ACTION NOTES

MEETING: Local Area Forum DATE: 30 June 2016 7.00 pm to 8.55 pm The Village Hall, Buckland Village, HP22 LOCATION: 5HU

Chris Adams (Bucks County Council), Sue Barber (Halton Parish Council), Steve Bowles ( Vale District Council) (Vice-Chairman), Marion Clayton (Wendover Parish Council), Marian Ellwood (Halton Parish Council), Jenny Present: Hunt ( Parish Council), Fiona Lippmann (Clerk - Buckland Parish Council), Meryl Nodes ( Parish Council), James Paterson ( Parish Council) and Peter Wyatt ( Parish Council) Paula Campbell-Balcombe, Stephen Chainani, Maryvonne Hassall, Clifford In Attendance: Marshall, Martin Thomas and Inspector Chris Young Apologies: Martin Dickman, Simon Garwood, Tom Ross and Stephen Worth

Item ISSUES RAISED 1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE / CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP

Appointment of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Mr P Hodson opened the meeting and explained the appointment of Chairman process. The LAF was in agreement with Mr B Chapple OBE continuing in his role of Chairman.

DECISION: Mr B Chapple OBE was confirmed as the Chairman of the Wendover Local Area Forum.

The Chairman nominated Ms C Paternoster to continue as Vice-Chairman to which the LAF agreed. Mr S Bowles was thanked for his contribution as joint Vice-Chairman over the last year.

DECISION: Ms C Paternoster was confirmed as Vice-Chairman of the Wendover Local Area Forum.

Prior to the meeting all those present introduced themselves.

Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from Mr M Dickman, Mr S Garwood, Mr T Ross and Mr S Worth.

2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

3 ACTION NOTES

The notes of the meeting held 4 February 2016 were agreed as an accurate record.

4 SCHOOL PLACES UPDATE

Ms P Campbell-Balcombe and Mr S Chainani presented a detailed update on School Places and the following key points were discussed. A copy of the presentation can be seen attached to the end of this meeting record.

 Bucks County Council (BCC) abide by the rules set by Government. BCC hold a duty to ensure sufficient school places were provided within its area.

 Expansion would be explored for popular and successful schools and any large housing developments were expected to fund the building of new schools.

 It was complex to project figures for school places year on year as these were based on trends of data which could be affected by just one fluctuation. Data used historically was taken from Child Benefit data which tracked children from birth to reception age. Due to the change in Child Benefit eligibility, health data on births was now used although there was no data which covered what happened to children between birth and school entry point.

 Over the previous 5 years a significant increase had been seen in school places within Bucks. This was linked to increased migration, higher birth rates and a shift from the private sector. Within the town areas saw high increase rates although schools in far reaching areas had been struggling to fill places.

 The plan over the next couple of years was to provide 500 extra early years places, 3000 primary spaces, and 9 forms of entry into the secondary school system.

 Schools in this LAF planning area were at full capacity with 3% surplus. The Government advised schools hold a 5-10% surplus which was not always possible. Halton had been expanded by half a form of entry and a bulge class accommodated at John Hampden in 2014.

 In terms of housing growth, 500 new homes had been approved with a further 200 either pending or at appeal. No further sites had been identified in the draft VALP in Aston Clinton / Weston Turvulle although a site for 800 homes had been identified in Wendover. BCC had no basis to abject to housing applications unless the scheme would unreasonably extend the school journey for pupils. Catchment areas were being looked at for all schools to assess whether any changes were required.

 Should the Hampden Fields development go ahead, 2 schools would be requested to be built - one with 2 forms of entry and another with 3. In smaller areas, existing provision would look to be expanded.

 The Broughton Crossing site had funding for a new secondary school which will have 10 forms of entry. The former site was also being looked at to be utilised.

The following points were discussed following questions and comments from Members.  If there were to be more children in the Aston Clinton catchment earlier and no spaces at Aston Clinton School a shared catchment would be explored with children being transported to either John Hampden or Broughton, both of which were within three miles of Aston Clinton. The Government stated a 45 minute journey was acceptable.

 Major developments were required to provide land and funding to build education provisions, however smaller developments only had to provide a contribution for an education provision. Newly built schools were future proofed to so that if there was growth in the area there was the flexibility to expand them in the longer term. Education was limited to five contributions to one named project and it was believed this was the same for transport. As such often funds from smaller developments had to be refused.

 A review was ongoing into Special school provision. Booker Park had been rebuilt and Pebblebrook and Furze Down schools expanded. Large developments would be asked for a contribution to future special schools.

 A Member commented on the difficulties of traffic congestion in and out of Aylesbury which would only be impacted further with the housing growth plans and potential that plans would not be approved leaving the Eastern Link Road unbuilt.

