Archives: Local News

We are incredibly proud to have sponsored a new community bench at Pitstone Memorial Hall. September this year marked our 25^th year in business, 20 of which we have been based out of Pitstone. We are incredibly lucky to have our sites situated so close to an Area of Outstanding Beauty and steeped in history and we hope the bench installation will provide a place for people to enjoy the village green.

We believe in not only supporting the local community but doing what we can positively impact the community and the environment around us and the installation of this special bench is one way we are able to do this. Over the years we have quietly supported a number of community initiatives from donation of furniture, sponsoring sports teams and funding a lollipop lady, in more recent years we have been more proactive with twice yearly litter picks in and around Pitstone Green Business Park, coordinating food bank donations with local schools and regular work placements from Pebblebrook School.  When we came across the charity Legend on a Bench we immediately knew it was a cause we wanted to support. We would estimate that 90% of our employees, past and present, have been employed from within 10 miles if the office and we wanted to provide something more permanent in recognition and in celebration of our roots and how the community has allowed us and our employees to thrive. However, we are acutely aware that there will be many people in the local area who will be struggling and The Legend on a Benches aim is to support people suffering from mental health issues.  These benches will have plaques with QR codes, which will take anyone requiring support, directly to this website’s help page.  There are also contact telephone numbers on the bench to 24 hour support services with real people at the other end, ready to listen and offer the support so clearly needed to someone struggling with the impact of depression, bereavement, loneliness, anxiety and the many more reasons for the feelings of despair.  We particularly like that these benches have also been built with integral lighting, so they are a beam of light for those in crisis at night, drawing them to the much-needed help on the bench.

We hope the communities of Pitstone and Ivinghoe enjoy this new bench. If you or someone you know has a community or charity cause you think we could help with, we would love to hear from you. Scan the QR code or visit https://www.prs-officefurniture.com/about/prs-in-the-community/ to see initiatives we’ve already supported.

My name is Louise, I work for Pace. We work with babies, children and young people who have a neurodisability, developmental differences or diverse needs. We have a primary and secondary school and a therapy centre.

Barry and Sue Gregory have been fundraising for us for many years, as well as volunteering at our events – they are amazing!

This year through their stall they have raised £5,650.51, a staggering amount that will make a huge difference to the children and families that we support.

We would like to say a HUGE Pace THANK YOU to them for their continued support.

The stall is located on the junction of Cheddington Road and The Crescent when weather permits.

Local Plan.

The latest proposals for the new plan for Buckinghamshire future housing, employment and green space have now gone out to consultation. Figures for what are being proposed are set out below. It should be noted that the total numbers required have increased from the old plan due to the Governments desire to build 1.5 million homes during this parliament. The old plan proposed 65,000 homes with 22,000 having already been either built or started construction and this is for up to the year 2045.

The proposed headline numbers are set out below.

Brownfield sites within existing towns and villages 1,500-2,500

Growth on the edges of existing main towns 23,000-28,000

New towns 11,000-13,000

Development at transport hubs 16,000-19,000

Expansion near key employment areas 5,000-6,000

Limited expansion of villages 13,000-15,000

Expanding urban areas on the edge of Buckinghamshire 6,000-7,000

Total 75,000-91,000

Windfall 7,400

Total housing supply + commitments 82,000-99,000

Housing requirement 91,000

with 5% buffer95,550

What this means for us within Ivinghoe ward, with only villages and hamlets, is that the proposed increase would equate to 60 dwellings per parish. Obviously, for some smaller parishes an additional 60 dwellings would significantly increase their population. Therefore, my colleague Peter Brazier and I will put forward a proposal to place a ceiling on any increase to 10% maximum.

On top of this there is a proposal for the creation of new towns. These would be of at least 10,000 dwellings and would be additional to the numbers stated above.

Buckinghamshire Council are required to progress this new plan with a deadline of December 2026 to remain under the remit of the old system. Government have introduced a new way of calculating need and if we do not meet that deadline we will be working under the new scheme which will undoubtedly increase numbers which need to be provided.

Buckinghamshire Council have just published their draft documents here;

Draft Local Plan for Buckinghamshire Part A

Draft Local Plan for Buckinghamshire Part B

They are very comprehensive documents.

The consultation is here;

 Have your say on the draft Local Plan for Buckinghamshire – Your Voice Bucks – Citizen Space

We would encourage everyone to complete the consultation.

Buckinghamshire Archive.

In March 2025, Buckinghamshire Archives Service was awarded provisional Accredited Status for two years by the National Archives, to be reviewed a year after the relocation to High Wycombe has taken place. The assessors congratulated the service on its strong community engagement offer and noted positive developments around digital preservation. The Archives Service has also been confirmed as an ongoing Place of Deposit, which means it can continue to hold specific records under Section 4 (1) of the Public Records Act (1958). The Accreditation Assessment is a rigorous process and achieving this award confirms the Service is performing well in all aspects of delivery.  The Archives Service has introduced a Virtual Classroom offer, in addition to the Virtual Searchroom and ‘Ask the Archivist’ online offers. This will enable schools across the county to incorporate archives into their learning.

