Agenda and draft minutes

Following the District and Parish elections, new members were welcomed to the meeting.

To declare any personal or prejudicial interests

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the notes of the meeting held on 18 January 2011

The notes of the meeting held on 18 January 2011 were agreed as a correct record.

There will be a 20 minute period for public questions.  Members of the public are encouraged to submit their questions in advance of the meeting to facilitate a full answer on the day of the meeting.  Questions sent in advance will be dealt with first and verbal questions after.

Michael Chadwick

Under Passenger Transport in the TfB Update more reference could have been made to the significant countywide evening and Sunday changes that took place recently.

As you will know the original Budget decision was to cut all subsidies for evening and Sunday services; this was then modified to a 50% cut, following evidence particularly from Peter Cartwright, a County Councillor that may of these services were actually lifelines, not just leisure. There was a quick process of negotiation with bus companies and there should have been more consultation with public over what could be provided. For Stokenchurch, the outcome for Sunday is fine, with 5 journeys retained, but on a circular service also serving Lane End so that Lane End and West Wycombe etc are served less directly. The need now is for publicity of the more complicated pattern.

Andy Clarke and his team deserve thanks for the way in which they have come up with a good outcome, despite the unreasonably tight timescale.

Another area which might come up in discussion are two issues arising from commercial decisions made by Arriva regarding the 40 service from early June. Firstly a decision to no longer go into Piddington, but to stop on the main A40 - although they are under considerable pressure to reconsider this; secondly a combining with services to Lane End on Saturday afternoon with the result that Studley Green, Piddington, West Wycombe will become totally unserved on Saturday afternoon between c1415 and c1845.

Response

Andy Clarke and his team have worked closely with Mike Chadwick and Peter Cartwright over the last few weeks and have largely agreed over the revised timetables in place from 15^th May. As Mike Chadwick points out the final budget cut for bus services was much less than originally proposed in the MTP and the Council has been able to maintain most of the evening and Sunday network.

The issues raised in Mike's final paragraph are commercial decisions by Arriva. The Council, Mike and the local parishes have persuaded Arriva to reverse their decision not to go into Piddington on Line 40 from 6 June. The routing of Saturday afternoon buses away from the A40 to operate via Lane End is more difficult. The Council do not have the budget available to subsidise a replacement service given the low numbers travelling to the 3 villages at that time. Stokenchurch itself will still be served.

A summary of changes to bus services in Wycombe District was tabled.

A representative from West Wycombe Parish Council commented on the Arriva stop at Old Oxford Road and asked that the original route be used as you now had to cross the A40 to get to the bus stop.

Action: Si Khan

Frank Downes commented on the improvements to Wycombe station to allow buses to drop off and pick up. However there was no bus service to the station from West Wycombe, this would be particularly be useful at commuter time. This should be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

None received

Reference was made to a petition requesting a new crossing on Wycombe Road, near Great Marlow School. A meeting had taken place with engineers looking at locations – this was an issue of cost to find an area that did not interfere with BT, otherwise costs of up to £150,000 could be incurred. They had been looking at the existing bus shelter. There had been a slight delay to the petition as it was being signed by the school’s 6^th form. The pedestrian crossing should stop the need for a speed camera. A representative expressed concern about this location and the ability to see the layby. The Member commented that this could be resolved by having footway treatment and having continuous clear signage. The representative commented that it was important to have no parking to ensure the safety of the children. This would be considered by the engineers.

The LAF were in support of the petition.

A representative from the District Council referred to a petition in relation to Beechwood Road, High Wycombe and parking along the road so buses couldn’t get through. She was making a request for £2,000 of funding for double yellow lines. Cars were parking on the pavement and people were reversing onto the road which is dangerous. This would need to be discussed with the Parking Officer at the County Council to include it on the list of locations for the parking review, where there is not currently funding. There were other areas nearby which were also being considered and it was suggested that there should be one Traffic Regulation Order including Rosemary Close and Portway Drive. It was agreed that the petition going to the County Council should include all the roads. As there was no funding for the Civil Enforcement Area, this funding would have to be applied for in other ways.

A Member commented that the parking issue in Marlow had not been dealt with. The Transport Localities Team Leader reported that all parking requests were being collated and an assessment would be carried out prioritising congestion and safety issues. It was agreed that there should be an update for Members at the next meeting on the list of outstanding parking issues and where they came in terms of priority. (attached with minutes ***)

Action: Si Khan

The petition was supported by the LAF.

Verbal update – Chairman of Sub-Group

Bob Woollard gave an update on the work of the Wycombe Air Park Sub-Group looking at the stadium proposals. Wycombe Air Park was owned by the District Council and had 240 acres of green belt land, surrounded by AONB. Two meetings had been held looking at this issue, involving County, District and Parish Councils. Councillor Alex Collingwood had been invited as the then Chairman of the IRC which had a scrutiny function. The proposal had been ‘called in’ by District Councillors. A representative from the Group Against Stadium Proposals had also attended. The Sub-Group looked at the pros and cons of the proposal, although they did not have the chance to invite representatives for the stadium before the District Council elections.

