ClaydonConservative

AVDC freezes council tax again

2012-02-02T11:58:00.000-08:00

Council tax to be frozen for second year running

Aylesbury Vale District Council has voted to freeze council tax for the second year running. The freeze has been made possible by a one-off grant from the government, which is being offered to all local authorities that do not increase their council tax in 2012/13.
It will mean the district council element of residents’ total council tax bill will remain at £131.07 for an average Band D property – which is the equivalent of just £2.52 a week. This helps pay for a wide range of services including housing support, planning, refuse and recycling services and street cleaning.
In developing a budget for the 2012/13 financial year, the council has had to find £2.6 million in savings from its £18 million revenue budget due to reduced government funding and pressures such as the increased cost of utilities (fuel and electricity). This saving is needed on top of the £1.2 million savings delivered to balance the 2011/12 budget. In 2013/14, the council will need to save at least another £1 million to balance the books.
An array of saving solutions have been approved by councillors to allow the council to have a balanced budget position for the next financial year.

Calvert Incinerator planning application

2012-01-29T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Calvert Incinerator planning application is due to be considered by Bucks County Council's Development Control Committee at Stoke Mandeville Stadium on 14th Feb 2012.
Unfortunately it was decided that local District Councillors would have no specific right to speak at this meeting, so I have registered to attend and speak as a member of the public.

An excellent summary of the arguments against the application were submitted to the County Council by AVDC last year:

1. That the proposal conflicts with policies 10, 11 and 17 of the Buckinghamshire
Minerals and Waste Local Plan in that the need for a single energy from waste
plant, of the scale being proposed, to serve Buckinghamshire has not been
established and that proposals for the recycling of waste have not been fully
evaluated and incorporated into the scheme. Further the proposal does not
conform with the proximity principle nor has it adequately addressed the waste
hierarchy principles set out in PPS 10.

2. That the proposal conflicts with policy 19 of the Buckinghamshire Minerals and
Waste Local Plan and PPS 10 in that it would be visually harmful and fail to
ensure the long term restoration of the Calvert Landfill Site.

3. That the proposed plant would constitute an urban and visually intrusive feature in an area of quiet rural landscape harming views across in conflict with advice in
PPS7.

4. That the proposed plant would harm the settings of the Grade II Listed Lower
Greatmoor Farmhouse and Finmerehill House in conflict with advice in PPS5.

5. That the proposed access road to the site would cause serious harm to the
populations of Black Hairstreak butterflies, Bechstein Bats and other protected
species that currently populate the disused railway line between the A41 and the
site; that inadequate surveys have been carried out to fully assess the impact of the
development on biodiversity, in conflict with advice in PPS9.

6. That the proposed access road and noise and general disturbance engendered by its
use by heavy goods vehicles would conflict with policy GP8 of the Aylesbury
Vale Local Plan and would reduce the level of residential amenities to nearby
dwellings to a level below that which they could reasonably expect to enjoy.

It is hard to think of a more unsuitable location for an incinerator than one surrounded by sites of special scientific interest of national importance, at the other end of the county from where most of the waste is produced, with no suitable or adequate access roads, and less than 15 miles from another 300,000 tonne incinerator which has just been given planning permission. To add insult to injury, although it is located right next to a railway line there are no plans under the current contract to bring in any of the waste by rail.

East West Rail video

2012-01-08T04:49:00.000-08:00

A video to set out the benefits of the East West Rail project has been added to the website and can be seen at the following link:

http://eastwestrail.org.uk/video/

Have your say on the future of Aylesbury Vale

2011-12-30T06:05:00.000-08:00

How many new jobs and homes should be created in Aylesbury Vale? That’s the big question that Aylesbury Vale District Council is asking residents in a major consultation set to get underway.

Between 1 December 2011 and 26 January 2012, the district council wants to hear what local people, community groups, parish and town councils and other organisations think is the right level of new housing and jobs in the Vale over the next 20 years.

The move comes after the government announced its intention to abolish the South East Plan, taking with it the requirement to build 1,060 homes a year in Aylesbury Vale. This means it will now be down to the council to make these local decisions for our district.

Over the past few years the district has seen an average of 750 new homes built every year. With regional targets set to be abolished the council is going back to the drawing board to look again at what is the right figure for the number of new jobs and homes for the Vale.

AVDC cannot just say that no more housing will be built, as homes will be needed for young people that have grown up in the Vale and older people that want to stay in the area and downsize after their families have flown the nest.

In addition, the council needs to create a thriving and prosperous district, by attracting new businesses to the Vale. New homes will be required so that people can afford to live in the area and not have to commute in and out every day, making congestion worse.

The consultation will put forward four possible scenarios for housing and job numbers for the Vale to 2031, ranging from 4,500 homes up to 13,500 homes. The options are:
• 4,500 to 6,700 homes and 0 to 3,000 jobs
• 6,750 to 9,000 homes and 3,000 to 6,100 jobs
• 9,000 to 11,250 homes and 6,100 to 9,100 jobs
• 11,250 to 13,500 homes and 9,100 to 12,000 jobs

The proposed figures are all lower than the level of new jobs and homes the council had to plan for in the past. They are based on careful consideration of a number of factors including current and future levels of housing need and affordability; predictions about changes in the population, demographics, births and deaths and changes in household size; how the economy may perform; the number of jobs and houses provided over the past few years; how new housing can support the local economy; and a number of other relevant studies and evidence.

Planners have put forward the figures as part of work on a new planning policy for the district over the next 20 years called the Vale of Aylesbury Plan. Planning applications will be judged against this once it is approved and finalised in about two years time.

People are also being asked to comment on how new homes might be distributed across the Vale. The options are:
• Continue past trends: based upon where recent development has taken place in the district
• Economic led: based on economic forecasts for where jobs growth is most likely to occur
• New settlement: based on concentrating homes at one or two theoretical new settlements in the district
• Population and demographic change: based on ten year population trend projections
• Housing need: based on affordable housing needs analysis, putting growth where housing need is greatest
• Maintain work age population: based on demographic need projections
• Urban concentration: concentrating new homes in the more urban areas of the district, which continues the council’s present policy approach

Councillor Carole Paternoster, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “We must balance the need to protect the environment of the district with our communities’ jobs and housing needs, and the infrastructure which is essential to make it all work. Building new homes is an emotive issue and it is only right that we go back to the drawing board, look at the needs of our district and ask people what they think is the right number of new houses and jobs for the Vale. I look forward to hearing residents’ views on the options for the jobs and housing numbers we are putting forward.”

To ensure the consultation will engage with as many people as possible, three drop-in sessions will be held so that residents can talk with planning officers about the content of the document. The sessions will take place at:
• Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – Tuesday 10 January, from 3pm to 8pm
• Buckingham Community Centre – Wednesday 11 January, from 3pm to 8pm
• The Winslow Centre – Wednesday 18 January, from 3pm to 8pm

Comments must be received by Thursday 26 January 2012. The responses will then feed into the work on the Vale of Aylesbury Plan, alongside the engagement that the council is currently undertaking with parish and town councils, key stakeholders and technical evidence. There will be a further opportunity to comment later in 2012 as the plan moves forward.

Happy New Year from your District Councillor

2011-12-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

Wishing all the residents of the Claydons a happy and prosperous New Year, and looking forward to continuing to serve you in 2012. Please do not hesitate to contact me over any local issues which you would like to discuss.

Refuse and Recycling collections over Christmas and the New Year

2011-12-30T05:59:00.000-08:00

Aylesbury Vale District Council’s refuse and recycling collections change over the festive period due to the public bank holidays.

Listed below are the holiday collection dates:

Date Revised collections
Monday 26 Dec No collection
Tuesday 27 Dec No collection
Wednesday 28 Dec Normal collection
Thursday 29 Dec Normal collection
Friday 30 Dec Normal collection

Monday 2 Jan Tuesday 3 Jan
Tuesday 3 Jan Wednesday 4 Jan
Wednesday 4 Jan Thursday 5 Jan
Thursday 5 Jan Friday 6 Jan
Friday 6 Jan Saturday 7 Jan

Some encouraging news on East West Rail

2011-12-06T01:43:00.000-08:00

From the County Council:

East-West Rail Consortium members today (Monday December 5) gave Transport Minister Theresa Villiers a first hand view of the proposals to link Oxford, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury and Bedford by rail, when she visited Bicester Town station.

Her visit follows Chancellor George Osborne's announcement in last week's Autumn Statement that east-west rail is included in the government's rail investment programme for 2014 to 2019. It could be running by 2017, making it the first railway in England to be reopened since the 1960s Beeching era.

The Minister met local MPs and Consortium members, and saw plans and schematics for the proposed route. Bicester Town, currently the end of the line for a shuttle train to Oxford, will be developed by Chiltern Railways as part of its new London to Oxford service, and form the junction for the planned east-west rail line towards Milton Keynes.

The Consortium of businesses and local authorities has for 16 years been championing the cause of improved east-west rail links to improve transport connections and stimulate economic growth, and Chairman Neil Gibson said members were encouraged by the minister's visit. 'This really does put us on track for the government's investment programme,' he said. 'We've a very strong business case, but there's still much work to do to before final approval.'

Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, who met the Minister, was delighted with her endorsement. 'The Minister's visit signals strong government support for this project, which is good news for economic growth for the counties along the route,' he said.

The Consortium project board will meet on December 13 to review the implications of the Autumn Statement announcement. Partners want to identify the next steps they need to take to meet the conditions of Government support and to develop practical project arrangements with Network Rail and the rail industry.

As part of the National Infrastructure Plan, the £270 million east-west link has Government approval on two conditions: a sound business case, and a 'suitable local contribution'. Work on confirming the business case and developing a local contribution portfolio will aim at a deadline of Spring 2012.

Message on Wednesday's refuse collection from AVDC

2011-12-01T02:37:00.000-08:00

Please note that Wednesday's refuse will be collected on your next normal collection day. Services for the remainder of this week will not be affected by the strike.

Free Parking to continue in Greyhound Lane car park, Winslow

2011-10-27T07:22:00.001-07:00

Traders and shoppers in Winslow will welcome the news that parking is to remain free in the town’s Greyhound Lane car park, following an agreement reached with the town council.

Aylesbury Vale District Council’s cabinet this week approved a proposal to provide free parking in the car park until 2018.

The agreement will see Winslow Town Council contribute £5,000 in 2012/13, increasing annually by £500 until 2018 when the position will be reviewed.

The Market Square will continue to enjoy free parking for the first hour with a 50p charge for the second hour.

Earlier this year AVDC consulted on proposals to introduce parking charges in the Greyhound Lane car park. The town council and local traders raised their concerns that due to the current economic situation any charging proposals would be damaging to local businesses and could hinder any future recovery.

Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “AVDC is keen to support the local retailers and we recognise the difficult trading environment that businesses in Winslow are facing. We have met with the town council and local traders and have listened to their concerns for their businesses during these tough economic times.

“We are pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement that enabled the situation to be resolved satisfactorily for all concerned. We hope the agreement will be welcomed by businesses, visitors and shoppers who will all continue to benefit from free parking in the town.”

AVDC: free parking for Christmas shoppers

2011-10-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

Aylesbury Vale District Council is offering free parking in its Buckingham, Winslow and Wendover car parks on selected Saturdays in December.

The offer is a bid to encourage shoppers to stay local this Christmas and take advantage of the excellent mix of independent and high street shops that the district has to offer.

The town and parish councils have helped plan the free Christmas parking days, which will take place in Buckingham on 10 December and in Wendover and Winslow on 17 December.

Free parking will also be available in council car parks in Aylesbury on Thursday evenings from 4.30pm between 17 November and 22 December.

Shoppers across Aylesbury Vale are also being reminded that all of AVDC’s pay and display car parks are free to use on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

When charges are suspended in Buckingham, Wendover and Winslow, the pay and display machines will be covered and signs will be displayed to prevent any confusion. Other parking rules still apply, so motorists need to make sure they’re parked within the white lines, and stay out of spaces for the disabled unless they display a valid blue badge.

Councillor Brian Roberts, Cabinet Member for Civic Amenities, said: “This is a very positive step we can take to support our retailers at their most important time of year. Our district has a lot to offer shoppers including a wide range of small independent shops alongside the bigger stores. We want to bring visitors into the area and encourage residents to shop local too.”

What are your priorities ?

2011-09-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

At a recent workshop for local residents, the following were identified as local priorities for action and improvement:

• Evening bus services and access to leisure facilities to be improved.
• Improved support for carers
• Flood Mitigation
• Address Buckingham Hospital service reduction
• Promote Local Shopping Facilities where they exist
• Insufficient Public Transport in Rural areas
• Roads and pavements should be repaired to an acceptable standard
• Speeding on roads throughout the area
• Restrict Heavy Goods Vehicles from inappropriate roads
• Improved winter gritting and maintenance
• Make Brownfield Sites a priority over Green Sites for development
• Planning should consider the characteristics of a particular area.
• Higher Police visibility in rural areas
• Review affordable social housing policies. Encourage affordable houses over flats.
. Provide more affordable housing
• Provide Broadband internet to those areas where it is not available.
• Improved funding for village activity centres (Halls Churches etc.)
• Footpath and Street Lighting should be appropriate and maintained
• Access to Green Infrastructure

Do you agree with this list ? As your District Councillor I am always interested in what your priorities are. Please comment...

Meet your local District Councillor 15th Oct

2011-09-16T05:43:00.000-07:00

All the District Councillors for the Buckingham area, including myself, will be holding an open meeting for local residents in Buckingham Community Centre from 10.30 - 12.00 am.
Do pop in for a free cup of coffee and a chat.

News from our local PCSOs

2011-09-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

Please note the Have Your Say at Steeple Claydon Library on 20th Sept at 2.30 - 5pm

Speeding
Speed enforcement commenced in the area on 24 August in Main Street, Padbury, (07:45-09:20). 3 fixed penalty notices were issued, 38, 39 and 42 mph.
One further motorist was given advice for driving at 35 mph.

Local crime
Again, total reported crime is down; by 4 incidents in the 3 month period ending July
2011 compared to July 2010. Serious acquisitive crime, which relates to offences
such as burglary and robbery as well as motor vehicle theft , is up by 4 incidents.
Again, most of the increase is theft from vehicles. Therefore, the Neighbourhood
teams are continuing Operation Aim until Christmas which provides patrols to the
beauty spot car parks to disrupt criminal activity. This operation will still include the successful Clear Car campaign in a bid to continuously educate drivers and their families about the removal of valuable items from vehicles when unattended.
Serious violent crime remains at zero.
Criminal damage is down by 4 incidents with a slight increase in public order offences. Non-dwelling burglaries have again decreased compared to this time last year.

Have your say
Come and meet your Neighbourhood team to discuss any issues you may have. The next
opportunities are: Henry’s in Winslow High Street on 27/9/11, Whitchurch Surgery on
29/9/11 (both 1000-1200) and Steeple Claydon Library on 20/9/11 at 1430-1700.

ASB
Reports of anti-social behaviour problems occurring in Winslow.
It is believed that groups of young people have been drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs at these locations on a regular basis due to the litter and
paraphernalia left behind. It is also believed that similar activity has been occurring at the Steeple Claydon recreation ground. Extra police patrols have been carried out at all these locations over the past weeks and as a result two young people have been dealt with by Police of drug offences.
Buckingham South NHPT will be liaising with Addiction workers to carry out joint agency patrols aimed at engaging with all groups of young people in these communities and with a view to educating them about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and discouraging anti-social behaviour.

Countryside crime
Thames Valley Police attended the Bucks County Show on 1 September. The Force tractor was on display and drew large numbers of farmers and landowners again, who were interested in crime prevention ideas to disrupt the theft of farm plant and machinery. The Thames Valley Horsewatch trade stand moved from its usual location in the police area to a central position amongst the horse show rings which improved footfall immensely. A lot of interest was shown for tack marking. A Countrywatch stand was erected in the National Farmers Union trade stand which enabled officers to
talk about the benefits of the scheme to NFU visitors.
The new Aylesbury Vale Dog Watch scheme was launched. Details of the scheme were also held at all these trade stands. Aylesbury Vale District Council Community Safety team also promoted the scheme.

News on road repairs

2011-09-16T05:21:00.001-07:00

There is some good news at last from the County Council on road repairs in the Claydons, thanks to the increased road maintenance budget for Bucks over the next 2 years.

The road from Botolph Claydon to Quainton is due to be resurfaced by the end of October this year, and the road from Botolph Claydon to Calvert is due to be resurfaced in 2012/13.

Also, the road bridge over the disused railway between Steeple Claydon and Twyford will be reopened this month after temporary repairs. Congratulations to all those who made their voices heard through a local petition.

The road sign at the junction of Addisons Road and West Street, which has been defaced, is also due to be replaced.

