Buckinghamshire Councillors Report July 2023

Join the plastic pollution solution revolution!

Buckinghamshire residents are being urged to become part of the plastic pollution solution and see how far they can go in reducing their use of single use plastic during the global, month-long initiative, Plastic Free July.

With awareness of the problems plastic pollution is having on our planet at an all-time high, Buckinghamshire Council is taking the opportunity to remind residents of the many local initiatives aimed at reducing all types of waste and showing the many simple things all of us can do to make a difference.

One of the easiest ways to start, is to take a look at Buckinghamshire Recycles Zero Waste Map. This handy tool provides an online directory for all the local places where you can reduce your waste including re-use shops, community fridges and upcycling schemes as well as listing all recycling points around the county and details of the household recycling centres.   

Another way to make a change, for those with babies and toddlers, is to switch from using disposable nappies to reusable cloth nappies. Disposable nappies are made from plastic, paper pulp and a variety of chemicals and glue. Babies have around 5,000 nappy changes up to potty training, which is a lot of nappies to put in the bin. Cloth nappies can be 40% better for the environment, even with the extra washing machine cycles. Find out more information about the Buckinghamshire Nappy Scheme online.

Last September, Buckinghamshire Recycles introduced its new Reduce Single Use Plastic schools initiative which encourages schools to sign up to a pledge to reduce single use plastics within school. Haddenham Community Infant School became the first school to achieve a gold award for its efforts. Currently aimed at primary schools, the scheme will be opened up to secondary schools from September.

There are numerous, easy ways we can all try to reduce single use plastics and waste:

  • Use refillable water bottles and coffee cups
  • Avoid using bathroom and cleaning products in single-use containers – there are lots of places you can refill existing bottles again and again. Check out the Zero Waste Map for locations
  • Consider using more environmentally friendly sanitary products
  • Make use of reusable bags when shopping 

And where it is impossible not to use some plastics, make sure you recycle as much as you can. Check our Waste Wizard tool to find out what you can recycle and where

Find out more about Plastic Free July online

Summer Reading Challenge 2023, ‘Ready, Set, Read’ is kicking off at your local library this weekend

​This summer, children in Buckinghamshire, aged 4-11, are being invited to visit their local library to join a superstar team and their marvellous mascots by getting involved in the annual Summer Reading Challenge.

This year’s challenge launches on Saturday 8 July and runs through to Saturday 16 September. The theme centres on the power of play, sport, games and physical activity with the children taking part, encouraged to keep their minds and bodies active over the summer break. Over the course of the ten-week period, children are encouraged to read six books of their choice and follow the adventures of the themed Ready, Set, Read characters on their summer adventure.

Through activity challenge cards from the Youth Sport Trust, and an exciting, themed book collection, the Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep imaginations moving over the school holiday. By participating in the challenge, children will have the opportunity to explore new reading material, develop skills, and discover new interests. The characters in this year’s challenge are brought to life by children’s author and illustrator Loretta Schauer. The children taking part navigate a fictional summer obstacle course and track their reading as they go, rewarded by free incentives along the way, including stickers.

Libraries across Buckinghamshire will be hosting a range of additional activities and events for children and families throughout the school holidays, many of which are free. This includes a poetry workshop with Simon Mole across several libraries. The acclaimed children’s author will perform his well-loved picture book ‘I love my bike’ followed by some fun games to unlock children’s creative powers.

To take part in the Summer Reading Challenge simply pop into your local library. More information including details of linked events can be found online: Summer Reading Challenge 2023 | Buckinghamshire Council 

Visit bit.ly/BucksSummerReadingChallengeEvents to find details of events and activities in libraries across Buckinghamshire.

Watch our trailer: Ready, Set, Read! Summer Reading Challenge 2023 | Bucks Libraries 

Enthusiastic older children, aged 14+, who are passionate about reading are also being sought to take on the role of a Young Volunteer for the Summer Reading Challenge. The role involves encouraging children to complete the challenge, listening to the children talk about the books they have been reading and taking part in related activities. It is a great opportunity to get some volunteering experience and learn new skills. To find out more about becoming a Young Volunteer email library@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

We need adopters for children from Black African and Caribbean communities

Buckinghamshire Council is calling for people who may be considering adoption to get in touch. Adopters are needed for all children in Bucks, but those who are looking to adopt a child or young person from Black African and Black Caribbean heritage are particularly sought after.

National evidence shows that children from black communities typically wait longer to find the right family and so spend more time in care than some other children. Data from 2021-22 shows that on average, black children and children from other ethnic minority groups wait 100 days longer to be adopted*. In a bid to encourage more people to consider adoption, the council is launching a new campaign to raise awareness.

Council receives highest award in Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

Buckinghamshire Council has been awarded ‘Gold’ in the 2023 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). This is the highest level of award offered by the scheme, which is organised by the Ministry of Defence.

The ERS encourages employers to support defence and the armed forces and inspire others to do the same.

The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Examples of how Buckinghamshire Council provides extra support for local armed forces families as an employer are through measures such as:

  • Guaranteeing job interviews for ex-armed forces personnel and serving reservists where they meet the essential criteria for a role
  • Offering extra leave for reservists to attend training
  • Providing a supportive work environment for employees who are members of the armed forces community, including facilitating a staff network

Councillor Derek Town 

Thinking of standing as a Parish Councillor – free online event

NALC and the LGA last week launched a free joint Democracy in Action online event to take place online on 14/11/23  to help promote standing in the local (parish and town) council elections.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and the Local Government Association (LGA) have launched a new online event on how you can be the voice of your community by standing for election as a local councillor.

Join NALC and the LGA on 14 November 2023 for an empowering event that will discuss the path to becoming a local councillor and positively impacting your local area and society.

The event will provide an invaluable opportunity to learn about the vital work and role of councillors from an expert panel. Councillors who have served at various local government levels will share their insights, experiences, and advice about the world of local leadership.

You will gain valuable knowledge and the chance to ask questions, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with others who share your passion for community action. You’ll discover the wide range of support available to help you take action and make a change in your community.

Learn more about NALC’s Make A Change and the LGA’s Become a Councillor campaigns. These resources will provide further guidance and assistance in becoming a local leader.

Claim your FREE place today

Buckinghamshire Councillors Report June 2023

Council pledges commitment to providing high quality education for all children in Bucks

Whatever their starting point, children and young people have the right to access the best quality education and teaching to help them grow, learn and develop so they are able to realise their full potential. That is the commitment Buckinghamshire Council is making to all children and families in the county as it launches its new Education Strategy.

The Education Strategy sets out five key priorities:

  • Access to and availability of high-quality educational places
  • Preparing young learners to reach their potential as adults
  • Collaborative school improvement to raise standards
  • Embedding a climate of inclusion
  • Supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of all children and young people

It follows on from the previous Education & Skills Strategy which focused on the development of a programme of continuous improvement in education provision in Buckinghamshire. The new strategy builds on the achievements made and focuses on areas where more work needs to be done. In compiling the strategy, the council worked closely with schools and other education providers and consulted with parents, carers and other key stakeholders.

One of the key elements of the strategy is ensuring that every child is able to access the right educational placement and teaching for them, and that vulnerable children and young people are given the support they need to overcome challenges and achieve the same outcomes as their peers.

Buckinghamshire Culture Open Weekend – a first view of ‘what’s on’!

We are excited about the amazing projects that are planned for Open Weekend and you can now have a first look of what will be happening 27 to 30 July 2023 on the Visit Buckinghamshire website.

Everyone is invited to enjoy creative projects, performances, workshops, exhibitions and much more taking place across the county over a long weekend.

Confirmed activities for this year include – but are not limited to – a special opera performance of ‘Revolting Rhymes’ at the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, giant bug hotels building at Langley Country Park, a creative workshops organised by Chesham Library resulting in joint ‘One World’ through ‘Many Stories’ display, a festival of Marlow’s colourful history at Marlow Museum, an inclusive workshops organised by ‘Sing Your Pain Away’(online and in person), a workshop for a giant sculpture out of recycled material at Chiltern Open Air Museum, an online writing workshop and a session of musical forest bathing.

Other activities include craft workshops, dance performances and classes, textile workshops, exhibitions, free theatre performances, concerts, choir sessions for families – but there is so much more!

Find out ‘what’s on’ and make plans for an exciting weekend. Everything will be easily searchable in one place on the Visit Buckinghamshire website.

Bucks resident pays the price for fly-tipping

A man from Gerrards Cross has learned the hard way that crime doesn’t pay after being caught fly-tipping and faced with a hefty fine.

Jonathas Da Rocha Souza, aged 45, pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal dumping when he appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates Court on 7 June 2023.

The court was informed that on 12 May 2022, an enforcement officer working for Buckinghamshire Council, discovered a pile of illegally dumped waste in a lay-by on Layters Green Lane, Chalfont St Peter in Buckinghamshire. After further investigation, the source of the waste was identified and the suspected person responsible was reported to the local authority. Mr Souza was later interviewed by Council Enforcement Officers. During the interview, Mr Souza confessed to accepting £30 to remove the waste which he later illegally dumped.

