The ‘fountain’ on Laughton Hill was caused by the drain coming down the hill being blocked. This had been reported on 7th December via Oxfordshire Highways website.
The Highways guys who came today (18th December) to sort the problem were very frustrated as the manhole cover had been tarmaced over (as you can see in photo). They tried various other points to access the blockage but were unable to get at the block. After much pounding and chipping away at the manhole they were able to release it and finally unblock the drain.
They have reported this issue and (at some stage) Highways will be back to effect a permanent repair to the cover and (maybe) the drain.
In the meantime (hopefully) it at least last the winter.
If you spot a problem, you can report it on. https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/contact-highways You can send a photograph of the problem.
If you want to see if a problem has been reported, you find out using the same link.