http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions

UK consumers are achieving 22 per cent faster broadband speeds at home than they were 12 months ago, new Ofcom research reveals.

http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/2012/02/jump-in-uk-broadband-speeds/?utm_source=DirectgovTwitter&utm_medium=Tweet&utm_campaign=bbspeedfeb

or the short link

http://t.co/Qdf8DWjy

Water regulator Ofwat publishes details of estimated rises in water & sewerage charges by region in Eng. & Wales

http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressnotices2008/prs_pn0112bills

This website provides you with helpful information about crime and policing in your area.

And from May, maps will show action taken after a crime has occurred.

www.police.uk

Neighbour disputes and nuisances

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/WhereYouLive/NoiseNuisanceAndLitter/index.htm

See what's planned for June 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/Features/DG_WP200687

If you have an emergency situation; crime in progress, car accident with injured parties etc please ring 999, otherwise, call 101

Seen a dog that's dangerously out of control in England? Use Directgov to report it to your local dog warden.

http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=432&LGIL=8&ServiceName=Find%20out%20about%20the%20dog%20warden%20service

or the short link:

http://t.co/gFmjOLG4
 

Van buyers will be able to receive 20% - up to £8000 - off the cost of a plug-in van, Transport Minister Norman Baker and Business Minister Mark Prisk announced today.

This is an extension of the Plug-In Car Grant which offers 25% - up to £5000 – to motorists buying a new plug-in car. Ministers have also re-confirmed there is funding secured for this grant until 2015.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-news-20120117

Check the radon map and see what you can do about it

http://www.ukradon.org/

We will be holding our first meeting for the Parish Plan group on Tuesday 21st February at 7.30pm in The Church Room. If you think you would like to be involved in finding out how parishioners would like to improve the community please come along to this meeting – anyone is welcome to join on this project.

At our January meeting we welcomed two new members to the Parish Council – they are not full voting members but will sit with Councillors and help to give a broader input to the Parish Council – we welcome Mrs Kate Cheshire and Mrs Lisa Cook and hope that they find their time with us both interesting and informative.

LIVE internet broadcasts showing meetings at Buckinghamshire County Council have begun.

The first webcast featured The Budget Scrutiny Challenge Group on Monday.

Meetings are recorded and can be viewed afterwards as well.

To view the Meetings or the recordings please visit:
http://www.buckscc.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

At the time of writing a poll on the Bucks Free Press website showed that 67% of readers would watch the meetings.

http://t.co/tSIyhaXr

NHS PIP breast implants to be removed for free.

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/01January/Pages/government-review-advises-on-french-pip-breast-implants.aspx

or the short link:

http://t.co/lfwriwZp

The Government has decided to proceed with the development and delivery of a new national high speed rail network to provide the capacity that Britain needs to compete and grow.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/statements/greening-20120110

http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/high-speed-rail/

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Timeoffandholidays/DG_073741

The current scams involve telephone calls from people pretending to be from the OFT (Office of Fair Trading) offering a refund on bank charges and emails pretending to be from the HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) offering a tax rebate.

DO NOT GET CAUGHT

http://www.oft.gov.uk/consumer-advice/

Fahra Nawaz, aged 17, was last seen at her home address in Wingate Avenue at 5.30pm yesterday (2/1).

Fahra is Asian, 5ft 4ins, with a large build and long black hair. She was wearing traditional Asian-style clothing of blue trousers, a long purple top and black shoes.

Insp Glenn Jones said: "Fahra has learning difficulties and because of this she may be vulnerable to anyone who wanted to take advantage of her.

"I would urge anyone who has seen her, or who knows of her whereabouts, to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact Thames Valley Police via the 24-hour Enquiry Line on 101.

Please don't leave it to someone else.

If you’re generally healthy and aged between 17 and 65, do something amazing.... Give blood.

http://www.blood.co.uk/

The Parish Council needs some volunteers from the community who would be willing to sit on a working party to develop our next Parish Plan – this helps us produce long term plans for improving our community – if you feel able to help please contact the Clerk or any of the Councillors. The first meeting of this group will be on Tuesday 21st February at 7.30pm. If you are interested please contact either the Clerk or let one of the Parish Councillors know of your interest.

The Parish Council has worked out its budget for 2012/2013 and will not be putting up the precept – we set the figure at £37,500 which is the same as the current year. We will be installing the second phase of the play equipment during March /April and this will cost in the region of £15,000.

Let us hope that when you read this we are not staring out at lots of the white stuff! If we are please can you make sure that any elderly, disabled or vulnerable neighbours have everything they need to keep them warm, safe and healthy.

Do you have a question or view on:
Care for older people?
Reducing crime?
Services for those who are vulnerable?
Improving roads and footpaths?
Support services for children?
If so, come along to the Council’s scrutiny committees and have your say directly to County Councillors at the Public Platform slot at the meetings.
We welcome questions or views on any service delivered by Buckinghamshire County Council or the NHS in Buckinghamshire.
Complete an online form to submit your question or views and find out more information on our website:
www.bucks.gov.uk/scrutiny
Alternatively, call us on 01296 383604 or email us at
scrutiny@buckscc.gov.uk
Follow us on twitter at scrutinybucks

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/38289.aspx

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200712

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/12/30/new-rules-will-make-it-easier-to-travel-with-pets/

Become a digital champion!

http://champions.go-on.co.uk/ways-to-be-a-digital-champion/inspire

The office is now closed for the Christmas Holiday and will re-open on January 4th 2011

WEST WYCOMBE’S NEW YEAR’S DAY WALK

Our annual walk will start at 1-30pm at
West Wycombe Village Hall

On the 1st of January 2012

We will walk for approximately one and a half hours then make our way back to the Village Hall for tea and home made cakes.

Everyone and their dogs are welcome

Please wear sensible footwear ( BOOTS!) because it is almost sure to be a hilly and muddy walk.

Any enquiries about the walk please contact Vicki Smith 01494 532239
 

Bucks C C Mobile Library

The mobile library can be visited every Wednesday from 1.30 – 5.00 pm
in the Garden Centre Car park.

It also visits on alternate Saturdays from
9.30am – 12.30pm

Dates for Saturday are as follows:
December 31st
January 14th
January 28th
February 11th
February 25th
March 10th
March 24th
April 7th
April 21st
May 5th
May 19th
June 2nd
June 16th
June 30th

Print the list of dates

Consultation Review

Timetable - 321

Timetable 275

Transport for Buckinghamshire Launch Service Information Centre Version Two.

It should be easier to get around the county in your car following the
launch of version two of Transport for Buckinghamshire's award winning
Service Information Centre.

Changes have been made to the site that give it a more user friendly feel,
as well as showing CCTV images of roads in the area and live car park data
for Aylesbury and Wycombe so that drivers can find available spaces.

Peter Hardy, Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Planning and
Transport said, "These improvements create an enhanced experience for our
residents in Buckinghamshire. I am pleased that ongoing developments mean
that visitors to the site will benefit from all the new features that we
have added."

A single map now shows all works within Buckinghamshire and a map has also
been added showing disruption and congestion with live, real time
information. The new fresh look encourages users to share and discuss pages
using social media and via email and there are still more developments in
the pipeline.

To see the new site, visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport.

A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not (or, in the case of some vulnerable adults, cannot) consent to the marriage, but are coerced into it. The coercion can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure.

The Home Office are seeking views on whether making forcing someone to marry should be a criminal offence or whether current arrangements provide adequate protection. We are also interested in views on what more could be done to prevent forced marriage from happening. There are clear arguments both for and against making forced marriage a criminal offence. These arguments are presented in the consultation document.

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/forced-marriage/

or the short link

http://t.co/DLguwnGj

he Christmas party season is nearly here, and if you are planning to party this year, think ahead, stay safe and know your limits.

Everyone enjoys a festive night out, but this is one of the busiest times of year for the emergency services who regularly deal with the fall out from Christmas cheer.

Almost half of all violent crime is alcohol-related, as are 80 percent of pedestrian deaths on a Friday and Saturday night so we are asking everyone who is planning to party this year to think ahead, drink sensibly and look out for one another.

Our message this Christmas is simple: plan ahead, drink sensibly, and look out for one another.

. Plan in advance how you will get home
. Save the number of a licensed taxi firm in your mobile phone
. Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended
. If there's trouble while you are out, stay ! well clear of it
. Respect your colleagues when out together - don't overstep the mark
. Avoid walking alone through dark or unsafe areas
. Keep your belongings with you and valuables out of sight
. Don't drink and drive, and remember you may still be over the limit the morning after a big night out.

You can also get regular updates from the police through our Twitter channel @TVP_Wycombe and information from the Community Safety Partnership @wycombedcbesafe or www.nightsafewycombe.org

Many thanks for your support and best wishes for the festive season.

A specialist environmental crime taskforce which will blitz illegal waste sites in England and Wales over the next two years has been set up by the Environment Agency, it was announced today.

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/135590.aspx?month=12&year=2011

or the short link

http://t.co/W8sfze20

You should only call this number if you have questions about your tax credits.

The exact cost of calling this number can be checked by calling your telephone service provider.

If you have hearing or speech impairments, the new textphone number is 0345 300 3909.

You will still also be able to use the old numbers (with the 0845 code), for about the next 18 months.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200423

Suzy Lamplugh Trust was founded in 1986 following the disappearance
of the young estate agent. The aim of the Trust is to raise awareness of the importance of personal safety and to help people to avoid violence and aggression and live safer, more confident lives.