Fair Funding settlement.

Whilst this may sound a bit of a dry topic it is in fact vitally important. Buckinghamshire Council receives its revenue, approx. £1.2bn, from council tax and business rates. The days of general grants from government ended some years ago and since then we have been wary of what is called Negative Revenue Support Grant. This would mean that we would give some of the revenue we had raised in this county back to Government for them to in turn give to another local authority elsewhere in the country. The latest proposal from Government is that this will indeed happen and is due to be announced sometime toward the end of the year. The figure being suggested by the County Councils Network is £40m which will bring pressure to our budget on an unprecedented scale. Central Government are still to confirm the actual figures but on the CCN figures we would be in the highest 2 or 3 councils negatively affected. Since inception, Buckinghamshire Council has made savings of £120m in its first 4 year term and has budgeted for a further £120m of savings in this term. An additional demand of 33% on top of these savings will bring difficulty in deciding what to cut from our non-core services. We really hope our MPs will lobby hard on this subject as it is unfair to expect Bucks residents and businesses to subsidise other parts of the country.

Issues of Concern at Pitstone Skate Park

Good morning all,  The Wing Neighbourhood Team have been contacted by a number of residents of Pitstone raising concern over a group of individuals at the Skate Park being threatening and abusive. It appears this relates to an incident earlier on in the month.   Firstly, the team would like to thank residents for reporting this information – without this they would not be able to target their patrols accordingly. Secondly, the team would like to remind residents to report to 999 if an emergency – for instance, if this group of individuals are being threatening to the public or are committing a crime then this should be reported immediately.   We are aware that a number of reports have been made to Facebook – This is not something that the Police have access to and cannot therefore see what information might be being provided – the team therefore kindly ask that any reports are also sent to the Police via the online submission form on the Thames Valley Police website, or via 101.   I would like to assure residents that these reports are being taken seriously; over the weekend of the 20th September you will see an increased presence of High Visibility Policing. I would like to further assure residents that any previous incident that might relate to these issues of concern is being dealt with appropriately and the Neighbourhood Team are working closely with other departments to ensure this.   Kind regards,  Wing Neighbourhood Policing Team

The government will be carrying out a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts system on 7 September 2025 at 3pm.

The test alert will be sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and compatible tablets across the UK.

For more information, or to opt out, visit the Government website: Public testing of the Emergency Alerts system – GOV.UK

Buckinghamshire Council would like to inform you that a consultation commenced on Monday 4th August 2025, running for just over 4 weeks, ending on Friday 5th September 2025.

The consultation is aimed at amending the existing Traffic Regulation Order to allow those requiring local access and permit holders to enter the current Ivinghoe Freight Zone. This change would create the basis on which we will be able to seek enforcement of the zonal restriction under the powers of Part VI of the Traffic Management Act (2004), known as Moving Traffic Offences.

The consultation can accessed by this link: Ivinghoe Freight Zone local access and permit holders restrictions – Your Voice Bucks – Citizen Space.

Buckinghamshire Council are encouraging all road users to ‘Respect the Code’ – a campaign designed to raise awareness of the 2022 changes to the Highway Code, particularly the introduction of the Hierarchy of Road Users. This hierarchy places greater responsibility on those who can cause the most harm – such as drivers – to protect more vulnerable users like pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and motorcyclists.

Key changes include: Rule H1: All road users must be aware of The Highway Code, be considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for the safety of others. Rule H2: for drivers, motorcyclists, horse-drawn vehicles, horse riders and cyclists) – give way to pedestrians at junctions. Rule H3: (for drivers and motorcyclists) – give way to cyclists. The campaign also includes a Highway Code quiz to help residents test their knowledge.

Using the road? Respect the code | Buckinghamshire Council

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

06 August – 12 August

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

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: Work cancelled

Works reference: XW311W121763375-00118

This years Horticultural Show is taking place on Saturday 9 August

Please find above the programme and entry forms

We wish you all the best of luck with your entries!

Have your say events

The Wing neighbourhood team will be conducting two Have your Say events next week, please see the below details:   📍 Daisy chain cafe, 2 high street, Ivinghoe, LU7 9EX  📅 Wednesday 23rd July 2025  ⌚ Starting at 10am    📍 Edlesborough Pavillion, The Green, LU6 2JF  📅 Friday 25th July 2025  ⌚ Starting at 3:00pm

Ivinghoe Freight Zone Phase 3

Replacement of signs and signposts at the below locations. Working hours are 9am to 3:30pm for all sites.

B440/B489 Traveller’s Rest Roundabouts
7, 8, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 and 24 July using multi-way traffic lights. 8 July the crew will also be working from the verge. 

B488 / B489 Junction, Ivinghoe
 17 and 18 July using multi-way traffic lights.  

