WYCOMBE AREA NEWSLETTER

January 2008

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Please visit our Website http:// www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/ and click on ‘Have your Say’ to view the consultation and complete the short questionnaire.

For a copy of this publication in large print please call 01296 383406 New Software for Decision Making New Arrangements for Client Processes Transport in

In line with the Bucks County Council aim to Buckinghamshire County Council provides daily involve, represent and serve all who live or work in transport for more than 16,000 students travelling Buckinghamshire, Democratic Services have some to schools and colleges throughout the county as new software which assists Councils with the well as door-do-door transport for adults attending decision management process. This system has day care. Up to 400 buses and coaches and 600 now gone live and you can view it at taxis and minibuses are needed every day - some http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/moderngov. This new run by the Council’s own Swan Rider fleet, but system provides:- most provided by local transport operators.

• An email alert system. You can subscribe to Earlier this year, the County Council decided that email updates so you can be informed promptly the interests of local people would best be served when any agenda/decision has been published. by reviewing the way transport services for This information can be targeted to areas that children, young people and adults were provided interest you by Committee, Cabinet Member for the future. This has now been completed and decisions (portfolio area) or electoral division. from 1st April 2008 the planning, procurement and Later we will be developing the software to management of client transport services will be include keywords e.g. waste. Subscribe to undertaken by Amey PLC, a leading specialist in updates for your Local Committee now by public sector infrastructure services. This follows a clicking the Subscribe to Updates navigation link period of rigorous assessment from a large field of and registering as a new user. potential alternative providers. The Contract, which • Committee information - you can click on an sets challenging efficiency and quality of service agenda item and get information on the history of targets, will run for an initial five-year period. the decision and any previous minutes. You can Many existing staff will continue to work under click on a Committee and download the whole these new management arrangements and will be agenda pack, or individual reports. fully supported by the expertise and resources of • You can comment on key decisions made by this widely regarded private sector organisation. Cabinet and Cabinet Members 5 days before Both Buckinghamshire and Amey recognise the they are made, by clicking on the relevant benefits of service planning and operation that will decision and filling in the representation form ensue from the use of modern technology and • There is a search engine specific to the business practice with close collaboration being Council decision management process only. maintained through the adoption of a joint • The new calendar of Council meetings now links Partnering Board. in directly to agendas. • Elected Members details now provide more Local Communities to Get More information. Say in Local Budgets There are areas where we are looking to develop Buckinghamshire County Council has been the software:- included in a list published by Communities and Local Government of those local authorities who • Internal officer workflow system, which will will develop a pilot Participatory Budgeting (PB) include triggers for consulting the right people scheme which will give local communities more e.g local member before the decision is made direct say in allocating local funds. PB give people • Email alerts targeted at GC2C areas and direct and clear choice about how local budget is keywords spent in their local area, ensuring local priorities • Parish Council database which will provide more are met. information than currently The scheme we will be developing in Bucks will be • Integrated Forward Planning - to join up all the an extension of the way we already work with local Forward Plans of the Council from officer and communities in Buckinghamshire. It is likely to member forums to track decisions effectively initially focus on local transportation issues and • Elections and Member Appointments to young people. The County Council already Outside Bodies devolves highway funds to local committees who If you want further information or any assistance have prioritised schemes in their local areas. It with the new software please contact Clare Gray or also has a Youth Opportunity Fund which enables Steve Taylor on 01296 383610/383680. young people to take an active role in distributing resources to other young people. Follow County’s Advice for Safer surface and deep road temperatures, wind speed - information which complements other Winter Driving meteorological information and helps the experts decide whether precautionary salting is necessary Now is the time for motorists to prepare for icy, hazardous roads. Minister’s Accolade to Flood Heroes Buckinghamshire County Council is helping road users gear up to deal with winter conditions with a number of initiatives, from free winter driving workshops right down to simple tips for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

A winter driving leaflet is available, containing A county maintenance engineer is one of three useful advice, including tips from the Bucks Fire men to be given special recognition for their efforts and Rescue Service and a map showing which in helping the people of Buckingham when 70 roads are within this year's salting programme. The homes were flooded last July. leaflets will be available at most County Council establishments, including local area offices, County Simon Dudley, who works from the County's area Hall reception, libraries, Local Area Technicians office at Winslow, along with volunteers Bob Davy, and some fuel filling stations. of Prestwood, from Bucks Search and Rescue and Roger Taylor, of Milton Keynes representing the To view the winter road salting leaflet, visit Bucks and Oxon 4X4 Rescue Group, have been www.buckscc.gov.uk/winterdriving and for up to invited to attend a reception at Lancaster House, date advice call Highways on Call 0845 230 2882. St James's, London, on Monday December 3, where Minister of State for the Department of Spreaders leaving the Amersham depot this year Communities and Local Government, John Healey, will be carrying a new salting material, called MP, will formally thank guests from all over the Safecote. It's conventional rocksalt but with a country for their part in supporting flood-hit molasses coating, so the salt stays where it is communities last summer. spread, thereby being more economical, and is less corrosive. Last July 20, the Great River Ouse burst its banks and flooded the town of Buckingham. Homes and This year 40% of the county's roads - that's 1350 businesses were flooded, a rest centre was set up kilometres - are in the precautionary salting to receive people who were either evacuated from programme, up from 34% last year, made possible their properties or simply chose to leave. thanks to an extra £100,000 included in the winter Simon was one of the first on the scene, maintenance budget. Prioritising which roads to organising the distribution of nearly 4000 salt is always difficult, but officers have consulted sandbags throughout the night, and was still on parish, district and county councillors and listened site the following morning to help with the start of to residents before making final decisions. More the clear-up operation. than 800 roads countywide have been meticulously assessed on various criteria, such as gradient, Simon said: "I am very pleased to be recognised in traffic flow, whether they are routes for community this way. I would also like to thank the team from links, schools, or bus routes. our own staff, our contractors Fitzpatrick,Aylesbury Vale District Council and the emergency and FACT FILE: Buckinghamshire fills 1,000 salt bins voluntary services, who all worked together during to reach roads not within the salting routes; the this emergency and who supported me in my work county gets through 6,000 tonnes of rocksalt in an that night." average winter; each precautionary salting costs £11,000 and the county has 25 vehicles in its frontline salting fleet, with others available in severe conditions; eight ice-monitoring stations around Buckinghamshire measure humidity, New Drivers Roadside Checks Continue to Want to Save £150? Educate Drivers New partnership launch to make Stop and advise campaign. THINK

savings with Pass Plus

Throughout the month of October the Road Safety Team at Buckinghamshire County Council worked in conjunction with the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership Road Safety Constables to educate Drivers that are travelling too fast for the Buckinghamshire County Council are delighted to road condition. announce that they are working in partnership with A-Plan insurance to offer new drivers the chance Visiting locations across the County the team to potentially save £150 when taking their Pass aimed to educate road users about the Plus Course. consequences of their speed choice and further raise awareness of their ongoing road safety Buckinghamshire County Council will pay £75 campaigns. towards the cost of your Pass Plus Course This month long initiative helped to support locally (Subject to their qualifying criteria) and A - Plan the current national THINK! Rural Speed will pay the difference up to £75 if you take out Campaign, the aim of which was to communicate your car insurance with them. to motorists that the problem isn't just speeding, but driving too fast for the conditions. During 2005 The subsidised Pass Plus scheme aims to raise approximately 70% of all Killed or Seriously driving standards and help new drivers deal with a Injured collisions and 90% of fatalities occurred on wide range of road and traffic situations. To qualify rural roads in Buckinghamshire. for the scheme you must live within the Buckinghamshire County Council Local Authority Driving inappropriately for the conditions can area and have Passed your driving test within the include: last 12 months • Approaching a bend or junction too fast and · New drivers are more likely to have a crash in without caution. their first two years of driving than at any other time • Not negotiating narrow roads properly.

• Overtaking on an approach to a bend or · 7 drivers aged 17-24 were killed on where forward visibility is restricted. Buckinghamshire’s roads during 2006.

Dave Gordon Branch Manager from Aylesbury Key messages A-Plan insurance said ‘We are very pleased to be • Don't assume it's safe to speed on rural able to promote such a worthwhile scheme, this roads just because there is less traffic. will hopefully encourage more people to take the course”. • Drive at a speed according to the characteristics of the road, expect the If you would like to apply or would like more unexpected. information please contact: • The speed limit on these roads is just that, June Howlett a limit not a target. Tel: 01296 382450 • Take special care when driving at night on rural roads as other drivers' headlights could temporarily blind you. ‘Morning After’ Drink Drive Buckinghamshire County Council Campaign Warns Drivers Travel Choice Team Gain National Recognition!