They have created a special christmas safety list at http://www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety/personal-safety-tips/safety-over-the-festive-season/

and their website is full of useful and practical advice on personal safety for people from all walks of life.

www.suzylamplugh.org

Volunteers are required, from all walks of life and of all ages from within the community who would be willing to sit on a working party to develop our next Parish Plan – if you feel able to help please contact the Clerk or any of the Councillors.

Thank you

As promised we will have raised enough money through the fete and the precept to install phase 2 of the play equipment for The Pedestal Playing Field – this will probably happen in April.

We are also looking at ways to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee. If you have any suggestions or ideas to celebrate this event we would love to hear from you. If your organisation of business would like to purchase red white and blue bunting through the Parish Council we are able to place an order for a bulk purchase through Bucks County Council – the cost to your organisation would be £1 for a 10m run of bunting. Please let the Clerk or any of the Councillors know if you would like to place an order. We can also purchase Union Jack flags at £7.45 for 50.

A merry Christmas to everyone from West Wycombe Parish Council. Let us hope that we will not be looking out at several inches of snow. If we are then the government have issued guidelines on how we can all help ourselves and our neighbours – if anyone is prepared to go on a Bucks County Council register as being able to help local neighbours who would normally have a carer visiting them every day or you have a 4 x 4 and would be able to help home carers travel to where they are needed please contact 01296 383409 or email locality-services@buckscc.gov.uk If you would like more information on the advice about snow clearance please go to www.direct.gov.uk and type ‘snow code’ into the search facility.

We would like to thank Sir Edward Dashwood for providing the Village Hall with a Christmas Tree. This year we are going to place lights in the tree which is growing on the island at the junction of Chorley Road – if it is a success then we will make this permanent. Complete Tree Services will be installing all the lights for us and although we will be charged they have kindly discounted the price in order to support our community.

Staying warm in winter

Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia. Find out some simple things you can do to keep warm, stay healthy and make the best use of your heating at home.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/KeepingSafeAtHome/DG_10027755

or the short link:

http://t.co/4ogYn0hM

http://think.direct.gov.uk/video-drink-driving.html

you can choose to alert 4 people you are on your way home

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/press-release/22-nov11-am-i-safe-free-phone-app-allows-you-to-check-your-cab-is-licensed.aspx

Almost £1 billion will be spent over the next three years to provide unemployed young people with extra help as part of a new 'Youth Contract'.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200235

http://www.london2012.com/games/ceremonies/get-involved/casting-information.php

https://online.businesslink.gov.uk/hub/action/render?pageId=mynewbusiness&site=1000

or the short link

http://t.co/hYfd4LTS

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/index.htm

or the short link

http://t.co/Cf10XAIX

The Choir will be joined, at St Lawrence Church, by the Wycombe Combined School Choir singing carols and seasonal favourites.

Tickets £8 or £6 for children from Paul's the Newsagent, the Post Office, by calling 01494 536617 or on the door.

A study commissioned for consumer advice site knowthenet.org.uk suggests that, on average, only 44% of people were able to correctly identify illegal activities online.

Knowthenet.org.uk has now launched a free online test - which lets consumers test their own understanding of how the law applies online and check out advice on how to stay out of trouble.

http://accidentaloutlaw.knowthenet.org.uk/

Only 8% of women aged 26 to 35 have up-to-date anti-virus software on their computers, putting them at higher risk of fraud and computer crimes this festive shopping season.

http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/women-face-higher-online-fraud-risk-this-christmas-nov11

or the short link

http://t.co/OIQGk3ru

There is a wealth of information available online on the Wycombe District Council's My Wycombe service.

You can enter your own (or another) address and see information and links to district, county councillors and MPs, next bin collection dates, council tax band and charge, nearest parks, play areas and other community facilities, health and sheltered housing, planning applications and history, and planning policies and constraints.

You can also subscribe to email alerts for new and determined planning applications in your chosen area.

Try the My Wycombe website

Have you seen any suspicious activity, anti-social behaviour or criminal activity whilst out and about in this area?

If you’re out walking your dog, jogging, or just enjoying the countryside you could support the work of the police by reporting anything suspicious that you feel we should be aware of.

We are only as good as the information we receive and you could help us keep Wycombe District safe for those who live, work and visit the area.

You are reminded not to approach anyone who you suspect of committing a crime, or put yourself in any danger in anyway.

Instead, if you witness anything, please note details such as descriptions, locations or vehicle details.

Wycombe District is a safe place to be and we want to ensure it stays this way but need you to help us to do this.

If you see any suspicious activity in the area, contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
 

This document describes the main measures of the Localism Act under four headings:

new freedoms and flexibilities for local government

new rights and powers for communities and individuals

reform to make the planning system more democratic and more effective

reform to ensure that decisions about housing are taken locally

The document Decentralisation and the Localism Act: an essential guide also gives further background. It explains how the principles that underpin the Localism Act also inform other government policies.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/localismplainenglishupdate

You can read the Act and its explanatory notes in full, on the parliament website at:

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/localism/documents.html
 

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/downloadFile?contentID=HMCE_PROD1_031736

We are continually in contact with Bucks County Council over highways issues e.g. the brambles on the footway near the advertising hoardings, potholes, overgrown hedges and trees and the faulty pelican crossing. Because of budget cut backs the response these requests has become slower but they are gradually working through our list. We have been advised that a heater has now been installed in the pelican crossing in the hope that each time the temperature drops below zero it will continue to work – last year below zero meant a non working crossing and school children having to cross the busy A40 without any assistance.

If you would like to report any potholes, non functioning street lights and other faults on the highway you can do this by ring Transport for Bucks on 0845 230 2882. Report the fault and location and then ask for a reference number – this means that if nothing happens within a reasonable amount of time you can ring up, quote the number and chase them to find out what is going to happen. Please remember to cut those shrubs and hedges which are leaning over the pavements in front of your property.
 

In 2005 we asked everyone in the Parish for their views on what they would like to see as improvements or additions within our community.

During the Spring of 2012 we will be repeating this exercise.

Many of the suggestions made in the previous Parish Plan have been implemented e.g. the allotments and the play area but there will be things which we can do nothing about – one suggestions was to close the A40.

When these forms are issued please consider them seriously as this will be the best way that the Parish Council can work out a long term plan of what the residents of the parish want.

An ambitious new strategy to tackle the housing shortage, boost the economy, create jobs and give people the opportunity to get on the housing ladder was announced today (21 November 2011) by the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/2033724

An era of Whitehall control has ended with a historic shift in power back to local people, as the Localism Bill becomes law.

The Localism Act will trigger the biggest transfer of power in a generation, releasing councils and communities from the grip of central government.

The flagship legislation, which late yesterday afternoon received Royal Assent, puts a raft of new rights and powers at the disposal of local people to take charge of their future, delivering on more than 30 coalition agreement commitments.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/newsroom/2030130

or the short link

http://t.co/reaH0ogr

The government has launched this consultation to ask for views on how we can protect victims of stalking more effectively. The consultation incorporates a number of issues, including current legislation, the effect of police information notices, search powers, the work of existing organisations and alternative measures to tackle stalking.

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/stalking-consultation/

or the short link

http://t.co/FUBClSsz

Thames Valley Police has gone live today (14/11/2011) with 101, the new national single non-emergency number, which will replace the 0845 8 505 505 number.

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/general/14nov11-thames-valley-goes-live-with-101.aspx

or the short link

http://t.co/qJ4GZkBU

Certain transsexual people can now apply for equal treatment rights for social security purposes. This could mean getting the State Pension paid early, or having some National Insurance contributions refunded.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200047

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has now started sending out tax calculations (on form P800) to show taxpayers if they have paid too little PAYE tax for 2010-11. The calculation will show the total income and personal allowances that are due. HMRC sends notes with the calculation to explain what it all means.

If you get a calculation you should check it to make sure you agree with the information included.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200065

If your child is eligible for free school meals, it's worth registering them even if they're not going to have the school lunch. This is because schools receive a 'Pupil Premium' - an extra payment for each eligible child which they can spend on useful services. Registering might also get you extra help for things like music lessons or school trips.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200057

or use the short link

http://t.co/t5nPCwGv

Find out what your rights are when buying a car, including when you can claim for a repair, replacement or refund

http://bit.ly/buy-a-car

Buying a car - your rights
 

Struggling with your mortgage payments?

Put together a simple action plan to help you keep your home.

There are several things you can do to make sure your home isn’t repossessed. It’s never too late to get advice, so don’t walk away or hand over your keys to your lender. Find out how to get help to keep your home if you are facing repossession.

What you can do to avoid repossession - a guide

Get Safe on Line has worked closely with the Rough Guide team to produce this downloadable useful guide to staying safe on line

Simply click on the link below for Your copy of “The Rough Guide to Staying Safe On Line”

Rough Guide (1,930KB, PDF)

Anyone who has served in the UK Armed Forces may be entitled to financial support. This also includes the widows, widowers and dependants of those who have served.

Find out what pensions or other payments may be available.

http://bit.ly/VeteranBenefits

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a bookmakers was robbed in High Wycombe on Sunday (6/11).

At about 10.15pm, two men forced their way into Coral's bookmakers, Cressex Road, through a side fire door. They forced the lone member of staff in the store to the floor, before taking her to the counter area where they stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the safe.

The member of staff, who is 20-years-old, was not injured in the incident.

