The 30 hours free childcare scheme will be available for 3 and 4 year olds from September 2017 in Buckinghamshire. The scheme aims to help eligible families to get back into work or extend their working pattern by offering an additional 15 hours free childcare per week.  We have put together a guide to help parents, carers, childcare providers and professionals understand the eligibility criteria and sign up process which we hope you find useful.

Further information can be found on our website at www.bucksfamilyinfo.org/30hours.

Aylesbury Vale Community Partnership issues warning to off-road motorbike and mini-moto users Aylesbury Vale Community Safety Partnership is warning people not to risk injuring themselves and members of the community or falling foul of the law when using off-road motorbikes or mini-motos.
Aylesbury Vale local policing area is receiving regular calls from concerned members of the public about these vehicles being used with no regard for other people.
The public is reminded that it is only legal to ride an off road motorbike on private land with the land owner’s permission. Areas owned by the council, such as parks, play areas and pavements, are not classed as private land.
An off-road motor bike was seized under Section 59 Police Reform Act 2002 on Edinburgh Playing Fields, Aylesbury on Saturday (29/7).
Aylesbury Vale Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, James Davies said: “When off-road motorbikes and mini-motos are used in a public place they often create danger for both the rider of the bike and the people around. We often get reports of people riding bikes at high speed on narrow tracks causing problems for children playing and people walking their dogs or just generally enjoying the area.
“We are regularly patrolling areas that are most affected to stop and deal with those illegally using off road bikes and mini- motos and where appropriate seizing vehicles and prosecuting those involved.
“We urge parents of those young people who own off-road motorbikes or mini-motos to ensure their children are using the machines appropriately and in the right areas. Failure to do so could result in the expensive machines being seized, risk huge fines or even a court appearance – but more importantly your loved one being seriously injured.”
AVDC Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Angela Macpherson, said: “It is not acceptable for riders to put themselves or other people at risk by riding motorbikes or minimotos in our parks and play areas, or on pavements. Our message is clear – if you ignore the law you should be prepared to have your bike seized by the police.”
Aylesbury Vale Community Safety Partnership is urging the public to report any information about off-road motorbikes causing a nuisance or being used unsafely (including who is riding the bike, what type of bike it is and where the bike is being ridden) by calling 101. Alternatively you can call the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

This month Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) will be sending out annual voter registration forms and is asking residents to respond as quickly as possible in order to help save money.
From 8 August, around 80,000 properties in Aylesbury Vale will receive a ‘Household Enquiry Form’. Residents are required by law to confirm or update the details of anyone at their address who is eligible to vote in the UK.
The forms are pre-printed with the names of the occupants currently registered to vote at each address. A response is required; either to update their details if there are any changes or to confirm that the information is still the same. Even residents who voted in the General Election, will need to respond.
Peter Brown, AVDC Electoral Services Manager, said: “Aylesbury Vale residents have always been excellent at using the automated systems to confirm their details and this year we hope to receive even more responses by text, phone or through the dedicated website. Canvassing every property in Aylesbury Vale is a legal necessity, however, it is costly, and so we are urging residents to help us save money wherever possible by responding to their Household Enquiry Form promptly. This will reduce the need to send unnecessary reminder letters and forms, which would be a waste of taxpayers’ money.”
Residents can respond online using a unique 14 digit reference number which is printed on the form. The online process also allows people to add the names of any new occupants as well as remove names of those who no longer live at the address, or request a postal application.
For further information, residents can webchat at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/webchat or call 01296 585701

From september the 1st Ivinghoe & Pitstone Scouts are re-opening a beaver coloney, so below is the up to date information Beaver, Cub and Scout information along with details of how you can add a child to the waiting list.

1st Ivinghoe and Pitstone Beavers (5 3/4 -8 year olds)
Monday 6-7pm with Tom as Watermill Coloney leader
Tuesday 6-7pm with Jakki as Windmill Coloney leader

1st Ivinghoe and Pitstone Cubs (8-10 year olds)
Wednesday 7-8:30pm (Dan) Akela as Windmill Pack leader
Thursday 6:30-8pm (Rob) Shere Khan as Watermill Pack leader

1st Ivinghoe and Pitstone Scouts (10 1/2 -14 1/2 year olds)
Friday 7:30-9pm Andrew as Troop Leader

For any enquiries or to join the waiting list please contact us on ivinghoe.pitstone.scouts@gmail.com
Or our Group Scout Leader, Keith Steers on Keithsteers@gmail.com or 07899 696722

The Scouts are also raising money to rebuild the village a purpose built scout hut and are selling bricks to supporters for £10 each. Please email the above address for details.

THE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (Vicarage Road, Pitstone) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF THROUGH TRAFFIC) ORDER, 2017 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has made an Order, which will temporarily prohibit any vehicle from proceeding, except for access, in that length of Vicarage Road, Pitstone, which commences outside Moat Farm The alternative route for vehicles affected by the closure will be via Upper Icknield Way, Tring Road, Church Road, High Street, Marsworth Road, Vicarage Road and vice versa. The closure is required whilst BT Openreach works take place and it is anticipated that the works will commence on 24 August 2017 and will take approximately 2 days between 0930 and 1530 each day to complete. The Order will come into operation on 24 August 2017 when the appropriate signs are lawfully displayed and will continue for a period not exceeding eighteen months or until the said works have been completed whichever is the earlier. Penalties for not observing these restrictions will be as prescribed by the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Road Traffic Act 1991. Dated 2 August 2017

The Great Brickhill, Wing and Ivinghoe Neighbourhood Policing Team (NHPT) would like to hear from any local residents in the area,that might be interested in being part of a new Community Forum.

