Easter Bank Holiday bin collections across Buckinghamshire ​

Bin collections across Buckinghamshire will be operating to a revised timetable over the Easter Bank Holiday. Collections due to take place on Good Friday, 2 April, will move to Saturday 3 April. And with no collections on Easter Monday, 5 April, all collections that week will take place one day later than usual.

Please check the revised timetable online and present any bins by 6.30am on the revised collection day.

Residents who might be using the Easter Bank Holiday to get started on some spring cleaning are reminded that as of 1 April, Buckinghamshire’s nine household recycling centres will move to their summer opening hours: 9am – 6pm. All sites will also remain open over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, including Good Friday and Easter Monday. Please check the website before you travel.

More information including, how to check your Easter Bank Holiday bin collections, where to find your nearest household recycling centre and top recycling tips for this Easter can be found by visiting the Easter bin collections webpage: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/news/easter-bin-collections Please also follow @BucksCouncil to keep up-to-date with the latest recycling & waste and bin collection information on Facebook and Twitter.

Notice of Election

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:

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)

Free public event – Question & answers for potential town and parish council candidates

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

Wing & Ivinghoe Community Board continues to support local community

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

Dog Theft Survey

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

Bucks Covid grants help thousands of local businesses with extra ‘lifeline’ Over 2,800 businesses have received funding

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/   

Plan ahead for your trip to the tip ​

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

Census support – help to complete forms, podcast, LGBTQ+ event, liaising with seldom-heard groups ​

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.

Proposed Wendover cycleway routes ready for residents to view ​

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

Update from BC on Ivinghoe Freight Strategy

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 22nd, 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

BC Wing & Ivinghoe Community Board main meeting 3-3-21

The next main Wing & Ivinghoe Community Board meeting is on the 03rd March 2021. The meeting will begin at 7pm but we open up the room from 6.45pm to allow for any technical issues to be ironed out.

Minutes and recording from our last meeting can be found here: https://buckinghamshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=863&MId=16490&Ver=4

Our Facebook page has just been made live and you can follow it here: https://www.facebook.com/Wing-and-Ivinghoe-Community-Board-104964671378244/

The agenda and papers will be available here 5 working days before the meeting electronically: https://buckinghamshire.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=863&MId=16712&Ver=4

To add the meeting to your calendar, click here

To join on the day of the meeting please click “join teams meeting” below.

________________________________________________________________________________

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only)

+44 1296 794005,,425154066#   United Kingdom, Aylesbury

Phone Conference ID: 425 154 066#

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Learn More | Meeting options

Kind Regards

Katrina Kelly

Community Board Co-Ordinator for the Wing and Ivinghoe board

Localities & Strategic Partnerships Service Directorate

Buckinghamshire Council

01296 383970

07917 210597

Katrina.Kelly@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

BC consults on new Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) is a document that we must produce and keep up to date to ensure effective community involvement at all stages in the planning process.

It sets out how anyone who lives, works, plays or carries out business in the Buckinghamshire Council area can be involved in plan making (local plans), Supplementary Planning Documents, neighbourhood plans, planning applications, and planning enforcement. The main aim of the SCI is to make consultation and involvement in planning more transparent, accessible, collaborative, inclusive and consistent.

Consultation on the SCI will run from today (16 February) to 22 March 2021.

We will then review all of the comments received and then take this to Cabinet for formal adoption. This is expected to be around June 2021.

The SCI is available on ‘Your Voice Bucks’ during the consultation period https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/planning/sci-2021

Warren Whyte, Cabinet Member for Planning and Enforcement said: “We recognise that planning affects people’s daily lives, as the decisions we make shape the place we live and work in. As a result, we want to involve communities as early in the process as possible.

There are many benefits for involving communities in planning matters, these include a greater focus on local needs and priorities; planning decisions informed by local knowledge; increased community understanding of how planning policies are developed.

We want our residents and business community, to feel empowered to get involved with planning if they wish. We aim to make consultation and involvement in planning transparent, accessible, collaborative, inclusive and consistent. We will do this through the methods set out in this SCI.”

TVP Automatic Number Plate Recognition survey

As part of a national survey, Thames Valley Police is looking for your feedback around the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) across our policing area.

ANPR technology is used by police forces across the UK to help detect, deter and disrupt criminality, including organised crime groups and terrorists.

Registration plate cameras are most commonly used to alert officers to stolen vehicles, vehicles that have been involved in crime or to help locate missing people. The data they collect can also be used in investigations and they are governed by strict codes of practice.

You have probably seen how ANPR works from TV programmes or you may have even visited a petrol station or car park which uses ANPR systems to keep you safe.

West Midlands Police have produced a short video which demonstrates how they used ANPR to locate a missing person. To watch the video please click here ANPR Video.

ANPR is a vital tool to help policing stay one-step ahead of criminals and better protect our communities. Your views play an important part in how we do this. The survey is anonymous and only takes a few minutes of your time to complete.

