HAMBLEDEN PARISH COUNCIL

NEWS

News from the Parish Council - September 2010

The Parish Play Area in Ellery Rise was officially opened in July. On a very hot afternoon local parents and children enjoyed ice cream and cakes and made the most of the play equipment. This project has been a great success and shows what can be achieved when the Parish Council, Frieth Village Society and local residents join forces. Something we can all be proud of.

The Parish Council has made a request to Bucks County Council for three extra grit bins – two for Frieth Hill and one for Pheasants Hill. If we are unlucky with our request then the Parish Council will order them – each one will cost £450 – this is a one off cost and as long as they are installed on ‘Highways’ land then BCC will continue to fill them for us. Hopefully we do not have a winter like last year but if we do we will have done our best to help the situation. We are also waiting for a response from BCC to our request for clarification on whether local farmers will be given permission to clear roads should the need arise.

Frieth was entered into the Best Kept Village Competition – 2009 winners section – we were unlucky to win the cup but we were awarded a Certificate of Merit.

We have purchased more ‘No Parking ‘ cones for use in Hambleden and Frieth. They are mainly for use near the churches but can be used in other areas. The concrete ‘bollards’ placed on Frieth Common have been a success and has stopped cars parking on the land.

We will be running some more Defibrillator  training during the autumn – look out for the posters and on the website for future dates.

The hard work and persistence of a group of local people, including a Parish Councillor, and funding by the Parish Council, Bucks County Council and local residents has resulted in an improved broadband service being provided for some of the residents of the parish.

Unfortunately the planned review of the Speed Limits implemented in our area has been postponed until the financial year 2011/2012 however the Parish Council will be looking at an idea which could provide a short term benefit to two of the worst areas – Moor End and Varnells Terrace. We will continue to operate the Community Speedwatch kit in our villages – if you have good eyesight and quick reactions for recording number plates on passing cars and would like to help in this important project please contact the Clerk who will pass your name onto the co-ordinator, Peter Allies. We will also be asking for a ‘No HGV’ sign to be erected at the junction of the Skirmett Road with Hambleden Village. Further sites are being looked at e.g. Shogmoor Lane but this will not be requested until completion of the two major building projects which are planned or underway.

Please take part in The Bucks Debate – Bucks County Council have to make difficult financial decisions which will affect all of us – they are asking for our comments and ideas – please join in and be part of the decision making process.

The Bucks Debate

Bucks County Council are holding a number of debates in September to give residents an opportunity
to have a say in what changes should be made to services due to reduction in funding.....

The Bucks Debate

 

The Parish Play Area, Ellery Rise, Frieth
We have received the ROSPA inspection report and we shall be able to open the Parish Play Area to the public in time for half term.  The entrance area will be a bit muddy but this cannot be completely finished until the building works at 7 Ellery Rise are completed. Obviously the recent weather has delayed the work on the property but we will ensure that the entrance is as safe and accessible as possible.

Thank you to all those residents who attended the recent meeting at Frieth School organised by Mr and Mrs Mallin and the project team for Hatchett Wood. Everyone had an opportunity to ask questions and we believe that our concerns have been taken on board and they now understand how the community is viewing the project. Two newsletters on the proposed building works have been issued t and it is hoped that we can provide a link on the website for future issues.

Thames Valley Police are organising  ‘Have Your Say Meetings’ in our Parish on Wednesday 17th February and Wednesday 17th March from 4.30 – 6.30pm in Hambleden Parish Rooms. Please go along and meet our police officers. They will also be able to mark your property.

We have raised questions at BCC over their policy on allowing local farmers etc to help clear snow – we had people willing to carry out the work but their insurance policies were only valid if they had Bucks County Council authority and this was not forthcoming. Hopefully we do not get such heavy snow again but with every area suffering throughout Wycombe District resources were stretched and self help initiatives need to be encouraged. Watch this space.

Thank you to those people who attended the recent AED Defibrillator courses – we will try to repeat these on a regular basis to ensure that as many people as possible know how to use them and can carry out CPR.

Future meetings:  8pm, Monday 8th March in the Village Hall, Frieth.

The Clerk works part time for the Parish Council. Messages can be left via the answer machine or email.