The Community Forum, which will be independently chaired, will look at setting priorities for the area and work on how to solve any issues identified.

The Community Forum will represent the local community and will actively involve the community.

The first Community Forum is being held at Wing Library, on Wednesday 2^nd August, between 7pm and 9pm

If you are interested in finding out more, or would like to be involved in this new forum please email the Great Brickhill, Wing & Ivinghoe NHPT or contact them on the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre number 101.

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/events/2017-07-30-free-guided-canal-walks

Play in the Park returns to Aylesbury’s Vale Park on Wednesday 2 August for a family play day extravaganza from 11.00am – 4.00pm! The event is suitable for all children up to the age of 12 and has a fantastic variety of activities on offer.
Organised by Aylesbury Vale District Council to celebrate National Play Day, Play in the Park is the perfect event to help keep the kids entertained this summer.
See them scale the climbing wall, race on motorised go karts, hone their skills on the Umbanda drums and tackle the bouncy castles. Let their creative side run free in the arts and crafts tent and watch them learn a trick or two in the skate park.
The ever-popular Colonel Custard will wow the crowds with his circus skills plus Bucks Fire and Rescue will be attending with a fire engine in tow!
If that’s all too much, why not try the great food on offer at the event’s BBQ and refreshment stalls then relax in the park and soak up the atmosphere.
Cllr Angela Macpherson, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Play in the Park is all about giving children across Aylesbury Vale the opportunity to enjoy a fun day out with their friends and families. This event encourages children and their families to keep fit and active whilst having fun. We’ve a great range of activities lined up and hope to see you there!”
Entry is free along with some activities, whilst other activities cost between £1 – £3. Tokens can be bought on the day from the designated token booths.
Find out more at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/playinthepark

AVDC are responsible for street cleansing throughout the district (adopted highway only) and the grounds maintenance of AVDC land.

Should you have an enquiry regarding please report these through our website. There are a number of online forms available with a map that allows you to pin-point the exact location of the incident.

https://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/section/report-it

This can be done by clicking on the “Report It” link as shown below.

If your query does not fit one of the categories, please contract us via our mailbox: streetscene@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

However, should it turn out that a different organisation is responsible for resolving your query, for example; VAHT or Bucks County Council, we will advise you of how best to contact them.

NEW for 2017/18!

NHB Micro Grants up to £1,000 are now available for voluntary and community sector organisations as well as parish and town councils!

An exciting development sees the introduction of a new NHB Micro Grant Funding Scheme which is open to voluntary and community sector organisations operating within a parish, as well as parish and town councils.

Easily accessible micro grants up to £1,000 are available for a variety of purposes such as the refurbishment of village halls, buying new equipment, running costs, rent etc. and will be assessed on a monthly basis.

It is not necessary for the project to link to growth, although those that do may score more highly. Projects to be put forward for funding must evidence consultation at parish level and the application form must be endorsed by the relevant town or parish council prior to submission.

The closing date for applications is the 15th of each month and the first round closes on 15th September 2017.

For more information and how to apply, please read the Information, Criteria and Guidance Notes available on visit the AVDC website at:

https://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/new-homes-bonus-funding-scheme

Or contact the Grants Officer, Jan Roffe: jroffe@ayelsburyvaledc.gov.uk

Alliance led by South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust awarded the contract for new Thames Valley 111 Integrated Urgent Care Service   ‘The new front door to urgent care’

Patients across the Thames Valley will be opening a new front door to urgent care services from September 2017.

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) has been awarded the contract for the new Thames Valley 111 telephone service by the 10 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) across the Thames Valley. SCAS leads an alliance set up to deliver the service, which also includes Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

The alliance brings together the relevant skills and expertise from local NHS providers needed for patients to access a wide range of medical disciplines.

Thames Valley 111 will now offer patients a seamless 24/7 urgent clinical assessment and treatment service – bringing together NHS 111, GP out of hours and other clinical advice, such as dental, medicines and mental health.

A team of clinicians will be available on the phone when needed, and will be linked into a new NHS Clinical Hub – a group of healthcare professionals who can help get patients the right care, at the right time, in the right location.

A thorough and rigorous procurement process took place involving clinicians, specialists and NHS managers from across the Thames Valley in the decision-making.

The focus was on selecting a provider which will work across all CCGs to support the development of an integrated 24/7 care service on a local basis.

Sam Burrows, the senior responsible officer for the procurement process, said: “We are pleased to announce that the Thames Valley 111 Partnership, led by SCAS, has been awarded the contract. This is an exciting time and one which is going to improve patients’ experience by getting people to appropriate care more efficiently by this integration of urgent care services.

“We undertook a comprehensive procurement process, which included engaging with clinicians, patients and members of the public to identify issues, address them and design a new integrated urgent care service which will revolutionise the experience for those calling 111. The Thames Valley region will be an early adopter of this new approach which will be rolled out throughout England by 2020.

“During the summer of 2015 the 10 CCGs in the Thames Valley undertook widespread public engagement with key stakeholders, as well as a review of feedback from existing users of the current 111. This gave us a picture of patient experiences and desired improvements to NHS 111, as well as gaining an understanding of public knowledge of urgent care services.

“I would like to thank all those local residents, stakeholders and clinicians who took the time to give their views and feedback during the engagement process. Your valuable contribution will help shape this integrated service and confirms our commitment to ensuring that patients are at the heart of the services we commission.”

