Archives: Local News

Vicar’s Report on the Benefice (our group of parishes) in 2026

Our vision in 2025 remained consistent with the previous year – and, at the end of February (shortly after the 1st anniversary of the sudden passing of Rt. Rev. Alan Wilson) our parishes were greatly encouraged by Rev. Canon Dave Bull, Area Dean of Wycombe, becoming the new Bishop of Buckingham. Folk who have met +Dave have been impressed with his humility, his spirituality and his positive outlook on life. With our prayers we fully expect him to become as well-liked and well-respected as his predecessor.

In our own parishes, there were the services you would expect of your Parish Church – Easter, Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas plus Sundays, Weddings, Baptisms, Funerals and Burials. Do remember that our services and events – as well as our contact details – are always available at www.achurchnearyou.com

And there were events for the wider community. Special mention should be made of the Slapton Village Fete, the Art Exhibition at Ivinghoe Church and the resurrection of the Marsworth Flower Festival. These (and other) events were only possible because volunteers from the wider community combined with church members – all generously giving of their time and talents. Once again, I want to assure everyone that I am extremely grateful for all your hard work: it really does make a huge difference to our communities.

Talking of our communities I am conscious that planned housing developments will be a big issue for us all going forward. In the autumn, Oxford Diocese contacted Marsworth Parochial Church Council (PCC) with the news that the Diocese is looking to sell for development some of the Glebe Land on the edge of the village. The PCC discussed this proposal and came to the conclusion that to lose productive farmland and to build properties without upgrading the existing infrastructure was not a proposal we could support. The PCC voted unanimously against the proposal of the Diocese – and communicated our thinking and this decision to Oxford. However, it remains to be seen how much weight the opinion of the people on the ground actually carries.  

More positively it was a very busy year for our Bell Towers. The newly-restored bells at Slapton attracted visitors from across the region – and this seemed to create a certain amount of interest in the Towers at Ivinghoe and Marsworth too. All our teams welcome new ringers so, if you fancy a go, do feel free to get in touch with the appropriate Tower Captain.

Looking Forward

People, I remain keen for our churches to work with other groups in order to make our parishes better places. I’m thankful for those partners whom we have joined with over the past year. I hope we can continue to identify shared goals and values as we move forward together.

Rev. James Grainger-Smith

Vicar of Ivinghoe with Pitstone, Slapton and Marsworth

March 2026

Buckinghamshire Council launch Local Transport Plan consultation (open until 30/3/26)

Council launches consultation on Local Transport Plan 5 | Buckinghamshire Council

“Buckinghamshire Council is inviting residents, businesses and visitors to take part in a public consultation on the draft Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP5), running from 16 February to 30 March 2026.

LTP5 sets out how the council aims to make travelling around Buckinghamshire easier, safer and more accessible, while improving travel choices for all. The plan looks ahead to 2045 and will guide how transport improvements are planned, funded and delivered across local communities, the road network and public transport over the next 20 years.”

Full information and details of how to submit your comments are available on the Buckinghamshire Council webpage linked above.

Buckinghamshire Councillors report for February 2026

My report to you this month is all about the Buckinghamshire wide Local Development Plan.

We, as a planning authority are required by central government, to develop a plan for the next period, in this case 2025-2045, for housing and employment development. This will be the first of its type for Bucks as a whole, since the creation of the Unitary Authority. We have in this area an existing plan, know as the Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan, but as a county we do not.

The “Call for sites” revealed proposals with enough land for 600,000 dwellings which does give us options. It is proposed that no development should happen within the Green Belt at all and that the new “Grey Belt” designation can be almost completely discounted.

Work has been going on by officers at Bucks Council as required by order from central government and we are now at the stage of having site specific proposals across the county. The interactive map can be viewed at:

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4551b49742e846a4a4f0dad74e08635e

The key for the map is:

Red outline but otherwise empty are sites which have been discounted.

Green shaded areas would go forward unless there are good reasons to not do so.

Blue shaded areas are due to have further analysis and may not necessarily go forward.

Under the last government it was successfully argued that this should be a needs-based assessment which had a figure of 65,000 dwellings over the plan period. Since the new government came to power in 2024 this has been changed to a central directive of 95,500 dwellings, an increase of 43%. Disappointingly this comes with no evidence other than a desire to build more homes. Furthermore, there will be no funding from central government for infrastructure. It is suggested by those that have given this figure, that infrastructure will come from the charges to developers upon completion of individual sites or projects.