The Local Area Forum in June also allocated funding from its 2011/12 transportation budget for new salt bins in East Claydon and Botolph Claydon, and for a vehicle activated speed warning sign in East Claydon.

Consultation on local buses

2011-09-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

The County Council are currently launching a public consultation on local bus services. Don't miss this opportunity to make your views heard. Contact details are below:

Consultation – bus routes 16, 17 & 18

The Transport for Buckinghamshire Passenger Transport Team are undertaking a
consultation as a result of a review of bus routes 16, 17 & 18. These routes serve
Waddesdon, Steeple Claydon and Marsh Gibbon and the surrounding villages and
currently provide links to Aylesbury, Buckingham and Bicester.
Information has been circulated to the LAF and any feedback or questions should be
directed to Andy Clarke, Passenger Transport Manager, by Wednesday 19th October.
Email: passtrans@buckscc.gov.uk
Post: Passenger Transport
Transport for Buckinghamshire
County Hall
Walton Street
Aylesbury
Bucks, HP20 1UY

Keep your Land Rover safe

2011-07-07T05:49:00.001-07:00

A new campaign has been launched to help reduce the number of Land Rover thefts in Aylesbury Vale.

The Love your Land Rover initiative, set up by the Aylesbury Vale Community Safety Partnership, aims to encourage owners to take simple steps to reduce the risk of their 4x4 vehicles being stolen.

Over the past 12 months there has been a significant increase in Land Rover thefts – particularly older Defender models as they don’t have the most modern security systems.

The majority of thefts have taken place in rural areas with many on farm premises. It is believed the vehicles are being stripped down and the parts either sold in this country or exported.

In light of these incidents owners are urged to be extra vigilant and ensure their vehicles are secure. The Community Safety Partnership strongly recommend the following:
• Always lock and alarm your Land Rover
• Park in a locked garage or other locked secure area or in a well-lit open space or where there is passive lighting
• Don’t leave keys in the ignition or near the front door at home
• Fit a transponder based security marking system and tracker device and etch all windows with your vehicle identification number
• If your Land Rover is over ten years old also fit an alarm and either fit an immobiliser or use a steering wheel lock

New Business advice website for Aylesbury Vale

2011-07-07T05:47:00.001-07:00

A new website designed to encourage new businesses to invest in Aylesbury Vale as well as providing essential help and advice for start-up and existing firms is now online.

The website www.investaylesburyvale.com will act as a single point of contact for business advice and support provided by Aylesbury Vale District Council and partner organisations.

Commissioned by AVDC, the website has been designed to provide user-friendly information and interactive tools for start-up, growing and relocating businesses. From the homepage users can choose which journey they wish to take, with each pathway providing tailored resources and information for the user.

The site includes lots of hints and tips, information about the support AVDC and partners can provide and signposting to other sources and help, including:
• Grants and access to sources of finance;
• Premises and commercial agents;
• Business networks and support; and
• Colleges and training organisations

There is also information about the quality of life living and working in Aylesbury Vale offers and case studies from a wide range of companies who have recently established themselves in the area who are keen to give their perspective on doing business in the Vale.

Local businesses or those thinking of relocating will also be able to sign up to the council’s online business directory and carry out commercial land and property searches.

The new website is just part of a package of support AVDC can offer businesses, including a start-up grant for businesses with a three-month trading history and directing start-ups to a range of serviced accommodation in Aylesbury Vale, including the AVDC-supported Aylesbury Enterprise and Innovation Centre, where businesses can network or hot desk, depending on their office needs.

HS2 consultation roadshow comes to Calvert Green

2011-05-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

The government's consultation roadshow event on the proposed HS2 rail scheme will come to Calvert Green Community Centre on Thursday 26th May.

The roadshow will give local people the opportunity to find out more about the project and discuss specific concerns with experts from HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport.

There will be maps and information available, including all the documents which were used to develop the proposals and the strategic thinking behind them. There will also be explanatory factsheets on a wide range of issues including local impacts and benefits. DVDs containing all the documents and maps will also be available.

All the information will also be available on the website http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/, with the documents also available as DVDs. The public can also contact the HS2 public enquiry team on 020 7944 4908 or hs2enquiries@hs2.gsi.gov.uk

The roadshow will be held on 26 May from 8am to 8pm at:

• Calvert Green Community Centre Car Park, Cotswolds Way, Calvert Green, Bucks, MK18 2FJ

Other roadshows are being held across the other areas affected by HS2 and there is a link to these details on the consultation website. The consultation is open until 29 July.

Gardens in East Claydon and Verney Junction open for charity

2011-05-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

On Sunday May 29th three gardens in East Claydon and one in Verney Junction will be open for the National Garden Scheme. All proceeds go to charity.

Combined admission £4, children free. Opening times 2-6pm.
Homemade teas in the village hall.

Gardens Open in East Claydon:

9, Church Way (plants for sale)
Inglenooks
The Old Vicarage (plants for sale)

Garden open in Verney Junction:

3, Jubilee Cottages

For more information about the gardens and to see the charities supported by the NGS see The Yellow Book, or visit www.ngs.org.uk

Message to the Electors of Steeple Claydon Ward

2011-03-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a great privilege to serve as your District Councillor for the last four years, and I would be very grateful for your vote to enable me to continue to do so in the forthcoming election on May 5th.

I care deeply about the quality of life for all the residents of the Claydons. If elected I will do everything I can to represent your interests. I have actively opposed both the proposed Energy From Waste incinerator at Calvert, and the High Speed Two plans (especially the proposals for a new infrastructure maintenance depot at Steeple Claydon), which threaten our rural way of life and the beauty of our countryside and villages.

I have lobbied hard to get our potholes fixed, our drains and pavements repaired, new salt bins installed, and our roads properly gritted in the winter. I have been closely involved in planning applications, to ensure that any new development is appropriate and sensitive to the area, and have supported plans to improve the amount of affordable housing available.

I have been happy to support successful grant applications for District Council funding to improve East and Botolph Claydon village hall, the planned new East and Botolph Claydon recreation ground and the Steeple Claydon skateboard park, and I am delighted that a popular local bakery was helped through the Council’s vital villages grant scheme.

It has been a great pleasure to be involved in so many events and activities in our villages over the last four years. The Big Society is active and thriving in the Claydons, with the local community taking over the running of its library with triumphant success, and with so many active village organisations including those caring for the elderly and providing activities for our young people. I have worked closely with our local PCSOs on issues such as illegal parking, vandalism, graffiti and anti social behaviour and feel that over this period there have been significant improvements.

As a member of the District Council I have had the honour for the past three years of
serving as Chairman of the Audit Committee, as well as on the Economy and Resources
scrutiny committees. I am proud of our many achievements, and that we have been able to freeze Council Tax this year despite severe budget pressures. In particular I have been involved closely in discussions on how we can best help the local economy through the recession, and support rural businesses and those who work from home.

We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the countryside. I grew up in Buckinghamshire and have lived in the area for the past twenty years. If elected I will do everything in my power to keep the Claydons a great place to live.

John Chilver

Bridge over troubled railway...

2011-03-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

At a recent Local Area Forum it was confirmed by Transport for Bucks that the bridge over the railway on the road leading to Twyford and Charndon will be closed for at least 18 months for structural repairs. There is apparently some uncertainty over the ownership of the adjacent land. Meanwhile a lot of traffic has been diverted along the road from Steeple Claydon to Calvert (Pond Lane)and a road which was already in a bad state has got a whole lot worse.
I reported it on the Transport For Bucks new online 'report a problem' service recently. Currently this is inaccessible - like the roads themselves it is apparently in need of repair.

http://www.transportforbucks.net/Error/error.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/Roadworks-Centre/Report-a-problem.aspx

County Council reconfirms Calvert incinerator decision

2011-03-04T02:53:00.000-08:00

Following the call in by our County Councillor John Cartwright, the decision to award the incinerator contract to WRG at Calvert was reconsidered by the County Council cabinet. On 28th Feb they decided to reconfirm the decision.

From the County Council website:

Energy from Waste - where we are now
On 28th February 2011, the County Council’s Cabinet decided that Energy from Waste was the best option to manage the county’s waste, as they reaffirmed their decision to award preferred bidder status to Waste Recycling Group (WRG) with their facility at Greatmoor, near Calvert, north Buckinghamshire.

This followed the Overview and Scrutiny Commissioning Committee’s recommendations for Cabinet to reconsider the decision to award preferred bidder status to WRG and to seek clarification on financial, legal and planning aspects of their bid. The project team prepared a detailed response to these recommendations, which were provided as part of the Cabinet papers.

WRG’s proposed facility at Greatmoor, near Calvert would supply 22MW of electricity to the national grid, enough to power up to 36,000 homes in the area. The Council expects the facility to be operating by 2014, subject to WRG gaining planning and permitting consents. The contract, once agreed, will be for a 30 year period.

The project team will now work with WRG to clarify and confirm commitments and undertake final due diligence. The final decision to award the contract will be considered by the County Council’s Cabinet in the autumn of this year.

The decision to award Preferred Bidder status to WRG has been a procurement decision, not a planning exercise. WRG’s planning application will be decided by the independent Development Control Committee.

This is disappointing but not unexpected. It was clear that the County Council had effectively made up its mind, despite the many valid objections raised. The focus of attention now shifts to the planning application, which is likely to be hotly contested.

Council Tax frozen for 2011/12

2011-02-04T01:55:00.000-08:00

Aylesbury Vale District Council is freezing its share of council tax for the coming year despite the authority suffering a larger than expected drop in its grant funding from the government.
The zero per cent rise was agreed at a meeting of the full council on 2 February, meaning that local taxpayers will not face any increase on the average £2.52 a week they pay for all the services provided by AVDC.
Local authorities that accept the challenge of freezing council tax are eligible for a government grant equivalent to a 2.5 per cent increase in their element of the levy.
The 2011/12 budget was set against the national backdrop of unprecedented reductions in council grants to help tackle the UK’s current financial deficit.
The government’s grant settlement figures, issued to AVDC last December, were much worse than expected and mean a reduction in government funding of £2.6 million (22 per cent) for the next financial year with a further cut of £1.2 million (13 per cent) the following year.
Overall, the council faces an 8.4 per cent reduction in its total resources, the largest of any authority in Buckinghamshire.
Due to the severe financial constraints imposed on all local authorities by the government’s austerity measures, some difficult decisions have had to be made. But the council, which faces having to make even tougher decisions for the next three years, has done everything in its power to minimise the impact of the budget on frontline services.
To balance its books for the forthcoming financial year the council has identified around 1.8 million in savings across its services. Key savings include £650,000 made through restructuring some services and changes to the structure of the authority’s senior management team and a further £300,000 by making changes to working practices in the refuse and recycling service.
Councillors also approved making use of £445,000 from the authority’s financial reserves to help reduce the budget deficit. However, the reserves cannot be used to finance the shortfall indefinitely and significant savings will need to be found in subsequent years if key services are to be maintained.
It is anticipated that further savings of £2.6 million will need to be made by 2012/13 alone. The council’s priority is to continue to look for further efficiencies and find new ways of generating income.
Councillor Neil Blake, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “In common with all local authorities, this has been an extraordinary year for budget setting against the background of such deep cuts from the government. We have, however, worked hard to maintain essential frontline services, freeze council tax at present levels and identify significant cost savings to assist us with what will undoubtedly be a very difficult budget setting next year.”
He added: “It is important residents know we are on their side and always looking to ensure value for money. We continue to think carefully about how to spend the funds we have. It is residents’ money and they rightly expect results from it.”

Where are the gritting lorries ?

2011-01-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

If you are running out of entertainment over the holiday season, you could always watch the progress of the gritting lorries on the County Council's brilliant new map
showing which roads are being gritted and where the lorries are:

http://www.transportforbucks.net/Winter-maintenance.aspx

And for the latest updates on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/twitgritter

Department of Transport: more information on HS2 maintenance depot

2011-01-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

The Department of Transport has issued new detailed information on the proposed size and scope of the infrastructure maintenance depot to be located near Steeple Claydon.

This can be found on their website at the following link:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/proposedroute/depot/

From the website:

'This report provides operational and engineering proposals to assist HS2 to identify the best possible location and the master layout of the Infrastructure Maintenance Depot (IMD) for the London to West Midlands HS2 route.

The report identifies a suitable site for the IMD and develops a master layout for the site, including both rail infrastructure and ancillary facilities such as office accommodation, services buildings, storage and lay down areas, staff parking, approach roads and other related items.'

There are 4 possible sites for the depot, all near the point where the new HS2 will
cross the East West Railway, planned to be operational by 2017. The preferred site
is adjacent to the East West railway to the north (west of the road from Steeple
Claydon to Calvert). This would have a major impact on the village and its surroundings.

More information on this location from the report:

Bounded to the South by the EWR line, to the West by HS2, and to
the North East by the chord line. The level of HS2 in this area is not finalised, but it is intended that it will run at level and the EWR line will be raised over it. This assumption means that the site could be level with relatively minor earthworks, though the former Great Central Main Line embankment would need to be removed.
Land take would be relatively modest, and would maximise use of land already sterilised by the construction of the chord line. The site could be accessed from the Northern section of the existing unclassified “Thame Road”, which in any case will require to be diverted because it crosses the EWR line at almost exactly the point where HS2 will intersect it.
The site is not adjacent to any properties. It appears that almost all the site could be constructed in one field running in an L shape from Claydon Junction to the HS2 route, though land ownership has not been researched. In the South West corner of the site between the East West “Thame Road” overbridge and the Great Central embankment there is a gas Pressure Reducing Station on the national gas network, owned by Scotia Networks Ltd. There does not appear to be a difficulty in designing a site layout that preserves this.
However the location of the associated gas pipelines has not yet been ascertained in a services search and this may present a project risk if the pipeline is found to restrict site layout options or operations.
One public footpath runs across the site, which will require closure or diversion.

Connections to HS2

Access to HS2 would be via the run round loop also required for waste trains from Bristol to Calvert, which would also act as headshunt for the site. A chord line would be constructed to the HS2 north, and trains to HS2 south could either use this chord and run round at the loops near Twyford village, or could use the existing east to south chord and access HS2 opposite the waste terminal.

For more information (and photos of the 4 locations being considered) please see the report on the DoT website.

Refuse and recycling collection dates

2011-01-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

From the AVDC website:

Revised refuse and recycling collection dates for this week:

Normal collection Revised collection
Monday 3 January Tuesday 4 January
Tuesday 4 January Wednesday 5 January
Wednesday 5 January Thursday 6 January
Thursday 6 January Friday 7 January
Friday 7 January Saturday 8 January

Residents with brown and green bins can put out either bin to be collected on their collection day.

If you have a lot of extra waste from Christmas that your want to get rid of, you can take your household waste to the nearest household waste and recycling centres in Aylesbury or Buckingham. The sites are open every day from 8am to 5pm (except 1 January).

To make sure you know the latest news about your collections, sign up to our text messaging service by texting: avdc sub, with your normal refuse collection day to 60060, (eg: avdc sub friday).

Calvert Incinerator decision to go to scrutiny on Jan 11th

2011-01-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

Our County Councillor, John Cartwright, has successfully ensured that the County Council's decision to award the Energy From Waste contract to WRG for a new plant at Lower Greatmoor Farm, Edgcott, (near Calvert) will be reconsidered at a County Council Scrutiny Committee meeting on 11th January.

There is an opportunity for local residents to attend this meeting.

From the County Council website:

'Members of an Overview and Scrutiny Commissioning Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 11 to decide if Buckinghamshire County Council's Cabinet Members, should reconsider their decision to award preferred bidder status to Waste Recycling Group (WRG) to provide an Energy from Waste facility at Calvert.

County Councillor John Cartwright (Grendon Underwood) presented his case to call-in the decision at a scrutiny committee meeting on December 14 and members decided they needed to hear both sides of the case.

These will be presented by Councillor Martin Tett and Councillor John Cartwright, and witnesses, at the meeting on January 11 from 9.30am to 5pm at County Hall, Mezz Room 1, Aylesbury. Residents are welcome to attend.

Scrutiny committee chairman, Councillor Trevor Egleton said: "The call-in process is an important part of the transparent democratic process. The Committee decided that a special meeting should be held in January—rather than rushed before Christmas—so the public have the chance to attend. We have set the January 11 date, to ensure that committee members have the maximum possible time to understand the complex and technical background to the tendering decision.”

He also said if the scrutiny committee decides to refer the decision back to Cabinet, it can be reconsidered at the next Cabinet meeting on January 17.

Proposed improvement to skateboard park in Steeple Claydon

2010-12-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

On Thursday 9th December the Buckingham Local Area Forum will consider and decide on an application for a grant of £ 3,000 to repair and upgrade the skateboard park in Steeple Claydon recreation ground. I shall do what I can to support this request.

