Meeting documents

Apologies were received from Lady Scott (Foscote Parish Meeting), Tim Mills (AVDC), Sir Beville Stanier (AVDC), Mark Grindall (Area Co-ordinator, Bucks CC) and Turweston Parish Council.

To declare any personal or prejudicial interests

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the notes of the meeting held on Thursday 24 June 2010.

The action notes of the meeting held on Thursday 24 June were agreed as a correct record subject to one minor amendment (Well Street not Wells Street under item 8).

Welsh Lane petition (item 7)

Simon Dudley reported that he is still looking into signage and photos have been sent onto the traffic team.

Energy from Waste (item 7)

The Chairman explained that it was on the advice of counsel that Bucks County Council only had to engage with the original bidders, WRG and Caventa.

HS2 (item 7)

The Chairman updated Members with the news of Philip Hammond’s recent visit to the County in order to walk part of the proposed route.  He explained that the proposed routes are still being looked into and some elements may be changed.

Local Area Planning Priorities (item 11)

Amanda Brooke-Webb, Lead Area Officer, explained that due to Mark Grindall’s absence, the actions required under this item would be dealt with via a written update before the next meeting:

• Library in Buckingham
• Bus Survey.

Action: Mark Grindall

The Chairman’s update was handled under the matters arising item.

Inspector Emma Garside will provide Members with an update on police activity in the local area.

Inspector Emma Garside started by explaining that as a force, Thames Valley Police has to make substantial savings through cuts in its service but she stressed that no decisions have been made regarding cuts in the local police service and she would work hard to sustain the number of posts that are currently available.  She said that within the Annual Report there will be an opportunity for people to complete a questionnaire showing which aspects of policing they see as most important/least important.

Inspector Garside provided Members with an update on the crime figures for the area (although the LAF area is not co-terminus with the police areas) as well as an update on police activity within the area.  She started by saying that the crime rate in Buckingham Town and Maids Moreton has decreased by 15% between 1 April and 31 August this year compared to the same period last year.  She went on to say that in Buckingham North (all the villages north of Maids Moreton) have seen an increase in crime but this has been as a result of some big events taking place in and around the area (ie. Silverstone and Stowe).  She explained that whilst these events are policed by Northamptonshire Police Force, the crime figures are counted in the Thames Valley Police figures.  The crimes related to theft from tents and drugs and alcohol.

Thefts from vehicles were down by 54% from 37 offences between 1 April-31 August 2009 to 17 offences in the same period.  A 19 year-old person has been sentenced to 15 months for a robbery in the area and two 21 year-olds are facing sentencing for a robbery in Well Street.  This was as a result of local PCSOs who recognised their clothing.  There has been a reduction in burglaries from dwellings (down from 8 to 4).

Inspector Garside stressed that speeding is still a top priority in Buckingham Town and Buckingham North.  A laser gun has been used in the area which can only be used by trained police officers and not PCSOs.  She said that there have been a number of complaints from local residents who are questioning why the police are addressing this issue and not other issues.  She went on to say that Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) are being used to help highlight where speed enforcement should be undertaken.  The police are still targeting HGVs and in mid-September they undertook taxi licence checks which resulted in one licence being evoked.

There was a large undercover drugs operation in Buckingham Town and 3 people have been charged – 2 of which have received long custodial sentences and the other one is due to be sentenced shortly.  Over the Summer holidays, there was evidence of underage drinking at a number of skate parks so the police took a positive stance in dealing with this but the officers were criticised for doing so by a number of parents.  Cycle marking has  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

There will be a 20 minute period for public questions.  Members of the public are encouraged to submit their questions in advance of the meeting to facilitate a full answer on the day of the meeting.  Questions sent in advance will be dealt with first and verbal questions after.

Warren Whyte, Buckingham Town Council, emailed the following two questions in advance of the meeting.

Question One - "I would like the subject of street signage in Buckingham to be raised, as an action was agreed some time ago to remove some redundant or superfluous sign clutter from the town centre and this has not yet happened, despite new parking signs being erected in Market Hill very recently."

Response: Simon Dudley said that this issue is currently with David Carney and Ken Horne so hopefully it will be resolved soon as it was acknowledged that it has been an issue for awhile.  Simon said that he would take this forward.

Question 2 – "I have also raised a question directly with Mark Grindall and David Polhill (17/8/10) with regards to the Moreton Road development and the Bucks County Council agreed S106 monies for dealing with Addington Road.  I have yet to receive a response, and Bucks County Council transport officers are claiming othing can be done, despite a clear S106 agreement being in place and I don’t understand why the prevarication as Moreton Road is well under construction now."