Magistrates fined Mr Souza £1,384 and ordered him to pay clean-up and prosecution costs of £1,010.62. A victim surcharge of £138 was also levied – making a total to pay of £2,532.62

Supporting adopters every step of the way

Are you thinking about adoption? Making the decision to adopt can be a big step but Buckinghamshire Council will be with you every step of the way. That is the message the council is sending out to prospective adopters in Bucks as part of a month-long focus on adoption.

There are children of all ages and backgrounds who are waiting to be adopted and to start their new life with a new family. New adopters are always needed who can open up their homes and hearts to give these children the love and support they need to grow and thrive.

For more information on adopting in Buckinghamshire visit the website: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/adoption    

Play Streets scheme encourages children to discover the joys of outdoor play

Children across Buckinghamshire are being given the opportunity to discover the joys of playing safely outside their homes as part of the Play Streets scheme.

The free scheme invites neighbours to apply for permission to close their road for a few hours at a time so that communities can come together, and children can meet up and have fun outdoors.

Following the successful launch last year, particular focus is being placed on encouraging communities within the targeted areas outlined in the council’s Opportunity Bucks programme, in High Wycombe, Aylesbury and Chesham, to take advantage of the scheme, but communities all across the county can take part.

Electoral Registration – are your details up to date?

Buckinghamshire residents are being urged to ensure their electoral registration details are up to date through the annual canvass.

All residents will be contacted during July and August, and will receive an email or a letter from Buckinghamshire Council asking to confirm that the names of people listed as eligible to vote in their household are correct.

Being on the electoral register means that you can have your say and vote in future elections – plus it can also help with your credit rating. All you need to do is to read the email or letter carefully and follow the instructions on how to respond, if necessary. It’s very quick and easy!

If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear on the messages we send. If you want to register this can be done as part of the canvass (a follow-up step is required).

The easiest way to register is online at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Aylesbury Arm canal towpath benefits from £800k improvements

The Aylesbury Arm, a spur of the Grand Union Canal originally completed in 1815, has seen a significant improvement in its towpath condition, thanks to an £800k investment. The towpath improvements are on the section between locks 15 and 16, resulting in improved conditions for walking, cycling and wheeling.

The Aylesbury Arm canal towpath improvements – which have been made possible thanks to a £621,846 grant from the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) from Homes England and £178,154 of funding from Section 106 developer contributions – are part of wider plans for active travel improvements in Aylesbury and form a main spine route between the town centre and the new developments of Kingsbrook and Woodlands.

Improvements for walking, cycling and wheeling include:

  • widening the towpath to 7 feet
  • resurfacing the towpath
  • improving accessibility onto the towpath
  • installing new signs along the route

The improvements aim to encourage active travel, improve people’s health, and reduce carbon and air pollution.

The new route forms part of the council’s aspirations for a ‘Aylesbury-Tring-Wendover Canal Triangle’ project and the wider Aylesbury Garden Town initiative.

Celebrating 70 years of safer school crossings

Over the years, thousands of children across Buckinghamshire have enjoyed a safer journey walking to school, thanks predominantly, to the efforts of the county’s much loved school crossing patrollers who this week celebrate their 70th anniversary.

Buckinghamshire currently has around 50 school crossing patrollers, commonly known as lollipop men and women due to the iconic circular signs on poles they carry when on duty, working across all parts of the county. Every morning and evening during term time, come rain or shine, they are out, guiding children, parents and carers safely across the road to and from school.

Many of the current school crossing patrollers have been doing the job for years, enjoying the special role they play in their local communities. Between them they have totted up more than 500 years of service, helping multiple generations of families. Several now help the children of the children they first helped cross the road on their way to school and some of the longest servicing school crossing patrollers are guiding the grandchildren of the children they first helped.

To celebrate the 70-year milestone and to say thank you to all school crossing patrollers, past and present, Buckinghamshire Council hosted a special event in High Wycombe today (Thursday 29 June).

The national school crossing patrol service was officially created by the School Crossing Patrol Act in 1953. The first SCPs wore white coats and peaked hats. Over the years the clothing has changed to more weather-proof, hi-vis jackets and hats, but the popular lollipop signs have remained, relatively unchanged and become synonymous with the popular and much-loved image of school crossing patrollers countrywide.

Buckinghamshire’s school crossing patrollers collectively have many interesting and amusing tales to tell of their time in the job. One patroller in Buckingham recalls once guiding a horse and rider safely across the road amidst the schoolchildren. Another proudly relays how they lost three stone in weight when first starting in post, simply by all the walking he does on his patrol site. Christine Walker is the county’s longest service patroller, clocking up 45 years. She received a British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2021 for her long service to road safety and has attended two Royal Garden Parties. All the patrollers build up a unique relationship with local families. One school crossing patroller called Mario is affectionally known as Super Mario by the children who greet him fondly every day. One thing all the patrollers clearly have in common is their love of the job with all of them saying how rewarding they find the role.

Councillor Derek Town 

London Luton Airport Expansion Development Consent Order (register as ‘interested party’ by 23/6/23)

Overview of this project published on the Planning Inspectorate website: Expansion of London Luton Airport from its current permitted cap of 18 million passengers per annum (mppa) up to 32 mppa, including: new terminal capacity; additional taxiways and other transport infrastructure; the construction of landside support buildings; surface access adjustments; mitigation works and other associated development.

To find out more about the DCO process and/or register as an interested party with the Planning Inspectorate, please click here: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/eastern/london-luton-airport-expansion/?ipcsection=overview#

To read the information on Luton Rising’s website (the developer), please click here: https://lutonrising.org.uk/

Are you Standing Up for Belting Up and wearing a seatbelt?

Buckinghamshire Council is reminding people about the need to always wear a seatbelt as part of an ongoing campaign to increase road safety and protect lives.

As part of the campaign, in partnership with Good Egg and Thames Valley Police, the Council’s road safety team has been visiting local supermarkets. The experts from Good Egg have been carrying out free child car seat checks. Council officers have been on hand to provide information and advice to drivers alongside the police who have been carrying out checks to make sure people are wearing seatbelts.

Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, explained: “The majority of people know the law and always wear a seatbelt when driving or as a passenger, but some seem to be unaware that it is a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt for their safety, or simply choose to ignore the law. These are the people we are reaching out to.”

Anyone not wearing a seatbelt who is involved in a collision is more likely to suffer serious injury. If caught by the police, you face the chance of getting an on the spot £100 fine. If prosecuted in court, you could face a fine of up to £500.

Steven continued: “We’ve heard the excuses, seatbelts are uncomfortable, it’s a pain when you are jumping in and out of your vehicle all the time or you can’t face arguing with your children about wearing a seatbelt. We do understand but the fact of the matter is, unless you have a medical or legal exemption, there is no excuse for not wearing a seatbelt. So please do the smart thing – belt up and keep everyone safe.”

The council carries out regular car seat checks. In 2022, 27 child car seats were checked during two community events. Out of those seats checked, 89% were found to be incorrectly fitted. For more information on car seat safety visit: www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules

Emergency services across the Thames Valley join forces with to share important water safety message ​

As the weather starts to get warmer, emergency services, local authorities and the Environment Agency will be working together across the Thames Valley to share how to stay safe by the water and how simple changes and techniques could save a life.   Following tragic deaths in the water over the last few years in the Thames Valley, Thames Valley Police, Buckinghamshire and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services, the Environment Agency, South Central Ambulance Service, Buckinghamshire Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have all been working together with the aim of warning and informing residents of how to stay safe by the water, particularly with young people who often head to the water side when schools are closed. As a partnership, we are thrilled to be working with Olympic swimmer Tom Dean MBE on this important topic. A short water safety video is being shared across the Thames Valley that features Tom and includes advice around safe open water swimming, the dangers of jumping from bridges and what to do if you find yourself in trouble in the water. Tom is a double Olympic gold medallist, winning gold individually in 200 metre freestyle and as part of a team in 4 × 200 m freestyle relay at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He grew up in Maidenhead and is very passionate about the issue of water safety, having lived near the Jubilee Flood Relief Channel, a popular open water spot in Berkshire. The video will be played on school buses covering the area around the Jubilee Flood Relief Channel and school inputs on water safety will be delivered by Fire and Rescue services in the final half term of the school year. Over the summer, all agencies will be participating in joint patrols of the riverside and running a number of safety events on hot, sunny days when these areas are busiest.

Neighbourhood Inspector James Ellis, Thames Valley Police, said: “When someone finds themselves in difficulty in the water, it’s terrifying for those involved and brings together all agencies as life savers. No life should be lost to the water and I really hope this work helps ensure everyone can enjoy the water safely. “We know that younger people particularly are less likely to engage with messages from statutory agencies so we’re really grateful to Tom in joining us as trusted voice for this audience, to help impress the importance of these messages.”

Tim Readings, Group Manager, RBFRS, said: “Drowning is preventable and one drowning is one too many. We are urging people to take care around Berkshire’s waterways this year. There are numerous natural and man-made hazards located in our waterways, such as varying water currents, weirs, reed beds and dangerous objects beneath the surface that have been carelessly discarded. “Cold water is another hazard that can have serious consequences and can endanger even the strongest swimmers. Even on a warm day the temperature in open water can remain very cold, causing cold water shock. If you find yourself in trouble, try not to panic and remember ‘Float To Live’. “If you do see someone in difficulty remember ‘Call, Tell and Throw – Call 999, tell the person to float on their back and throw something to them to help them float.”