From the meeting Agenda:

Steeple Claydon Skate Park - £3,000

The Steeple Claydon skate park was installed by a small group of parents in the village in October 2005, with the backing of the Parish Council, using money given by Steeple Claydon villagers and grants from the Police, Bucks County Council, Shanks McEwan, Aylesbury Vale District Council and other sources The main aim of the team was to install a long lasting structure that would be repairable by local tradesmen.
The ramps were designed and built and installed by Fearless Ramps, all of whom were either BMX bike riders or skateboarders themselves so the park built and designed was suited to these two groups of users. The quality of the design is borne out by its continued high use by BMX bikers, scooter riders, roller bladers, and skate boarders coming from Steeple Claydon, Calvert, Twyford, Buckingham, and Middle Claydon.

A RoSPA report has identified some risks apparent with the current structure:
1. Stopping of open tube ends.
2. Replacing of back panels on the platforms as these are weathering and also subject to minor vandalism.
3. Putting up a sign suggesting the use of suitable clothing and the fact that the Parish Council accepts no responsibility for people injuring themselves while using the ramps.
4. The tarmac surface between two of the ramps is developing holes where the wheels of the boards are wearing it away and weathering is creating cracks so giving weeds
somewhere to sprout.
5. Some of the screws fixing the running surfaces have failed or come out and need
replacing.
6. Two of the ramps’ leading edges have sunk into the surface leaving a step between the ramp and the concrete surface.
7. Rubbish and glass and other items have been allowed to accumulate under the ramps.

From this list quotations have been obtained to cover the works that are too complex to be carried out by a group of volunteers.

Replacing of the platform back panels:
a. quoted £520 for replacing all of the panels.
b. Some of the boards will need replacing within the next year as they weather and
the gap between the underside of the panel and the platform increases due to
the veneers failing and minor vandalism. At a certain size the gap would be
deemed to offer a significant risk e.g. a part of the body or head can get through
the gap.

Removing the existing tarmac between two of the ramps and replacing with power
floated concrete
c. quotes provided £2750.
d. Holes in the tarmac could be filled to reduce the risk to the users, but the
concrete would be a permanent solution and also improve the overall quality of
the skate park from the users’ point of view.
e. Weeds outside of the main ramp area need treating with weed killer.

Boxing in of the ramp furthest from the village
f. quoted £1100.
g. This would prevent children getting under the ramp.

TOTAL BUDGET £4,370
Required LAF Funding £ 3,000

fingers crossed !

Update following meeting:

I am very glad to report that this application was successfully approved at the Local Area Forum meeting on 9th December. Congratulations to all involved.

More information on the Calvert decision from the County Council

2010-12-02T04:11:00.001-08:00

See below for more information from the County Council on the Calvert Decision. It is good news that our County Councillor, John Cartwright, has called in the decision for reconsideration by the Council's Resources Committee.

WRG to deal with Buckinghamshire's waste

Buckinghamshire County Council's (BCC) Cabinet today (Monday 29 November 2010) chose to award preferred bidder status* to Waste Recycling Group (WRG) for the 30 year contract to build an Energy from Waste facility (also known as an incinerator) to treat the county's household waste.

The company proposes to build and operate an Energy from Waste facility at Greatmoor, near Calvert, north Buckinghamshire, which will provide a cheaper and greener solution to disposing of residual household waste - which cannot be recycled or composted - than landfill.

Landfilling waste is environmentally damaging as much of the waste rots to produce methane, which is more than 20 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. Landfilling waste is also extremely costly with the Government imposing hefty landfill fines on councils to encourage them to find alternative ways to manage waste. Current calculations show that by switching to Energy from Waste, Buckinghamshire would save over £100 million in landfill costs, over the life of the WRG contract.

Covanta Energy, which was also bidding to provide Buckinghamshire's Energy from Waste service, with its site at Rookery South Pit near Stewartby, Bedfordshire has not been selected.

In September last year the Council agreed to appoint Covanta Energy as its preferred bidder. Whilst clarifying the terms of their appointment, the company made the Council aware of a commercial matter, which impacted on aspects of its bid. As this might have affected the evaluation of the final bids the Council was legally required to re-open discussions with both Covanta Energy and WRG.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment, Councillor Martin Tett, said: "Since March of this year, the project team have been working very hard with both bidders to ensure the proposals they put forward were going to provide the best solution for the county. In September we received the final bids, which have been evaluated by our technical, legal and financial experts and project team against pre-agreed criteria.

"This is a high-profile project of great importance to residents and the county. The announcement today may come of some surprise. However I would like to reassure residents that I have personally spent a considerable amount of time understanding both the process and the key elements of the recommendation by the professional experts on the Project Board to ensure this is the right solution for Buckinghamshire and our council tax payers. Both bidders offered very good solutions for Buckinghamshire and were of a high standard making the decision difficult. I would like to thank Covanta Energy for their hard work in putting their bid together."

"I am confident that the Energy from Waste solution proposed by WRG is in the best interest of our council tax payers. Value for money was an important consideration throughout. We need efficiency, effectiveness and economy from the winning bidder. But, we also need to consider another 'E' - environment. We must ensure that we reach our high recycling target of 60% by 2025 and that the residual waste left is treated efficiently. Waste is a renewable resource that when treated properly can produce significant levels of energy and reduce the country's reliance on dirty, fossil-fuelled power.

"We have conscientiously researched and objectively evaluated the technical options available for treating our leftover waste. Energy from Waste is a modern, highly regulated technology which is well proven in the UK and elsewhere in Europe and works well with high recycling targets, as demonstrated by countries like Denmark."

WRG's proposed facility will convert some 300,000 tonnes of waste a year into 22MW of electricity to send to the national grid. They are also considering how the heat generated from the plant maybe used.

Further information about WRG's proposals is available on their website at:
http://wrg.co.uk/page.php?article=831&name=Calvert+Home+Page&preview=true

Decision on Calvert Incinerator

2010-11-29T07:39:00.000-08:00

Today the County Council has decided to award its Energy From Waste contract to WRG who have already submitted a planning application to the County Council to build a new incinerator at Greatmoor Farm near Calvert.

The County Council website states:

'On 29th November 2010, the County Council’s Cabinet chose to award Preferred Bidder status to Waste Recycling Group (WRG) to treat our household waste, left over after recycling and composting. The company proposes to build an energy from waste (EfW) plant at Greatmoor, near Calvert, north Buckinghamshire.

Although the Council had agreed to appoint Covanta Energy as its Preferred Bidder in September last year, whilst clarifying the terms of their appointment, the company made the Council aware of a commercial matter, which impacted on aspects of their bid. As this might have affected the evaluation of the final bids the Council were legally required to re-open discussions with both Covanta Energy and WRG.

Since March of this year, the project team have been working with both bidders to ensure the proposals they put forward were going to provide the best solution for the county. In September the final bids were received and evaluated by our technical, legal and financial experts and project team against pre-agreed criteria. WRG were the highest scoring bidder, which means Covanta Energy, with their facility at Stewartby, Bedfordshire has not been selected.'

This is a very disappointing decision. Since 60% of the county's waste is generated in the south of the county (Wycombe, Marlow, Chesham, Amersham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross etc etc) there will be hundreds of lorries travelling hundreds of miles across the county to bring all the waste to Calvert. On the proximity principle the incinerator should have been located in South Bucks where the waste is generated.

However, the decision has been made (subject to call in) and we have to live with the consequences. One of the conditions of the contract is that all waste lorries to the plant will have to enter via a new spur road from the A41. We will be very concerned to ensure that this is strictly controlled, and that waste lorries are kept out of our beautiful villages.

Congratulations to SAVI for all their hard work in trying to stop this sad decision.

Theatre in the Villages comes to Steeple Claydon

2010-11-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

Theatre in the Villages brings professional performances to the villages of Buckinghamshire, co-funded by Aylesbury Vale, South Bucks and Wycombe District Councils. On Saturday 27th November there will be the following performance in
Steeple Claydon Village Hall:

Multi Story Theatre Company
The Twelve Wild Ducks
A magical story-telling theatre version of the traditional Norwegian folk tale.

Be very careful what you wish for. That’s what the Queen discovers when, after having 12 sons, she wishes for a daughter. For at the moment her beautiful daughter is born, her sons are transformed into wild ducks.
Having discovered her brothers’ fate, the Princess sets out to try to release them from their enchantment. She must weave and sew 12 shirts from nettles and as if that isn’t hard enough, for three years she must stay silent and neither smile nor weep.

This Norwegian tale is full to the brim with cliff-hanging moments and is also a fabulous fable of determination in the face of great adversity.
Multi Story create their customary magic with a judicious blend of live music, magical word-weaving and the engaging physicality that has become their hallmark.
Suitable for ages 5 – 95.
Saturday 27 November 4pm
Steeple Claydon Village Hall, MK18 2PY
Tickets £8 (£6/£5)
from Edi Smockum 01296 738568

AVDC to improve Aqua Vale

2010-11-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

The Aqua Vale Swimming and Fitness Centre in Aylesbury is in line for a major upgrade after an improvement plan was approved by councillors.
Aylesbury Vale District Council’s cabinet has recommended to proceed with a multi-million pound scheme that will greatly enhance the popular centre and provide top-class facilities for residents and visitors.
The makeover will include an improved cafe, a new on-site health care facility, new dry changing rooms, a new gym, increased parking spaces and a new roof to cover the outdoor pool.
A second water slide will also be added to the swimming pool and a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit will be installed to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions.
The centre attracts 500,000 visitors each year and the improvements will cost around £5.8 million.
The scheme will pay for itself because customers will have access to a wider range of facilities and services.
A final decision on funding for the project will need to be made by the full council at its next meeting in December. It is hoped that the revamped centre could be delivered in 2012 ahead of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Aqua Vale upgrade is part of AVDC’s planned redevelopment programme for Aylesbury. A Waitrose food store, Travelodge hotel and National Enterprise Academy on the south side of Exchange Street and a new retail development in the town centre are also in the pipeline.

Latest update: these plans were unanimously agreed by AVDC at the Council Meeting on 1st December. It was also agreed that the Swan Pool at Buckingham should also be enhanced when funds permit.

AVDC plans to freeze Council Tax in 2011/12

2010-11-12T09:09:00.000-08:00

Aylesbury Vale District Council has set out proposals to help save the authority more than £1 million in 2011/12 and deliver a freeze on council tax.
AVDC is unlikely to know its budget settlement for 2011/12 until December but has estimated that it will be cut by up to 25 per cent over the next four years. This equates to at least £1 million per year, and has set out savings proposals based on this estimate.
The council also has to deal with other budget pressures that will increase costs, such as inflation increases in fixed-term contracts and higher business rates on its buildings.
AVDC is setting out its plans to achieve a balanced budget earlier than normal this year. This will put the council in a much better position to tackle the financial challenges which currently lie ahead and allow more time for consultation with stakeholders.
Savings of £1.2 million for 2011/12 will be achieved while protecting frontline services by doing things more efficiently. Significant savings will be made through productivity gains arising from the restructuring of some council services and changes to the structure of the council’s senior management team.
As well as the proposed savings, the council is working towards a freeze in council tax in 2011/12.
It is hoped this will be part-funded by the government, who have promised to provide extra funding if AVDC can keep its proposed council tax rise to 2.5 per cent - effectively wiping out the increase to taxpayers.
Councillor Neil Blake, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “All public services are facing hard choices on how to reduce costs and save money. We want to make sure Aylesbury Vale residents get the most efficient and effective local services, but we expect a big reduction from the government in how much we can spend over the next few years. This means looking at all the services we provide and what things are most important.
“With all the proposed savings we have endeavoured to be fair to our staff and to the people who use our services. We have tried to ensure that frontline services are protected and, wherever possible, to avoid redundancies.
“The government has said it will work with councils to freeze bills this year and we intend to take advantage of that. The council is also continuing to examine how we can transform working practises to reduce costs so that we can maintain a high standard of service to the public with fewer resources in the future and it is aiming to achieve further ongoing savings over the next few years through its business transformation programme.”

Parishes to decide on housing growth in future

2010-11-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

Aylesbury Vale communities will be given the chance to have their say on how many new homes and jobs should come to their area.
At a meeting of Aylesbury Vale District Council’s cabinet on 9 November, councillors agreed an approach to developing a new planning policy for the district following the withdrawal of the core strategy. The new document will be known as ‘The Vale of Aylesbury Plan’.
The views of local people, community groups, parish and town councils and other organisations will be sought to help shape future growth in the Vale during the coming years.
Previously, housing numbers for Aylesbury Vale had been dictated by a document called the South East Plan. The district’s target was set at 26,890 new homes between 2006 to 2026.
The new coalition government, though, recently removed such nationally and regionally-imposed house building targets. This means that the council is going back to the drawing board to look again at what is the right figure for the number of new homes and jobs to be provided.
Meetings will be held with parish and town councils in the Vale before the end of the year to explain what their role will be in helping to shape future housing numbers and to discuss their initial views regarding how their areas should grow in coming years.
The next stage will be working on a one to one basis with those parishes where future growth could happen and further information is needed. Parishes will be asked to consult with their communities on matters such as what services and infrastructure that they feel are missing, or the issues they see facing their area in the future.
Look out for opportunities to have your say on the issues that affect you in your village.

Free Parking for Christmas Shopping from AVDC

2010-11-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

Aylesbury Vale District Council has given town centre shoppers and retailers an early Christmas present.
The council has decided to allow free parking in its pay-and-display car parks in Aylesbury, Buckingham, Wendover and Winslow on every Saturday throughout December.
What’s more, there will be free parking for late night shopping during specific times in the build-up to Christmas.
And as the council does not charge on bank holidays, there will also be free parking across the board on Monday 27 December, Tuesday 28 December and Monday 3 January.
There will be free parking for late night shopping from the following dates:
• Aylesbury: free parking after 4pm, every Thursday starting on 18 November until Christmas
• Buckingham: free parking after 4pm, every Tuesday from 16 November until Christmas
• Wendover: free parking after 4pm, every Thursday, starting on 18 November until Christmas
• Winslow: free parking after 4pm, every Thursday and Friday, starting on 18 and 19 November

WRG submits planning application for Calvert incinerator

2010-11-07T12:01:00.001-08:00

The Waste Recycling Group has submitted its planning application for an Energy From Waste plant near Lower Greatmoor Farm, Edgcott, to Bucks County Council.

Details of this proposed development as given on the WRG website are:

'Buckinghamshire Energy from Waste Facility, Greatmoor Farm

WRG is proposing to submit a planning application which will include:

The construction of a 300,000 tonnes per annum Energy from Waste (EfW) plant at Lower Greatmoor Farm, to the south of Calvert landfill site
A new access road which will follow the route of a disused railway line to link this directly to the A41 via a new roundabout
The creation of a monocell within the existing permitted landfill for the safe disposal of Air Pollution Control Residues (fly ash) from the plant
An updated landfill restoration scheme for the site and the surrender of the consent for mineral extraction/waste disposal over much of the unworked part of the site'

The application has not yet appeared on either the Bucks County Council or the WRG
websites, as it has not yet been registered by the County Council.

Meanwhile the County Council is due to announce its decision on whether to grant the contract to WRG or Covanta (who are proposing a site in Bedfordshire) on November
29th.

There will be a further meeting of the Calvert Consultation group, which has been established by WRG to share its plans with local parish and council representatives, in December once the County Council's tendering decision is known.

East West Rail - a strong business case

2010-11-07T11:01:00.000-08:00

The latest report from East West Rail reveals a strong business case for the project - far more than can currently be demonstrated for HS2.

The current timescale is for passenger servies to be started in late 2016 or early
2017. The nearest stations to the Claydons would be at Bicester and Winslow, enabling travel from both stations to Oxford, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury and beyond. The closed Claydon and Verney Junction stations would not be reopened under the present scheme, although the trains would pass through.

Latest update from the East West Rail Consortium:

'The East West Rail (EWR) Consortium has completed its latest stage of development work on the western section of the project. The business case and detailed engineering design work (known as ‘GRIP 4’) is now complete and has revealed an exceptionally strong case for the project.

The GRIP 4 study has established a feasible design to support East West Rail services and also presents potential opportunities for wider use by national longer distance passenger and freight services.

The business case shows a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 5; in other words the benefits are five times higher than the costs. A BCR in this area is exceptional for railway enhancement schemes and as such this project presents a very strong economic case for implementation.

The Consortium recognises that in the shorter term there will be considerable constraints placed on funding within the public sector. The Consortium is however continuing to work closely with Department for Transport (DfT) and Network Rail with a view to submitting the scheme to the DfT in the autumn which, if accepted, would place the scheme onto the DfT’s medium term programme of new and improved rail infrastructure for the period 2014-2019.

The scheme is estimated to cost £178 million (for the core scheme) at today’s prices and whilst the business case has been developed on the basis of 100% public sector funding, if contributions from the private sector can be secured through future development within the rail corridor, the ratio of the benefits compared to the cost improves even more significantly.

