AN Oxfordshire council will discuss taking on new powers to shut down events and restaurants at an upcoming meeting.

Cherwell District Council could take on powers from Oxfordshire County Council which are aimed at stopping the spread of the coronavirus.

The new powers would include being able to close down shops or restaurants, close or restrict access to public places, and stop events from taking place.

All of these could be enforced for seven days before having to be reviewed, and those breaking the rules could be punished with a fine.

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The powers were set out in a set of regulations published by the government in July to allow councils to prevent Covid 19 from spreading.

The law allowing this will expire in January 2021.

On Monday, September 7, a special meeting of the council will decided whether or not the new powers should be accepted.

Councillors have been recommended by their paid staff to accept the new powers.

This week, Oxford City Council has stepped up efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus, with officers patrolling the city centre to check rules are being followed.