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
Claydon House
Claydon House Gardens
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Update on Incinerator proposals from WRG
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.
'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.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
Swimming still free for Over 60's at Aqua Vale or Swan
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.
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
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.
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
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.'
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.'
Thursday, 8 April 2010
High Speed Rail Proposal
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.
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.
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Latest update from our local PCSO team
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.
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.
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Steeple Claydon spire seen through oak trees
Map of Claydon Station
Meeting our local PCSO
Supporting our local businesses
With anti HS2 campaigners in Calvert