Click here to complete the survey ANPR Survey.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to provide your feedback.

Buckinghamshire Council call for brownfield sites

Buckinghamshire Council has now started work on the Buckinghamshire Local Plan (BLP). The BLP will allocate sites for development in the period up to 2040. A part of this process, we carrying out a ‘call for brownfield sites’ that have the potential for future development. A brownfield site is an area of land that has previously undergone development, but is currently no longer in use. These could be sites that will become vacant in the next 5-10 years too, and not just currently empty sites. The ‘call for brownfield sites’ will start today (16 February) and run for five weeks until 5pm on the 22 March 2021. To submit sites, the applicant must complete a ‘call for sites’ proforma which can be found here – https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/planning/brownfield-call Or by calling 0300 131 6000 for a hard copy. Once completed the form can be sent to Planning Policy, Buckinghamshire Council – Wycombe area office, Council Offices, Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe, HP11 1BB or by email to planningpolicyteam.bc@buckinghamshire.gov.uk. It is important that the ‘call for sites’ form is completed in as much detail as possible, and that a plan is submitted with the form, which clearly shows the site boundary as well as information about land ownership and any technical information available  (e.g. heritage statement, air quality report, ecological survey) and indicative plans and layouts. Sites can be put forward by anyone or any organisation , although typically it would be by land owners, developers, agents, local businesses, individuals and groups. The Council will technically assess all brownfield sites submitted to see whether they are suitable, available and achievable (including viable) to meet the development needs (for both housing and economic purposes) of the Council.  We will follow government advice as to how to do this, which is set out in the Planning Practice Guidance on Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessments (HELAA). Once the HELAA assessment has been completed, the Council will publish a schedule and a map setting out which sites it considers to have the potential to be considered further in the plan-making process. We will publish full details of our HELAA in due course, and this will be available for public consultation. The preparation of a HELAA is a Government requirement, which allows councils to better understand the amount of land which may be available for development in an area. However, inclusion of a site within a HELAA does not mean that it will be allocated for development in a local plan. The HELAA may include many more sites than are needed to meet development needs. Should HELAA sites then get allocated in a local plan, the plan and its supporting evidence will be subject to further formal public consultation and an independent examination, where concerns about sites allocated for development can be raised.  Plans cannot be adopted unless they pass this independent examination. Warren Whyte, Cabinet Member for Planning and Enforcement said: “Buckinghamshire is in an area of limited development opportunities with our towns and villages surrounded by Green Belt, valuable countryside, open space and areas needing protection, whilst on the other hand we need to provide for new housing.  As part of the research for the new Buckinghamshire Plan, I am keen that we re-visit all our town and villages to make sure we don’t miss existing brownfield sites that have potential for redevelopment, and I urge residents, parish councils and land owners to help us compile a comprehensive list to identify any previously developed land across the county that could potentially be used for residential development in the future.  I encourage everyone to take part so that together we can look at finding positive solutions for the growth needed to provide new homes for future generations whilst protecting important open spaces and countryside.”

Appeal to over-70s who have not yet been vaccinated against Covid-19


The last invites to those aged 70 and over, or on the Shielded Patients List, who are yet to be vaccinated have now either been delivered or are due to arrive this week. However, nobody should be left behind, so anyone aged 70 and over or those on the Shielded Patients List who hasn’t had your first dose yet, it may be because the NHS doesn’t have your contact details. Over-70s should come forward now and make an appointment at nhs.uk/covidvaccination, or by phoning 119 if they can’t use the internet. GPs and their teams will be prioritising going out to housebound patients this week too – supported by additional investment of £10 per person to reflect the extra costs of vaccinating this way.

Rothschild House Group Surgeries, Tring & Pitstone Patient Participation Group e:newsletter

https://sh1.sendinblue.com/vntzcjnp1t7e.html?t=1612892719

Please find above the link to the latest newsletter from the PPG with information relating to:

  • Practice News
  • Vaccinations Update
  • Warning! Vaccination Scams
  • West Herts Hospital Trust News
  • Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust News
  • Dacorum Local Plan
  • Newsletter Archive

It includes a link for you to sign up to receive future issues direct by email and also includes links to all this year’s previous newsletters, which will give readers a good idea about typical content.

Community Boards prepare to update on their latest actions

Buckinghamshire’s 16 Community Boards are preparing to hold their next public meeting over coming weeks, offering a chance for local people to find out more about what the boards have been up to in recent months.