The first man is white and was wearing dark clothing, a light coloured bandana and an over the shoulder bag. The second man is black, wearing a dark jacket with grey on the shoulders and inside the hood, Adidas trainers with white stripes, a light coloured scarf, and was holding a black holdall.

Anyone with any information about the incident or who recognises the description of the men, should contact Det Con Tom Gregory via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

If you don't want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The threat of scam apps is very real. Some users have been landed with bills of hundreds of pounds after inadvertently downloading a scam app.

http://bit.ly/scam-apps

If you are due to work, volunteer or compete at the Olympic or Paralympic Games, or are attending in another official capacity, it's likely you will need an accreditation pass to give you special access to London 2012 venues and sites. Find out what the process involves.

http://bit.ly/GamesPass

Google has started to index Ajax/JavaScript content, so comments made on sites that use services such as the Facebook Comment Box or Disqus will now be discoverable via Google search.

http://bit.ly/rQzhqp

Wycombe Area Youth Council (WAYC) is a fantastic opportunity for young people in the Wycombe district to express their views and be consulted on issues affecting them.

Membership is open to all young people within the district aged 14 to 19 years. If there anything that you want to ask or say about services for young people, then contact the youth council on 01494 447 250 or email wayc@wycombe.gov.uk

http://bit.ly/rB7xeW

“Once Upon A Time”
by
Paul Barron & Sarah Dyson

Directed by Ewen Haynes
At
West Wycombe Village hall
Wednesday 30th November
Thursday 1st,& Friday 2nd December at 8pm
Saturday 3rd December at 7.30pm
Tickets £9 and £6 concessions
Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £25
Once upon a time there were two girls, Cinderella and Snow White... but that is in the past and they are now married to their
Prince Charmings!.
Their respective daughter and son however are starting out on their magical journey together but, as you would expect, they have the wicked witch and some strange characters to deal with on the way; the Mad Hatter and Captain Hook, to name but two.
Song, dance and mayhem in abundance. Come and join in the fun.

Wed, Thurs and Friday performances start at 8pm. Doors open at 7.15pm.
Saturday 3rd starts at 7.30pm. Doors open 6.45pm.
All tickets are non returnable and non refundable.
Thank you for your support of The Masque Players.

If you would like tickets, please complete the form below and send it with your cheque payable to “The Masque Players” to:
Lynn Rockell, Thatchings, Sydenham, Oxon. OX39 4LJ

Name…………………………………………Tel No……………………....................

Email address………………………………………………………………………………..

Wed 30th Nov @ 8pm ………Adults …… Concessions. …….Family ticket/s

Thurs 1st Dec @ 8pm ………Adults …… Concessions. …….Family ticket/s

Fri 2nd Dec @ 8pm ………Adults …… Concessions. …….Family ticket/s

Sat 3rd Dec @ 7.30pm ..……Adults …… Concessions. …….Family ticket/s

I enclose cheque for £ ……………. Payable to Masque Players.
 

In heavy snow, our home carers can’t always reach vulnerable
people. Can you help?

• Can you help clear snow from a driveway or path when our home carers can’t reach someone?

• Or do you have a 4x4 vehicle and can help drive our home carers where they are needed?

If you can help, please let us know.

Please tell us your name, town/village and contact details and if you can help with simple snow clearance or whether you have a 4x4.

Email locality-services@buckscc.gov.uk
or telephone 01296 383409

Worried about clearing snow?
Don’t be.
The Government has produced advice on how to clear snow safely. The most important thing to remember is you won’t be in trouble for clearing snow sensibly (eg use salt and sand to melt snow, rather than hot water which will turn to ice).

Go to: www.direct.gov.uk and learn about the ‘snow code’

Would you know if your child was in a gang?

Learn to spot the signs and find out how to keep them safe

http://bit.ly/ParentsAndGangs

WDNHWA is pleased to announce that there will be a local Neighbourhood Watch meeting for Lane End, Stokenchurch, and nearby villages on Wednesday, 16th November, starting at 7.30PM. The location will be the Stokenchurch Methodist Church, The Common, Stokenchurch HP14 3TZ. The road is diagonally opposite The Kings Arms Hotel on the A40.

The invited speakers are:

Jay & Jade of Street Dreams re the work they do with young people to help keep them on the ‘straight and narrow’.

Your local police Neighbourhood Team.

Geoff Pegg, Chairman of WDNHWA re the new arrangements in the police support systems for NHW (messaging, database etc).

It is most important that the new police support systems, particularly re the messaging, be outlined to you and that you provide your own feelings about this. So, do please try to come along and do encourage others to attend as well. These meetings are not just for Co-ordinators – anyone interested can attend.

Find out what you're allowed to do to protect yourself.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Chief Constables have produced a summary of what people can do when faced with an intruder and the support offered by the law when householders defend themselves. The following is taken from that statement.

http://bit.ly/home-defence

The right to peaceful protest is a vital part of democracy, and it has a long, distinguished history in the UK. Here’s some basic information about protests, as well as a few other ways in which you can make your voice heard.

http://bit.ly/protest-rights

Local residents and Wycombe Sports Centre users are invited to an exhibition between Monday 31 October and Friday 18 November, to find out more about Wycombe District Council's latest proposal to redevelop the Wycombe Sports Centre site and build a new leisure centre.

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/press-release/26oct11-local-residents-invited-to-find-out-more-about-redevelopment-proposals-in-high-wycombe.aspx

or the short link

http://bit.ly/ulAqPX

With the clocks going back on 30 October everyone gets an extra hour. How you spend it is up to you, but that one hour could make a real difference to someone’s life. Why not spend it helping someone get online?

http://bit.ly/Give-an-hour

Is Britain beset by binge boozers? Will wine help you lose weight? Could six cans of lager help you live longer? The media pose questions like these on an almost daily basis, often using and abusing the findings of medical research to back up their headlines.

In this special report, Behind the Headlines analyses the media's relationship with research on alcohol, the science behind it, and what all this means for us when we consider raising a glass.

What's your poison: A sober analysis of alcohol and health in the media (PDF, 3Mb) is a must-read for anyone who wants the facts on whether the headlines are true.

Firework safety and the law

Fireworks often play a big part in celebrations – like Bonfire Night, Diwali and Chinese New Year. However, fireworks are explosives and burn at high temperatures, so they need careful handling and storage. Find out about firework safety and the law about their use.

http://bit.ly/firework_safety

Transport for Buckinghamshire are holding workshops across the county this
November to help prepare motorists for the challenge of winter driving.

Last year over 200 people attended either an evening workshop or a winter
driving event hosted by their employer.

Each workshop starts with a winter driving presentation on how to drive
safely in challenging conditions. The garage technicians will then take
attendees through the most common faults and basic vehicle maintenance
checks.

Peter Hardy, Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Planning and
Transport, said "We have experienced some severe weather over the last
couple of winters so these workshops could be beneficial to those who are
not experienced at driving in these conditions."

Whether you're an experienced motorist, older driver or have just passed
your driving test, a winter driving workshop will help you understand how to
conduct basic vehicle checks to reduce the possibility of the vehicle
breaking down.

"I spoke to employees who went to the Winter Driving Workshop and all have
said how valuable it was. The comments included that much of it was down to
common sense and they would think more about their driving and vehicle
safety." Peter Gannaway, Health and Safety Manager Paradigm Housing Group.

"I went on the course with a limited knowledge of the effects the winter can
have on my vehicle, but two hours later I was up to speed. It's not rocket
science, but what you do learn is common sense that could keep your car on
the road in the cold and should make you a safer driver. I've still got my
sleeping bag in the boot, I've never used it, but it's great to know it's
there!!" Andy Holmes, Buckinghamshire County Council.

The evening workshops start at 7 pm and are held on the following dates:

STS Tyres Aylesbury on 8th November 2011

STS Tyres High Wycombe on 15th November 2011

Buckingham Ford on 17th November 2011

STS Tyres Chesham on 22nd November 2011 

To find out more about winter driving and to book a place on a workshop,
visit our web site
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/transport/winter_driving_workshops.page

Alternatively if you would like to host a workplace workshop please
telephone 01296 382450 or email roadsafety@buckscc.gov.uk

There is a new easy way for you to tell Ofsted how you think your child's school is performing.

Ofsted has launched Parent View, a 12-question online survey that lets you give your views on your child's school at any time.

http://bit.ly/ParentView

Share this with friends and loved ones to remind them.

Time to Test

http://bit.ly/firekillsclock

http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/jobs/

This is a reminder that the next in the sequence of popular town centre Crime Prevention Events, organised by Wycombe District Neighbourhood Watch Association, will take place in The Chilterns Shopping Centre (outside Wilkinsons) between 9.00AM and 2.00PM on Saturday, 22nd October.

Subject to final confirmation, the participants will be:

- Thames Valley Police
- Trading Standards
- Addaction (a drugs agency)
- Wycombe District Council's Community Safety Team
- The Public Safety Team (re anti-social behaviour)
- Wycombe Watch (re pubs, shops etc)
- Wycombe District Neighbourhood Watch Association

Please try to visit this event and encourage other members of your scheme to do so as well.

These events have always proved to be extremely useful and very well attended with valuable crime prevention advice being available from all of the key agencies that are involved in trying to reduce crime.

With the advance of the hours of darkness, there is always an increased risk of burglaries at this time of year. So, advice on preventing these and other crimes is very important.
 

http://talesoftheroad.direct.gov.uk/

or the short link

http://bit.ly/TalesOfTheRoad

Changes to tenancy and deposit laws

Tenancies with rents between £25,000 and £100,000 per year can now be assured and assured shorthold tenancies

Find out about changes to the annual rental threshold

Types of tenancies - private renting

Store the word "ICE" in your mobile phone address book, and against it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency".