Stuart Grosse, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service Group Commander and lead officer for water safety, said: “We hope the tips within this video help raise awareness of ways young people can keep themselves, their mates, and others safe should they find themselves near any stretch of open water. “This new initiative, playing the video on school busses and in classroom visits, allows us to share transferable information with a key audience. The advice provided about cold-water shock, how to float to live, and what you can do to help if you see someone struggling in water, can be applied whether you are by a river, lake or even a beach. “Our hope is that those watching this video won’t ever be in a situation where they need to draw on it, but should the situation arise, they will be able to draw on the contents and in doing so, increase the chances of a life being saved.”

Thomas Broom, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “As tempting as it may be when it’s hot outside, we would urge people to be sensible and only venture into the water where and when it is safe to do so. Any area of open water can have hidden dangers that you don’t become aware of until it is too late. There are lots of places you can swim safely outdoors or indoors in Buckinghamshire so please make sure you follow the advice to keep you and your family and friends safe in the water this summer.” Deb Forder, Safety Manager for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Open water can look appealing, especially on warm days, but it is also very dangerous. That is why we are offering some important practical advice, particularly as we approach summer when residents are more likely to be tempted to take a dip. “Please consider things such as letting friends and family know your route near water and what time you should return. Carrying a whistle to draw attention if you do get into difficulties.” “There are many hazards under the surface that may entrap you or cause serious injury. Using supervised venues or swimming pools is much safer. “Even on a warm day, the temperature of a body of open water can remain very cold. Falling or intentionally jumping into water can result in a cold shock response.”

James Amos, Head of Resilience and Specialist Operations at South Central Ambulance Service, said: “We urge everyone to be cautious around water. The water may look enticing, but you may never be fully aware how deep the water is, how you may be affected by the temperature, how fast the currents are or what objects might be at the bottom. If you ever see anyone in difficultly in water, call 999 immediately and always keep the person in view.”

Maria Herlihy, Operations Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “The Bank Holiday was the first really hot weekend of the year, though the waters in the Thames were still bitterly cold. We had a chilly, wet spring and just last weekend the water temperature had been only 14 Degrees Centigrade – sudden exposure to this could easily have caused cold water shock which could immobilise or even kill.”

Buckinghamshire Council’s Community Safety Newsletter

The latest edition of the newsletter, with lots of useful information on the following topics:

  • Aylesbury & Wycombe Street Wardens
  • Vehicle Crime
  • Love Exploring app
  • Self-Defence Classes
  • Creating a safer Buckinghamshire for all
  • Neighbourhood Watch Awareness Week
  • National Bike Week
  • Child car seat checks
  • Cyber Security
  • Thames Valley Police
  • Social Media
  • Useful Contact Details

https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-SKS4-88E7101A0917B9FB1DX5Q835C4D9D0158326DB/cr.aspx

Please report any anti-social behaviour to TVP

Thames Valley Police have apparently been made aware of some recent instances of anti-social behaviour in Pitstone by young people with sling shots.

They have asked that we publish on social media a request for any incidents witnessed, or any intelligence known in relation to this matter, to be reported to them via their normal email : the Great Brickhill Wing & Ivinghoe neighbourhood policing team (NHPT) on greatbrickhillwingivinghoeNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk

The same email applies for any other incidents of anti-social behaviour witnessed within the parish. Please provide as many details as possible in relation to any report, so that TVP can build up their intelligence and schedule their patrols more effectively.

Thank you.

Buckinghamshire Councillors Report – May 2023

Buckinghamshire Council outlines further cost-of-living support for residents

Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet has today agreed a comprehensive package of continuing support for residents struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

The council has been allocated a further £4.8 million of Household Support Fund money from the Department for Work and Pensions to provide support until March 2024. It’s now set out how the funding will be used to provide the best help possible to residents who need it most.

The council recognises the cost-of-living pressures have not gone away and high inflation and recent annual bill rises are continuing to impact households across the county. The council is pleased the funding is for a full twelve months of support and today the Cabinet has agreed to continue with a range of initiatives to help local households, including its flagship Helping Hand service.

The Council will spend the new tranche of money in the same way it has done previously, by providing food vouchers to eligible residents, direct support through the Helping Hand service and using the funds to support local organisations like foodbanks, which are providing vital community-based support.

Creating a safer Buckinghamshire for all

The Safer Bucks Strategy 2023-26 is the product of many months of work to identify the community safety issues that matter most to Buckinghamshire residents, working with partner agencies and analysing available data.

The five identified priorities are:

  • Neighbourhood crime – raising awareness of fraud, scams and cybercrime; and undertaking multiagency problem solving to tackle crime hotspots
  • Anti-social behaviour – Tackling repeat victimisation and encouraging reporting and working with partners to address concerns
  • Serious Violence – Raising awareness of serious violence and supporting early intervention and prevention for young people at risk
  • Violence Against Women and Girls – Raising awareness through education and training of professionals and increasing confidence in reporting
  • Exploitation of Vulnerable People – Identifying vulnerable locations where exploitation is at risk of occurring and ensuring communities can recognise the signs and how to report exploitation

To help set the priorities, in September last year a public consultation was run to gain an understanding of how safe residents feel in Buckinghamshire. Some of the key findings included:

  • Fraud and scams continue to be of most concern to respondents, followed by theft from a vehicle
  • Anti-social behaviour continues to be a significant concern for residents
  • There has been an increase in criminal damage and vandalism

The Safer Buckinghamshire Partnership Board is the multi-agency partnership responsible for tackling crime and disorder within Buckinghamshire. The central vision of the Safer Buckinghamshire Partnership is for Buckinghamshire to continue to be one of the safest places to grow up, raise a family, live, work and do business.

Pothole Pro gets to work fixing problem potholes

Buckinghamshire Council’s latest tool in the fight against potholes has been hard at work tackling some of the most troublesome road defects around the county.

The Pothole Pro is a specialist three-in-one vehicle that speeds up the process of repairing potholes and large sections of the road surface.

The machine starts by cutting into the road surface where a pothole has appeared. It planes out the defective area then crops the perimeter of the hole neatly, minimising the amount of material that needs to be removed and allowing a watertight seal. It then brushes away and collects the debris afterwards. All that is then needed following this is for highways teams to seal, lay and compact the asphalt into the prepared area to complete the repair.

The harsh winter weather caused significant damage to many roads across the county, compounded by the extra HGVs working on projects including HS2 and East West Rail. The council’s road crews were trained and ready to spring into action with the new machine once suitable dry weather conditions allowed them to get out and start making permanent repairs to the roads. During the previous wet and cold weather the crews could only make temporary emergency repairs.

Last week, Buckinghamshire Council Leader, Martin Tett and Cabinet Member for Transport, Steven Broadbent, went out to view the Pothole Pro in action in Crispin Street and Berryfields Road in Waddesdon to see for themselves how the Buckinghamshire Highways team is working round the clock to carry out the much-needed repairs.

The first sites the Pothole Pro visited earlier this month were Lower Road in Haddenham and Portway Road in Stone, where nine areas of defective road surface were repaired. The Pothole Pro will continue to travel around the county visiting sites that have been identified for repairs as part of a 28-day patching plan, including further works on Berryfields Road where 41 defects are due to be fixed over coming weeks.  

Condition surveys of the county’s road are carried out by the Highway Inspectors who, along with the Local Area Technicians, identify areas that require repairs. The number and size of the defects are recorded, measured and assessed to determine the best way of making the repairs. The Pothole Pro is being used to repair defects measuring 21.5sqf (2sqm) and above. For larger areas with multiple defects, use of the Pothole Pro for planing and sweeping is combined with the more practical methods of Plane and Patch or resurfacing is used, where the old road surface is removed in its entirety and a new surface laid. To date the largest patch of road repaired by the Pothole Pro has measured 2,637 sq ft (245sqm).

You can’t evade the law when it comes to fly-tipping in Bucks

 
 
 
A man from London has discovered that trying to evade the law doesn’t pay when it comes to fly-tipping in Buckinghamshire. Abdul Azim, 43, from London, was arrested by police after failing to attend a court summons in April regarding a fly-tipping offence in Gerrards Cross in December 2022. Appearing before magistrates at High Wycombe Magistrates Court on 10 May, Azim finally pleaded guilty to the charge. Azim was traced when a Buckinghamshire Council enforcement officer attended Lower Road in Gerrards Cross to investigate a report of fly-tipping. The source of the waste was discovered to be a householder in West London. Statistics show that around 70% of waste fly-tipped in Buckinghamshire comes from London and areas outside the county. The householder was interviewed and told council officers that she had hired Azim as a contractor to carry out some minor DIY works and to dispose of some waste for her. In court Azim admitted dumping some of the waste found and revealed he had lost his job because of the incident and subsequently his home because he could no longer afford the rent. He admitted that the whole incident was, “a harsh lesson learnt”.   Azim was fined £200 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80 and £1,140 towards the council’s costs, making a total to pay of £1,360. Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment said: “This was a protracted investigation involving several different witnesses and once again shows that we have a proactive enforcement team who actively target fly-tipping. They will vigorously pursue offenders and wherever possible see that they are made accountable for their actions.”