Each community board holds four public meetings a year where anyone who is interested can tune in to listen and take part. The next meetings take place on:

  • Amersham – Thursday 18 February
  • Aylesbury – Tuesday 9 March
  • Beaconsfield & Chepping Wye – Tuesday 16 February
  • Beeches – Wednesday 17 February
  • Buckingham & Villages – Tuesday 23 February
  • Chesham & Villages – Thursday 11 March
  • Denham, Gerrards Cross & Chalfonts – Thursday 11 February
  • Haddenham & Waddesdon – Thursday 18 March
  • High Wycombe – Wednesday 10 February
  • Missendens – Tuesday 9 March
  • North West Chilterns – Thursday 11 March
  • South West Chilterns – Tuesday 23 February
  • Wendover – Tuesday 16 March
  • Wexham & Iver – Tuesday 23 February
  • Wing & Ivinghoe – Wednesday 3 March
  • Winslow & Villages – Thursday 18 February

Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health said: “Since they first came into being eight months ago, our 16 Community Boards have been working hard behind the scenes to fully immerse themselves in all matters relating to their local community. They have forged close working relationships with groups and organisations and listened to the views and ideas of local people.

“These public meeting are a great way for local residents and interested groups to find out more about what their board has achieved and the ongoing matters they are currently exploring to improve the local community. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions and give feedback about what is important to you where you live.”

Community board meetings are currently hosted online. If you would like to attend your local meeting or find out more about community boards in general visit our website.

Vicarage Road roadworks 10-12/2/21

Vicarage Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

10 February — 12 February

Delays possible – Traffic control (two-way signals)

Works location: From the side of 1 to the side of 120 (Footway, Carriageway, Verge)

Works description: Rolling works in footway, verge and carriageway accessing BT boxes to carry out essential works on overblown fibre cables. No excavation.. Footway closure: Pedestrian walkway will be provided

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: BC112KN-CHEDDINGTON-OVB

Knowing Your Place…Discovering Buckinghamshire’s Parishes

Are you a keen historian, local super-sleuth or simply fascinated by your parish’s past? Do you belong to a local history society with shared knowledge of your local area? Or perhaps you’re new to the area and keen to learn all about the history of your new home and surroundings?

If so, then the Buckinghamshire Council Archaeology Service needs your help with updating its special ‘parish summaries’. These give an important potted history of locally significant archaeological sites, landscapes and buildings in each parish and include illustrations and links to other detailed records and photographs.

The call for help follows last summer’s launch of the Buckinghamshire Heritage Portal, an interactive public-facing website containing vast amounts of data and information about the history of Buckinghamshire.

Included on the portal are the parish summaries, one for each of the county’s 163 parishes. While they are fascinating and informative, some of the summaries are now over 10 years old and need updating in light of more recent local parish discoveries. You can check out the current parish summaries at https://heritageportal.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/theme-list/parishes

Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Patrick Hogan said it was really important that local people take part. “The Heritage Portal is a hugely valuable resource containing thousands of important local references. Brilliant as it is, we can make it even better by tapping into those with invaluable local knowledge to help us update our parish summary records.

“We’re really keen to invite local historians, societies and interested parties to join in and help us out with this fascinating project.” 

Patrick continued: “Training on using the portal to update the text will be provided, and all assistance will be acknowledged on the relevant parish pages once updated. Of course, additional information, known to the local community but missing from the portal, is very much welcomed.”

For further information and details of how to take part, please email her@buckinghamshire.gov.uk with the subject heading ‘FAO Lucy Lawrence – Knowing Your Place’ and with the following information:

  • Name of participant(s)
  • Parish(es) of interest
  • Association to parish(es) of interest
  • Affiliation to local archaeological or historical societies
  • Any particular area of expertise.

We will allocate a volunteer group or individual to each parish on a ‘first come first served’ basis, although we will be looking for an association with a parish from the participant. This will be a real two-way relationship and we will provide positive support to volunteers. There is no deadline for expressions of interest, and the volunteers are welcome to take on further parishes if there are any remaining after the first round of applications.

Fast, free rapid lateral flow covid-19 testing

Does your organisation have staff and volunteers who are leaving home to go out and work in the community?

Fast, free rapid COVID-19 testing is now available in Buckinghamshire for public-facing staff and volunteers. Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms but can still pass it on. Regular testing can help identify cases of COVID-19 with no symptoms and break the chain of infection. Rapid testing can also provide valuable peace of mind to your staff and volunteers who are at increased risk of exposure to the virus because of their work in the community.  

For more information and to book regular appointments, visit https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/bookarapidtest/

Online Arthritis Action Groups

Arthritis Action Groups are an opportunity for people with arthritis to talk with others and share their tips on how to manage their arthritis and stay active whilst at home, and we actively welcome new attendees. We discuss a variety of self-management techniques. Participants will need to contact us directly for the log in instructions for the meeting, and we have produced ‘How To’ guides for those not familiar with using Zoom.

East Anglia Groups:

Afternoon: 16th February 2pm

Evening: 4th March 6pm

Morning: 5th March 10:30 am

For joining details see http://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/media-centre/events  

Work commenced on new multi use ball court

We are pleased that Nicholas King Homes have commenced work on the new multi use ball court which will be located by the recreation ground (on parish council land that previously formed part of the car park. Replacement parking will be provided adjacent to the ball court.).

