1863 Wins Oxfordshire Best Café Award 2025
The 1863 Café at the Corn Exchange was nominated for Best Café in the England Business Awards and went on to win the Oxfordshire award. Known for its friendly and efficient service, the café provides a welcoming environment, offering a warm space, a cool space, and a safe space for the community all year round.
Witney Lake and Country Park (LNR) is awarded Gold for Britain In Bloom
In August 2025, Witney Lake and Country Park was awarded a Gold Award at the Thames and Chilterns In Bloom Awards 2025. This recognition highlights just how important ongoing maintenance, careful improvements, and a strong management plan are in shaping the park into a thriving green space for both people and wildlife.
Witney Lake and Country Park Receives Local Nature Reserve Status
Witney Lake and Country Park was given the new status Local Nature Reserve in 2025. This title reflects the determination of the Council and the dedicated efforts of the Green Spaces team in enhancing biodiversity and habitat quality through focused planning and management of the lake.
Bronze Council Award
Witney Town Council has achieved the Bronze accreditation in the National Association of Local Council’s ‘Local Council Award Scheme’. This accolade is more than just a shiny badge; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional, professional services in line with best practice. Witney Town Council has become one of only five parish/town Council’s in Oxfordshire to be awarded under this scheme.
Disability-confident Employer
Witney Town Council has been a Disability-confident Employer since summer 2023. A Disability-confident employer is one that has made a commitment to providing equal opportunities to people with disabilities. As part of the commitment to the scheme, disability-confident employers must create an accessible working environment that provides fair opportunities and reasonable adjustments to employees with disabilities.
Civility & Respect
In October 2022, Witney Town Council adopted the Civility & Respect Pledge for local authorities. By signing the Pledge, your council has agreed that the council will treat councillors, clerks, employees, members of the public, and representatives of partner organisations and volunteers with civility and respect in their role. For more information on what the Civility & Respect Pledge is, take a look at our dedicated webpage.
Witney Deputy Town Clerk Awarded Manager of the Month by Abingdon & Witney College
In July 2024, Abingdon & Witney College named Witney Town Council’s Deputy Town Clerk as Manager of the Month, following the Council’s decision to welcome an Admin Apprentice to the team.
Business Administration Apprentice Annie achieved a Distinction for her work at Abingdon & Witney College and was subsequently offered a permanent position at Witney Town Council as Admin Assistant for Communications and Engagement.