Archives: Local News

Update from the Street Lighting team at BC TfB:

I must, on behalf of Transport for Buckinghamshire, apologise for the amount of time it is taking to remedy the replacement of the sign post at this location.

The sign/chevron post was planned to be installed on 18th November 2021 however due to urgent works required on the HS2 project the planned installation had to be postponed.

The sign/chevron post is now planned for installation on the 17th January 2022.

Glebe Close, Buckinghamshire

16 December – 20 December

Delays possible – Traffic control (give & take)

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: BC412CHKNONSAWC6HP79M

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

16 December – 20 December

Delays possible – Traffic control (two-way signals)

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: Advanced planning

Works reference: AD03259540384_5

Information provided by Thames Valley Police:

During this time frame, we have had 9 incidents reported to us. Of these 9, 2 were of note and are as follows:

• A suspicious vehicle was seen driving slowly in the Yardley Avenue area going up and down all the roads.
• Theft of Motor Vehicle in Chequers Close. Enquiries ongoing.

We have had an increase in the thefts of Motorhomes across the area so we are asking residents to be extra vigilant. Please keep an eye out for the following and report to Police accordingly:

• Suspicious vehicles being driven around your area – they may be being driven slowly up and down roads.
• Suspicious persons who may be looking at properties.

If you see a suspicious vehicle, if it is safe to do so then please get the registration plate, the colour and the make. This is helpful to us as we can then make relevant enquiries.

If you own a Motorhome, please take this opportunity to look at the security of it.  Here is some advice we give to owners:

• Consider installing CCTV that covers where it is parked.
• Remove all valuable items from it.
• Have a tracker installed if it does not have one already.
• Install a post behind where it is parked so it cannot be moved easily.
• Consider installing an alarm.
• Park it in a well-lit area.
• Ensure it is locked.
• Use a steering lock.

Please find attached completed diversionary route for some EMERGENCY WORKS to be undertaken by UK Power Networks in respect of emergency works needing full width of road. Diversion in place.

https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1016/ttro-application-form-mk-new_125834250_3389006_c47a08c03c.pdf

Marsworth Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

05 December – 08 December

Delays likely – Traffic control (two-way signals)

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: Advanced planning

Works reference: AD03259540384_4

Find out more by visiting: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/community-hub/help-if-youre-self-isolating/. Or take a look at how our Helping Hands team can support you during your self-isolation period: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/housing-and-benefits/support-with-food-bills-and-finances/

Self-isolation is when you have tested positive for COVID-19 and do not leave your home.

Keep up to date with the latest government guidelines on self-isolating by visiting the NHS website – the rules can change quite quickly so it’s always worth checking regularly. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

If you’re required to self-isolate in line with the latest guidance, please play your part. Follow the advice from NHS Test and Trace to keep your family, friends, neighbours and others safe. It’s a legal requirement to self-isolate if you are told to by NHS Test and Trace and not following the rules could result in a fine.

£39, 994 for the Neurodiverse Self Advocacy Partnership – to tool up a mentoring into employment programme – this offers a highly specialised tailored programme designed and led by autistic people for autistic people to enhance and develop their employability. The programme proposes to satisfy autistic needs for growth and recognition, reduce social exclusion and remove the disadvantage of disability through a modern digital experience.

Marie Van Herteryck from NSAP said: “We are proud to bring the Tool Up mentoring into employment programme to Buckinghamshire. The programme is developed with the help from leading academics. We start by helping to articulate strengths, set goals and provide 20 weeks of support to achieve them whether it is getting a desired job, an apprenticeship or simply to get ready to start job search. Previous runs of the programme resulted in 32% of participants gaining employment. The Tool Up programme also resulted in higher mentee confidence and a statistically significant improvement in Personal Wellbeing Index quality of life measures of satisfaction with achievement in life, future security, being part of the community, life as a whole and positive autism identity. Mentoring is a goal-oriented relationship where the mentee is in the driving seat based on intrinsic motivation. This is the factor of our success.”