In an emergency situation, the police, ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are and be able to contact them. It's as simple as that, and for more than one contact name you can use ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc.

all NHS hospitals have a complaints process.

http://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/complaints/Pages/NHScomplaints.aspx

Care homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC is responsible for monitoring the standards of most private, voluntary and local council care services. Learn more about standards of care and who to contact to make a complaint if you're not happy.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/CareHomes/DG_10031520

This is a forensic crime reduction system that links criminals to crime scenes and provides an unbreakable chain of evidence in a court of law.

Furthermore, it enables stolen goods to be returned to their rightful owners.

Each batch of Selecta DNA contains a non-toxic liquid with a unique DNA code. This solution can only be seen under UV light - the police have UV arc-lamps in each of their local Custody Suites.

By displaying warning labels, window stickers, and other signage, it deters criminals, as they know the DNA will link them! to the crimes they commit.

As well as the DNA identifier, each bottle of the solution contains about 1,000 microdots and each microdot shows the manufacturer's secure database phone number and the unique code of the owner. This gives the police the ability to positively ID a recovered item on the spot.

These kits are ideal for such items as:
- Computers, IT equipment, and other electrical equipment.
- Jewellery
- Antiques and paintings
- Leisure equipment such as golf clubs, bicycles, motorcycles etc.
- Tools

The kits that are able to mark about 50 items can be obtained from WDNHWA at a cost of £23.00 and this includes the database registration cost with the manufacturer. Also included are warning signs and tamper-proof warning labels.

Please confirm your interest in the first place with Gemma Brooks at Wycombe District Council's Community Safety Department as follows:

- ph 01494.421117
- email : Gemma.Brooks@wycombe.gov.uk

Alternatively, talk directly to WDNHWA at the Crime Prevention Event on Saturday, 22nd October, from 9.00AM until 2.00PM in The Chilterns Shopping Centre, High Wycombe. The kits will be available to purchase there.

We want to hear from you on your priorities for council spending over the coming year. The consultation is live until 13 November 2011.

Your money - your choice

www.buckscc.gov.uk/budget

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is reminding consumers to follow good hygiene practices when storing and preparing vegetables, following two recent E.coli outbreaks.

http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2011/sep/washveg

or the short link

http://bit.ly/nZX7th

Responsibility for sewers is changing on 1 October 2011.

Find out the difference between drains and sewers, and who is responsible for repairing and maintaining them.

Also, learn how to prevent a blocked drain and what to do if a blockage happens.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/WhereYouLive/Streetcleaninglitterandillegaldumping/DG_10026174

or the short link

http://bit.ly/sewer-pipes

A BUCKS hypnotherapist has hit out at internet giant Google after she was left 'helpless' when her email account was hijacked.

http://bit.ly/qSwyqv

Free services like gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo etc. are not secure use them at your own risk!

Facebook is making sharing even easier by automatically sharing what you’re doing on Facebook-connected apps. Instead of having to "Like” something to share it, you’ll just need to click “Add to Timeline” on any website or app, and that app will have permission to share your activity with your Facebook friends.

What activity, you ask?

It could be the news articles you read online, the videos you watch, the photos you view, the music you listen to, or any other action within the site or app. Facebook calls this auto-sharing "Gestures".

http://mashable.com/2011/09/28/new-facebook-feature/

I'm sure many people all over the world are begining to question whether Facebook is worth all the hassle?

Child maintenance is financial support towards a child's everyday living costs.

Separated parents can arrange child maintenance between themselves by making a family-based arrangement.

They can also ask the CSA or courts to get involved.

Find out about child maintenance and how to make an arrangement that works for you.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/ChildMaintenance/Arrangingchildmaintenance/DG_199174

Adoption is where a child legally becomes a member of a new family and has one or two new parents.

If you are at least 21 years old and can provide a permanent, stable and caring home, your application to adopt will be welcomed.

There is no upper age limit.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Adoptionfosteringandchildrenincare/AdoptionAndFostering/DG_4019657

or the short link

http://bit.ly/ukadoption

Two cars were broken into in Grafton Street at the weekend and the number plates were stolen from Peugeot 306 in Tadros Court, yesterday (25/9).

Most thieves are opportunists and we want to make it as hard as possible for them to be able to offend. If you leave a jacket on the back seat, a thief might think there is something of value underneath or if you leave a mark from a sat nav on the windscreen they might break in to your car to see if the equipment is in there.

This might sound insignificant but to have your car broken into and know that someone has looked through your belonging can be distressing. It not only feels intrusive but can also result in an increase in your insurance premium.

Please don't make it easy for thieves, or you could lose more than some loose change.

. Do not leave valuables on display in your car - even loose change can be an incentive for a thief

. Remember to always lock your car and make sure your windows are shut when leaving it unattended

If you would like to find out more about what we are doing to help reduce crime in the area, follow the police on:

Twitter @TVP_Wycombe

We would also like to encourage anyone who sees any suspicious activity to contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505. If you don't want to speak to police and don't want to leave your name contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

It’s pretty amazing how Facebook can suggest friends for you based on the most ephemeral of connections. Or how about when you log in and see ads for services you were just searching for on Google? Or what about when Facebook synced all of your cell phone contacts to the site without you realizing you’d allowed it? What about the new API that allows apps to post items on your timeline without you even doing anything. Not to mention the frequent design changes that put your privacy settings under different menus and submenus.

Read the article/solution and comment at www.mh-p.info

Based on information supplied by www.securitymanagement.com

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is a minimum amount per hour that most workers in the UK are entitled to be paid.

Find out what the current rates are and where to get help if you think you are being paid below the minimum wage rate.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/TheNationalMinimumWage/DG_10027201

or the short link

http://bit.ly/nmw-rates

When you buy something the law gives you certain rights that protect you if it’s faulty. You may also have extra rights depending on where you buy the item and how you pay for it. Find out what your rights are and who can help if things go wrong.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/index.htm

Tax-free children's savings accounts, known as 'Junior ISAs', will be available from 1 November 2011.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_192028

To celebrate Walk4Life Day a national database of walks has been published:

http://www.walk4life.info/

We will soon start the process of planning our budget for next year.

If you have any specific request which you would like the Parish Council to consider, either ring or email the Clerk or send a message via the website.

If you have trees or hedges that overhang and obstruct the pathway you are responsible to ensure they are kept trimmed back to your property border.

If you obstruct the pavement and it's reported to Transport for Bucks on 0845 230 2882 or at http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/transport/ea_report_problem.page  they will do the work and probably send you a bill!

If you would like to report any potholes, non functioning street lights, overgrown trees and hedges and other faults on the highway or pathway, you can do this by ringing Transport for Bucks on 0845 230 2882.

Report the fault and location and then ask for a reference number – this means that if nothing happens within a reasonable amount of time you can ring up, quote the number and chase them to find out what is going to happen.

Alternatively you can report the fault online at:

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/transport/ea_report_problem.page

We will have three new Vehicle Activated Signs in our parish by the end of September – one on the road entering the village from Piddington and one either side of the newly created crossing area by Bradenham Road Bridge.

These are to remind people of the speed limits and to encourage people to drive more carefully/slowly as they enter our communities.

The Fete which was opened by our MP, Steve Baker and his wife Beth, was a great success raising around £1400 towards the play equipment – we are still waiting for some money to be handed in and then we can produce a final figure.

A big thank you to everyone who either ran a stall, helped set up the marquees or came along and spent their money. The Pedestal Playing Field is a community space for everyone’s benefit and it is good to see so many people willing to support it.
 

The independent Boundary Commission for England (BCE) today launches a 12-week consultation on its initial proposals for new Parliamentary constituency boundaries in England.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_199450

or the short link

http://bit.ly/constituencies

Trustees are the people in charge of a charity. They play a vital role, volunteering their time and working together to make important decisions about the charity's work.

Trustees' Week is an annual event to showcase the great work that trustees do and highlight opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference.

Trustees’ Week 2011 is 31 October – 6 November and this website will be regularly updated with news and information in the run up to the week.

http://www.trusteesweek.org.uk/

The government has announced that it will ban the payment of referral fees in personal injury cases. The current arrangements have led to high costs, encouraged a compensation culture and led to the growth of an industry which pursues claimants for profit.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_199404?

View the Poster and all the details

The aim of Get Safe Online is to provide computer users and small businesses with free, independent, user-friendly advice that will allow them to use the internet confidently, safely and securely.

http://www.getsafeonline.org/

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Planning/index.htm

or the short link

http://bit.ly/planning-guide

Charity 20/20 cricket match in aid of Wycombe Hospital at High Wycombe Cricket Club this Sunday, 11 September.

Gates open for a BBQ at Noon and the match starts at 1.00pm.

Former Pakistan test cricketer Shakil Ahmed, will be playing along with former county players and rising young stars.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children and include a prize draw ticket with the chance to win a children's coaching session with a former England test player.

Tickets are available on line at www.scannappeal.org.uk or by telephone at 01491 734 161.

All proceeds will go to Scannappeal’s HeartScan Appeal for Wycombe Hospital. This Appeal is for £125,000 for a state of the art 3D heart scanner to diagnose and treat patients with heart complications and to monitor the heart function of breast cancer patients, so helping many local patients including those in your area.
 