Moving forward further work on the business case will continue leading up to the autumn and co-ordination with local planning authorities will look to ensure that private sector contributions are secured where appropriate. At the same time work will also be undertaken with train operators to verify and improve the operating case for EWR train services.

In conclusion, the Consortium recognises the extent of the challenge it faces if it is to succeed in its ambition to reopen the East West Rail link. The scheme will be competing for funds within an environment where budgets are very tight. However, there is clear evidence that this project will deliver significant benefits to the economy if implemented. The added advantage that the railway is forecast to receive surplus revenue streams compared to the cost of operating the services will, in the Consortium’s opinion, place the project in a favourable light, even in this current economic climate.

The Consortium’s programme has been extended during the recent development work and now includes establishing new train services between Reading, Milton Keynes and Bedford, and London Marylebone to Milton Keynes via High Wycombe and Aylesbury. On the basis that the scheme is accepted for programme entry, trains could be open for service in late 2016 early 2017.'

News from our local PCSO

2010-11-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

Local crime

Looking at crime rates for the last 12 months they show overall crime has declined
for the past 4 months. Robbery remains at zero. Vehicle crime and violence have been
dropping for the last 6 months despite a blip last month. Anti-social behaviour has
been dropping for the last 5 months with a blip in Jul/Aug but incidents dropped by
50% in Sept.
When comparing the 3 months July/Aug/Sept 2010 with 2009 again the figures are encouraging. Overall crime is down by 17%, violence down by 30%, vehicle crime down by 18%, robbery doesn’t change and anti-social behaviour down by 38%. Only burglary bucks the trend by being up 14% and that only translates to 1 incident.

Have your say
Come and meet your Neighbourhood team to discuss any issues you may have:
2 Nov Whaddon Village Hall
2 Nov Steeple Claydon School
16 Nov Little Horwood Memorial Hall
18 Nov Winslow Brownies
22 Nov Whitchurch Brownies
24 Nov Gt Horwood Village Hall
25 Nov Steeple Claydon School
26 Nov Youth Centre, Winslow
1 Dec Winslow Brownies
13 Dec Steeple Claydon School
5 Mar 11 St Laurence Room, Winslow

Countryside Crime/Dogwatch
A Farm Alert event is being held on 8 Nov at The Bell Hotel, Winslow. Thames Valley Police, National Farmers Union, Country Landowners, Community Safety Team, Horsewatch/Countrywatch, Datatag and Farm Alert will all be present. Presentations will commence at 4pm, 6pm and 8 pm, Please call Phil Gomm on 01296 670533 to book a place.

Thames Valley Police has been involved in successful cross border operations leading to recovery of stolen Landrovers, other motor vehicles and significant amounts of cash. Investigations are in early stages and will be ongoing for sometime.

On Friday 27 Nov (7-9pm) at the Youth Centre, Winslow there will be a taster
evening for the young people to experience what the Youth Café will be like. It now has its own Facebook group – Winslow Youth Café. Check it out for further information. The planned opening of the multi-use games area (MUGA) is August 2011. Work on this scheme is progressing well.

What a bright idea!
As the clocks go back and the nights draw in, residents are being asked to make use of timer switches on their lights. A home in darkness between 4pm and pm tells potential burglars that nobody is home. AVDC has a limited supply of these this year
but they can purchased for as little as £2.

A timely reminder
Cold weather and bad driving conditions are on the horizon so please take some time to check your vehicles tyres, wipers, anti-freeze, battery making sure the alternator is charging it correctly. Just in case the worst happens make sure your mobile phone is always charged and that you have a blanket, bottle of water and a bar of chocolate to hand.

HS2 Exceptional Hardship Scheme

2010-08-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

On 26 July 2010 the Secretary of State for Transport announced that there will be an Exceptional Hardship Scheme for those whose properties are affected by the High Speed Rail proposals. Each case will be considered on its merits and there is no specific definition of what 'in the vicinity of the proposed rail line' means. The Scheme is now open for applications. Guidance on how to apply to the EHS, & more information on the scheme can be found at the following web address:

http://www.hs2.org.uk/exceptional-hardship-scheme/EHS-Guidance-and-Application-Form-57988

From the Frequently Asked Questions attached to the guidance and application form:

What is the Exceptional Hardship Scheme and how do I apply for it?

The Exceptional Hardship Scheme (EHS) is a voluntary purchase scheme designed to assist certain property owners whose properties may be affected by High Speed 2 (HS2) Ltd’s recommended route for a new high speed rail line between London and the West Midlands, and who urgently need to sell their properties before any final decision on a high speed rail line is taken. The property would need to be on or in the vicinity of HS2 Ltd’s Route Option 3. Overview and detailed maps of Route Option 3 can be found at the following address:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/route/.

Those property owners would need to meet certain criteria and would apply for their properties to be bought by the Government.
You can find a copy of guidance on the EHS, which contains an application form, at www.hs2.org.uk/exceptional-hardship-scheme. This explains:

- what property owners need to do in order to apply for the Government to buy their property;

- what are the circumstances under which a property could qualify for the scheme; and

- the process for dealing with applications.

Alternatively, you can get a free copy of the guidance and application form by contacting the HS2 enquiry line on 020 7944 4908. Copies are also being sent to central libraries along the line of the route.

Did I have to submit my application by 20 August if I wanted to apply for the EHS?

No. 20 August is the date on which the EHS started operation. You can now submit your application if you believe that you meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme and would like the Government to buy your property. The scheme will remain in place and applications can be submitted until at least such time as the Government takes a decision following public consultation on whether to proceed with a new high speed line and, if so, on the route that it would take. At this point, if the Government decides after consultation to proceed with a new high speed line then other arrangements would be put in place to help affected property owners. This is likely to be in late 2011. Until then, there will be no deadline by which applications for the EHS must be sent in.

I would be interested to hear from any property owners in the Steeple Claydon or Calvert area who are considering applying for this scheme.

Latest news from our local PCSO

2010-06-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

Speeding

The Safer Roads and Neighbourhood policing teams carried out enforcement in Botolph Claydon on 15 May where 17 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were served. One of these did not have current MOT and another did not have insurance.

Local crime
When comparing Feb/Mar/April 2010 against the same period in 2009 the average crime
rate is up by only 3.4%. Burglaries show no change and vehicle crime is up by 6%.
Robberies are still at zero and have been for the past year. Anti-social behaviour is, again, down by a huge 20%. Violent crime is up by only 3 incidents. The level of crime in Bucks South is still considered to be average.

Have your say
Come and meet your Neighbourhood team to discuss any issues
you may have:
30 May Festival of Transport, Newton Longville, all day
2 June Gt Horwood Village Hall 0930-1130
5 June Waddesdon Country Show all day
16 June Mursley Village Hall 1800-1845
19 June Padbury Play Area 1145
21 June Methodist Chapel, Steeple Claydon 1330
11 July Rose Room, Winslow Centre 1200-1400
26 Aug Bucks Country Show all day

Countryside Crime/Dogwatch

Heavy machinery/plant theft costs the construction industry approx. £1m every week. Thames Valley Police is supporting Cesar, a new security system, to help combat this. The system is being extended to the rural community. Come along to the Waddesdon Country Show on 5 June to find out how you can benefit. Otherwise contact PCSO Wendy Taylor who will be pleased to visit your property to talk about the
scheme. For a limited period the cost will be discounted.

Dog fouling is another Local Area Forum priority – this could see more funds available for the provision of dog bins. A leaflet is to be produced to encourage dog owners to join Dogwatch. When printed, members of the Neighbourhood Action team will be distributing them and will be able to discuss the benefits of joining.

Community Payback
If there is something you think may improve your neighbourhood, like removing graffiti, litter or clearing an overgrown public area, let your local Probation Service know. They can get the work done by offenders as part of their punishment. It is a scheme called Community Payback. Community Payback can be given to offenders as part of a ‘community sentence’, which means the offender may have to carry out up to 300 hours of unpaid work. This work benefits the community – and means the offenders pay back the community for their crimes. In 2008//2009 100,000 offenders completed 8 million hours of work.
The Probation Service are wanting more projects – please contact them direct on www.direct.gov.uk or your Neighbourhood Policing team for details.

Steeple Claydon Brownies
PCSO John Webb will be talking to the Brownies in Steeple Claydon on 23 June 2010.

Visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk for all current information

Update on Incinerator proposals from WRG

2010-06-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

The information below has been received from WRG, the company who operate the landfill site at Calvert and who have submitted an application to Bucks County Council for an Energy From Waste facility at Lower Greatmoor Farm, Edgcott.

'As you will know, Buckinghamshire County Council announced in March 2010 that it intended to re-open discussions on its Energy from Waste procurement contract.

In September 2009, Buckinghamshire County Council had selected Covanta as Preferred Bidder. However, an issue had emerged during their final due diligence associated with legal constraints on their site at Stewartby, Bedfordshire, which impacted on the commercial aspects of their bid.

Waste Recycling Group (WRG) had previously proposed developing an Energy from Waste facility at its landfill site at Calvert. These proposals remain the same and WRG is now preparing a full planning application and environmental impact assessment for the scheme for submission in late July 2010. The County Council will not make a decision on its Preferred Bidder until November 2010. WRG will be undertaking this work in advance of the decision being made by the Council in order not to delay the development programme should WRG be selected. The company is fully committed to working with the local community and its representatives and is proposing to undertake a programme of public consultation prior to submission of the planning application.

Exhibitions

We intend holding a series of public exhibitions in July at the following locations (subject to availability). These will be widely publicised in the local press and we also intend writing to local residents to inform them of the venues and dates, once agreed:

· Calvert Green
· Charndon
· Grendon Underwood
· Waddesdon
· Quainton
· Steeple Claydon

The final decision is due to be made by the County Council in November. Please note that there will be an exhibition in Steeple Claydon in July which everyone concerned about these proposals is invited to visit. Further information will be available nearer the time.

Swimming still free for Over 60's at Aqua Vale or Swan

2010-05-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

From AVDC:

Swimming remains one of the best exercises for all ages to promote health and to keep fit whilst having fun.
We are now half way through the central government 2 year initiative to provide FREE casual swimming for the over 60’s. With over 10,000 free swims already enjoyed there are still many more of our 28,000 current 60+ residents in the Aylesbury Vale area still to take the plunge.
To claim your first free swim at either the Aqua Vale in Aylesbury or Swan Pool in Buckingham just take along proof of your age & identity you will be issued with a card which can be used at either site to show each time you swim.

New AVDC Winslow office opening this summer

2010-05-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

From AVDC's 'News for the Parishes':

Legal agreements between AVDC and BCC are now complete in preparation for a new location for AVDC's Winslow Office in Summer 2010. Winslow Library will be converted to house an office for face-to-face council enquiries, saving money and increasing office and library opening hours.
Look out for details, dates and opening times this Summer.

AVDC raises concerns about High Speed Rail proposals

2010-05-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

Aylesbury Vale District Council has submitted its response to the Department of Transport on the High Speed Rail proposals.

The Council states:
'Aylesbury Vale District Council has considered the consultation on the proposed introduction of an Exceptional Hardship Scheme alongside the proposals for High Speed Rail.
AVDC objects to the proposals for High Speed rail as set out in the Command Paper issued in March 2010 and does not feel that the business case for HS2 has been made. Therefore, without prejudicing the Council’s position in relation to HS2 generally, it is commenting on the proposed Exceptional Hardship Scheme consultation.'

Of particular interest to residents of the Claydons are the proposals for a maintenance depot to be located near the point where the HSR2 line crosses over (or is crossed over by) the East West Rail line, and the eligibility of those with properties in the vicinity of this development to apply to the exceptional hardship scheme for compensation - a point I raised at the special Council meeting where the plans were discussed.

I am glad to report that the Council has picked up on this point in its submission:

'Close Vicinity – This is not defined and there needs to be a flexible approach to this. The exact vicinity of impact will vary depending on the precise circumstances. Again the first principle of whether any loss and impact on value can be demonstrated needs to apply and this in turn will determine the vicinity that the scheme has impacted on. The scheme should also apply to those areas likely to be affected by some of the uses that will be ancillary to the effective operation of the railway including the maintenance depot and any service centres required along the route.'

High Speed Rail Proposal

2010-04-08T04:27:00.000-07:00

The peace and tranquillity of the Claydons is being threatened by the Government's High Speed Rail proposals. These include the reopening of the Great Central Line north of Calvert, running between Twyford and Steeple Claydon, as well as a maintenance depot in the Steeple Claydon area, adjacent to the East West Railway (due to reopen in 2016). There will be no station anywhere on the line between London and Birmingham.

Aylesbury Vale District Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the proposals
on 14th April.

Meanwhile the Council has issued the following statement:

'AVDC dismayed at High Speed Two rail proposal

The gloves are off as Aylesbury Vale District Council prepares to make its first response to the proposal for a new High Speed Rail between Birmingham and London.
Leader of the Council, Councillor John Cartwright, said: “We’ve plotted the route through Aylesbury Vale and we’re dismayed at the negative impact this could have on our district. Large sections of the line would be by viaducts or on embankments, leaving little scope for reducing the noise level or visual impact. Aylesbury Vale may not have large swathes of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but it does have wonderful rolling countryside, fantastic views and landscapes, which give it its name. Many villages and wonderful properties from Wendover in the south to Tingewick in the north of the Vale would be affected by this route if it goes ahead.”
He added: “As a major growth area with challenging housing and job targets set by the government, it’s even more galling that the route proposed wouldn’t even stop in any part of our district, so there is not even an economic benefit for the Vale. The government has set out a very ambitious timetable for opening the line but we are putting them on notice now that they are in for a very long fight.”
Prior to the announcement, AVDC and its partners already have been active to ensure that Buckinghamshire's residents were protected, and that there was no lasting damage to the unique landscape.
During the writing of the report representatives from the county and district councils have been strongly lobbying Lord Adonis and MPs along with the High Speed Two Company. However, the shared concerns have not been taken on board in the draft proposal.
AVDC will be working with its partners to agree the next steps and how it can help inform the local community about the route and the details of the public consultation planned for autumn.'

A number of constituents have already contacted me about these plans, and I am aware that there is great concern about the implications for our villages.

There is a particular concern about the proposed maintenance depot, about which there is little clear information in the existing plans. The map which has been provided by the Department of Transport merely shows an arrow pointing towards Steeple Claydon (which is off the map) along the East West Rail line towards a 'new manitenance depot', with no clear indication of its location or size.

Elsewhere in the plans it is stated that the maintenance depot will be based on the existing Singlewell Depot in Kent alongside the High Speed 1 line. This is a depot for infrastructure (track, signals, points etc) only and not a rolling stock maintenance depot, but it includes office accommodation, workshops, maintenance sheds, rail plant, fuelling points and parking for 150 cars. It would be in operation 24 hours a day and be floodlit at night.

I shall request further information on the size and location of this depot, as the exisiting plans lack clarity and detail.

In general, I think the proposals are deeply flawed. A route which is not directly connected to the existing High Speed One line, Thameslink or any of the London Airports cannot be the right strategic decision. It has all the hallmarks of the proposal of a Government which knows it will not be in power to implement it, and is yet another reason to throw this wretched Government out of office on May 6th.

Latest update from our local PCSO team

2010-02-09T03:41:00.000-08:00

Please particularly see information below about the Steeple Claydon Youth Club at The Phoenix, and the village hall surgery on 16th Feb.

Speeding

The Safer Roads and Neighbourhood policing teams carried out a successful operation in January where 28 tickets were issued to drivers in Buckingham, Winslow and Tingewick, 50% of which were local drivers! Enforcement operations are in place for
February and March.

Local crime statistics

In this newsletter I am comparing Oct, Nov and Dec 2009 against the same period in
2008. It shows overall all crime is up by 12(+36%), burglaries are up by 2 (+36%) and
vehicle crime is up by 3 (+80%). We have not had any robberies and anti-social
behaviour is down by 4 (-15%). When looking at the graph for overall crime for all of 2009 by month, from September 2009 onwards it has decreased each month.

Have your say

Don’t forget your opportunity to have your say in Steeple Claydon on 16 February 2010 11:00-12:30 in the village hall.

Steeple Claydon youth club

PCSO John Webb hasconfirmed the venue. It is The Phoenix. Opening dates and times will follow when confirmed. The siting of the multi-use games area and youth shelter is still being discussed. A new suggestion has been made to the steering group so the pro’s and con’s of this are being looked at.

ASB also includes anti-social owners of dogs. We have been working with the Dog Warden and joint patrols will commence to ensure any mess is cleared at the time by the dog’s owner. You have been warned!!

Countryside Event

This event is to take place on 15 May 2010 from 10:00-16:00 at Claydon House, Middle
Claydon by kind permission of Sir Edmund and Lady Verney. Put this date in your diary.

