Archives: Local News

How you can get involved with Florence Nightingale Hospice’s Nightingales Rainbow at Stoke Mandeville: https://www.fnhospice.org.uk/help-us/nightingales-rainbow/

Horton Road

11 August — 20 October

Delays likely – Road closure

Works description: SURFACING WORKS – WORKS WILL TAKE PLACE FOR A MAXIMUM OF 1-2 WEEKS

Works location: HIGH STREET TO STATION ROAD

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400231006421

Marsworth Road

11 August — 13 August

Delays likely – Traffic control (two-way signals)

Works description: communcation pipe repair

Works location: 64

Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Anglian Water.

Responsibility for works: Anglian Water

Current status: Advanced planning

Works reference: AD03259267785_1

Station Road

11 August — 20 October

Delays likely – Road closure

Works description: SURFACING WORKS – WORKS WILL TAKE PLACE FOR A MAXIMUM OF 1-2 WEEKS

Works location: WHOLE LENGTH

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400231006420

Heart of Bucks is excited to launch their ‘Love Bucks’ campaign, which is all about helping those in our local community who have been most affected by the pandemic. Charities and community groups are often the beating heart of our county, however, they need support to allow them to continue changing the lives of local people.

The ‘Love Bucks’ campaign will help these local not-for-profit groups to continue transforming lives in our county.

For more information and to support the ‘Love Bucks’ please click here: https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/love-bucks

There is currently one remaining vacancy on the parish council, which arose as the number of seats increased from 10 to 11 due to the expanding population. If you are interested in joining us, you can find out some basic background information via this link: https://pitstone.co.uk/ppcnews/calling-all-community-heroes-become-a-parish-councillor-elections-in-may-2021/

The vacancy will remain in place until an appointment is made. We are aware of a few interested parties that are not in a position to progress at the moment, so the parish council will continue to actively recruit in the meantime in case a candidate can be identified that can take up the seat earlier.

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, please do contact the parish clerk in the first instance on 01296 767261 or email parishclerk@pitstone.co.uk.

Please find attached completed diversionary route for some EMERGENCY WORKS to be undertaken by Transport for Buckinghamshire in respect of emergency carriageway repairs. 
If you are unable to view this link please go to one.network to view under the road and dates stated.

https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1016/ttro-application-form-mk-new_123028092_3348158_fa8a0506f8.pdf

Buckinghamshire Recovery and Growth Proposal Council and Bucks LEP partners have been progressing discussions with government to promote our ambitions for a recovery and growth deal and investment for Buckinghamshire. Discussions have been positive with engagement with civil servants and ministers in a range of government departments including DWP, DCMS, and MHCLG.

The Buckinghamshire Growth Board  agreed plans to launch engagement on its ‘Vision for Buckinghamshire’ with key stakeholders over the summer and early autumn. The Board also supported submission of multiple strategic funding bids for Buckinghamshire to Government; £2,603,084 for nine projects from a range of organisations were submitted to the Community Renewal Fund and £117M for five Levelling Up Fund bids for the county

Business Support Grants Most of the mandatory Covid grant schemes that were operating during 2020/21 have now closed. The last of these, the Restart Grant scheme has a closing date of the 30th of June. Since the start of the pandemic, between all the various business grant schemes, Buckinghamshire Council has distributed over £166m to support businesses in Buckinghamshire. One of the schemes delivered was the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG), a discretionary pot of funding allocated to the Council. In total, Buckinghamshire received £21m for the ARG and used it to support businesses for five of the winter/spring lockdown months. Buckinghamshire’s ARG scheme was designed to support as many businesses as quickly as possible, in particular businesses which were not able to access support from other grant schemes. The Council and was a top performing council in terms of % of funding distributed as per the latest national B.E.I.S. reporting statistics. Over the monthly rounds of funding, the ARG provided grants to 4544 businesses and self-employed individuals which supported over 16,000 employees in Buckinghamshire.

HS2 & East West Rail (EWR) With the intensity of activity by HS2 Ltd increasing, the Council continues to emphasise its continued opposition to the project and, now construction has started, to try and hold HS2 to account. The Council is currently in an appeals process with HS2 Ltd on a number of lorry route approvals impacting the A413 and the A422. The Council did not determine these applications as it was considered that we had not received sufficient information and reassurances regarding the cumulative impacts of the lorry movements on the Council’s highway network. There has been a number of complaints in relation to dust / vibration and noise, EWR are investing in a new product to help minimise the dust issue and this should be rolled out over the next few weeks, as they are awaiting delivery. Co-ordination activities are continuing between HS2 and EWR, which are being led by BC Officers. There continues to be ongoing concern regarding the damage being caused to the highway by EWR in the north of the county, meetings are underway to further discuss a programme of repairs and how best to share inspections between BC and EWR. Some repair works have already taken place. The Council are currently seeking funding for road repairs from both HS2 and EWR.

Ivinghoe and Wing Community Board – Like all 16 Buckinghamshire Community Boards, I & W CB has spent a busy 12 months establishing itself at the heart of the local community.

For the coming year I & W Community Board will have action groups focusing on the following areas:

• Economic recovery
• Health & wellbeing (including community safety)
• Improving the environment
• Road safety, highways and infrastructure

At the recent CB meeting the respective Action Groups/Sub Committees were established and Chair persons nominated.

