As we look forward to the hope and promise of the New Year, with a new American President to be followed we hope as soon as possible by a new Conservative Prime Minister, David Cameron, I would like to share with you the beautiful poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson which sums up the feelings and sentiments of the season.
A very Happy Christmas to all.
Ring Out, Wild Bells
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809 - 1892)
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.
Ring out the want, the care the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
Claydon House
Claydon House Gardens
Sunday 7 December 2008
AVDC keeps Council Tax proposed increase low despite pressure on budget
Council on target for low tax increases
A council tax rise well below inflation is being put forward by Aylesbury Vale District Council in its draft budget proposals for next year.
Cabinet members met on 2 December to agree a provisional budget which proposes to reduce the increase in the district council’s tax charge from four per cent this year to two per cent for 2009/10, well below the current rate of inflation.
The proposed rise of two per cent in the district’s council tax charge is an increase of £2.53 per year for an average Band D property, or some five pence per week.
This will take the district’s share of council tax for a Band D property to £128.57 per year. AVDC’s share of the bill is added to by the county council, parish and town councils and the police and fire authorities.
A two per cent council tax increase is being proposed despite another low government grant increase. It was announced this week that the council would receive an increase of just 1.1 per cent.
AVDC has identified a potential £1.7 million in efficiency savings for the next financial year, minimising wherever possible any impact on front-line services. Substantial savings will be made on salaries through a series of restructuring plans, retirements and not filling existing vacant posts.
This year’s budget process has been made even more difficult by the global credit crunch, which has created a £482,000 shortfall in expected revenue income. Two income sources hardest hit are fees for land searches and planning application fees.
A council tax rise well below inflation is being put forward by Aylesbury Vale District Council in its draft budget proposals for next year.
Cabinet members met on 2 December to agree a provisional budget which proposes to reduce the increase in the district council’s tax charge from four per cent this year to two per cent for 2009/10, well below the current rate of inflation.
The proposed rise of two per cent in the district’s council tax charge is an increase of £2.53 per year for an average Band D property, or some five pence per week.
This will take the district’s share of council tax for a Band D property to £128.57 per year. AVDC’s share of the bill is added to by the county council, parish and town councils and the police and fire authorities.
A two per cent council tax increase is being proposed despite another low government grant increase. It was announced this week that the council would receive an increase of just 1.1 per cent.
AVDC has identified a potential £1.7 million in efficiency savings for the next financial year, minimising wherever possible any impact on front-line services. Substantial savings will be made on salaries through a series of restructuring plans, retirements and not filling existing vacant posts.
This year’s budget process has been made even more difficult by the global credit crunch, which has created a £482,000 shortfall in expected revenue income. Two income sources hardest hit are fees for land searches and planning application fees.
Where should 10,000 new homes be built in Aylesbury Vale ? Have your say
Direction of Housing Growth at Aylesbury - Public Consultation Closes on 12 December 2008
Aylesbury Vale District Council started a major public consultation at the end of October about where 10,000 new homes should be built around Aylesbury by 2026.
Three options are being considered as part of this consultation:
• Eastern growth arc
• Southern growth arc
• Combined east and southern growth arc
There is still time to comment if people wish to do so. AVDC must receive all comments by the end of Friday 12 December 2008 and they can be submitted by post or via the council’s website.
All comments will be taken into account before the council submits its proposals to the government next year.
The full documentation and the questionnaire can be downloaded from the AVDC website: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/ldf The consultation documents are also available from the AVDC customer service centres in Aylesbury, Buckingham and Winslow, and from libraries in Aylesbury. An exhibition showing the proposals is on display in the customer service centre at the High Street office in Aylesbury. For more information, please call (01296) 585439 or email avldf@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
Aylesbury Vale District Council started a major public consultation at the end of October about where 10,000 new homes should be built around Aylesbury by 2026.
Three options are being considered as part of this consultation:
• Eastern growth arc
• Southern growth arc
• Combined east and southern growth arc
There is still time to comment if people wish to do so. AVDC must receive all comments by the end of Friday 12 December 2008 and they can be submitted by post or via the council’s website.
All comments will be taken into account before the council submits its proposals to the government next year.
The full documentation and the questionnaire can be downloaded from the AVDC website: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/ldf The consultation documents are also available from the AVDC customer service centres in Aylesbury, Buckingham and Winslow, and from libraries in Aylesbury. An exhibition showing the proposals is on display in the customer service centre at the High Street office in Aylesbury. For more information, please call (01296) 585439 or email avldf@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
Free Home Energy Report available from AVDC
Free Personalized Home Energy Report
The Council, in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust (EST) is offering a free (Funded by Government through the EST) personalized home energy report.