There will be a very comprehensive array of information, displays and examples to illustrate best methods to protect your property, land and animals from theft and
criminal damage. Claydon House will also be open for visitors, as will the shops in their Courtyard.

Winslow police office

Sadly we have not yet moved into the new office but the electrics, alarms and (most importantly) the heating is in. We are now awaiting delivery of something to sit on and sit at – when this happens we shall be there in a thrice!

New Year, new presents – keep them safe

How better than to start the new year with a resolution to keep your property safe.
Aylesbury Vale District Council and Thames Valley Police are working in partnership to keep burglary low by using property marking kits. For your free UV property marking kit contact the AVDC Customer Services Dept.

AVDC Council tax rise 1.95% - lowest for 10 years

2010-02-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

AVDC will keep its council tax increase in April to just five pence a week on its average Band D bill – despite the pressures on council finances as a result of the recession.

Last night’s (3 February) full council meeting agreed to a 1.95 per cent increase in Aylesbury Vale’s share of the council tax bill, meaning that it will now charge £131.07 a year for a Band D house, up £2.50.

This comes despite reductions in income from investments, a low government funding settlement, increasing fuel costs and lower income from fees and charges.

The council has looked at a range of options to balance the books. The budget has been reduced by more than £700,000 to meet the council’s initial budget gap of £1.1 million. Some of this has been found through efficiency reviews of each service. Other measures approved include:

Introducing charges for pre-planning advice
Making a small reduction in the amount of funding to voluntary and community groups
Removing council funding from events such as Parklife and Buckingham Festival Fortnight
Removing funding from the Reflex Gym in Winslow and the Buckingham Tourist Information Centre.
The salaries of all council employees has also been frozen for the coming financial year and there will be no increase in councillors’ allowances to help keep council tax down and protect key front-line services.

As part of the overall budget package, Buckingham is to get a new long-stay car park at Stratford Fields and more short-stay parking spaces at Cornwall’s Meadow. These improvements will be funded in part by the introduction of modest parking charges in Buckingham. The budget also provides for some free parking in the run-up to Christmas

Councillor Neil Blake, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “This is a budget which has been prepared with a great deal of prudence, care and consideration. We’ve worked very hard over the past few months to find savings in areas with the least impact on most Aylesbury Vale residents. We know many families across the district are feeling the pain of the current recession and we’ve kept council tax rises as low as we can because we know the last thing residents need at the moment is a hefty rise in council tax bills. We will continue to look for efficiencies, including working with other district councils to deliver further cost savings and to minimise the level of council tax in the future.”

The council’s net budget for 2010/11 is £20.7 million, with £8.8 million of that funded directly from local council taxpayers.

AVDC sends out the annual bills and collects the tax on behalf of the county council, the police, the fire and rescue service, plus local town and parish councils. Each individual authority decides by how much its part of the final bill will increase.

Services provided by the district council include refuse collections, recycling facilities, benefits, licensing, car parking and environmental health, with the £131.07 Band D charge amounting to less than 10 per cent of the overall council tax bill for residents in Aylesbury Vale.

The overall council tax charge for 2010/11 will be set on 24 February

Parish Councils share concerns about roads, drains and speeding

2010-02-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

Last week I arranged a meeting for the parish councils of East and Steeple Claydon with a representative from Transport for Buckinghamshire to discuss the priority issues relating to potholes, roads, drains, and speeding in our villages. It was an opportunity to make sure that our concerns are known to those responsible. Unfortunately one impact of the recent adverse winter conditions is that the pothole situation in North Bucks has worsened still further, and only the most serious ones are being dealt with as a matter of priority. We toured the villages pointing out potholes, signs that need removing, replacing or just cleaning, issues related to damaged verges, and areas of dangerous speeding (including the straight stretch of road between East and Botolph Claydon past the school, where the council is considering additional traffic calming measures). We also discussed the problems of collapsed and blocked drains in Steeple Claydon in Challoners Hill and West Street.
I plan to follow this up with further meetings and contacts to ensure that our concerns about the state of the roads and speeding in our villages are addressed.

New Shopmobility facility in Aylesbury

2010-02-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

A £185,000 scheme to deliver a new Shopmobility facility for Aylesbury is underway.

Contractors moved onto site this week to prepare for the construction of a brand new purpose built unit in the Upper Hundreds multi-storey car park located off the High Street.

Aylesbury Vale District Council’s Shopmobility service provides manual and powered wheelchairs and scooters free of charge to help people with limited mobility to shop and use town centre facilities. It can be used by young or old no matter whether their disability is temporary or permanent.

The new premises will include a more user-friendly waiting room and there will be dedicated parking spaces for Shopmobility users. Pedestrian access will also be improved at the Britannia Walk entrance to Upper Hundreds car park and new female toilets will replace the current facilities.

It’s anticipated that the new Shopmobility facility will be opening in the summer. The service will continue to operate from its current premises in the Civic Centre car park until the new site is ready.

Due to the current works, the disabled bays in the Upper Hundreds car park have now been moved to the Civic Centre car park on the ground floor. However, Blue Badge holders may still park in the Upper Hundreds car park for free providing their parking card is validated by a parking officer.

Councillor Pam Pearce, Cabinet Member for Community Matters, said: “This is an exciting development which will ensure continued provision of mobility and enjoyment for residents and visitors to Aylesbury. Hopefully it will encourage more people with limited mobility to visit and use our town’s shops and facilities.”

To find out more about Shopmobility, call 01296 336725 or go to www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/shopmobility

Have your say on development in the Vale

2010-02-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

Residents and interested parties are being invited to take part in the latest round of consultation on Aylesbury Vale District Council’s Local Development Framework (LDF).

All local councils must produce an LDF document which will set out proposals for the homes, offices and shops that they must plan for. Sitting at the heart of the framework is the Core Strategy, which sets out the council’s planning policies and identifies how it will plan for future development up to 2026.

In addition to the Core Strategy, which is subject to an independent examination starting in February, the council also has to develop a series of more detailed documents to show how some of the proposals and policies will be delivered. These are called Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). Between 20 January and 3 March, it will be possible to comment on the first three SPDs to be produced, which deal with the Aylesbury Growth Arc, Salden Chase and local conservation areas.

The “Aylesbury Growth Arc Masterplan and Delivery” SPD sets out a more detailed framework for this growth arc, which will accommodate 9,250 homes (including affordable housing) across three development areas: one to the north of Bierton between the A413 Buckingham Road and the A418 Wing Road; the second to the south of Bierton, north of the Grand Union Canal near Broughton Crossing; and the third to the north of Weston Turville between the A41 Aston Clinton Road and A413 Wendover Road. New schools are proposed in these areas along with new community facilities, transport infrastructure, open space and employment land.

The “Salden Chase Masterplan and Delivery” SPD sets out a more detailed framework for the proposed Salden Chase development area, which is located to the north east of Aylesbury Vale, north of Newton Longville. The site immediately lies between the A421 to the north, the disused railway line to the south and Far Bletchley to the east.

A total of 5,390 new houses, including affordable homes for local people, new road infrastructure, employment and community facilities are discussed in the draft masterplan for the development site. A new secondary school, four primary schools, open space, playing fields and wildlife habitats are also proposed.

The Conservation Areas SPD has been prepared to provide additional guidance on managing development within areas of special architectural or historic interest. The council has a duty to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of its conservation areas. This means that any new development should be carried out in a way that does not adversely affect these special characteristics.

Councillor Carole Paternoster, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “We really need the input from local residents on the more detailed approaches which will take forward the policies in the Core Strategy, once these are agreed by the independent inspector. It is very important to us that members of the public let us know how they want to see these new communities develop. We all need to work together to ensure that we create places we can all be proud to be part of. Please take time to read the draft documents and give us your comments, which are very important to us.”

Residents will be able to view the documents online by clicking on the link below and submit comments on the proposals using the online consultation form. Copies of the documents will also be available to view at the council offices in Aylesbury, Buckingham and Winslow and selected libraries. Anyone who has commented previously on the Core Strategy will receive a DVD containing all three SPDs and associated documents, through the post, at the start of the consultation period.

The council will also be holding a series of public exhibitions to inform people of the content and role of the documents on:
• Thursday 21 January, 3.30pm to 7pm at Longueville Hall, Newton Longville (focus on Salden Chase)
• Friday 22 January, 3.30pm to 7pm at Chepstow Drive Community Centre, Bletchley (focus on Salden Chase)
• Monday 25 January, 5.30pm to 8.30pm at Bedgrove Pavilion, Bedgrove (focus on Aylesbury Growth Arc)
• Tuesday 26 January, 3pm to 7pm at Jubilee Hall, Bierton (focus on Aylesbury Growth Arc)
• Thursday 28 January, 6pm to 9pm at Weston Turville Village Hall (focus on Aylesbury Growth Arc)
• Friday 29 January, 3pm to 7pm at Watermead Village Hall (focus on Aylesbury Growth Arc)
• Saturday 30 January, 10am to 4pm at the Friars Square Shopping Centre, Aylesbury (focus on Aylesbury Growth Arc)

Warning: Council Tax refund scam in the Vale

2010-02-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

From the AVDC website:

Aylesbury Vale Residents are being urged to be on their guard against bogus officials offering to give council tax refunds.

People are being telephoned and told they may qualify for a refund and then asked for their bank account details so the payment can be made. In previous cases they have been asked for an administration fee too. A number of people in the Vale have already been targeted.

Jeff Membery, Revenues and Benefits Manager, said: “We have reported these incidences to Bucks Trading Standards but are concerned that other residents could fall for this scam and lose money. We urge everyone to be vigilant and not to give out any sensitive information to unknown callers, either on the phone or in person.”

Residents who receive any such approach should contact the Thames Valley Police on 0845 8505 505

Update on refuse collection and recycling - 15th Jan

2010-01-15T06:25:00.001-08:00

Yesterday (14 January), we were unable to collect refuse and recycling from some households either because it was too late or because of the conditions of some minor and estate roads and pavements - a few of which were blocked by parked cars.

For properties who were due a brown bin collection yesterday but were missed, we are doing a limited collection service today. If we do not get back to you today, we will collect any waste, regardless of type, next week.

Residents in other areas, such as Steeple Claydon, which were missed yesterday because of the icy conditions and some blocked roads by parked cars, are asked to take their bins back onto their property and put them out again on the next scheduled collection date. We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes.

The collection service is still operating on the Christmas and New Year revised schedule. This means that collections this week, are one day behind. Next week the collections will be back to the normal schedule.

AVDC appreciates that for some residents this means that they may have a lot of recycling material awaiting collection. We will collect all excess paper, cans and plastics providing it is placed in a reasonable container or bag which stops the material from spilling out or blowing away. Glass can only be collected if it is in the box provided.

If you would like to dispose of your recycling material before the next due collection date, there are many recycling banks across the district. A list together with other information about recycling can be found at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

If you'd like to register for free text alerts about changes to your refuse and recycling collections, go to: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/textalerts

AVDC update on refuse collection 14th Jan

2010-01-14T08:52:00.000-08:00

Refuse and recycling crews are out this morning but some roads may be too icy to collect from.

Today's collections are going ahead but some of the minor roads and estate roads are still too icy at the moment to collect from. Some cars are also blocking a clear access for the refuse vehicles. Please leave your refuse and recycling out until the end of the day.

Yesterday we were unable to collect from most households due to the snow and road closures. AVDC urges those households whose refuse was not collected yesterday to take their bins back onto their property and put them back out again on the next scheduled collection date.

Those properties missed on Monday will be collected on Saturday 16 January.

Winslow and Buckingham residents on the brown bin collection scheme, please note that we will collect green bins today. This is to make up for the recent missed collections.

The collection service is still operating on the Christmas and New Year revised schedule. This means that collections this week, are one day behind. Next week the colections will be back to the normal schedule.

AVDC appreciates that for some residents this means that they may have a lot of recycling material awaitng collection. We will collect all excess paper, cans and plastics providing it is placed in a reasonable container or bag which stops the material from spilling out or blowing away. Glass can only be collected if it is in the box provided.

If you would like to dispose of your recycling material before the next due collection date, there are many recycling banks across the district. A list together with other information about recycling can be found from the link below.

If you'd like to register for free text alerts about changes to your refuse and recycling collections, go to: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/textalerts

Peter Jones' National Enterprise Academy coming to Aylesbury

2010-01-14T03:43:00.000-08:00

Landmark building for Aylesbury Waterside project

The National Enterprise Academy and Aylesbury Vale District Council announce partnership for permanent headquarters
The National Enterprise Academy (NEA), in partnership with Aylesbury Vale District Council, has today announced it will establish its first ever permanent headquarters and learning centre of excellence in Aylesbury town centre. The cutting edge facility will be part of the new Waterside project to be launched in September 2012.
The brainchild of Peter Jones, the NEA is the UK’s first ever educational institution solely dedicated to enterprise and entrepreneurship. It offers young people, aged 16-19, two unique qualifications that expose students to real-life business issues in real-life business environments. The NEA officially opened its doors earlier this year on the site of Amersham and Wycombe College and the new headquarters will play a vital role in the development of the NEA as it looks to enroll 18,000 learners across the UK in the next five years.
As part of the prestigious Waterside project and the redevelopment of Aylesbury town centre, the NEA headquarters will be situated in Exchange Street at the head of the canal basin, close to the new Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.
Peter Jones, founder of the NEA said:
“I am delighted that we are working in partnership with Aylesbury Vale District Council to build our first ever headquarters for the National Enterprise Academy. As a thriving business community, Aylesbury was the natural choice for the location of the NEA headquarters. I hope that the presence of the Academy will help to establish Aylesbury and the South East of England at the forefront of enterprise learning and in doing so contribute to the local economy.”
Cllr John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, added:
“Aylesbury Vale has a strong reputation for entrepreneurs so it is very fitting that Aylesbury has been selected for the Academy. As a major housing growth area, it’s vital that we also create opportunities for new jobs so this is a very exciting step forward in helping us to do that”.

Update on Council Services Fri 8th Jan

2010-01-08T02:54:00.000-08:00

Latest update from AVDC on Council services affected by the weather:

Good morning. just to let you know that it has been decided to cancel today and tomorrow's refuse and recycling service. (i.e Fri 8th and Sat 9th Jan).

Refuse will be collected next week in line with the Christmas and New Year revised schedule. Recycling material will be collected on the next due date. We appreciate that for some residents this means that they may have up to 4 weeks of recycling materials. We will collect all overflow from baskets providing it is placed in a reasonable container or bag which stops the material from spilling out or blowing away. Glass can only be collected if it is in the box provided.

Other services affected by the bad weather

The Shop Mobility Service is not operating today.

AVDC apologises for any inconvenience these changes to service cause.

AVDC update on Services Thursday 7th Jan 2010

2010-01-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Update on services

Today’s refuse and recycling collection services have been cancelled.
With refuse and recycling, the landfill sites at Newton Longville and Calvert are closed and difficult road and pavements conditions, particularly in the villages and rural areas, which make up most of today’s rounds, has made the decision unavoidable.
Unfortunately, it will not be possible to catch-up today’s missed collection over the next few days so the next collection for these properties will take place on the next scheduled day.

With the cold snap set to continue for the next few days, Friday’s and Saturday’s collection service will be assessed on a day-by-day basis. Residents are asked to listen to local radio for updates or visit the AVDC website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

Residents may wish to take their recycling to one of the many banks in the district. A list can be found at
http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/environment/refuse-and-recycling/

The ShopMobility service is also not operating today.

News from our local PCSO

2010-01-07T08:05:00.000-08:00

The following news update has been sent by our excellent local PCSO, Wendy Taylor.
Please note the drop in surgery planned for Steeple Claydon on 16th Feb from 11.00 to 12.30 in the village hall. This is a good opportunity to raise any concerns you may have with our local police. There is also good news about a proposed new youth club/drop in centre.

Speeding

The Safer Roads and Neighbourhood policing teams have agreed dates from now up to and including July to carry out speed enforcement. This is in response to the serious concerns of the NAG and Parish Councils and illustrates that TVP is totally
committed to enforcing the speed limits of the roads and educating drivers.

Local crime

Christmas and New Year were reasonably quiet this year and the level of crime during that period is low when compared with other areas in Thames Valley Police.
The overall crime figures for 3 months ending Nov 2009 compared to the same period time in 2008 make reasonable reading. Anti-social behaviour is down by 24%. It needs to be borne in mind that the Neighbourhood team has actively encouraged the Bucks South community to report all incidents and, despite that, the number of incidents has dropped. Burglaries up slightly from 7 to 8 incidents, other crime including vehicle crime has also increased. In the grand scheme of things the level of crime is
average against that in the whole of the Thames Valley area.
On 4 Jan a man was sentenced to 3 months in prison following an attack on a local man with a hammer in Steeple Claydon Recreation Ground which occurred Aug 2008.