From a personal point of view, I have always argued that infrastructure should come before significant development even if costs are then reimbursed to government or local authority. Experience teaches us that developers may agree to a certain level of funding for affordable housing, foul and fresh water connection, electricity grid and transport infrastructure, health services and education provision for example, but that too often they successfully negotiate down after the fact due to economic constraints. To build so many new dwellings within Bucks with no infrastructure plan in place and funding secure could lead to many problems in the future.

Please do look at the online map for your area of work, home and leisure and comment via the Your Voice Bucks portal at: https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/planning/2aa4b313/

Finally, you may have seen a letter written to Bucks Council and published by the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government appearing to reprimand Bucks Council for a lack of progress in developing its plan. This is entirely inappropriate and inaccurate as Bucks Council are following the timetable set out by and agreed with the government. We must however keep to this timetable as failure to do so will mean government will take over the process and this will inevitably to even greater numbers being required.

Health and social care when living in rural Bucks

Healthwatch Bucks latest project looks at how those living in the rural parts of Bucks access health and social care.

We know that people living in rural areas may experience health and social care services differently from those living in towns in Buckinghamshire. It’s important for us to learn more about any difficulties these communities might encounter.

So, please tell Healthwatch Bucks what works for you and what could make it easier for you to access any health or social care such as dentists, hospitals, and respite care.

People can share their feedback anonymously via their online survey via this QR code, or on their website https://bit.ly/4jVz2HB

The survey closes on 31 May.

Healthwatch Bucks will write a report summarising what they have been told. It will include recommendations about what would make accessing health and social care rural in Bucks better.

Cheddington Road roadworks 16/2/26

Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

16 February – 16 February

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)

Description: Remove signs and set aside for re-use 3 No – Install 1 No new 76mm dia post in verge at least 1.5 from edge of footway and not in proximity to tree – Refix signs – TM Give and Take |1712847 (RM – Missing/Def Sign)

Works location: Near junction with Marsworth Road

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D40071091375

Planning Volunteers Needed – Protect the Chilterns

The Chilterns are under intense and growing pressure from over-development, and we urgently need more local people to help protect our nationally important landscape.

Planning Volunteers Needed – Protect the Chilterns

The Chilterns are facing unprecedented development pressure. Housing targets and weakened planning protections are putting the Green Belt, landscape, and local character at risk.

The Chiltern Society’s Planning Group challenges detrimental planning applications, whilst supporting appropriate development. Our work is respected by planning authorities and is often included in decisions.

We can currently cover only 60% of parishes. That is not enough. We need more local volunteers — WE NEED YOU!

No planning experience is required. We provide training, support and expert guidance. All that’s needed is a passion for your local area.

If you care about the Chilterns, this is your chance to make a real difference.

For more information or to get involved please contact us today

Thank you for your support.

Local Roadworks 4-9/2/26

Information from Buckinghamshire Council below:

Dunstable Road, Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire

09 February – 09 February

Delays likely – Road closure

Name: Dunstable Road, Ivinghoe

Location: Dunstable Road

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Responsibility for event: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

Roadworks

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

07 February – 08 February

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Responsibility for works: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: KL3371244-NWC-QTS-1

Warwick Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

04 February – 06 February

Roadworks, Delays unlikely

Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion

Description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by ANGLIAN WATER BUSINESS (NATIONAL) LIMITED.

Responsibility for works: ANGLIAN WATER BUSINESS (NATIONAL) LIMITED

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: AD03267635636

Thames Valley Police Alerts – Free to Sign Up

Thames Valley Alerts is a free email messaging system where you can receive regular crime updates, information on ongoing incidents and crime prevention relevant to your local area.

By signing up to Thames Valley Alerts you can get involved in helping to make your local area a safer place, tell us what the police should be doing in your area, shape the initiatives that help to keep people and property safe and tell us what matters are causing your communities harm.

You can register now to receive messages of local crime alerts, witness appeals and information to the area in which you live or work.

Pitstone – Concerns following incident on 15/01/2026

Pitstone – Concerns following incident on 15/01/2026
Good morning residents of Pitstone,  

It has been raised to the Neighbourhood Teams attention that a number of residents are concerned following an incident on 15th January 2026. It has been noted that members of the community are requesting further information as to the incident and are worried based on the information that they are being told through conversation and Facebook.  

The incident that occurred on 15th January 2026 is believed to be isolated and there is nothing to suggest anything of concern to the wider community.  

The incident is being investigated by Thames Valley Police and a number of enquiries have been completed and will continue. It is likely that residents will have had Police knock on their doors to enquire about whether anything was seen or heard at the time and these enquiries are likely to continue. 

I would ask that if residents have any information that the feel might be useful to the Police in relation to the incident to get in contact via 101 or the online web form submission and quote reference 43260023759. 