Council demands that ‘The Buckinghamshire Line’ be built!  At last week’s full Council meeting, councillors unanimously agreed to continue pressing the Government to commit to building the Spur line of East-West Rail between Aylesbury and Milton Keynes and the associated work to dual the track between Princes Risborough and Aylesbury. However, BC remain concerned that this recent funding announcement did not commit to the completion of the proposed spur between Aylesbury and Milton Keynes. This spur was originally conceived as a key part of this project. The track is there, the need is there, but we now need the Government to put in the investment to get the trains running.

Another success in Buckinghamshire’s battle against fly-tipping Fly-tipper prosecuted for dumping waste at National Trust beauty spot.A man has been prosecuted for three repeat offences of fly-tipping at a local area of natural beauty in Buckinghamshire.On Wednesday 21 July, 22-year-old Alex Carl Clewett of Worthington Road, Dunstable was sentenced at High Wycombe Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to the three offences that occurred on the National Trust land at Ashridge.Dockey Wood is a stretch of forest within the 2,000-hectare Ashridge Estate, owned by the National Trust. The woodland which is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, is a popular destination all year round but is perhaps most famous for its spectacular carpet of bluebells that emerges every spring and draws visitors from miles around.

Towards the end of 2019 the car park at Dockey Wood began to be blighted by a series of fly-tipping offences. Officers from Buckinghamshire Council’s Enforcement Team, who investigated the incidents, were able to examine the waste dumped and trace the offences back to Clewett. Addresses found in the waste indicated that Clewett had been paid by a builder to take bathroom waste from a job in Feltham. Further evidence gave details of a garage clearance in St Albans where Clewett had been paid to dispose of the items.In addition to examining the evidence left by Clewett, the enforcement team set up surveillance cameras in the car park overnight on the 4 February 2020. A truck insured to Clewett was captured on camera dumping waste again.

In interview, Clewett initially denied the offence but pleaded guilty when confronted with the evidence compiled by the enforcement team. In sentencing the judge ordered Clewett to pay the full £888 clearance costs to the National Trust and a further £500 in costs to Buckinghamshire Council. Clewett was also sentenced to three consecutive 28-day prison terms, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Buckinghamshire Council wins award for its Zero Waste Map  Buckinghamshire Council has won ‘Best Local Authority Recycling Initiative’ for its innovative Zero Waste Map.The Council overcame some tough competition at the Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management ceremony on 21 July to take the top prize in their category.

The Zero Waste Map – which has already been viewed by more than 29,000 people since its launch in September 2020 – is an interactive online map that lists over 200 local shops, businesses, projects and public recycling and repair drop-off locations across Buckinghamshire. With so many different types of products and services aimed at living a zero-waste lifestyle, it can get confusing. This is where the Zero Waste Map helps out, as it’s the first tool that puts all these products and services into one place.

The map enables residents to easily search for a specific service or business, but more importantly, it shows all the fantastic options already out there, whether users are looking for them or not. This promotes zero-waste living, makes it accessible and supports local projects, community groups and businesses too.

Buckinghamshire Council approves an extra £3 million for county’s roads  Councillors in Buckinghamshire have today agreed an extra £3 million investment to improve the county’s roads, in addition to the £24 million already allocated to highways improvements.The extra £3 million is being set aside specifically so an extra £2.5 million can be spent repairing potholes with another half a million pounds to upgrade road markings.

The extra spending commitment recognises how big a priority it is for the council to maintain and improve the county’s road network and will be funded using uncommitted earmarked reserves.The potholes will be repaired using the so-called ‘Plane and Patch’ technique – a resurfacing treatment used to repair patches of badly worn road that complements the larger scale road-surfacing programme. Plane and Patch helps prevent roads from falling into a condition where they would then require more expensive structural work.The additional £3 million investment means that overall, £27 million will be spent on roads and footways in 2021/22 and £100 million in total over the next four years.

Buckinghamshire Council starts £4m drains and gullies work programme  Buckinghamshire Council has begun an ambitious programme of clearing gullies and drains across the county.

The drainage improvement works are designed to help prevent flooding and to keep drains and gullies across Bucks clean, clear and operational. The Council has set aside an extra £4 million to fund the works, as part of a wider improvement programme for residents.

Buckinghamshire Council Leader Martin Tett reacts to Prime Minister’s County Deals announcement  Buckinghamshire, as a unitary council, with the same geography as our Local Enterprise Partnership, our main business organisation, our local NHS and our key skills providers is brilliantly placed to pioneer a County Deal, bringing together the ambitions of different government departments to deliver here in Bucks. We also stand ready to work with others to ensure that all parts of the UK succeed from this approach

New electric vehicle charging points installed in Aylesbury town centre  Electric vehicle (EV) drivers can now take advantage of four new EV charging points in Aylesbury town centre’s Waterside North Car Park.

Eight EV charging bays are located in front of the new BP Pulse charging points, enabling up to eight EVs to be simultaneously charged. Each charging point delivers 7kWh, which is enough electricity to provide most EVs with around 25 miles of range for every hour they are plugged into one of the charging points.

Tackling the long grass and protecting wildlife  Grass verges across Buckinghamshire have seen a growth spurt in recent weeks because of the weather conditions this spring, in particular the very wet May followed by a hot June which created perfect growing conditions.

Maintaining our rural verges is a priority for Buckinghamshire Council, especially at road junctions where long grass might impact visibility. BC are very conscious of this year’s sudden growth and want to reassure people that our planned cutting programme is ahead of time this year.

BC cut the grass between April and October and the programme is carefully timed as doing it too early would mean too much growth at the end of the summer meaning the grass would stay long over winter.