Have your say

As mentioned in the last newsletter, we intend to organise a programme of surgeries, where anyone can drop in to talk about their issues. The first is in Steeple Claydon on 16 February 2010 11:00- 12:30 in the village hall. Put the date in your diary
– it is open for all, not just residents of Steeple Claydon. As dates get organised you will be informed by all the usual methods – keep your eyes peeled!!!

Anti-social behaviour

Some good news for Steeple Claydon. PCSO John Webb has organised a venue for young people to use as a drop-in/youth club. Work is still be carried out on the project – we will keep you updated on progress. Watch this space! The siting of a multi-use games area and youth shelter are still under discussion with AVDC and Bucks County Council. Bucks CC Property Dept are now involved.

PCSO John Webb is also working on a project to help young people into employment by asking local businesses, farmers, landowners for any work experience opportunities. If you are able to offer a placement for a young person, please contact him on
0845 8 505505.

Countryside Crime/Dog Watch

The Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) is working hard to support the communities in the more isolated parts of the area. Sadly, we have been made aware of the theft of two highly trained Spaniels used to pick up game. This has raised more concerns and highlights the need, again, to mark your equipment with a postcode, microchip your dogs (whether pets or working dogs) and freezebrand your horses. These services will be highlighted at the Spring Countryside Event we are planning, but if you need advice now please contact 0845 8 505505. Do not wait for an event to happen before you take crime prevention action. THE THIEF’S BEST FRIEND IS APATHY.

Winslow police office

The refit is well underway now. The painters and carpenters have nearly finished their bit so electrics, computers and office equipment can be brought in. We still do not have a definite date but all is still looking good for occupancy in January
2010.

Calling all schools

Don’t forget - the Neighbourhood team is willing to come to schools to talk about policing, support your Junior Road Safety Officers and your Level 3 travel plans. The Cop Card scheme commences 20 Mar for 12 weeks for Year 6 pupils. Please call
0845 8 505505 and ask for Wendy, John or Lucy if you want help with any of these projects.

Recycle your real Christmas tree

2010-01-06T08:45:00.000-08:00

Aylesbury Vale District Council is calling on all householders with a real Christmas tree to use its tree recycling service on 9 January 2010.

A tree shredding machine will be available at the Wyevale Garden Centre at Worlds End, Wendover, from 9am until 2.30pm. The wood chippings collected will be recycled and made into compost.

Anyone taking in their tree to the garden centre can, if they provide their own bag, take some of the chippings to use as mulch.

Real Christmas trees can also be taken to the household waste recycling centres at Rabans Lane in Aylesbury, Yonder Slade in Buckingham and College Road North in Aston Clinton (see www.buckscc.gov.uk for details). They are open every day except 25 and 26 December and 1 January.

Residents with brown bins for garden waste can recycle their real Christmas trees by cutting it into pieces and placing in the brown bin with the lid fully closed. Please remember to remove all lights and decorations as these will not compost.

Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, said: “By recycling their Christmas tree residents can make a real difference to the amount of waste we throw away in Aylesbury Vale. Disposing of the tree after all the festivities are over can be a real nuisance. This service means residents can take their tree to a drop-off point and know they are helping do their bit for the environment.”

For more information on recycling, visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk or call 01296 585862.

Latest update from East-West Rail

2009-11-26T04:54:00.000-08:00

The EWR Consortium has commissioned from consultants, Atkins, a costed outline design of the infrastructure required to run passenger services on the EWR Western Section, linking Oxford and Aylesbury with Milton Keynes and Bedford. The route could also from part of a longer distance cross-country service. Existing waste trains to Calvert will continue to run and the route might also be used by a freight service.

For the benefit of those of you who do not already have a copy, I shall attach an updated version of the leaflet about the scheme that I sent you in June. The most notable change is to the timetable. Construction is now expected to start in 2014 and services in 2016. Contrary to my expectation, the June version of the leaflet was not sent to Parish Councils along the route.

Atkins have been undertaking surveys along the route and they are also investigating arrangements for the stations proposed at Winslow and Newton Longville. At Winslow, a site was reserved in the Aylesbury Vale District Local Plan and Atkins’ investigations will include drilling a borehole there. The LDF Core Strategy proposes that the other station should be provided at the Salden Chase Strategic Development Area.

Atkins expect to complete the bulk of their technical work by December. The balance of their work will include notably working up the business case for the scheme and that work should be completed within the following 3 months.

Chiltern Railways’ Evergreen 3 project is a proposal to improve the route between Oxford and Bicester Town to allow them to provide an Oxford-Marylebone passenger service with effect from 2013. They hope to receive the Department for Transport’s approval for the expenditure in December. Evergreen 3 would deliver most of EWR’s requirements for the Oxford-Bicester section. Its implementation would reduce the cost of the EWR Western Section, in round terms from £250m to £200m.

The Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, has expressed support for the EWR Western Section scheme in principle.

Funding is a critically important issue that is outstanding. The Regional Transport Board has been leading on the exploration of funding options. Lord Adonis’s positive reaction indicates acceptance of the wider strategic benefits of the scheme and it should, therefore, be possible to secure some funding from the national budget. However, in view of the importance of the scheme to the delivery of the South East Plan (SEP) and Regional Economic Strategy, it is likely that some funding will also be expected at regional level and from Local Planning Authorities on the route where there will be a direct benefit.

Insofar as Aylesbury Vale District is concerned, the mechanism for securing contributions from development and the amount of such contributions will be addressed in the LDF Core Strategy, Delivery Policies Development Planning Document and Supplementary Planning Documents. However, we have always made it clear that we do not expect funding to be raised by making additional allocations for development over and above those proposed in the LDF to accord with the requirements in the SEP.

Aylesbury Christmas Lights switch-on 19th Nov

2009-11-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas Lights switch on

Come along to the Christmas lights switch on in Aylesbury Market Square on 19th November from 5pm to get your free home safety pack, which includes a property marking kit, light timer switch and energy efficient light bulb.

Aylesbury will light up for the Christmas period next Thursday night.
Starting at 5.30pm on Thursday November 19 there will be a packed evening of activities and entertainment in Kingsbury and Market Square to officially start the festive season in the town centre.

There will be a fireworks display with the lights being switched on at 6.50pm followed by free musical entertainment.

It will also be the first Thursday of the Christmas season that shops will observe the late shopping opening hours. They will stay open until 8pm.

Bucks Home Choice

2009-11-14T11:21:00.001-08:00

Prior to May 2009, anyone interested in applying to the District Council for a rented home, including homes on rural exception schemes, were asked to complete forms and go on the housing register.

In May 2009, the housing register as we knew it became obsolete and a new initiative was rolled out across the county, called Bucks Home Choice (BHC).

Bucks Home Choice is the new way of allocating council and housing association tenancies in Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern, South Bucks and Wycombe.

Applicants looking for a tenancy or existing tenants who want to transfer will now have chance to see what properties are available - see website www.buckshomchoice.gov.uk.

It is very important that all parishoners in villages where there is a rural exception scheme, or one planned for the future are aware of BHC and the fact they must register and express an interest to be considered for a rented property.

Use website or call AVDC Customer Service Centre on 01296 585197 or 01296 585168 as necessary.

Local businesses benefit from AVDC grants

2009-11-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

More and more businesses are being given a helping hand with grants from Aylesbury Vale District Council.

The AVDC business grants panel recently awarded four grants to new and existing businesses, a total amount of £16,000. It brings the grand total for 2009 to £22,000 of grants from the council for local firms.

The grant scheme is just one of the ways in which AVDC is helping local businesses during the recession.

Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “We are very keen as a council to support local businesses and the grants scheme has been an excellent way of encouraging new enterprise. A huge range of local businesses have already benefited from it and feedback from them has been very positive. The scheme forms part of a package of measures we have put in place to help the economy during the recession.”

Next month marks the fifth anniversary of the scheme’s launch, and the council has provided grant assistance and support to more than 60 businesses across the Vale, totalling almost £240,000. The grants of £3,000 to £5,000 have been used to support all kinds of growth in the companies, ranging from buying new machinery, expanding premises, marketing and promotion, and training staff.

The businesses who are the latest to benefit from the scheme are Baker Sales and Lettings, Skill Centre UK LLP, Teknomat UK Ltd and Caremark.

Baker Sales and Lettings, a newly formed sales and lettings agency located in Kingfisher Exchange, Aylesbury, was awarded a £3,000 grant towards staff training.

Skill Centre UK LLP provides vocational training for 13 to 16 year-olds who have emotional, behavioural and social problems. The company received a grant of £5,000 towards a mini-bus which will enable them to take students to and from courses without relying on external organisations.

Teknomat UK Ltd, who sell imported coffee, coffee machines and related supplies, received a £5,000 grant towards a new van and infrastructure improvements, which will allow them to widen their distribution channel opportunities.

Caremark provides care services to the elderly, disabled, people with learning difficulties and those recovering from hospital treatment within their own home. The business was awarded a grant of £3,000 towards new equipment including computers and printers.

Find out more about the AVDC business grant scheme at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/business or call 01296 585657.

News from our local PCSO

2009-11-12T04:56:00.000-08:00

Speeding

The Safer Roads and Neighbourhood policing teams have started speed enforcement again – this time with a difference. ANPR equipment is also used. As a result at a
session in Newton Longville 19 drivers ticketed for speeding. Lorries were also stopped. In sessions at Padbury, Steeple Claydon and Twyford 22 drivers were
processed for speeding, 81% of which were local, and two cars were seized
for being driven without insurance/MOT.

Local crime analysis

The crime figures for Buckingham South remain stable, which is good news.
The only glitch is acquisitive crime has increased slightly.
Several main players have been arrested. However, TVP are increasing patrols in
known areas but is still encouraging the use of property marking, not leaving
property in vehicles, cleaning marks from windscreens so it is not obvious that you use a sat nav and generally being security aware.

Halloween – more good news

31 October passed without incident in Bucks South. Patrols were increased to take account of any potential increased activity in neighbourhoods.

Winter considerations

Driving with fog lights on under normal driving conditions is not ‘cool’, in fact it is illegal. These lights are simply too bright for normal driving conditions. They dazzle and will cause accidents.
Please check that your lights are not switch on and are only used in foggy conditions where visibility is approx. 100 metres or less.
It is also timely to remind drivers not to leave their cars running unattended while windscreens defrost.
Apart from being a clear invitation to a thief (and your insurance company will not cover you) it is also illegal. Also check that all your lights are working
and your wipers are in good working order. Make sure you have the correct levels of anti-freeze too!!

PCSO of the Year – Buckinghamshire

As you all know, TVP has awarded PSCO Wendy Taylor with the above accolade and
she attended the Awards Dinner in October to collect it. It highlighted the
extraordinary things that ordinary people achieved for the good of their communities
– to be part of that was a real honour.

Dog watch

Parish Councils are being approached again by the Dog Warden to allocate areas where the delegated powers will be in force to enable those with these powers to issue tickets to irresponsible dog owners, be it for dog fouling, livestock worrying, etc.
Parish Councils please be aware and respond accordingly so enforcement measures can proceed.

AVDC Chief Executive to visit the Claydons

2009-11-12T04:48:00.001-08:00

The Chief Executive of Aylesbury Vale District Council, Andrew Grant, will be visiting all three parishes in the Claydons on Monday 30th November on a fact-finding visit. He will spend time with all three parish councils to find out about the important issues and concerns which they are dealing with, and also spend time visitng some of the local landmarks, such as the Recreation Ground, Library and Vicarage Orchard in Steeple Claydon. The timetable for his visit is:

2.30 pm Steeple Claydon
4.00 Middle Claydon
5.00 East Claydon

Wren Grant for Recreation Ground secured

2009-11-12T04:22:00.000-08:00

Many congratulations to Steeple Claydon Parish Council for securing a grant of
£ 9,000 from WREN (the operators of the Calvert landfill site) in order to replace the fence around the children's playgound in the corner of the Recreation Ground. The current fence is badly damaged in places.

AVDC launches ground breaking joint venture for commercial property portfolio

2009-10-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

Aylesbury Vale District Council and the Akeman Partnership have signed an agreement to establish a ground-breaking commercial property joint venture to be known as Aylesbury Vale Estates (AVE).

The innovative move will ensure that AVDC’s portfolio of industrial units, shops and offices meets the needs of modern businesses and continues to provide an income stream which can then be used to support important services.

As part of the joint venture, which has a minimum life of 20 years, AVDC has transferred ownership of all of its commercial property assets to AVE. The properties will now be managed, improved and developed by the joint venture, with an income coming to the council.

AVDC and the Akeman Partnership will control AVE on a 50/50 basis, with the council represented on the board of the joint venture and continuing to be involved in the operation of the portfolio at a strategic level.

AVDC chose the Akeman Partnership following a thorough procurement process that followed the regulations set out by the European Union. The council was advised throughout the procurement process by consultants Drivers Jonas.

Tenants have been informed of the initiative.

The council has around 250 commercial and tenanted premises in the district, including small industrial units, shops and office accommodation. The property is mainly occupied by business tenants ranging from local firms to international companies.

The rent paid by business tenants is an important income stream which has helped cover the cost of council services for some time now. A key factor in the council’s decision to take this project forward was to maintain this valuable source of additional income to support its services.

Councillor Michael Edmonds, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “Offering good quality business property acts as a catalyst for growth which is vital for Aylesbury Vale given that we need to create at least 21,500 new jobs between now and 2026. We want to improve the availability and quality of our commercial properties so that businesses can expand in or relocate to Aylesbury Vale. Joining forces with the Akeman Partnership is our best opportunity to do this.”

Councillor Edmonds added: “I would like to thank staff, especially our asset management, legal and financial teams, and my fellow councillors for their help and support. I would also like to pay tribute to our advisors Drivers Jonas, Pinsent Masons and Grant Thornton for their part in this process. This is a big step for AVDC to take but I’m sure it is the right one.”

Graham Cole of Guildhouse UK, speaking on behalf of the Akeman Partnership, said: “We are delighted to have established this innovative joint venture with the council. We look forward to working with the council and the tenants of the commercial property portfolio on this pioneering initiative.”

Pinsent Masons lawyers acted for AVDC in the transaction, while the Akeman Partnership was represented by Taylor Wessing.

Free Christmas parking in Aylesbury again thanks to AVDC

2009-10-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

This festive season, shoppers looking for that special gift in Aylesbury town centre will be able to park for free every Saturday in the run up to Christmas.

Free parking will also be available for late night shoppers every Thursday from 19 November until Christmas Eve, starting at 4pm.

This scheme, which aims to help town centre businesses by increasing footfall in the vital Christmas period, is an extension of the limited free parking made available last year, which didn’t include free Thursday evening parking.

Councillor Kevin McPartland, Cabinet Member for Civic Amenities at AVDC, said: “We’re really hoping that the free Christmas parking initiative will encourage even more shoppers than last year, especially with the addition of six nights of free parking to tie in with late night shopping. This is a common sense move which benefits everyone. With businesses and shoppers across the Vale still feeling the pinch of the current financial climate, this is an early parking concession that helps both shoppers and businesses.”

The free parking scheme applies to every Aylesbury town centre car park run by AVDC. The only exception is Aqua Vale where a charge will still be made but will be refunded on use of the facilities and Hale Street Car Park where parking will be free, but limited to one hour stays.

Applicable dates are:
• Saturday 5, 12 and 19 December
• Thursday 19 and 26 November, 3, 10, 17 and 24 December from 4pm.

David Cameron's conference speech

2009-10-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

AVDC opens new Enterprise and Innovation Centre in Aylesbury

2009-10-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

A state-of-the-art enterprise and innovation centre in Aylesbury designed to create a hub of entrepreneurial activity was officially launched on 7 October.

The 4,000 sq ft centre in Gatehouse Way has been created by Aylesbury Vale District Council with support from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).

It will provide new and developing businesses, with under 120 staff, free support and advice while also offering office and desk space on flexible terms and other facilities such as meeting rooms, telephone answering and a business post address service.

The centre, managed by Hot Office Business Centres, is being funded by AVDC for a four-year trial period. A further 2,000 sq ft of office space could be made available if the centre is fully occupied within the first two years of its operation.

Over the next two years an estimated 200 business will be assisted to progress to second stage growth via the support initiatives operated at the new centre.

Councillor Michael Edmonds, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development at AVDC, said: “The Aylesbury Enterprise and Innovation Centre is playing a vital role in our plans for the district’s successful growth. New business start-ups represent an important segment in the 21,500 new jobs that we need to create between now and 2026. These new businesses will be able to service the needs of larger firms that we hope to attract and, as they grow, they will offer new employment opportunities for many more people.”

Max Campbell, Managing Director of the Aylesbury Enterprise and Innovation Centre, said: “The centre is dedicated to helping new businesses launch, assisting local entrepreneurs to evolve their ideas and supporting existing businesses with their ongoing growth. We look forward to meeting the entrepreneurs of Aylesbury over the coming year.”