Philip Astle, Chief Operating Officer at SCAS, said “We are delighted to be at the heart of these exciting developments of the NHS 111 in the Thames Valley. SCAS has a strong track record of working with healthcare partners to deliver outstanding care to the people of the Thames Valley, and this transformation of NHS 111 will enable us to build on that record.”

A detailed mobilisation plan is now being implemented; working towards the launch in September 2017.
The national Commissioning Standards for Integrated Urgent Care published in 2015, describe an ambitious model of care for the future in support of the Urgent and Emergency Care Review. Commissioners across Thames Valley are committed to delivering a regional service that meets the full potential of these standards.

I am delighted to share with you our June issue of Inform.

Inform is released every other month to help keep our local communities up-to-date with the work that the Flight Operations team are conducting. Our aim is always to work constructively with the local community and all of our partners to strike the right balance between minimising the impact of aircraft noise while maximising the positive social and economic benefits of a successful airport.

Please feel free to share this with friends, family and neighbours..

Yours Sincerely,

Nicole Morris
Community Noise Officer

Inform June 2017

Help us plan for tomorrow’s lorry traffic

Residents and businesses are being invited to help plan how to handle tomorrow’s rail and road freight in Buckinghamshire.

Heavy lorries make up between 10% and 20% of traffic on main routes through the county, and with a steady increase in freight forecast over the next decade, County Council transport planners want to prepare for the future.

They’re asking people to help them identify local problem areas, explore untapped opportunities, and pinpoint solutions. A ten-minute online snapshot survey will run for the next fortnight at www.buckscc.gov.uk/freight to allow residents and businesses to feed into their thinking. The results will inform a draft strategy for full consultation later in the year.

Paul Irwin, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport said his team needs to chart how things have changed with the way freight is transported, as Buckinghamshire has developed in the past decade, and prepare a blueprint for freight for the future.

He said nearly a quarter of what comes into the county by lorry is what residents eat and drink. As the county grows, so will the volume of that essential goods traffic.

“Shopping on line has really taken off over the past decade and now accounts for 14% of what we buy,” said Paul. “In the next three or four years, that’s forecast to grow to around 22%, which will add to the number of delivery lorries driving around the county.

“We’re working with residents and businesses on this critical question now so they have an early opportunity to influence the development of a new strategy that will make freight work for Buckinghamshire without imposing inappropriate costs on them or our unique environment. We want to keep Buckinghamshire thriving and attractive.”

The survey is available in Buckinghamshire County Council’s website ‘have your say’ section at www.buckscc.gov.uk/freight

The survey closes on July 6^th and should take around 10 minutes to complete.

Across Aylesbury Vale and other districts, BT has been working in partnership with Buckinghamshire County Council to deploy fibre broadband infrastructure through the Connected Counties Programme.  There are some communities within Aylesbury Vale that don’t have access to fibre broadband from BT, either because there are other networks that are offering a fibre service, or because no provider is currently providing or planning to provide access.  We understand that many communities have been left concerned about getting access to the rollout of faster broadband to their area and would like to invite residents and businesses to meet us to understand how we can help through our Community Fibre Partnerships programme.

Our programme is a co-funded initiative where Openreach invests alongside the community in line with their commercial model, and the community self-funds the remaining ‘gap’.  By being connected to the national Openreach fibre network, communities have the widest choice of internet service providers to choose from to buy a fibre broadband service, giving competitive prices and new channels such as Sky Sports or BT Sport.

We’re holding two events where you can meet us and find out more information about our Community Fibre Partnerships programme.

The dates are:

Monday 10^th July 2017

7.00pm  at Little Horwood Village (Recreation) Hall. Church St, Little Horwood, Milton Keynes, MK17 0PF

And

Thursday 13^th July 2017

7.30pm at Chearsley Village Hall, Winchendon Road, Chearsley, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0DP

Please extend our invitation for these events to friends, neighbours and other residents in the parish. I do hope that you can join us, please do ask anyone wishing to attend to register their details in advance on a simple form on our website: https://www.communityfibre.bt.com/aylesbury

With best regards,

Giles Ellerton, Regional Partnership Director,  BT.

(CAA) is currently consulting on a new decision making process for all future airspace changes.

This consultation ends on June 30.

 The rules, regulations and technology that underpin the UK’s airspace and network of flight paths have remained largely unchanged despite the growing increase in demand for air travel in the UK.

As a result, London Luton’s ability to modify and improve flight paths is not only restricted by conflicts with routes from other London airports but also by a slow and inefficient airspace change process.

The guidance the CAA has drafted defines what will happen in the new process, including each stage a sponsor of an airspace change, such as LLA must complete; the stakeholders we must engage with at each stage and the expectations of that engagement; and how the CAA assesses proposed changes.

London Luton Airport is submitting a formal response to the consultation. However, we believe it is vital that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the process of airspace modernisation.

Details of the consultation and how to respond can be found on the CAA’s website: https://consultations.caa.co.uk/policy-development/draft-airspace-design-guidance/

We would urge all interested parties to take part before the deadline.

Whilst we can never eliminate aircraft noise entirely, we always aim to work constructively with local communities and our partners to strike the right balance between minimising the impact of aircraft noise while maximising the positive social and economic benefits of a successful airport.

This is a message sent via Thames Valley Alert. This information has been sent on behalf of Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network
(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)
Message sent by
Lisa Parker (NHWN, Register Administrator, England & Wales)

We’re Neighbourhood Watch – the largest grassroots crime prevention movement in England and Wales.

We’re celebrating National Neighbourhood Watch Week (June 17-25) with a bumper edition of our bi-monthly e-newsletter Our News.