A leaflet has been produced for winter 2011/12 explaining how you can protect yourself against flu this coming winter and why it’s very important that people who are at risk have their free seasonal flu vaccination every year

http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2011/09/seasonal-flu-vaccinations/

or the short link

http://bit.ly/oLhF0f

www.westwycombechambermusic.org.uk

Programme

Postgraduate study offers a way of retraining as a teacher or social worker, or starting a career in healthcare. The application process is often different from that used for other postgraduate courses – and there may be alternative sources of financial help on offer.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/ChoicesAfterYouGraduate/DG_10012475

or the short link

http://bit.ly/teachtraining

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply for the same student loans, grants and bursaries as other undergraduate students. Find out what full-time or part-time courses you may get finance for and what finance is available.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/Typesoffinance/DG_171531

or the short link

http://bit.ly/teachingfinance

Agency workers will be entitled to new employment rights from 1 October 2011 when new regulations come into force. When on an assignment you will get some of these rights from day one and some after 12 weeks in the same job.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_199272

Relationship abuse can happen to anyone. It involves more than physical violence, it can be when someone puts you down, threatens you or forces you to do something you don't want to. Find out more about how to spot the signs, have your say on the issue and seek help here.

http://thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk/

or the short link

http://bit.ly/thisisabuse

Find out why, and read about the #energyefficient alternatives

One of the ways you can save energy in your home is to use energy saving light bulbs. These can last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs and can save you money on your electricity bills. Find out how these bulbs work and how to recycle them.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Energyandwatersaving/Energyandwaterefficiencyinyourhome/DG_179919

or the short link

http://bit.ly/light_bulbs

Businesses up and down the country are being invited to contribute ideas on how the Government can cut red tape and regulatory burdens without affecting its responsibilities to protect the environment.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/09/01/red-tape-spotlight/

or the short link

http://bit.ly/rd9jGI

The warning, which the MHRA says is "precautionary" comes after reports that the anti-psychotic drug Seroquel XL has been found within some Nurofen Plus packets. Three defective packs have been found in pharmacies in London, but the affected batches may have been distributed across the UK.

The blister packs of the two different drugs look different, and should be easily spotted. The Seroquel XL 50mg tablets are large and capsule shaped and can be identified by their gold and black packaging; Nurofen Plus tablets are smaller and have silver and black packaging.

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/08August/Pages/nurofen-plus-mhra-warning.aspx

Flooding can cause widespread damage to your home and belongings. Making plans in advance can reduce the chances of your home being flooded and also save your life. Find out how you can prepare for flooding and protect your home from flood damage.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/WhereYouLive/FloodingInYourArea/DG_10014599

or the short link

http://bit.ly/floodwarning

Cllr Hugh McCarthy, Wycombe District Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability, commented: "Between 2 September and 14 October, we are inviting you to have your say on the bold and exciting plans that we have made for the future of the Wycombe district, which aim to improve local facilities and help to deliver new jobs and prosperity to the area by regenerating key sites and setting in place a strong framework for future development. We want the Wycombe district to continue to be somewhere people are proud to live, work, visit and shop in. So please, take the opportunity to review our plans and tell us what you think - there are plenty of ways to have your say and to get involved."

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/press-release/25aug11-have-your-say-on-shaping-the-future-of-the-wycombe-district.aspx

or the short link

http://bit.ly/nTyUnU

A door step promotion of the Councils Home Insulation Grant will be taking place across the Wycombe District area commencing on Thursday 25th August, in the Totteridge area, but will be expanding across the district over following weeks.

The promotion will be conducted on behalf of Wycombe District Council by one of the approved installers from a company called Baring, offering Cavity Wall and Loft insulation, as part of the Wycombe 500 Houses challenge.

Each of their representatives will be in possession of a laminated copy of a letter of authority issued by the council, together with an ID badge giving their name and displaying the Wycombe District Council Logo. If you are in any doubt as to the identity of the caller then Wycombe District Council's ! Environmental Co-ordinator, Mrs Lesley Stoner, can be contacted on 01494 421744.

You have a right under the Data Protection Act to see information about your results. Having access to information - such as a breakdown of their overall mark and examiners’ comments – may not lead to your grades being altered but it could help you make decisions that impact on your future, such as deciding to re-sit an exam or pursue a particular subject at college or university.

http://www.ico.gov.uk/news/latest_news/2011/students_can_request_examiners_comments_under_data_protection_laws_18082011.aspx

or the short link

http://bit.ly/nsObg1

Cooling your home without air conditioning and checking your risk of flooding are just two ways to get ready.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Thewiderenvironment/Climatechange/DG_179147

Location:  Pedestal Playing Field

Date: Friday 9th September

Time: 3.30pm

If you can help please just turn up.

Thank you.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Publictransport/index.htm

or the short link

http://bit.ly/qSqkdM

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Publictransport/RailTravel/index.htm

or the short link

http://bit.ly/UKrail

e-petitions is the best way for individuals to make themselves heard.

It only takes 100,000 signatures to get a petition debated in parliament and if your topic is not listed you can start your own petition.

One petition already has over 150,000 signatures.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/

With the recent announcements from the main energy providers of large increases in the price of energy, the cost of keep warm is rising. It is becoming harder for residents to keep their homes heated to the recommended temperatures of 21˚C (70˚F) in the living room and 18˚C (65˚F) in other occupied rooms. To help combat this, a free phone helpline has been set up to advise residents in Buckinghamshire how to cut their energy bills.

The service is offered by the United Sustainable Energy Agency in partnership with Buckinghamshire County Council, the four Buckinghamshire District Councils and Buckinghamshire Primary Care Trust.

If you are finding your energy bills unmanageable, you are not alone. Currently over 5 million people in the UK cannot afford to pay for the heat they need. Any resident in Buckinghamshire who is struggling with their energy bills can call 0800 107 00 44 for free, impartial advice on:

• Cavity wall and loft insulation including the grants available
• Grants and loans to help with heating system replacements
• Government and energy company payments
• How to switch energy suppliers to get the best deal
• Advice on fuel debt
• How to be more energy efficient in the home

Some of these improvements can take a few months to install; don’t wait until it gets cold to phone.

The helpline is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
 

Following small outbreaks of disorder in parts of the force area, Thames Valley Police has set up the following Twitter feeds to keep communities updated:

www.twitter.com/TVP_Slough

www.twitter.com/TVP_Reading

www.twitter.com/TVP_Oxford

www.twitter.com/TVP_MK

www.twitter.com/TVP_Aylesbury

www.twitter.com/TVP_Wycombe

You can also follow us on the main Thames Valley Police Twitter site:

www.twitter.com/thamesvp

If you have information about groups gathering or behaving suspiciously, please contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505.

Alternatively, if you do not want to speak to police, or leave your name, please contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111

Thousands more police officers will be deployed on the streets of London tonight to help contain rioting that has affected parts of the city. Parents are advised to ensure their children stay off the streets as police move to tackle any signs of disturbance.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198958

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/uk_riots

A 'demo' map showing 180,000 assets owned by public sector bodies has been published.

These include restaurants, pubs, an airport and even Swindon Town’s football stadium!

It is hoped that by publishing a national asset map billions of pounds of potential savings will be identified.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198888

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/asset_map

We have received a number of calls from concerned residents across the District who have reported suspicious phone calls from people claiming to be completing a crime survey and acting on behalf of Thames Valley Police.

Thames Valley Police have no knowledge of this survey and would advise anyone who receives such a phone call to advise them you are not interested and to not give them any personal information.

Please do let us know if you receive a call like this, including what was said, time and date of call, any phone number obtained, together with any other information you may obtain.

If you have any information in relation to this message, please contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505

To find out more about Thames Valley Police in your area - please go to our website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk.

Persistent 'neighbours from hell' will be evicted from their homes more quickly, under new plans to tackle anti-social behaviour.

While eviction will always be the last resort, the rights of victims to a peaceful life will be prioritised over the rights of offenders.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198838

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/neighboursfromhell

You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home if you haven't got a working smoke alarm.

A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you time to escape.

They are cheap, easy to get hold of and easy to fit.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/FireSafety/DG_071751

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/edFzws

Enhanced rider scheme

Get more out of your riding and motorcycle by taking the enhanced rider scheme. You'll get your own trainer to help you make your riding more enjoyable. You can also get insurance discounts with most motorcycle insurance brokers. Find out how to find a trainer and get started.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/RidingMotorcyclesAndMopeds/DG_4022666

http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/media-centre/news-releases/2011/campaign-to-hunt-some-of-the-uks-most-wanted-fraudsters-launched-by-crimestoppers-45132985

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/Companyandpersonalpensions/index.htm

1000 each year will die waiting as there are not enough organs available.

Register NOW!

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Features/DH_128851

Telephone scammers claiming to represent the OFT

We are aware of consumers being contacted by people claiming to represent the OFT. Consumers are told that the OFT can reclaim bank or other charges for them, and that this service requires an upfront fee to be paid by money transfer. Some consumers have been asked to pay between £100 and £200.

The OFT is warning people not to pay money to bogus telephone callers claiming to be from the OFT. These callers have no connection with the OFT. The OFT do not ask people for money over the telephone.

If you receive a telephone call from the OFT asking for money, this is a scam and you should not pay.