Hertfordshire Libraries provides the Home Library Service delivering books to some of the most vulnerable and isolated people in the county. Many of our customers regard the service as a “lifeline,” and value the regular collections of books which are tailored to their interests and delivered to them in their own home by a friendly and familiar face.

Approximately three hundred people now receive the Home Library Service made possible with the support of over a hundred DBS checked, trained, and dedicated volunteers.

It is not just the selection and the delivery of books which our customers appreciate, but also the opportunity for important contact and a chat. This is something that customers look forward to and that volunteers find rewarding.

To help develop this service further, Hertfordshire Libraries have launched our Reading Friends scheme. This enables library staff or volunteers to have a telephone call with Home Library Service customers about their favourite books, television programme or any topic of interest. The initial response to these befriending telephone calls has been very positive and demonstrates the importance for this work to expand.

The Home Library Service supports people who are unable to get to the library, for example those who:
• have a physical disability which prevents travelling to a library
• have a learning disability or mental health condition that makes it difficult to leave home
alone
• are registered blind (severely sight impaired)
• are frail or in poor health which means they can’t get to a library
• are a carer looking after someone affected by any of the above, and their caring responsibilities prevent them from getting to the library.

If you know of anyone who is eligible and would like to receive the Home Library Service, please contact your library via the Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 4049 or share the link below to apply. When customers are enrolled to the service they will also be offered the opportunity to join the Reading Friends scheme:
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/other-library-services/home-library-service/home-library-service.aspx

If you are aware of anyone who may be considering becoming a Home Library Service volunteer, please share the link below to our volunteering pages on the council website: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/support-your-library/volunteering-at-your-library.aspx

Upper Icknield Way, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

18 November – 20 November

Delays likely – Lane closure

Works description: ***INSTALL NEW 3M LARGE BASE SIGN POST. TRANSFER PRIVATE SERVICE, REMOVE OLD COLUMN. FIT NEW A-TYPE LANTERN, RE-WIRE ETC. FIT NEW 606 TURN LEFT SIGN PLATE, GET INTO LIGHT, NUMBER. INSTALL 2 X 3M SIGN POSTS, CUT TO SIZE ON SITE. FIT CHEVRON SIGN PLATE. RE-INSTATE AREA*** E:494085 N:214195

Works location: on Roundabout

Responsibility for works: Buckinghamshire Council

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: D400216061738

There has been an increase in Theft From Motor Vehicles in the area in the past couple of days so Thames Valley Police will be holding 2 Tool Marking events at Wing Police Office.

Friday 19 November 2021 5-7pm and

Wednesday 1 December 2021 5-7pm

Just go along and pop in.

Buckinghamshire Council Spend Consultation

Find out more by visiting: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/community-hub/help-if-youre-self-isolating/. Or take a look at how our Helping Hands team can support you during your self-isolation period: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/housing-and-benefits/support-with-food-bills-and-finances/

Self-isolation is when you have tested positive for COVID-19 and do not leave your home.

Keep up to date with the latest government guidelines on self-isolating by visiting the NHS website – the rules can change quite quickly so it’s always worth checking regularly. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

If you’re required to self-isolate in line with the latest guidance, please play your part. Follow the advice from NHS Test and Trace to keep your family, friends, neighbours and others safe. It’s a legal requirement to self-isolate if you are told to by NHS Test and Trace and not following the rules could result in a fine.

Please click the above link to download the guide from CIB on assistance they may be able to offer you.

• This survey is aimed at finding out people’s community safety concerns. It’s quick and easy to complete, to enable as many people as possible to have their say.
• The results of the survey will be combined with an analysis of all crimes that happen in the county to help Safer Bucks set priorities for the year.
• Please do take a few minutes to have your say – it will really help Safer Bucks focus its efforts to reduce these issues.