There has been a change in leadership for the District Council since the elections. The Leader will take formal office at a meeting on 24 May 2011. Once the Leader had been formally appointed a discussion would be held on the future direction of these proposals. A representative from Lane End Parish Council expressed his thanks to Bob Woollard for the work of the Sub-Group.

Si Khan

Si Khan reported on the bids received as at 2 May 2011 on delegated budgets fro 2011/12. £29,200 had been allocated and the bids amounted to £56,700. The bids had been given a criteria matrix score and were listed in order.

A Member commented that the Cadmore End scheme was desperately needed because of the speed of traffic going past the school. £20,000 had already been given by this LAF with £10,000 from the school and £5,000 from the Parish Council. The school had been unhappy with the original scheme which was costed a lot higher than first thought. Another £10,000 was required. The scheme had been revised for safety reasons to a VAS and coloured texture surfacing and signage. It was felt that the pedestrian crossing would be too dangerous. A local resident had contributed some funding but this was then withdrawn because it was no longer a pedestrian crossing.

A representative referred to schemes involving footways and pavements and commented that pavements often suffered as a priority compared to roads. Si Khan reported that unfortunately they had received a low criteria matrix score. She commented that the delegated budget scheme should be used for schemes that can’t access other funding. The LAF would make the final recommendation.

The Lead Officer reported that there had been a change in leadership at the County Council and more money was expected to be directed towards maintenance.

The VAS were a different approach and were high on the criteria matrix score and in addition were part funded by the Parish Council. Medmenham had also not made any bids for funding previously. Cadmore End (Lane End PC) had the highest score overall.

Si Khan reported that if the first four schemes on the list were agreed £3,600 would be left. If a decision was made today the earlier the better as it should mean that the schemes would be delivered this financial year.

Members then discussed the bids. A Member made a comment that with most of the top bids Parish Councils were part funding the scheme and the Ibstone PC scheme only had a contribution of £500. Bob Woollard agreed to use £1,500 of his community leaders fund to increase the contribution to £2,000. Reference was made to the Marlow Bottom Road VAS scheme which was important because it was a dangerous part of the village and a pinch point; there had been 2 accidents there. This meant the Marlow Bottom Road scheme could go ahead with extra contributions from the Parish Council, and £1,800 left in the delegated budget.

The following schemes were agreed:-

Lane End PC – VAS (£10,000)

Medmenham PC – VAS (£5,800)

Medmenham PC – VAS (£5,800)

Marlow Bottom PC – VAS (£5,800

Ibstone PC – contribution of £1,500 from Bob Woollard’s Community Leaders Fund and £1,800 from the delegated budget.

[Important Post Meeting note from Si Khan:-

The new leader of the Council, Martin Tett, has taken the decision to redirect as much of TfB's budget towards  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Madeleine Howe, Locality and Community Manager will take Members through the budget for 2010/11 and budget 2011/12

Madeleine Howe reported on the allocation of the funding devolved to LAFS in 2011/12. She gave an outline of the schemes awarded funding during 2010/11 (Appendix A of the report). The local priorities were originally discussed at a LAF workshop two years ago. There now needed to be a refresh of those priorities and Madeleine asked for views on how this should be taken forward.

Members agreed that it would be useful to have a separate meeting on this issue in September. Madeleine can send out the paperwork on current priorities and what may have changed.

Action: Madeleine Howe

A Member commented that double yellow line schemes could be funded in an alternative way e.g. though the Community Leaders Fund.

Update from the Policy Team

Listening Exercise – How to get involved

You can get involved with the Department of Health NHS listening exercise in a number of different ways. There are four themes to the exercise and you can read more about them at the links below and leave comments publicly:

• choice and competition
• accountability and patient involvement
• education and training
• advice and leadership

If you want to submit comments via email please go to http://healthandcare.dh.gov.uk/send-views/

You can also use the form attached in the link and return it by post to: NHS Modernization Listening Exercise, Room 605, Richmond House, 79 Whitehall, London SW1A 2NS. For further information please visit http://healthandcare.dh.gov.uk/listening-exercise-how-to-get-involved/. Comments and views should be submitted by 31 May 2011 to inform the Government’s response to the listening exercise. 

Madeleine Howe

Madeleine Howe, Localities and Communities Manager gave on update on the proposed health reforms and the DoH Listening Exercise. Members noted that the Bill proposed major changes in the UK health services. It was due for full implementation in April 2013 but Bucks was an ‘early implementer’. Part of the journey was to have greater involvement by the public in having an increasing say about their health and how the money is spent.

Madeleine referred to the set of slides on the Health and Social Care Bill, in particular slide 4 and 5 which outlined the issues and opportunities for LAFs and local communities.