The Travel Choice Team at Buckinghamshire County Council is delighted to announce that they have won the prestigious title of ‘Overall Best Public Sector Organisation for Travel Planning’ by ACTtravelwise. ACTTravelwise is an international organisation represented by sustainable travel professionals from across the world in both the To mark the launch of the Christmas Drink Drive public and private sector. Campaign The Road Safety Team at Buckinghamshire County Council worked in This national award was won against tough partnership with Bucks Fire and Rescue and competition and recognises the team’s to create a ‘crash’ scene achievements in the promotion of sustainable where a mother and her two children were cut out travel by working with businesses, schools and of a car. This event took place in the members of the public to reduce car use. In Market Square, Aylesbury on Thursday addition, the team were recognised for their th 6 December. achievements with the Council’s own travel plan which has reduced car use from 71% in 2000 to Nearly one in five people who are convicted of 44% in 2006. drink driving are caught the morning after and do not realise that they can still lose their licence if The award was announced at the National they are over the legal alcohol level. ACTtravelwise Conference held in Belfast on the Even small amounts of alcohol affect your ability to 9th November 2007. drive safely. If you would like further information on the work of Alcohol also tends to make you feel over confident the Travelchoice Team please contact : and more likely to take risks when driving. The Mark Oldfield, Team Leader for Travelchoice on implications of a drink drive conviction can be far 01296 383449 or e-mail: reaching [email protected]

Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal Every Unit Counts limit or unfit through drink carries a maximum penalty of 6 months' imprisonment, a fine of up to The Buckinghamshire Alcohol Strategy, in line with £5,000 and a minimum 12 months driving ban. the National Alcohol Strategy, has highlighted the need to promote the message of sensible drinking. An endorsement for a drink-driving offence It aims to promote and raise awareness of the remains on a driving licence for 11 years, so it is harm that could be caused by drinking over the 11 years before a convicted driver will have a recommended daily amount, on a regular basis. "clean" licence again. A local public awareness campaign is underway in Being in charge of a vehicle whilst over the legal Buckinghamshire which includes an advertisement limit or unfit through drink could result in 3 months' in the form of a short film which can be found at: imprisonment plus a fine of up to £2,500 and a www.bucksdaat.co.uk and on You Tube. driving ban. The clip is called 'Gourmet Dining'. It shows a Causing death by careless driving when under the small group of people at a dinner party influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum discussing the effects of alcohol on the liver and penalty of 14 years in prison, a minimum 2-year what a liver might look like if the person has been driving ban and a requirement to pass an drinking heavily on a regular basis . extended driving test before the offender is able to drive legally again. After viewing the clip people can then access further information about safer drinking, information concerning alcohol units and the recommended daily amount at: www.bucksdaat.co.uk Stop Means Stop—It’s The Law Simply Walk

Simply Walk is a partnership funded project set up in 2002 with the aim of increasing levels of physical activity among sedentary people.

It achieves this by providing a programme of easy and wherever possible, stile free walks, led by a dedicated team of trained volunteers. The majority of walkers are retired and the walks provide a great way for people to improve their health and meet new friends in their locality. It provides a simple, accessible and free means of encouraging people to increase their levels of physical activity.

School Crossing Patrollers, perhaps better known The scheme has grown steadily to its current level as ‘lollipop’ people, play a vital role in making the of more than 36 walks, attracting nearly 500 journey to and from school as safe as possible. regular walkers, led by approx. 100 volunteers. The County currently has 60 patrollers who help children and parents cross the road safely. Until April 2007 there were two health walk schemes covering Buckinghamshire: To support the good work carried out by the Simply Walk: (Wycombe, South Bucks and County’s patrollers and encourage more people to Chilterns), and Heart & Sole: (Aylesbury Vale). In join the team, Buckinghamshire County Council’s April this year, the two schemes merged into one Travel Choice Team will be launching the ‘STOP county-wide scheme, hosted by Bucks County MEANS STOP - IT’S THE LAW’ campaign on the Council, within their Rights of Way team. 1st November 2007. The campaign is intended to Simply Walk is currently funded by: remind all drivers and cyclists that they have a · Buckinghamshire County council legal duty to stop when they are shown the · Council ‘lollipop’ sign by a patroller wishing to cross people · Aylesbury Vale District Council on the road. Failing to stop can lead to a £1000 · Chilterns District Council fine, three penalty points and disqualification. · South Bucks District Council

· Buckinghamshire PCT To support the campaign across the County, many local buses will be displaying the STOP MEANS Why do we need Simply Walk? STOP banner. Look out also for your local patroller who will be wearing a bright orange tabard Because up to three quarters of us do NOT do with the STOP MEANS STOP logo on. enough physical activity to benefit our health. i.e. “At least 30mins of moderate activity on 5 or more days of the week”

Regular moderate physical activity (such as a brisk walk) provides a host of physical and mental health benefits and reduces the risk of a number of diseases including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, obesity and some types of cancer. Heart Disease alone is the single Nationwide, there is a shortage of Crossing biggest cause of death in the UK, at a cost of Patrollers and Buckinghamshire is no exception to £1.7 billion to the NHS and £7 billion to the UK that rule, so if you feel you could make a difference economy. at your local school please contact The Travel Choice Team on 0845 370 8090 or Fiona Broadbent, Healthy Walks co-ordinator will [email protected] be giving a presentation at Local Committees in January on the Simply Walk project to discuss how we can work together to develop new walks in your area. New Year, New You! New Web Aims to Capture Young Audience

Events held across the county to mark Black History Month and Local Democracy week were the first to feature on a new website launched on Friday 26 October, to promote youth projects across Buckinghamshire.

The new website was set up as part of the Bucks Grid for Learning and will feature youth projects It’s the New Year, and whether your new years concerned with community cohesion - and County resolution is to get fitter, save money or start politicians have been quick to make their mark thinking about your impact on the environment, and contribute. the Travel Choice Team at Buckinghamshire County Councillors will describe their County Council has ideas to help you on your involvement in local politics and highlight the way. importance of youngsters getting their voices

heard, while interviews three of their colleagues Did you know that changing your travel habits for have given in schools, will be reported. just one day a week would reduce congestion and cut pollution by 20%? The website can be accessed at www.bucksgfl.org.uk/local democracy or through Cycling at five miles per hour burns around 175 www.buckscc.gov.uk and follow the link through calories per hour. Up the pace to 13 miles per community cohesion and equality. hour and the calorie burn rate climbs to more than 600 per hour.

Drivers could halve their motoring costs by getting Cycling & Walking Survey 2008 involved in car sharing with a neighbour, friend or colleague - why not log on to More people than ever are cycling in www.buckscarshare.co.uk and see if anyone is Buckinghamshire with a 25% increase in cycle going your way? trips made around the county so far this year. We are investing in cycling with improvements to Regular exercise releases endorphins in the many routes, awareness campaigns and by brain that make you feel relaxed and happy, establishing a Cycling and Walking team. and walking is the easiest form of exercise you can take, so why not take a 30 minute walk every In March this year, Olympic cycling gold medallist, day? Chris Boardman visited Aylesbury to celebrate the town’s new Cycle Demonstration Town status and Whatever mode you choose to take, make a has personally endorsed our priority towards change and start 2008 with a fitter, happier, new cycling. The additional funding given to the town you. from Cycling will help to trial new measures that, if successful, can then be used in For more information on the New Year New You other areas of the county. campaign or any other work carried out by the Travelchoice Team please contact For more information call 0845 2302882 or email [email protected] Mark Oldfield, Team Leader for Travelchoice on 01296 383449 Please visit : or e-mail [email protected] apps.buckscc.gov.uk/eforms/transCyclingAttitude/ _1.aspx

to complete the Consultation available on our website:

Take Your First Steps on the Road Buckinghamshire Advances to Adoption Chinese Standards

Buckinghamshire County Council needs Chinese professionals review permanent homes for 20 children waiting in the excellent care education support in Buckinghamshire