• To have your say, go to: https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/communities/safety2021
• The survey can also be found listed on the Your Voice Bucks homepage: Your Voice Bucks – Citizen Space

Copy of TfB Information Below:

https://api-gb.one.network/downloads/tm/1016/ttro-application-form-mk-new_123791940_3368917_60588d620d.pdf

https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2021-10/Oct%202021%20OUR%20NEWS.pdf

Having launched this only two weeks ago, Bucks Council (BC)  have now received pledges of over £22,000, including off-line donations. These have come from residents and businesses wanting to support refugees from Afghanistan as they start to arrive in Buckinghamshire. This money will go via the community charity, Heart of Bucks, to help provide new appropriate clothing, domestic equipment and other essentials as we welcome new arrivals into our community. If you would like to donate please do so at: www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/helping-hand 

In addition, BC are still asking for offers of other support such as accommodation, translation skills, community support etc. At present we do not need offers of second-hand clothing. You can offer your help or support via the dedicated pages on our website.

BC are still in discussion with the Government to finalise the exact number of families we could welcome. We understand family sizes are large and accommodation is needed where schooling, community support, health services and potentially employment can be best provided. If you know of suitable accommodation that will be available for approximately a year, please contact us using the above link.

We anticipate our first Afghan family arriving shortly. This may or may not receive publicity as we will respect the wishes of the family concerned, particularly if they have relatives still in Afghanistan who may be vulnerable.

Statement on The Fremantle Trust’s residential care home Carey Lodge in Wing

Buckinghamshire Council has initiated a safeguarding enquiry following ongoing concerns around the quality of care and support provided at the residential care home Carey Lodge in Wing by The Fremantle Trust.

A dedicated team of Buckinghamshire Council social care staff is now based in Carey Lodge. This team will speak to all Buckinghamshire residents and their family members to ensure they are fully involved in any decisions that are made with regards to reviewing their support needs and identifying somewhere else to live and receive care.

The Council continues to work with Carey Lodge and The Fremantle Trust to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents is given the highest priority.

The Council acknowledges this situation is a distressing time for people who live at Carey Lodge and their family. If you or your family member have any concerns that you would like to discuss, please speak to the Council’s Adult Social Care staff based at Carey Lodge.

Funding for local community projects up for grabs

Do you have a great idea for a community initiative that will benefit local people but just needs the funds to get it off the ground?

Have you already got a successful community project that you’d like to expand or develop?

If the answer is yes, then Buckinghamshire’s 16 Community Boards want to hear from you.

Community boards are the local arm of the council. Working at a grassroots level with local people, groups and organisations, their aim is to drive forward the council’s priorities at a local level, tailored to the needs of each individual area.

Since they were set up last July, the boards have made great strides in forging strong relationships with local communities, listening to and engaging with local people to understand what matters most to them and working together with them to deliver projects to benefit their local communities.

Each community board has funds available to support projects that meet the agreed priorities for their area. Community boards set their local priorities and an action plan for how they want to address these with local people, groups and businesses in their area. Everything from support for older people, health and wellbeing, transport and youth initiatives feature as part of their plans to make a difference. The boards are keen to hear from local people about projects and ideas they may have. Of particular focus this year will be initiatives to improve the environment and supporting economic recovery. Community boards are keen to hear from community groups and partners, to work with them on their ideas and projects in these areas.  If you have an idea for funding or are just keen to get involved in an action group looking at how to tackle local issues, get in touch with your community board directly – www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-boards 

Community board projects range from BMX parks for young people to skills to get back out to work, right through to improving roads and community spaces. In their first year Buckinghamshire’s 16 community boards supported a whole range of projects including:

• Support to a range of groups providing support to local communities during the pandemic
• Environmental projects including wildlife competitions, community clear-ups and planting schemes
• Working with students and young people to develop an app to drive up engagement with the younger community
• Funding a range of charity projects focused on mental health and wellbeing

Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities said: “Community boards are here to make a real difference to the people of Buckinghamshire at a truly local level. We are delighted at how well the community boards have established themselves in their local communities over the past year but there is still work to be done. We want to make sure everyone knows about their local community board and how they can get involved. share ideas and work with us to improve where they live.

“Community boards are two-way partnerships between the council and local communities. The essence of our vision is summed up in our simple strapline – Local voices, local choices, local action. By working together with our local communities, we can truly bring change and improvement to your area, directly addressing your concerns and priorities at a local level.”