B488 Vicarage Road, Church End
18 July using multi-way traffic lights. 

B488 Westfield Rd RBT, Pitstone (Near Folly Farm)
22, 25, and 28 July using multi-way traffic lights. 24 July the crew will be working from the verge.

Upper Icknield Way, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

09 July – 10 July

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: SIGN INSTALLATION

Works location: SELECTED USRN

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400763009928

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Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

10 July – 10 July

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

Description: Coring

Works location: Coring at 50m centres

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400266683888

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Northfield Road, Aldbury, Hertfordshire

11 July – 12 July

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)

Description: SIGN INSTALLATION

Works location: SELECTED USRN

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400749026994

The new Council term is taking shape. Cabinet has had its first formal meeting and other scrutiny meetings are due within the next week or so, although the first planning hearing has been cancelled due to lack of business to discuss. The new Community Boards have been constituted, and for us will be known as the East Bucks area. This will encompass the electoral wards of Ivinghoe – Bierton, Kingsbrook and Wing – Wendover, Halton and Stoke Mandeville – Aston Clinton and Weston Turville. I am delighted to have been appointed as Chairman with Julie Ward as my deputy. Michelle Parker will remain as the Board Manager. The boards will have a very different look and feel this year as there will be more focus on engagement by the managers and Chairman and fewer meetings. Work will start immediately with a proposed first meeting in September. Communities will be asked to set their own priorities and I envisage much more collaborative working between the many and varied parishes which make up our Board area.   Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet holds first meeting ​

Buckinghamshire Council’s new Cabinet has held its first meeting (Tue 17 June), during which the council’s overall performance and stable budget position were reflected on. A number of key reports were discussed and considered by the new Cabinet, including the council’s Annual Report and a summary of its financial performance during the 2024/25 financial year. The Cabinet recognised the excellent level of achievement and firm foundations the new council has inherited following the May elections, and paid tribute to the work of the previous administration. Council Leader Steven Broadbent highlighted a number of achievements in the Annual Report, which covers the full range of services and projects delivered under Buckinghamshire Council’s four core priorities: Strengthening our communities Protecting the vulnerable Improving our environment Increasing prosperity The annual report is an update on the over-arching Corporate Plan which acts as a golden thread for all the work and services that the council delivers to improve lives and have a positive impact on Buckinghamshire and its people. The Cabinet also considered the ‘2024/25 Budget outturn’ report which documents the significant achievement in balancing last year’s budget against a context of considerable pressure and volatility. While portfolio budgets were overspent by £6.5m, primarily from Children’s Social Care, Home to School Transport and a smaller than forecast income from parking services, these were offset by overall savings made across the council’s spending. Overall, the council successfully delivered £147.1 million of investment during 2024/25 on capital schemes, progressing major projects such as new South East Aylesbury Link Road and key town centre improvements that include the upgrade of White Hart Street in Wycombe and the creation of the new ‘Pavilion Quarter’ in Aylesbury Town Centre.

Join our Self Defence Classes across Buckinghamshire

Across Buckinghamshire we have been running FREE self defence classes, supported by local Community Boards.   These classes, delivered by Bucks Pro-Mai, have been designed to empower ladies (12+ – under 16’s to be accompanied by an adult) with the understanding of how to pre-empt any potential situations through pre-defence and to learn the skills of how to defend themselves if a situation does arise.   What to expect on the day:   Pre-defence: how to recognise and avoid potential situations, running through body language and simple skills Practical Skills: master basic self-defence techniques Q&A with trained Bucks Pro-Mai instructors Advice & Support: attendees will be provided with crime prevention leaflets and products Evaluation: to help assess the class you will be asked to complete a short evaluation at the end of the session   Visit for upcoming and future events: Community Safety Events – Eventbrite     Cllr’s Chris Poll and Peter Brazier.

Dear resident,

It’s National Bike week , a great time to think about how secure your bike is!

This week the Community Safety team are offering #Bucks residents FREE bike marking labels* – email communitySafety@buckinghamshire.gov.uk to get yours!

Visit the Thames Valley Police website for further advice on protecting your bike – Protect your bike from theft | Thames Valley Police

*Whilst stocks last

This message is sent on behalf of Buckinghamshire council, any queries please contact them direct.