If you spot fly-tipping anywhere in Buckinghamshire report it online – www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/fix-my-street

Councillor Derek Town 

Please report any potholes or highway defects

Buckinghamshire Councillor Peter Brazier advised at the Annual Assembly that additional finances had been allocated to help clear the backlog of potholes across the county, bringing the total Buckinghamshire Council budget to £30m.

The size and position of the pothole dictates how it gets classified and how quickly it get fixed. There is also a set schedule for how frequently different categories of highway get surveyed by BC, and in between visits they rely on your assistance to report any issues via their website. Reports generate a visit from the Local Area Technician to assess, log and schedule remedial works as appropriate.

If you spot a pothole, highway defect, problem with a pavement, blocked drain, problem with a sign or a range of other highways related matters, please report them via this link:

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport/report-problems-on-roads-streets-and-pavements/

If there are 2 potholes in slightly different locations, please report each one separately, rather than just reporting one and hoping the technician will spot the other when they drive past.

If one is classified as a major pothole, requiring category one response times, and the other is classified as minor damage with a longer remedial window, you may find that one is filled but its neighbour is not.

You can choose to receive updates on the issue you have reported if you so wish.

Annual update from Thames Valley Police

Thank you very much to PCSOs Megan Dean and Tina Hobson for attending the Annual Assembly and providing a crime update. They advised that 94 incidents of note had been logged for Pitstone over the previous 12-months, which included 10 thefts from motor vehicles, 4 thefts of bicycles/other, 3 house burglaries and 2 business burglaries.

You can report a range of issues to Thames Valley Police online via this link, including crimes, anti-social behaviour or general concerns:

https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/area/your-area/local-policing-team-contact/contact-your-local-policing-team/

You can also email our local policing team (the Great Brickhill Wing & Ivinghoe Neighbourhood Policing Team (NHPT)) via their generic email address: greatbrickhillwingivinghoeNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk

They use the information that you provide to build up intelligence and schedule their patrols or operations, so please do get in touch with them whenever you witness anything inappropriate or have a policing concern. You may not see an immediate response, but your information might be the missing piece of the jigsaw that enables an operation to be scheduled.

You can also sign up to receive email alerts if there is an incident in the area, please follow this link to sign up: https://www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/

Pitstone Town Lands Charity inviting applicants

Thank you to the trustees of the Town Lands Charity who gave an interesting presentation at the Annual Assembly last night.

The Charity was set up to help those living in Pitstone who may be in need, hardship or distress. Surprisingly, despite the recent challenges with the pandemic and cost of living crisis, applications for assistance from the charity are down. They now provide assistance to all ages, and also provide assistance through local groups and charities that support Pitstone residents.

If you are struggling to make ends meet, please get in touch, in complete confidence, to see how the trustees can help. They would love to hear from you.

Sign Up for Thames Valley Alerts

Good Morning,

I am one of the PCSO’s who covers your parish.

We are looking at ways to communicate with our communities more frequently and one of the ways is via Thames Valley Alerts.

Thames Valley Alerts is a system where we can send an email to specific communities and areas if there has been an incident or crime in that location. This not only enables people to be extra vigilant but it also keeps them informed of what is going on in their area.

The link to sign up is below:

https://thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/

Or pop along to see us at the Pitstone Annual Assembly on Thursday 18 May 2023 at 7.30 at Pitstone Pavilion and we can help you to sign up.

PCSO C9953 Megan Dean

Wing Police Office

Aylesbury LPA

Thames Valley Police

Buckinghamshire Councillors Report PitStone PC Meeting 27th April 2023

Council has a new tool in the fight against potholes

As part of its new contract, which started on 1 April, Buckinghamshire Highways has taken delivery of a different type of vehicle to help in the fight against potholes.

Used by many councils across the country, the Pothole Pro is a time-saving, three-in-one vehicle designed to make pothole repairs faster. First it cuts into the road surface where a pothole has appeared, it crops the perimeter of the hole neatly to allow a watertight repair, and then it brushes away and collects the debris afterwards. Highways teams just need to lay and compact asphalt into the prepared hole to complete the repair.

The benefits of using such a vehicle are speed but also that operators are safely in their cab, with no risk of the use of vibrating hand tools affecting their hands or fingers.

Council sells unused land for affordable homes development

Buckinghamshire Council has announced the sale of unused council-owned land at Horns Lane in High Wycombe – paving the way for the construction of 50 affordable homes which will be managed by social housing provider Sovereign. This decision aligns with the council’s ongoing commitment to addressing the urgent need for new, affordable housing within the county.

Woolridge Developments will be constructing the homes for Sovereign, who have a proven track record of delivering affordable housing. The housing association will work with the council to ensure that the homes are built to high standards, and that they meet the needs of the local community.

The Horns Lane development serves as yet another example of the council’s proactive approach to community enhancement, following a similar project to deliver affordable homes on a council-owned site at Bellfield in High Wycombe, where 68 affordable homes will be built.

The Horns Lane homes will meet Sovereign’s unique Homes and Place Standard and be constructed using its new range of house types. The new design range goes further to support the health and wellbeing of its future customers, exceeding national space standards, incorporating increased storage and renewable energy sources.

The new homes will have air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, making them even more affordable and sustainable.

98% of Bucks families get one of their primary school preferences

Figures published today, Monday 17 April, show that overall, 98% of children in both Reception and Junior schools were offered one of their preference schools this year.

90% of children starting Reception received their top choice allocation, with 96% of families getting their first choice of Junior school. All children who expressed preferences in the Reception and Junior allocation rounds have been offered a school place in Buckinghamshire.

Communities devastated by groundwater flooding to receive support

Groundwater flooding can be devastating but the lack of information and management techniques available often leaves communities with little support. Without effective mapping and modelling, groundwater flooding can seem to come out of nowhere, with communities and management authorities not understanding how to prepare and respond. Project Groundwater Chiltern Hills and Berkshire Downs is here to change that. Over the next four years, it will develop modelling techniques and a flood warning service for groundwater flooding, working in collaboration with the community to help protect their homes and businesses.

Led by Buckinghamshire Council, Project Groundwater will work with communities in nine areas of the Chiltern Hills and Berkshire Downs at high risk of groundwater flooding, gathering local knowledge about floods and developing solutions on the ground, to ensure residents are better prepared for groundwater flooding. Findings from the project could benefit hundreds of communities and thousands of properties at risk of groundwater flooding across the region. The project’s findings will also support a national understanding of how to manage groundwater flooding.

Are you entitled to childcare support for your two-year-old?

Buckinghamshire Council is reminding parents of two-year-old children to check whether they are entitled up to 15 hours a week funded childcare.

Any parent or carer who currently claims some benefits may qualify for this support, which is worth over £3,000. Full details of who is eligible can be found on the Buckinghamshire Council website.

The funded childcare can be used with participating childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools and nursery schools across Buckinghamshire.

Have your say on the vision and objectives for development and transport in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire Councilwants to hear your views on its draft vision and objectives to guide future development and transport in Buckinghamshire.

The council is creating two long-term plans for what Buckinghamshire should be like in 2040 and how this can be achieved:

  • The Local Plan for Buckinghamshire – to shape and manage future development across Buckinghamshire.
  • Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP 5) – to set out the priorities for all types of transport across Buckinghamshire.

The draft vision and objectives have been developed from what people who work and live in Buckinghamshire have already told the council during a survey that ran from November 2021 to February 2022.

Bucks Tree Mission flourishes with more than 145,000 trees planted since October

Buckinghamshire Council is celebrating the significant progress made in its Bucks Tree Mission, with over 145,000 trees planted since October 2022.

The overall mission, which began in 2021, is to plant over 543,000 new trees on council-owned land in Buckinghamshire within a decade – one for every resident. This is part of the council’s comprehensive Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy.

The most recent tree planting season ran from October 2022 to March 2023. Key projects in the county have included a mix of large-scale tree planting on council land and a wide variety of local community planting initiatives.

  • Grange Farm – 14,700 trees and shrubs planted at this site to create a new woodland in Hazlemere. Volunteers, including 60 school children, attended a planting day run by Chiltern Rangers.
  • Bury Farm – 14,300 trees and shrubs planted at this site in Amersham, creating a new woodland.
  • Platinum Way – 4,038 trees planted along this walking, wheeling and cycling route with volunteer planting co-ordinated by Chiltern Rangers.

Alongside the larger projects on council-owned land, community involvement has resulted in locally delivered, smaller tree planting projects across Bucks. One such example is the St Peter’s Greenway, where a total of 2,700 trees were planted, spanning from Berryfields to Buckingham Park. Additionally, two ‘tiny forests’ were established; one at Princes Risborough School and the other at Bourton Park in Buckingham, both consisting of 600 trees each.

Furthermore, a lease has been signed with Forestry England to create a new woodland in Bucks near Wing, where 132,000 trees will be planted over the next 12 months. During a relatively wet April, Forestry England have already planted over 109,000 trees at the new Wing Woods.