Click here to read it and find out how Neighbourhood Watch is helping to connect and protect communities:

http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/NNWW-Our-News-newsletter-JUNE17-online.pdf
Best wishes from the NHWN team

Neighbourhood Watch is proud to be supported by the Co-op Insurance and ERA Home Security

Police have been investigating reports received, of two men attending addresses in Aylesbury Vale purporting to be delivering leaflets.

Police have been investigating reports received during the month of May and early June, of two men attending addresses in the villages and towns to the north of Aylesbury Vale purporting to be delivering leaflets.

Residents have raised concerns that mail and other items have been stolen from their letter boxes following these visits. Of particular focus has been properties with letter boxes located on external walls or gateways.

Witnesses describe two men, both black and in their 20s wearing fluorescent jackets, driving a white, Vauxhall Corsa derived van. Investigating Officer Det Con Lucie Roberts from Aylesbury police station said, “We’re grateful to the residents of Aylesbury Vale who have contacted us with their concerns about these leaflet posters.

“I’d encourage anyone who may have seen them during the last few weeks, or has information about their activity, to please call us on 101.

“Personal details taken through mail box theft can be used for fraudulent activity. It is always advisory to check your accounts or credit sources to ensure all is in order.”

Police have the following information for anyone concerned about unsolicited callers attending their property:

• make sure your back door is locked before answering the front door
• use a door chain when opening the door
• ask for identification and check it carefully before letting anyone in
• ask them to come back when someone else is at home with you 
• direct people asking for help to a nearby shop or other public place, don’t let them in
• keep all valuables and keys out of sight and out of reach of doors and windows
• don’t leave spare keys in obvious places such as under doormats or plant pots
• consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme

In the case of letter box security:

• don’t leave keys in mailbox locks
• allow letters to fall through the letter box and avoid collecting them in cages attached to the door.
• if you are away for a number of days, consider asking a neighbour to collect newspapers/letters from your mailbox during your absence

Please note that Safran have an event at their site on 24 June, which will cause disruption and vehicles parking along Westfield Road on 22-24 June 2017.

Please take extra care when utilising this road during this time.

Thank you.

#AylesburyThursdays children’s events busting summer holiday boredom
Aylesbury’s Market Square and Kingsbury will play host to an amazing array of different fun activities for the kids to enjoy over the summer holidays. Try exciting new activities each Thursday – from caving and tunnelling, bouncing to ball pits, laser quest to bungee runs, human football to obstacle courses, arts and crafts and so much more.
The events run every Thursday from 27 July until 31 August inclusive, between 11am and 3pm. Enjoy up to 4 hours of fun for just £2.50 (except on 3 August, where the amazing caving experience will test your skills for £2.50 per go). Each event will have a small ball pit for our younger visitors so that they can share in the fun.
Town Centre Manager Diana Fawcett said: “We are delighted to have such an amazing array of exciting activities on offer in Aylesbury this year. Whilst in town take the time to enjoy one of our many independent cafes and coffee shops and extend your day out with a visit the museum, cinema, theatre or Roald Dahl gallery.”
Thanks to contributions from town centre organisations and businesses, Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership has fantastic #AylesburyThursdays events planned every Thursday during the 2017 Bucks County Council school holidays. Watch out for details of these and other events and attractions including the Roald Dahl Gallery, Aylesbury Library, Aylesbury markets and Bucks County Museum in the new Aylesbury Live Guide or visit www.visitaylesbury.co.uk

29422_June_Quarterly_Update_for_Great_Brickhill__Ivinghoe_and_Wing

Residents are being urged to be on their guard against bogus officials offering council tax refunds as a number of people in the Vale have already been targeted.
People are being telephoned and told they may qualify for a refund and then asked for their bank account details so the payment can be made. In previous cases they have been asked for an administration fee too.
Jeff Membery, AVDC Assistant Director for Customer Fulfilment, said: “We have reported these incidents to Bucks Trading Standards but are concerned that other residents could fall for this scam and lose money. We urge everyone to be vigilant and not to give out any sensitive information to unknown callers, either on the phone or in person”.
Residents who receive any such approach should contact Thames Valley Police – www.thamesvalley.police.uk/contact-us/

Book a Free NHS Health Check now!

If you live in Buckinghamshire and are aged 40 – 74 and you could be entitled to a free NHS Health Check*. It only take 20 minutes and may keep you healthier for longer.

Contact your GP or go online here to book.

*see website for eligibility

Don’t miss out! Early bird tickets are now available for a range of exciting workshops, including some hosted by famous faces, at Aylesbury’s Whizzfizzing Festival, formerly known as the Roald Dahl Festival, taking place on 1 July.
With the theme of Fantastical Creatures, the workshops will be part of a spectacular day packed with amazing activities and including sessions hosted by Cbeebies’ Katy Ashworth who will be pitching up in her Concoction Kitchen to woo fans with her deliciously-crazy creations.
Comedian-turned-children’s author, Julian Clary, along with a host of other writers, will give fans an insight into what makes their characters tick and share the secrets of their success. Discounted early bird prices for these workshops range from £2 to £5 and are available for a limited time until 1 June.
The day itself will be a spectacular celebration of children’s literature and is free to attend. Activities will kick off at 11am with a dazzling giant puppet parade featuring more than 600 local school children. There will also be a Tiger Who Came to Tea-themed afternoon tea in the Bucks County Museum, Roald Dahl films showing in the old Court House, face-painting in a giant peach, fancy dress and crazy hair competitions, live music, arts and crafts, with much more still to be announced.