If residents would like to get in contact with the local Neighbourhood Policing team then please email WingNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk.  

Many thanks,  

PC 4291 Jake Bye and PC 2151 Dionne Edwards.

Seen a pothole?

The winter weather is taking its toll on the highway surfaces in the village. The parish council has reported a number of potholes and surface defects, but we don’t traverse every road every day, so if you drive past a pot hole, sunken manhole cover, flooded drain etc please report it to Buckinghamshire Council via the Fix My Street portal as they rely on your input to know where defects have occurred. Link to their webpage below:

Report a pothole on the road | Buckinghamshire Council

Thank you.

London Luton Airport Community Noise Survey

We are writing to invite you to take part in our London Luton Airport Community Noise Survey.

LLA are conducting this survey in order to understand the community views on our airport operations as well as our noise complaint service. We will analyse and use these responses, for continual improvement and to offer the ability for local communities, to help shape the future of our noise controls. 

The Community Noise Survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. If you would like to take part, please click here to begin. 

When you submit the survey, you will be entered into a prize draw with a chance to win a £50 Love2Shop Voucher. The prize draw terms and conditions can be found here. Any personal data provided will be used in accordance with our privacy notice, which can be found here.

We look forward to hearing your feedback.

Kind regards,

The Flight Operations Team
London Luton Airport
Percival House, Percival Way

Luton, LU2 9NU

Upcoming Marsworth Road night time road closure

Buckinghamshire Council has notified of the following:

  • Resurfacing Marsworth Road, from the Cheddington Road roundabout to Orchard Way.
  • Night time closure from 19.00 and 07.00 each night for approximately 9 nights from 20 January 2026.
  • NB this work is weather dependent so the dates may move.

Buckinghamshire Councillors report for January 2026

Cllr Peter Brazier and I would like to wish all residents within Ivinghoe ward the very best for this New Year of 2026.

It has been a very busy 7 months since the elections in May, and we have quickly settled into the new council term. Peter having been appointed as a Cabinet member, for Culture and Leisure, and myself as Chairman of the Community Board. Besides these roles there is the day-to-day tasks of answering residents’ enquiries and attending those meetings in Aylesbury and elsewhere as required. I shall be attending the budget scrutiny committee for the whole of the second week of January; more background to which can be found in the following paragraphs. It does not make for happy reading I am sorry to say. Central Government has pushed Local Government budgets for years and despite what some may say, this year is no exception. In Buckinghamshire, we are facing unprecedented financial pressures. The central government’s recent Fair Funding Review means we face a reduction in funding in real terms.

Budget.

The settlement for local authorities was announced in the middle of December and, as expected, Buckinghamshire has suffered a reduction in funding.  The forecast figure was an anticipated cut of £42.5 million over the financial settlement period.  This was made more difficult given the lack of clarity provided by Government, but it proved to be broadly correct – the actual figure is a reduction in funding of £44.5 million.

As costs rise and the demand for statutory services like adult social care and special educational needs support for children continue to grow, currently approximately 73% of our entire budget, we need to make some very difficult decisions in relation to spending in the year ahead.

Following the public consultation we ran last autumn, we have now developed a draft budget for 2026-27. This will go before our Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Task and Finish Group in mid-January. If you have a question you would like to be considered for discussion by the Committee about a specific aspect of our proposed budget, please email it to: budget.scrutiny@buckinghamshire.gov.uk before 12pm on 11 January 2026.

This is obviously unwelcome news and the further £2 million reduction from the forecast serves to place even greater pressure on our finances. 

Government have claimed that the “Core funding power” for Bucks has been INCREASED by 14.1%.  This is completely misleading.  The actual measure should be called “Core Spending Power” (CSP) which relates to the non-ringfenced money available to this council…. Including the INCREASES in Council Tax that the “Fair Funding” formula forces us to account for. 

The actual increase in CSP, including the rises in Council Tax for the 3-year settlement period is 8.1%.  The average across England is an increase of 15.1%. So Bucks, even with a 5% per annum council tax increase, only sees half the core spending power gain of the rest of England.  This figure does NOT account for inflation – so the reality is that the small CSP increase will largely be inflated away and yet the demand for services continues to rise.  Without the increases to council tax there would be an overall REDUCTION in CSP of approx. 5% – worth around £30m.

Government is claiming this is a 14.1% increase because, inexplicably, they have chosen to use LAST YEAR as their baseline comparison and not this current year!

The headline message is that Buckinghamshire residents will see increases in Council Tax and money will be sent to other parts of the country, overall Bucks will have £44.5 million less as a county. 

