isn't allowed to just spiral downwards and get worse." As it currently stands she said it is "not fit for purpose" and is "nothing less than an eyesore in places." Not only is the building ruining the cityscape, but it has also become a hotspot for crime. Police were recently called to the site following reports that groups of youths were having organised fights in mid-March. Annaliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, raised concerns over crime in Cowley earlier this year, and is keen for more resources in the suburbs. There were 189 crimes recorded by the Oxford Cowley Neighbourhood Policing Team in December 2024, largely occurring near Templars Square. Locals celebrated the 60th anniversary of the centre on the 11th May with an Elton John tribute act, a display of three Leyland Princess cars, and an historical walking tour with historian Maurice East. We have approached Oxford City Council and Thames Valley Police for comment. 4 4
The Irish Sun
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Our stunning UK city is blighted by ‘eyesore' shopping centre that NEEDS revamp – or will send us into ‘downward spiral'
LOCALS say their stunning city has been blighted by an "eyesore" shopping centre that needs a revamp. The rundown building has been affected by crime and antisocial behaviour. 4 Templars Square Shopping Centre is in desperate need of a revamp Credit: Alamy 4 Local politicians are keen for developers to go ahead with plans to revive the centre Credit: Alamy The Templars Square shopping centre in Cowley, Oxford, first opened on May 11, 1965 - 60 years later, there are concerns that it is on a "downward spiral." In March 2022 the property was bought by Redevco, a real estate investment manager and developer, for £38.8 million. They hoped to turn the centre into a mixed-urban scheme, however, they said they are still "some way off" from being able to publicly share their plans. They last held a public consultation in late 2022, with around 9000 locals invited to attend. Read more News In the meantime, they are trying to encourage independent retailers to move into the empty units. These delays are leaving local politicians frustrated by the lack of change. The city council had approved redevelopment plans back in 2017 which included building a hotel, restaurants and 226 flats and was set to cost £60 million. These plans were made by developer NewRiver prior to selling the centre to Redevco. Most read in The Sun Councillor Linda Smith, the cabinet member for housing at Oxford City Council told "We understand it's a difficult time for investment in this kind of development. Historic George square statues removed "But if it is going to take time, then it's really important that the centre isn't allowed to just spiral downwards and get worse." As it currently stands she said it is "not fit for purpose" and is "nothing less than an eyesore in places." Not only is the building ruining the cityscape, but it has also become a hotspot for crime. Police were recently called to the site following reports that groups of youths were having Annaliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, raised concerns over crime in Cowley earlier this year, and is keen for more resources in the suburbs. There were 189 crimes recorded by the Oxford Cowley Neighbourhood Policing Team in December 2024, largely occurring near Templars Square. Locals celebrated the 60th anniversary of the centre on the 11th May with an Elton John tribute act, a display of three Leyland Princess cars, and an historical walking tour with historian Maurice East. We have approached Oxford City Council and Thames Valley Police for comment. 4 Councillor Linda Smith said the building is 'not fit for purpose' Credit: Oxford City Council 4 The centre has become a hub for antisocial behaviour Credit: Alamy