Marsworth Road

26 July — 05 August

Delays likely – Traffic control (two-way signals)

Works description: Cut and cap water main and relay 2 communication pipes

Works location: Railway Cottages

Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Mains Renewal to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Anglian Water.

Responsibility for works: Anglian Water

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: AD01458891933

Much of England is forecast to experience very warm weather from Saturday (17/7/21) night through to Tuesday morning (20/7/21).

Dr Owen Landeg, Scientific and Technical Lead at PHE, said:

Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for many people spells of warmer weather are something they very much enjoy. However, for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks. That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk.

If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support. Also take water with you when travelling and keep up to date with weather forecasts.

It’s also worth remembering the practical steps to keep homes cool during the day as this can aid sleeping at night and give the body time to recover from the heat.

Will Lang, Head of Civil Contingencies at the Met Office, said:

Across most parts of the UK we’re expecting to see temperatures building, reaching heatwave thresholds across the majority of England over the weekend. High temperatures will remain a feature of the forecast until Tuesday, when fresher conditions arrive curtailing heatwave levels.

The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:

• look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated; older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
• stay cool indoors – many of us may need to stay safe at home this summer, so know how to keep your home cool
• close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• use cool spaces considerately if going outdoors, and wash your hands regularly
• drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
• try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
• walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
• avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
• make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
• during warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief; take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into open water to cool down
• remember that while coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are in place, you will need to follow any additional government guidance to use public spaces safely

We understand comments can be submitted via the following link until Friday 30 July 2021.

Link to Cala Homes Virtual Consultation

The next Buckinghamshire Council Wing & Ivinghoe Community Board meeting is on 20-7-2021.

You can find information on their website: https://buckinghamshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=863&MId=16845&Ver=4

Please find above, details of Anglian Water roadworks in Cheddington Road (by Greenacres junction) with road closure in place between 9-15/7/21. Diversion via Wellington Place.

The new website not only has a new look and feel but lots of the latest information from the team and experts within the council.

Buckinghamshire’s Family Information Service has a brand-new website and directory making it even easier for families, parents to be, children and young people to find local support, activities and childcare.

Head over to https://familyinfo.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ to take a look and find:

• support available to help with issues affecting your family
• what’s on at family centres
• things to do and holiday activities
• support and inclusive activities if your child has SEND
• childcare and early years providers

Follow ‘BucksFamilyInfo’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for the latest news affecting families and young people, local things to do and helpful reminders for all sorts of parent tasks like applying for childcare and school places.

MILLENNIUM EDUCATION FOUNDATION  

Registered Charity No. 1077157

Are you hoping to go to University or College in 2022, but are concerned that financial resources might not match up to the requirements? Are you under the age of 22? Have you lived in Aldbury, Long Marston, Marsworth, Pitstone, Puttenham, Tring, Wigginton or Wilstone for at least three years?

To see if you would be eligible for a grant, apply to Tring Charities’ Millennium Education Foundation for information and an application form.

Website details: www.tringcharities.co.uk/education

Telephone: Elaine Winter, Secretary to the Trustees 01442 827913

Email: info@tringcharities.co.uk

Please note that the closing date is 15 November 2021, to lodge a completed application for grants payable from autumn the following year.

https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/June%202021%20OUR%20NEWS.pdf

Dates between – 01/10/2020 & 14/05/2021

Pitstone had 17 recorded crimes during this period. Of these 17, 6 of these were of note:

3 x reports of Anti-Social Behaviour

1 report of Criminal Damage

2 reports of suspicious vehicles in the area

We have also had other reports directly to us regarding Anti-Social Behaviour and possible drug use/dealing around the Memorial Hall/Pavillion area. We are regularly patrolling the area and are dealing with incidents accordingly. We would like to ask residents to report anything they see that is suspicious so we can build a bigger picture of what is occurring down there. They can do this by completing an online Webform via the Thames Valley Police website.

There have been reports of possible drug dealing up by the church and we have been patrolling the area regularly. We have not found anyone up there however we found a couple of “camps” in the wooded area and stopped 2 males in the area.

We have also had reports of drug dealing in the Castlemead area and the Industrial estate. We are aware that there is activity up by the fishing lakes along with a “camp” and we are keeping an eye on that area also.

Last summer the team conducted an operation in the village regarding the drug dealing issue. One person was arrested and upon searching their house, a substantial amount of drugs, money and weapons were seized.

We were delighted that Zest Yoga were able to start up at Pitstone Pavilion today now that the covid restrictions have been lifted.

They are running classes every Tuesday morning and evening.

Tuesday evening sessions are currently full, but you can register to join the waiting list. There is currently space available for the morning sessions.

Please get in touch with Annabel to find out more (contact details and more information available on her website):

https://www.zest-yoga.com/

​

Could your organisation, business or local group provide stimulating activities and a nutritious bite to eat for children and young people over the summer holidays? If so, Buckinghamshire Council wants to hear from you today!

Through the Government’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme, the Council is making available funding of £683,000 to work with local providers operating in Buckinghamshire to help deliver a range of free holiday activities for those children aged 5 to 16 eligible for benefits related free school meals.

There’s no restriction on the range of activities that could be provided – it’s anything that children and young people would find interesting to try, help them develop new skills or a future hobby, and are just fun to do. Potential ideas range from gaming, sports, bush craft activities, dance, art and design, photography and cooking, but new ideas and suggestions are warmly welcomed.

