Neighbourhood Action Group Sept 2008

Useful numbers:
• Thames Valley Police
0845 8 505505
• Crimestoppers
0800 555111
• AVDC
01296 585858
• Bucks County Council
PC Richard Branston 01296 395000

PC Richard Branston has joined the Buckingham South Team, meaning we are up to strength in the area. He brings with him a lot of valued experience which will be vital for combating Anti-Social Behaviour issues within the Buckingham South area. With Richard on board, we have
now got an allocated PC and PCSO covering the South East and South West areas.

Farm thefts
Unfortunately farm thefts are on the increase. Please ensure you call the 0845 number with any
information regarding unknown or suspicious vehicles or persons. We need to know any information you have as we may be able to assist you in getting your items back, following a theft. We would also like to make you aware that there are thefts of diesel occurring in the area, so please make sure that your supply is sufficiently secured. Farm thefts don’t just have to include machinery, it can involve horse tack too. We offer a free service to mark any tack, with your postcode. If you require us to come and visit you to do this, please give us a call on 0845 8 505 505 and we can make an appointment to do this for you.

PC Martin Siderman
PC Richard Branston
PCSO Wendy Taylor

Buckingham South West Neighbourhood Action Group

Sept 2008 Issue 4

Buckingham South West comprises the parishes of Poundon, Twyford, Charndon Steeple Claydon, Middle Claydon, East Claydon, Padbury and Hogshaw.

PCSO Hayley Morgan
Sgt Andy Jones

DPPO – Designated Public Place Orders
You may have noted from the local press, that Winslow and Steeple Claydon are soon to be
Designated Public Places. This means that the Public will no longer be able to drink in public areas. These Orders are there to help reduce the amount of alcohol-fuelled Anti-Social Behaviour within Winslow and Steeple Claydon.

Thames Valley Police are encouraging their Neighbourhood teams to base themselves within their communities. To this end the Buckingham South team is looking at opening an office in
Winslow. Watch this space – we will keep you posted!!

SkyWatch

SkyWatch is a relatively new watch scheme that is ideal for assisting to locate stolen horseboxes and other large items such as horsetrailers and caravans which get stolen on a regular basis. As we have links with TVP’s HorseWatch, we are promoting the use of letting and numbering, similar to those seen on the roof of a Police vehicle. We recommend the use of your postcode. This means that once we have had notification of stolen equipment such as a horsebox, we are able to call on SkyWatch to go up in the air and have a look around the vicinity to try and locate the vehicle. For more information please contact Thames Valley HorseWatch.
A form to buy the lettering can be found on www.thamesvalleyhorsewatch.org.uk.

Crime Prevention

As the Winter is within reach, we are urging people to have a look at their home security. By this, we mean making sure you have adequate locks and chains on the door and also making sure that your doors and windows are locked when you leave the house and also at night.
If you require some advice contact either Hayley or Wendy on 0845 8 505 505 and we can come and assess your security measures.

Update on Energy from Waste initiative

The County Council have sent out an update on their Energy from Waste programme in August, with significant implications for the Calvert waste plant. Two of the three companies selected to tender for the new incinerator plant have been asked to proceed to a final tender. They are:

1. Covanta Energy - proposing an out of county site
2. Waste Recycling Group - proposal to develop their existing landfill site at Calvert

See the County Council website for more details. This includes the Minerals and Waste Local Plan and the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy. There is also a detailed Q&A section which will be added to as the process continues.

Go to the main page www.buckscc.gov.uk and click the FAQ on the banner, searching on key word 'waste'.

Bucks CC stresses that modern incinerators must conform to very stringent emission control standards and the power generated can be used or sold to benefit county council tax payers.

The final bid will be selected by the end of the year.

I am in close communication with my colleague Cllr Jackie Phipps (Marsh Gibbon) over these proposals, and we are agreed on the need to insist on improved road and rail access if the Calvert option is selected.

Romer Wood bridleway preserved

The news has recently come through that the appeal against the decision of the County Council not to upgrade the bridleway through Romer Wood near Botolph Claydon ('Three Points Lane') has been rejected by the Department of the Environment, and the County Council's original decision upheld. This is very good news, as it will preserve the character and environment of this important local area of woodland, part of the ancient Bernwood Forest. I for one am glad that our country walks with the dog through this lovely area will not be disturbed.

Sun shines at Village Fair

The weather was kind for the Steeple Claydon Village Fair on 12th July, held in the Recreation Ground. The theme was 'Cowboys and Indians' and a circle of wigwams added to the effect.
There were Wild West themed sideshows, including a shooting alley and bucking bronco and many excellent cowboy and indian costumes. Despite threatening clouds in the morning, the weather stayed fine and a great time was had by all. A special mention must be made of the Steeple Claydon Local History Society, who presented an excellent display of old photos and archives relating to village history.

Steeple Claydon Village Fayre 12th July

The annual Steeple Claydon Village Fayre takes place this Saturday 12th July in the Recreation Ground, starting at 12.00.

As in previous years, the day starts with a parade through the village starting at the Langston and Tasker coach depot on Buckingham Road at 11.00am. The parade finishes at the Recreation Ground around 12.00pm (when the floats and groups are judged) and then the Fayre begins.

There will be plenty of stalls, attractions, games and refreshments and it should be a great day out. Let's hope for a sunny day (it's been raining here continuously all day, so we're due for one)

Another warning from Thames Valley Police

Please be aware that an organisation called Support Direct are planning house to house charity collections around Aylesbury Vale between 30th June and 3rd August.
If you receive any calls about this, they have a police liaison person : John HARRIS. Phone, 0788 764 2828. Or there is a helpline which can be used to check ID of any suspicious persons : 0800 018 3584.

Message from Thames Valley Police: Country Watch

The following warning message has been circulated by Thames Valley Police:

Thames Valley Police are warning all owners of rural property to be aware that the theft of oil and diesel is on the increase, as well as quad bikes, power tools, hay and animal feed. The police ask that you report any suspicious vehicles in your area, with the make, colour and registration plate where possible, as well as a description of occupants. Be suspicious of anyone who cold calls asking about vehicles/animals for sale, lost dogs, grazing/livery enquiries, or selling any equipment/tools from the back of a van. Asking people to call back to see "the owner" at a more convenient time will sort out the genuine callers. Please phone any information to the police non-emergency number 08458 505505. If a crime is in progress, phone 999.
In a recent incident near Henley, two Irish males twice tried to sell power washers to a yard owner, and took a lot of interest in her horses. The vehicles involved were a red van and a maroon transit type van.
For information on crime prevention and securing your property, please contact your local neighbourhood watch office, who run Country watch, Farm watch and Horse watch schemes throughout the Thames Valley Police area.
Sent on behalf of Helen Evans
Thames Valley Horse Watch - 01494 736642