 Members were advised that BCC had a new officer in position, Mr Andy MacDougall who would be engaging Parishes and running sessions to enhance Parishes understanding of section 106 funds and SIL. Members were encouraged to attend these sessions and details would be circulated in the near future.

5 QUESTION TIME

There were no questions at this point.

6 PETITIONS

A petition had been received on Traffic calming on Worlds End Lane and Members would be able to view the report prepared in response to this with this meeting record.

The LAF recognised speeding on this particular highway as an ongoing issue. Mr C Marshall confirmed that overgrown vegetation had all been cut back. Arriva had advised that they would carry out their own internal checks to ensure buses kept to the speed limit. A Member advised that the local Speedwatch had picked up four buses exceeding the speed limit. The Parish Council was exploring funding the installation of trivello strips.

In the report provided it was noted that TfB could carry out a feasibility study however it was felt by the LAF that road narrowing would not be supported by the community. The Weston Turville MVAS currently in Marroway would relocate to Worlds End Lane following a period on the A41. 7 THAMES VALLEY NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE UPDATE

Inspector C Young provided the neighbourhood police update and the following key points were raised:  There had been a serious incident on the A41 bypass which resulted in an individual having been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The road was closed for a significant period but the LAF was assured that this was an isolated incident.

 Crime figures had increased by 40%. It was said that this was in relation to changes in crime recording standards. Locally, violence against person crimes had risen and active measures were in place to address this.

 8 people had been arrested for a string of burglary non-dwellings and thefts from motor vehicles. Officers across Beds, Bucks and Herts were working collaboratively to build this case. These were described as significant arrests with crime figures relating to thefts having since reduced. A man had also been arrested in Wendover for non- dwelling burglaries and faced a number of charges.

 There had been instances of people entering homes to steal car keys, and subsequently cars. Members were encouraged to ensure all doors were locked and keys kept away from the door.

 Each theft from an allotment plot was considered an individual crime so Parish Councils were advised it was the owners’ responsibilities to report each individual theft rather than the parish reporting them as a whole.

 As a force, the police would be restructured by the end of the year and Wendover station would be gone by the end of September. Wendover Library would be opening as a neighbourhood engagement point on a six month trial. The LAF were assured that the area was a very safe place to live.

 Through the LAF the force made contact with Ms Martha Barnes to support youth opportunities across Wendover. A Member suggested Ms R Murgatroid from the youth centre would also be keen to engage with the Police. Insp C Young would follow this up.

 A Member raised vandalism to play equipment on Ashbrook playing field believed to be caused by John Colet pupils. Insp C Young advised he would work with the Schools officer to address this.

 In terms of speeding Insp C Young encouraged Parish Councils to submit any data they have to the police as this would allow the road safety team to focus on persistent problem areas.

8 TRANSPORT FOR BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

The LAF received an update report from Transport for Buckinghamshire attached to the agenda pack.

Mr C Marshall advised that the Chairman had worked hard to push the scheme forward for a VAS on Tring Hill. The LAF had set aside £10k funding for this and the remaining budget would come from other areas. The TFB report listed the VAS as being relevant to Aston Clinton not Buckland Parish Council. This would be updated.

Mr C Marshall confirmed that the pavement going up Tring Hill would be cut back to the metal fence and would be kept on top of.

One of the entrance gates to Buckland had fallen. This had been funded by the Parish Council previously and would be looked at by TFB when the Chairman joins officers for a look at the LAF area on 5 July.

9 FLOODING ISSUES IN WESTON TURVILLE

Mr C Marshall advised that a drain care contractor had visited Marroway and CCTV had been installed. A problem had been found down Main Street and Local Area Technician, Mr Rob Anderson was aware of areas which required work.

Mr J Paterson advised the LAF that when it had rained the road surface down Marroway had caused issues and water would come over residents’ gates. It was believed that this was linked to a ditch on the south side of the road. The roundabout leading on to the main road in to Aylesbury also had ongoing flood issues. This would be investigated by TFB and the Chairman would have a look at the problem when visiting the area with Local Area Technicians on 5th July.

The LAF thanked Mr C Marshall who would be leaving the area as Local Area Technician and would now be covering a neighbouring area.

10 AVDC UPDATE

Members received an update from District Council in their agenda packs. Ms M Hassall attended the meeting and took members through the key points of the report.

Roadshows were starting for the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Plan. Public Consultation would start 7 July and run to 5 September. Members were encouraged to make use of these events.

Waste collection dates had changed in the area. Communications had gone out to local residents and the impact of these changes had not been as significant as expected.

11 RAF HALTON

There was no representative present from RAF Halton to provide this update.

12 BCC UPDATE

Members received a newsletter update from the County Council with the agenda pack.

Mr P Hodson updated the LAF on the Active Bucks project. Members had received an email about funding for Year 2 of the project. Voting closes 14th July and Members can participate using this link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/B3XTJWB. The funding document can be seen at the end of this meeting record.