New early bird trial gives free bus pass holders even

Older and disabled residents in Buckinghamshire who qualify for a free bus pass, can now benefit from even more freedom following the introduction of a new early bird trial which allows them to use the bus before 9am for a reduced fare.

Holders of an older person’s bus pass or a disabled bus pass in Buckinghamshire are allowed free travel on buses. Previously this was only after 9am on Monday to Friday. In a pilot arrangement with local bus companies, Buckinghamshire Council has arranged for new, extended benefits to free bus pass holders to travel on a bus before 9am on weekdays by paying a fixed £1 fare. These additional benefits will be in place until 31 August 2023.

Respect our beloved School Crossing Patrollers

​Buckinghamshire Council is calling on all drivers in Bucks to be respectful of the work carried out by the county’s dedicated group of lollipop men and women.

Come rain or shine, the small army of 60 school crossing patrollers are out morning and afternoon during the school term with their trusty STOP signs to help children safely reach school, as well as assisting adults across the road. However, a small minority of drivers can be abusive and put lives at risk with dangerous manoeuvres just because they don’t want to stop to let people cross safely.

Examples include drivers using abusive language, not stopping when the patroller was already standing in the road and swerving round the patroller to get past. The patrollers’ job is also made more difficult by drivers blocking pavements and stopping or parking in inconsiderate locations to drop off their children, particularly at ‘School Keep Clear’ markings and at bus stops.

So, the council is relaunching its ‘Respect Me’ campaign to remind drivers to be more considerate and respectful of the job school crossing patrollers do. 

Councillor Derek Town 

Ivinghoe Freight Zone update from Buckinghamshire Councillor Derek Town

Ivinghoe Freight Zone

The purpose of the Freight Zone is to restrict HGV access to the area. Those HGVs that DO NOT have a business reason to be there, entering the area as a cut-through to somewhere else will be in breach of the order. This traffic should be encouraged to follow more suitable roads around the zone. HGVs for businesses based within the zone and trucks entering the zone to service commercial and residential properties in the zone will have exception and be allowed.

The result of surveys made during the last few years indicate that the majority of HGVs are using this part of Buckinghamshire as a cut through to other parts of the UK.

Phase 1 covers the installation of signage around the zone making the 7.5 tonne environmental traffic regulation order restricting HGV traffic with exception for local access legal. This started in February and is now complete.

Phase 2 which covers the more bespoke advance notice signage on key routes around the zone, including Central Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, to alert drivers and operators about the restriction enabling them to avoid breaching the order and follow the more appropriate routes is continuing and I will update when more concrete details are available.

A further traffic survey will be conducted to measure the change in flows around one month after the phase 2 install. The data captured will help measure the effectiveness of the zone and impact on the preferred routes around the area. The results of the post implementation surveys will be shared with local members, parish councils and the public. It must not be forgotten that the Ivinghoe scheme is first intervention of this type within Buckinghamshire and as such there is no previous experience to utilise.

Who will enforce?

Currently powers for the enforcement of traffic regulation orders (TROs) sit with the police and the trading standards, the later not actually having powers to stop vehicles. 

Under the Traffic Management Act (2022), Part VI it was enabled so that local authorities outside of London may have powers to enforce certain moving traffic offences. The council is presently introducing the first batch of locations for enforcement of Moving Traffic Offences. Requests for future locations can be made through the council website. All locations and associated processes do have to be approved by the Secretary of State for Transport.

How will enforcement be implemented ?

The priorities for TVP and Trading Standards have not changed, being ‘crimes against the person’ and ‘protecting the vulnerable’; Local Authority capability to offer effective moving traffic enforcement is some way of. As a result it was suggested that the communities could make use of sending letters of guidance to operators observed in the zone. These letters would advise of the potential breach of the order, the risk of prosecution and encourage the use of more appropriate routes around the area. This approach was devised taking advantage of experiences from Central Beds who suggested results in excess of 80% compliance without legal enforcement measures.

A process of enforcement similar to the ‘speedwatch’ lines is envisaged and expected to evolve over the next 2 years. It will be wrong to expect an immediate change in the traffic flows, not only will the HGV drivers need to become acquainted the zone signage and alternative routes but also, devices such as ‘in-cab navigation aids’ and maps will require updates.

What will be the penalties ?

The maximum fine for breach of a traffic regulation order is £1,000. The police are able to enforce by way of a Fixed Penalty Notice of £50. Based on what has been observed in Oxfordshire where they have an existing Structural TRO for the medieval Newbridge. They operate the use of warning letters. In a numbers of cases things can escalate to a prosecution through the Magistrates Court though fines are paid to the civic purse and costs allocated to the prosecuting authority. These don’t cover the real costs so every prosecution is expensive.  

Will the police be involved/active ?

The police are able to enforce these TROs but given their priorities and the fact that for these zonal orders they would have to see a vehicle enter the restricted area, follow it till it leaves the zone; if it doesn’t stop they can pull the vehicle over and prosecute the driver, getting police support will be a challenge.

At the moment we are in no-mans land (Pilot Scheme!); we need the LA (local Authority) enforcement of moving traffic offences to offer the solution but (Bucks Council) have to get all locations and detailed plans approved by the Secretary of State these can only submit twice a year.

Emegency Alert test at 3pm on 23 April

The UK government’s new Emergency Alerts system is now live.
The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger. On Sunday 23 April 2023 at 3pm, there will be a national test of the Emergency Alerts service.

It will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding.

Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They don’t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data. Only the government and the emergency services will be able to send them. If you don’t have a mobile phone, you’ll still be kept informed through other channels.

If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts

If you receive an alert, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions.

You can opt out of receiving emergency alerts; for more information on how to opt out please go to gov.uk/alerts

To find out more about Emergency Alerts, visit gov.uk/alerts

April Neighbourhood Watch magazine

We are pleased to bring you the April edition of our newsletter for Neighbourhood Watch supporters across England and Wales.

This month’s edition highlights are: new Neighbourhood Watch window stickers with NHS on the reverse, offers from LockLatch, Avast One and D&D Technologies, how to be in for a chance to win £25,000 through our lottery, tips and support when planning a Big Lunch for the Coronation weekend or Neighbourhood Watch Week, rising cybercrime fears, and more.

Grab a cuppa, take a moment for yourself, and enjoy the read.

READ THE NEWSLETTER HERE

National Trust vacancy for Pitstone Windmill

Click the link to go through to the Government Find a Job website to find out more information or apply.

https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/details/11820160

We are looking for a Visitor Welcome Assistant to work at Pitstone Windmill every Sunday, to manage the day-to-day running of the Windmill and a team of dedicated and passionate volunteers.

As part of the wider Visitor Experience team at Ashridge Estate, you will be given full training and support to fulfil this unique role.
Hours: 7.5 hours per week
Duration: Fixed Term Contract until 01-Oct-2023
Salary: £10.78 per hour
You’ll be required to work every Sunday and Bank Holidays.

What it’s like to work here
As part of our team, you’ll be offering a warm welcome to every visitor, sharing stories that intrigue and inspire. Reporting to our Visitor Experience Officer, you will help lead our team of dedicated Volunteers whose involvement in Pitstone Windmill reaches back decades. You will also be part of a much wider portfolio team, working with staff from Ashridge Estate and Shaw’s Corner.

Being part of our Visitor Experience team, you will join a community of people who enjoy, protect and want to learn more about Pitstone Windmill its relation to the Ashridge Estate and the stories it holds. You’ll be central to creating the brilliant experience that visitors have at Pitstone Windmill.

Pitstone Windmill is the oldest Post Mill in the country. Its machinery is still in place and there are indications of the stages in its life to be seen on the outer woodwork. You’ll be telling visitors the story of this ancient landmark and the part it played in its rural community – from the intricate way the mill worked, to the history of the people who worked there.

What you’ll be doing
As the largest conservation charity in Europe we work hard to raise funds, so that we can continue to care for all the heritage in our trust. Visitors are a vital part of what we do, so you’ll be responsible for ensuring that you provide an excellent service to all our visitors, every day. As a Welcome & Service Assistant, it’s your role to ensure that the welcome our visitors receive is perfect, setting them up for an amazing experience for the rest of the day.

You’ll be responsible for answering queries and making sure visitors can find everything they need for their visit. Understanding how and why we engage our supporters is key. Working with our spirit of place you’ll work with the visitor welcome team to link everything we do back to our cause and the on-going work we do.

You’ll deliver high standards of presentation at the property, and ensure all our communications with our visitors are clear and consistent, from the first click on the website, to the posters and signs around the property.
Please also read the full role profile by visiting our website.

Who we’re looking for
We’d love to hear from you, if this sounds like you:
• Ability to work in a team – flexible and adaptable
• Well organised and able to work with minimum supervision
• Helpful & friendly
• Customer focused with a positive attitude
• Enthusiastic with a willingness to learn
• An understanding of the importance of great service

The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Tax free childcare scheme
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most locations
• Independent financial advice

How to tell us (TVP) about something you have seen or heard!