For further advice contact Consumer Direct using the Directgov online form

http://www.oft.gov.uk/consumer-advice/

From 1 August 2011, householders could get government funding to help install renewable heating systems such as biomass boilers and solar thermal panels. Money will be available for up to 25,000 installations over the next year, with grants being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198244

Home improvements continue to top the list of complaints about doorstep rogue traders, according to new figures from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). Complaints about home maintenance peak during the summer, so find out what to do if an uninvited trader calls at your door this summer.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198600

Millions of homes and businesses in rural parts of the UK could receive better value broadband services by the end of this year. This follows Ofcom’s decision to reduce significantly the prices that BT Wholesale can charge internet service providers (ISPs) in primarily rural, less densely populated areas.

http://media.ofcom.org.uk/2011/07/20/better-value-rural-broadband/

The First

"Can I speak to the BT Account Holder" is generally how the first starts and although they are a competitor of BT they keep saying "BT" to instill in your mind that they are from BT.  They talk about saving you money when infact they're trying to move you to their service.

The way to test to tell if they are from BT is to ask them to tell you your account number (it's at the top of your phone bill) - they can't because they don't know it. Terminate the call.

The Second

This is more serious.

Again they claim to be a representative of BT.  He will tell you that he is about to disconnect you because of an unpaid bill and will demand a sum of money, probably about £30 or you will have to pay £118 to be re-connected.

He's not after your cash - he wants your credit card details.

If he thinks you're suspicious he will so offer to demonstrate that he was from BT by disconnecting your phone.  He will tell you to hang up and phoning someone - he would dis-connect my phone to prevent this call.

Your phone will be dead - no dialling tone, no engaged tone, nothing.

You hang up and then he calls you again.

The cutting off of the line is very simple, he stays on the line with the mute button on and you can't dial out - but he can hear you trying (This is because the person who initiates a call is the one to terminate it). When you stop trying he cuts off and immediately calls back.

Don't get caught by this scam!

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has opened an investigation into websites that charge people for government services that are available directly from government, either at no cost or for a lower fee.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198585

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/do-it-online

Suitable for anyone with a business idea however early stage, the “Is it for me?” workshop covers everything you need to know about working for yourself and whether starting a business or going into self-employment is right for you. “Is it for me?” workshops are being held at the Holiday Inn, High Wycombe on the following dates:

27th July

19th August

16th September

7th October 

If, following this workshop, you decide to commit to starting your business and have already started your research, you will qualify for a second tier of workshops focused on getting the basics of your business right and developing your business plan.

Don’t delay – these workshops won’t be around for long. To book, call Business Link on 0845 600 9006 today. Please note that prior booking is essential for all Business Link events. Entry will not be permitted without an e-ticket.

West Wycombe Chamber Choir will be singing a selection from Carousel, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, Les Miserables, South Pacific, West Side Story and other famous musicals.

Tickets: Adults £8, Concessions £6.

All funds to St Lawrence Church on the Hill

Tickets available from The Post Office and Paul’s Newsagents, West Wycombe and on the door or call 01494 536617

Information collected by the British Trust for Ornithology shows that the number of swifts breeding in Britain has declined considerably - by 44% in the South East between 1995 and 2008. Much of this decline is caused by the loss of nesting sites, due to building repairs or even simple re-pointing of brickwork, which means that swifts can no longer access a traditional site.

Your help in completing the questionnaire will be appreciated.

Swift Nesting Site Questionnaire 2011

.

http://taxcreditsvideos.direct.gov.uk/index.html

or use the short link.

http://bit.ly/isNS61

For further information please vist :

http://thebigtreeplant.direct.gov.uk/funding.html

or the short link:

bit.ly/g1LTIY

Residents are asked to keep a close eye on their local playground following an attack on the Winchmore Hill play area.  The equipment, which was installed 13 months ago,  will now have to be replaced at a cost of £25,000, after it was wrecked by offenders trying to steal the metalwork.

The value of scrap metal and cabling is at a record high so please be vigilent.

It is now cheaper to use your mobile phone on holiday in Europe after new Eurotariff charges came into force on 1 July 2011.

The Eurotariff is an EU regulated price limit for call charges within Europe. The rules also cover charges to send a text message.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_188961

or the short link

http://bit.ly/mob-hols

From this date the UK's pet movement rules will be harmonised with the rest of the European Union (EU), making it cheaper and easier for owners to travel abroad with their pets.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198187

or the short link

http://bit.ly/pet-rules

The Chairman of West Wycombe Parish Council, Vicki Smith and the Clerk, Sharon Henson, preparing to leave for the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

The proposals to extend the Air Travel Operators' Licence (ATOL) scheme would mean that up to 6 million extra holidays a year could be covered by the consumer protection scheme.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198011

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/atol-changes

The draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) below are subject to public consultation from Friday 24 June 2011 to Friday 19 August 2011.

The draft SPDs are:

• Draft Developer Contributions SPD Update and associated Developers Guide
• Draft Housing Intensification SPD Update
• Draft Community Facilities SPD

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-buildings/planning-consultations.aspx

First-time buyers struggling to build up a large enough deposit to get on the property ladder are being urged to register their interest in the FirstBuy scheme.

Under the new scheme, the government and housebuilders will lend you the money for a deposit, with loans repaid when you sell the property.

For more information and to register for the FirstBuy scheme visit:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_197938

or the short link

http://bit.ly/FirstBuy

The exceptions are:

• if you have made a SORN for the vehicle
• if your vehicle has been kept off-road since before SORN came into force on 31 January 1998 – unless it was brought back into use
• if your vehicle is recorded as stolen, passed or sold to the motor trade or between registered keepers
• if your vehicle is recorded scrapped or permanently exported by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing (DVLA)
  
   

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Motorinsurance/DG_186696?CID=Continuous_Insurance&PLA=DM&CRE=Furl

or the short link

http://bit.ly/m3xt85

Diversion Route: C94 Chorley Road (West Wycombe) - A40 Oxford Road (West Wycombe) - A40 Oxford Road (Piddington) - A40 Wycombe Road (Piddington) - A40 Wycombe Road (Studley Green) - A40 Wycombe Road (Stokenchurch) - C95 City Road (Stokenchurch) - C95 City Road (Radnage) - U591 Green End Road (Radnage) - U591 Hatch Lane (Radnage) & vice versa

The mobile library can be visited every
Wednesday from 1.30 – 5.00 pm
in the Garden Centre Car park.

It also visits on alternate Saturdays from
9.30am – 12.30pm

Dates for Saturday are as follows:

July 2nd
July 16th
July 30th
August 13th
August 27th
September 10th
September 24th
October 8th
October 22nd
November 5th
November 19th
December 3rd
December 17th

As a juror you can't discuss the case on Twitter or Facebook.

Find out about jury service and your responsibilities

http://bit.ly/juror_uk

 

Fines will be introduced for people who don’t take care that information on their benefit claim is correct or don't tell the Department for Work and Pensions quickly about a change in their circumstances. These will be civil penalties, not criminal convictions.

http://bit.ly/claim_fine
 

The government has revealed plans for a zerowaste economy which includes the scrapping of bin fines and tackling illegal fly-tippers

http://bit.ly/0-waste

Please find below, a link to the ‘Your Neighbourhood’ page of the Thames Valley Police website, where you will find the latest updates for your area.

http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/

This link will allow you to enter your Post Code in the ‘Postcode Search’ box on the right of the page.

Once entered, click on ‘SHOW’, and you will be taken to the page which will give details of your local Neighbourhood Team, your local priorities, issues being tackled by the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) - made up of local residents and partner organisations, together with links to Neighbourhood updates, upcoming Neighbourhood meetings and Crime Statistics.

The Neighbourhood updates are produced on a monthly basis by your local Neighbourhood officers and give an overview of recent events, and Police related matters they have been involved with.

From the link you will also be able to access other areas of the Thames Valley Police website.

The Food Standards Agency have issued advice on the E. Coli outbreak in Germany.

http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2011/june/outbreak

or the short link

http://bit.ly/lDCQ3H
 

The evening will consist of easy listening music from the Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir and there will be a Pimms bar and hot food available on the night. Guests are invited to relax on the lawn and bring their own picnic, rug or fold-away chairs.

Rory Morrison was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2004, from which he is now in remission. He has been a strong supporter of the Lymphoma Association and in 2008, along with his BBC Radio 4 colleagues, he completed a fundraising walk, Pilgrimage to the Pips, raising over £18,000 for the charity. Rory has also presented the Association’s annual Beacons of Hope Awards ceremony in which people are awarded for their outstanding contributions to raising awareness about lymphoma.

He said: “We hope this will be a really fun evening. It is a great way to raise awareness of lymphatic cancer, which is the UK’s fifth most common cancer.

“The Lymphoma Association relies totally on voluntary donations and fundraising events such as the music in the park evening to continue providing free information and support to anyone affected by lymphoma, whether a patient, family member, carer or friend.”

The evening of music will take place at West Wycombe Park in Buckinghamshire on Sunday 17 July 2011. Tickets are £12.50 per person, or £30 for a family of two adults and up to two children and can be bought by visiting the online shop at www.lymphomas.org.uk, emailing fundraising@lymphomas.org.uk or calling 01296 619419. Gates will be open from 7pm on Sunday 17 July 2011.

The roads in Buckinghamshire have suffered from a lack of proper maintenance
for many years. This has been due mainly to the previous Labour Government
changing the revenue funding formula for southern counties such as
Buckinghamshire and also importantly, removing all our so called 'supported
capital borrowing', which helped to fund road resurfacing.