Will Rysdale, AVDC Assistant Director said: “Last year there were more than 20,000 visitors to Aylesbury during the festival and this year is shaping up to be the biggest and best event yet. We’ve a host of big name guests joining us including a return for CBeebies’ Katy Ashworth and her Concoction Kitchen, plus new, established and award-winning authors adding to the festivities. There’ll be more entertainment going on throughout the day to suit all the family, lots of it free. Some activities do require pre-booking so I’d urge people to get tickets online to make sure they don’t miss out!”

For more information, to buy tickets and see the range of activities on offer please visit www.whizzfizzfest.org For all the latest announcements and updates on the festival, follow @WhizzFizzFest on Facebook and Twitter and use the hashtag #WhizzFizzFest

Aylesbury Whizzfizzing Festival is organised by Aylesbury Vale District Council and is supported by Aylesbury Town Council and the Town Centre Partnership. The support of main sponsor Chancellors and a host of other local business is enabling the festival to offer extra fun and activities this year.

http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/household/water-recycling-services/report-a-private-pumping-station.aspx

The candidates for the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Aylesbury Vale have been announced.
Six candidates have been nominated to contest the Aylesbury constituency at the general election on Thursday 8 June. The Buckingham constituency has four candidates. The nominations for the parliamentary elections are (in alphabetical order):
Aylesbury: Mark Trevor Bateman (Labour Party); Steven Michael Lambert (Liberal Democrat); David Roy Lidington (Conservative); Kyle Arron Paul Michael (Independent); Coral Rose Kathleen Simpson (Green Party); Vijay Singh Srao (UKIP).
Buckingham: John Bercow (The Speaker seeking re-election); Brian James Mapletoft (UKIP); Scott Raven (Independent); Michael John Sheppard (Green Party).
The verification and count for the general election will be held on Thursday 8 June at the Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, starting at 10.30pm. The results will be declared by the Acting Returning Officer, Andrew Grant, Chief Executive of Aylesbury Vale District Council.
There is still time to register to vote; the last date for registrations is 22 May. The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 5pm on 23 May.
For more information about the elections, visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/election

We invite you, your friends and family to local charity, BucksVision, Meadowcroft, Aylesbury to hear a talk about our essential support work for blind and partially sighted people in Buckinghamshire.

You may be partially sighted yourself and would like to learn more about how our services could help you, or perhaps you are thinking of becoming a fundraiser or volunteer for a local charity.  These talks will tell you all you need to know about BucksVision.

MASTER TALK INVITE – Copy

BucksVision Eye Health Week poster (2)

Inform April 2017

Nicole Morris

 Community Noise Officer

London Luton Airport

Navigation HouseAirport Way

Luton

Bedfordshire

LU2 9LY

The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is blessed with over 2,000km of rights of way including many ancient tracks going back to prehistoric times, drovers routes and hillforts. To celebrate this abundance of walks through time, these will be an important part of the first ever Chilterns Walking Festival which is organised by the Chilterns Conservation Board and features over 90 different walks and activities.

There are several walks taking in stretches of the Ridgeway National Trail and the Icknield Way, Britain’s oldest road dating back to Neolithic times. Some of the events will take you back in time 2,800 years to the Iron Age, exploring the Chilterns hillforts, many of them tucked away in the rolling beechwoods. Your walking guides will bring these ancient and fascinating landscapes to life. Here are some of the highlights, spaces are limited and need to be pre-booked – they are filling up fast so to guarantee a place book now:

• Walk with Stone Age Woman (Sunday 21^st May) Ideal for families

Archaeologist-actress dressed as a Stone Age woman will take you on a leisurely 3 mile walk in lovely countryside around Ivinghoe Beacon. Discover how people in the area have lived and travelled since the last Ice Age, visiting features such as The Ridgeway National Trail, Grimm’s Ditch and Ivinghoe Beacon hillfort.

• Captain’s Wood Walk (Wed 17^th May)

Starting at the Black Horse Inn, Chesham Vale, this wonderful, varied 4 mile walk takes in ancient field patterns and hedges, old earthworks and the home of a famous author.

• Colonisation of the Chilterns (Tues 23^rd May)

A 3 mile walk starting at Coleshill, looking at the various Chiltern settlers throughout history and the marks they have left on the landscape.

• Supper Talk (Thursday 25^th May)

Join local author Hugh Thomson in the fantastic surroundings of St Katharine’s, Parmoor (near Marlow) for a 2 course dinner and a talk by Hugh on his book, ‘The Green Road Into The Trees’. The book tells of his journey along the Icknield Way where he takes the drover-paths and tracks, the paths and ditches half covered by bramble and tunnelled by alder, beech and oak.

• Ivinghoe Archaeological Walk (Friday 26^th May)

A fascinating 7 mile walk and talk featuring the archaeological and geological landscape around the Ivinghoe Beacon area, a region heavily influenced by the pre-historic peoples of the Bronze and Iron Ages.

For more information and to book on these walks go to www.visitchilterns.co.uk/walkingfest or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChilternsWalkingFestival

Appeal for witnesses following fatal collision – Ivinghoe

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in Ivinghoe.

At around 6.40am this yesterday morning (7/5) a collision occurred on the B488 Station Road.

A blue VW Golf and a white Mercedes Citan van were in a collision.

Sadly, as a result of the collision, a passenger in the VW Golf, sustained serious injuries and died at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed.

Investigating officer Sgt Mark Ashby, of the Roads Policing department based at Amersham police station said: “I would like to speak to anyone who may have seen a blue VW Golf driving from the direction of Bletchley and the Stoke Hammond by-

pass towards Ivinghoe prior to the collision.