Letters were sent out today (3 December) to 25,620 Aylesbury Vale households enticing them to complete a Home Energy Check questionnaire. The addresses have been selected using EST’s market segmentation data which identifies:
• Those receptive to energy saving
• Those receptive to a climate change message
• Those with a willingness and the means to act
The report will demonstrate how householders can reduce their energy bills and help fight climate change. It will also indicate the energy efficiency of the resident's home on a scale of A-G. The most energy efficient homes, which should have the lowest fuel bills, are in bands A-C.
The report will also give practical advice on how to save energy to improve a home's rating and at the same time lower fuel bills.
For a free personalized home energy report, residents need to fill in the form enclosed with the letter and return it in the freepost envelope provided. Alternatively, they can complete it online at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/check and get their results instantly.
By completing the home energy check you'll help the Council collect data on reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the council area and understand where to carry out future energy saving projects.
The Council, in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust (EST) is offering a free (Funded by Government through the EST) personalized home energy report.
Letters were sent out today (3 December) to 25,620 Aylesbury Vale households enticing them to complete a Home Energy Check questionnaire. The addresses have been selected using EST’s market segmentation data which identifies:
• Those receptive to energy saving
• Those receptive to a climate change message
• Those with a willingness and the means to act
The report will demonstrate how householders can reduce their energy bills and help fight climate change. It will also indicate the energy efficiency of the resident's home on a scale of A-G. The most energy efficient homes, which should have the lowest fuel bills, are in bands A-C.
The report will also give practical advice on how to save energy to improve a home's rating and at the same time lower fuel bills.
For a free personalized home energy report, residents need to fill in the form enclosed with the letter and return it in the freepost envelope provided. Alternatively, they can complete it online at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/check and get their results instantly.
By completing the home energy check you'll help the Council collect data on reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the council area and understand where to carry out future energy saving projects.
Tuesday 2 December 2008
Update on East-West Railway
I have taken a close interest in the progress of the plans for the East-West railway from Oxford to Bletchley, which runs through the Claydons. Stage 3 of the planning process is well advanced, and an updated report is available on the East-West Rail website. Key dates in the timetable are:
• Award contract for next phase - By end November 2008
• Surveys to Commence - January 2009
• Phase 1 Complete (GRIP 3/4)- By end April 2009
• Design Specification Fixed - By end May 2009
• Commencement of Phase 2 (GRIP 4) - By end June 2009
• GRIP 4 Review and Commission complete - By end December 2009
Thus, by the end of December 2009 the work specification and planning for developing the chosen option should be completed.
From the East-West Rail Oct 2008 update (full version on website):
Regular liaison between the project and the rail industry has been a key element of work during the development of the brief for the next phase. As a result of ongoing discussions the following additional design elements will be evaluated to GRIP 3during the next phase in parallel with some essential topographical survey, geotechnical investigations and structural assessments of existing earthwork embankments and bridges.
(i) Strategic Freight Route
The route between Oxford and Bletchley has been identified by Network Rail as a potential strategic freight route if there were to be some gauge enhancement of the Midland Main Line north of Bedford. This requires the re-opening of the former freight line from Oxford to Bletchley.
(ii) Inter-Regional Passenger Services
The western section of East West Rail could provide an alternative route to bypass the congested rail network around Birmingham for north-south Cross- Country passenger services.
(iii) Bletchley to Bedford train services
Certain aspects of the Promoter’s base case option, namely the section of existing railway between Bletchley and Bedford, will be incorporated into the commission as a provisional item. This is due to uncertainty surrounding the level of train services that may be required by either the potential Eco-Town at Marston Vale and/or the partnership of local authorities within Bedfordshire.
(iv) Oxford to Marylebone train services
Consideration is to be given to an Oxford to Marylebone service routed via High Wycombe with a new cord at Bicester. It is likely that this would be 2 trains per hour service and the proposal is being promoted by Chiltern Railways, as their Evergreen 3 scheme. This proposal may lead to improvements at Oxford Station enabling train services to make use of the disused parcel bay platforms. To avoid duplicating development work, MKP and the East West Rail Consortium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chiltern Railways that will see the East-West Rail requirements west of Bicester developed as part of Evergreen 3, should Chiltern Railways be given the go ahead by DfT Rail.
See below for Claydon Station in its glory days.