There is, however, some good news within our own budget.  There has been an increase in the expansion of our Council Tax base.  This has provided additional resources into the budget which means fewer cuts will need to be made than previously assumed. 

As a result, the budget proposals have been changed to ‘buy back’ some options, a number of which are relatively minor and non-resident focused but the key resident ones are….

Therefore, we will retain weekly frequency of bin collections, the increases in road and transport investment, the retention of all Household Recycling Centres and keeping public toilets open! 

Other Councils in the country are squeezing these areas and making swingeing cuts or changes to services.  Despite the targeted attack on rural county and unitarity authorities by the Government a history of strong, sound and prudent control of our budgets in Buckinghamshire has meant we can adjust to provide a balanced budget.  

The reality is that Government are also reducing grants and investment in other areas – such as the cancellation of the previously promised SEND school.  Plus, we also don’t yet know what the SEND reforms will result in.  The fact is that the funding provided is not sustainable over the long term.

I am sorry to be the bearer of such news but this is the reality every year when funding announcements are made.

Buckinghamshire housing plan.

The initial proposals for the new Buckinghamshire wide housing plan will be announced soon. With Government seeking 1.5 million homes to be built in this parliament it is inevitable that we will see large scale development in Bucks. Where these will be proposed is not yet clear but we will expect to take our chare within the ward. It is simply not possible to accommodate all of this in small sites or infill, there will inevitably be new larger developments. I have always said that the arbitrary figure announced within their manifesto would be impossible to deliver. It now seems that statistics are showing this to be the case. Current projections are that between 700 and 800,000 could be built. There may well be 1.5 million permissions given but finances and skilled workforce are just not there to enable delivery.

Finally.

As always, we attend almost every Parish Council meeting throughout the year, unless a meeting at Bucks council clashes, where we can be approached by residents or we welcome any communication by email at any time.

Once again, we wish you a very happy and prosperous 2026.

Kind regards, Chris Poll.

Councillor for Ivinghoe ward. 

Chairman of East Bucks Community Board

Tel: 01296 663737

Severe Weather Emergency Provision for anyone sleeping out on the streets

As the weather is exceptionally cold, if you see anyone sleeping out on the streets of Buckinghamshire, please contact StreetLink via https://www.streetlink.org.uk or phone 0300 500 0914, who will notify our dedicated Outreach workers.

If you see anyone you believe to be under the age of 18 and or are concerned about the health or welfare of anyone that you see sleeping rough please call 999.

A warm area will be available in the Buckinghamshire Council offices at Walton Street, Aylesbury, Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe, or any of our libraries.

During office hours you can contact our housing teams on the following number: 01296 585168. Out of hours, please call: 0800 999 7677.

Vehicle of Interest

Vehicle of Interest
Good afternoon everyone,  

It has been brought to the Neighbourhood Teams attention of a vehicle acting suspiciously in Pitstone.

The vehicle was seen to be driving slowly looking into houses. This vehicle then returned on another occasion a short while later.

Officers are interested in speaking to the occupants of the following vehicle so if it is sighted please call 999 quoting reference 43250657042.

The vehicle is a Blue Volkswagen Tiguan with the registration of AV25 OKH. 

We remind residents to remain vigilant over the Christmas period and to report anything suspicious on 999 if happening now, or 101 to report a non-emergency. 

We wish all residents a Happy New Year,

The Wing Neighbourhood Policing Team

Revised bin collection dates for Christmas 2025

Buckinghamshire residents are being reminded to take note of changes to bin collections during the festive period and to recycle as much of the extra waste that accumulates at this time of year as possible.

Due to the bank holidays, bin collections will operate to a revised timetable. Please check the amended dates in the table below and ensure bins are out by 6:30am on the day of collection.

Normal DayRevised Day
Thursday 25 December 2025
(Christmas Day)		Saturday 27 December 2025
Friday 26 December 2025
(Boxing Day)		Monday 29 December 2025
Monday 29 December 2025Tuesday 30 December 2025
Tuesday 30 December 2025Wednesday 31 December 2025
Wednesday 31 December 2025Friday 2 January 2026
Thursday 1 January 2026
(New Year Bank Holiday)		Saturday 3 January 2026
Friday 2 January 2026Monday 5 January 2026
Monday 5 January 2026Tuesday 6 January 2026
Tuesday 6 January 2026Wednesday 7 January 2026
Wednesday 7 January 2026Thursday 8 January 2026
Thursday 8 January 2026Friday 9 January 2026
Friday 9 January 2026Saturday 10 January 2026

The garden waste collection service is currently suspended for winter and will resume from Monday 26 January 2026. Subscribers can dispose of real Christmas trees, wreaths, holly and mistletoe in their garden waste bin after Christmas – just remember to remove decorations and cut trees into smaller pieces.