Nicholas King Homes currently estimate that works should be complete by April. If you need a reminder about what the finished court will look like, here is the image from the approved planning permission:

Bin collection on Thursday instead of Wednesday

The snow and icy conditions on Monday 25 January meant there have been some disruptions to waste collections in Buckinghamshire this week.

The situation can change quickly so we would advise all residents to check the Buckinghamshire Council website before their usual collection day. If their bin hasn’t been collected, they should leave it out and visit the website before reporting a missed bin.

In Aylesbury Vale, no collections took place on Monday 25 January. The service resumed on Tuesday 26 January and collections for this week have been rearranged meaning all residents will have their bin emptied one day later than usual. For further information, please visit the waste collection information page for the Aylesbury Vale area.

Co-design workshops – Aylesbury Gardenway

The Aylesbury Garden Town team are offering a second chance to get involved to co-design the Aylesbury Gardenway

A new series of online community co-design conversations start next week on Monday 25 January when we will be looking at the north, south, east and west sections of the #AGTGardenway in more detail.

We had a great response to our first series of online discussions and we will be sharing some of the feedback received so far as we talk in more detail about the different sections.

Information gathered from the co-design workshops will be then be brought together to finalise the proposed route to provide fully accessible routes for walking, wheeling and cycling, encouraging play, active lifestyles, food growing and outdoor leisure as well as being a haven for wildlife.

Monday 25 January

West Section – Oxford Road to Bicester Road

Tuesday 26 January

North Section – Bicester Road to the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal

Wednesday 27 January

East Section – Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal to Wendover Road

Thursday 28 January

South Section – Wendover Road to Oxford Road

To find out more about the Gardenway visit www.aylesburygardenway.so

To register for one of our community conversations to get involved and to share your local knowledge visit https://bit.ly/2VxMXJf

Buckinghamshire Council Community Boards

As a reminder, here are the links to the Buckinghamshire Council website page relating to the Community Boards (Pitstone comes under ‘Wing and Ivinghoe’) and the Wing & Ivinghoe Community Board Facebook page. Residents may wish to ‘like’ the Facebook page to receive updates relating to the local area.

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-and-safety/improving-your-local-community/

https://www.facebook.com/Wing-and-Ivinghoe-Community-Board-104964671378244

Change in location of speed limit signs on Westfield Road

Further update 18-1-21 17.06pm:

Wing and Ivinghoe Community Board has now convened a Transport sub-group meeting for 4-2-2021 at 18.30pm. If residents wish to attend, you can find the details of how to register here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2501876303441962

Further update 18-1-21 16.23pm:

Development Management has spoken with Thames Valley Police and the TfB Safety Officers today. TVP has advised that the current road signs cannot be relocated back to the village gates whilst other options are explored, as they are currently located in the only enforceable location. However, TVP and TfB have agreed to work with Development Management and Taylor Wimpey to find an alternative solution that all these parties would find acceptable and will seek to put such a solution into place prior to adoption. When we are provided with any further details, we will issue the updates to residents.

You can continue to email your concerns to highwaysdm@buckinghamshire.gov.uk and copy to parishclerk@pitstone.co.uk.

Original post:

We have been contacted by several residents who have expressed concern that Taylor Wimpey has, over the weekend, moved the end of the 60mph derestricted zone from the white village gates to just before the start of Warwick Road.  There has been no consultation with the Parish Council nor local residents regarding the doubling of the speed limit in this location.

The parish council has spoken to the Adoptions Manager in the Development Management division of Buckinghamshire Council this morning.  You will be aware that Taylor Wimpey (TW) have had to undertake certain remedial works to bring the highways up to standard before Buckinghamshire Council can adopt them (we also confirm that neither Westfield Road nor the estate roads have been adopted by Buckinghamshire Council as yet).  As part of this process, Buckinghamshire Council has to ensure that the highways meet regulations and speed limits would be enforceable.  We understand that the 30mph zone between the village gates and the first lamp post would not have been enforceable. BC advise that they discussed three options with Taylor Wimpey (1) put a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in place for this stretch of road (2) install more lamp posts out to the white gate (which would need to be adopted by Buckinghamshire Council along with the other Westfield Road lamp posts but are not normally erected where there are no houses direct onto the frontage) or (3) move the 30mph sign to the lamp post.  TW have, probably understandably, taken the cheapest and easiest option and put up the sign on the lamppost.  BC adoptions say they have no legal recourse with TW to force them to take the other actions and that TW have complied with the terms of their planning agreement. The parish council does not feel that this is acceptable and has asked that the 30mph signs be removed until further conversations can take place and more options explored.

The Adoptions Manager has since called back to say that they will liaise further with both Thames Valley Police and the Road Safety team at Buckinghamshire Council to review the situation and determine a solution.  They advise that the white gates are probably too far from the residential area but that the lamppost is possibly too close.  They will respond to the Parish Council in due course and we will update residents as soon as we have further information.  We have again asked for the signs to be relocated back to the gates whilst these conversations take place.