School holidays can be a pressure point for some families because of increased costs, like food and childcare together with potentially reduced incomes. This means children from disadvantaged families may not be able to access out-of-school activities and could experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health or higher levels of social isolation.

The Council is looking to work in partnership with community and voluntary organisations, creative and performing arts providers, sports coaches, schools, private companies and a range of others to help put on a fantastic range of options and healthy meals for those eligible over the coming summer holidays.

The HAF scheme works on a 4x4x4 model with clubs or sessions running for four hours per day, four days each week and across four weeks of the summer holiday. Providers are able to bid for grant funds for projects that would run for part of the overall four week period.

Buckinghamshire Council’s Service Director for Education, Simon James said this was a great opportunity for those young people but also a chance for local providers to really showcase what they can offer.

“New activities and experiences can have a profound effect on children and young people, helping them to create lasting memories, enjoy new activities and skills, build confidence, meet new people and have fun. And, not only do they get the chance to take part in quality holiday activities, but they can also enjoy a healthy meal too.

“We’re looking to team up with local providers to offer a great range of free activities and things to do for those eligible children to help them enjoy something different and productive over the summer break and we really look forward to receiving your plans and ideas.”

Buckinghamshire Council strongly recommends that bids include consideration of how your programme could be made COVID-safe in the event of the national situation or government guidance requiring it.

To find out more about the HAF programme, please visit: https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/childrens-services/haf2021/ or email the HAF project team at haf@buckinghamshire.gov.uk. Completed bids need to be submitted by 9.00am on 7 June.

Not been travelling during the pandemic?

Check your bus pass has not expired so you can renew these before travelling again by bus.

The PROTECT YOUR POOCH campaign encourages people to keep their pets SECURE, IN SIGHT and SEARCHABLE, and to HELP MAKE PET THEFT A SPECIFIC CRIMINAL OFFENCE.  The Met Police and Crimestoppers are backing our SECURE, IN SIGHT and SEARCHABLE message.  More information on the campaign can be found on www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourpooch. 

Attend the online Dog Theft webinar on the 27th May at 5pm.  The webinar will be led by Neighbourhood Watch Network with speakers from the Met Police and Crimestoppers, as well as special guest speaker Katy Bourne, PCC for Sussex. To book your place, click here.

The following road works have been advised by Buckinghamshire Council. Please visit their website if you require further information.

Cheddington Road

18 May — 19 May

Delays likely – Road closure

Works location: Works Descriptions are no longer publicly available due to Department for Transport data processing policies.

Works description: Works Descriptions are no longer publicly available due to Department for Transport data processing policies.

Responsibility for works: UK Power Networks

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: EC30040653218

Vicarage Road

17 May — 17 May

Delays possible – Traffic control (two-way signals)

Works location: Works Descriptions are no longer publicly available due to Department for Transport data processing policies.

Works description: Works Descriptions are no longer publicly available due to Department for Transport data processing policies.

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: BC008WC4GT50N01

Rushendon Furlong

18 May — 20 May

Delays unlikely – Some carriageway incursion

Works location: Works Descriptions are no longer publicly available due to Department for Transport data processing policies.

Works description: Works Descriptions are no longer publicly available due to Department for Transport data processing policies.

Responsibility for works: Anglian Water

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: AD03258935423

The Buckinghamshire Council

(Prohibition of Waiting, Loading and Stopping) and (On-Street Parking Places) Order 2021

(Amendment No 1) Order 202*

Buckinghamshire Council in partnership with Transport for Bucks, stakeholders and working with your local Councillors are proposing implementing permanent parking restrictions at various locations following an increase in illegal and antisocial parking, and verge damage, following the lifting of the first COVID-19 lockdown.

Buckinghamshire Council is proposing to introduce restrictions at various locations across the county of Buckinghamshire.

Under the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996 as a Statutory Consultee we are inviting your comments to the proposals. Full details and plans can be found on the Buckinghamshire Council Website at https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/ from the 12^th May 2021 and from today on https://www.buckinghamshiretraffweb.uk/ under “Public Consultation”, “6. Active Consultation – Static”.

The Consultation runs until the 6^th June 2021. Any comments you may wish to make should be addressed to parkingtro@buckscc.gov.uk.

Marsworth Parish Council has asked us to make residents aware of a current planning application consultation relating to a change of use for the Anglers Retreat in Marsworth, in case any Pitstone residents which to submit comments to Buckinghamshire Council. The details are below:

21/01520/AOP – MARSWORTH
Anglers Retreat Ph And 30 Startops Startops End Lower Icknield Way
Marsworth Buckinghamshire HP23 4LJ
Change of use for Public House to residential use and conversion of public
house to two flats with two storey rear extension and single storey side
extension and demolition of existing conservatory, demolition of existing
outbuildings and erection of 4 houses, change of boundary location with 30
Startops, change of access for 30 Startops and erection of carport for two
vehicles and enclosed store, two storey side extension for 30 Startops

Details can be found and/or comments submitted via the Buckinghamshire Council planning portal (link here: https://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/search-planning-licensing-applications ) using the reference number above.

St Mary’s Church in Pitstone is pleased to confirm that it will be OPEN on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 30 May through to 26 September from 2.30 to 5.30pm

They are ready to welcome visitors

Covid restrictions will apply

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

Keep Britain Tidy are running the Great British Spring Clean between 28/5 and 13/6 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.