Businesses interested in using the centre can call 01296 318150 or visit the website at www.aeicentre.com

Conservative Employment policy

2009-10-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

Conservative Party Conference, Manchester. Monday 5th- Thurs 8th October

The Conservative party conference has only been in full swing for less than a day, but already they have had a lot to say about the current job market. In their section today entitled 'Get Britain Working' they discussed the following:

'local unemployment sows the seeds for many social problems'

Sayeeda Warsi (Shadow Minister for Community Cohesion and Social Action.)

Job Clubs. 50 parts of the UK have already set up 'job clubs' inspired by the Conservative party. These are purely driven by local people to respond to daily local needs, to tackle community unemployment and to help people get back into work. This involves mentoring, improving job finding skills, CV surgeries, and giving those people who find themselves out of work someone to talk to. These are community based projects that are happening now to tackle unemployment.

A new Conservative government would establish a network of 'work clubs' based on the job clubs that are already formed. They will be places to meet others and exchange skills, help with voluntary work and to be used to access mutual support. They would be created as a franchise model so that they can be easily set up by local communities. The Conservatives know that 'local people really want to be part of the solution'.

Tories would like to implement a new nationwide volunteering project, to support communities affected by the economic downturn. 'Work Together' would allow you to see the ways in which you can help and volunteer in your local area. This not only helps support local communities, but also offers the unemployed a chance to gain new skills whilst they are looking for work. The Conservatives have set up a website to support their project: http://www.conservatives.com/getbritainworking/ to support people looking for work, which lists over 1 million positions for voluntary work in the UK.

George Osborne- Shadow Chancellor

National Insurance contributions will be abolished for the first ten employees employed in the first year of any new business founded under a new Conservative government. This funded tax cut has been proposed in a bid to create more job opportunities in small businesses and to boost enterprise.

The tax break will enable the Tories to create 60,000 new jobs over two years.

The Tories are the party of jobs while Labour is the party of mass unemployment.

Ken Clarke- Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

'Small companies could employ a lot more people if we create the right climate for them'

The Conservatives want to encourage people with a desire to work for themselves- people should be supported, and moving people from unemployment to self employment should be a priority, which they believe doesn't exist in the Labour party.

David Cameron- Leader of the Opposition

'We will not let Britain down'

People on incapacity benefit need to be assessed and those who can work need to be encouraged to get back into work with the right help and training. 'If you can work, you should work... we will help you to work.'

Focusing on a bold shake-up of the Welfare system.

Cameron wants to replace the current Flexible New Deal and implement more personalised help and training, which will extend to people who have been unemployed for over 6 months.

Today is the opening day of the Conservative conference in Manchester. A key theme was how to help the unemployed during the recession and help people get back into work.

Bedfordshire site proposed for new incinerator

2009-09-14T04:10:00.000-07:00

Bucks County Council have just announced that the Stewartby site in Bedfordshire has been selected for the new Energy from Waste incinerator.

This is great news, as it removes the threat from the site at Edgcott near Calvert which was the alternative location.

Congratulations to SAVI and all who campaigned so hard against the Edgcott proposal.

Both Steeple Claydon and East Claydon parish councils passed resolutions opposing the incinerator.

Martin Tett of Bucks County Council has written:

I am writing to advise you that the county council’s Cabinet today selected Covanta Energy as the preferred bidder to treat the county’s residual waste for the next 25 years. The American-owned company proposes to build and operate an energy from waste (EfW) and materials recovery facility at Rookery South Pit near Stewartby, Bedfordshire. Covanta already operates 40 EfW plants in the United States.
As you may recall from earlier correspondence about the project, two final bidders were being considered: Covanta Energy and Waste Recycling Group (WRG). Both bids were of high quality and in terms of overall technology relatively similar – modern incineration using moving grate technology.
Following evaluation against pre-agreed weighted criteria, Covanta was selected on a first-past-the-post, points basis, having achieved a score 6.05% higher than WRG. The decision means WRG with its proposed Calvert site has been deselected. WRG will continue to operate the Calvert landfill site.
Initially, Covanta’s proposed facility will convert some 390,000 tonnes of waste a year into energy. Ultimately, the company proposes to treat 585,000 tonnes of waste a year, producing enough green electricity to power around 82,500 homes and the potential to supply surplus heat to nearby developments. Buckinghamshire’s household waste contract will represent around a quarter of the waste the final facility will treat. Importantly, the amount will reduce steadily as stretching recycling and composting targets are achieved. We currently recycle 43% of waste and are aiming for 60% by 2025.
Driving the need for change are EU and UK targets to cut greenhouse gases by reducing our dependence on landfill, a major producer of such gases. To achieve this objective, like all county councils, Buckinghamshire faces landfill tax rises year on year and potential fines. Last year (2008/09) landfill taxes cost the county £4.5 million.
Due to the proposed plant’s power-generating capacity, Covanta’s planning application will be decided by Government under Section 36 of the Electricity Act in consultation with regulatory authorities and the local community. The application is expected to be made later this year and the facility is expected to be running by 2014 subject to consent being obtained.

AVDC's plan for economic growth

2009-09-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Ten Point Plan for the economic growth of Aylesbury Vale

AVDC's plan for economic growth has recently led to a refresh of the economic development strategy for the Vale. A ten point plan for action in this year includes :

- The opening of the Aylesbury Enterprise and Innovation Centre. The centre will provide incubation space to start-up and embryonic businesses with an in-house business advisory support service.

- Support for the development of the National Enterprise Academy in the Vale
Activity and promotion to help attract more new larger businesses to invest in the Vale

- Launching the Angels for Bucks private equity finance scheme and

- Preparing a plan for improvements to Broadband services

We are also working with the sixty businesses that have been awarded an AVDC business grant to create a networking club. This will allow the opportunity for them to meet one another, discuss how they can develop and grow their businesses and identify any further areas of support. The first of these events will be held in the Autumn.

Over the next few months, AVDC will be engaging further with businesses in order to provide support and involve them in the future of Aylesbury Vale's economy.

For further information on the support provided by AVDC to businesses, or for any other queries please contact the economic development team on 01296 585657, email economicdevelopment@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk or visit the website www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/business/economic-development-service/economic-development-strategy-key-priorities

AVDC ladder safety initiative

2009-09-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Council backs ladder safety campaign

Aylesbury Vale District Council is backing a national campaign which gives companies the opportunity to part-exchange broken, damaged or bent ladders for new ones.

The council is working in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to highlight the potential dangers of using a substandard ladder.
Falls from height continue to be the main cause of death in the workplace and one of the main causes of serious injury. Around a third are as a result of a fall from a ladder with the main causes being ladders breaking, the user slipping from the ladder or the ladder wobbling.

A ladder exchange has been organised in Buckinghamshire where old ladders can be traded in for a discount on a new set of ladders. Any business wanting to exchange their ladder can take it into the local branches of HSS Hire and Speedy Hire.

The initiative runs from 1 September until the end of December. There are some other companies participating and their details can be found at www.hse.gov.uk

Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health at AVDC, said: “All too often, ladder safety is taken for granted and that’s when accidents happen. Our message is that by taking simple precautions, accidents with ladders can be avoided.
“I would urge any local businesses to take advantage of this ladder exchange and make sure the equipment they use is safe, after all someone’s life could depend on it.”
For health and safety at work advice contact the environmental health team on 01296 585065 or email envhealth@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

Winslow's New Farmers' Market

2009-09-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

Winslow’s new Farmers Market was officially opened on Sunday 6th September.

Located in Winslow’s historic Market Square the market will feature produce grown or made within a thirty-mile radius, including rare breed meat, locally grown vegetables, home-made preserves and local honey.

It will run regularly on the 1st Sunday of the month between 11am and 2pm,
with free car parking a short walk from the Market Square.

The market is a joint venture between Winslow Town Council and Winslow Chamber of Trade and has benefited from a substantial grant from LEADER programme run by The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and funded by Defra and the EU.

Support Winslow Market and support your local farmers.

Road resurfacing in Buckingham Road and Sandholme

2009-09-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to see that Bucks County Council has resurfaced the worst bits of Buckingham Road and Sandholme. In the summer Angelina and I spent an evening marking out on a map where all the potholes were together with other committed members of the Parish Council, and subsequently I have been particularly pestering Bucks Highways about the state of the road surface in Sandholme, which was appalling.
I am glad that this persistence seems to have paid off.

I am also glad to see that the road sign to Verney Junction on the road between Sandhill and the Kingsbridge crossroads has also been replaced after several months of waiting.

Calvert Incinerator decision 14th September

2009-09-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

The decision on the location of the new Energy from Waste incinerator will be made by Bucks County Council cabinet on 14th September.
Last week Steeple Claydon Parish Council passed a motion opposing its location in the site at Edgcott near the existing Calvert landfill site.
I have signed the online petition against the incinerator which has been organised by SAVI - Stop Aylesbury Vale Incineration.

Latest news from our excellent local PCSO Wendy Taylor

2009-09-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

Speeding

Due to the holiday season not a lot of enforcement work has been carried out in
Buckingham South. However, work using Speedwatch continues, thanks to dedicated
members of your communities being out there, supporting your concerns and doing something about them. The more who help the easier it becomes so please offer to help them.

Countryside Crime

We do encourage any farmers whose sheep are being mauled/killed to report it. We cannot do anything to help if we do not know about it. Incidents have been raised at
the NAG meeting which has highlighted the fact that such incidents are not being reported.

Flytipping

We would also like to know whether you have been on the receiving end of flytipping. The NAG is looking at this element of Countryside Crime. Please continue deal with it
in the usual way but please call PCSO Wendy Taylor as well so we can establish the extent of the problem.

Local crime analysis

The crime figures for Winslow year on year to August 2009 make good reading.
Total crime for July-Aug 2009 against July-Aug 2008 is down 29%. Public Order, Burglary/Theft, and Criminal Damage are all down but sadly Vehicle Crime is up slightly. This category includes theft of, from and damage to vehicles. However, when I put the actual numbers against the percentages for total crime, the incidents for the two months in 2008 amounted to 49 and for the same period in 2009 was 35.
Buckingham South therefore continues to be a low crime area.

Contact details

If you need support from TVP regardingany aspect of security, ring 0845 8
505505 and ask for anyone in your neighbourhood team.

New Winslow Police Office

There will be a Winslow Police Office! The dotted line has been signed and there
will be a police office in the centre of Winslow. All things being equal we hope to
move into the premises in October 2009. This co-incides with the news that the
Dispersal Order will not be extended.
However, with the Neighbourhood Policing Team now resident in the town we are
confident that we will be able to sort out anti-social issues very quickly.

More Good News

Newton Longville has finally got its own dedicated PCSO. Lucy Andrews commenced work in the area on 17 August 2009 and is currently working with PCSO Wendy Taylor to
understand their issues. 50% of her time will be spent in Newton Longville and Gt Horwood, Little Horwood, Nash and Whaddon will share the rest of her time.

Engagement with young people

The Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) are establishing a Youth NAG to run
alongside the main NAG. This is to help us really understand what it is the young
people of the area really want and have a method by which ideas can be put into
actions. The Bucks South NAG are working with Extended Services, Community and
Young Engagement Services, and Connexions to ensure we reach all young people.
PCSO Wendy Taylor is working with Christian Fellowship, Extended Services and
AVYFC to start a Youth Café in Winslow. It is envisaged that this will be free to
all young people and will provide a weekly place to meet. Watch this space for
details.

Congratulations to Wendy and all her hard working team of PCSOs.

Decision on Incinerator in September

2009-07-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

The County Council have stated on their website that the decision between the 2 tenders for the new Energy from Waste facility - and thus the decision on whether it will be located near Calvert - will be made in September

Another successful Village Fair

2009-07-15T04:52:00.000-07:00

This year's theme for the Steeple Claydon village fair in the Recreation Ground was 'Toytown' The sports pavilion was transformed into a toy fort complete with soldiers on guard, and a lot of work went into other decorations and costumes to complete the theme. A great afternoon and the weather stayed warm and dry. And I even won a prize in the raffle ! (free tickets to the Leighton Buzzard steam railway). Congratulations and thanks to all who worked so hard to make it a success.

35th Anniversary of the Centre for Policy Studies

2009-07-08T07:44:00.001-07:00

It is 35 years since the Centre for Policy Studies was founded by Sir Keith Joseph and Margaret Thatcher to promote timeless Conservative principles of freedom and individual responsibility.
To celebrate this anniversary, Lord Saatchi has restated some of its key principles as follows:

A rising tide lifts all ships.
A bigger cake means a bigger slice for everyone. But first you have to create the wealth to make the cake bigger.
Caring that works costs cash – the Good Samaritan shows that first you need to money in order to do the good works.
Lower tax is good – for moral reasons, because it means more freedom and choice for individuals; and for economic reasons, because lower tax rates can mean higher tax revenues and more wealth creation.
A smaller state is required; the Government is already far too big.
A man or woman has a right to spend what he or she earns, to own property, to have the State as servant and not as master; that these are the essence of a free country and on that freedom all our other freedoms depend.
People are not numbers in a State computer; they should be seen as individuals.
Everyone has the right to be unequal. No one, thank heaven, is quite like anyone else.
The spirit of envy can destroy; it can never build.
The essence of mankind is the power of choice; the glory and dignity of man is that it is he who chooses, and is not chosen for.
Human dignity resides in independence, individuality, self-determination.
The greatest restriction on the liberty of the citizen is a complete absence of money.
It is wrong that the majority of people in Britain are financially beholden to the State. This makes the State the master; the complicated tax and benefit system the chief instrument of its power.
A paternalist government, based on the benevolence of a ruler who treats his subjects as dependent children, is the greatest conceivable despotism and destroys all freedom.
When a man or a woman stands up for an ideal or strikes out against injustice, people are filled with hope; which is why idealism is more satisfying than pragmatism.
People have been tortured and died for these principles which, so at any rate they believed, were universal and binding on all men; part of the human essence in virtue of which men were rightly called men.
We cannot break these principles, without feeling that we had forfeited all rights to human respect. We could not betray them and face ourselves or others.

See:www.cps.org.uk.

Amen to all the above.

John Bercow - Speaker of the House

2009-06-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

Many congratulations to our MP John Bercow on being elected as Speaker of the House of Commons. John will continue as MP for Buckingham as well as being Speaker, and will continue to represent us at Westminster. Traditionally, Speakers have been unopposed in General Elections.

Roald Dahl Festival in Aylesbury 4th July

2009-06-27T05:56:00.000-07:00

Aylesbury town centre is set to come to a standstill on Saturday 4 July when the town celebrates the work of legendary children’s author Roald Dahl.

This year’s Roald Dahl Festival is themed around Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator and promises to be a spectacular event with a colourful parade of children in costume, and life-sized characters made by local schools with help from professional artists.

The annual event, organised by Aylesbury Vale District Council, starts with a colourful street parade – a culmination of weeks of work by local children who have created costumes and giant animated puppets based on characters and themes from the book.

The parade starts at 11am from the bottom of Market Square and snakes around the town centre accompanied by music and dancers, finishing at the Civic Centre.

Spectators can become even more involved in the parade with character hats and masks available in six designs for £4 from the Civic Centre and the County Museum.

After the parade, there are lots of other Roald Dahl-themed activities to take part in at Aylesbury Library, The King’s Head, Kingsbury, St Mary’s Church and Buckinghamshire County Museum.

The County Museum in Church Street will be hosting a family fun day from 11am to 4pm with free activities and reduced entry to the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery where visitors can explore the magical world of James’ Giant Peach or be whisked away in the Great Glass Elevator.

There will be a fun-filled day for all the family in Aylesbury Library, starting with a special Bounce and Rhyme session for younger children at 10am. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden will have representatives in the library all day, telling stories and providing craft activities.

Kingsbury will be a thriving area of music, street theatre and children’s art and craft activities led by the council’s play services together with the Queens Park Arts Centre. An information stand will also be available to help you to make the most of your day.

The King’s Head will be running children’s story readings, activities and competitions throughout the day, along with a lucky dip, tombola and raffle. There will also be a free activity day at St Mary’s Church between 11am and 3pm.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Roald Dahl’s books continue to delight and inspire people of all ages. It’s nice for Aylesbury Vale residents to be able to come together each year and remember Dahl and share the magic he created.”

Born in Wales in 1916, of Norwegian parents, Dahl was one of the great children’s authors. He wrote classic books including James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG.

Nineteen years after his death, aged 74 (his grave is in Great Missenden’s St Peter & St Paul’s parish churchyard), Dahl is more popular than ever. His books still sell around a million copies every year and there is even a day of celebration in his honour.

For more information about the festival, visit the council’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/dahl or call 01296 585210 .