 The public are the eyes and ears of the police and your concerns about what is going on in your community often directs our activity.
Inspector James Davies from the Aylesbury Vale Neighbourhood team said
” If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious then trust your instincts. We usually find that if something feels wrong or out of place then it normally is. Do you think you’ve seen drug dealing, do you know who is riding their motorcycle in an anti social manner, have you seen suspicious activity that just doesn’t feel right – we want to know about it.
The information may seem inconsequential but it may be that you give us the final piece of the puzzle that allows us to take action. Often the public do not know how to tell us what they have seen or heard so they do not pass it on. I am trying to make that process simpler”

If you want to tell us about something you have seen or heard that you think we might want to know about, you can do this the following ways:
Report through the Thames Valley Police website https://orlo.uk/HJrEr

Contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team:
WendoverNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk
BuckinghamAndDistrictNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk
WinslowandDistrictNHPT2@thamesvalley.police.uk
AylesburyWestNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk
AylesburySouthNHPT2@thamesvalley.police.uk
AylesburyEastNHPT2@thamesvalley.police.uk
AylesburyCentralNHPT2@thamesvalley.police.uk
GreatbrickhillwingivinghoeNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk
WaddesdonNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk

If you are unsure who is your local team then please email:
joanna.howland@thamesvalley.police.uk

Calling crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via the online tool
https://orlo.uk/YRJSy

To report a crime in progress or a threat to someone’s immediate safety call 999

DO NOT ASSUME WE ALREADY KNOW SOMETHING, IF YOU DO NOT TELL US THEN WE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT IT!

Thames Valley Police – Have Your Say events

Come along and speak to a member of your local neighbourhood policing team to raise any issues you may have or discuss crime prevention measures. 

16/04/2023·       
Dagnall village hall – 0930 – 1030·       
Edlesborough Green – 1100-1200·       
Whitchurch Rec – 1400 – 1500
As this is a Sunday, we will patrol the beauty spot locations in between each of these.

17/04/2023 ·       
Ivinghoe Rec – 0900 – 1000·       
Pitstone Café – 1030 – 1130·       
Slapton Rec – 1300-1400 
18/04/2023 ·       
Watermead Piazza – 1000-1100·       
Outside Aston Abbotts Village Hall – 1130-1230·       
1400 – 1500 – Mentmore Green 

19/04/2023 ·       
Wingrave Rec – 0900-1000·       
Cheddington Green – 1100-1200·       
Jubilee Green, Wing – 1400-1500 

We look forward to seeing you  
Message Sent By
Jo Howland
(Police, Neighbourhood Administrator, Aylesbury Vale)

Buckinghamshire Councillors Report 30th Mar 2023

Buckinghamshire Council announces extra investment in county’s roads

Buckinghamshire Council is investing an extra £5 million in the county’s road network, on top of £100 million it’s already committed to spending on the roads over a four-year period.

The announcement was made at a meeting of full Council last Wednesday night, where the full budget for 2023/24 was set. Council Leader Martin Tett made the extra funds for roads available from our Reserves acknowledging the heavy toll of wet and freezing conditions this winter plus increased HGV traffic from HS2 and East West Rail.

It means that in total, £105 million is now allocated directly to maintaining and improving the county’s road network. Overall, £130 million in funding is being dedicated to roads and other highways infrastructure in Buckinghamshire including pavements, drains, street lighting and bridges during the council term.

It’s part of an overall package of investment in local services agreed by councillors last night, who went through and agreed the detail of the 2023/24 budget. The agreed budget outlines which services and projects are being prioritised, and how these are being paid for. The spending plans were shaped by residents who outlined how they wanted council tax to be spent during a consultation last year.

The agreed budget also includes the following investment:

  • nearly £143 million for improvements to schools
  • £20 million on housing and tackling homelessness
  • more than £14 million to tackle Climate Change and prevent flooding
  • more than £20 million towards our waste and recycling facilities

Have your say as a member of Buckinghamshire Council’s Customer Partnership Panel

Buckinghamshire Council is calling on residents to join its Customer Partnership Panel, giving them the chance to offer their views and feedback on how the council can improve its website, online forms and other communication methods.

The panel was launched late last year and is now seeking new members aged 18 and over from all walks of life. Applicants must live within the Buckinghamshire Council area.

As a panel member, residents will have the opportunity to participate in surveys several times a year to provide their views on how the council communicates with residents, as well as providing feedback on the council’s digital services.

Panel members will be invited to participate in up to four surveys a year and the majority of these will be conducted online. However, some may involve a telephone call or focus groups. Panel members can choose how they wish to be contacted and whether they wish to participate. They can also leave the panel whenever they wish.

Members of the panel will be reimbursed for reasonable traveling expenses and offered refreshments at any face-to-face meetings.

Buckinghamshire Council announces new highways contractors

​Buckinghamshire Council has today announced the 12 approved contractors who will be working on highways, maintenance and infrastructure projects within the county from 1 April 2023.

The announcement completes all elements of the transition of the council’s highways and maintenance contract work to new partners, as part of a planned move as the contract with current partner, Ringway Jacobs, comes to a close at the end of this month.

Last year Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) were awarded the council’s Term Maintenance Contract and the Term Consultancy Contract was awarded to Atkins, starting from 1 April 2023. The 12 newly-appointed contractors will work alongside BBLP and Atkins to carry out the works needed, under new Framework 1 and Framework 2 contracts which will run for a period of four years.

The 12 contractors have been appointed following a procurement process and will operate as follows:

Buckinghamshire Highways Framework One – Minor Works

Lot 1: Conventional Surfacing Work

  • Balfour Beatty Living Places Limited
  • Eurovia Infrastructure Limited
  • O’Hara Bros Surfacing Limited

Lot 2: Surface Treatments including Surface Dressing

  • Colas Limited
  • Eurovia Infrastructure Limited
  • Kier Highways Limited

Lot 3: Minor Works (under £500K)

  • Balfour Beatty Living Places Limited
  • J McCann and Co Limited
  • O’Hara Bros Surfacing Limited  

Buckinghamshire Highways Framework Two – Major Works (over £500K)

  • Balfour Beatty Living Places Limited
  • Keltbray Highways Limited
  • Tilbury Douglas Construction Limited

The frameworks have been set up in this way to deliver value for money and to allow the council to align delivery of highways and regeneration infrastructure projects under a new delivery model. The new model will mean other council services such as Flooding and Development, Transport Strategy and Rights of Way teams can benefit from the wide range of expertise and experience provided by the range of contractors

Support available for Bucks residents struggling with Council Tax payments

​Buckinghamshire residents are reminded that annual Council Tax bills will start being posted from Monday 13 March. Residents worried about their ability to pay their Council Tax are urged to contact Buckinghamshire Council as soon as possible.

The council offers several options to help ease financial pressures, including checking for discounts or exemptions, switching payment dates, and spreading payments over 12 months.

The council is encouraging residents to sign up for a Customer Access online account, which provides people with 24/7 access to manage their Council Tax account – including checking balances, payments, bills, and setting up or amending their Direct Debit. To sign up for a Customer Access account, residents need their account number and online key, both of which can be found on their Council Tax bill.

For information and help with any money-related issues, residents should visit Buckinghamshire Council’s website or contact the Helping Hand team on 01296 531151.

Citizen’s Advice also offers free, independent advice and support around Council Tax payments

Free, fun and flavourful – Buckinghamshire Council continues support and countywide holiday clubs for eligible families this Easter

​This Easter, Buckinghamshire Council is continuing its support for eligible children and families during the Easter Holidays as part of its ongoing Helping Hand and Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes. These services provide a range of assistance, including food vouchers, holiday clubs and hot meals. There is also a range of support and advicDetails of all the HAF holiday activities are available on Buckinghamshire Council’s website.e available to help with the cost of living for families in Buckinghamshire.

Council joins forces with Forestry England to create new woodland in Wing

Plans to plant a brand-new woodland in Wing have been given the green light in a joint project between Forestry England and Buckinghamshire Council. The new Wing Wood will see 132,000 trees planted on land owned by Buckinghamshire Council, creating an inspiring green space for local people, a valuable habitat for wildlife and a sustainable source of timber.

The decision to create the new woodland on the 51-hectare site follows a public consultation last year and local and national organisations were also involved in discussions over the woodland plan. Wing Wood will include a mix of tree species suited to the locality, five new wildlife ponds and a community orchard as well as accessible paths for walking and cycling. As part of the woodland design, Forestry England hope to link the new Wing Wood with Long Spinney Wood, creating clear paths and an easy connection between the two areas.

Forestry England will begin planting this year and aim to get most of the trees in the ground before the end of April with the rest planted in the autumn and winter. The 132,000 trees will form part of the council’s pledge to plant 543,000 trees, one for for every resident in Buckinghamshire by2031, as part of its Climate Change Strategy.

Vision for future of Buckinghamshire libraries is agreed

Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet has today reviewed and agreed a vision and strategy for Buckinghamshire’s library service.

As well as traditional reading and book-borrowing, Buckinghamshire’s library service has transformed to offer many more services including free computer classes, health checks, loanable tablets and a broad range of educational, social and cultural activities for all ages.

Over this winter our libraries have also become important welcoming spaces for anyone who needs a warm, free and safe space to visit during the colder months.