Buckinghamshire Council can offer a variety of support to people who officially register for the above. 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. At the moment, the recreation ground playground is seeing huge volumes of litter (despite Coronavirus guidelines which recommend that children do not eat or drink whilst using play equipment), and we are emptying bins and picking litter three times per week. In between, other local volunteers are also picking litter to try and keep on top of the situation. If you, or your children, are using the playground, please do put all rubbish in the bins provided to help keep the play space in good condition for all our users.

Plans for Buckinghamshire’s first ever ‘freight zone’ to control the movement of HGVs in and around the Ivinghoe area take a step closer today (7 May) with the start of a four-week public consultation on the detail of the legal traffic regulation order.

Proposed for the areas around Ivinghoe, Cheddington and Mentmore, the zone sits within defined boundaries, east of the A418, north of the A41 and west of the B489, and follows two years of research, monitoring, discussions, public engagement and detailed planning with the local community.

The traffic regulation order (TRO) proposes a 7.5 tonne weight limit on vehicles travelling through the zone, however, there will be an exception for vehicles travelling to destinations within the zone. This means deliveries and collections to local homes and businesses can continue unaffected.

Monitoring in November 2019 showed an average of 254 HGVs per week passed through the proposed zone, heading for destinations further afield, nearly half (47%) of the total HGV traffic in the area.

Buckinghamshire Council’s Corporate Director for Planning, Growth and Sustainability, Ian Thompson said that the zone would bring benefits to the community and encouraged people to take part in the consultation and give their views.

“A zone like this can clearly reduce the level of traffic by removing a significant number of HGVs that simply pass through the area. The TRO will help reduce the negative impacts on local residents, buildings and the environment, while of course still allowing local lorry deliveries to be made.

“Over the next four weeks, we want to hear from anyone who might be affected to give their views on the detail of the proposed TRO to help us finalise arrangements.” 

Ian added: “Subject to the feedback received, the scheme could be fully operational later in the year which would be great news for everyone.” 

Public engagement on the concept of the freight zone took place early last year and was widely supported by local residents, businesses and community groups. It included dialogue with parish councils, local councillors and businesses, along with exhibitions and a survey which received 332 responses.

To take part in the consultation, please visit: https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/highway-projects/ivinghoe-freight-tro 

Alternatively you can e-mail comments to tfbschemesdelivery@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or by writing to: Ivinghoe Freight Zone Consultation, Design Services, Transport for Bucks, Aylesbury Vale Area Office, Corrib Industrial Park, Griffin Lane, Aylesbury, HP19 8BP. The consultation closes on 3 June.

The overall aim of the competition is to encourage wildlife into any available green space and in doing so connect us with our local green environment and support our health and wellbeing.

We want our community to get behind this project and turn every available green space into a haven for wildlife and we are here to help you do it.

More information here:

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/events/wild-aylesbury-vale-competition/?fbclid=IwAR13py8oPmzCxsFeU2uHM1jMMVJqxeED-jX8EyJPqfjxVywjYvO0djuLrYs

Bin collections across Buckinghamshire will be operating to a revised timetable next week.

With no collections on Monday 3 May (Early May Bank Holiday) all collections that week will take place one day later than usual. Please check the revised timetable below and present any bins by 6.30am on your rescheduled collection day.

Bank holiday revised bin collection dates:

A friendly reminder that Buckinghamshire’s nine household recycling centres are now operating to summer opening hours: 9am – 6pm. All sites will also remain open over the Bank Holiday weekend, including Monday 3 May. Before making a trip to the tip, please check the website for all the latest household recycling centre information: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/bin-collection-recycling-and-waste/garden-waste-collection

As the weather continues to improve, it’s likely that BBQ season will be fast approaching in Buckinghamshire. Remember all foil drinks cans, plastic and glass bottles can be recycled at home. If you use a disposable barbecue, please make sure you’re disposing of it safely and responsibly after use. For helpful hints and tips, please take a look at the online Waste Wizard: www.recycleforbuckinghamshire.co.uk/waste-wizard

For more information including how to check your Bank Holiday bin collections and where to find your nearest household recycling centre, go to: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/bin-collection-recycling-and-waste

Please also follow @BucksCouncil to keep up-to-date with the latest recycling & waste and bin collection information on Facebook and Twitter.

Vicarage Road

28 April — 28 April

Delays possible – Traffic control (two-way signals)

Works location: Works Descriptions are no longer publicly available due to Department for Transport data processing policies.

Works description: Works Descriptions are no longer publicly available due to Department for Transport data processing policies.

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: BC008PTMS275017A

Roadworks on Stocks Road this Friday and Saturday with diversion in place: https://one.network/?tmi=20559859

Please find attached:

• The statement of persons nominated and notice of poll for the election of Buckinghamshire Councillors for the Ivinghoe (includes Pitstone) area (NB 3 councillors to be elected to each ward)
• The notice of election agents’ names and offices for the above candidates

Please click this link for information on the situation of polling stations: https://buckinghamshire-gov-uk.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/AV_Situation_of_Polling_Stations_6_May_2021.pdf

The government has made twice weekly home testing for covid via lateral flow tests freely available for anyone in England from today.   Windmill Pharmacy in Ivinghoe has confirmed that they have plenty of stock.

If you are not already testing twice per week via another route (eg as a parent of a school age child or through other work), you might like to consider taking advantage of this free service.

Please find below the Notice of Election published by Buckinghamshire Council for parishes in the Aylesbury area. The number of seats in Pitstone will increase from 10 to 11 to reflect our growing population. If anyone would like to find out more information about the powers vested in parish councils, the work that Pitstone Parish Council does, how much time volunteering as a parish councillor might involve, or the two charities that you would also become a legal trustee of, please do contact parishclerk@pitstone.co.uk and we will happily provide you with packs of information.

