Agenda item

To provide an update on the key activities of the action groups(reports for each group included in the agenda pack).

To be presented by Councillor Matthew Walsh.

See reports detailed in the Agenda Pack.

MW asked Valerie McPherson (VM) for an update on the work of the Community Resilience Action Group. VM confirmed:

Orchard View Farm Community Garden: Once the weather improved, the fences and ground would be sorted. There was enormous interest, which included two disability groups. Eight plots would initially be available.

Walk with us Bucks: There would be varying levels of ability and approximately 14 volunteers were ready to start. The comms was being produced by the National Trust (NT), Hughenden, and would be promoted by the NT and the Community Board. Social Prescribers and various groups had been approached and hope to refer appropriate clients.

Environment and Climate Change: MW highlighted that discussions were being had with Stokenchurch Scouts on a proposed pond renovation, the Environment team at Buckinghamshire Council on Carbon Literacy training for Town and Parish Council’s, groups and organisations to attend, a wildflower project on Chipps Hill with Piddington and Wheeler End Parish Council, a Cycling Signage proposal with the Chiltern Society and an energy efficiency lighting project with Great Kingshill Village Hall.

Economic Regeneration and Development: MW advised that the Business Networking event was on 29 February 2024. JB confirmed that 40 individuals had booked to attend, which included Buckinghamshire Councillors from the North West Chilterns and South West Chilterns Community Board’s. One of the attendees was part of a camper van business which would be parked outside to promote.

Transport and Road Issues: CE said he was now chairing this group as Jim Stevens (JS) had decided to step down. CE said thank you to JS, who was the lead for several years, whose expertise was second to none. CE believed we were very fortunate to have him on board. For example he wrote the A4010 strategy, which the Community Board were still progressing. CE advised that there was a lack of funding and it would take many years to improve the A4010 (which was a strategic north-south route) as we would require government funding to complete the various elements of work.

CE stated that the group were progressing the three petitions (from Radnage Parish Council, Lacey Green Parish Council and Bledlow cum Saunderton Parish Council) for improving road safety. The group were also looking to engage with Buckinghamshire Highways (BH) as they were one year into their contract, and as we can now contact BH more freely, the group would like to discuss some of the recommendations generated at our meetings. On the rail front, the group would be inviting representatives from Chiltern Railways to an action group meeting in April, because Princes Risborough did not appear to be a main stopping point. Trains stopped at Thame and Haddenham Parkway, and the group wanted to encourage them to stop more frequently at Princes Risborough station, the gateway to The Chilterns. Also, from an economic regeneration perspective, if we could encourage more tourism from London to spend a weekend in the Chilterns, (which had so much offer), it would boost our economy.

MW echoed his thanks to JS and said he appreciated the work that he did for the Community Board.