Response:  The Chairman explained that he and Mark were looking into this.

Terry Cavender, Akeley Parish Council requested, in advance of the meeting, that the proposed LEP for Thames Valley be discussed so that Members were kept up-to-date with plans.

Response:  The Chairman read the following statement from an email sent to all County Councillors from Martin Tett, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment.

"A key requirement is that any LEP is ‘business-led’.  Therefore we started by asking Buckinghamshire businesses what they needed to grow jobs and profits.  They told us that their biggest requirement was a strong voice for enterprise within the Thames Valley which would ensure that Government realised the importance of investing in the success of the region.  They also wanted a strong linkage to local government to ensure delivery of the key infrastructure for growth and with education and vocational skills providers we spoke to were very clear that they saw the Thames Valley as their ‘nature economic area’.

The proposed ‘Expression of Interest’ from Buckinghamshire to CLG and BIS proposes a collaborative approach across the Thames Valley with two linked LEPs, one for Buckinghamshire and one for Berkshire working together in a focused ‘Enterprise Forum’.  An invitation would also be extended to Oxfordshire to participate in this Forum.  The Forum would listen to business, work together on key issues and represent the region to Government.  The LEPs would also work with adjoining LEPs, in particular Oxfordshire, but also Hertfordshire, West London, North Hampshire and the Milton Keynes areas on a case by case basis.  Importantly, each local LEP would also address local issues and focus on local business and jobs growth.  Support for this proposal has already come from key business leaders across the county.

There is still a long way to go to obtain clarity from central government on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

None received

There were no petitions.

Simon Dudley, Team Leader for Transport for Buckinghamshire, explained that there had been a Task and Finish Group looking at Winter Maintenance and a number of suggestions, including the reassessment of certain areas have been put forward to Cabinet. 

Simon went onto say that Thornton Road has been re-assessed but it still does not meet the criteria in terms of its scoring.  A Member queried the scoring system used as he said that it has been identified as a priority for the parish.  Simon explained that there are around 8-10 key facilitators and he recognised that it is disappointing but stressed that it is not possible to salt every road in the County.  He then went onto say that local farmers have been approached to assist with clearing the roads and the National Farmers Union has provided 9 snow ploughs to be used and so far, 2 farmers have taken up the offer.

The Chairman concluded that he sat on the Task and Finish Group and the recommendations came about as a result of complaints made by local people.  He explained that the plan is for school buses and vehicles to be equipped with items to assist them in bad weather (for example, winter tyres).

A Member asked whether a joined-up approach has been developed in terms of cross-boundary areas.  Simon Dudley responded by saying that he has already received a letter from Northamptonshire so plans are afoot for a more joined-up approach.

A Member asked whether a flexible plan could be developed for when schools are closed.  Simon responded by saying that regardless of whether the schools are open or not, the County still has to be gritted so there are no alternative plans.

A Member explained that changes have been made to the Bus Route 133 which has been extended to Westfields but there has been no publicity surrounding this change to the route.  Simon said that he would speak to Andy Clarke in Passenger Transport regarding this.

Action: Simon Dudley/Andy Clarke

Ann-Marie Davies updated Members on the delegated schemes for 2010/11 as follows:

• Buckingham – salt bin for Glynswood Road – this has now been ordered.

• Akeley – VAS – quotes for the works have been provided. Awaiting agreement from Parish Council to go ahead.

• Middle Claydon – installation of kerbing – on hold due to budget constraints at the moment.

• East Claydon - remove 30mph signs at new estate Lacemakers Close and replace signs 100m from estate.  Rumble strips also required - ongoing – final cost will hopefully be known soon.

• Padbury – improvement and resurfacing of the footpath on Main Street – working on the programme at present – works likely carried out March 2011.

• Nash – 2 salt bins – these have been ordered.

• Beachampton – 2 salt bins – one near to Watery Lane and the other at the end of Main Street towards Stony Stratford – these have been ordered.

• Westbury – VAS opposite the Walnuts – quotes have been provided. Awaiting agreement from Parish Council to go ahead.

Ann-Marie took Members through the bids received so far for 2011/12 and explained that the schemes would be costed and scored in time for the next LAF meeting.

The link below takes you to the relevant page on the website where you can record a problem.  Ann-Marie Davies will explain more at the meeting.

