Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed all those present and stated that the theme for this meeting would be around the subject of health and wellbeing.

To receive any apologies for absence

An apology for absence was received from Cllr S Raja.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting held on 27 October 2021

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the last meeting of the High Wycombe Community Board held on 27 October 2021 be confirmed as a true record. 

To receive any declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest

(15 Mins)

A petition on “Air Quality in High Wycombe” had been received which called for “The comprehensive monitoring of all air pollution across High Wycombe particularly in areas around schools and where there was short term exposure to high levels, and the taking of effective actions that would bring all of the town within the safer WHO 2021 levels for air pollution by 2030, following interim targets to achieve this.

Andrew Douglas introduced the petition stating that Wycombe had the worst levels of long term health conditions linked to air pollution. It was hoped that awareness could be raised of the disproportionate effect air pollution had n children`s health, and he emphasised the health and economic costs of air pollution.

Carl Griffiths provided some background stating that there were approximately 47 sites at which levels were monitored with the majority of sites being in Wycombe, some in Marlow and in Stokenchurch. The levels were found to be worst along the arterial roads.

A Member raised concern regarding public transport which was using buses that had been retired from other cities, which had now brought in clean air zones and therefore not allowed to be used there. He asked what actions could be taken to prevent this practice. He was informed that such cities were in control of their own public transport and had been in receipt of grants to upgrade their transport systems.  It was confirmed that the Government had now cut funding for buses, in terms of receiving grants for low emission buses.

Another Member expressed her frustration at the large number of unattended roadworks and that Transport for Bucks needed to take more responsibility to ensure this this did not happen

RESOLVED: That the petition be noted, and that further discussions continue with the support of the relevant Buckinghamshire Council officers, residents and Community Groups at the Local Infrastructure and Transport or Environment and Climate Change action groups.

Cllr Wassell provided a summary of the work that had been undertaken by the Community Cohesion Sub Group. Priorities had been identified including helping those suffering with long Covid, those who were terminally ill along with their carers, youth homelessness, and those who found themselves housebound due to physical and mental health issues during the pandemic. It was emphasised that the sub group was acting proactively, stimulating bids to be put forward.  

The Board heard from the experiences and successes of 2 of the projects that had been running including signposting (aimed at providing a service to young homeless people, to help them navigate their way through all available services). Aspire (which aimed to support young people at risk of criminal exploitation and offending).

An overview of the Community Board profile was also presented which also outlined some public health recommendations for the local area, whereby proposals could potentially be further developed or funded by the Board. It was confirmed that the health profile for High Wycombe was below the county average but similar to the English average. The recommendations were suggestions designed to complement and not replace the local knowledge held by the Board.

Update on Council wide matters of interest (Nick Graham) – 10 mins

• For attendees to ask any questions submitted in advance or to receive questions from those in attendance (10 mins)

Information was provided on the Proud of Bucks awards, the nominations for which had closed at the end of December. The awards had a winner and a highly commended for each of the award categories, with three categories for adult, young person and group. High Wycombe had received 31 different nominations in total for the three categories

Members noted that a presentation for the winners was planned to take place on 3 March at the Queen Victoria Road offices.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

TBC

The date of the next meeting was yet to be confirmed