Five Chinese education professionals have just spent a week reviewing the support and advice Buckinghamshire County Council is using the 10th provided for schools in Buckinghamshire. The anniversary of National Adoption Week to remind visitors – school inspectors and principals working people that there is still a shortage of permanent in and around Shanghai in China – are families for some children in care. participating in a five-week programme towards an Advanced Course in Educational Inspection and The appeal for more potential parents to come Supervision at the Institute of Education, forward is part of the annual National Adoption University of London. Week campaign, organised by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), Recognising Buckinghamshire’s renowned which aims to raise awareness of adoption and education system and previous successful visits encourage potential parents to come forward. by overseas professionals, the Institute of There are more than 4,000 children across the UK Education approached Buckinghamshire County needing adoption every year. Council. A week-long programme was arranged to enable the Chinese delegation to review the Buckinghamshire County Council particularly way schools can be improved through effective needs families for 20 children of all ages, brothers self-evaluation processes, to raise education and sisters, and children from black, Asian and standards and maximise impact on learning. dual heritage backgrounds. The visitors reviewed the strategies for Cecilia who was approved to adopt three years professional development, improving standards for ago said, “I would say to anyone thinking of primary and secondary pupils, and for monitoring adopting a child, if you feel you can make a and reviewing the quality of provision in difference and commit to this then do it - the Buckinghamshire. Although China has similar rewards are priceless and becoming a family is inspection and personal development processes, incredible. The application process was very the visitors identified key areas they would like to educational and once we adopted I was able to see in operation in Chinese schools. harness all the information to give a smoother transition for ourselves and the boys.” Pan, a principal at a new Shanghai school, was particularly impressed after seeing a staff training If you are interested in adoption, but unable to session in progress at a local teacher training attend the Adoption information event, further centre. He identified the leadership training and information can be obtained by contacting the professional development opportunities available Adoption Team on 01494 586443 or write to: The to teachers in Buckinghamshire as a key strength: Adoption Team, Council Offices, King George V “The English education system pays attention to Rd, Amersham HP6 5BN. E-mail: adop- teacher development to maximise their potential. [email protected]; Website: There are good training schemes in place.” www.buckscc.gov.uk/adoption. The visit also enabled schools and professional in Buckinghamshire to see how the Chinese education system operates. More Help Must Be Given To New Service Available for More of Children Of Parents Who Drink Too Buckinghamshire’s Vulnerable

Much Adults

120 delegates representing a range of statutory Buckinghamshire County Council launches and voluntary agencies attended the ‘Because Every Adult Matters’ during Customer Service Week Buckinghamshire Children Safeguarding Board (BCSB), organised in partnership with the Drug 3,000 more adults in Buckinghamshire will be able Alcohol Team and focused on drink problems in to benefit from the County Council’s new support families. programme ‘Because Every Adult Matters’(BEAM) to help them maintain their independence so they The aims of the conference were to: can remain in their own home Give information on the extent of problem drinking Raise awareness of the impact on children and The initiative BEAM was officially launched 1 - 5 families Consider how staff can respond October, during National Customer Services Week appropriately and work together across children and in line with Buckinghamshire County Council’s and adult services especially adult substance aim of ‘Getting Closer to Communities. misuse agencies Plan actions together to improve outcomes for children Provide a forum for BEAM comprises four new and enhanced services exchange of local information including ‘In-Touch’ which will specifically focus on adults who have not previously been able to Professor Judith Harwin from Brunel University qualify for help from social services but could be talked through the research that shows that a potential clients of Adult Social Care in the near longer period of time is taken to respond to future. situations when alcohol misuse is an issue in a family compared to families where illegal drug Over 11,000 adults in Buckinghamshire currently misuse is an issue. Clearly this can have serious receive help from the range of services available consequences for the safety and welfare of through the Council’s Adult Social Care teams. children and Professor Harwin advocated better With the new ‘In-Touch’ service this figure is set to training for social workers in this area. rise to around 14,000, an increase of 27% to the number of people receiving some form of help. Kathleen Herman from NACOA (National Association for the Children of Alcoholics) gave an ‘In-Touch’ is a telephone-based service that will insight into family dynamics and how children and deliver locally specific advice and information young people might feel. centred on the needs of the customer, or their carer. For example, the service may include Dr Jo Nurse, consultant in public health medicine, signposting people towards voluntary and Government Office of the South East, shared with community services and/or information that will the group the wider public health perspective. She allow people to make informed choices about their looked at some of the facts about the harm needs. After initial contact and advice, the resulting from alcohol misuse across age groups, ‘in-touch’ team will follow up with a review call gender and communitiies, particularly in the south three or four times a year to see what, if any east region. further help or support is required. Ann Lexton talked about research from Dundee University and Childline in Scotland. After analysis The scheme, piloted over the summer, has of over 9000 calls to Childline it was found the received a very positive response with 900 adults majority made reference to their parents drinking. already assigned to the ‘In-Touch’ service.

In addition to ‘In-Touch’ the programme There was a short play based on a real story of a incorporates three further specialist services: family in Buckinghamshire - 'A Day in the Life of ‘Helping you to Shop’; ‘Helping you to Clean’; and Chris'. This was based on a life of a 10 year old ‘Time 4 You’, which are extended services for suffering significant harm because of his mother's those already receiving a care package. Over 130 drink problem and related factors around it. service users already benefit from these services.

To complete the day, workshops were held and the messages of the day were discussed with action plans being put forward for better protecting children whose lives are seriously affected by parental misuse of alcohol. Caution! Children at Work Buckinghamshire Pupils New DVD highlights the need for more stringent Excel at Key Stage 4 safeguards for children and young people employed in Buckinghamshire Figures published today on the achievements of pupils in Buckinghamshire in GCSE examinations An event attended by a host of celebrities and MPs and other equivalent qualifications at the end of at the House of Lords, on 20 November 2007, Key Stage 4 (KS4) reveal that results have launched a new DVD for the National Network for improved yet again this year. Child Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE). The aim is to highlight the need for an urgent The latest Achievement and Attainment Tables review of the current child employment legislation, published by the DCSF (Department for Children, to ensure children are protected from working Schools and Families) show that Buckinghamshire illegally in dangerous conditions when undertaking came top of all shire authorities in the country for part-time or performance work. GCSE or equivalent results, with 60.5% per cent of our pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades It has been over a year since the NNCEE joined including English and mathematics, at the end of forces with ITV to produce a DVD aimed at policy KS4 – an increase of 1.4% when compared with makers, local authorities and children’s services. last year and 13.8% higher than the 2007 National With child employment legislation dating back as average of 46.7 %. Our results are also the highest far as 1933, it is vital to bring this up-to-date. A when compared with those of similar councils consistent approach is also required as many known as our statistical neighbours. counties, including Buckinghamshire, have different child employment byelaws. Furthermore over 99% of all pupils finished the end Buckinghamshire also has an increased workload of KS4 with at least one GCSE or equivalent compared to other local authorities. Four studios examination this year. (including Pinewood) and three large film agencies are sited within Buckinghamshire. In Three of our schools –Dr Challoner’s High School, addition to the many individual licences, there are The Royal Latin School and Wycombe High School others to consider including chaperone licences - achieved 100 per cent of their pupils gaining five and the annual pantomimes. or more grades A* to C including English and mathematics. The importance of effective legislation is highlighted in the case of children and young The Contextual Value Added (CVA) measure people killed or seriously injured at work. The DVD shows progress from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4 looks at real-life incidents including a14-year-old (KS2-KS4) taking into consideration pupil boy who lost his fingers during an accident at a characteristics such as gender. Seven of our butcher’s shop and a young paperboy killed while schools are in the top 25 per cent nationally for the undertaking his round. KS2-KS4 Contextual Value Added measure: Alfriston School, Dr Challoner's Grammar School, Gwen Medd, Child Employment Officer at Furze Down School, St Bernard's Catholic School, Buckinghamshire County Council, has been work- Stony Dean School, The Royal Grammar School ing with the NNCEE on this DVD and also attended and Waddesdon Church of England School. the launch. She believes this DVD will benefit Buckinghamshire children and young people. The figures published in the post-16 attainment tables for Buckinghamshire schools and colleges She explained “This DVD is the perfect tool to raise are also considerably higher than the national awareness that children who work part-time and averages. The average QCA point score per children working in the performance industry need student entered for GCE/VCE A/AS or equivalent protecting from exploitation in the workplace, examinations in 2007 was 801.0 compared with monitored checks and a good working relationship 731.1 nationally, whilst the average points score with schools to protect their education. per entry was 217.4 compared with the national Buckinghamshire is one of the few local authorities figure of 207.5. Our results are also the highest who give compulsory chaperoning training prior to when compared with those of similar councils chaperone applicants receiving a licence, together known as our statistical neighbours, and second with CRB checks and references. This has been when compared with other shire authorities. well received by chaperone applicants and is proving to be beneficial both to them, the children and the industry.” Local News Ade Inspires Motivation and After Ade’s talk, the pupils were split into their mentoring groups for the rest of the morning— Achievement comprising six pupils to each mentor. The groups Over 400 pupils at Wye Valley School, discussed Ade’s talk, other inspirational figures Bourne End, hear and concluded by assessing the impact on their Olympic-medallist Ade Adepitan talks about individual goals. One of the mentors, Francisco his life story Baeza, Principal Lecturer, Buckinghamshire New University, explained “Ade’s presentation An inspirational talk by Ade Adepitan, Olympic provided a great platform for mentors, such as medallist and TV personality, was the highlight of myself, to use his talk to inspire my group of this term’s Inspire, Motivate and Achieve (IMA) mentees to set some personal goals for this mentoring programme at the Wye Valley School, academic year.” The pupils felt he had inspired Bourne End, on 2 November. and motivated them with his ‘cool’ discussion and ‘inspirational words’. All KS3 pupils – years 7, 8 and 9 – were able to view a presentation on Ade’s top three The IMA mentoring programme at Wye Valley achievements and then listen to his life story, School was set up in July this year, with each outlining the sheer hard work and dedication volunteer mentor undertaking a training undertaken to succeed in both his chosen sport – programme before first meeting with the pupils wheelchair basketball – and subsequent career assigned to them in October. The IMA undertaking television work and writing. programme has been based on the Olympic ideals of motivation, inspiration and achievement, Ade contracted polio as a child, which meant he in conjunction with the 2012 Olympic and wore callipers as a child and a wheelchair from Paralympic Games in London. Currently all his late teens. The talk was presented informally mentors are staff from the four organisations and the pupils were able to relate to Ade’s sponsoring the project: Lane4, GE Healthcare, background and appreciate the obstacles he had Buckinghamshire County Council, and the overcome to achieve his goals. The aim of the Buckinghamshire New University (formerly the talk was to inspire young people to motivate Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College). It themselves and achieve their goals in all areas of is hoped that future programmes will also involve life. staff from other Buckinghamshire businesses.