Buckinghamshire Council are our Highways Authority, so all matters relating to the highway need to be determined by them.  We are advised that if the Adoptions Department can’t initiate an acceptable solution then the matter needs to be raised through the local BC Community Board.  We have thus spoken to both Anne Wight, who is the Chair of the Wing & Ivinghoe Local Community Board, and Derek Town, who is our local Buckinghamshire Councillor and who sits on the Transport Sub Committee for the Community Board.   They will also engage Transport for Bucks officers and ask them to review the safety implications and consider/advise of available options, as well as ensuring that it is added to the next Community Board Transport Sub Committee meeting for detailed exploration and engagement with the correct departments at Buckinghamshire Council.  Once we are aware of the date and time, we will make residents aware.

It would be helpful if residents could raise their concerns via email to the following people, and copy the parish council, as this will help to demonstrate the extent of local feeling to the Highways Authority and Community Board members:

  • highwaysdm@buckinghamshire.gov.uk (the adoptions team at Buckinghamshire Council)
  • Katrina.kelly@buckinghamshire.gov.uk (the coordinator for the local Community Board)
  • Anne.wight@buckinghamshire.gov.uk (the chair of the local Community Board)
  • Derek.town@buckinghamshire.gov.uk (our local Buckinghamshire Councillor, who also sits on the Transport sub-committee)
  • peter@peterbrazier.com (the coordinator for the Transport sub-committee)
  • parishclerk@pitstone.co.uk (please copy your correspondence to the parish council)

    The parish council was not aware of this change and was not consulted, although we understand that the adoptions team at Buckinghamshire Council have obviously been aware and liaising with the developer.    We will continue to pursue this issue with both the Adoptions Team and the Community Board.  We have also arranged for the mVAS (flashing speed sign) to be relocated back to Westfield Road so that we can get some additional up-to-date data.

BC support during lockdown

Support for residents

  • Helping Hands – Call 01296 531 151 to get support with food and energy bills over winter. The phone line is open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5:30pm, Friday, 9am to 5pm. In an emergency, please call our out of hours team on 0800 999 7677.
  • Test and Trace Support Payments – If you are asked to self-isolate, you may be entitled to a Test and Trace Support Payment of £500, depending on your personal circumstances. (See the link for full details.)
  • Local Emergency Support – If you live in Buckinghamshire, you may be able to apply for Local Emergency Support. This is intended to cover urgent short-term emergencies (i.e. no immediate food, no heating or lighting) through the use of food banks, food vouchers, and utility meter top-ups. Apply online or call us on 01296 382 414 during office hours. An out of hours service is also available by calling 0800 999 7677.

Business grants and schemes

  • Local Restrictions Support Grant – These grants are for businesses that have a rateable value and have been told to close, businesses in the hospitality sector that have been severely impacted, or nightclubs that have been closed since March.
  • Bucks Additional Restrictions Grant – These grants are for businesses that have been heavily impacted as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions during December 2020 and have not been able to get support through the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme. The grant is open to applicants until 31 January 2021.
  • Wet-led Pubs Christmas Support Grant – This £1,000 grant is for wet-led pubs who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If a pub is eligible, they will receive a one-off payment for December, and it will be paid on top of existing cash grants for businesses. Applications must be received by 31 January 2021 when this scheme closes.

The new lockdown and support available for residents ​update from BC

During the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on 4 January, he announced that people who are clinically extremely vulnerable will be asked to shield again.

What does this mean? If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you will receive a letter from the government in the coming days outlining what precautions you should take. You should not leave the house to go to work, to the shops or the pharmacy. When you receive your letter you will need to register on – https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-shielding-support  – if you require support or wish to access a priority supermarket delivery slot. If you would like to look at what local support is available to help you shield effectively, visit the Bucks Online Directory – https://directory.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ If you need urgent help, fill in the contact us form on our website – https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/your-council/contact-us/ or call the council on 01296 395000. For the latest shielding advice please visit – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

I am not clinically extremely vulnerable but need support during the lockdown Residents of Buckinghamshire who are struggling during lockdown can get support from the Council and the local community in a number of ways: To see a list of local support groups and services near you, visit – https://directory.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ Log onto our website and let us know what support you need – fill in the ‘contact us’ form – https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/your-council/contact-us/ If you need to speak to someone about the impact of COVID on a vulnerable person or family, please call the Council on 01296 395000.

Quote from Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health said “As well as the support we have already put into place during the last nine months of the pandemic, we are again moving Council staff around so they can help support our most vulnerable residents during this lockdown. I’m really proud of how our staff and our communities continue to rise to the challenge.”

Please also be aware that the Pitstone Covid Helpline is operating once again to assist Pitstone residents. Please visit our main Coronavirus page for details.

COVID-19: Buckinghamshire declares ‘Major Incident’ over virus cases ​

Buckinghamshire Council, in consultation with health service partners, has declared a ‘Major Incident’ amid fears the rapid rise in the number of COVID-19 cases could overwhelm the county’s health and social care services.