“If you have any information please contact me via the Thames Valley Police non-enquiry centre 101 quoting reference number 43170131352. Alternatively, if you have information but wish to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley, Anthony Stansfeld, has today launched his ‘Victims First’ brand and website.

Victims First is the new overarching title for the PCCs work in providing support, increasing accessibility and improving services for victims of crime across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

The first initiative under ‘Victims First’ is a new online resource which has advice on what to do and how to get help if you’ve been a victim of crime, including information on what you should expect from the police and other criminal justice agencies if you report the crime.

The focal point of the website is a directory which allows victims to find relevant support to help them cope and recover from the impact of the crime. Members of the public will be able to use the website to refer themselves directly to the PCCs own support services, using the online form, or find information and contact details for other organisations. This support is available regardless of whether or not the victim has reported the crime to the police.

The website has information and advice to help people to recognise hidden crimes such as modern slavery, domestic abuse, including coercive control, and hate crime. Victims First also provides a third party reporting mechanism for hate crime so that those who don’t want to report directly to the police can either complete a reporting form on the website or call 0300 1234 148.

The PCC has undertaken extensive work to improve support for victims of crime, including commissioning new services for young victims, victims of sexual violence, a victim-led restorative justice service and a local support service to assist other victims.

Victims First encompasses all of this work and will expand over the coming year, with the PCC reviewing his services to ensure that victims continue to have appropriate support in place, are able to easily access it and that agencies, including the police, are victim-focussed.

Anthony Stansfeld, Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I recently launched my new Police and Crime Plan which reaffirmed my commitment to making sure that victims have access to the support they need to cope and recover from the impact of crime. The launch of Victims First and the website is a key milestone in my work in this area and will allow victims to easily find information and support in one place.

“I believe it will be a valuable resource not just for victims but also for people and organisations that come into contact with victims of crime who can now use the website to find and refer people to an appropriate service.

“Victims First will continue to develop over the next year with plans to create a single referral doorway, a specialist counselling service and community signposting points with the aim of simplifying access and improving support for victims.”

The website is www.victims-first.org.uk

Disabled young people are being given a brilliant opportunity to learn how to fish, on a six-week inclusive angling course which includes a competition and barbeque in the final week.
The £10 course has been organised by Aylesbury Vale District Council. Support from Leap, funding from Sport England’s Sportivate initiative and volunteers from The Tring Anglers have helped make the low-cost course possible.
Disabled young people aged 11 to 21 and their parents and carers are invited to join friendly coaches from The Tring Anglers. Each week they’ll learn more about the basics of angling, from hooks and bait, to casting and handling their catch.
Richard Pilkington The Tring Anglers said: “This course is a great chance to learn a skill for life and meet new people. We’re delighted to get involved and share our expertise and passion for fishing.”
The course takes place at Marsworth Startops car park between 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Thursdays between 8 June and 13 July. Spaces are limited and can be booked at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/sportivate or by calling 01296 474 301.

Message from Inspector James Davies

I do not normally provide an update for these newsletters but I thought it pertinent to do so due to the forthcoming changes to Thames Valley Police and your local police area.

On the 1^st June Thames Valley Police will be introducing a new operating model to help us better meet the needs of the public we serve. Within the new structure Aylesbury Vale Local Police Area will be centred around three core areas of business: response, investigation and neighbourhood policing.

The new structure has been designed to give the flexibility to better prioritise the way we respond to crime, ensuring that we can effectively and efficiently target our resources at the areas of greatest need at any specific time.

Under the new structure, local neighbourhood officers will continue to focus on working within the community identifying issues, problem solving and preventing crime.

To aide consistency I will be taking over the management of the neighbourhood police teams across the whole of the Vale while Inspector Chris Young from the rural neighbourhood team will move to take over newly formed Problem Solving Teams.

I look forward to leading my staff to provide a visible neighbourhood police team who engage locally to address problems in conjunction with the local community.

James Davies

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, Aylesbury Vale Local Police Area

“You said, we did” local priorities

Burglary dwelling

You said “Reduce burglary dwelling.”

We did: Continued to patrol historic locations of burglaries. Burglary overall last month greatly reduced.

Theft from motor vehicle (TFMV)

You Said “Reduce TFMV.”

We did: Identified vehicles displaying valuables and sent letter. We are also patrolled beauty spot car parks which have been targeted lately.

Crime prevention advice

Garages and sheds are often full of expensive tools to steal or use to break into the house. Do not leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house.

–           Fit strong padlocks and hardware to shed and garage doors.

–           Make sure that the doors are solid enough not to be kicked in.

–           Fit locks or bars to windows.

–           Lock ladders inside your garage or shed.

–           Consider lockable steel boxes or anchor posts fitted to the floor to secure tools and         equipment.

–           Garden tools and machinery should be permanently marked with your postcode.

–           Install a battery or mains-powered shed alarm, available from all good DIY stores at a reasonable price.

–           For extra security, replace the screws in external hinges of your shed or garage side-door with ‘clutch-head’ screws (also known as ‘anti-tamper’ or ‘coffin’ screws).

Vehicle crime prevention tips

–           Where possible, secure your car overnight in a garage.

–           If you don’t have a garage, park in a well-lit area.

–           Close all windows and lock your car.

–           Don’t leave anything on display in your vehicle.

–           Empty the vehicle of tools and equipment.

–           Take all your personal possessions with you.

–           Remove sat nav holders and visible sat nav ring marks from windscreens.

–           Leave the glove box open to show there is nothing inside.

–           Park vehicles in a way which prevents doors being opened e.g. alongside a wall.

Have Your Say Meetings

Tuesday 2^nd May 2017 at Nup End Café, Wingrave from 12.00 noon until 1.00pm with PCSO Frank Callaghan.