One of the key messages was the need for The Wye Valley School is planning future support from friends and colleagues. Throughout presentations from people who have also his life, friends have continued to motivate Ade to overcome obstacles to achieve success. work towards his goals, even when he thought Linda Melton, the Headteacher at Wye Valley there was little chance of success. Support to School, was pleased that Ade had been such a fund his dreams also came from many people, success: “This first of our three focus days has including the boxer Frank Bruno, who helped Ade certainly set a high standard and Ade Adepitan raise the money for his first sports wheelchair. will be a hard act to follow. He most certainly inspired the 400 students who gathered in the Of the special moments in his life, two of the hall to hear him speak. Students felt very three were team efforts: carrying the Olympic privileged to have such a famous and worthy torch for the 2004 Athens Olympics; beating the person visiting their school. The mentors and world champion wheelchair basketball team, other adults who heard him were equally USA, in the Paralymics in 2004; and when he impressed.” took part in the BBC documentary Beyond Boundaries, in particular, the five hours spent Ade Adepitan was pleased to have been able to crawling and pulling himself the last 5,000 ft to meet the pupils and inspire them: the top of a Nicaraguan volcano. “It was really great to have the opportunity to talk to over 400 children at Wye Valley School and share some of the stories of my life which, hopefully, inspire the younger generation to be the best they can be.” Local News 40th Anniversary Celebration at Don’t be a lemon, catch the NEW Bourne End Library orange route 39! The launch of the brand new bus service for

Orange route 39 is the latest bus service in High Wycombe, and it was officially launched on Monday, 22nd October. The service operates up to every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday between the town centre and Hatters Lane, St Hugh’s Avenue, Hicks Farm Rise, Kingswood Bourne End Library invited guests to celebrate Surgery and Highcrest School, using brand new the 40th Anniversary of its opening on vehicles. The vehicles are low-floor giving easy 15 November to thank customers and the local access for buggies or wheelchair users. They are community for their support over the years and painted in a distinctive bright orange livery, so with the recent announcement of a lottery grant they’re easy to spot! In addition to service the there is now an additional reason to celebrate. Hicks Farm Rise area, residents of on Southfield Road and Cotswold Way also benefit The grant amounting to £500,000 will be used to from the orange route 39 with a new hourly expand the existing premises and enable the service in to town Monday - Saturday, perfect for library to become a centre for family learning, getting to work or the shops. children’s activities, literacy classes, and an access point to other local authority and The launch took place outside the new shop on community services. St Hugh’s Avenue, with Councillor Bill Jennings, Cabinet Member for Wycombe District Council, Thanks to Somerfields for helping to sponsor this and Councillor Julie Pritchard, District Councillor event. for Micklefield. The new service is jointly funded by Buckinghamshire County Council and by funds secured through local contributions from local developments, including the Starblocks Vivid New Library for Wycombe development on St Hugh’s Avenue. From the residents group Shirley Reid was present to oversee proceedings, along with Frieda Hapgood, Sales and Marketing Manager of Starblocks developer London and Quartile Housing Association, and Ms Hapgood commented “Monies from the L&Q Beacon section 106 agreement were used to help fund the new bus route and it will be of great benefit to The new £5.3million High Wycombe library the growing local community. 299 new homes are started its fitting out on Monday 3rd December. . currently being built at the site and these will be complete by Spring 2008.” It is envisaged that the new library will be opened late Spring 2008. The launch was also attended by Brian Drury, Commercial Director, Nick Knox, Head of The Council has appointed fit out specialist Vivid Operations, Terry Clarke, Engineering Manager, Interiors to carry out the £2.2million interior and Jamil Malik, the Wycombe Depot Manager, refurbishment works. from Arriva the Shires all proud to show off their . new buses, one of which was available for those present to get a first hand look at the brand new vehicles.

So, don’t be a lemon, catch orange route 39! Local News Advice From Horse Watch My Neighbours Are Too Noisy, What Can I Do?

Noise from neighbours is a common source of disturbance. The most frequent complaints are about barking dogs, loud music or TV, shouting, banging doors and DIY activities.

Everyone can expect some noise from the people that live around them. Sometimes, however, Most people would not dream of leaving a noise can become a real problem. thousand pounds in cash in a garden shed, yet many do the equivalent when leaving a set of If you are being disturbed by noise from a expensive tack in a wooden tack room attached neighbour you can: to their stables! If unmarked and stolen, even if it is found, how do you prove it is yours? Post Approach the noise-maker and explain politely coding is the only reliable answer. that you are being disturbed. You may find this difficult, but often people are unaware that they In a repeat burglary, three yards lost thirteen are causing a problem. However, approach the saddles which were found next day dumped in matter carefully if you think your neighbour might woodland. On the top of the pile were the only react angrily to a complaint. three saddles to be post coded. Presumably the If the problem continues, start a diary recording thieves inspected their haul by torchlight and dates, times and causes of the noise and the thought all the saddles were marked and so effects it has on you. Write to your neighbour dumped the lot. So, because three saddles were explaining the problem, referring to any marked, thirteen saddles were returned. conversations you may have had and what, if

anything, they agreed to do about it. Keep a Autumn is the time we think about rugging-up our record of any conversations you have or letters horses. If you don’t want to lose your rug to you write. If your neighbours are tenants, try to thieves, paint your postcode on it. Thieves often discuss your problem with the landlord. Most take rugs off horses and dump them and just wait conditions of tenancy require that tenants do not for you to go out and buy a new one and come cause nuisance to neighbours and the landlord back and steal it, because you haven’t had the should take action. time (or inclination) to post code it. Who can help with my noise problem? In the light of two recent court cases, I urge anyone considering loaning a horse to anyone to If the problem persists, or you feel unable to check their credentials thoroughly, as many approach your neighbour direct, contact the local horses have gone missing, believed sold on or Environmental Health Department for advice. sold to knackermen whilst on loan. Also be Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 prepared for your horse’s death by researching (EPA), they must take “all reasonable steps” to your options now, not leaving it until you are investigate your complaint. upset and vulnerable, when you may be taken advantage of by some unscrupulous “disposal If the noise continues, an Environmental Health experts”. The BHS gives very good advice on Officer (EHO) or Technical Officer should call, loaning and euthanasia on it website ideally at a time when you expect the noise to www.bhs.org.uk occur, to see whether in their judgement the noise is a statutory nuisance. They will consider Helen Evans the type of noise, how loud it is, how often and at Horsewatch Co-ordinator what times it occurs. If they are satisfied that a statutory noise nuisance exists, they must issue a notice requiring the neighbour to stop causing a nuisance. If the person, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with the notice, he or she can be prosecuted. In some cases the local authority can confiscate noise making equipment (e.g. Hi-fi, musical instruments). Local News Park & Ride Provides a Real Proposed New Speed Limits Alternative Have your say!