He continued: “Every community board has a range of ways of keeping in touch with their community including newsletters and social media. You can keep up to date with what’s going on and get involved in matters that you are interested in. We are especially keen to hear from local people on ideas they may have for ways to improve the area where they live. Not every idea will be doable but local residents and groups are the ones who can really tell us what issues need to be addressed and we want to work with them to make changes for the better.”

To find out more about Buckinghamshire’s Community Boards visit our website: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-boards

Innovative wireless electric vehicle charging comes to Bucks

Buckinghamshire Council has become one of the first local authorities in the country to trial a pioneering electric car club with an innovative induction charger, as part of the Council’s commitment to tackling climate change and to adopting modern transport solutions.

The On-Street Residential Induction Charger demonstrator (OSRIC) will make a hire car available to local residents in Marlow so they can test the latest wireless charging technology for electric vehicles (EV) and also gain experience of driving an EV.

Instead of plugging an electric car into a standard charging pillar, the Council is trialling an innovative induction wireless charging pad set into the ground. The trial will help assess solutions to EV charging that avoids potential trip hazards and a clutter of wires. The pad will only be activated when an electric car (installed with the specialised induction pad) parks over it. 

Because existing electric cars don’t have wireless charging, an adapted Renault Zoe electric vehicle will be made available for hire using the hire car company HiyaCar, so that residents can try it out and become familiar with how to charge it using the wireless pad.  It can also be charged using a standard cable connection if driven away from the wireless pad.

Councillor Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

“This is a really exciting project and it’s been brilliant to see it in action. Buckinghamshire Council is forward thinking and willing to trial transport innovations such as this.

“The trial will explore the feasibility of wireless charging and will also allow residents who may be hesitant to change to an EV the chance to try one. The car offers hourly or daily rental options so for some people it could be an alternative to owning a car.  This technology is still in the early stages but it should all make running an electric vehicle simpler and easier – to ultimately encourage more take up.”

The Marlow demonstrator is funded by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles and is part of the government’s commitment to invest £1.3 billion on charging infrastructure for EVs across the country. Buckinghamshire Council is working with Char.gy, the charging point company, and with a team of local authorities, suppliers and researchers to run a set of trials in contrasting locations across Britain.

Richard Stobart, CEO and founder of Char.gy said:

“As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) increases, the ability to recharge EVs for drivers without off-street parking poses a challenge without increasing the amount of EV charge points potentially hindering pedestrian freedom of movement.

EV wireless charging is a promising way of meeting this demand, and trials such as this for the public to use and provide feedback is invaluable to developing this technology. Char.gy appreciates Buckinghamshire Council’s partnership with this project, helping to ensure that the technology will be easily adopted in the future.’

In Marlow, this initiative is supported locally by the South West Chilterns Community Board. The trial will soon be expanded, taking place at two other sites within Buckinghamshire, along with sites in London Borough of Redbridge and Milton Keynes, which will provide contrasting urban and demographic situations.

For more information about OSRIC, including information about joining the car club, please visit the demonstrator’s website: www.osric.co.uk

Household recycling centres switch to winter hours

Buckinghamshire Council’s nine household recycling centres switch to winter opening hours on Friday 1 October. The new opening hours will be 9am to 4pm.

The household recycling centres will open the same days as normal, it’s only the opening hours that are changing due to the number of visits to the centres tailing off after 4pm as the evenings get darker.

Peter Strachan, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, said:

“The switch to winter hours, 9am to 4pm, happens every year on 1 October as the sites get quieter and the evenings get darker. However, our household recycling centres will continue to offer a comprehensive service for residents within the revised opening hours.

“You don’t need to book a slot to visit the centres, but I recommend that you check our live webcams before setting off: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/bin-collection-recycling-and-waste/recycle-household-waste”

The household recycling centre are open on the following days:

• Amersham, Aston Clinton, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, High Wycombe and Langley – open every day.
• Aylesbury (Rabans Lane), Burnham and Chesham – open five days a week, closing on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

When visiting a site, please:

• Check the webcams online to see how busy the site is and for the quieter times to visit.
• Bring proof of address. Only residents who pay council tax to Buckinghamshire Council can use the sites. (Slough Borough Council residents are able to use Langley and Burnham sites only.)
• Come back another time if the site is busy. Long queues can cause traffic and block access to homes and businesses.
• If possible, wear a mask or face covering when outside your vehicle.