Link no longer available

Ann-Marie Davies explained that the Service Information Centre is an on-line one stop shop for all Transport for Buckinghamshire information.  She circulated to all Members a postcard containing the contact details and encouraged Members to have a look at the site.  It can be used to show where the Community Gangs are working, where road closures and planned works are taking place.  It can also be used to report problems with roads, footpaths and street lights and to view real-time information on where the gritters are over the Winter.  She said that the website has been shortlisted for a national award.

Ann Kiceluck from Aylesbury Vale District Council will provide Members with an update on the key developments taking place in Buckingham, including the following:

• Parking provision update
• Flood prevention measures
• Buckingham "branding"
• Grants provision for Buckingham based organisations, including business grants and "Community Chest" grant allocations.

Ann Kiceluk, Lead Officer from Aylesbury Vale District Council, took Members through some of the key developments in the Buckingham area. 

Flood Prevention Work

In 2007, AVDC put in a bid for funding to protect certain areas of Buckingham from flooding.  AVDC received a grant of £325k which was assigned to be used for property protection.  57 properties were identified as most as risk.  A further grant of £250k was obtained from the Environment Agency to protect a further 43 homes.  Work is currently underway to protect 80 properties with around a quarter of the work already completed.  All work to the properties identified as requiring protection will be completed by March 2011.

During discussion, the following questions were asked:

A Member asked whether the properties being protected are from outside Buckingham Town.  Ann explained that the properties are in Buckingham Town only as the application for the funding required specific locations.  A Member went on to say that all the applications in the Thornborough area had been refused and he felt that local residents had not received enough support from AVDC.  He asked for more to be done.

Action: Ann Kiceluk

A Member commented that the Environment Agency have been using incorrect maps when making their assessments and he hoped that this has now been rectified.

Grant Funding

Ann explained that a number of local businesses have received business grants to encourage local employment.  A Community Chest funding of £15,000 has been granted to Stowe Landscape Gardens.  Micro-grants of £2,000 each have been awarded to local organisations, including the Bucks Federation of the Women’s Institute, the local Bowls Association and the Maids Moreton Conservation Society.

Parking in Buckingham

On 23 August this year, parking tariffs were introduced in Buckingham and Ann explained that around 7,000 pay and display tickets are issued in a week and there is no evidence to suggest that usage has decreased.

During discussion, Members made the following comments.

Ann advised that upon investigation AVDC had not seen any evidence of vehicle displacement onto other raods.  A Member commented that long-stay parkers are blocking other roads which is causing havoc and there is a car park at Stratford Fields which is not being used.  Ann said that she would take this point back to Steve and his team at AVDC.

A Member felt that the £300,000 spent on making the changes to the Cornwalls Meadow car park in the centre of Buckingham was a waste of public money.  A Member went onto say that the kerbing in the car park is now very dangerous, especially for elderly people and children and he asked whether a risk assessment had been done and asked to see the public audit of the costs associated with this.

Addendum - After the meeting, the costs of the project were clarified. The Stratford Fields car park cost £115k, but this is being funded out of Section 106 funding. The rest of the changes, which include changes to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Karen Adamson will be asking Members for suggestions for possible venues for the Adult Social Care surgeries in 2011.

Karen Adamson from Adult Social Care explained to Members that there would be more Adult Social Care surgeries taking place and asked Members to put forward any suggestions for venues via email to Liz Wheaton who would then forward them to Karen.  Liz’s email address is ewheaton@buckscc.gov.uk.

The Chairman asked Members to consider the fact that there are a lot of vulnerable young people who need assistance as well as older vulnerable people.  Adult Social Care covers people from the age of 18 onwards.

Terry Cavender will provide Members with an update on the work of the Flood Sub Group.

Pearl Lewis, Chairman of the Flood Sub-Group provided Members with an update on the work currently being undertaken by the Group.  She asked Members to review the Great Ouse document which has been prepared by the Environment Agency and she pointed out that a number of infrastructure considerations had not been included in the document.  These have now been pointed out to the Environment Agency and it is hoped that the area will be moved from a Level 4 to a Level 5 which would bring extra funding.  Pearl explained that the Group will be working with the Environment Agency and other organisations to improve its position and will be taking relevant points to the Environment Agency to discuss alternative options.

Terry Cavender will provide Members with an update.

Terry Cavender explained that 23 people attended the recent Heritage weekend.  He updated Members that John Bercow MP and Tim Boswell have become patrons of the Society and a major fundraising event is being planned for next year.  He concluded by saying that green infrastructure is to be encouraged and is becoming very real and tangible.