for High Wycombe

With the ongoing speed limit review in progress new speed limits are being proposed in parts of South Bucks & Wycombe Districts. The main roads that are being looked at are A40 Beaconsfield to High Wycombe, A4 Maidenhead to Slough, A4155 . Other roads affected are in: - Bourne End, Burnham, Burnham Beeches Dorney, Dorney Reach, Egypt, Farnham Royal, , Hitcham, Littleworth A service directly to the town centre every Common, Little Marlow, Taplow, Well End, 15 minutes. Widmoor, , Wooburn Common, High Wycombe Park & Ride is a great way to get to the shops, to the rail station or to your On the 29th November the Public consultation place of work in High Wycombe town centre. period started. It finishes on 7th January 2008. In Comfortable and spacious buses in a stylish order for the public to ‘have their say’ they will be green livery leave the Park & Ride site at able to view maps, descriptions and background Cressex Island every 15 minutes during the information of the proposed limits at: daytime with buses operating from 0700 until 1900 on weekdays. Aylesbury Study Centre, County Offices, Walton Street, Aylesbury; Parking is free in the spacious Park & Ride Beaconsfield Library, Reynolds Road, car park, with off-peak return fares from as Beaconsfield; little as £1.50 or a bargain rate of £2 for a family Bourne End Library, Wakeman Road, Bourne of 2 adults and 2 children. Once at the Park & End; Ride site, passengers can wait out of the cold in Burnham Library, Windsor Lane, Burnham; the waiting room for your bus, which will never Farnham Common Library, Victoria Road, be more than 15 minutes away. Journeys in to Farnham Common; the town centre take just 10 minutes with stops Flackwell Heath Library, Carrington Junior at the Hospital, on Queen Victoria Road by the School, Chapel Road, Flackwell Heath; library, on Crendon Street for the rail station, High Wycombe Library, Queen Victoria Road, on Castle Street for the High Street shops, in High Wycombe; Frogmoor and in the new bus station. There’s Marlow Library, Institute Road, Marlow; a stop for any destination within the town Library, Swan Yard, High centre. Street, West Wycombe; Chiltern and South Bucks Area Office, King So with Christmas fast approaching, avoid the George V Road, Amersham; stress of parking in the town centre, use Wycombe Area Office, Easton Street, High Wycombe Park & Ride, and let the bus do the Wycombe. hard work for you! Look out for the yellow information boards around the county which alert drivers to the possible changes.

For more information please contact Pat Francis 01296 382450. Local News Tree felling and replacement Illegal Dropped Crossings

Marlow High Street Non approved contractors are currently canvassing vulnerable people by knocking on doors offering to put in dropped kerbs at a third of the actual cost. Areas they are targeting, that we are aware of, are Castlefield and Plumber Road.

The work they are carrying out does not meet with the highways specification and, therefore, once we are made aware of any illegal dropped kerbs, our Local Area Technician (LAT) will write to the house owner stating that they need to apply for a Commencing Sunday 13th Jan 2008 works will license using the Bucks County Council Highways begin for the felling and replacement of 8 Cherry on Call Service. Once an application is received and a 1 Rowan tree. the LAT will check to see if it meets the criteria for allowing a dropped kerb, if it does then the home The works will start at 7am on Sunday morning owner will be required to instruct an approved 13th January 2008 and again on Sunday 21st for contractor to carry out the work to meet the the felling any remaining trees. highway specification (at there cost).

Stumps will be left and visible and once all the If the dropped kerb does not meet the criteria then trees have been felled they will be removed to the home owner will have two options. Option 1 facilitate the replacement planting of 9 will be that they can instruct an approved Ornamental Pears which are to be planted once contractor to put the kerb back to it original height the pits have been prepared by the end of at their cost or, the LAT will instruct our January 2008. contractors Fitzpatrick, to put the kerb back to its original status and invoice the home owner for the WDC are undertaking the works on behalf of total cost. Thus costing the homeowner more Buckinghamshire County Council and Marlow than if they had gone down the proper channels. Town Council. If the home owner does not respond with a This project is BCC led scheme many of the trees completed application form within one month of are not in the best condition given the hostile the initial letter, then the LAT will instruct our nature of the street environment. contractors to put the kerb back to it's original height and invoice the home owners for the cost Apologies in advance and disruption will be kept incurred. to a minimum Correct procedure is:-

The works will be spread over a period 6 - 7 days Call HOC and ask for an application to be sent. over a period of 4 weeks with tree felling being Information Pack is then sent which contains the most disruptive scheduled over the two Application form, details of fees for application, consecutive Sundays. criteria for a dropped kerb and a list of approved contractors. Stump removal and tree pit preparation will be Once the application has been approved then the undertaken once all the trees have been felled home owner can contact one of the approved and that phase should not cause to much contractors and have the work carried out. Once disruption. the dropped kerb has been completed the home owner must send in a tear off slip from the Once these works are complete the trees will be approval letter, to allow the LAT to inspect the planted. All work should be complete by mid completed work. February. The County Councillor for the Castlefield Area, Mohammed Zahir, is aware of the problem and is pushing for this matter to be brought to the public's attention to warn them and hopefully put an end to this situation. Local News

Useful Contact details

0845 8 505 505

Use this number to :

• Report a crime

• Contact a police officer—all police officers have mobile phones so you can leave a message for them to respond to when next on duty

• Contact your local police station

Police Station Opening Hours NB. These times may vary depending on staff availability

High Wycombe

Monday - Thursday 8am - 11pm Friday, Saturday 8am - 4pm Sunday 8am - 8pm

Marlow

Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4pm Saturday, Sunday Closed

Princes Risborough

Monday - Friday 9.15am - 12 noon Saturday, Sunday Closed Local News Participation with Euro Results James Elles spoke to the young people on these individual subjects, and also presented two Buckinghamshire young people subjects of interest: meet with James Elles, MEP • Education and skills: In particular the need The findings from consultation with for a young person’s education and skills Buckinghamshire young people and children to reflect the needs of the workplace, were brought to the attention of the European especially with the speed of globalisation Parliament when a group of young people met in this technological era and the with James Elles, MEP, at County Hall on re-emergence of Asia to the forefront of 26 October 2007. markets.

Young people from Bucks Youth Cabinet and the • Energy and environment: The need for Buckinghamshire members of the UK Youth new forms of energy, especially as new Parliament, were given the opportunity to discuss markets in Asia, in particular China and a range of matters raised by young people at India, are increasing their use of various events and meetings throughout 2007. resources.

While the meeting was viewed as an informal The young people were able to debate at some discussion and talk about issues affecting young length many of the issues raised. James people, many serious issues were raised with agreed to take specific points raised by the each young person taking the lead in their young people – and the findings of the recent chosen subject. Many of the young people’s young people’s participation event held on concerns are also topical mainstream news 23 October – to appropriate colleagues in the items: European Parliament. He also confirmed his agreement to further consider the young people’s • Health and lifestyle: Working to reduce obesity request to vote at 16, agreeing that there should in young people by offering more fitness at least be a consistency relating to what a young opportunities and educating parents about food person can do at 16. and nutrition. The young people were concerned that a balance should be achieved, The young people were pleased to be given the reducing the levels of both obesity and the opportunity to speak with him. Tabina Hussain, number of young people with anorexia or aged 15, a pupil at Cressex Community School, bulimia. said: “I think that the event was very successful and useful, as it helped us to raise the issues that • Alcohol and drugs: The use of alcohol and we felt were important. It was also a great drugs, particularly the increasing availability of opportunity and is something that should happen drugs was seen a huge problem for young more often.” people. The young people felt there was increasing peer pressure to take drugs, and the James Elles, MEP, also found the meeting a media glamorises drinking and smoking. valuable experience: “I am delighted to have had the chance to listen to the views of many • Young people as victims of crime: The young involved in the Bucks Youth Cabinet and people noted that crime can include the use of Buckinghamshire Members of the UK Youth technology to bully or intimidate other young Parliament. It was invigorating to hear their people. It was also noted that the fear of crime concerns on the number of key issues such as and, in particular staying safe from abuse, the need for a healthy lifestyle and votes at 16. I violence, racism and bullying, were the main very much look forward to continuing such a topics identified by children and young people dialogue on a regular basis.” at a recent participation event .