1. An election is to be held for Buckinghamshire Council unitary wards.

2. Nomination papers can be obtained from the Returning Officer as follows:

• Electoral Commission website at: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/local-elections-england
• Electoral Services, The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8FF

3. Nomination papers must be hand delivered to the Returning Officer or his appointed staff at The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8FF between 10am and 4pm on any working day (excluding Good Friday 2 April 2021 and Easter Monday 5 April 2021) from and including Monday 22 March 2021 but no later than 4pm on Thursday 8 April 2021. Please go to the Main Reception where you will be directed to the Returning Officer and their appointed staff.

4. If the election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday 6 May 2021.

5. Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on Monday 19 April 2021. Applications can be made online: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

6. Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Tuesday 20 April 2021.

7. Applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Tuesday 27 April 2021.

8. Applications to vote by emergency proxy at this election on the grounds of disability or for work/service reasons must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Thursday 6 May 2021.The disability must have occurred after 5pm on Tuesday 27 April 2021. To apply on the grounds of work/service, the person must have become aware that they cannot go to the polling station in person after 5pm on Tuesday 27 April 2021.

Dated: Monday 22 March 2021                                         Nick Graham (Returning Officer)

Cheddington Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

23 March – 24 March

Delays likely – Road closure

Name: Cheddington Road, Pitstone

Location: Cheddington Road

Description: Streetworks / License – Streetworks

Responsibility for event: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned

The minutes of the last Wing & Ivinghoe Community Board meeting are now available:

https://buckinghamshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?MId=16712&x=1

If you are considering standing for election, you may like to attend this free online session to find out more information.

Thank you to those residents that have expressed a potential interest so far. If you are thinking of standing for the Pitstone elections, please do let the parish clerk know by emailing parishclerk@pitstone.co.uk and we will provide an information pack about the local council so that you can find out more.

Session information:

If you are passionate about what happens in your community, take part in our online Q & A and find out how you can make a change

• WHAT DO COUNCILLORS DO?
• WHAT DO COUNCILS DO?
• HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
• CAN I STAND FOR ELECTION?
• HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

Join BMKALC at 6.00pm on Wednesday 17 March to find out more

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82302966446?pwd=QUwwQXBTNWxhTy95Yjc2RWozd0VNZz09

Meeting ID: 823 0296 6446

Passcode: 639201

One of the primary aims of Buckinghamshire’s 16 community boards is to listen to local people and take action on the matters that concern them most. That is exactly what the Wing & Ivinghoe Board has been doing as they reviewed the projects and initiatives they have helped support in the past six months.

At the board meeting members reviewed the projects they have agreed funding towards and approved two more. Applications for funding are welcome from any group or organisation within the local area of a community board but are most likely to be successful if they link to one of the areas the board has a particular focus on. Working groups reflect the topics that local people have raised as areas they would like a greater focus to be given.

The Wing & Ivinghoe board currently has four areas that it is particularly focused on this year and working groups have been set up to address each one:

• Environment
• Covid-19 recovery
• Health & wellbeing
• Transport

At the meeting board members and residents could see where the funding agreed so far has been used including new traffic calming measures, improvements to children’s play areas and crisis funding to local groups providing support to local people during the pandemic. The board also acknowledged that parishes and residents from different areas of the locality are working together in a much more collaborative way.

Members also agreed funding for Whitchurch Wildlife Community Group to purchase basic gardening and outdoor equipment to carry out work in the village to improve the surrounding environment of both residents and wildlife. The group hopes the project will have multiple benefits from improving and maintaining natural habitats to supporting the health and wellbeing of residents, enabling people to come together in a productive and sociable way.

Chairman of the Wing & Ivinghoe Community Board, Anne Wight said: “We are always keen to hear from people who want to get more involved in what is going on in their local community. If there is something you would like the community board to look into or you would like to join one of our current working groups please get in touch. By working together we can make improvements for the whole community to enjoy.”

To find out more about the Wing & Ivinghoe working groups email: http://wingandivinghoecb@buckinghamshire.gov.uk/

You can keep up to date with all the latest news from the board on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Wing-and-Ivinghoe-Community-Board-104964671378244

You can view a recording of the meeting online: https://www.youtube.com/embed/2GZikEOsco8

Neighbourhood Watch Network is supporting Sussex’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, who, in partnership with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), has created an online survey designed to understand the public’s perception of dog theft, enforcement, and the prosecution of offenders.

The survey includes a question seeking views on whether dogs should be treated in law merely as property when they are stolen. Having a common understanding of how the public feels about this issue will help inform discussions that PCCs and NWN will have nationally, as well as allow police forces to better understand the public’s views.

Mrs Bourne said: “Pet theft, dog theft in particular, is a growing concern for the public and their fear has been perpetuated over the last couple of weeks with shocking reports in the media of more dogs being snatched by criminals.

“I am incredibly eager to get more detail around this issue and understand residents’ views and if they feel more could be done to respond to their concerns or for more preventative measures to be put in place to better protect their pets.”

Neighbourhood Watch Network have just been approached to help support this campaign so apologies for the short notice as the survey closes on Friday12th March.  Please, if you can, and haven’t already, take a couple of minutes to complete the survey as your support and views are really valuable to us.

