Meeting documents

See above.

Introductions were made by the group.

To declare any personal or prejudicial interests

There were none

To confirm the notes of the meeting held on 17 September 2008

The action notes from the meeting held on 17 September 2008 were agreed subject to the insertion of a complete list of attendees.

With regard to Item 9 – Issues of Interest, it was noted that these are items which have been highlighted for the forward plan and were not being presented to the LCP for the present.  The Chairman stated that a response had been made on the NATS consultation and he would let the Partnership know what the response was.

Action: PR

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.  They can be sent to Ian Reed, Senior Area Co-ordinator on 01494 475378 or email:  ireed@buckscc.gov.uk

Questions are expected in relation to:

·         Saunderton Lodge – Public Transport Issues

·         Kings Lane – Road Closure

·         Proposed Erection of Two Wind Turbines in Summerleys Road, Princes Risborough

Questions were expected in relation to:

·         Saunderton Lodge:  when the new bus timetable was issued it appeared that the bus would not be stopping at the Lodge.  Residents in Crownville were also under the impression that the bus service was not being provided.  However, it would appear that this service was omitted from the new timetable and the service is still in place.

·         Kings Lane:  currently the road is closed because it is considered to be dangerous, and it is likely to stay closed until the start of the new financial year. However, this has attracted fly tipping.  Discussions are taking place with Wycombe District Council to alleviate the problem and it was hoped that the Police would also become involved.  The Road will also be put forward for suitability for installation of surveillance cameras.

·         Proposed erection of two wind turbines in Summerleys Road, Princes Risborough:  concern had been expressed that this application has been approved, even though it was in a conservation area and would be seen across the Chilterns. Members discussed the situation and the Chairman agreed with members that the LCP should not be discussing planning decisions and that no further action would be taken.

Members expressed concern that the above questions were discussed even though no one had attended to submit them. It was agreed that in future no questions would be discussed unless someone was present at the meeting to present them.

Attached are:

·         Petitions and Responses regarding Princes Risborough

·         Report on Naphill Petition presented to Wycombe Local Committee on 3 July 2008

Members received a list of petitions and responses from April 2005 to the present, and a report which had been presented to the final meeting of Wycombe Local Committee, on a petition from residents in Main Road, Naphill, requesting footway and carriageway resurfacing.

It was noted that work on the footpath should have been completed during the Autumn but this had not happened.  Contractors were currently working in the area and work should be completed shortly.

The protocol for petitions was discussed and it was agreed that this would be circulated to members. 

Previously petitions were sent to the Local County Council Member, who presented them to Full Council, after which the County Council officers will take action.  However, in future petitions may also be presented at the LAF/LCP meetings.  Parish Councillors expressed concern that on some occasions they are not informed when a petition is presented and it was proposed and seconded that copies of petitions should be sent to the relevant Parish Council.  The LCP agreed this proposal.

It was noted that officers in BCC Democratic Services were working on a protocol for petitions to reflect new legislation coming in, to be introduced in 2009.

·         Impact of the wintery weather conditions experienced on parts of the community area - 29 October 2008.  Verbal Report from Eric Meek Acting Group Manager, Area Maintenance and Management (South) and Robert Murdoch, Emergency Planning Officer

·         Whiteleaf Cross – Interpretive signs. Report from Julia Carey – report attached.

·         Princes Risborough Community Bus Service – The LCP to receive an update on this Project, being undertaken by Risborough Area Community Action (RACA) which is working as a Level 1 Group in the Area.

·         Loss of Community Services in Rural Areas – Report from Tony Molesworth of Lacey Green Community Planning Group

Impact of the wintery weather conditions experienced on parts of the community area – 29 October 2008.

The Chairman introduced Bob Murdoch, Emergency Planning Officer, BCC.  Mr Murdoch explained that on that day the Emergency Planning Unit was dealing with multiple accidents on the M40, and it was only by chance that the Unit became aware of the power cuts through the District Council Emergency Planning Unit.  Although there is an Emergency Operations Centre in County Hall, it was only partially open because there did not appear to be a great deal of disruption due to the weather.  However, once the power outage was discovered, Adult Social Care was contacted with regard to care for vulnerable people in the area. The EMU has facilities for all portfolios to be represented in emergency situations, should the need arise..