· Votes at 16: This topical subject is a key item in the UK Youth Parliament manifesto. The young people explained that countries such as Germany enable young people to vote at 16. The situation differs for young people in the UK, where they can fight for their country, work and pay taxes, and get married, yet not vote. Local News News from the Risborough NHW Association 309 Horticulture at HILLCREST RESOURCE CENTRE

Arrangements made by adults with learning disabilities at Hillcrest, Coronation Road, High Wycombe.

WALLFLOWER plants

In August and District 50p per tray NHW Association again exhibited at the Special Farmers Market held in the High street, this For sale Thursday 9am – 1pm when gardening time in partnership with the Neighbourhood group is on, Police Team. or call in at the office 9-1 Monday to Friday.

Brian Hill is Chairman of both the Risborough Proceeds to 309 Horticulture Therapy Group. NHW Association and Risborough Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) and the event gave them an opportunity to talk to residents about the activities they have undertaken. 309 Horticulture at HILLCREST RESOURCE CENTRE

Like many neighbourhoods, anti-social Arrangements made by adults with learning behaviour has been one of the main concerns disabilities at Hillcrest, Coronation Road, and in February eight people were given High Wycombe. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) for anti-social behaviour issues. This has proved Come and choose an indoor effective in reducing the problems and back in April, when traditionally it is very busy due to Ester Spring and the improving weather and light conditions, it Flower Basket was exceptionally quiet. When the ABC conditions are breached the subject receives a visit and the £5 subjects are regularly monitored to keep an eye on progress. If the subject continues to breach the or Hyacinth Pot ABC an ASBO can be applied for through the 50p courts. For most of their subjects this has not been necessary and an improvement in behaviour For sale Thursday 9am – 1pm when gardening has been seen. However, they are currently group is on, compiling information that could be used to or call in at the office 9-1 Monday to Friday. support an ASBO on some individuals. Proceeds to 309 Horticulture Therapy Group. “Calling Time on Winter Crime” So, the obvious messages are

• Use timer switches for lights - With the clocks going back, residents should ensure that they have altered their timer switches to take account of the darker evenings. Residents should remember that a light on in the porch or hallway won't fool a burglar; lights should be on in living rooms, kitchens or bedrooms. • Locks doors and windows - Ensure all your external windows and locks are The clock’s going back on the 28th October secure, and fit additional locks where reminds us that winter is approaching, but it necessary. should also remind us to reconsider our home • Postcode your property – Mark your security as darker evenings can provide more property with your postcode using an opportunities for burglars. ultra violet pen or permanent marker. Property that is marked with a postcode Buckinghamshire is a safe place to live and is more difficult for a burglar to use or reported incidents of domestic burglary have sell, it also means the items are continued to fall in recent years, but traceable. Make an inventory of these Buckinghamshire Community Safety items including brand names and serial Partnership wants the downward trend to numbers. You can also register all continue by encouraging residents to make mobile equipment on the national their homes look occupied in the dark database www.menduk.org evenings. • Keep valuables out of sight - By Claire Dalton, Manager of Victim Support keeping your valuables hidden away you Buckinghamshire says “No one wants to be a do not advertise your home to thieves. victim of burglary, and by taking some simple Many burglaries are opportunist, where yet effective measures we can all reduce our burglars see something they want and chances of being a victim of this type of crime. have an easy way to obtain it The Partnership’s ongoing burglary campaign reminds residents of 3 key messages: lock your doors and windows, postcode your property and keep valuables out of sight. At this time of year we can add another simple step - use timer switches for lights.”

Using a timer switch to turn your lights on when it gets dark, is a cheap and effective way to ensure your home looks occupied when you And here is some further crime reduction are out. By also using low energy light bulbs advice to consider: Trim overgrown trees and you can ensure energy is not wasted and make hedges that obscure lighting or might hide a it more affordable too. More and more burglar from your neighbours or passers by. residents are remembering to do this when Join or start up a neighbourhood watch they are away on holiday, or go out for the day. scheme in your road (contact your local But residents should also remember to set Neighbourhood Watch Office via 08458 505 them before going to work, if they are not going 505 for more details). Install motion sensor to return until after dark. Timer switches are lighting by doors outside. relatively cheap and readily available from local hardware or DIY stores.

Buckinghamshire at Forefront of The i-van has been specially converted to provide a recording studio, computers with the Mobile Provision capacity to support music-making, film, animation New £70,000 mobile multi-media ICT studio and photography. Adaptive technology for young is launched in Buckinghamshire people with disabilities and a range of musical instruments will also be provided following further Young people throughout Buckinghamshire will consultation. Young people have been involved soon benefit from close partnership links and an from the start in designing and choosing the impressive lottery award, when a new £70,000 equipment. multi-media vehicle joins the existing fleet of community outreach vehicles. The bid for the van was submitted in order to provide a resource for young people who do not During the last three years, Buckinghamshire have access to such facilities e.g. those living in agencies have joined together to form a rural areas and on fringe estates of market towns Mobile Provision Steering Group. The work or disadvantaged by limited means and/or undertaken by this has enabled the disability. Young people involved in consultation development of a range of vehicles designed to about the i-van’s facilities have expressed their meet the varying needs of the community. These excitement about the opportunity to take part in vehicles will be managed, booked and promoted film-making, recording music and creating dance from one contact point/person within routines without needing transport to a nearby Buckinghamshire Community Action ensuring town. agencies can concentrate on their work programmes rather than have a strain on their The project also funds two project workers, Jon resources from the every day running of a mobile and Suzi, who will be working alongside provision. The vehicles will also be used by established youth workers in addition to taking multiple agencies meaning they will be used to the van to organisations that work with young their optimum capacity. people around the County.

A highly successful exhibition/community In addition to the i-van, a mobile children’s centre safety vehicle has been operated by is currently being commissioned. From April Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service 2008, this vehicle will enable the county’s smaller (BFRS) the last eighteen months. This has been communities to access the early learning, health used for a number of different purposes including and parenting advice services, that will be consultation and District Council advice provided by Buckinghamshire’s 25 static surgeries. A recent addition has been a new children’s centres for under 5s and their families. ‘fire fighter experience’ vehicle, designed to Frances Northrop, Project Manager said ‘Getting provide an interactive learning experience where to this point after three years is fantastic, the young people can rescue a ‘casualty’ and purpose of the project is to ensure that extinguish a ‘fire’ – while also learning about Buckinghamshire communities are receiving a full fire safety education and advice. This vehicle range of services through mobile outreach. This also has floodlights for evening use and is becoming a reality thanks to the excellent joint contains a range of sports equipment which can working of the agencies involved.’ be transported to plays chemes and other events. The i-van is now on the road and available to hire, for more information about this fantastic The latest vehicle to join the fleet is the ‘i-van’, a resource please call Frances Northrop on 01296 new multi-media ICT studio, provided by 432438 or email her on [email protected]. £170,000 funding from Kids Out, a national The website for the project can be found at children’s charity who successfully obtained a www.i-van.org.uk grant from the Big Lottery Fund. Frances will also give a presentation at Local Committees in January. Celebration of Groundbreaking Councillors Let Their Fingers do Project the Talking Community project for young people in Bucks Councillors and senior management were on hand reaches new heights to help promote Learn to Sign Week.

A community project involving young and older Buckinghamshire County Councillors were given a people in Buckinghamshire was celebrated at an th taster on how to communicate with Deaf people by event on 17 December 2007 at Missenden Abbey staff from the Physical and Sensory Disability in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, where an Team (PSD), part of the Council’s Adult Social hour-long film featuring the project was shown. Care service. The Intergeneration Project, run in partnership between Community and Youth Engagement and Fiona Long and Pamela Wrighton, who hosted the Older People’s Services saw young people and hour long taster session, along with Pam Garside older people working together to achieve and Michael Quinlan showed Councillors how to community cohesion and culminated in a introduce themselves and ask simple questions weeklong educational visit to Berlin for the using British Sign Language (BSL), as well as teenagers involved. trying lip-reading exercises which emphasised the difficulties encountered by people with hearing loss Over the summer a group of over forty teenagers when trying to lip-read. from across Buckinghamshire took part in community service with older people including Pamela Wrighton who is herself profoundly Deaf gardening, decorating and providing social uses lip-reading and sign language to activities. While this was happening they learned communicate and also works with her own about conflict resolution, reconciliation and Interpreter. reconstruction from the older people’s experiences and from a visit to the Imperial War Museum in BSL is the first language of around 50,000 London, and applied their learning to their own profoundly Deaf people in the UK, many of whom lives. were either born Deaf or lost their hearing at an early age before learning speech. The purpose for the trip to Berlin was so that the young people could further place the events BSL is a complex and very visual language which described in the older people’s experiences in a uses a different syntax and word order and real context, and learn about the events and combines many elements of non-verbal consequences of the Second World War from a communication including facial expression to German point of view. Twenty-nine young people convey information. took part in the trip to Berlin during the October half As part of their work with people who have a term break, which involved visiting the Reichstag, physical and/or sensory disability the Council’s the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. PSD team also support 1,175 adults in

Buckinghamshire who are hard of hearing. Kathryn Lamb, one of the young people that went to Berlin said, “Working with the older people was The British Deaf Association (BDA) runs a week- really interesting because they told us stories long campaign throughout the UK every October, about what they did when they were our age. It to raise awareness and to encourage the public to was really easy to picture what they were saying, join in and have fun learning British Sign though I couldn’t see myself living like that. Some Language. of them were really naughty!” BSL Learn to sign: visit this website: http:// Chris Morgan is another young person that went to web.ukonline.co.uk/p.mortlock/index.htm and type Berlin. “The one thing I remember most of all is in the word you want translated – then see how to the Berlin Wall,” he remarked, “I can’t imagine what sign it in BSL in the video clip as many times as it must have been like to stand one side and not be you like until you’ve learnt it! able to contact your friends or family on the other. It must have been really hard.”

