Agenda item

The Chairman welcomed updates from Board Members on community activities and projects.

Cllr Tony Shinner provided an update on community matters in Chalfont St Peter.

• The Big Biodiversity Battle which received funding from the Community Board was well underway and had enabled valuable improvements to open spaces. There had been a lot of interest from volunteers such as schools, churches, businesses and local groups.
• The recently opened Memorial Gardens have proved very popular with local residents.
• The Council has received a planning application for a new motorway service station next to the Colne Valley Regional Park which was geographically within Chalfont St Peter.
• There was a request for the Community Board and Highways Team at Buckinghamshire Council to assess Bull Lane in Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St Peter after a potentially fatal road accident involving a young child.
• Over 1500 residents turned out for the lighting of the Queen’s Jubilee beacon in the village last Thursday.
• There were several Ukrainian families resettled in the village who have settled into the area well.
• The traffic survey on the A413 conducted by Buckinghamshire Council had been received. The Community Board had assisted with the funding for the survey. There would be an estimated cost of £28,000 to replace speed signage highlighting a reduction from 70mph to 50mph. Further details had been requested.

Cllr David Brackin highlighted the top community priorities for Fulmer Parish Council.

• A top priority was road safety as there had been a number of collisions. Pinewood Studios would assist with funding and whilst the work has been negotiated with Buckinghamshire Council there were concerns about pricing and the quality of the work. Assistance with speed assessments would be appreciated and the parish council were in the process of setting up SpeedWatch and MVAS.
• Another priority was further development of the King George field community hub which provided a positive wellbeing space during the covid19 pandemic. Development of the studio was a priority and further funding would be needed. The Board helped with funding for parking on the verges last year and bike racks had been mounted which were well used.
• There had been a number of complaints received regarding missed waste collections in the area which were due to operational issues. It was requested this issue was escalated at Buckinghamshire Council, although this was currently being addressed by the Cabinet Member.
• Other priorities included improved communications on broadband and attention to developments at Pinewood Studios as a new planning application for further development had been submitted. The full list of priorities was appended to these minutes.

A Member highlighted the parish could obtain devolved responsibility for highway changes, it was agreed further discussion would take place outside of the Board meeting.

Cllr Michael Bracken advised there had been a large number of very successful events across the Community Board area for the Queens Jubilee and requested a meeting to feedback knowledge and experiences. The Chairman highlighted there was a quarterly meeting for Community Board Chairmen and Parish Councils which would be useful in sharing experiences of events. It was requested the Community Board Manager added this as an item on those meetings in the future.

Cllr Des Bray requested assistance in finding a location for a new community orchard project in Chalfont St Giles. This would be an area for residents to relax and learn about cultivation of fruit trees with the possibility of involving local school children. An application for funding would be submitted to the Board in the near future.

Cllr Isobel Darby highlighted the two upcoming events Chalfont St Giles Show and Feast Day were not led by the Parish Councils. These were very successful and large scale events put on by community organisations therefore, it would be useful to have their feedback as well as Councils. The Community Board would have a pitch and information display at the Chalfont St Giles feast day on 25^th June.

Cllr Julia Walsh gave an update on the Denham area, there were 17 Jubilee events across Denham including well attended street parties and the lighting up of the church tower to coincide with the lighting of the Queens Jubilee beacons. It was reported the Denham Scout Hut had been badly burnt by vandals which was a great concern and disappointment to residents and the Parish Council. The fire could have been attributed to gas bottles which had been left on the premise for a considerable amount of time. The Parish Council were liaising with Buckinghamshire Council to discuss options for the site and there was potential for the Community Board to assist with funding an alternative community building.

Jane Chamberlain advised the Board on updates from Chalfont St Giles.

• The HS2 tunnels had been constructed under the village with construction moving towards Amersham next. The Parish Council were liaising with HS2 for funding to refurbish the village pond and playgrounds.
• There had been a focus on traffic calming measures in the village which included raising zebra crossings and making safer walking routes to schools and recreational grounds.
• It had been a busy weekend for the Queens Jubilee celebrations for the events team who arranged a street party in the centre of the village with over 3000 attendees. The Church, Community Orchard and the Parish Council hosted an event on the Saturday which included a brass band and fancy dress.
•  The next event upcoming was the Chalfont St Giles Show on 3^rd September 2022.

Cllr Andrew Wood gave an update on projects in Gerrards Cross.

• Community safety was a big priority and the installation of CCTV in the area. Discussions were ongoing with Buckinghamshire Council with the Council seeking further electrical testing. The budget for the project was £35,000 however £70,000 had already been spent. There had been frustrations at the lengthy process and the Parish were liaising with the Highways Manager.   
• Cllr Wood advised he attended the task and finish group which was looking at the contract tendering for Transport for Bucks including process improvements. It was noted all options were being explored including more devolved powers for Town and Parishes relating to highways.

·         It was advised the Parish raised £11,000 for the Queens Jubilee event on Saturday as sponsorship from local businesses. Parishes were encouraged to seek local business support for future events as £26,000 had already been raised this way for the Christmas lights.