Meeting documents

Apologies for absence were received from Alan Bacon, Peter Hudson, Mark Shaw, Fred Wilson and Tim Fowler.

The notes of the meeting held on 10 July 2013 were agreed.

Matters arising

Snow clearance

Simon Dudley gave the Forum an update on the potential use of snowploughs in the forthcoming winter. Four had been released for farmers’ use. Only one farmer had sent in a Legal Agreement so far though and this was awaiting signature.

Germain Street, Chesham

Zoe Dixon reported that an assessment of the proposed alternatives had been undertaken. Noel Brown mentioned that there was complete agreement on one. Funding was an issue, however, and the matter was being considered by Sean Rooney.

Priority roads for resurfacing

It was reported that the Capital Maintenance Programme was not yet fully agreed.

Moveable Vehicle-activated Sign (MVAS)

Chris Brown said that the MVAS had been very helpful. Chartridge Parish Council are also interested.

There were, however, potential additional costs. This would need to be an Agenda item for the next meeting of the LAF.

Community Transport

The Chairman was attempting to move things forward but it was taking longer than hoped. Dial-a-Ride had taken a financial hit.

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 receive a full answer on the day of the meeting.  Questions sent in advance will be dealt with first, followed by verbal questions.  Please contact Helen Wailling on 01296 383614 or hwailling@buckscc.gov.uk to submit your question.

There were no Petitions on this occasion.

Simon Dudley expanded on the written update report from Transport for Buckinghamshire.

With regard to staffing issues, Anne-Marie Davies had now left the County Council’s employment. Any serious issues needed to be reported directly to Tim Fowler. The best way to contact Jon Dickens was through the Contact Centre.

Any correspondence needed to contain subject matter in the heading not just the reference number.

Simon Dudley reported that a Winter leaflet would be going out to parishes and emailed to clerks. A press release was to be issued too.

Tricia Birchley mentioned the need for gritting on King’s Lane between The Lee and South Heath. There were problems last winter with water and ice. Simon Dudley said TfB were aware of the problem and would keep it under review.

The road leading to The Endeavour Centre was discussed. Increased useage would occur. This road would be monitored too.

The long range forecast was for a hard winter again. TfB would be generating a lot of information through the website and by way of a text messaging service. The Chairman reported that a list of 4x4 drivers was available and the Chesham Action Volunteers had an important role to play.

Staff in the Lighting Team had changed. Stuart Labross was now the main contact through the Contact Centre or by email.

Chris Rawson, Bucks Business First

10 mins

Chris Rawson, Bucks Business First, and Ron Smith, British Telecom, gave the Forum an update on Bucks Broadband. A copy of the presentation, circulated on the night, is attached to these minutes.

The Forum noted the presentation and asked to be kept informed as things progressed.

Members of the public attended the meeting for this item and were invited to ask questions. Conversation revolved around the chosen supplier, the procurement process and also broadband speed and DEFRA funding.

Up to five minutes each

There were no updates.

·       Reduce Anti-social Behaviour through Youth Activities – Noel Brown

·       Support the Local Economy and Employment – Fred Wilson

·       Reduce the Social Isolation of Asian communities – Noel Brown

·       Chesham Community Wellbeing Project  – Zoe Dixon

·       Improve highways and road safety – Transport for Buckinghamshire rep

·       Community transport – Chris Brown

·       Enhance a sense of community in a village - all

This item was deferred.

10   mins each plus discussion

·       Neighbourhood Policing and Community Safety – Richard Vine, Inspector for Neighbourhood Police and Katie Galvin, Senior Community Safety Officer, Chiltern District Council

·       New Permitted Development Rules / Gypsy, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Options Public Consultation – Graham Winwright, Chiltern District Council

Neighbourhood Policing and Community Safety

Richard Vine, Inspector for Neighbourhood Police, gave the Forum an update on neighbourhood policing and community safety.

Crime had gone down across the Thames Valley. In the Chiltern/South Bucks area, there had been a slight increase in burglaries. With regard to bicycle theft, the number of incidents was up by 13 on the year. Violent crime is down by 5.6% and rural crime by 9%. In Chesham, there have been 15 rural crimes this reporting year.

Neighbourhood Action Groups have been discontinued in the area but the Police are ensuring that Team members are out and about and visible in the rural communities with the aim of delivering a better service. PCSOs were doing a very good job but need to be visible.

It was agreed that a Police representative would attend each meeting of the LAF and one meeting a year would focus on strategic issues.

New Permitted Development Rules and the Delivery Development Plan Document – Gypsies Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Options Public Participation Document.

Graham Winwright, Chiltern District Council, explained the new permitted development rules and also the Delivery Development Plan Document – Gypsies Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Options Public Participation Document.

Christine Gardner, Localities and Communities Manager – Chiltern

Christine Gardner mentioned the new allocation process for the Local Priorities Devolved Budget. The criteria was more County Council driven. Any proposed schemes need to be detailed.

This was noted.

5 February 2014, venue tbc

5^th February 2014 (in Chesham)