PHISHING TV ALERTS

Don’t get hooked: new warning urges the public to continue reporting phishing emails and texts with 41 million already reported As of April 2025, the total number of phishing frauds reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) reached over 41 million since its launch in April 2020. This has resulted in 217,000 frauds being removed from across 393,395 websites pages by the National Cyber Security Centre. Insight revealed by Action Fraud shows the top industries impersonated in reported phishing emails were streaming services, tech, and telecommunication companies, with some posing as various UK government schemes.  Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber-crime reporting service, launched a phishing awareness campaign to urge the public to beware of phishing frauds and report all emails and messages if they look suspicious.  Spam calls and suspicious text messages can be reported too. By using 7726, a free service offered by mobile network providers, customers can forward suspicious text messages, which helps the removal of fraud websites and allows networks to block users sending fraud text messages. Between April 2020 and April 2025, more than 27,000 frauds were removed because of being reported using 7726.  Detective Inspector Duncan Wynn, Head of Central Fraud Unit at Thames Valley Police, said: “Fraudsters continue to exploit manipulative tactics to gain access to your personal information and money. I urge you to become part of the solution by ensuring you forward spam calls and texts messages to 7726 and forwarding suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk Every fraud starts through a route of contact which is covered in our Fraud Protection toolkitKnowledge and collective action are our biggest asset when rising the challenge of fraud.I encourage you all to start having conversations about fraud, especially with any vulnerable family members or those in your community.Together, we will continue to rise to the challenge of fraud.”  Superintendent Amanda Wolf, Head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police, said:  “We know it can be difficult to spot fake messages or tell if a call is genuine. Criminals can change tactics fast and use the technology available to constantly create genuine looking emails and messages or facilitate calls that feel authentic – all designed to trick us and try and steal personal and financial information.  “Every phishing email reported helps us gain a better understanding of the tactics being used and enables us to tackle it head on by identifying malicious URLs trending in phishing emails and texts – they can be taken down and disrupted, preventing further activity. The more reports received, the more people we can protect, preventing them from becoming victims.  “Do not get caught out, Stop, Think Fraud, and make sure you report suspicious-looking emails or messages if you receive them. You can forward emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, or forward spam text messages to 7726.”  Sarah Lyons, NCSC Deputy Director for Economy and Society Resilience, said: “Since 2020, over 41 million phishing attempts have been reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service — a powerful sign that the public is staying alert to online threats, helping to protect themselves and others. “But cyber criminals are not giving up – they are constantly finding new ways to trick people into clicking malicious links, sharing personal information, or handing over money. “That is why it is more important than ever to stay alert. You will find clear, practical advice on how to spot and report frauds – and how to stay secure online – on the NCSC website.”  What is phishing? ‘Phishing’, ‘quishing’ or ‘smishing’ is when criminals use fake emails, text messages, QR codes, or phone calls to trick victims.  The goal of a phishing message is to encourage the victim to click a malicious link, or scan a fraudulent QR code, which usually leads them to a genuine-looking website, designed to make victims part way with their financial and/or personal information. Criminals will use well-known brands or organisations the victim already has a connection with, like a bank or tradesperson, to make fake emails seem genuine and more convincing.   How can you protect yourself? If you have received an email that does not feel right, STOP!   break the contact – do not reply, click on any links, call any phone numbers, or make any payments  check if it is genuine: contact the organisation directly using an email address or phone number you know is correct, e.g. from your utility bills, via a search engine, on the back of your card or by calling 159 for banks  before you delete the email, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk  If you have received a text message that does not feel right, STOP!  break the contact – do not reply, click on any links, call any phone numbers, or make any payments  check if it is genuine: contact the organisation directly using an email address or phone number you know is correct, e.g. from your utility bills, via a search engine, on the back of your card or by calling 159 for banks  forward the message for free to 7726  If you have received a call that does not feel right, STOP!   hang up  check if it is genuine: contact the organisation directly using contact details you know are correct, such as those on a utility bill, official website, the back of your card or by calling 159 for your bank  do not trust the Caller ID display on your phone – it is not proof of ID  report it by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘call’ followed by the fraud caller’s number  For more advice on how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/ If you have lost money or provided financial information because of a phishing fraud, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

Message Sent By Jo Howland (Police, Neighbourhood Administrator, Aylesbury Vale)

The East Bucks Community Board has commissioned a FREE one-off self-defence class.

This class, delivered by Bucks Pro-Mai have been designed to empower ladies (12+. Under 16’s to be accompanied by an adult) with the understanding of how to pre-empt any potential situations through pre-defence and to learn the skills of how to defend themselves if a situation does arise.

What to expect on the day:  

• Pre-defence: how to recognise and avoid potential situations, running through body language and simple skills
• Practical Skills: master basic self-defence techniques
• Q&A with trained Bucks Pro-Mai instructors
• Advice & Support: attendees will be provided with crime prevention leaflets and products
• Evaluation: to help assess the class you will be asked to complete a short evaluation at the end of the session

To book on the class please complete the EventBrite sign up here Self Defence Class- Pitstone Tickets, Sat, Jun 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite or alternatively email Michelle.Parker@buckinghamshire.gov.uk and she will work with you in obtaining the details to sign you up.

