Meeting documents

Written questions may be asked of the Leader or any Cabinet Member if submitted to the Head of Democratic, Legal and Policy Services no later than 12 noon on Thursday 15 February 2018. Questions will be submitted in the order in which they were received.

A questioner will have a maximum of 1 minute to ask a question and the answer shall not exceed 3 minutes. Any questioner may put one supplementary question without notice within a maximum time of 1 minute and the answer may not exceed 2 minutes.

Question from Mr R B Colomb to the Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Regeneration

"In September 2017 the Park & Ride buses, supposed to provide a frequent, reliable, direct service to and from the Town centre were effectively converted into bus routes.

In view of the significant developer contribution WDC made to Bucks County Council as part of its transport contribution, will it now seek a refund?"

Response from Councillor S Broadbent (Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Regeneration)

"The section 106 agreement that was secured in relation to the redevelopment of the sports centre site at Handy Cross (Handy X Hub) included a planning obligation on the District Council in its role as landowner and developer, to make a financial contribution to Bucks County Council towards a frequent bus service between the Coachway Park and Ride at Handy X Hub and High Wycombe town centre. The County Council is responsible for agreeing an operational contract with a bus company (Carousel Buses). 

The County Council report that passenger numbers have grown only slowly and, after reviewing the first year of operation, made adjustments in provision to reduce operating costs.  

All the potential attractors for travel to Handy X Hub are not yet in place, such as new employment uses, the proposed on-site hotel and more regular motorway coach services; therefore the County Council changed the Park & Ride operation, so as to integrate it with other bus services in the area (and thereby reduce operating costs and extend the period over which services may be provided). In recent months (January 2018) WDC has liaised with the County about levels of unreliability in response to concerns expressed by some passengers. County's response was: 

"Since the changes were made, passenger numbers are continuing to grow but clearly the exposure to traffic delays and other operational problems is greater when relying on longer routes to also provide journeys to the Park & Ride site. There have also been problems with driver error and significant congestion issues in the lead up to Christmas but Carousel assure us that these have been addressed. 

Given that the park and ride service has to consider a number of travel needs - most passengers were travelling into the town centre and bus station, but there are also trips to the hospital and the railway station - this has meant that some compromises were necessary with the timetable; hence the different service numbers (PR1, PR2 or X80). At times this can be confusing, particularly if the scheduled journey times are disrupted. We are looking at this again and have asked Carousel for options as to how we can offer a simpler park & ride timetable while still keeping within the budget available. They have also been told to focus on improving punctuality in the short term and ensure all buses are "tracking" correctly within the electronic journey system". 

Wycombe District Council will continue to monitor that the application of funding complies with the relevant planning obligations and is in discussions with the County Council to ensure that opportunities are taken to improve the services to HXH as far as practicable.

Supplementary question from Mr R B Colomb to the Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Regeneration

"It would appear that they are looking to extend the Park & Ride service as the buses are not running to time.  I thought the principal of the Park & Ride was to park up and get on a bus for free so you can’t get income from pensioners with bus passes.  Will you be able to get money from Bucks County Council?"

Response from Councillor S Broadbent (Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Regeneration)

"Not all contractors are yet there.  I hope in the future they can park and hop on a bus.  We’ll be making sure Bucks County Council protect the service and gather money as a primary objective."

Question from Dr R Peters to the Cabinet Member for Community

"The draft Council minutes for December record concerns being raised about begging, homelessness, and antisocial behaviour arising from drug/alcohol abuse.

I would like to highlight and commend the work of Street Angels and Wycombe Homeless Connection in these areas.

In what ways is the Council supporting these organisations?"

Response from Councillor G Peart (Cabinet Member for Community)

"Thank you Dr Peters for your question, which gives me the opportunity to highlight the very significant role played by our voluntary and community sector partners in supporting people in need of help and thereby making all of the towns in our District safe and attractive places to visit. 

My colleague, Cllr Mrs Langley, as the Cabinet Member for Housing, has awarded a grant for a number of years to support the vitally important work of Wycombe Homeless Connection in helping our most vulnerable residents. Last autumn WHC celebrated 10 years of service and only last week assisted 5 people who were sleeping rough on our streets, back into accommodation, a most notable achievement.

Street Angels work closely with our Community Safety service and the Police to ensure that those enjoying our night time economy are given the support they need at the end of their evening out. This is another great example of a voluntary service working late into the night to assist the people who are most vulnerable and also to call emergency services when necessary.

We also work with partners to deliver a Safe Places scheme, where people who feel at risk can be sure of a safe haven to stop in. 

I know that Wycombe Police Superintendent, Kevin Brown, will echo me in saying that it is only by working in partnership that we can address and support those in need and I am delighted that we have a true partnership in the Street Community Group, addressing the issues we have with street drinking, begging and anti-social behaviour.  WDC is most grateful to the very positive and speedy response from Superintendent Brown following our call for additional support in making the town centre a pleasant place to be in the evenings.

Some of the social issues will take longer to resolve than others as they are often complex but I am confident in saying that steady but significant progress is being made in assisting those who are in need on one hand and deterring those who are simply causing a nuisance or worse on the other."

Supplementary question from Dr R Peters to the Cabinet Member for Community

"I am not a member of Street Angels or Wycombe Homeless Connection but have been impressed by ‘The Rock’ which has the goal of social interaction / bringing groups together.  Would this be of value to Wycombe District Council?" 

Response from Councillor G Peart (Cabinet Member for Community)

"I am familiar of the work of Deborah Green in Manchester.  I’m open to every opportunity that brings cohesion and will look into it and work with yourself."