Leader of the Council Martin Tett said: “Whilst today’s announcement about the approval of the Oxford vaccine is excellent news, we still need to deal with the deteriorating situation we face immediately across the county. Figures up to 24 December put the number of cases now up at 514 per 100,000 and current projections are expecting this to increase to closer to 800 per 100,000 by next week.  The average COVID-19 rate per 100,000 of the population in England is currently 402.6. We believe that this rapid increase is due to the spread of the new, more transmissible COVID variant across much of the south east, particularly prior to the introduction of the Tier 4 regulations.   Of real concern is that this increase is also being seen in our older age groups.  Our rate in the over 60 years population is now putting our health and social care services under very severe pressure – the rates in this age group have gone up by over 60% and we think this will continue at least for the next two weeks.  I would encourage everyone to stay at home as much as possible and help those who are most vulnerable, by offering to collect their shopping and prescriptions etc.”  

Neil Macdonald, Chief Executive Officer for Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said:   “Due to a rise in the number of people being admitted to hospital with COVID-19, along with the need to maintain services across the Trust, some temporary changes have been made to ensure safe and appropriate staffing levels at all times and to ensure that we have enough beds to meet current and anticipated demand. This includes postponing or delaying some non-urgent operations and outpatient appointments but urgent operations, including cancer, will continue as planned.   I want to reassure you that we are still here for you and if you are offered an appointment would urge you to keep it – but we need your help at this really busy time to keep our hospitals for those that need them most and are seriously ill. 

If you are feeling unwell and are not sure which service you need, contact NHS 111 for advice. They will make sure that you are seen by the right people, in the right place as quickly as possible whether that is your GP, the Urgent Treatment Centre or the Emergency Department (A&E). They can book you an appointment so that you won’t have to wait about unnecessarily.” Dr Raj Bajwa, Clinical Chair, NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group added: “If you have a less urgent concern or a minor illness, we would remind everyone that excellent sources of health advice are also available via the Ask NHS app, NHS 111 online and at your local pharmacy. By using these options for minor health concerns, you can help GP practices ensure that we support patients with the most urgent needs more quickly. Lots of other health and well-being information, including advice on self-care and looking after your mental health, is available via the Buckinghamshire Ready for Winter page.” On Monday, figures showed the number of patients being treated for COVID-19 across hospitals in England was at a record high of 20,426 – exceeding the previous peak of about 19,000 in April.

Living Advent Windows in support of 1st Ivinghoe & Pitstone Scouts

Take a stroll around Pitstone and Ivinghoe and enjoy the Living Advent Windows in support of the 1st Ivinghoe & Pitstone Scout Group.

A list of all the windows will be provided on our Facebook page. If you make a £5 donation to the scouts when downloading your map, you will be entered into the Christmas raffle.

Windows still available to book at £5 per window & you will be entered into the Christmas raffle. Decorate your window and agree to light up your window on your nominated date, and every evening thereafter until Christmas. For further information, please contact Gemma Smith on gemmasmith402@outlook.com.

Christmas Present Appeal 2020

Local drop off point located at CuriosiTea Rooms in Ivinghoe.

Help to ensure that every child known to Buckinghamshire Council social services receives a gift this Christmas.

We really need your support this Christmas to make this happen. All items gratefully received for those aged 0-18 years.

In collaboration with Buckinghamshire Childrens Social Services and Domestic Abuse Survivors.

Telephone 07862136738

www.domesticabusesurvivors.co.uk

admin@domesticabusesurvivors.co.uk

Please get in touch for more info or to help support us.

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.

Due to COVID, its harder for us to communicate in ways we used to (Have Your Say events etc) but we would like to communicate was much as we can to reassure people and keep them informed of relevant information.

The link to sign up is below:

https://thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/

PCSO C9953 Megan Dean

Wing Police Office

Aylesbury LPA

Thames Valley Police

Changes to London Luton Airport Arrivals Consultation

NATS LLA image of potential affected area

NATS Overview:

The arrival flightpaths into London Luton Airport need to change, and you can help shape how.

Today’s airspace around London Luton (LLA) and Stansted airports is largely unchanged despite growth in recent years. The airports currently share arrival routes and the same two holds, which is unique in the UK for two such major airports. Any arrival delay or disruption at one airport can cause unnecessary arrival delay to the other, impacting the travelling public and local communities.

Our proposals for change involve separating LLA’s arrivals flightpaths from Stansted’s, and establishing a new hold for LLA, to reduce delays and assure safety for the future. There are no changes to Stansted’s routes.

This Airspace Change Proposal is co-sponsored by London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL), which is responsible for the low level arrival routes (below 8,000ft); and NATS, which provides air traffic services at the airport and for the wider air route network across the UK.