This problem has been made worse by two long, hard winters. The result is
that our roads fall far short of the standard that you have a right to
expect. This situation cannot be rectified quickly but I am determined that
we should make a start.

I have therefore assembled a budget for a two-year programme to allow more
road repairs. I have done this partly by reprioritising spending within the
Transportation department. This has involved some difficult and
controversial decisions such as switching money from promoting walking and
cycling, removing the planned increase in locally spent budgets, postponing
the review of speed limits and much more.

Nevertheless, I believe that taking tough decisions is what you elect your
councillors to do and I stand by these changes in priority. In addition, I
am also asking the County Council to release £3 million from our reserves to
make a total road repair budget of £25 million over the next two years.
Whilst this sounds a lot of money (and it is your money as Council tax
payers), in reality it constitutes barely a tenth of what really needs to be
spent to upgrade most of our roads.

I am already receiving a number of e-mails from residents stating that their
particular roads should be given priority. I hope you would agree that it
would be completely wrong for money to be spent on the basis of who shouts
loudest or first.

Whilst Council officers will advise on which roads should be resurfaced, I
propose to devolve the final decisions to your locally elected County
Councillors as they should be most closely in touch with their local areas
and residents' views. Nevertheless, I must be very clear that, given the
size of the problem, even after this programme there will be roads in many
areas where residents' reasonable expectations will not be met.

My new Cabinet Member for Transportation, Peter Hardy and I will oversee the
programme and will do our best to ensure that we really are 'working on it'.

Yours faithfully

Martin Tett
Leader, Buckinghamshire County Council

The main programme will take place from Saturday 2nd June to Tuesday 5th June with celebratory activities throughout the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. Further details of these events and of other national and regional Diamond Jubilee events will be announced in due course.

http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Pressreleases/2011/AnnouncementofplansforthecentralDiamondJubileeweek.aspx

or the short link: http://bit.ly/jnpmLe

The Government have released further information including details of Bank Holidays, exhibitions, projects, school holidays and term dates.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_197517

or the short link: http://bitly.com/dj-2012

Following the EU Directive and new UK Law we are pleased to offer advice through our Webmaster on how to manage cookies on your computer.

http://www.mh-p.info/?p=284

If you have a comment or question on this article or any others please leave a reply on the page.

Wanted: 

Tug of War Teams – adults and children. Why not make a team up of 8 people from your neighbours and book your  team in for the competition which will run throughout the afternoon. See if you can win the cup!!!

People to take a stall at the Fete – 50% of your profit or an agreed set fee to go to the play equipment fund.

People to run stalls for the Parish Council – all profits go to the play equipment fund.

Ideas for games and competitions to raise money.

Offers of prizes or items to be used within games e.g. large jar of sweets for Guess the Number.

Loan of a tent with people to put it up and take it down – big enough for the First Aid people to be based in.

Loan of straw bales for seating around the arena.

Interesting vehicles for a static display.

Any ideas for the main arena or for information displays.

Loan of a generator for the tea tent or the sound system.

The prizes and games we get donated the higher the income, the lower the cost and the greater the profit.

Sharon Henson, Clerk to the Parish Council 
01494 448048   clerk@westwycombe.org.uk

Ofcom has published research into mobile broadband speeds.

Read the report and find out about 3G speeds across the UK

http://bit.ly/m-bb-s

The government, following an EU directive and through the Information Commissioners Office, has issued a new law governing the use of cookies.

All of the latest web browsers have the facility for the user to control cookies through the options menu but in a large number of cases refusing cookies can have a detrimental affect on the performance of the website.

You can read about the new law at http://bit.ly/law-cookie

You can read what our Webmaster and Statcounter (who manage the cookies on this website) have to say about this new legislation at http://www.mh-p.info/?p=274

Use My Wycombe to find out changes to your bin collection dates this bank holiday.

See http://mywycombe.wycombe.gov.uk/
 

Go back in time to 1642 on May 29 and 30 as 70 members of the English Civil War Society replay the skirmish between Royalists lead by Lord Wentworth as they burst from the woods to attack the Parliamentarian patrol under the command Captain Haynes encamped at West Wycombe House. The day lasts from 2pm-6pm.

on Father's Day there is a Vintage Car Day on June 19 where proud car owners will have their beautiful cars on display.

There is no extra charge for the entrance price for these events and National Trust members go free.

And to top this off there is an open air performance of Pride and Prejudice on August 28. Booking is essential for this and there is a ticket charge.

Direct.gov and the Police have issued these tips to avoid becoming a victim of cash machine crime.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_197477

or the short link

http://bit.ly/cm-crime

Cllr. Bill Bendyshe-Brown, Chairman of Wycombe District Council, recognised the following for their contribution to the community at a small ceremony last evening.

Professor Peter Thomas - Bucks Sports Board

Pastor John Richards - The Oasis Project

Sheena Dykes - Wycombe Night Shelter

Sgt. Michelle Ryan - Thames Valley Police

SWO Ash Malik - Royal Air Force, High Wycombe

Seamus Doyle - Veolia Environmental Services

Amanda Foister - Longridge Activity Centre

Sharon Henson - West Wycombe / Piddlington Parish Councils

David Griffin - Shopmobility

Dr. M Aslam - Sunday Cricket League

Sqdn. Ldr. Malcolm Maultby - Risborough Area Community Bus

Hilda Stern - Small & Medium Enterprises

The Adult Learning Free Taster Week runs from May 14th to 20th.

Why not see what's available in your area?

Visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_187560

or use the short link

http://bit.ly/a-l-w

You're never too old to learn!

Interested in holding a street party for the Big Lunch on 5 June. Find out how WDC can help -

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/events/street-party-for-the-big-lunch.aspx

or the short link

http://bit.ly/iFo0PR

The Government has launched a new website which explains the new student finance system which takes effect from 2012

http://yourfuture.direct.gov.uk/

Councillor Mrs Dakin and the Clerk visited West Wycombe Combined School at the end of term and were given a presentation by Year 5 pupils on the things they felt spoilt our community – they had dog mess, litter, traffic congestion and speeding traffic as their main topics – we were given excellent presentations and had to provide the information on how these things are dealt with at local government level and how as individuals we are all responsible. As a result of this event the Parish Council is now looking to develop a Youth Council of local children/teenagers ranging in age from 10 -17 years of age. If you would be interested in this idea, please contact the Clerk on 01494 448048 or email clerk@westwycombe.org.uk

Bucks County Council’s Home Library Service is looking for more customers – if you have mobility problems , poor health or confined to your home because you are a carer and would love to have library books, dvds, videos or talking books delivered to your home there is a service which could help you. They have plenty of volunteers to provide the service but they would like more customers – contact them on 0845 2303232 or email: homelibraryservice@buckscc.gov.uk

As a Parish Council we attend the Rural Forum where all matters to do with agriculture, farming, food and the countryside are discussed. The biggest issue at the moment is the huge amount of thefts from farms and agricultural contractors – this is being carried out by extremely organised gangs – if you see farm vehicles in strange places and at odd times of the day – be suspicious and consider whether there is good reason to call the police. There are also many reports of large white vans and pick up trucks asking for scrap metal and even if the householder says they have nothing – if they see something of interest they come back later and steal it.

West Wycombe Fete will take place on Saturday 10^th September – please make a note in your diary. We will be contacting local organisations to see whether they would like to have stalls at the event and we will be looking for more Tug of War Teams.

We have been advised by Bucks County Council that the Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS), to encourage drivers to slow down as they enter the village from the Piddington direction, will be installed by the end of June. When the two VAS signs are installed by Chiltern Rail on the Bradenham Road we will be in the best position ever to try to reduce the speed of traffic through our parish

As you may have seen from the notice boards – we will not be having an election for Parish Councillors in this parish as only the existing Councillors stood for election – they work as a good team – they do not always agree with each other – but they have the good of the community in the forefront of their minds. There will be elections for District Councillors and the National Referendum and these will be held in West Wycombe Village Hall on Thursday 5^th May. Please exercise your right to vote.

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/events.aspx

The next in the sequence of the popular town centre Crime Prevention Events, organised by Wycombe District Neighbourhood Watch Association, will take place in The Chilterns Shopping Centre (outside Wilkinsons) between 9:00am and 2:00pm on Saturday, 14th May.

Subject to final confirmation, the participants will be:

- Trading Standards
- Drugs agencies
- Wycombe District Council's Community Safety Team
- The Public Safety Team (re anti-social behaviour)
- Thames Valley Police
- Bucks Fire & Rescue Service
- Crimestoppers
- Wycombe District Neighbourhood Watch Association

Please try to visit this event and encourage other members of your families to do so as well.

These events have always proved to be extremely useful and v! ery well attended with valuable crime prevention advice being available from all of the key agencies that are involved in trying to reduce crime.

With the advance of warmer weather, there is always the risk of burglaries at this time of year due to doors and windows being left open. So, advice on preventing these and other crimes is very important.

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/general/12apr11-council-services-over-the-bank-holidays.aspx

and specifically

http://maps.wycombe.gov.uk/mywycombe.aspx

This month’s Royal Wedding is a great occasion for national celebration, and street parties are a traditional way of doing this. Over the last few months rules have been relaxed and red tape cut to make it easier for people to organise a street party or fete.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/Features/DG_WP196814

or the short link

http://bit.ly/rw-s-p

Every few weeks the government will publish all the regulations affecting one specific sector or industry.

You tell them what’s working and what’s not, what can be simplified and what can be scrapped.

