Agenda item

Questions frommembers ofthe publiccan besubmitted in advance of the meeting to Amersham@Buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Lizzie Wright, Community Board Manager highlighted the focus to increase access to local sports facilities for young people. Discussions were ongoing with interested parties and Everyone Active to secure regular sports sessions at a reduced cost. The Community Board Manager was liaising with James Sexton, General Manager for Everyone Active and members were encouraged to get in touch if they were interested in assisting.

A member advised the outside areas of Chilterns Lifestyle Centre were not being maintained. It was noted rubbish had accumulated, vegetation was not watered and weeding was required. It was confirmed the outside area was weeded the day before and the general maintenance had been raised with John O’Connor the contractor. They would attend weekly for weeding and a couple of times a week to water shrubs and newly planted trees. The cabinet member for leisure Cllr Clive Harriss would be notified.

The Community Board Manager highlighted a local theatre company were in need of a premise at least 11,000 square feet in Amersham. The group were well established and provided activities for young people. Members were asked to contact the Community Board Manager for any venue suggestions. It was commented St John’s Church in Amersham could be suitable. 

It was highlighted the WhizzFizzFest events were held at libraries across the county. The event at Amersham library was held on 29^th July and featured activities included a spy show, craft workshop and a trail around the town.

There was a lengthy discussion regarding issues with parking at Sycamore Road, Amersham. The payment machines were unable to accept cash and the RingGo cashless system was either not working or defaulting to charging extra fees to receive confirmation of parking texts. It was noted not all residents have access to smartphones and there were instances of residents not being able to pay to park thus risking a fine. The issues had been raised with the parking services team at Buckinghamshire Council and the Leader of the Council. It was highlighted the machines would be updated to include all payment options including contactless, cash and RingGo. Engineers had been booked to fix the current machines across Amersham and Chesham.

The Chair provided an update on community matters the presentation was appended to these minutes. There was a successful event for Ukrainian families held at the Beech House at the end of June. 28 families attended and received advice from family services and Citizens’ Advice Bureau. A WhatsApp group had been set up for residents. There was a request for help with English language and Bucks Adult Learning were in the process of assisting with tutoring and a language café would be set up. Amersham Youth Club had hoped to host an event on 18^th July however, due to lack of interest this would be rescheduled for a later date. Restore Hope Latimer held events on 3^rd and 4^th August for families to take part in activities.

The Community Board Manager reiterated the four priorities of the Board including health wellbeing, supporting our young people, improving our environment and enabling a safe and thriving community. Following the success of last year’s projects, the board were tracking progress and attending local events to raise awareness about how projects were delivered and developed.