Link to survey is here:https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/dogtheft

Kind regards

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team

Follow us..ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Neighbourhoood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349

08 March 2021

Over 2,800 businesses in Buckinghamshire employing over 7,600 people have received Covid ‘safety net’ grants paid out by Buckinghamshire Council through the Buckinghamshire Additional Restrictions Grants (Bucks ARG) scheme. The local grant scheme was put in place to provide a financial lifeline to help local businesses who fall outside the funding criteria set out by national government under the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG).  The last round of Bucks ARG funding round closed on Sunday 28 February. Buckinghamshire Council has focussed on getting this safety net funding out to businesses as fast as possible.

Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council said: “Our Bucks Additional Restrictions Grant has been a lifeline for many Bucks businesses who weren’t eligible for the main government national funding support schemes.” He continued: “We have made it a real priority to get this money flowing out into the local economy as fast as we possibly can. Unlike many other councils in the country who are still sitting on funding, I’m proud to say we have focused on trying to get every penny out to help our local businesses. We’ve got around 94 % of our additional grant money out of the door and straight into the bank accounts for local businesses.” So far over 2,800 different businesses have received funding from the Bucks ARG local scheme which has distributed £14.1 million to local businesses in three rounds of funding. We estimate that these businesses employ around 7,600 people.  The focus for Bucks ARG grants has been on processing applications quickly to get money out to businesses and to help self-employed people who may not have qualified for other support. The grants team has received over 7,000 individual applications over the three rounds of this funding. There are still some applications still in process, but we expect to distribute approximately 94% of the available funding by mid March. This is significantly higher than most other councils in the country.

Over £1.75 million has gone to self-employed people like local dance music producer and DJ Sean Matthews found out about the local additional restrictions grants through an interview which Martin Tett did on a local radio station. He said: “I, like millions, found myself excluded from government support. I heard about the Bucks Additional Restrictions Grants and found out that I was eligible to apply. The money was in my account within two weeks. This has been a massive life saver for me, it’s the difference between paying existing bills and racking up possibly huge amounts of debt. I’m extremely grateful to the team at Buckinghamshire Council for making sure this Additional Restrictions Grant reaches people that need it. Thank you”.

LRSG Grants update Local Restrictions Support Grants are still being paid out to businesses. Additional funding to cover the period from 16 February to 31 March is now available for all businesses who meet the qualifying criteria. To make things even easier, all businesses who have already received LRSG payments do not need to apply again for the additional funding. They will automatically receive payment from Buckinghamshire Council in the first half of March. If your businesses hasn’t yet applied for LRSG funding, it’s worth checking to see if you are eligible for this financial support. The information you need and the application form is all available online at https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-business-support-hub/coronavirus-business-grants/local-restrictions-support-grant/ For information about Covid business support available in Buckinghamshire visit our business support hub. Go to https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-business-support-hub/   

Buckinghamshire Council is encouraging residents to please check their website before visiting a local Household Recycling Centre (HRC) and remember to allow plenty of time for your trip.

As spring approaches and the weather improves, many of us will be spring cleaning our homes and looking to spend time in the garden – clearing leaves, planting flowers and pruning shrubs. Residents are reminded to plan ahead if they intend to visit one of Buckinghamshire’s nine HRCs, especially during busier times such as weekends. Covid-19 measures are still in place to keep staff and visitors safe. This includes a limit on the number of vehicles unloading, fewer spaces on site as well as social distancing measures with visitors encouraged to wear masks. With this in mind, please remember to allow plenty of time as it may take longer than usual to complete your visit.

Before visiting, residents are encouraged to check the webcams online to see how busy the site is and for the quieter times to visit. All sites are currently open 9am-4pm and tend to get busier after lunch. Last entry may be before 4pm to allow those already onsite to unload their waste and exit by 4pm. Residents are asked to consider coming back at another time if the site is busy, especially if there are queues outside the site.

Cllr Bill Chapple OBE, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “We’re committed to making sure our HRCs remain open and safe for our staff and visitors. The sites are typically quietest and best to visit mid-week, but if you have to visit at the weekend, remember the earlier the better. Please also bear in mind, three of our local sites – Aylesbury, Burnham and Chesham, are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. “Spring is commonly the busiest time of the year with queues even more likely with current restrictions. Please only visit if you cannot store your waste safely and where possible, make use of the kerbside collection services available from Buckinghamshire Council. Information about our collection services and the HRCs is available on the council’s website.” For more information visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Buckinghamshire residents are being asked to take part in the census – and Buckinghamshire Council is supporting the census team in its target to get every household to respond.   Census day is Sunday 21 March and in 2021, for the first time, most of the responses are expected to be done online.   You should receive a letter shortly explaining how to complete the form online. If you don’t receive it in the next week or so, please get in touch with the census contact centre. You can also ask for a paper questionnaire if you’d prefer.  

Buckinghamshire Council is providing a range of census support, information and advice to residents:   Library staff and Adult Learning staff have been trained and are available to help people complete the form, either online or on paper. These support sessions are running until Friday 4 May and will be over the phone while Covid-19 restrictions remain in place. Book an appointment by calling 0300 131 6000 and asking for census information/support.   Our Community Engagement and Development team are linking in with partner organisations to share census fliers with clients which will help spread the word to seldom-heard communities.   Buckinghamshire Archives welcomed the Census Engagement Manager for Buckinghamshire, Ross Tackley, onto episode five of their monthly podcast. They spoke about what residents need to do this month, and also shared stories from the archives’ collections about censuses of the past. The podcast is available at https://open.spotify.com/show/78wopWJljQd7vtnGFQEwQd.   Ross also took part in an LGBTQ+ online event organised by Buckinghamshire County Museum and spoke about the new optional questions on sexual orientation and gender identification. The event was recorded and will be available to view shortly at www.buckscountymuseum.org.   Go to https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/your-council/council-and-democracy/census-2021/ for further information and contact details.  