• Award contract for next phase - By end November 2008
• Surveys to Commence - January 2009
• Phase 1 Complete (GRIP 3/4)- By end April 2009
• Design Specification Fixed - By end May 2009
• Commencement of Phase 2 (GRIP 4) - By end June 2009
• GRIP 4 Review and Commission complete - By end December 2009
Thus, by the end of December 2009 the work specification and planning for developing the chosen option should be completed.
From the East-West Rail Oct 2008 update (full version on website):
Regular liaison between the project and the rail industry has been a key element of work during the development of the brief for the next phase. As a result of ongoing discussions the following additional design elements will be evaluated to GRIP 3during the next phase in parallel with some essential topographical survey, geotechnical investigations and structural assessments of existing earthwork embankments and bridges.
(i) Strategic Freight Route
The route between Oxford and Bletchley has been identified by Network Rail as a potential strategic freight route if there were to be some gauge enhancement of the Midland Main Line north of Bedford. This requires the re-opening of the former freight line from Oxford to Bletchley.
(ii) Inter-Regional Passenger Services
The western section of East West Rail could provide an alternative route to bypass the congested rail network around Birmingham for north-south Cross- Country passenger services.
(iii) Bletchley to Bedford train services
Certain aspects of the Promoter’s base case option, namely the section of existing railway between Bletchley and Bedford, will be incorporated into the commission as a provisional item. This is due to uncertainty surrounding the level of train services that may be required by either the potential Eco-Town at Marston Vale and/or the partnership of local authorities within Bedfordshire.
(iv) Oxford to Marylebone train services
Consideration is to be given to an Oxford to Marylebone service routed via High Wycombe with a new cord at Bicester. It is likely that this would be 2 trains per hour service and the proposal is being promoted by Chiltern Railways, as their Evergreen 3 scheme. This proposal may lead to improvements at Oxford Station enabling train services to make use of the disused parcel bay platforms. To avoid duplicating development work, MKP and the East West Rail Consortium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chiltern Railways that will see the East-West Rail requirements west of Bicester developed as part of Evergreen 3, should Chiltern Railways be given the go ahead by DfT Rail.
See below for Claydon Station in its glory days.
Aylesbury Area Education Plan
The following information about the Aylesbury Area Education Plan has been circulated by Bucks County Council. A public consultation is taking place about the future of education in our area. Please take this opportunity to make your views heard.
AYLESBURY AREA PLAN
I am writing to let you know about an important consultation on education provision in the Aylesbury Area.
All over the country, local authorities are reviewing the way their schools are organised. In Buckinghamshire the challenge is characterised by a decline in pupil population in some areas, whilst in other parts of the county the expansion of new housing will mean a need for more school places.
The County Council has therefore started a programme of seven Area Plans, starting with the Aylesbury Area. These plans will in time cover the whole of the county, highlight the current situation, show future projections and put forward options for addressing the identified issues.
We are very keen to consult with as many individuals, groups and partners as possible to gain their views on the options in the Aylesbury Plan. Whilst this may not directly effect all recipients of this letter, we felt it would be helpful to inform you of the consultation, in light of the proposal to roll out plans for the rest of the county in the future. I would therefore encourage you to go on line at:
www.buckscc.gov.uk/aylesburyplan
You can either complete the consultation on-line or post it to the address shown on the plan. The deadline for responses is 6 February 2009.
>
AYLESBURY AREA PLAN
I am writing to let you know about an important consultation on education provision in the Aylesbury Area.
All over the country, local authorities are reviewing the way their schools are organised. In Buckinghamshire the challenge is characterised by a decline in pupil population in some areas, whilst in other parts of the county the expansion of new housing will mean a need for more school places.
The County Council has therefore started a programme of seven Area Plans, starting with the Aylesbury Area. These plans will in time cover the whole of the county, highlight the current situation, show future projections and put forward options for addressing the identified issues.
We are very keen to consult with as many individuals, groups and partners as possible to gain their views on the options in the Aylesbury Plan. Whilst this may not directly effect all recipients of this letter, we felt it would be helpful to inform you of the consultation, in light of the proposal to roll out plans for the rest of the county in the future. I would therefore encourage you to go on line at:
www.buckscc.gov.uk/aylesburyplan
You can either complete the consultation on-line or post it to the address shown on the plan. The deadline for responses is 6 February 2009.
>
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Steeple Claydon spire seen through oak trees
Map of Claydon Station
Meeting our local PCSO
Supporting our local businesses
With anti HS2 campaigners in Calvert