Agenda item

a)      Infrastructure & Highways

b)      Supporting Economic Development

c)      Improving Our Environment

d)      Wellbeing

a)      Infrastructure & Highways

Councillor Ralph Bagge updated the Community Board on the Infrastructure and Highways action group. A meeting had been arranged for Wednesday 9 February 2022 to review the project initiation documents from Transport for Bucks (TfB) in response to the requests from Parish Councils. The proposals would be discussed to see whether they meet the needs of the commissioning councils and whether it fits in with the budget. Members noted the schemes that had been recently put forward including:

·       Bids from Dorney Parish Council, Taplow Parish Council, and Stoke Poges Parish Council for extended barriers on footpaths outside of schools.

·       Bid from Burnham Parish Council for bike racks.

It was agreed that a list of all current applications would be appended to these minutes.

Councillor George Sandy later called for the speed limit restrictions in Marsh Lane, Taplow to be reinstated. It was also suggested that the group consider speed restrictions for the junction by Taplow Common Road and Clifton Road.

b)      Supporting Economic Development

Councillor George Sandy presented the update for the Supporting Economic Development action group. Members were informed of the following points:

·       The action group had received a presentation from Buckinghamshire Business First on how to encourage economic development and get people engaged with businesses.

·       The group was still exploring the possibility of reviewing parking charges to allow for half-an-hour free parking to support retailers in Burnham.

·       The advantage card scheme had been revitalised, with an updated website showing the new offers available. As of this meeting, there was 15 retailers displaying window stickers and posters were displayed on the Highstreet.

·       Councillor Thomas Hogg discussed the possibility of a coworking space and it was agreed that this would be a planning matter.

c)      Improving Our Environment

Councillor Dev Dhillon presented an update for the Improving Our Environment action group. The following points were raised:

·       The action group were looking at the possibility of community water fountains and bike racks in Farnham Royal.

·       The highways pilot project in Taplow to promote recycling.

·       The solar panel initiative in High Wycombe.

·       An application for bike racks in Burnham.

·       Issues with complaints being responded to in a timely manner. It was suggested that these be escalated directly to the relevant cabinet members and deputy cabinet members.

In the discussion that followed, it was noted that the Burnham area was having difficulties with household collections taking small electrical items. Councillor Nick Naylor, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Regulatory Services, informed the Community Board that this had been raised with the responsible Cabinet Member and was awaiting a response.

George Chapman, Burnham Rotary Club, supported the recommendation for funding water taps in Burnham. The benefits of this was noted as reducing plastic waste and littering. Mr Chapman suggested monitoring the success of this initiative and to look at spreading the initiative more widely in the county.

d)      Wellbeing

 Councillor Trevor Egleton updated the Members on the Wellbeing Action Group. The group had met twice since the last Beeches Community Board meeting on Thursday 25 November 2021 and Thursday 20 January 2022. The Board was given an update on funding requests, noting that funding for Dementia-Friendly Gentle Exercise Classes, CHAT charity (bereavement counselling), and respite care for a disabled child had been agreed. It was noted that a substantial funding request for ‘Active in the Community’ for Burnham Grammar School would be discussed in an upcoming action group meeting.

The following projects and events were noted:

·       The roll out of intergenerational projects, to get primary schools involved with local care homes.

·       The reintroduction of Movers and Shakers, to help those with dementia or restricted movement.

·       The Youth Outreach programme.

·       To join up footpaths and rights of way in different parishes.

·       To utilise the free health check service, which works within the National Health Service (NHS) to provide general health checks in the workplace. This would be beneficial in early diagnosis of health problems such as diabetes. The action group had been discussing where these visits could be held.

·       The Rotary Club Donkey Darby. An application had been put in to assist with funding for toilets, parking, and waste disposal. It was noted that this event would be helpful in gaining visibility for the work of the Community Board, as the event usually had over 5000 people in attendance.

It was explained that the grants process had been more efficient and it was agreed that the Wellbeing Action Group could hold additional meetings to discuss grants. Councillor Egleton encouraged other members of the community to join the action group.

In the discussion that followed, it was suggested that the action group could look at data collected by the Buckinghamshire Education Team reviewing the height and weight of primary school children. It was noted that Burnham Health Promotion Trust had seen an increase in mental health referrals for teenagers.