Non-subscribers can recycle their real Christmas trees at their nearest Household Recycling Centre (HRC) or check for local charity collections. Please remove all decorations, lights, pots and stands before recycling.

Recycling centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. On all other days, they will operate usual winter opening hours. Check online before visiting to confirm times and avoid queues. A reminder that while Buckingham HRC is temporarily closed for essential drainage works, alternative arrangements are in place for impacted residents of North Bucks.

Ade Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste, said:

“The festive season is a time for celebration, but it also brings a big increase in waste. By planning ahead and recycling as much as possible, we can all do our bit to reduce our environmental impact.

At a time of gift giving, often including toys, gadgets and appliances, as well as an abundance of fairy lights, I would also like to remind residents about how to correctly recycle small electricals and batteries. It’s really important to dispose of electricals separately and never put them in a bin as this can cause fires in collection vehicles and be a danger to our crews.

Luckily in Bucks we have lots of options for how you can safely recycle your electricals and keep their valuable components in use. 

Small electrical items – on top of your bin lid on collection day, or at all Household Recycling Centres 

Batteries – on top of your bin lid on collection day, at all Household Recycling Centres and most Supermarkets or shops which sell batteries 

Large electrical items – at all 10 Household Recycling Centres, or book a bulky waste collection via the council

Thank you to everyone for helping keep Buckinghamshire clean and green this Christmas.”

For more tips on reducing waste and having a more environmentally friendly Christmas, visit: www.recycleforbuckinghamshire.co.uk/christmas

Cheddington Road and Yardley Avenue Roadworks 11-18/12/25

Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

11 December – 11 December

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)

Responsibility for works: UK Power Networks

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: EC30084233095

Yardley Avenue, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

11 December – 18 December

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (priority working)

Description: SGN has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by SGN.

Responsibility for works: SGN

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: XW311W122431248-02041

Urgent Volunteering Appeal to join Rough Sleeping Outreach Service

We are in urgent need of volunteers to join our Rough Sleeping Outreach Service in Buckinghamshire.

Connection Support supports people sleeping rough to find safer accommodation and access the support they are entitled to. Volunteers accompany Outreach Support Workers for early morning outreach (2–3 hours a week, starting at 5am / 6am). No experience is needed and full training and expenses are provided.

Volunteer Poster Bucks OutreachDownload

Thank you for your support. 

Milena Dixon-Rajkovchevska (she/her)

Volunteers Co-ordinator (Buckinghamshire) and EDEI Champion

Neighbourhood policing priorities survey

Dear resident 

Please see the link to a very short survey that will help shape your local neighbourhood policing priorities for the early new year: Thames Valley Police Buckinghamshire LCU Neighbourhood Priorities January 2026- March 2026  – Fill in form

This survey is to assist your local neighbourhood policing team in understanding what issues are currently of most concern in the community and we are seeking to gather as many responses as possible. If you cannot find your area or are unsure, please feel free to ask by response of this message. Please also feel free to share this with family, friends and neighbours. 

Message Sent By
April Baldwin
(Police, Administrator, High Wycombe)

Do you kow anyone who will be on their own on Christmas Day?

Nonna’s in Tring High Street is opening between 10am and 1pm on Christmas Day as a community space.

They’d like to invite anyone who is spending Christmas on their own, or without their family, to go along for coffee, tea and cake with their family.

There will be no charge for this. However, if you are able and willing, you will be able to donate money to AgeUK.

If you have a neighbour who is on their own and of limited mobility, maybe you could consider offering them a lift to get to Nonna’s and home again.

Thank you from Nonnas.

Marsworth Road/Westfield Road junction gully cleaning 3/12/25

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

03 December – 03 December

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: Empty gullies and catchpits/inpsection covers. Jet lines to clear. TM 3 way traffic lights |1673710 (DR – Blocked Drain)

Works location: AT JUNCTION WITH WESTFIELD ROAD

Additional description: A gully is a large pot covered by a metal grid, usually found at the edge of a road. We are responsible for the cleaning the 72,300 gullies on the public roads. Gullies located along A & B roads, and those in known flood areas are cleaned annually. All other gullies are cleaned every three years Private roads and parking areas are the responsibility of the land owner. Surface water and sewage systems are looked after by the water company.