An update will be provided on the local area priorities for Buckingham with a particular focus on one of the priorities, Community Impact Bucks.

Sally Hussey will provide Members with further information on the Community Impact Bucks scheme.

The Chairman introduced Sally Hussey, Rural Transport Officer from Community Impact Bucks.  She started by saying that the funding for the Community Car Scheme has been agreed and an initial open meeting will be held in each cluster to recruit people interested in being volunteer drivers and a local co-ordinator to organise all the activity of the car scheme on an ongoing basis.  Sally explained that the schemes are easy and cheap to set-up but they do need some legal assistance.  She said that Mark Grindall is going to let Sally have some dates for an open meeting in the Buckingham area.

Action: Mark Grindall/Sally Hussey

A Member said that they would not want this scheme to be set-up if it meant taking resources away from another service.  Sally responded by saying that Mark would establish whether there was a need within the Community before proceeding.

Amanda Brooke-Webb, Lead Officer for Bucks County Council, explained to Members that the Local Area Plan is almost ready to be circulated to members.  It is in its final proofing stages.  The link to the document is below.

www.buckscc.gov.uk/assets/content/bcc/docs/our_communities/Buckingham_localareaplan.pdf

Amanda introduced her colleague Ann Cobban, who will be providing additional senior management support in driving forward the local plan.  She went onto say that Aylesbury Vale Youth for Christ (AVYFC) have asked for funding from the LAFs to provide a ‘Nomad’ sports cage in the Aylesbury Vale area.  The giant sports cage enables young people to take part in sports tournaments and events run in any location – grass, tarmac or indoors.  The sports cage can also be used to enable engagement with young people, including linking with community-led planning events.  AVYFC are asking for a contribution of £1,350 from 7 LAFs.

A Member asked whether we could ensure that the cage was used fairly across the County.  The Chairman responded by saying that he thought this would be possible and this would be raised with AVYFC.

Members AGREED to support the Nomad Sports Cage.

Amanda asked Members to send any proposals for local priority funding to Mark Grindall as the deadline for allocating the budget is 15 November and the bids would be discussed at the December meeting.

Jackie Phipps, District Councillor, asked for further information on the bidding process so that she could inform her local parish/residents.  Amana said that Mark Grindall had prepared a report on this at the last meeting but she said that Mark would send the information to Jackie after the meeting.

Action: Mark Grindall

Amanda Brooke-Webb, Lead Area Officer for the Buckingham Local Area Forum, will inform Members on the Government’s "Big Society" initiative and the impact it will have on the local area.

Amanda Brooke-Webb, Lead Area Officer, started by explaining to Members the vision of a "Big Society".  The vision incorporates the following:

• Individuals and Communities having more power
• Making the places they live better places
• Influencing and shaping the responsiveness of services
• High quality local services meeting local needs and local priorities
• Opportunities for Community Groups, Entrepreneurs and Practitioners to make it a reality.

Amanda went on to say that different communities have different priorities and the challenge is how to manage this.  There is also a need to balance the need to make savings with the need to possibly make further investment to build community capacity.  Amanda concluded by saying that there are some difficult discussions to be had and cited the recent Day Care Centre debate.  There are organisational challenges ahead and LAFs are seen as a key group in shaping the future.

The Chairman went onto say that money is very tight and there will be less and less money available each year so the County Council needs to be wiser in how the available money is spent.  He explained that Bucks Debate is still running and he encouraged Members to take part in the debate as it provides a good opportunity to get your views across about which services are more important in specific areas.

During open forum, a Member asked for an update on the Area 14 Speeding Review.  The Chairman responded by saying that there is a meeting on 4 October to discuss the Speeding Reviews.

Warren Whyte notified Members that AVALC will be holding their annual general meeting on 6 November at 10am at the Winslow Centre.  He went onto say that the County and Parishes Liaison Group is starting up again and he urged Members to consider joining BALC.

Members are asked to note the attached reports.

• LTP3
• Energy from Waste.

Members were asked to note the following reports:

• LTP3 Update
• Energy from Waste.

The next meeting is taking place on Thursday 9 December at Buckingham Community Centre.

Future dates for 2011:

·         Thursday 31 March

·         Thursday 30 June

·         Thursday 29 September

·         Thursday 15 December.

The next meeting is due to take place on Thursday 9 December at Buckingham Community Centre.  The formal meeting will start at 7pm.

Future meetings:

Thursday 31 March

Thursday 30 June

Thursday 29 September

Thursday 15 December.