For more information contact Simon Billenness or Graham Taylor-Paddick on 01296 422091. The National Literacy Trust and Digital TV site The Reading Agency lead partnership to manage the National Year of Reading

You can now access our services from the comfort of your armchair using your TV - or on the move using your mobile phone! The service is available to everyone with Sky or Virgin Media digital television; a Freeview box with modem; or a web-enabled mobile phone. View the site online

The National Literacy Trust and The Reading You can: Agency are delighted that they have been find out about our services and how to contact us appointed by the Department for Children, report a problem Schools and Families to manage the National request a service or a call back Year of Reading in 2008 with a consortium of access train and bus timetables organisations committed to promoting reading. search for jobs locally or across the country using the Job Centre Plus database A decade after the first National Year of Reading book a doctor’s appointment (subject to your GP in 1998, the National Year of Reading 2008 aims surgery’s participation) to put reading at the top of everyone’s agenda. It will run from January to December 2008. A How to access the site: national challenge to schools, business, arts, LOOKING LOCAL on SKY sport and local services to join in the National Press the Interactive button on your remote Year of Reading will be launched in January, Select SKY Active from the menu public activity will begin in April. Select Interactive Service Select Local Services The National Literacy Trust and its partners hope Select Looking Local that the year will capture the nation’s imagination, or... raise awareness of the importance of reading and Press the Interactive button on your remote inspire more people to talk about and take part in Select SKY Active from the menu reading for pleasure. Family involvement and Select A-Z engaging employers will also be a priority during Select Looking Local the year’s activity. LOOKING LOCAL on Virgin Press Interactive A national engagement programme to mobilise Select Home and Away schools, colleges, libraries, media, business and Select Find It... the voluntary and community sectors in plans for Select Looking Local the National Year of Reading will be unveiled soon. LOOKING LOCAL on TELEWEST (Service branded Virgin TV but using the Telewest Director of the National Literacy Trust Jonathan interactive interface) Douglas said: Press the Interactive button on your remote Select News & Info “We’re really excited at the opportunities that the Select Community National Year of Reading will offer to build upon Choose Looking Local current reading and literacy promotion and create LOOKING LOCAL on 3 MOBILE a lasting legacy. We believe the National Year of Choose Services from the Main Menu Reading will help redefine our national reading Select Websites culture and put in place building blocks for Select Look up Stuff systemic change in the way in which reading is Choose Looking Local promoted at local, regional and national levels.” Select your area or insert a postcode For more information visit www.literacytrust.org.uk You can also type in the URL to any GPRS/WAP phone – www.digitv.gov.uk/digitv/cds/ LookingLocal/Mobile/home 11 Million Take Over The Waste Partnership for for Buckinghamshire Urges us to Love Buckinghamshire Food and Hate Waste

Support this event and The Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire give a young person the supports new campaign, ‘Love Food Hate Waste’, chance to take over that reveals we are throwing away a staggering third of the food we buy in the UK - most of which Companies and schools throughout could have been eaten. The astonishing statistic Buckinghamshire were asked to support the follows pioneering research undertaken earlier this first-ever 11 Million Takeover Day, held on year by WRAP, the Waste and Resources Action 23 November 2007. This event was co-ordinated Programme, which shows that for every three by the Children’s Commissioner for England, to bags of food shopping we bring home, we enable the 11 million children and young people in effectively put one straight in the bin. England to take over and demonstrate their The campaign was launched by celebrity chef and capabilities. presenter Ainsley Harriott who agrees: “The Buckinghamshire County Council supported this amount of food we throw away is criminal and we event, providing children and young people with all need to take action and start changing our the opportunity to actively participate and behaviour. That’s why I’m supporting Love Food contribute in decision-making or to takeover a job Hate Waste,” he says. role. Young people aged 11-19 were given the In Buckinghamshire 23,000 tonnes of food are chance to consider the type of job they would like thrown away every year. Food produces highly to ‘take over’ – and Buckinghamshire County potent greenhouse gas when disposed at landfill. Council’s Community and Youth Engagement The embedded energy used to produce, Service and Children and Young People’s package, transport and store food which could Services worked hard to ensure a wide have been eaten, but instead ends up being variety of employment roles for young people to thrown away, produces the equivalent of at least choose from are available. 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

For businesses this would mean giving a “Our research showed that 90% of us are young person the chance to actively take over completely unaware of the amount of food we all many of the duties specified within a role. throw away. Once attention is drawn to it Young people have a variety of skills and however, we know that people are surprised and ideas that can be brought into the workplace, keen to take action” explains Dr Liz Goodwin, and this day can benefit both the young person WRAP Chief Executive. and the business. For the many Buckinghamshire businesses providing services or products to In addition to press advertising and a supporting children and young people, this event offered the PR campaign that features celebrity chefs, home additional opportunity to consult with young economists and well known personalities, the people. Love Food Hate Waste campaign features a web- site lovefoodhatewaste.com which gives advice, Schools throughout Buckinghamshire were ideas on preparation, storage, portioning and invited to take part and organise their own events recipes. on the day, providing an opportunity for our The campaign is fully supported by the Women’s 76,000 school children to participate. The Institute, who are launching their own ‘Love Food 11 Million Takeover Day ran during Anti-bullying Champions’ initiative which will reach out to week, so children and young people could use communities and provide on the ground support both events to think of ways of addressing on how to minimise food waste across the UK. important issues. Ainsley Harriott, the popular TV chef is supporting the campaign, along with a host of other chefs and well known celebrities. He adds; “This campaign is aimed at everyone. You don’t have to be a chef to know how to cut down on food waste, you just need to care about your food and your pocket and the rest follow.” Local Recycling Initiative Will Grow County Council Announces Next 85,000 Fruit Trees in Malawi Stage of Waste Development Planning

The Council has announced the next stage in the development of its waste plan. During the sum- mer the first phase of consultation took place with over 2,500 individual responses and several peti- tions, including one signed by 12,000 people op- posing the possible use of land at College Road Buckinghamshire County Council has signed up to North, Aston Clinton as an Energy from Waste a scheme which promises to grow a fruit tree in (EfW) site. Malawi for every tonne of aluminium drinks cans and foil recycled over the next two years, so the The Council’s new programme acknowledges the more we recycle, the more trees will be grown. need to analyse and respond to all the complex

issues raised. The Council feels that it is more Recycling aluminium is 20 times more efficient important to take time to analyse this high level of than making it from raw material, so getting into response than meet its original October deadline. the recycling habit saves massive amounts of energy, and will now also help reach the target of The new timetable will see the Council consulting growing 85,000 trees in rural Malawi. on its ‘Minerals and Waste Core Strategy’, which

will include proposals for the most important sites, The initiative is being run by not for profit in February 2008. This will give everyone another organisation Alupro in partnership with British chance to have their say on possible strategic charity Ripple Africa in a bid to tackle sites for future waste management and minerals de-forestation, improve nutrition and, as crop extraction. volumes improve, establish new businesses for fruit drying and juicing. One big difference will be the removal of Aston

Clinton as a ‘preferred site’ for an Energy from About half the new trees - producing guava and Waste (incineration) facility. This is in response to paw paw fruits - will be grown from seed in 75 a formal objection from a government department existing nurseries. And the remainder will be about conflicts with aviation. For a similar reason high-value grafted fruit trees, which will be the Council has concluded that Energy from produced in new greenhouses at the charity’s Waste should not be proposed for Long Crendon, base on Lake Malawi before being sold to a 'safeguarded site' in the previous plan. individuals and small community businesses.