It was noted that power companies do keep a list of vulnerable people in each area and are happy for care homes to register with them if they wish to do so.  Members were informed that BCC has a website which gives a guide to developing community self help plans, and this includes the need to develop a list of vulnerable people.  The link to the document is as follows: 

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/get/assets/docs/emergency_planning/Emergency_Self_Help_Plan_Guidance.pdf

The representative from Thames Valley Police stated that the Police only keep basic information but the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators could be asked to provide information on vulnerable people in each of their areas.

It would appear that very few Parish Councils in the area have Community Self Help Plans, but in 2010 it may become a legal requirement to have one, under revised Civil Contingency Act.  Members were informed that Wycombe Association of Local Councils are running a training session on the Self Help Plan.

The Emergency Planning Officer asked that the EMU be contacted as soon as members are aware of problems in their area, such as power loss.  For further information, the Emergency Planning Unit can be contacted on 01296 383228.

Members were informed that the roads were gritted on 29 October.  Under normal conditions gritters would be out on the roads at about 7.00pm.  However, there were severe rain storms that evening and the gritters went out later than usual.  They gritted the roads twice, with double the amount of grit.  However, for it to be effective, it needs traffic to break up the snow and it was some time before the gritting took effect.  There were also 37 fallen trees in the area which needed to be cleared.  In answer to a question, members noted that BCC has its own meteorology company which gives constant weather updates.  The Planning Unit also receives faxed weather warnings from the Fire Authority.

Whiteleaf Cross – Interpretive Signs.

Princes Risborough Town Council expressed disappointment at the response from BCC regarding their concerns at the installation of the timeline.  They considered the original consultation was very poor and narrow. This was supported by other local members who unaware of the timeline  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Attached is the current list of bids for 2009/10

Members received the updated list of current bids for the Delegated Budget, and were reminded that the deadline for submission of new bids is the end of December.

Action:  Parish Councils

The following was noted:

·         Coombe Lane, Hughenden Valley – The order has been placed and the work will be completed within the current financial year.

·         Hampden Road, Coleheath Bottom – The work has been completed.

·         It was noted that Parish Councils are able to put in bids for extra grit bins if they wish.

An assessment matrix will be used to score every scheme.  Once the assessments have been carried out the qualifying schemes will be presented to the LCP for it to decide which schemes will go ahead.

It was suggested and agreed that any bids which had been presented through Wycombe Local Committee should automatically be included in the new list of schemes.  Members noted that some of the existing bids may not be realistic in view of the smaller amount of the delegated budget.  However, if the Parishes or the District Council wished to add to the money from the delegated budget, it may be that some of the larger schemes could be acceptable. Members were asked to contact Si Khan to ensure that any bids they had placed previously, were still on the list.

With regard to the request for footway improvements along the A4010 between the Rose and Crown, Saunderton and Woodway, Princes Risborough, members were informed that several requests had been received for the footway to be updated.  It provides a walking link to Princes Risborough and also links with the Sustrans way towards Thame.

Discussion took place on the extra funding which had been provided by the Cabinet Member for Transportation for patching and road gangs and how decisions were made regarding the type of work to be carried out.  The Local County Council Members, in discussion with the District Council Members were responsible for putting forward suggestions, which may have come from Parish Councils.

·         HGV Routes

·         Tranquil

·         300 Bus Route Service

·         Local NAG Issues

Inconsiderate Parking

Excessive Speeding of vehicles

·         High Street Princes Risborough

The following was noted:

HGV Routes and Tranquil. 

·         Signage was funded from the Tranquil budget to direct HGV transport onto the main road routes.  Two bids had been made to renew existing signs around Marsh and Bledlow.  There had been some success in directing HGVs away from Hughenden by provision of signage from High Wycombe.  Signs were also being placed on the A40 directing heavy goods traffic onto the A4010.  It was suggested that signs should also be placed at the Jewson roundabout and at Cryer’s Hill.  Work was also under way on putting in fingerposts.

300 Bus Service. 

·         The County Council Member for Icknield and Bledlow has asked for a meeting between Arriva and the Cabinet Member for Transportation in order to find a way forward on issues regarding the 300 bus service.

Local NAG Issues.

·         The Fire Authority has been involved in campaigning regarding inconsiderate parking.  Leaflets and posters have been circulated.

·         With regard to speeding issues, Speedwatch equipment is now available and volunteers from the NAGs will be asked to man the equipment.  Details of any speeding vehicles will be obtained from the DVLA and a general warning letter will be generated by Thames Valley Police.  Specific drivers will be targeted if further they are consistently speeding. Insurance requirements stipulate that a police officer or PCSO will need to be on duty with volunteers using the Speedwatch equipment.  Clarification is required on public liability and insurance matters.  PC Roger Atfield undertook to ensure that this will be clarified and reported back at the next meeting.