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D40071089608

Attempted Robbery, Westfield Road, Pitstone

Witness Appeal – Pitstone 

On Friday 21st November 2025 at around 2015hrs a Dark Blue Audi RS3 was involved in an attempted robbery. This happened at the newly built Industrial Units adjacent to Westfield Road, Pitstone.

The victim is uninjured and managed to retain his property.

It is suspected that the Audi RS3 might have damage to the front of the vehicle after colliding with roadside furniture during the incident.

If you have heard or seen anything that you feel might relate please call 101 or go online via the Thames Valley Police website online submission form and quote the reference number 43250595522.

Message Sent By
Jake Bye
(Police, PC, Aylesbury)

Volunteers needed to help keep the Watermill open in 2026!

Your local Watermill, Ford End Watermill in Station Road Ivinghoe, needs volunteers to help keep it open in 2026!


Here is the watermill website:- http://fordendwatermill.co.uk/

Volunteers to help with maintenance:-


Preferably with DIY skills but not absolutely necessary as long as you are willing to learn. We meet at the mill on Sunday mornings usually for a couple of hours, but commitment every Sunday is not a strict requirement, even just a couple of Sundays a month would help.

Volunteers to help on open days:-

We are looking for friendly people to help on our open days which is only for few hours on Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday afternoons between Easter and October (Approximately 12 openings) There are a variety of tasks from welcoming our visitors and taking their entrance fee, or showing them around the mill, or help with bagging up flour. You don’t have to commit to all the openings usually just 2 or 3 times per year unless you are keen! And our current team of volunteers will help you learn all about the watermill.

If you think you might be able to help, or have a question then please get in touch with Mill Manager Chris Tugby either by Email:- millman@fordendwatermill.co.uk Or Telephone:- 07799 575197

Buckinghamshire Councillors Report November 2025

Reporting a defect on Fix My Street  

When making a report of a road or footway defect, or an incidence of fly tipping it has come to our attention that some submissions to “fix my street” have been made to the national site which is not Buckinghamshire specific. The correct site is https://fixmystreet.buckinghamshire.gov.uk If reported to the national service, it will be marked as completed once Buckinghamshire pick up the notice not when the repair has been completed. Please ensure if you do make a report as such it is to Buckinghamshire where it will be picked up much sooner.  

Man fined after being caught twice dumping waste in Buckinghamshire ​
A man who carried out two separate incidents of fly-tipping in Buckinghamshire has been fined for his crimes after appearing in court. Aurelian Stoev, 32, from Drayton Gardens, West Drayton, pleaded guilty to the two offences of illegal depositing of waste when he appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates Court on Wednesday 15 October 2025. The court heard that on Sunday 27 October 2024, a large pile of waste was dumped in the middle of the road at Hawkswood Lane in Fulmer. A witness came forward saying he saw two large tipper vans leaving the scene near where the waste was deposited between 3.15 and 3.30pm. Checking footage from a nearby Buckinghamshire Council camera, the recording showed a large tipper van, full of the same waste which was later found dumped, roughly 400 meters from where it was found. The court also heard that on Tuesday, 31 October 2024, a large pile of waste was found deposited on Langley Park Road in Iver. After examining the waste and finding evidence, Buckinghamshire Council officers were led to a building company. The company explained they had paid a man and van to remove the waste from an address in Northampton. The witness was able to provide council officers with bank details, a mobile number and a vehicle registration number. The same vehicle was used on both occasions and was traced back to Mr Stoev. In an interview at Slough Police Station, Mr Stoev admitted the first offence at Hawkswood Lane. He explained that as he drove through the ford at Hawkswood Lane his van broke down. Mr Stoev said he left the van at the site for a couple of days with no waste inside but when he returned to his vehicle, it was full of waste which someone must have put inside. However, after seeing the video evidence, Mr Stoev retracted his story and admitted to dumping the waste. Mr Stoev did not admit to the second offence at Langley Park Road. Magistrates at High Wycombe Magistrates Court fined Mr Stoev £1,038 for both offences and ordered him to pay costs and compensation of £3,075.30. A victim surcharge of £830.00 was also levied, making a total to pay of £5981.30. Ade Osibogun is Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste. He said: “Buckinghamshire Council has a zero-tolerance stance on fly-tipping. It is against the law and where we have the evidence to prosecute, we will seek to bring offenders to justice. “In this case the offender tried to fabricate a story to evade taking responsibility, but we have eyes everywhere and are supported by members of the public who feel as strongly as we do about fly-tipping. “We are grateful to everyone who joins us in our mission to stamp out fly-tipping and would ask anyone who sees anything suspicious or has evidence of a fly-tipping incident taking place to contact us so we can investigate.” If you have evidence showing an offence taking place and you are willing to provide a witness statement, please contact the council’s Enforcement Team at: SCRAPflytipping@buckinghamshire.gov.uk To report fly-tipping anywhere in Buckinghamshire visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/fix-my-street
Unpaid Carers – we are all “stronger with support”