The Aston Clinton site is still being considered for The programme runs alongside an initiative to other waste purposes, such as a household encourage the coppicing of quick-growing trees for waste recycling centre. firewood, and the production of clay stoves which reduce the number of trees each family needs It is also possible that proposals for other sites from 120 trees a year to 40. may change as a result of work currently in pro-

gress, relating to environmental, health and traffic The potential for the project to make a real impacts. difference to building a sustainable future is enormous. At the moment the only improved fruit Please visit our website: www.buckscc.gov.uk/ trees in the area - such as mango, orange and bcc/content/index.jsp?contentid=551689411 lemon - are imported in very small numbers from South Africa, so combining a source of good fruit tree stock with training at Ripple Africa’s demonstration nursery is going to help a lot of people.

A New Rural Strategy for Trading Standards - Buckinghamshire and Milton Defra budget cuts affect Keynes services for farmers in

What are the issues facing rural communities in Buckinghamshire Bucks and Milton Keynes? What improvements and changes are needed to secure thriving and Council leaders have reacted angrily after being sustainable rural areas? told they must cut their animal health budgets used to fight foot and mouth disease, avian flu These are the questions that the and bluetongue because ministers mistakenly Buckinghamshire Rural Affairs Group (BRAG) is promised them funding that doesn’t exist. asking as it prepares a new Rural Strategy for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. BRAG is This means that the allocated funding agreed with keen to hear from as many individuals and groups Department for Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) at the as possible that have an interest in rural beginning of the year for Buckinghamshire has communities. been cut by £12,000. The Chair of BRAG has launched a consultation document setting out initial thoughts on the key The money provided by Defra to Buckinghamshire areas to address and responses are invited from all has been used to fund work which has been vital in interested parties. The paper sets out the key preventing the spread of animal disease and priorities ranging from Access to Services, to the preserving the security of the food chain Rural Economy. A copy of the consultation paper and the feedback form can be found at As a result of the mix-up ministers have said that www.buckscc.gov.uk (in the ‘Communities’ large rural councils will have to cut 12% from their section under ‘Rural Initiatives’) or by contacting the annual animal health budgets within the last five people listed below. We would like to have all months of the financial year - more than doubling feedback by the end of January 2008. the impact in real terms.

Our rural areas have undergone a period of great With the new outbreak of avian flu in East Anglia it change in the last decade: from the decline in the means that Buckinghamshire County Council is agricultural industry, to increasing environmental faced with the prospect of preparing for any concerns and escalating house prices. The potential threat of the disease with fewer pressures on life in the country are greater than resources. ever, and we face even more challenge from the significant housing growth that is predicted as well Margaret Dewar, Cabinet Member for Community as from the impact of climate change. BRAG is Services, has written to Lord Rooker, the Minister determined that Buckinghamshire and Milton for animal health and welfare, to argue that Keynes’ rural communities secure a sustainable Defra should cover the agreed and authorised future and the new Rural Strategy is intended to funding for the rest of this year and then make form the focus for this work over the period sure it has the mechanisms in place to make sure 2008-2012. that this situation is not repeated in the future.

Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, Chair of BRAG, Lord Defra have not yet confirmed the funding Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire and President of arrangements for 2008/9. the Country Land and Business Association said: “I would really encourage any individuals and groups in the rural communities of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes to let us know their concerns and priorities for action.”

David Campbell OBE, Vice-Chair of BRAG and Chair of Buckinghamshire Community Action, the Rural Community Council for Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, said: “This is a great opportunity to set out a strategic vision for rural communities in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and to influence the decisions of local authorities, central government and others to take account of specific rural concerns.” Frequently asked questions

Hundreds of people contact our call centre every day to ask for information

These are the top 20 frequently asked questions which are dealt with by our Customer Contact Centre, and we thought you would be interested to see these.

Most popular frequently asked questions:

Rank Question Info providers

1 Do I need to provide you with evidence in support of my child's school application? 2 How do I renew my blue/disabled person's car badge? 3 How do I apply for a blue/disabled person's car badge? 4 What is my catchment school/is this school in my catchment area? 5 What are the school term and holiday dates for 2007/08? 6 Do I need a permit to take waste to the household waste sites? 7 How do I find my nearest tip? When is it open? 8 Where can I donate my unwanted furniture? 9 Is my child eligible for a free nursery education place? 10 When is the library open? 11 My blue/disabled badge has been lost/stolen. What should I do? 12 How do I apply for late transfer process/for my child to go to grammar school at 12+/13+? 13 How do I contact the School Admissions Team? 14 What social services are available to me? 15 How do I get a copy of a birth/marriage/death certificate? 16 What items can I recycle at your facilities? 17 How do I register for 11+ testing? 18 Can I have the Parents' Guide to Admissions? 19 How many free nursery education sessions can my child receive? 20 When will my child start school? When should I apply?

Visit our website: www.buckscc.gov.uk, to click on any of the questions and find the answers or if you can’t find what you are look for you can submit your own request for information.

abcde abcde The other film shown was an Induction DVD for A Giant Production new staff working for Buckinghamshire services at Pinewood for children and young people such as the police, councils, schools, health and voluntary organisations. The classroom of the early eighties is the setting for this film - a classroom with a difference - the teacher is played by 14-year-old Aylesbury actor Jack Miller-Halliday, with other children being shown on video during Two Buckinghamshire film productions the lesson. The pupils are real-life staff working in services for children and young people in premiere at Pinewood Studios Buckinghamshire.

Pinewood Studios was the venue for the premiere of two DVDs produced by children and The film follows the format of a typical school young people in Buckinghamshire, in conjunction lesson, where the lead is taken by the teacher with staff from Buckinghamshire County Council with some interaction with pupils. The old-style and partner services. Pinewood’s spacious blackboards, whiteboards and overhead cinema comfortably held the 120 people who projectors are used to good effect to outline the attended the event on the evening of priorities in service provision, and the importance 22 November to see the two DVDs being of all services working together to benefit children screened. and young people.

The main event of the evening was a film Jack Miller-Halliday thought both films helped produced by a group of young people who called children and young people engage and themselves Giant Productions. Entitled ‘Speak participate. He said “It is important that all adults Your Mind’, the film’s aim is to encourage other listen to children and take into account what we children and young people in Buckinghamshire to say because it does matter. The evening was a get involved in their local community and speak great success.” out about issues of interest or concern. Funded by the Buckinghamshire Children and Young Sue Imbriano, Director of Children’s Services at People’s Trust, the work undertaken by the Buckinghamshire County Council, children and young people for this production will Marion Clayton, Cabinet Member for go towards their Arts awards. Achievement and Learning, and Margaret Dewar, Cabinet Member for Community Services A range of youth projects and groups, working presented awards and certificates to the children, with and for Buckinghamshire children and young young people and staff involved in both films. people, are showcased within the film including Bucks YouthBank, a group of young people who Local film company Cliff Productions won the distribute grants to other youth organisations; commission to produce both films and were able Bucks Youth Cabinet, a group of young people to produce high-quality productions working in who represent the views of other young people partnership with the young people. Pinewood aged 11-19; Spurgeons, a local organisation Studios supported this event by providing the supporting looked after children; and Serious Fun fabulous venue free-of-charge. Groups, after-school clubs in six Buckinghamshire schools supporting and organising activities for vulnerable children.

All the young people involved felt they had gained from being involved with the project. Sam, 16, from the Wye Valley School, explained “I have really enjoyed taking part in this film project. My favourite part of the project was filming the introduction to the film because we were all in it.” Kelly, 13, attends the Cressex Community School, agreed and added that she enjoyed her role interviewing one of the other young people on the film. JANUARY 2008

Dates for your Diary

Future Local Area Committee Meetings:

Meetings commence at 6pm

Thursday 24 January 2008—Lane End Conference Centre

Thursday 3 April 2008 6.00 pm

Thursday 3 July 2008 6.00 pm

Getting in Touch

Contact for Local Committee Contact for Transportation and Getting Closer to Communities (GC2C)

Ian Reed Si Khan Senior Local Area Co-ordinator Local Area Co-ordinator ℡ 01494 475378 ℡ 01494 475320

Visit our website

www.buckscc.gov.uk

Or write to us at:

Buckinghamshire County Council Transportation Wycombe Area Office Easton Street High Wycombe Bucks HP11 1NH

Email: [email protected]