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

16 May – 16 May

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: full repair patch 7.0 x 1.0

Works location: at roundabout

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400238385830

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 Wing team will be holding event/s in your area on:  09/05/2025 Stoke Hammond Community Hall 12:00-13:00 10/05/2025 Wingrave  Pavilion 11:00-12:00 19/05/2025 Great Brickhill, Parish Hall 14:00-15:00 20/05/2025 Edlesborough Pavilion 15:00-16:00 They will be offering advice, discussing local issues and answering any questions you may have. Please come along and say hello.  please note these events can be cancelled at short notice due to operation demand

Message Sent By Jo Howland (Police, Neighbourhood Administrator, Aylesbury Vale)

Visit The Village Swan – Best Restaurants in Leighton Buzzard | The Village Swan, Ivinghoe Aston

Link above to the website for The Village Swan, who would like you to know that they have a weekly fun quiz on Wednesdays, Bike nights every 2nd Weds of the month, and live singers every Sunday lunch. 

International Compost Awareness week is just a few days away – and this year’s theme is ‘Sustainable Communities Begin with Compost!’. From 4-10 May, help share the magic of composting with your friends, colleagues and community. You’ll find lots of tips, advice and troubleshooting on the Garden Organic website at gardenorganic.org.uk/composting.

Join Garden Organic and its Master Composters for two FREE lunchtime webinars on Tuesday 6 May and 8 May.

On 6 May its ‘Introduction to Home Composting’ talk will show you how to optimise your composting at home, what you need to know to get started – with an opportunity to put your questions to our composting experts. Click on the link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/…/register/_nPSOJT5QVCVXAjbXPp3mg

While on the 8 May, its ‘Composting in Action Webinar’ will exploring the impact of its Compost Demonstration Sites and how they have helped to build more sustainable communities. Book your FREE place at https://us06web.zoom.us/…/reg…/MA2RsmL7SluN1aK_aelvTg…

Do you love theatre? Dream of treading the boards? Or just fancy trying something new and meeting a great bunch of people?

The Slapton Players are calling all budding actors, backstage wizards, costume creatives, lighting techs, and enthusiastic helpers to join our lively amateur dramatics group!

We’re a fun, welcoming bunch with a passion for putting on great shows and having a laugh along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or have never stepped on stage before, there’s a place for you with us.

No experience? No problem. Just bring your enthusiasm!

We rehearse in Slapton’s Village Hall and our aim is to put on productions at least once a year — from comedies and classics to pantos and plays. So if you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to be part of something like that” — now’s your chance!

Come along, give it a go, and be part of something special.

Get in touch at slapton.players@slapton.com

The Slapton Players – where community meets creativity.

This year there will be a TTRO (Temporary Traffic Regulation Order) in place, closing Stocks Rd from the Pitstone / B488 end.  This means that traffic will only travel along Stocks Rd in one direction – from the village centre to the car parks, and then past Stocks Golf Club and out of the village towards Pitstone.

Visitors will be encouraged via social media to access May Fair / enter Aldbury, from Station Rd or Toms Hill Rd only, so that we can keep traffic moving towards the car parks. Please let friends and family know, and that they may need to allow extra time than usual to get to, or through, the village.

The one way system and any congestion will only happen during the afternoon of May Fair, and fortunately it’s only one day a year, so hopefully any inconvenience will be bearable. 

If you have a query or comment, I’m Lisa  – lisa.thompson@wlands.co.uk07745228153

On behalf of Friends of Aldbury School May Fair committee

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

03 May – 05 May

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)

Responsibility for works: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: KL343PITSTONE-DF-2

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

30 April – 30 April

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Description: full repair patch 7.0 x 1.0

Works location: at roundabout

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400294412350

Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

07 May – 15 May

Roadworks, Delays unlikely

Traffic management: No carriageway incursion

Description: last part of connection on verge only

Works location: works in the verge only final connection

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400321535629

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

19 April – 21 April

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)

Responsibility for works: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: KL343PITSTONE-DF-1

Have Your Say

 10:00AM – 10:30AM, Sat 12 April 2025

 Ivinghoe Beacon

 Add to calendar

Have Your Say

 10:45AM – 11:45AM, Sat 12 April 2025

 Ivinghoe park

 Add to calendar

Have Your Say

 1:45PM – 2:45PM, Sat 12 April 2025

 Pitstone memorial hall tea rooms

Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

14 April – 15 April

Delays likely – Diversion route

Name: ADR – Cheddington Road, Pitstone

Location: Cheddington Road

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Responsibility for event: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

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Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

14 April – 15 April

Delays likely – Road closure

Name: Cheddington Road, Pitstone

Location: Cheddington Road

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Responsibility for event: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

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Roadworks

Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

14 April – 15 April

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Road closure

Responsibility for works: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

Current status: Advanced planning

Works reference: KL352LEC1-34M0837Y

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Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

14 April – 15 April

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Road closure

Responsibility for works: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: KL352LEC1-34M0837Y

Message from Cheddington Bowls:

Think lawn bowls is just for retirees? Think again! With the current World Indoor Bowls Champion just 28 years old, this sport is shaking off outdated stereotypes and attracting a new generation of players. It’s competitive, strategic, and social – making it the perfect activity for teens and young adults looking to try something fresh. Now’s your chance to get involved!