Do you know someone who is providing unpaid care for a family member, friend or neighbour? It is something people do without a second thought and although rewarding, providing regular care for another person can impact your own health and wellbeing. It can be tiring and sometimes lonely but help and support is available. Buckinghamshire Council is raising awareness of the range of support available to unpaid carers through its ‘Stronger with Support’ campaign which launches this week. An unpaid carer is anyone who regularly cares for another person who could not manage without them and is not paid to do so. The care provided can include washing, dressing or giving medicines, taking someone to a doctors’ appointment, shopping or cleaning, paying someone’s bills and organising their finances or providing emotional support to another person.  In Buckinghamshire there are an estimated 55,000 carers but insight shows that less than a quarter are registered with Carers Bucks, the partner organisation providing support to carers in the county, therefore many may not be accessing the support available.  Unpaid carers in Buckinghamshire can access specialist advice, information and support. From financial assistance to networking support groups and respite services to digital support, carers are encouraged to register with Carers Bucks to ensure they are able to access the full range of support available. Isobel Darby, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Identifying yourself as a carer is the first step, as many people may not even realise what they are doing is caring. If it is something you are doing regularly for another person and that person is reliant on your help, that is caring. People often become carers without realising. It can start with taking on the occasional task for a friend or loved one which then increases over time until you are providing vital regular support without which that person could not live independently. “We want to make sure people know about the advice, information and support that is available to them so they can make sure they are looking after their own health and wellbeing.” Isobel continued: “Even if you are not a carer yourself, if you know someone who has caring responsibilities for another person, be sure to get them to take a look at the website.” For more information visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/stronger-with-support

Library Flex rollout completed across Buckinghamshire’s main libraries

Longer library opening hours and greater access are now on offer in Buckinghamshire after the council’s successful completion of its Library Flex rollout. The innovative service, now in place at eight of the county’s main libraries, offers staffed support during busy periods, with self-service access available during quieter times. Across all opening hours, including during Library Flex times, customers can borrow and return books, use computers and free Wi-Fi, print and photocopy documents, and make use of meeting rooms where available. Libraries also offer a warm, safe and welcoming space to study, work or simply connect with others in the community. The Library Flex milestone was celebrated at a special event on 14 October, attended by Leader of the Council Steven Broadbent and Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure Peter Brazier. The event also saw Steven Broadbent complete his own Library Flex induction, joining more than 2,000 residents who have already taken part in the training required to access libraries during unstaffed hours. Library Flex enables library members aged 16 and over to use their local library outside of traditional staffed times, thanks to self-service technology and enhanced security measures including CCTV and alarms. Until now, inductions have been delivered in person, but a new online induction is now making it even easier for residents to get started. From 1 October, Library Flex hours were extended further to offer greater access in the evenings and, at some locations, earlier in the day – ideal for students and anyone who prefers to visit outside of standard hours. Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said: “This is a great example of how we’re modernising services to meet the needs of our communities. Library Flex gives people more choice and convenience, while helping us deliver a sustainable library service for the future.” Peter Brazier, Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure, added: “Our Library Flex service is helping us keep libraries open and accessible to more people, even in these financially challenging times. It’s already proving popular with residents of all ages, and we’re seeing strong uptake in the induction programme. By combining technology with community-led use, we’re creating a flexible model that supports both individual needs and wider community engagement.” The eight libraries now operating under the Library Flex model are: Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, Marlow and Princes Risborough. The model has already been successfully adopted by other councils across England and was shaped by extensive public consultation in Buckinghamshire. Staff continue to be available during peak times, while unstaffed hours are supported by robust safety measures and community-led activities. For more information, including opening hours and how to complete an induction, visit: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries/library-flex-opening-hours

Man pays a hefty price for littering in Buckinghamshire ​

A man from Watford who discarded a single cigarette butt outside a parade of shops in Little Chalfont has paid a hefty price for the offence after being forced to pay over £1,600 by Magistrates in court. Arthur McCann, from Northwich Road, Watford, was convicted of littering, in his absence, when the case was heard at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 1 October 2025. The court heard that on 25 February 2025, a cigarette butt was littered outside the parade of shops in Little Chalfont. Buckinghamshire Council’s litter enforcement officers witnessed the offence and issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £500. McCann chose not to pay the penalty and so the council reviewed the case and submitted it for prosecution. In court, Magistrates fined McCann £500 and ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £941.16. A victim surcharge of £200 was also levied, making a total to pay of £1,641.16. Carl Jackson is Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change & Waste. He said: “This case sends the message loud and clear that Buckinghamshire Council takes a zero-tolerance approach to littering. Anyone caught littering will be issued with a £500 Fixed Penalty Notice. If that person chooses to ignore the notice, they could end up facing prosecution and paying much more.”