Full details of the consultation available here: https://consultations.airspacechange.co.uk/london-luton-airport/ad6_luton_arrivals/

Council to move ahead with Ivinghoe freight zone

Photograph of lorry on Brownlow Bridge
Photograph of lorry on Brownlow Bridge
Buckinghamshire Council has announced plans to move ahead with the implementation of the Ivinghoe area ‘freight zone’, after some delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The scheme, to reduce HGV traffic in the Cheddington, Ivinghoe and Mentmore areas, sits within defined boundaries, east of the A418, north of the A41 and west of the B489. Work to draft the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders needed for the zone is now scheduled to start in mid February 2021, when formal public consultation will take place. Subject to the feedback received, the scheme could be fully operational by spring 2021. 

Essential works to strengthen the Brownlow bridge on the B488 have already started and these are expected to be completed by the end of November.

Public engagement on the concept of the freight zone took place last March and was widely supported by local residents, businesses and community groups. It included dialogue with parish councils, local councillors, and businesses, along with drop-in exhibition events in Ivinghoe and Wing and a survey which received 332 responses.

Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport Nick Naylor said he was delighted to announce the news. “I’d like to have got on with things quicker, however COVID-19 restrictions have affected our planning with council officers and resources redeployed to help support the vulnerable and those at highest risk.

“But now I’m delighted we’re back on track and that the Ivinghoe area is set for its freight zone. Once drafted, the TROs will be subject to statutory public consultation so people can have their say on all the detail before final implementation. We also need to liaise with colleagues in Hertfordshire and Central Bedfordshire Councils as some of the signage will need to be sited in their areas,” he added. 

The Orders will include a 7.5 tonne weight restriction on vehicles travelling through the zone. There will be an exception for vehicles travelling to destinations within the zone, which means deliveries and collections for 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, around 47% of the total HGV traffic in the area.

Local ward councillor and Wing and Ivinghoe Community Board Chairman Anne Wight added, “This is great news. The ‘freight zone’ would give us that balance between allowing those HGVs that need to come to the area and discouraging those that just pass through. Potentially this scheme could see lorry movements reduced by close to 50%, considerably reducing the negative impacts on local residents, buildings and the environment.”

For further information about the freight zone, please visit: https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/transport-and-roads/transport-plans-and-policies/freight-strategy/ivinghoe-area-freight-engagement/

Council in ‘listening mode’ as Post-16 educational transport and home to school transport policy consultation starts ​

A public consultation to hear the views of parents and residents on how Buckinghamshire Council can continue to improve its educational transport policy has launched.   The consultation forms part of a review into the Council’s overall Home to School Transport Policy and associated Post-16 Transport Policy Statement, following the changes made after the previous review of the policy in 2018/19.   Buckinghamshire’s Home to School Transport Policy and Post-16 Transport Policy Statement set out how the Council provides transport to schools and other educational settings for 0 – 19 year olds and up to 25 years for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  
The current Post-16 Transport Policy Statement applies a charge to families of 16–18 year old students with SEND who receive Council educational transport, as a contribution towards the overall cost of transport.   The charges for this transport for the current academic year 2020/21 have been paused due to the impact of Coronavirus; however this is an ‘exceptional’ decision, meaning that the charging element of the Policy Statement is set to resume in September 2021 for the academic year 2021/22.  
The consultation gives families a choice of three potential options to consider for how educational transport for eligible students aged 16–19 with SEND can be organised and paid for. These options are:   Families receiving Council transport using the current distance banded model of charging, with some improvements; Families having a  choice of either receiving a sum of money paid directly to them to make their own transport arrangements (known as a personal transport budget), or paying an annual fee to receive Council transport; Families who have post-16 SEND students who are eligible for transport would be offered a personal transport budget; Council transport would be offered in exceptional circumstances for an annual fee.   The Council is also asking for views on proposals to update the content of the Policy and Statement by providing clarification and more detail to some areas. This aims to provide clearer information and guidance to students and families so they can make informed choices about their school transport.  

The engagement and public consultation process

The public consultation runs for eight weeks, closing on 7 December 2020. Ahead of the consultation, the Council has talked with parent groups and other key stakeholders to understand their views as well as taking into account all feedback received over the last 12 months.   Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “We are committed to supporting our children and young people to have access to educational opportunities at the setting that’s right for them, and a key part of that is assisting families to make informed choices about their educational transport.   “Although this review will not make major changes to our overall Home to School Transport Policy, by reviewing the Policy and the Post 16 Transport Statement now, we can make improvements that incorporate the feedback we have received up to this point.   “We also want to give young people and families of students who are aged 16–18 with special educational needs and disabilities some options to consider for how transport will be arranged and paid for from September 2021.   “Personal transport budgets have been in existence for some time, particularly in adult care services, but their use is now growing in school transport in many areas across the UK. When you consider the huge amount of choice, freedom and flexibility that personal transport budgets provide for families, we wanted to include these as part of the options in the consultation, giving families a good range of choice.   “We are very much in listening mode at the moment, so if you’d like to help shape our future policy for educational transport, please go to the consultation web page and take part. We really do want to hear your views.”  