Cllr Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “The census provides a snapshot of our communities. Based on the information provided it will ensure money is invested in the services we need in Buckinghamshire, such as emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, and GP and dental services.   “While many will be able to simply complete the form online, our team are ready to help anyone who is struggling and needs some support.”   Since 1801 the census has been held every 10 years except for 1941 when World War Two was raging. The information gathered provides the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales.   The questionnaire includes questions about sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity.   Results will be available within 12 months and, as well as being used to determine investment in an area, will be used by charities and voluntary organisations as evidence to get funding and by businesses to help them understand their customers and decide where to open new shops.   The personal information you give is not shared with anyone, and you cannot be identified in the statistics published. Personal records are locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.  

Have you seen the census advert on TV? Towards the end eagle-eyed viewers may have spotted that the band (Jose McGill and The Vagabond from Norwich) are playing in front of the Guildhall in High Wycombe.   Across England and Wales iconic buildings are being lit up purple during the census weekend (Friday 19 to Sunday 21 March). In Buckinghamshire, Waddesdon Manor and the Dashwood Mausoleum at West Wycombe will be lit up purple to mark the occasion. Other buildings are to be confirmed.

The council has secured £500K from HS2 for sustainable travel improvement and wants your views. From Monday 1 March residents will be able to view, and comment on proposals for three cycleway routes in Wendover  https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/highway-projects/wendover-cycleways The survey will run from Monday 1 March to Sunday 28 March 2021 [four weeks].

The three proposed cycleway routes will: create a link from the current Amber Way cycle route on Aylesbury Road to the Railway Stations improve the Amber Way cycle route between the Halton Lane junction and Castle Park Road junction provide a link to the schools on Wharf Road. The council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Nick Naylor, is encouraging both cyclists and non-cyclists to give their views and says: “We want to encourage cycling for shorter journeys around Wendover by developing the cycling network. The cycleway proposals we have made will improve access and make it easier for cyclists to get around the town.  We plan to install road markings and signage along each route to guide cyclists and make sure all road users are aware of cyclists. “In addition to £500K from HS2 – the council has added a further £60K to ensure the improvements are fit for purpose and meet local need. We have talked with local groups about how we can improve the cycleway in Wendover, now we need residents to get involved and tell us what they think about the proposals.” The council is also inviting residents to offer any feedback they have to planners.

More information about this and the proposals can be found on the council’s website www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/wendover-cycleways To give your view on the proposals either complete the online feedback form  https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/highway-projects/wendover-cycleways or: email us on hitmailbox@buckinghamshire.gov.uk write to us at Highways Infrastructure Projects Team, Wendover Cycleways, Buckinghamshire Council, Floor 7, Walton Street Offices, Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UY To get a printed version of the feedback form, please phone us on 0300 131 6000 or email us on hitmailbox@buckinghamshire.gov.uk.

EN Amber Way Amber Way Improvements.pdf
School AccessSchool Access.pdf
Railway station accessRailway Station Access.pdf

Dear all,

As you may recall that due to the TRO audit and moratorium we had planned to start the Statutory Consultation phase of the Ivinghoe Area Freight Strategy mid-late February. I wanted to bring you up to speed on where we are.

Part of the identified freight zone covered an area that falls within the Hertfordshire County. During the project we, of course, kept officers from Herts CC engaged, taking time to consult with them in the ‘informal engagement’ phase and keeping them in the loop since. In planning the Statutory Consultation phase we are required to advertise in local press the Traffic Regulation Order that provides the 7.5 tonne weight restriction with access by exception. To be able to do this we needed legal authority from Herts CC, unfortunately this was not been given in time to allow us to move into the Statutory Consultation at this time. In normal circumstances this would not be a problem and the consultation would be simply delayed until the authority was given, this year we have to consider the planned local elections in May. We are not able to run the consultation for the minimum amount of time prior to Purdah which starts on March 22^nd, and as you can appreciate it is not appropriate to conduct the consultation during the Purdah period.

However, had we been able to get the Statutory Consultation in prior to Purdah we would still have had to wait until after the election and for Cabinet Member approvals once the appointment of Cabinet had taken place. This would have given a potential ‘green-light’ for implementation around the middle of June.

Not being able to start the Consultation until just after the election effectively means we would have this complete and be in a position to take the proposal to Cabinet Member for approval around mid-June and hopefully be able to look at implementation near the end of June / beginning of July, losing around 2-3 weeks only had we been able to get the Consultation started in February.  

I appreciate that delays are not something any of us would like to see; that there is great support within the communities for the Freight Strategy to be implemented at the earliest opportunity; and to see unwanted Heavy Goods Vehicles taken out of the area. My colleagues and I will continue to strive to make this happen as soon as we possibly can, subject of course, to there being no insurmountable objections during the Statutory Consultation. I am aware that we have seen an increase in HGV movements around the area, these may have something to do with construction projects nearby however, once allowed, I will try and get out to investigate.

I would appreciate it if you could filter this message into your communities, using your newsletters, websites and excellent networks to provide them with this latest information.

With Kind regards

Graham

Graham Hillary CMILT

Transport Strategy Officer (Freight)

Strategic Transport & Infrastructure

Planning, Growth & Sustainability

Buckinghamshire Council