Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone and informed members of the meeting that recording will be taking place, for notetaking only.

Apologies from: Tim Butcher; Wendy Morgan-Brown; Rob Gill; Grant Kirkby; Tiffany Adonis-French

Tiffany Adonis-French, Service Director ASC, BC & Community Board Champion

Delivered by Amy Jenner and included in agenda pack.

No questions.

Questions from members of the public can be submitted in advance of the meeting to denhamgxchalfonts@Buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Des Bray queried where public questions can be put forward.

Action – add this information to newsletter. CB Manager

Julia Walsh mentioned that residents find Teams difficult and could the Board switch to Zoom? Teams is supported by Buckinghamshire Council so this is platform available. The public are welcome to raise points face-to-face at events. A Member suggested that the Chairman should discuss this with other Chairmen and whether Zoom was an option for residents in future for inclusivity.

Action The Chairman to raise this at next Chairs’ meeting.

John Hatton agreed that Zoom should be an option. Thomas Broom agreed that Teams is user-friendly and when communications are sent, this should be highlighted. Tony Shinner suggested that Zoom is better quality than Teams and there is also too much reliance on technology, and we could make use of public noticeboards for comms/publications etc. Sharon Williams suggested more face-to-face meetings.

No petitions. TVP update can be found with agenda pack.

Helen Edwards, Domestic Resource Efficiency Officer, BC

Helen Edwards (Domestic Resource Efficiency Service – Bucks Council) gave update on what the service provides to residents, such as how to be efficient/economic – they are available to advise/support residents. Slides will be shared after the meeting along with notes.

During discussion the following questions were asked:-

·       Helen would share additional information with the CB Manager

·       ID Smart Meters were not available in all areas at the moment. Some people have inaccessible meters (mobile homes etc).

·       In terms of accessing services (see second slide) if they qualify, the service can attend homes/arrange visits.

·       A question was asked on whether the service works with the Citizen Advice Bureau? Helen has contacted CAB but with no response.

Action HE to contact CAB again.

·       email energydoctor@buckinghamshire.gov.uk and there also was a website for further information.

Action – HE to share hard copies with local charities/residents

Lloyd Little, Senior Programme Officer (Digital) BC

Lloyd Little presented an update on the project. 

·       There was a meeting tomorrow at Cityfibre https://cityfibre.com/ – please send updates to the board re these meetings and the Board will ensure information goes out to the board.

·       This area came under the Leaders and transport portfolio. A Member suggested that Hedgerley would be an area that should be raised for this as an initial small-scale project and is happy to support.

·       Further info will be shared via the boards on who would attend these forums.

·       It should be highlighted that if people switch contracts, they will need to switch providers and may not be familiar with the names. Lloyd agreed and said that people will be encouraged to be open-minded with providers. The Board was the best means of sharing information sharing. It was highlighted that Fulmer also has bad connection, as does parts of Denham.

Funding position / Community Engagement LC

Project spotlight – Seer Green Environment Survey, Nick Baddeley, Seer Green Parish Council.

Slides were presented by the CB Manager of Community Board activity. Slides available with slide pack.

During discussion the following questions were asked:-

·       The Board has been pro-active at engaging groups and encouraged projects, confirmed there will be no rollover of the budget.

·       In terms of sharing the money between the areas in the Community Board it was highlighted that meeting everyone’s needs in the community and their priorities was important.

·       For the boards to make a difference, there will be a focus on engagement, local priorities, making connections at a local level via the boards. A Member highlighted the difficulty with 3 large settlements in the area and then smaller areas: making the board unique. Focus is not on funding.

Agenda Change – Flooding in Chalfont St Peter

Marie Cavanagh, local business owner and Chair of Chamber of Commerce.

·       There has been localised flooding in the centre of CSP and TW are pumping water from manholes near the Greyhound roundabout area. Multiple factors are likely to be the cause, including a Victorian system, higher levels of groundwater than usual and high rainfall.  The road & car park closure has caused loss in retail sales. 95% reduction in sales due to recent flood. There is a perception Chalfont St Peter is closed due to flooding which was not the case.

·       The Chamber of Commerce have tried to mitigate problems, printed leaflets and organised volunteers to distribute, but more help needed. The Chairman acknowledged that the board and members are aware of this and are actively involved in supporting this area. The CB Manager outlined that following attendance at a neighbourhood action meeting they had contacted the  Economic Regeneration team who had escalated the issue. There was a meeting tomorrow (29/02) re ways to mitigate issues (Bucks Council and Thames Water working together). LC also shared details of Heart of Bucks Flood Prevention and Recovery Fund. There has been lots of action since meeting to work together on this issue. The CB Manager thanked Marie Cavanagh for her hard work around this. Immediate ask is to make people aware that the village/High Street is still open, regardless. A Member assured that the Chamber of Commerce are not alone and all in support.

·       All were pleased that the decision has been taken to adjust the TW operation to allow the precinct car park to re-open, however, the access road is closed until 16^th April – need to be realistic due to manholes being pumped. Groundwater needs to subside. It was important to emphasise that Chalfont St Peter is open for business. It was also noted that the Co-Op is closing, which would have an impact on retail. Additionally, traffic wardens are needed in this area to avoid problem parking, particularly in Market Place. Member noted this needs to be a priority. The CB Manager was thanked for her hard work to support the village. 

·       A comment was made that the first hour-free parking is going. Action – The Chairman was to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Sustainability Action Group JC

Infrastructure, Highways and Community Safety JR/TS/DB

Health & Wellbeing ID

Sustainability Action Group – Membership has grown from the start of the year and includes a good cross section of the community. There has been a change to online meetings which makes attendance easier.  Links with BC Climate Team have been positive and is in a strong position to make a positive change to the community. Helen was the main contact for the team.  

Infrastructure Action Group – active group. More people to be encouraged.

Health and Wellbeing Action Group – need more face-to-face meetings. Presentations have been well-received. Social prescribing varies across the board. A Vice Chairman of the AG was needed.

The Chairman thanked everyone for being involved in AGs and encouraged non-councillors to get involved. The Chairman also thanked everyone for coming along and for the great work and involvement. The CB Manager also thanked everyone for coming.  

20^th June 2024 next meeting.