Cheddington Lawn Bowls Club is excited to welcome new players for the upcoming season, which kicks off on 19 April 2025. To celebrate, we’re hosting a special Open Day on 9 May 2025 (4 PM to 9 PM), where you can experience the game firsthand, meet members, and see what the club is all about. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed way to stay active or something more competitive, lawn bowls has it all.

A Sport for Everyone – Truly Inclusive

Lawn bowls is one of the few sports where you’ll find teams with players aged 10 to 90 plus, playing side by side. It’s also a mixed-gender sport, so everyone plays together, creating a uniquely welcoming and social environment. We’re especially keen to grow a junior section and, if there’s enough interest, we aim to form a junior team for the 2026 season. If you want to be part of a growing sport and make your mark, now is the perfect time to join!

Friday Night Bowls – The Perfect Start to Your Weekend!

We run weekly Friday sessions from 6 PM to 9 PM for those who do not wish to play regularly or become full members, making it easy to drop in and play after school or work. These sessions are completely free for under-18s if accompanied by an adult and just £6 for playing adults, offering an affordable and fun way to unwind while enjoying a sport that’s easy to learn but deeply tactical. Plus, there’s always a welcoming and sociable atmosphere, making it a great way to meet new people. We encourage families, friends’ groups and organisations to enjoy our facilities together. We provide minimum coaching for these sessions giving you the freedom to enjoy your experience without undue pressure. But we have coaches on hand if you want help.

Opportunities to Play – No Matter Your Skill Level

One of the best things about lawn bowls is that it’s suitable for all experience levels. If you’re looking for competition, our full members take part in internal club competitions, as well as friendly and competitive matches against other clubs. Most matches are played on weekday evenings or weekends, so there’s plenty of opportunity to fit bowls around your schedule. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry – we’ll provide three free coached sessions to help you get started.

Affordable and Accessible – Get Involved!

One of the best things about lawn bowls is that you don’t need to buy expensive gear to start playing. We provide all the equipment – just bring along a pair of flat-soled shoes, and you’re ready to roll!

If you want to go beyond the Friday sessions and play in matches, our first-year new bowlers membership rates are unbeatable value:

• £25 for under-18s
• £75 for adults

This membership gives you access to all club facilities, match fees for friendly and competitions matches, Bowls England affiliation and year-round social events. Whether you want to improve your skills, enjoy friendly competition, or simply be part of a fantastic community, it’s an investment worth making.

Why Try Lawn Bowls?

Lawn bowls is more than just a game – it’s a sport that combines precision, strategy, and teamwork in a relaxed yet competitive setting. Whether you’re naturally competitive or just want to enjoy a gentle but engaging activity, it offers the perfect balance. Plus, the social aspect means you’ll always have a great time on and off the green.

So, why not give it a go? Join us for our Open Day on 9 May or drop into a Friday session – we’d love to see you there. You might just discover your new favourite sport!

With Easter approaching, Buckinghamshire residents are being reminded to take note of some changes to bin collections over the bank holiday weekend.

Due to the bank holidays, normal collections will be operating to a revised timetable. Be sure to double check to find out when your bins will be collected and remember to leave them out by 6.30am on the morning of collection.

Buckinghamshire’s Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) have now moved to summer opening hours of 9am to 6pm. If planning a visit, remember to check opening days of your local site as this varies. You can also avoid the queues by checking the webcam at each site to check how busy it is before you set off. Finally, don’t forget to bring some ID to show your address. HRCs are for use by Buckinghamshire residents only and visitors will be asked to show proof of address by staff at the entrance.

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/household-recycling-centres-permits-and-waste-facilities

Buckinghamshire Council advise that the following notices have been published on their website: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/your-council/elections-and-voting/current-and-previous-elections-in-buckinghamshire/election-timetable-and-notices/buckinghamshire-council-unitary-and-parish-elections/

Town and Parish Councils

• The statement of persons nominated (only where contested ie. more candidates standing for election than there are seats)
• Notice of uncontested elections (these candidates are automatically declared elected and will take office on the 6 May)

There are no inquorate parishes this year. 

Unitary Wards (Buckinghamshire Council)

• The statement of persons nominated (list of candidates standing for election)
• Notice of Election Agents

The details include a Notice of Uncontested Election for Pitstone Parish Council. Nine of the current ten councillors chose to stand as candidates and are therefore automatically declared elected and will take office on the 6 May 2025. No other residents chose to stand as candidates in the election. Pitstone has a total of eleven available seats, so there will be two vacancies for which the Parish Council will seek to co-opt councillors.

Our thanks to all those residents that have expressed an interest in joining over the last few months, but ultimately decided that the time was not right. We do appreciate that being a councillor, and trustee to two charities, can be time consuming and a big commitment. Getting involved in Local Government and helping to shape the community in which we live, can also be very rewarding. If you have a few hours each week spare to volunteer, and would like to find out more information about the work of the parish council, the Recreation Ground Charity and the Parish Charity, please do contact the Parish Clerk on parishclerk@pitstone.co.uk or 01296 767261 or come along to one of our meetings to say hello.