Based on your feedback, they will start getting rid of unnecessary red tape.

http://www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/home/index/

or the short link

http://bit.ly/fMbniK

You can find all this information at:

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/council-and-democracy/elections-and-voting/forthcoming-elections.aspx

or the shortened link:

http://bit.ly/h74v1t

Census staff will carry an ID card

They will not ask for your bank or credit card details

You won’t be asked to leave your completed form on the doorstep

You can arrange a visit by calling the helpline number of the form

Census staff will only visit residents who have not returned their forms

Don’t let the caller in your house

If you’re not sure of the callers identity, keep the door closed and call the Census helpline (0300 0201 101)

For more information visit www.census.gov.uk  or call 0300 0201 101

If you would like to stand as a Parish Councillor you can now obtain copies of the relevant forms from the Parish Clerk or the Returns Officer at Wycombe District Council (01494 461000).

If you meet the criteria to stand for Election, forms have to be completed and returned to Wycombe District Council no later than noon on 4^th April.

If you would like to find out more about the role of a Parish Councillor, which is an entirely voluntary role, please contact the Parish Clerk via the website of on 01494 448048.

For more information about getting started with your #2011census online questionnaire please visit

http://help.census.gov.uk/england/help/help-and-information/Gettingstarted/Completethequestionnaireonline/Topics/Gettingstartedwithyouronlinequestionnaire_S0004A.html

or http://bit.ly/fd4oas

If you're planning or considering holding a street party to celebrate the forthcoming Royal Wedding, Wycombe district Council have issued guidelines.

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/events/street-party-for-the-royal-wedding.aspx

At about 12:15pm on Tuesday 15th, offenders attempted to steal a caravan from a premise in Bradenham Road, West Wycombe. They were challenged and made off in a white coloured Ford Transit van. It was later confirmed that the offenders had gained entry to the caravan and made an untidy search, but nothing had been stolen.

If you have any information in relation to this message, please contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505

If you have information about crime but do not want to speak to the police, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Coalition Government has today launched the first stage of plans to give members of the public the right to comment on every aspect of new legislation, putting people at the heart of the legislative process.

Prime Ministers Introduction

Protection Of Freedoms Bill

Homemade cakes

Bric-a-brac

Raffle

Proceeds to Cancer Research UK and Florence Nightingale Hospice

Everyone is welcome so please come along and support these important charities

You can now see faults that have been reported.

Report a new fault by street name or on a map.

Track problems that have been reported.

Visit the site to see all the things that can be reported direct.

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/transport/ea_report_problem.page

Bucks County Council have released their proposed budget for 2011/2012 for public consultation. Residents can make comments on this by going online – www.buckscc.gov.uk/budget

With all the poor weather we have had there are bound to be potholes appearing.

The Parish Clerk will report those she sees but it always helps if members of the public also report these to Bucks County Council on 0845 230 2882.

If a driver suffers a damaged tyre he will be able to make an insurance claim if it can be shown that BCC were aware of the pothole – no claim can be made if they were not aware of it – so please help BCC and motorists – it’s in everybody’s interests.

– these were not authorised and could compromise the drainage ditches.

Bucks County Council asked the Parish Council if we could do something about them.

We have managed to contact the person who has planted them with the best of intentions and it has been agreed that the majority of them will be removed and replanted in the area above the established part of the West Wycombe Burial Ground which is situated behind St Paul’s Church in the High Street, West Wycombe.

The Parish Council owns and maintains this lovely area and we would like to look at creating a woodland area which eventually, once we meet all the required legislation, could become a Woodland Burial Area.

Oak, ash, rowan and some hazel trees will be planted in the next month. They will be protected by deer guards and this will not cost the Parish Council anything but will enhance this part of our Parish.

We had a 10% response rate and we can only assume that those who did not reply had no strong feelings on the issue.

72.5% of respondents were in favour of an increase with the remainder wanting it to remain the same.

Councillors had a full and frank discussion at the January Parish Council meeting and it was agreed on a majority decision that we would increase the Precept to £37,500. This would represent a total increase of £13.83 per year for a Band D property.

We will continue to give you good value for money and maintain the standard of services we provide.

Thames Valley Police is urging people to protect themselves from burglars by reviewing and improving their garden and shed security to ensure their property is secure and less attractive to thieves.

The advice follows a spate of recent burglaries in the Wycombe area in which offenders have searched garden sheds for tools which they then used to break into the house. Between the beginning of December and the beginning of January at least 25 burglaries involving this method of entry were reported to the police.

All residents are being urged to heed the following advice:

Protecting your property’s boundaries

Consider your boundaries – These are the first line of defence against burglars. You should ensure that all gates, fences and walls are strong and kept in good repair to deter intruders from getting to the back and sides of your property. High fences are more difficult to climb, so consider attaching a trellis to your fence to add more height to it. If you have a side gate, ensure that it is positioned as close to the front of the house as possible. Would-be intruders will be put off climbing over it as they will be in full view of your neighbours. You should also ensure that the gate is kept locked at all times. Fitting motion-sensitive lights over the gate and in other key areas in your garden is another good way of keeping intruders at bay.

Shed security

Most garden sheds are not designed for the safe storage of expensive items such as power tools, mowers and bikes. If at all possible they should be stored somewhere more secure.  But if you do not have any alternative then you can increase your shed’s security by keeping it in good condition. The shed should always be kept locked.  You could also fit grilles or mesh to the windows and invest in an alarm.

After you have improved the physical security it is important to make everything inside secure too, as tools and equipment could be used to force entry into your home. Tools should be kept in a locked toolbox and ladders should be locked to a secure fixture so they cannot be used to reach the top floor windows of your house. Large items such as bikes should be chained together as it is much more difficult for a thief to carry away a lot of heavy items all at once.

Defensive planting

Another way of increasing security in your garden is by adding some defensive planting. This means using certain prickly plants, bushes and shrubs and planting them around vulnerable areas such as windows, fences, boundary walls and drainpipes to deter burglars. Popular plants include Berberis, Pyracantha and Rubus. However, defensive planting should be used to complement and not replace other security measures so do not buy prickly plants in place of lights, locks and alarms.

For more security advice, visit http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev.htm or telephone your local crime reduction adviser on 0845 8 505505.

Budget Consultation Revenue and Capital Budget 2011/12 – 2013/14 Overview
This document explains the County Council’s spending proposals for 2011/12 - 2013/14 and invites views from residents, service users and stakeholders.
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/assets/content/bcc/docs/about_your_council/budget_capital.pdf
 
Links to information on three individual consultations are provided below. I have provided more detailed information on the Youth Service consultation (below). At the foot of this email is a link to the survey where responses to the proposals can be made.
 
 
Youth Service Consultation
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/assets/content/bcc/docs/about_your_council/budget_youth_services.pdf
 
Additional information:
A workshop will be arranged in Wycombe District (venue and date to be decided) at the end of February/first week of March to  look at decisions/options on the future delivery of youth services in local communtities.
 
Views are being sought on:
 
•    How any negative impact could be overcome to ensure the best possible service and outcomes for young people in Buckinghamshire
•    Alternative ideas for supporting universal youth work delivery in Buckinghamshire
•    Whether people would be interested in taking over the running of a youth centre building in their local area. This could include
1.    Access to buildings and equipment
2.    Support for existing management committees and other interested parties to take over the running of youth centres and provide youth activities
3.    Training for volunteers covering a number of areas including health and safety, safeguarding, working with young people and others.
 
County Council facilitation
 
Youth Services budget will be reduced over three years from @ £760k present budget to probably zero.  There are proposals to use this to ease the transition to more locally based and delivered youth services by establishing a Community Youth Fund to assist the community to provide youth activities and manage youth centres. This fund could include existing assets (e.g. Council youth centres and equipment) as well financial support if a source of funding could be found.
 
The Youth Service, with the support of Action4Youth, will work directly with existing management committees and other interested parties to enable the takeover of youth centres and provision of youth activities. The Youth Service could make training available for volunteers covering a number of areas including health and safety, safeguarding, working with young people and others.
 
Options will be considered for the transfer of assets to communities or partnerships - there will be various options available depending on need (with options to potentially include the County Council continuing to maintain buildings, etc).
 
The consultation relates to the following youth clubs in the SW Chilterns and Marlow area: Lane End, Marlow,  Stokenchurch
 
Transportation budget consultation
Including street lighting (part lighting) and reducing the subsidy given for Sunday and evening bus services.
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/assets/content/bcc/docs/about_your_council/budget_tfb.pdf
 
 
Adult Social Care consultation
Charges for non-residential services
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/assets/content/bcc/docs/about_your_council/budget_asc.pdf
 
 
Link to budget consultations survey: http://bucksconsultation.buckscc.gov.uk/bucksccp/KMS/elab.aspx?noip=1&CampaignId=394
 

Your Neighbourhood Policing Team will be in the Library from 3.15pm to 3.45pm on Thursday January 20th for you to discuss any of the issues that matter to you.

The Parish Council entered a competition being run by Community Impact Bucks to see whether we could win £1000 towards the play equipment. A presentation was made to a panel of four judges and sadly we did not win the money, we were however placed third and presented with a glass trophy acknowledging the work carried out in the community. We will continue to apply for grants for the project but we suspect that with all the government cut backs these will be few and far between.

The Parish Council wishes everyone a happy, peaceful and healthy new year.

New approach to handling complaints of antisocial behaviour will be trialled by eight police forces.

http://tinyurl.com/39rbqcn