The strategy for Buckinghamshire’s libraries adopted today has been developed after extensive consultation with users, staff, volunteers and stakeholders.  It outlines the priorities for the service and agrees a clear vision for the future – which is that Buckinghamshire libraries “provide welcoming and safe spaces for everyone to access reading, culture and the information and services they need to learn, discover, imagine and thrive.

With reading and book-borrowing still at the heart of our libraries, the new strategy reflects the growing use of libraries as community hubs accommodating other services too, for example, registrars and the Junction Youth Club in partnership with Action4Youth at High Wycombe library. Many libraries also now operate as Council Access Points, helping residents with information on wider council services.

New parking charges to come in across Buckinghamshire

New charges for on and off-street parking across Buckinghamshire will come into force from Monday 3 April. The changes are being introduced following a review by the council’s budget scrutiny committee.

The changes will see an increase of 20p per tariff for on street parking and 10p per tariff for off street parking. Where applicable, free parking periods are expected to remain unchanged.

Buckinghamshire Council awarded £576k to provide energy efficiency and clean heating upgrades to low-income households in the county

​Buckinghamshire Council has been awarded £576,000 from the government’s Home Upgrade Grant to provide energy efficiency and clean heating upgrades to owner occupied and private rented properties in the county. The upgrades are aimed at tackling fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions.

The scheme enables eligible households to benefit from a range of energy and cost saving upgrades, depending on the specific circumstances such as the fuel source, energy efficiency and EPC rating of the home. The majority of the funding will be made available for the least efficient homes heated by the most polluting fuel sources.

Councillor Derek Town 

Changes to bin collection dates for upcoming bank holidays and move to summer opening hours for HRCs

Residents in Buckinghamshire are being reminded to double check their refuse and recycling bin collections dates over coming weeks, due to upcoming bank holidays.

As usual, during weeks with a bank holiday, there will be some changes to normal collection schedules across all parts of the county. To ensure residents don’t miss their collection due to these changes, the council is reminding everyone to check the revised dates for their area.

Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, explained:

“Everyone enjoys this time of year, when bank holidays for Easter, May Day and the end of May Spring Bank Holiday give most of us some extra time to enjoy with family and friends. And this year we have the bonus of an extra bank holiday, as part of the celebrations for the King’s Coronation.

“As a result of so many bank holidays falling throughout April and May, it means our regular refuse and recycling collection schedule will need to be altered over this period. This means that for every resident there will be some temporary changes to note. Our crews will be working extended hours at times, to keep these changes to a minimum. That will include some Saturday collections, so it really is vital that residents check our website and social media to find out what the changes are in their area, so they know the correct day to put out their bins.”

Find out more on Buckinghamshire Council’s website.

In addition to the bin collection changes, the opening hours at all Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) across the county move to summer opening hours of 9am to 6pm from Saturday 1 April. Please check your local site to find out which days they are open, as this varies according to each site.

Anyone visiting the High Wycombe or Aston Clinton HRC can now also stock up on Buckinghamshire Community Compost.

This peat-free, organic compost has been made locally from recycled organic matter including garden waste from Buckinghamshire. The compost is PAS 100 certified and only £5.50 per 40-litre bag or £15.50 for three bags. Purchases can be made by card payment only. Proceeds from the sale of this compost will go to local good causes.

The council plans to expand the availability of this compost to all 10 HRCs in the future.

For more information on all of Buckinghamshire’s HRCs please visit the website.

Monthly Lunch Club with Masons

https://bookings.masonscoachhire.co.uk/Tours/Lunch-Clubs

Did you know that Masons run monthly lunch club coach outings with a 2 course menu included every time in a county venue with easy accessibility for those with limited mobility.

Perfect for making new friends; ideal for couples, single travellers or small groups; and a great option for those wanting a shorter day out.

Local pick up and drop off.

£37 per person.

Click the link for full details.

Reducing Food Waste at Home

Buckinghamshire Council has introduced a new online food waste toolkit to help support our residents through the current economic pressures and reduce the impact of food waste on the environment.

The toolkit includes simple advice to help reduce food waste at home, helping to save money. It is included within the dedicated Helping Hand cost of living section of the council’s website, which gives full information on the help, advice and support that is available.

Can you help Ford End Watermill?

FORD END WATERMILL

Ford End Watermill, for those not familiar with it, is a small farm mill, which has produced flour and animal feed for centuries. On Station Road, just a short distance from the centre of Ivinghoe, it is run today entirely by volunteers. The mill is fully operational and we mill at each opening to the public. Our wholemeal flour is much sought after.

Would you like to join our team of volunteers?

We would welcome volunteers who can

• help maintain the mill through the Autumn, Winter and Spring in readiness for our openings.
• help us welcome our visitors as they arrive for one of our openings each Summer – on Sundays and Bank Holidays; and/or
• guide visitors around the mill describing how we use the power of water from our millpond on the Whistle Brook to drive our waterwheel, our gears and our millstones to produce our sought-after wholemeal flour.

There are opportunities for individuals with a variety of skills. So whether your preference is to meet our visitors, to explain all about the mill to visitors or to get to grips with the mill building and its machinery – the choice is yours. We can provide you with the necessary training and we have all the relevant information about the mill – how it works, its history and how it has been restored.

We are a friendly group. All of us are committed to conserving this priceless local resource for future generations. We can provide new volunteers with the satisfaction that comes from showing how the sustainable power of water can be used to produce flour for the baking of bread.

So, if you are interested, please telephone:
John Wallis on 01296 661997;
Chris Tugby on 01442 825421; or
Stephen Booth on 01296 661745.

You can also contact us by email at millman@fordendwatermill.co.uk

Stephen Booth, Chairman, Ford End Watermill Society

Great British Spring Clean 17/3/23-2/4/23

https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean

Keep Britain Tidy are running the Great British Spring Clean between 17/3 and 2/4/23 to encourage local residents to litter pick. More details can be found via the above link. The website also contains lots of useful information about how to stay safe whilst you are out, especially if you plan to collect litter from near any roads, and has links where you can buy litter picking kit.

Buckinghamshire Council can offer a variety of support to people who officially register for the above (as this ensures that you’ve read and agreed to the safety advice). They can supply black sacks and will come and collect the full bags once you notify them of the location. They can also loan litter pickers and other equipment. Please contact the email address below for more information: streetscene.av@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

The parish council has staff that regularly collect litter from our playgrounds, open space, paths and roadsides. You may therefore like to consider concentrating on less frequently visited areas of open space such as the woodland walk through Castlemead, the local wildlife site or the right of way network etc. These areas are particularly suitable if you plan to litter pick with children or take your dog, so that you are away from the roadside. We don’t recommend that volunteers try to litter pick beside derestricted roads, where extra hi-vis clothing and knowledge of working safely by the highway would be required.

If you are interested in litter picking on a voluntary basis you might also like to visit this website and sign up: https://litteraction.org.uk/pitstone-ivinghoe-pickers

The parish council would also like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to all the residents that regularly litter pick around the village on a voluntary basis. Your support for our environment is very much appreciated.

Whistlebrook Clearance

Brookmead School would like to pass on their thanks to the Wing and Ivinghoe Community Board for their funding towards the clearance of the Whistlebrook. Over the years, both Ivinghoe and Pitstone Parish Councils had passed on local concerns regarding the danger of dead and un-coppiced trees, along with debris, in the brook. Wing and Ivinghoe Community Board liaised with Buckinghamshire Council to arrange a grant towards the necessary safety works. The company concerned were recommended by Ivinghoe Parish Council, having previously quoted for the works, and they carried out a full survey of the area, including of the local wildlife, prior to works starting.

Brookmead School look forward to the brook flourishing now that it has been looked after and can’t wait to show our children how responsible wildlife management encourages a rich and diverse habitat. 

Severe Weather Emergency Provision for Rough Sleepers

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 Buckinghamshire Council’s 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.

During office hours you can contact Buckinghamshire Council’s housing teams on the following numbers:

  • Aylesbury Vale Area: 01296 585168
  • Chiltern and South Bucks & Wycombe Areas: 01494 421212

Buckinghamshire Councillors Report 23rd Feb 2023

Digital tools help speed up the planning process in Buckinghamshire

 A government minister has been to Buckinghamshire to see how the council is trialling innovative digital tools aimed at speeding up the planning process.

It’s part of a government project funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – Buckinghamshire is one of three councils already using the pioneering approach to co-design, build, test and launch more efficient software for planning.

As part of the project, Buckinghamshire residents can use this prototype software to check if they need planning permission using an online tool on the Council’s website. Buckinghamshire residents can also apply online for a lawful development certificate – which certifies works they’re undertaking don’t need planning permission or to certify that past works are lawful.

The new software under development will help manage cases and applications more quickly and efficiently, ultimately helping planning officers to reach decisions more quickly. The new systems will also help planning officers and applicants to communicate directly more easily.

number of organisations including the Department for Education, Now Teach and a number of local school and university-based Initial Teacher Training providers. The event will include all the information needed on how to train to become a teacher including how to apply, the qualifications needed, the different routes into teaching and training programmes around the county. There will also be information on the scholarships and bursaries available.

Council calls for ULEZ expansion to be scrapped

Buckinghamshire Council is calling for the planned extension of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London to be scrapped.