Cheddington Road, Pitstone (Thursday 3 to Friday 4 April)
Carriageway resurfacing works using a road closure in operation between 7am and 7pm.

Every year, the Williamson Trust provides financial support to any Pitstone resident aged 65 or over. 

If you know someone who is over 65 on 31 March and lives within the parish of Pitstone – or you are eligible but not registered with the charity – please contact Gill Lowe (Chair of the Trust) on 01296 668809 or WilliamsonTrust@pitstone.email. 

Grants are made in April each year and delivered as cheques to eligible residents. You will find more information about the charity at www.pitstone.co.uk/WilliamsonTrust.

What’s the Vision?

During 2024 the parishes consolidated the idea of

Working Together to Create Opportunities for Positive Encounters

Central to this goal is the aspiration of developing an atmosphere of Love & Support in each of our parishes.

Early in 2025 the Vision – and its outworking – is to be revisited by each Parochial Church Council (PCC).

Did We Make Some Progress in 2024?

As I’ve said before, community life is a team game and so the sudden passing of the well-liked & well-respected Bishop of Buckingham, Rt. Rev. Alan Wilson, in Feb 2025 was a shock to us all. He & his family remained in our prayers throughout the year. I am so grateful, though, for all our folk! Without the hard work of church members and other volunteers – offered out of the goodness of their hearts – nothing would be possible. My sincere thanks to all who make our communities better places.

And, in 2024, one example of this was the good engagement with the Church School at Marsworth – which is extending its provision to accept even younger children. There was also good engagement with the Windmill pre-School in Ivinghoe and Pitstone (I&P) – which will soon have a branch opening in Marsworth! And some encouraging contact with Brookmead School. Sandra Green’s exceptional work with young families in Ivinghoe and Pitstone developed. And the informal Sunday Breakfast service in Slapton Village Hall continued to be small but lively!

Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms all provided good opportunities to show something of God’s love to people that we don’t see often on a Sunday morning. And we appreciated the augmented congregations for our services in Holy Week and at Easter, Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas. I hope folk know that they are always welcome.

Each church held successful fundraising events – some with a partner organisation: Ivinghoe Summer Fete (with Scouts & Daisy Chain Café) and Music-a-thon (with Beacon Choir & others); the Steam Rally & Fun Run at Marsworth; the Summer Fete, Film Club, Quizzes & Murder Mystery at Slapton.

I also need to mention the somewhat hidden work of the Foodbanks – whose discreet service provides support for families and individuals experiencing real need. The Foodbanks are administered through the PCCs of I&P and Marsworth – and were resourced by grants (including from Buckinghamshire County Council) as well as generous private donations.

The Vicar’s Book Club (which also included the Lent Group & Advent Group) attracted a core of folk throughout the year. And eventually followed the example of the Slapton Prayer Lunches – meeting in people’s homes rather than the Village Hall.

The “A Church Near You” website www.achurchnearyou.com continues to cover all our Parish Churches.

Other highlights in the year included

• The summer filming at Ivinghoe of Hugh Jackman’s movie, “Three Bags Full”.
• A group from Slapton dining with their patrons at Christ Church, Oxford
• John White being made Churchwarden Emeritus for all his service at Marsworth

Looking Forward

I maintain that a crucial idea going forward is to dethrone the concept that our churches exist to “get people to come to services”. Obviously, I like it when folk come to worship God with us but perhaps a more outward-looking focus might be to identify partners that we can work with in order to make our parishes better places.

Partners will be individuals or groups with whom we have some shared goals and values – and with whom we have (or feel able to develop) relationships of mutual support, trust and respect.

Rev. James Grainger-Smith

Vicar of Ivinghoe with Pitstone, Slapton and Marsworth

March 2025

There is now an additional number 63 bus offering a peak times service between Cheddington-Pitstone-Tring Station-Tring offering a combined improved level of service and better co-ordination with train times.

This service is being partially funding by Section 106 developer funds from both Pitstone and Cheddington developments, along with some travel to school funding.

There are also changes to the number 61 bus timetable.

Timetables for both services below.

Please do make as much use as you can of the Tring station trains for your commute. Both Bucks Council and Red Eagle will continue to monitor the level of uptake of the service, before reviewing if any further expansion of the service is possible.