She also informed Members of the Listening Exercise and how to get involved. There are four themes to the exercise e.g. choice and competition, advice and leadership etc. A link was given to the website to make comments by 31 May 2011.

Action: All

Members noted that it would be important to develop the links already there with the health service. In answer to a question it was noted that patient groups would be involved through LINK (Local Involvement Network).

Inspector Ray Wilks gave an update. He reported that TVP were making budget cuts but this did not affect Neighbourhood Action Groups or front line services. Crime is down and the police are detecting more. The Marlow Regatta was creating a lot of work and the police had been visiting schools to show pupils how to stay safe. Work had been undertaken in Wycombe Town Centre on being ‘nightsafe’ and police had been liaising with the ‘night time economy’ e.g. door staff which had been very successful. This may win a purple flag award. High Wycombe was the 3^rd safest place to go for a night out. The police wanted to roll out ‘nightsafe’ in Marlow.

A representative from Great Marlow PC asked about police resources for the regatta, as it could get quite rowdy with disco’s etc. Inspector Ray Wilks reported that the same amount of resources would be used as last year but that the format of the regatta was different with areas that were fenced off with a controlled access. Police officers would be able to seize any alcohol. The representative commented that the more controlled access to the regatta could be for financial purposes rather than providing any better security. He suggested that a review of the regatta be undertaken to see if this improved safety. The Chairman reported that the Regatta Committee undertook a lot of work each year and the security had always been excellent. It was policed well last year and the Committee would do a review after the event, making any changes requested by the Police.

A Member welcomed the reduction in crime but referred to the importance of the fear of crime, which was not helped sometimes by media coverage. Inspector Ray Wilks replied that residents were reassured through community messaging and community watch e.g. there was only 2 burglaries’ in Wycombe District last weekend which was a very low figure.

A Member asked what the priorities were for NAGs. They were speeding, anti social behaviour and parking. A representative from West Wycombe complimented the police on their action following the burglary of the church and school.

A representative from Medmenham reported the importance of community awareness as a lot of people did not know who their neighbours were and the important of identifying vulnerable people. A representative from West Wycombe reported that in Bradenham Road there was a good sense of community spirit. They had a small community centre and were looking to hold an event there but could not get any funding for this. In response it was noted that whilst it was an important event the District and County Council could not fund social events for villages. The Lead Officer reported that Parish Councils had power to give benefits to local communities (Sect 137). A comment was made that in Taplow they formed a residents association and held an event by bringing in their own food. Madeleine Howe emphasised the need to build community support and to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

The report was for information. A representative commented on the quality of pot hole repairs, and rather than revisiting pot holes for further repairs whether there was a better way of repairing them. Si Khan reported that Category A potholes are filled temporarily to make them safe and then later patching work, slurry sealing may be undertaken for a more permanent repair. These potholes are monitored and assessed. A question was then asked whether maintenance was undertaken in house. Staff were part of the Alliance with Ringway Jacobs, who paid them. However, it was a partnership with BCC. Following on from this another question was asked about the contract. The Lead Officer reported that it was a huge document of which half were appendices. Parts of the contract could be redacted to take out commercially sensitive information if an environment request was made, if members of the public wished to view the document.

Action: Lorna Parkins

A representative asked about Local Area Technicians. There was a reorganisation undertaken in January 2011 to reduce LATs from 20 to 10 across the County. Following support from Local Members, LATs have been retained. There are 15 LATs across County; 4 in Aylesbury Vale, 4 in Chilterns, 3 in South Bucks, 4 in Wycombe. Due to the initial reorganisation some LATs had been seconded or moved to another area so there were vacancies in TfB. Posts could not be filled where a secondment had been given (e.g. West Wycombe) and therefore areas were being covered by other technicians.

A representative from West Wycombe complimented the County Council on their patching work on the A4010.

The following dates have been set aside for Parish Councillors Induction Training. Please could new Members and Parish Clerks note them and pass them on to the relevant people:-

·         25 June 2011 - 9am – 12.30pm, Haddenham

·         12 July 2011, 6pm – 9.30pm, Winslow

·         26 July 2011, 6pm – 9.30pm, CDC, Amersham

To book please visit the BALC website – www.bucksalc.gov.uk

There was a training day still available on 28 June in Hazlemere, however 12/26 July were full. If there was sufficient demand another course could be arranged. A representative expressed concern about booking on line and also paying a booking fee to go on the training course. There was also some concern about using credit cards. The Lead Officer, Anne Davies agreed to talk to BALC.

Action: Anne Davies

Including information on Localism Bill from the Locality Manager.

The report was noted.

BBC Switchover

Armed Forces Day

Energy from Waste

Bulletin

Members noted that the Armed Forces Day was being held at Aylesbury Rugby Club.

12 July 2011

12 July 2011 at Medmenham Village Hall