To find out more and take part in the consultation, go to the consultation web page: yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/schools/htst-2021-consultation

Apologies for overnight disturbance for next 2 weeks

We are aware that a few residents have raised concerns about overnight generator noise from the Nicholas King Homes site by the Memorial Hall.

Nicholas King Homes apologise for any inconvenience.  The generator does need to be left on at the moment for health and safety reasons.  They are excavating an 8 metre deep hole for the pump tank but as the water table is only two meters below ground, if they turn off the pump overnight the hole fills up with water and slurry again by morning leaving men working in dangerous deep drainage situations. They waited for the cooler weather to begin these works, as they did not want to disturb people at night when residents had their windows open, believing that the noise of the generator would disturb neighbours less at this time of year.

Works on the excavation should be complete within 2 weeks and in the meantime they are adding extra insulation around the pump and the generator to ensure the noise is reduced as much as is physically possible.

Should any residents have any further queries, their site manager is happy for you to contact him on pitstone@nkhomes.com.  

Free English and maths courses from Buckinghamshire Adult Learning

               

Do you need to improve your English or maths skills? Do you need a qualification?

There are now free part-time courses available in English and maths with Buckinghamshire Adult Learning and their experienced team of highly qualified and friendly tutors.

There are day-time or evening courses available to anyone who lives in Buckinghamshire. The courses are mostly free of charge and are based at centres in Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Chesham and online.

The learners work towards a nationally recognised Functional Skills qualification at Entry level, Level 1 or Level 2. A Functional Skills qualification in English and/or maths may help them to progress in their career or to go to college for further study.

Teresa Meredith, Skills Manager at Buckinghamshire Adult Learning, said, “There is no better time to gain some new skills or a new qualification. Our English and maths teams have worked incredibly hard over the summer to create Covid-19 friendly learning environments in our centres and to build online learning platforms. I would urge anyone interested to visit our website at https://www.adultlearningbc.ac.uk/english-maths/ or telephone us on 01296 674463. We welcome new learners all the time”.

Buckinghamshire Adult Learning offers a free and confidential pre-course assessment to all learners before they begin. This ensures that each learner is learning at the correct level.

Nick Andrews, an English tutor, reinforced this message: “We not only teach the subject in an accessible way as possible, we also develop ‘learning confidence’ in our classrooms. It can be the case that learners feel nervous about re-entering education; some learners had mixed experiences at school and feel the need to ‘start again’. It’s our job to help them do that in a fun and supportive environment.”

There is little doubt that many learners have gained from these courses over the years including one learner who obtained her Functional skills English qualification at a recent summer school. She wrote in to say, “It all worked out really well and I have now been offered a place on my midwifery course. I am so happy. Thank you all so much for your massive help. Without you I would not be a student now or a midwife in the future!”

Contact Buckinghamshire Adult Learning via the website at https://www.adultlearningbc.ac.uk/english-maths/

Alternatively, email albs@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or telephone 01296 674463

Help Buckinghamshire Council decide their budget priorities

Help us decide our budget priorities ​
Buckinghamshire Council today launches its budget consultation for 2021/22. Residents, businesses and other interested parties are being asked to submit their views on the council’s spending priorities for the coming financial year. The council carries out a budget consultation every year, giving people the chance to have their say on where they think money should be invested and also in which services or areas they believe savings can be made. Council finances have faced added pressure this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The double effect of additional spending to support our vulnerable and the variety of one-off costs incurred, combined with the loss of income from regular funding streams such as parking revenue and business rates has brought about a budget shortfall. Although some additional funding from central government has helped, it doesn’t cover all the additional costs and has left a funding gap of around £7m. Council Leader Martin Tett explained: “2020 has been a year like no other. As individuals, families and whole communities, everyone has faced uncertainty and many challenges over the past six months. As a council our experience has been no different. “We are now at the stage where we must set our budget priorities for the coming financial year. In any year this can be a challenge but undoubtedly this year will be even harder. “Without a doubt we are better off having come together to form Buckinghamshire Council in April this year. Being one council we were able to work quickly to deliver a coordinated response to Covid and we were able to work more effectively with businesses and community groups as a single organisation.”   Martin Tett continued: “We now have an organisation that is better placed to respond to our residents and businesses’ needs. We will also be able to make substantial savings going forward as we bring services together. Millions of pounds of savings have already been made; however, others such as rationalising contracts as they come up for renewal and redesigning how we do things, will take time to realise so that we don’t damage vital services. The majority of these savings are likely to be over the next five years which doesn’t help in our current situation. In the meantime cost pressures have increased dramatically, particularly for social care, as a result of Covid.   “There are clearly tough decisions ahead, so it’s important that we give everyone the opportunity to have their say on what our spending priorities should be for the coming year.”   To take part in the online consultation visit our website. The consultation closes on Sunday 8 November.
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