As before, our thanks to those residents that provided feedback to Bucks Council, and please do continue to do so if you value the service (email: passtrans@buckinghamshire.gov.uk)

Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

20 March – 20 March

Delays possible – Diversion route

Name: Diversion

Location: Westfield Road

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Responsibility for event: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

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Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

20 March – 20 March

Delays possible – Road closure

Name: Westfield Road, Pitstone

Location: Westfield Road

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Responsibility for event: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

20 March – 20 March

Streetworks / License – Streetworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: None/signing only

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Works location: Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

Works reference: Unknown

Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

20 March – 20 March

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Road closure

Description: Full repair patch [1] – 7.1 x 1.3 m

Works location: At junction with Corfe Road

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Advanced planning

Works reference: D400213484353

The Green, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

21 March – 25 March

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: BC411001WG4K3L0N

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The Green, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

21 March – 25 March

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: BC411001WG4K4K4T

Westfield Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

24 March – 28 March

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)

Description: Connect, POC is on the corner of Westfield road then goes into a private road

Works location: works in the carriageway and footway

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400351597622

The National Trust’s Ashridge Estate is recruiting a new team of engagement officers to help in their goal of protecting the future of this special landscape. In September 2023, the charity launched its Protecting Our Roots project to protect the long-term future of the landscape which is under increasing pressure from high visitor numbers. Now, it’s looking to expand the team and is recruiting three new engagement officers who will primarily be involved in engaging with visitors on the ground and reaching out into our communities. The senior role will help to manage development and delivery, while the two officers will also support the rangers in their conservation work.

• Senior Volunteering and Community Officer
• 2 x Volunteering and Community Officer

Visit nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and search ‘Ashridge Estate’ to find out more about the roles and how to apply. The deadline for applications is 30 March 2025.

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

11 March – 11 March

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

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.

Responsibility for works: Anglian Water

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: AD03265263648

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Pitstone Road, Cheddington, Buckinghamshire

19 March – 19 March

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: BC008WFTJ168YSB

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High Street, Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire

19 March – 20 March

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.

Responsibility for works: Anglian Water

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: AD03265592779

Buckinghamshire Council has notified of the following:

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

11 March – 11 March

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)

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.

Responsibility for works: Anglian Water

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: AD03265263648

Rushendon Furlong, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

10 March – 11 March

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)

Description: DEFECT REPAIR

Works location: AS PLOTTED

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400762324390

An extract from the latest (3/3/25) update to residents from Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council in relation to potholes and road repairs is replicated below for your information:

Dear resident, As I write this the sun is shining and the days are becoming noticeably longer. Some of the spring flowers are out. It’s hard to believe that only recently it has been incredibly cold and very wet. Sadly, weather as we have experienced in the past six weeks or so is becoming the norm with less snow, but lots of rain and cold. Driving around the county from Buckingham to Burnham regularly, I am only too aware that many roads are seeing the impact of the weather with new defects.

Some are deep potholes but many are surface layers of tarmac peeling away in places. These are caused by rain getting into minute cracks in the road and then freezing. When frozen the water expands and breaks up the road surface in places. Sadly, this happens every year and across the UK. In Buckinghamshire, we also have the additional challenge of scores of HGV vehicles moving round our county every day due to the HS2 and East West Rail constructions, placing even more strain on the roads. The best solution is to completely resurface a road. This is incredibly expensive and we do have a major programme of resurfacing planned to continue. We also continue to pressurise HS2 to contribute to repairing our roads. Frankly, it is not fair that residents bear the cost burden of their damage.  I want to assure residents that the council is fully aware of the deterioration in many roads, particularly rural ones. It’s at this point in the season that things are at their worst as the damage accumulates without continuous better weather allowing for permanent repairs.  Our approach to road repairs depends on the time of year. During the colder months we operate on a ‘reactive, safety first’ basis, with teams ready to assess and respond to reports of defects. Our local technicians inspect the problem and where it poses a danger, order an emergency fix. These aren’t pretty and may not last but are there to make the road safe until the weather improves, then we can follow up with a permanent fix. It would simply be a waste of money and resource to try and do permanent repairs in poor conditions as they will not hold and we’d have to do it again anyway. We do have 16 teams now out fixing reported potholes and other defects but it will take some time to get around to them all.  I do want to reassure you that we aren’t just focussed on being reactive. Over the past four years we have spent over £100m on road resurfacing and repairs. Many hundreds of roads have been resurfaced and over 35,000 potholes filled in the past year alone. However, much more needs to be done. I’m therefore really pleased that the full council agreed last week to our proposal to invest a record £120m in even more road resurfacing and repairs over the next four years. We are also looking at new ways and new technologies to improve how we do things, such as trialling a new ‘thermal repair’ technique to repair potholes. Please take a look at our ‘Highways Highlights’ webpage to find out more.  In the meantime, please continue to report defects using the council’s website and take care when driving, particularly in wet and dark conditions when potholes may not be visible.

Please also be advised that our Buckinghamshire Council Highways Local Area Technician advises that Westfield Road has been added to their program for resurfacing (eta 12-24 months) and that the pothole repairs are now in the process of being scheduled with an eta of approximately 6-8 weeks.

Buckinghamshire Council has advised of the following upcoming roadworks:

Pothole repairs with road closure on 19/2/25

Followed by two way traffic controls on 20/2/25 whilst an Ash tree is removed

Emergency works are being carried out on 5 & 6 February, and planned works on 10 February. Road closure and diversion will be in place.