Carl added: “There is no reason to drop litter. A discarded cigarette might be small, but it is still litter which contains harmful substances. I urge people to put their rubbish in a public bin or take it home and dispose of it responsibly there.” Buckinghamshire Council has a zero-tolerance stance on littering and encourages members of the public to report littering incidents. Littering from vehicles is another primary concern in the county, costing taxpayers millions of pounds annually for cleaning. The enforcement team welcomes public submissions of littering offences captured by vehicle dashcams or home CCTV systems to help address this issue. All penalty fees are reinvested into the service to create a cleaner Buckinghamshire. To report littering offences visit: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport/report-problems-on-roads-streets-and-pavements/report-littering-from-vehicles/  

Starting School for the First Time – Was your child born between 1/9/21 and 31/8/22?

Children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 will be starting school in September 2026.

Important dates:

September to December 2025 – open events

5 November 2025 – applications open

15 January deadline – Primary school applications close at midnight

More information on the Buckinghamshire Council website: Guide to starting school or moving up to junior school | Buckinghamshire Council

starting school 2026Download

The UK’s telephone network is going digital – what you need to know

You may have heard that landlines are changing and that the UK’s telephone network is going digital. These changes will affect everyone who has a landline they’d like to keep using. 

If you have loved ones with additional needs such as elderly relatives or someone who uses a telecare device or pendant alarm, the Connected Together initiative encourages you to take a few simple steps to support them through the switch. 

Here’s everything you need to know and how you can help:

https://www.bt.com/about/all-ip/connected-together

It is illegal to forage within the Ashridge Estate

Fungi

Autumn is a beautiful time to enjoy the woods as leaves turn vibrant shades and fungi add splashes of colour across the forest floor. However, as Ashridge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), foraging isn’t permitted anywhere on the estate.

Instead, the season can be enjoyed through drawing or photography, using apps or guides to help identify what you see while leaving nature undisturbed. By leaving fungi where they grow, you’ll be helping to protect the delicate ecosystem so that wildlife and visitors can continue to enjoy it.

Professional Dog Walkers now need a licence to walk within the Ashridge Estate

If you use a dog walker, who takes your dog to Ashridge, please check that they have the necessary licence in place. If you are a dog walker, please make sure you have obtained a licence.

More info here:

From 1 September 2025, all professional dog walkers will need a licence to operate at Ashridge Estate. This new scheme is part of National Trust’s Protecting Our Roots project which is designed to help protect the special landscape in their care.

Professional dog walkers can apply for a standard licence to walk up to four dogs. They can also request an enhanced licence for up to six dogs, which we review on a case-by-case basis after meeting with the dog walker.

You can find answers to common questions about professional dog walkers, whether your dog walker has a licence, and the licence scheme at Ashridge via the link below (once the link opens, you need to scroll down to the relevant section):

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/ashridge-estate/visiting-ashridge-with-your-dog

Thames Valley Police – Have Your Say event – Pitstone CuriosiTea 23-11-25

Dear resident

Your local Neighbourhood Policing team, look forward to seeing you to discuss any issues you may have or chat about crime prevention measures at the next Have Your Say event. 

The team will be holding event/s in your area on:

TUESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER – 16:00-17:00 – CHEDDINGTON PAVILION

SUNDAY 23RD NOVEMBER – 14:00-15:00 – PITSTONE MEMORIAL HALL TEA ROOM

WEDNESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER – 14:00-15:00 – RED LION PUB MARSWORTH 

They will be offering advice, discussing local issues and answering any questions you may have. 

Please come along and say hello. 

These events can be cancelled at short notice due to operational demand.

Santa needs your help on 17 December 2025

Rennie Grove have reached out to say that they don’t currently have enough elves to bring the Santa float to Castlemead this year (scheduled for Wednesday 17 December from 5.45pm). They’ve had a better response for the other Pitstone route (scheduled for Tues 16 December from 5.45pm).

If you have a couple of hours spare that evening and can help spread a little Christmas magic to all the children in the village, whilst raising funds for a very important cause, please can you email community@renniegrovepeace.org for further information. 

Thank you.

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