Cabinet Member for Transport, Steven Broadbent, wrote to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, last year to express concerns over the proposals. Since then, the expansion plans have been approved by Transport for London (TfL) and are due to come into effect from the end of August 2023, prompting the council to contact the Mayor of London once again.

Once of the council’s main concerns is the cost implications for the many residents who commute into the Greater London area, particularly at a time when other cost of living pressures are already having a serious impact on people’s lives.

Don’t pay cash to remove your trash, council urges

Buckinghamshire Council is renewing its call for residents not to pay in cash when employing someone to take away their waste.

However big or small the amount, if dumped illegally, the original owner of the waste can be liable for prosecution.

You may be tempted to pay cash as a cheaper option but sadly, speaking from experience, we know that it is statistically more likely to be dumped illegally and the fly-tipper is less likely to be caught without any electric or paper trail available, proving their involvement. In these cases, if the waste can be traced back to the original homeowner, they are then liable for the offence and can be prosecuted

Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet approves 2023-24 budget plans

​The Cabinet considered the overall income and spending plans for 2023/24, which cover how the council will raise enough money to cover the costs of providing its essential services such as social care, as well as how it will pay for big projects like improvements to roads and schools, as well as further investment in waste services, environmental projects and tackling homelessness.

High inflation and added demand mean that, in spite of ongoing savings from becoming a unitary authority, the council needs to find an extra £63 million to cover its costs for the coming year. Like most councils with responsibility for social care, it means that, to raise enough money and to present a balanced budget, the Cabinet has agreed to put forward to Council a 2.99% rise in the base rate of council tax and a plan to take up the Government’s proposal for a Social Care Precept of 2%, meaning a total rise of 4.99% in bills.

This equates to a rise in council tax of £1.61 per week for the average home (Band D) in Buckinghamshire.

Healthy Libraries – more than just books!

​This month sees the launch of Buckinghamshire Council’s ‘Healthy Libraries’ pilot programme in a number of libraries across the county.

The programme seeks to highlight that our libraries are a diverse and interactive place for people from all walks of life. Divided up into three categories: Start Well; Live Well and Age Well, Healthy Libraries will cover activities, events and information that aim to promote healthier, happier lives for Buckinghamshire residents.

Libraries act as hives of activity with strong links within the local community and so are ideally placed to support residents whilst promoting health and wellbeing. Whether you want to learn about healthy eating or have a chat about your mental health, there are many ways the selected libraries will be able to support you with your health and wellbeing over the next few months.

Running from February to April, the Healthy Libraries pilot is taking place at libraries in the following locations:

  • Aylesbury
  • Buckingham
  • Burnham
  • Chesham
  • High Wycombe

Buckinghamshire Council aims to improve local air quality with £120k grant

Buckinghamshire Council’s Strategic Environmental Protection Team has been awarded £120,000 from the Government’s Air Quality Grant Scheme to carry out a travel planning and eco-driving project.

The team will be working with local business engagement groups such as Bucks Business First (BBF) to lead a campaign to accelerate a shift away from single occupancy car use to more active travel and sustainable ways of travel in Buckinghamshire.

The project will be aimed at employers and their staff.

Unlike the electric vehicle (EV) campaign that the council received funding for in 2020 and which focused upon businesses with more than 100 employees, this project will target small to medium enterprises (under 100 employees) that were ineligible under the previous project. The new initiative will give small and medium sized enterprises within the county the opportunity to create active travel plans and to trial an app to encourage a safer eco-friendlier style of driving.

Gareth Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment, commented:

Council welcomes £4.8m funding boost to support struggling households

Buckinghamshire Council has welcomed the news that it is to receive £4.8m of funding to continue supporting households and residents in Buckinghamshire who are struggling with the ongoing cost of living pressures.

The funding has been allocated through the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) and enables local authorities to use the money to directly support residents and households facing hardship and challenges brought on by cost of living pressures.

This funding will cover the full year from this April, through to the end of March next year. Previous allocations have been for six-month periods

New photo ID requirements announced for local and national elections

​From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.

This will apply to:

  • Local elections
  • Police and Crime Commissioner elections
  • UK parliamentary by-elections
  • Recall petitions

From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

The Electoral Commission’s website lists the accepted forms of photo ID.

People who do not have an accepted photo ID can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Applicants will need to provide their name, address, date of birth, national insurance number and a recent digital photo of themselves.

For people registered to vote by post, no photo ID will be required. This is because postal voting requires other identification checks, such as signature and date of birth verification.

Councillor Derek Town 

New photo ID requirements announced for local and national elections

From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.

This will apply to:

  • Local elections
  • Police and Crime Commissioner elections
  • UK parliamentary by-elections
  • Recall petitions

From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

The Electoral Commission’s website lists the accepted forms of photo ID.

People who do not have an accepted photo ID can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Applicants will need to provide their name, address, date of birth, national insurance number and a recent digital photo of themselves.

For people registered to vote by post, no photo ID will be required. This is because postal voting requires other identification checks, such as signature and date of birth verification.

Nick Graham, Buckinghamshire Council’s Director of Legal & Democratic Services and Returning Officer, said:

“Although we don’t have local elections in Buckinghamshire this May, you will need to show accepted photo ID to vote in polling stations in any upcoming local referendums and elections, and for national elections from 4 May.”

“If you haven’t done so already, I’d encourage you to make sure you are registered to vote. The easiest way to register to vote is by visiting GOV.UK.

“For anyone who doesn’t already have accepted photo ID for voting at polling stations, then I’d ask them to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.”

Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day by visiting the Electoral Commission website.

Ivinghoe and Pitstone Repair Cafe

Assistance available from Buckinghamshire Council’s Helping Hand

Our team works to assist Buckinghamshire residents who are financially struggling and need a helping hand.

The list of assistance we can provide is as follows:

  • Food support – including foodbank referrals, supermarket vouchers for those in food crisis and signposting to local schemes such as community fridges and hot meal services
  • Post Office vouchers for residents using pre-payment energy meters
  • Heating oil
  • Grants to clear arrears (e.g. utility bills, rent and council tax)
  • White goods
  • Bedding
  • Carpets
  • Clothing (children’s, School uniform, and warm clothing for adults).

We also support local food and welfare projects across the County.

I have attached a copy of our flyer for your reference:

Any resident that requires assistance can apply through our online application form: Contact the Helping Hand Team | Buckinghamshire Council or can call- 01296 531151.

To help with the cost of living we have a wealth of information on our website – https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living/

Buckinghamshire Council trials HGV traffic restriction scheme in the Ivinghoe area

Buckinghamshire Council is taking action to reduce the number of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) travelling through Cheddington, Mentmore, Wingrave, Long Marston and Ivinghoe villages.

The council has introduced new traffic regulations that prevent freight vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes from driving through the area in an effort to improve road safety and reduce air pollution. These regulations have been designed to minimise the impact of HGVs on residents and communities in the Ivinghoe area.

These new restrictions are the first of their kind in Buckinghamshire and will mean that HGV traffic will be prevented from coming off main roads to take a shortcut through the villages. Signs have been placed around the area making this restriction legally enforceable. HGVs that need to service commercial and residential needs in the area will still be permitted.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

“We’re committed to making Buckinghamshire a more sustainable and pleasant place to live, work and visit. The approval of these new freight vehicle restrictions in the Ivinghoe area is an important step in that direction. We believe the zone will help to reduce the impact of HGVs on the community, and address concerns about road safety and air quality in the area.

“We’re proud to be leading the way in rebalancing the impact of HGVs in favour of residents within the freight zone, by keeping these vehicles on more suitable roads outside of the area.”

The Ivinghoe Freight Zone HGV restrictions are part of a pilot programme across five areas in Buckinghamshire. The programme aims to create safer roads in local communities and make them cleaner and more enjoyable places.

For more information on the Ivinghoe Freight Zone HGV restrictions, please visit the council’s website.

Ivinghoe and Pitstone Repair Cafe starting 25 February 2023

Further dates for 2023:

  • 25 March – Pitstone Pavilion
  • 22 April – Ivinghoe Hub
  • 27 May – Ivinghoe Hub
  • 24 June – Pitstone Pavilion
  • 22 July – Ivinghoe Hub
  • no Repair Cafe in August
  • 23 September – Pitstone Pavilion
  • 28 October – Ivinghoe Hub
  • 25 November – Pitstone Pavilion
  • no Repair Cafe in December

Council offers 12-month Council Tax payment option for residents ​

Residents in Buckinghamshire can choose to pay their 2023-2024 Council Tax in 12 monthly instalments, instead of the standard 10 instalments. To take advantage of this option, all residents need to do is complete and submit the online form available on the council’s website by Saturday 15 April. “Buckinghamshire Council understands that the current cost of living pressures can be challenging, and this flexible payment option is designed to help residents manage their finances more effectively and conveniently,” said John Chilver, Cabinet Member for Accessible Housing and Resources. “By spreading the cost of Council Tax over 12 months, residents can better plan their monthly expenses and hopefully help avoid any financial difficulties.” So, if you’re looking for a more manageable way to pay your Council Tax in the next financial year – which starts in April 2023 – then you might want to consider opting for Buckinghamshire Council’s 12-month instalment plan. Requesting this payment option is simple and straightforward, just complete and submit the council’s online form
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