New Council for 2009-10

2009-05-22T03:59:00.000-07:00

The Annual General Meeting of Aylesbury Vale District Council was held in the Civic Centre, Aylesbury on 13th May.
There are a number of changes in the Council leadership for the forthcoming year: Cllr Janet Blake has been appointed Chairman of the Council in succession to Cllr Netta Glover, and Cllr Neil Blake has been appointed the cabinet member for resources.
I am honoured to report that I have been appointed to succeed Cllr Neil Blake as the Chairman of the council's Audit Committee.
This is an important committee which has the responsibility of approving the annual financial statements on behalf of the council, and also reviewing the risk management and internal audit work. It is a great privilege to have been chosen and I am looking forward to chairing my first meeting on 29th June.

Stop Aylesbury Vale Incineration

2009-05-22T02:52:00.000-07:00

SAVI is the recently formed pressure group which is campaigning to stop the plans to build a new incinerator at Edgcott near the Calvert landfill site.

There are concerns about the health effects of incinerators, the impact of the additional waste lorries on our country lanes, and the threat to our beautiful historic woodlands such as Finemere Wood and Romer Wood.

Please see their new website via the link below, which contains a petition to Gordon Brown:

http://www.besavi.co.uk/

I made a strong representation to the County Council against the proposal to locate the incinerator at Calvert during the public consultation exercise last year.

Gordon Brown promises to look at Aylesbury

2009-05-20T04:49:00.000-07:00

Full marks to David Lidlington MP who used his question at Prime Minister's Questions today to raise the issue of youth apprenticeships in Aylesbury, and managed to extract a promise from the Prime Minister to look into the situation.

A report on the exchange:

12.20 When youth unemployment is rising, why, asks Tory MP David Lidington, are apprenticeship budgets being cut in his constituency? Brown insists more is being invested in apprenticeships but promises to look at the situation in Aylesbury.

Let's hope that for once he keeps his promise.

Update: in his blog, David explains what prompted him to raise the question:

'In this weeks’ Prime Minister’s Questions I asked Gordon Brown to explain why the Government’s Learning and Skills Council (LSC) had cut the funding that it had promised training providers in Aylesbury for the next academic year. It seems to me that at a time when unemployment is rising amongst young people we need to invest in training to help ensure this country’s future.

Both ATG Training and Aylesbury College have warned me that the LSC’s indicative budgets would mean a big reduction in training. At worst, this could make it impossible for them to continue some courses which apprentices have started in good faith.

I have now written to the Prime Minister, asking that he looks into the particular difficulties that Aylesbury College and ATG Training face.

I will make sure to post an update once I have received a response from the Prime Minister.

To find out more, please click here to view the Hansard from 6th May Westminster Hall debate.'

How AVDC is helping local businesses during the recession

2009-04-21T05:11:00.000-07:00

At yesterday's Council meeting, the Cabinet member for Economy and Housing, Cllr Michael Edmonds, gave an excellent presentation on the various measures by which AVDC is supporting the local economy during the recession, summarised as follows:

1. Small Business Grants: 50 local businesses have benefited with £ 200,000 paid out as grants

2. Vital Villages Scheme: grants to support village businesses which are a local focal point, such as the village Post Office in Steeple Claydon which received a grant recently

3. Prompt payment of creditors: all local creditors are paid within 10 days to improve cashflow

4. Golden Welcome Scheme: £ 40,000 avaiable for businesses relocating to Aylesbury Vale from the LABGI funds

5. No increase in car parking charges in Aylesbury, and free parking on Sundays and at Christmas to encourage the town centre shops and businesses

6. New Enterprise and Innovation Centre to be opened in Aylesbury soon to give advice to business start-ups and small businesses

7. District Link, the Aylesbury Vale quarterly business newsletter

8. Over 300 business enquiries handled by the Council over the last year

9. New plans for efficient management of the Council's commercial property portfolio through a private sector joint venture partnership

10. Participation in Action Group to improve the appearance of Aylesbury Town Centre

11. £ 100,000 invested in successful public events in Aylesbury town centre over the past year, including the recent activities over the Easter weekend

AVDC offers free swimming for the over 60's

2009-03-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

Older residents will be able to enjoy free swimming in Aylesbury Vale from 1 April onwards.

Aylesbury Vale District Council has signed up to a free swimming initiative, which entitles all those aged 60 and over to free swimming during all casual sessions.

Free swims will be available at both the Aqua Vale Swimming and Fitness Centre in Aylesbury and the Swan Pool in Buckingham.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “We are determined to do all we can to improve the health and quality of life of our residents. Offering free swimming is a great way to help people who are over 60 to stay fit and active.

“I want to encourage everyone eligible to dive in and take advantage of this fantastic offer. It’s not often that you get something for free, particularly in the current economic climate.”

AVDC is one of almost 300 councils across England to take part in the government’s free swimming scheme. The £140 million programme is a central part of plans to ensure a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A grant from the Department of Culture Media and Sport will cover the loss of income from the over 60s; although the grant funding is only for two years so the council will have to review the situation in 2011.

Anyone aged 60 or over who wants to take advantage of the scheme will need to bring proof of age and identity with them to the swimming pools on their first visit. Customers will then be issued with a card to show each time they visit the pools.

I hope that many of our older residents will take advantage of this - it's a great way to keep fit and healthy

Small Business Rate Relief

2009-03-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

Less than 50% of small businesses eligible for small business rate relief are actually applying for it. Could you be missing out ?

From the AVDC website:

From the 1 April 2007 businesses with small, or low value premises are entitled to a reduction to the business rates usually charged.

A small business rate relief is available at 50% for ratepayers occupying single properties with a Rateable Value (RV) up to £5,000, with relief declining in percentage terms on a sliding scale, until at £10,000 RV it is 0%. Relief can only be allowed on one property and is only available to ratepayers with either:-

One property with a RV less than £15,000; or
One main property and other additional properties, each of which has a RV under £2,200, where the aggregate RV is less than £15,000.

Applications for relief must be received before the 30 September of the following year. An essential criterion is that the applicant must be an eligible ratepayer on 1 April of the year for which rate relief is sought. If a ratepayer ceases to be eligible on a given day, the relief will cease from that day.

For further information see the AVDC website at the following link:
http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/business/relocating-to-aylesbury-vale/business-rates/sbrr/

The Conservative Party has confirmed that if we win the next election, a Conservative Government would make Small Business Rate Relief automatic. That means scrapping the forms and bureaucracy of handling thousands of claims. It also means providing the help straight away, cutting the fixed overheads of small businesses each and every year.

When taken alongside our plans to cut small company corporation tax rates and reduce the payroll taxes of the smallest employers, this measure is another sign that, as a party, Conservatives are on the side of enterprise.

New Aylesbury Theatre on time and within budget

2009-03-31T03:55:00.000-07:00

Major milestone for Aylesbury’s new theatre

The construction of the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre reached another milestone on Thursday (26 March) as the structural wooden beams which support the roof and glazed exterior arrived on site.
Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of Aylesbury Vale District Council, and Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, were on site to welcome the delivery and see the first beams being offloaded.
Made from Larch wood sourced from a sustainable forest in Finland, the beams have been commissioned by main contractor Willmott Dixon specifically for the theatre project.
There are 106 beams in total, ranging in height from seven to 12 metres, which the architect designed to represent the Chiltern Hills and surrounding woodland areas. The beams will be installed over the next few weeks with the last beam expected to be in place in June.
Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “It is great to see the progress being made with the new theatre and the installation of the structural beams will be another giant step towards our goal of creating a first class venue for the Vale. The Aylesbury Waterside Theatre will have a huge cultural significance for the district and I’m very much looking forward to the completion of the building in 2010.”
Mark Chamberlain, Project Director for Willmott Dixon, said: “This is a pivotal stage in the project development. People have seen the concrete frame rise above the hoardings and now they will begin to see the theatre evolve and take shape. The arrival of the beams for us signifies the start of the next stage and we are really looking forward to translating all the plans and artistic impressions
into reality.”
Around 300,000 people from across Aylesbury Vale and beyond are expected to visit the new theatre each year to enjoy a dynamic and diverse programme of live performances. The programme will be an exciting mix of West End shows, comedy, dance, concerts, gigs, pantomime, as well as international opera and ballet.
The concept for the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre was developed by AVDC and internationally-renowned theatre designers, RHWL Arts Team. The venue will have a 1,200-seat auditorium that converts into a 1,800-capacity hall for standing events, and a 225-seat suite for smaller events including dance, drama, meetings and conferences.
Building work started in 2007 and is on course to be completed in 2010. The venue will be managed by the Ambassador Theatre Group, who run the very successful Milton Keynes Theatre.
The theatre is part of AVDC’s Waterside scheme – an ambitious project to redevelop Aylesbury town centre, which will also create a new shopping area in Exchange Street, including a department and food store, as well as housing developments alongside the canal and at Circus Field.

Which is your favourite pub ?

2009-03-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

Search is on to find Aylesbury Vale’s best village pub

Pubgoers in Aylesbury Vale have the chance to nominate their local for a prestigious award.
The 2009 Village Pub Competition, organised by Aylesbury Vale District Council, aims to reward the best rural pubs in the district.
The council runs the award every year in memory of the late Councillor Ted Payne and to recognise the important role that village pubs play in community life, especially if there are few other local meeting places.
Councillor Pam Pearce, Cabinet Member for Community Matters, said: “Like post offices and village stores, the local pub can often be an essential part of the fabric of the community, especially in rural and remote areas. The pub trade is going through a difficult time at the moment and we need to do what we can to help support rural pubs. This competition will help us to raise the profile and importance of pubs in the community and encourage people to visit their local more often.”
As well as the overall title of Aylesbury Vale Village Pub of the Year, prizes for best food pub and best community pub are also up for grabs.
Previous winners of the pub of the year title include the Unicorn at Cublington, the Queen’s Head at Wing and the George and Dragon at Quainton.
Nomination forms are available online at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/pubcomp or from pubs across the district. The closing date for entries is 31 May, with the winners being announced later this year.

Social Care Surgery in Buckingham 7th April

2009-03-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

From the Bucks CC Adult Social Care department:

For your information an event in your local area

A local Social Care Surgery will be held at The Buckingham Centre on 7.4.09 between 10.00am -1.00pm. This will enable residents of the local area a chance to “drop in” for advice and guidance on services provided by Adult Social Care and the local voluntary organisations.

The Surgeries are also working in close partnership with Thames Valley Police and a local PCSO will also be attending to provide crime prevention and reduction advice.

Also the Local Area Technician from the highways department will be available to discus any issues related to the roads in the local area.

For more details and information please do not hesitate to contact Karen Adamson on 01296 383847. Please feel free to drop by and any feedback would be gratefully received.

VAHT lets historic cottages in Steeple Claydon

2009-03-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

From the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust website:

The Trust has just brought four additional properties into our housing stock. Originally built in 1864, the four terraced cottages in Steeple Claydon have been totally refurbished and have been let to three new tenants, with the fourth awaiting a decision.

These are the first properties that we have added since the transfer in 2006 and signal the start of our programme of development of more homes for the future. Over the next year we plan to add a further 60 properties across the Vale, working with the Guinness Partnership.

AVDC grant for village Post Office

2009-02-10T07:27:00.001-08:00

Steeple Claydon's village bakery and post office are set to receive a £6,500 upgrade as part of AVDC's rural grants scheme, it has been announced.

Karl's bakery and the post office are a focal point of the village, serving and supporting many local people. The grant will be used to create better access for disabled people and make other improvements to the 100 year old premises in West Street.

This is one of the first grants to be awarded as part of AVDC's Vital Village scheme, designed to support the rural economy in the Vale of Aylesbury.

It is great news that Steeple Claydon has been chosen to benefit from this excellent scheme.

Events Fair for 10-19 year olds

2009-02-05T05:27:00.000-08:00

I have received information about an Events Fair for young people in Winslow Centre on Sat 25th April. More information when I get it.

• The event will take place on Saturday 25th April 2009 from 11.00am – 6.00pm at the Winslow Centre.
• It will be aimed at 10 – 19 year olds
• It will promote local activities, volunteering opportunities and offer “hands on” careers advice.

East-West Railway: the work begins !

2009-01-28T04:12:00.000-08:00

The exciting news is that at long last work is beginning to reopen the line from Bletchley to Oxford via Steeple Claydon. This week a start will be made on clearing vegetation from the disused stretch of line from Claydon to Bletchley.

The following bulletin has been received from the Milton Keynes Partnership:

Ladies & Gentlemen,

As you may be aware, the East West Rail (EWR) Consortium and Milton Keynes Partnership (MKP) have commissioned work to complete the design of the Western Section of EWR. This work will provide a costed outline design of the infrastructure needed to run trains Oxford/Milton Keynes and Aylesbury/Milton Keynes.

I thought that you would wish to know that, in connection with this project, work is scheduled to start next Monday (26th Jan) on clearing vegetation from the unused part of the Western Section, i.e. from Bletchley through Winslow as far as Claydon Junction. (To the west and south of Claydon Junction the track is used by waste trains.) The clearance is required in preparation for technical surveys and ground investigations by the consultants appointed to carry out the design work.

MKP issued the attached release regarding the clearance works on behalf of the EWR Consortium. They sent the release to the local press and, I believe, will be distributing it more widely to the media in the next day or two.

Press Release:

Clearing the way for East-West Rail design

Around 20 kilometres of disused railway line between Bletchley and Claydon Junction stations will be cleared of scrub, brambles and overgrown vegetation so that survey and investigation work can be carried out for the design development phase of the East-West Rail project.

Starting on 26 January, the clearance will take two to three weeks and some will be done with manual equipment, although the more densely overgrown areas will need to be cleared with chainsaws and tractor mounted flails. All of the waste materials will be left chipped and spread on the site.

Patrick O’Sullivan, East-West Rail Project Manager at Milton Keynes Partnership, said: “While this work is happening the contractors will be making every effort to keep any disruption to a minimum. Once the site clearance is completed, the engineers and surveyors will begin their technical surveys and ground investigations to enable the design work of the new track and associated railway engineering works for the western section of the East-West Rail project.”

The design development work is being undertaken by Atkins Consultancy who were recently appointed to carry out the design work (Guidance for Railway Investment Projects - GRIP Stage 4) on the Western Section of the East-West Rail project.

Residents who have any questions about the clearance works between Bletchley and Claydon should contact Jez Baldock of Atkins Consultancy (who are project managing the works programme on behalf of Milton Keynes Partnership) on 0121 483 5323, or Patrick O’Sullivan of Milton Keynes Partnership on 01908 353752.

ENDS

For more information please contact: Helen Meadows or Nadir Farrell, Milton Keynes Partnership press office on 01908 353981 or 353913 helen.meadows@hca.gsx.gov.uk nadir.farrell@hca.gsx.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

Milton Keynes Partnership created in June 2004 is responsible for growth, development and investment in the new city. It is a sub-committee of the Homes and Communities Agency, the newly formed housing and regeneration agency for England. Milton Keynes Partnership is the lead member of the East-West Rail Consortium.

East-West Rail Consortium is a group of local authorities and government agencies with an objective of securing a new rail route from East Anglia to Oxford via the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area. More details of the project can be found online at www.eastwestrail.org.uk. The £2 million for the GRIP 4 work has come from the Growth Area Fund from Oxford, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes with support from the DCLG.

AVDC Grants available for small businesses

2009-01-28T04:05:00.000-08:00

Business Grants Available

AVDC are encouraging budding entrepreneurs and those businesses that are looking to expand by providing grants of up to £5,000.

The small business grant scheme aims to promote sustainable business growth whilst promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and encouraging employment growth.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate employment and financial growth in their applications to succeed.

To qualify, applicants must be businesses based in the Vale and are starting-up or are businesses with less than 30 employees.

The next Business grants panel meeting is to be held in February and AVDC looks forward to receiving applications from local businesses.

For further information please contact the Economic Development Team by telephone on 01296 585657 or by email economicdevelopment@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

2009 Council Tax increase lowest for a decade

2009-01-28T03:42:00.000-08:00

Cabinet proposes lowest council tax increase for a decade

Aylesbury Vale District Council’s cabinet has recommended the district’s lowest council tax increase for 10 years.
At a meeting of the cabinet on 13 January, councillors approved a budget for 2009/10 that will see a council tax increase of two per cent. This means people living in a Band D property will pay £128.57 this year for district council services, an increase of £2.53 or some five pence per week.
The recommendation, which runs below the current rate of inflation, will ease the burden on residents affected by the economic downturn.
The district council faces some tough decisions this year as a result of the credit crunch and world wide recession – with reduced income in many areas, lower interest on investments, and rising energy and fuel costs.
In response, the cabinet’s proposed budget for the next financial year includes £1.7 million in efficiency savings, 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.

Ring in the New

2008-12-07T04:58:00.000-08:00

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.

AVDC keeps Council Tax proposed increase low despite pressure on budget

2008-12-07T04:31:00.000-08:00

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.

Where should 10,000 new homes be built in Aylesbury Vale ? Have your say

2008-12-07T04:27:00.000-08:00

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