Further information, including what waste the centres do and don’t accept, can be found on Buckinghamshire Council’s Household recycling centres webpage.

Buckinghamshire Council adopts Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan

The Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan (VALP) completed the last part of the process tonight (15 September) when Buckinghamshire Council voted to adopt the plan which covers the northern part of the new unitary council’s area.  

The VALP sets out a long term planning blueprint and vision for the area of the Vale of Aylesbury up to 2033. The local plan sets out how and where land can be used to

• meet housing need
• provide key infrastructure elements
• protect and enhance the area’s key natural features
• incorporate climate control policies
• provide employment land

Housing

The VALP allocates land for 30,134 new homes. These are mostly concentrated around Aylesbury with other sites at Buckingham, Winslow, Haddenham and adjacent to Milton Keynes. It embeds policies to ensure that 25% of new homes that are built within the area will be affordable homes and that 10-15% will have disabled access. 

The plan has gone through rigorous public consultation over a number of years including public hearings held before the independent planning Inspector. The independent Inspector cannot approve a local plan unless it meets current and projected local housing needs and falls within current government guidelines for determining what that local need is.

Infrastructure

The plan also sets out where essential infrastructure such as roads, schools and facilities which will  support the new homes will be needed, as well as employment sites.

Nature and heritage

The VALP sets out policies to protect and enhance the natural environment and countryside for the future. It includes a net increase to the Green Belt by 98 hectares. It also embeds policies to protect our built heritage.

Climate change

There are many specific policies relating to climate change – including making sure there is provision for EV charging in every new home.

Work on the VALP started in 2014 and went through three stages of public consultation before it went to a nationally appointed independent Inspector in 2018. There were then two hearing sessions where people who objected to the plan could make their case for changes to the plan directly to the independent Inspector. The Inspector also looked closely at all the evidence sent to him by objectors and the Council before writing his full report. His report is final and cannot be amended.

Councillor Gareth Williams Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration commented: “Now we have completed the Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan process we can use the policies to give us more control and more local say about what gets built where.  It gives us power to shape future development in the way we want and where we want it to be.”

The Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan will remain in force until it is superseded by the new Buckinghamshire Local Plan in 2025.  

For more information click here  Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan (VALP)  

Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan (VALP) 2013-2033 | Buckinghamshire Council | Aylesbury Vale Area (aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk)

Having rubbish removed? Don’t pay cash!

Many of us are quite accustomed to paying cash in hand to have odd jobs done to the house or in the garden – but if you ever need to have rubbish removed, this is the one time you should never pay cash.

Did you know that your rubbish is far more likely to end up fly-tipped if you pay someone cash to remove it? A bona fide waste carrier must pay a commercial tip when they want to dispose of rubbish -an anonymous ‘man with a van’ has a strong financial incentive to avoid the disposal charge – by dumping your rubbish in the countryside.

And there’s a sting in the tail. If we investigate a fly-tipping incident and find evidence that leads us to a householder, we’ll pay them a visit and ask them to provide evidence that they’ve taken reasonable steps to identify the person they hired to remove their rubbish and to ensure that it would be disposed of properly.

If the householder can provide evidence of the identity of the person who took their rubbish away such as details of a bank card payment, the investigation can focus on the fly-tipper. However, if the householder has paid an unidentified individual cash in hand to remove rubbish, we’ll issue them with a £400 fixed penalty notice for failing in their ‘duty of care’. If the incident is serious, this might be escalated to a court summons that could result in a criminal conviction and a hefty fine.

Jilly Jordan, Deputy Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said:

“Fly-tipping is a blight on the Buckinghamshire countryside, and the Council spends over £600,000 a year to clear it from public land – money that could be spent on providing other services to the county’s residents.

