Meeting documents

To confirm the appointment of the Chairman of the Forum.

It was agreed that Margaret Aston be confirmed as Chairman of the Forum.

The Vice-Chairman to be a District Councillor.

It was agreed that Michael Edmonds be confirmed as Vice-Chairman of the Forum.

Apologies were received from John Brandis, Brian Bowman, Nick Morgan and Anne-Marie Davies.

To declare any personal or prejudicial interests.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Confirmation of notes of the meeting held on 16 July 2008 at Brill Memorial Hall.

The notes from the previous meeting held on 16 July 2008 were confirmed.

Peter Loose mentioned that, following the last meeting, the area around the Long Crendon Library had been cleared of litter on 30 July. The area had been added to the cleaning contract for the library. Long Crendon Parish Council were very pleased with this result.

The Forum discussed the latest position regarding the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG). Sgt. Bryn Scott reported that it was in operation, dates of meetings had been published and people were attending although numbers had not been high.  Members hoped that recent discussions with representatives of the Police would ensure that the NAG was successful but there was hope that it would in time work alongside the LAF. Parish Councillors were welcome to attend the NAGs alongside other members of the local community.

The Forum welcomed Nick Carter, Member for Thame on Oxfordshire County Council, and Helen Stewart, Clerk to Thame Town Council. Nick referred to a meeting he had had with John Howell, Member of Parliament whose constituency covered Henley and Thame, and the desire to effect closer working between Councils and other agencies. This included a wish to communicate closely with communities across the County border. Peter Loose mentioned Buckinghamshire County Council’s scheme to offer town and parish councils the opportunity to deliver a range of services to the local community on its behalf. It would be really innovative if services could be devolved across the county border. It was agreed that Helen Stewart would let Madeleine Howe know the forthcoming Thame Town Council Meeting dates.    

The Report on the Future of Locality Working in Buckinghamshire was accepted.

The Forum discussed the definition, role and possible participation of stakeholders in meetings of the Forum. After discussion it was noted that, local expertise can be brought in to Forum meetings if needed and it would be helpful if members of the Forum were to invite along other groups to meetings if there was an Agenda item that they were interested in.

Madeleine Howe mentioned that there was a publicity budget for the Forums and it was hoped that appropriate "advertisements" would encourage people to attend.  

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, followed by any verbal questions.

Members of the Forum were invited to ask questions.

FenellaTillier, who was unable to be at the meeting, had asked "Do highways need planning permission for car parking schemes etc if it is to be situated in a Conservation Area?"  Dave Smith, Local Area Technician, replied that this was a matter being dealt with by Chearsley Parish Council. 

There were no Petitions.

Presentation by Claire Childs of the Fire and Rescue Service.

Claire Childs, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, gave Members an overview of the Fire and Rescue Service and in particular the following topics Vision and Objectives; Organisation; Understanding Community Risks; Pressures and Realities; Proposed Objectives; Potential Prevention Schemes; Justifying the Costs; Integrated Risk Management Plan.

The Forum discussed issues regarding retained and maintained stations and also cross County boundary support. Claire agreed to send out a map showing the areas covered by the Aylesbury maintained station.

Claire explained the work being done on home safety checks. The contact details for such home safety checks were :-

Email – cs@bucksfire.gov.uk

Telephone – 01296 744477

A consultation was currently being undertaken on the Fire and Rescue Service’s Integrated Risk Management Plan, their Strategic Plan. Details were being sent to stakeholders but could also be viewed on the website www.bucksfire.gov.uk

Presentation by Simon Glover from Transportation.

Steve Orchard reported the latest position regarding the Haddenham-Thame Cycleway. Simon Glover was unable to attend the meeting. Jacobs Babtie had completed their Feasibility Report. Three routes were outlined as options.:-

1. Scotsgrove Mill to Moorend Lane Route (via River Thame flood-plain)
2. Thame Road, Haddenham and A418 Route to Thame Bypass
3. Tythrop Estate

In its conclusion the report mentioned Option A as felt to be the most appropriate.

A copy of the Report and accompanying documents will be sent out with these minutes.

Members discussed the various issues. Steve Orchard stressed that the scheme was not likely to come to fruition in the immediate future due in no small part to the likely cost. However, the Forum hoped that all three routes would be carefully considered and that safety should be an important consideration and not just lowest cost. Derek Clarke, Haddenham Safe Walking and Cycling Group, mentioned that his group had been making representations for a cycleway for many years. He was disappointed that the group had not been asked to contribute to the study and hoped that they would still be able to do so as Haddenham has a very active cycling community. It was hoped that Simon Glover would now discuss the issues with Oxfordshire County Council. Owen South is the officer contact.

Members were invited to send any comments to Simon Glover.

Presentation by Steven GoldenSmith from Adult Social Care.

Steven GoldenSmith from the County Council’s Adult Social Care gave the Forum an update on the Building Communities Initiative. The Initiative included trying to improve information flow and improved services for older people by use of appropriate networks. The County Council were working closely with Aylesbury Vale District Council. A post had been created to co-ordinate stakeholder activity. It was agreed that it was important to make contact with people who are cut off from the main groups and Adult Social Care needed to know how to get resources to those people. Members of the Forum noted that there was a piece on the Initiative in the new local newsletter.

PCSO Susan Jones gave an update on priority profiles within the area covered by the Forum, with particular regard to criminal damage, vandalism and graffiti. Statistical information gathered by the Police enabled an analysis of who are causing the problems. Susan asked the Forum to encourage local people to report any incidents. The non-emergency number for Thames Valley Police is 08458 505505.  

The next meeting will take place on 10 December 2008 at 6.30pm in Ickford

Suggested dates for 2009

25 March

24 June

23 September

9 December

The next meeting will take place on 10 December at 6.30 pm in Ickford Village Hall. Members were encouraged to put forward any items for the Agenda and to send suggestions to Madeleine Howe at mphowe@buckscc.gov.uk or by telephone on 01296 383406.

Suggested dates for 2009 are 25^th March, 24^th June, 23^rd September and 9^th December.

It was agreed to ask a representative of Chiltern Railways to attend the next meeting on 10^th December to talk about the Oxford-Bicester-London Marylebone Link proposals etc.

As the Local Area Forums were being encouraged to set up reciprocal arrangements for attendance, Steve Orchard told members that they would be welcome to attend meetings of an adjoining Forum.