Terms & Conditions

Effective Date

These Terms were last updated on 20.02.26

The website oxfordshireguardian.co.uk (the “Website”) is operated by Oxfordshire Guardian (“we”, “us”, “our”), based in England.

By accessing or using the Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree, you must not use the Website.

We may update these Terms from time to time. The “Last Updated” date will reflect the current version. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of any updated Terms.

These Terms incorporate our Privacy Policy.

  1. Use of the Website

The Website is provided for personal, non-commercial use unless otherwise agreed in writing.

You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations when using the Website.

We do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access. Access may be suspended or restricted for maintenance or operational reasons.

Nothing on this Website constitutes legal, financial, or professional advice.

  1. User Content

You may have the opportunity to submit comments, photographs, text, or other materials (“User Content”).

By submitting User Content, you:

  • Grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual licence to use, reproduce, publish, adapt, communicate to the public, and distribute that content in any media.
  • Warrant that you own or control all rights necessary to grant this licence.
  • Warrant that the content does not infringe the rights of any third party.
  • Consent to editorial editing of your submission.

Where applicable, you waive (or agree not to assert) moral rights to the extent permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

You remain responsible for your User Content.

We may remove or edit User Content at our discretion.

  1. Prohibited Content

You must not upload or publish content that:

  • Is defamatory under UK law
  • Infringes intellectual property rights
  • Violates privacy or data protection law
  • Is threatening, abusive, or discriminatory
  • Promotes illegal activity
  • Contains malware or harmful code
  • Contains personal data without lawful basis
  • Constitutes unsolicited advertising or spam

  1. Editorial Control

We reserve the right to:

  • Edit or remove content
  • Restrict access
  • Suspend or terminate accounts

This does not create a duty to monitor all content.

Under the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002, we are not liable for user-generated content where we have no actual knowledge of unlawful activity and act expeditiously upon obtaining such knowledge.

  1. Image Terms of Use

Images published on the Website may originate from:

  • Licensed vendors under written agreements
  • PR or marketing sources supplying material for editorial publication
  • Contributors who warrant ownership and grant licence
  • Creative Commons or open-licensed sources, used strictly in accordance with licence terms
  • Commissioned works governed by written contracts

Uses permitted under UK fair dealing exceptions, including:

  • Reporting current events
  • Criticism or review
  • Quotation
  • Parody, caricature or pastiche

We do not rely on “fair use” or mere widespread availability as a basis for publication.

Where reasonably practicable, we provide attribution in accordance with applicable law and licence terms.

If you believe content on this Website infringes your copyright under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, please provide:

  • Identification of the copyrighted work
  • Identification and URL of the allegedly infringing material
  • Evidence of ownership
  • Your contact details
  • A statement of good faith belief that the use is unauthorised

Send notices to: news@oxfordshireguardian.co.uk

Upon receipt of a valid notice, we will investigate and, where appropriate, remove or disable access to the material.

We may contact the uploader and may restore material where a lawful basis exists.

  1. Intellectual Property

All content on the Website (excluding User Content) is owned or licensed by us and protected under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and other applicable laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit Website content without prior written permission.

  1. Automated Access

You must not use automated systems (including bots, scrapers, or spiders) to extract or reproduce Website content without written consent.

We may provide links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content, accuracy, or practices.

  1. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for:

  • Death or personal injury caused by negligence
  • Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
  • Any liability that cannot be excluded under UK law

Subject to the above:

  • We provide the Website “as is”.
  • We exclude all implied warranties to the fullest extent permitted by law.
  • We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses.
  • Our total liability shall not exceed £100 or the amount paid by you to us in the preceding 12 months (if applicable).

This clause is subject to the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977.

  1. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify us against claims arising from:

  • Your breach of these Terms
  • Your User Content
  • Your violation of law or third-party rights

  1. Data Protection

We process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy.

  1. Termination

We may suspend or terminate access if you breach these Terms or for operational reasons.

  1. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.

  1. Severability

If any provision is found invalid, the remainder shall continue in force.