Action:  PC Atfield

·         The County Council can also provide Temporary Speed Indicator Devices (TSIDs) for £100, fixed on site for two weeks.  Parish Council can apply to use the equipment through Highways on Call.

High Street, Princes Risborough

·         The LCP was informed that the Town Council has provided a budget to enable a trial for the suggested one way system through the High Street, which will commence in September 2009.  The length of the trial is still to be determined but may last for six months.  Traffic will enter from Duke Street and exit at the Bell Street end.  Discussions are taking place with Arriva regarding maintenance of the bus routes, in either direction, through the High Street.

Presentation from Ian Reed, Senior Area Co-ordinator

Members received a presentation from the Senior Area Co-ordinator, a copy of which can be obtained from the Democratic Services Officer.

The following was noted:

·        The New Deal is a joint County and District Council agreement with Parish and Town Councils.

·        In particular it sets out how funding might be delegated and responsibility for services given to local councils; how local councils will be consulted and engaged in service planning and delivery; and how local councils can help fund extra services.

·        County and District Councils have approved this way forward and BALC has endorsed it on behalf of its members.

·        Five town and parish councils have taken County Council services on and discussions are currently being held with at least five more parishes.  Many more are considering it.

·        The Agreement allows work to be done when Parish or Town Councils want it to be done and the County Council will devolve funding towards it.

Concern regarding insurance cover was raised, but members noted the Parishes which have taken on this work did not appear to have any problems.  Smaller Parishes may wish to form a cluster in order to make it more viable.

Parish and Town Councils that are interested are asked to contact the Acting Group Manager, Area Maintenance (South) who can provide an information pack.  Contact Details:  01494 457303; email:  emeek@buckscc.gov.uk

Members noted that anyone working on the Highway needs to have the relevant qualifications and licence.

The Senior Area Co-ordinator informed the LCP that services other than Transportation can be included in this and Aylesbury Town Council is currently looking at the Adult Social Care element of Council Services.

It was agreed that an update would be provided to the LCP in six months time.

Action:  IWR/MTK

Report from Charles Meakings, Wycombe District Council.  The Pathfinder Community Engagement Newsletter is also attached.

Members received the report from Charles Meakings, Head of Policy Support and Research, Wycombe District Council, which sought to inform the LCP on the work of creating a link between the Local Community Partnership and the Wycombe Partnership/Bucks Strategic Partnership.

It was noted that at its meeting on 7 November 2008 the Wycombe Partnership suggested that one way of creating a link would be for the Chairman and/or Vice Chairman of each Local Community Partnership to become a member of the wider Wycombe Partnership.

Many members considered that it was not positive for officers or members to be involved in another layer of meetings.

Further discussion took place with regard to the number of LCP meetings and the types of issues which can be presented.  It was noted that the Constitution for the LCP, which was agreed by members in September, stipulates that meetings will be held four times per year. An action plan of issues which Parish/Town Councils would like to see presented or discussed can be set up which the LCP can move forward.

However, with regard to the report from the Head of Policy & Research, this was not just about the LCP but also how to link the various levels of community working, involving the Community Action Groups, the LCP and the Strategic Partnership working, and whether this is the right way forward.  The views of members were also being sought on whether the Chairman/Vice Chairman should be members of the wider Wycombe Partnership.

Concerns were expressed regarding rotation of the Chairmanship at the LCP meetings and if the Chairman of the LCP were to be the representative on the Wycombe Partnership, which one would it be.  Some members were concerned that one person from the LCP may be making decisions on behalf of all the others and this may cause resentment.

As a result of the discussion, members agreed that they would prefer to focus on strategic issues, not parochial issues, at the LCP meetings. 

With regard to the Wycombe Partnership, whilst there will be occasions when the LCP may need to present issues which need resolving at that level, it did not appear to be necessary to have a permanent presence at these meetings.  It was also agreed that the LCP should reserve the right to attend, or be represented as and when some matter required it, and also to submit reports and requests in writing for consideration when actual attendance was not required.

It was agreed that a copy of the Constitution for the LCP would be provided to members.

Action: IWR/MTK

The next meeting of the Local Community Partnership will take place on 18 February 2009 at 7.00pm.

Dates of Future Meetings:

24 June

23 September

25 November

The next meeting of the LCP will be held on 18 February 2009 at 7.00pm

Dates of future meetings:

24 June

23 September

25 November