Wednesday 3^rd May 2017 at Methodist Church, Stoke Hammond from 10.30am until 11.30am with PCSO Tina Hobson

Thursday 4^th May 2017 at Cricket Hall, Stewkley from 10.30am until 11.30am with PCSO Tina Hobson

Friday 5^th May 2017 at Village Hall, Drayton Parslow from 12.00 noon until 1.30pm with PCSO Tina Hobson

Sunday 21^st May 2017 at Country Fair, The Grange, Mursley Road, Stewkley from 11.00am until 5.00pm with PCSO Tina Hobson

Monday 22^nd May 2017 Parish Hall, Great Brickhill from 1.30pm until 3.30pm with PCSO Tina Hobson

Monday 29^th May 2017 from Methodist Church, Stoke Hammond from 10.30am until 11.30am with PCSO Tina Hobson

Contacting the team

We are always happy to hear from you if you have information that may help us!

If you see anything suspicious, if you think it’s not right or someone looks out of place please call us on 999 if it is a crime in progress or 101 if you have information. You can also email the team at: greatbrickhillwingivinghoeNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. Are you on Twitter? Follow us at @TVP_Aylesbury or find the #AylesburyRural or #4625 hashtags

Thames Valley Alerts

Receive free local crime alerts and crime prevention advice by signing up to Thames Valley Alert (opens in new window) today.

“You said, we did” local priorities

Burglary dwelling

You said “Reduce burglary dwelling.”

We did: Continued to patrol historic locations of burglaries. Burglary overall last month greatly reduced.

Theft from motor vehicle (TFMV)

You Said “Reduce TFMV.”

We did: Identified vehicles displaying valuables and sent letter. We are also patrolled beauty spot car parks which have been targeted lately.

Crime prevention advice

Garages and sheds are often full of expensive tools to steal or use to break into the house. Do not leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house.

–           Fit strong padlocks and hardware to shed and garage doors.

–           Make sure that the doors are solid enough not to be kicked in.

–           Fit locks or bars to windows.

–           Lock ladders inside your garage or shed.

–           Consider lockable steel boxes or anchor posts fitted to the floor to secure tools and         equipment.

–           Garden tools and machinery should be permanently marked with your postcode.

–           Install a battery or mains-powered shed alarm, available from all good DIY stores at a reasonable price.

–           For extra security, replace the screws in external hinges of your shed or garage side-door with ‘clutch-head’ screws (also known as ‘anti-tamper’ or ‘coffin’ screws).

Vehicle crime prevention tips

–           Where possible, secure your car overnight in a garage.

–           If you don’t have a garage, park in a well-lit area.

–           Close all windows and lock your car.

–           Don’t leave anything on display in your vehicle.

–           Empty the vehicle of tools and equipment.

–           Take all your personal possessions with you.

–           Remove sat nav holders and visible sat nav ring marks from windscreens.

–           Leave the glove box open to show there is nothing inside.

–           Park vehicles in a way which prevents doors being opened e.g. alongside a wall.

Have Your Say Meetings

Tuesday 2^nd May 2017 at Nup End Café, Wingrave from 12.00 noon until 1.00pm with PCSO Frank Callaghan.

Wednesday 3^rd May 2017 at Methodist Church, Stoke Hammond from 10.30am until 11.30am with PCSO Tina Hobson

Thursday 4^th May 2017 at Cricket Hall, Stewkley from 10.30am until 11.30am with PCSO Tina Hobson

Friday 5^th May 2017 at Village Hall, Drayton Parslow from 12.00 noon until 1.30pm with PCSO Tina Hobson

Sunday 21^st May 2017 at Country Fair, The Grange, Mursley Road, Stewkley from 11.00am until 5.00pm with PCSO Tina Hobson

Monday 22^nd May 2017 Parish Hall, Great Brickhill from 1.30pm until 3.30pm with PCSO Tina Hobson

Monday 29^th May 2017 from Methodist Church, Stoke Hammond from 10.30am until 11.30am with PCSO Tina Hobson

Contacting the team

We are always happy to hear from you if you have information that may help us!

If you see anything suspicious, if you think it’s not right or someone looks out of place please call us on 999 if it is a crime in progress or 101 if you have information. You can also email the team at: greatbrickhillwingivinghoeNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. Are you on Twitter? Follow us at @TVP_Aylesbury or find the #AylesburyRural or #4625 hashtags

Thames Valley Alerts

Receive free local crime alerts and crime prevention advice by signing up to Thames Valley Alert (opens in new window) today.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision near Ivinghoe.

At approximately 4.50pm on Saturday (15/4) a collision occurred at the junction of the B489 Tring Road and Beacon Road near Ivinghoe.

A red Ford Fiesta and a black Aprilla motorbike were in collision.

Sadly, as a result of the collision the rider of the motorbike sustained serious injuries and died. His next of kin have been informed.

The driver of the Fiesta, a 19-year-old man from Aylesbury, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. A passenger in the Fiesta, a 17-year-old boy from Aylesbury, was arrested on suspicion of drugs possession – cannabis. The man and the boy have both been released from police custody under investigation.

Investigating officer, Police Constable Jason Brinklow of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “It is believed that a number of motorists who observed the collision left the scene after the emergency services arrived. It is vital that these motorists contact police immediately so we can begin to build a picture as to how the collision happened.

“Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information about the collision please call us on 101 or visit a police station and quote reference 43170109361.
Alternatively, if you have information but wish to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Bucks County Council gully/weir/drain cleaning today & tomorrow along Marsworth Road, Ivinghoe High Street and Marsworth:

With county council elections less than a month away, over 20,000 postal votes will be dispatched to voters across the Vale later this week. The initial issue will include long standing postal voters and anyone who applied before the 30 March.
For those who can’t vote in person on the 4 May, there is still time to apply for a postal vote. Applications must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 18 April, with the final issue of postal votes from 21 April. You can download an application form at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
Deputy Returning Officer Andrew Grant said; “The issue and receipt of postal votes is a significant part of the modern election process. All returned postal votes must be verified against the personal details of the voter in order to protect against electoral fraud. Watch out for your postal vote and read the instructions carefully before responding, to ensure your vote is counted. Don’t forget that if you miss the deadline to apply for a postal vote you can appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf until 5pm on Tuesday 25 April”.

Anthony Stansfeld, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley has recently published his new five year Police and Crime Plan which sets out the priorities for policing and other crime reduction organisations across the Thames Valley, including the response to regional and national threats.

The full plan can be found on the PCC website here and a short summary of the plan; it’s broad strategic priorities and how it  has been developed is below.

Police and Crime Plan 2017 – 2021

This new Plan consists of five broad strategic priorities which are:

1. Vulnerability – Managing demand on services through working together with a particular focus on mental health, elder abuse, hidden abuse, and the criminal justice experience for victims of domestic and sexual abuse
2. Prevention and Early Intervention – Improving safeguarding in both the physical space and virtual space including tackling cyber crime, road safety, peer on peer abuse, hate crime and female genital mutilation (FGM)
3. Reducing Re-offending – Targeting and managing harm and risk with a focus on substance misuse, violence involving weapons and offender management including perpetrators of domestic abuse
4. Serious Organised Crime and Terrorism – Improving the local response including increased public awareness, promoting a ‘dare to share’ culture, and preventing violent extremism and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
5. Police Ethics and Reform – Increasing the pace of change with a focus on improved support for victims, accelerated uptake of new technology, and improving the perceptions of police among young people

The priorities and aims in the Plan will be addressed in greater detail through the delivery plans of Thames Valley Police, the Office of the PCC and other partner service delivery plans, particularly Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs).

The plan was developed using a broad range of information including the evaluation of research documents, analysis of crime trends, horizon scanning to identify future trends and consultation with partners including the police and local authorities.

It was also informed by the views of the nearly 5000 residents of Thames Valley, including over 1000 young people, who took part in the PCCs policing and crime survey in 2016.

Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld said “I am pleased to be launching the new Police and Crime Plan which sets out my priorities for keeping communities across the Thames Valley safe.  The plan seeks to address current and emerging threats from crime over the next five years.

“I have kept my strategic priorities broad to allow organisations to interpret them to meet local needs but I will be working closely with partner organisations to understand how they will address the issues identified.

“The demands on policing and community safety concerns have changed over the last few years and my new plan reflects this. Issues such as mental health are placing a growing demand on police and partners, as has the increased reporting of domestic and sexual abuse. Hidden and/ or newly emerging crimes such as female genital mutilation, hate crime, honour based violence and cyber crime also need to be tackled. It is important that we work together to raise awareness of these crimes as well as bring to justice the offender and support the victims.

“To effectively take on this work there is a need for police to take advantage of new technologies, while at the same time continuing to foster the trust of the people they serve. My recent survey showed that adults were largely satisfied with the service provided by the police, however, young people’s perception of police was less favourable and I would like to see more work with young people to address this.

“As the recent tragedy in London has unfortunately highlighted terrorism remains a very real threat and the work in preventing violent extremism will continue. Serious organised crime must also be tackled and very vulnerable people, who are exploited as a consequence, protected.

“My new Plan focuses on many new and emerging issues for policing but more traditional crimes such as household burglary and rural crime will also remain a priority.

“Tackling new demand, as well as maintaining support for the investigation of more traditional crimes, won’t be an easy task. However, as recent Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) inspections have shown, Thames Valley Police is a force we can be proud of and I have faith that they will be able to rise to this challenge and continue to safeguard the communities of Thames Valley.”

International crime bestseller Adam Croft, Sunday Times bestseller Rowan Coleman and Hugh Fraser – Captain Hastings in ITV’s ‘Poirot’, and a successful thriller writer, are part of an amazing line up for BeaconLit’s fifth festival of books and writing, being held again in Brookmead School, Ivinghoe on Saturday 8 July.

Early bird full day passes are on sale now at the bargain price of £19.50 for this great day out. But you need to be quick – the price rises to £25 at midnight on 31 May 2017. Morning and afternoon only tickets will be released nearer the festival.

Secure your Early bird full day pass – the best value ticket to enjoy the whole festival – at http://www.beaconlit.co.uk/buytickets.php

Adam Croft talks about his career to fellow crime writer Dave Sivers, Hugh Fraser will be in conversation with BBC presenter Adina Campbell, and Rowan Coleman will moderate a panel of top women novelists – Jean Fullerton, Christina Jones and Hywela Lyn, discussing ‘What’s in a Genre?’

Other treats include thrilling New Voices Steph Broadribb, Harriet Cummings and Clare Swatman, as well as award-winning publisher Karen Sullivan on starting and building the phenomenally successful Orenda Books imprint.

The festival has some strong local connections. Dave Sivers and Hywela Lyn are both from Pitstone, where Harriet Cummings’ parents also live and Clare Swatman is editor of Tring Living magazine. Several other authors are fairly local.

With workshops and spotlight sessions, the festival is a must for all readers and writers!

You can view the full programme at http://www.beaconlit.co.uk/Programmeandauthors.php

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