“So, if you pay cash in hand to have rubbish removed, you’re making yourself part of the problem.”

If you’re unsure of how to make sure you’re doing the right thing when someone is taking away your rubbish, our S.C.R.A.P. fly-tipping campaign code is a useful tool:

• S – Suspect all waste carriers; do not let them take your waste until you’re confident they’re legitimate. A professional waste carrier should happily answer reasonable questions. 
• C – Check that a waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency’s website.
• R – Refuse any unexpected offers to have your rubbish taken away. If you suspect that someone who approaches you will be disposing of waste illegally, report them to the Environment Agency.
• A – Ask what will happen to your rubbish and assure yourself that it is going to be disposed of appropriately. 
• P – Paperwork must be obtained: a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt, including a description of the waste being removed and the waste carriers contact details.

I wanted to bring you up to speed on where we are with the proposed freight strategy and let you know details of the next steps.

As you are probably aware the proposed freight zone went to statutory consultation ending on the 3^rd June 2021. Highlights of the consultation and survey are shown here:-

• The consultation ran from the 7^th May 2021 to 03^rd June 2021.
• A total of 1,103 responses were received in written form by letter, email and online survey feedback.
  • 993 responses via the online survey.
  • 110 responses via letter or direct email.

• Of the 993 online survey responses, 600 were in favour of the proposal.
  • Many stated that the proposal would improve the environment and traffic in their villages; mainly Ivinghoe and those villages within the proposed zone.
  • Some responses agreed with the proposal but believed that including the B440 within the zone proposed weight restriction zone would be a better proposal
• Of the 110 written responses received, 25 were in favour of the proposal stating improvements to quality of life.

• 32 responses were unsure on the proposals.

• 361 online survey responses were against the proposal as presented.
  • Many suggested that the proposed zone would increase HGV traffic in their area.
  • The majority agreed with the intention behind the proposal but, disagreed with the area proposed.
    • The majority of these wanted any proposal taken forward to include the B440 within its restricted area.
• 85 from the 110 received written responses were against the proposal,
  • As with the online responses many who objected to the proposal were in favour of a freight exclusion zone that included the B440 as part of the weight restriction zone.
  • Those against the proposal stated that their villages have had enough HGV traffic and the roads are not suitable for any increase, especially those transporting heavy goods.

The results from the statutory consultation have been summarised in a ‘Key Decision Report’ and presented to the Cabinet Member for Transport to determine how best to move forward with the Freight Strategy for the area. The report recommends that in light of the number of objections received with counter suggestions to include the B440 in the proposals, Buckinghamshire Council should now investigate the possibility of including the route of the B440 between the A505 junction and the roundabout with the B489 in the weight restriction zone.

The Cabinet Member for Transport has accepted the report’s findings and directed that we take steps to give due consideration to the inclusion of the B440 in the freight zone.

As a result of this decision:

• The proposal will need to be redrawn and the revised version to go through the statutory consultation process.
• Any extension to the proposed weight restriction to include the B440 will need the support of Central Bedfordshire Council.
  • Communications will be undertaken with Central Bedfordshire Council to ensure full visibility of any plans and consultations
  • Legal permissions will have to be sort and obtained in order to effectively add the B440 to the zone
• Similar consultations will need to take place with Hertfordshire Council, with similar agreements and legal permissions obtained.
• The revised proposal will need to be readvertised, legal papers redrawn and signage reviews reappraised and any additional surveys carried out; any additional costs allocated to the project’s budget.

A similar update has already been sent to the affected Buckinghamshire Councillors and to the Wing and Ivinghoe Community Board.

I am acutely aware of the concerns of the communities affected and their desire to see the freight zone introduced at the earliest opportunity. I will continue to strive to deliver this improvement across the area as soon as possible, it is of course important we listen to our communities and do the best we can.

With kindest regards

Graham

Graham Hillary CMILT

Transport Strategy Officer (Freight)

Strategic Transport & Infrastructure

Planning, Growth & Sustainability

Buckinghamshire Council

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.