13 LOCAL PRIORITIES BUDGET

Mr P Hodson presented this report to the LAF and the following key points were discussed.

Funding for signage in Halton had been agreed and was underway. Detailed information could be viewed in the report provided on the Youth Forum and Youth Volunteeting projects which had been discussed at the previous meeting. This was funding to help the projects become sustainable so would not be ongoing.

Mr S Garwood would be taking over from Mr P Hodson moving forward as the Area Manager for this LAF. Mr S Garwood was a Trustee of Aylesbury Youth Action and as such Mr P Hodson would monitor this project.

It was explained that funding for the Aylesbury Youth Action initiative would come from Mr C Adams Community Leader Fund as he had been unable to use this to fund the Halton signage scheme due to internal restrictions.

Proposal Match Total Amount funding project recommend cost ed

Youth Volunteering Project £1,500 £3,990 £2,490

Youth Forum £4,000 £4,000

Total £1,500 £7,990 £6,490

RESOLVED Members approved the proposals as set out above.

The LAF was reminded that proposals for traffic calming and parking schemes would require 50% match funding from a non BCC source in the next financial year. An on street parking review in Wendover would be explored in the next financial year with Parishes having the opportunity for an informal consultation this year.

14 ACTIVE BUCKS

Members received the latest Active Bucks newsletter for the Wendover Local Area Forum in the agenda pack.

15 DONATE-A-GATE SCHEME

Members received details of the Donate-a-Gate scheme in the agenda pack.

16 DATE OF NEXT AND FUTURE MEETINGS 22 September 2016 at 7 p.m. venue tbc Buckinghamshire County Council

School Place Planning Wendover

7 Area

Paula Campbell-Balcombe

Stephen Chainani Minute Item 4 Buckinghamshire County Council Legal Obligations

• BCC has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient school places in its area

• Decisions on school reorganisation proposals based

8 on DfE statutory guidance:

• Encourage popular/successful schools to expand; • Contribution to local diversity; • Ensure sustainability of access (‘local schools for local children’); • Availability of funding and land; • Presumption against closure of rural schools • Consider views of stakeholders Buckinghamshire County Council

Pupil Projections

Pupil projections are produced annually: • Planning area level to recognise the complexities of parental preference

9 • Fluctuations in pupil and population trends can impact significantly on the projections • Population data less reliable since changes introduced eligibility rules on child benefit – now base projections on primary feeder pupils/birth data Buckinghamshire County Council

Current Situation in Bucks

Over the last 5 years, primary rolls have increased by 3150 pupils across Bucks:

10 – Increased migration – Increased birth rates – Shift away from independent sector

Significant rise in Aylesbury Town and High Wycombe primary population now feeding into secondary sector Buckinghamshire County Council

LA’s Evolving Role BCC’s approach to school organisation changes continues to be one of seeking to influence and secure concensus: 11 • providing the expert analysis of the data through its area plans; • bringing together groups of schools to reach agreement about the implications of the data; and, • impact of Academies & Free Schools Buckinghamshire County Council

Places Already Provided

• EARLY YEARS – 534 places

• PRIMARY – c.1,890 (9fe) plus 6 bulge classes 12 • SECONDARY – 3fe plus Temporary classroom replacement schemes at 7 schools Buckinghamshire County Council

Places Planned/Under Construction

1. EARLY YEARS PLACES – 462

2. PRIMARY PLACES – 2,730 (13fe) plus 9 bulge classes 13 3. SECONDARY PLACES – 9fe Buckinghamshire County Council

Future Expansion Programme

• No guarantee on future government funding!

• If funding cannot be sourced to meet the costs of expanding schools then the LA will fail to meet its statutory duty. S106 from housing developments key part of LA future plans. 14

• This will result in pupils being placed at schools outside the area - increasing pressure on transport systems and reducing social cohesion.

• Planning issues – highways issues, school drop off / parking and associated costs. Sport England issues. Buckinghamshire County Council

15 Situation in Wendover Buckinghamshire County Council Pupils Projections Wendover Planning Area 16 Buckinghamshire County Council

Key facts – update for Wendover 17

• Almost at full capacity Reception and Year 1 all schools Buckinghamshire County Council

Decisions to date

• Feasibility studies undertaken

• Halton School expanded by 0.5fe to 1fe 18 • Aston Clinton School expanded by 0.5fe to 2fe

• John Hampden Infant/Wendover Junior – bulge class 2014

• Expansion of JHIS/WJS by 1fe under consideration Buckinghamshire County Council

Aston Clinton Housing Growth

• Over 500 homes approved in the village with another 200 homes pending or at appeal; • Draft VoAP states no further sites are required to be

19 allocated in Aston Clinton or Weston Turville; • No policy basis to object to applications unless scheme unreasonably extends journey times for pupils; • Review of catchment areas to reflect changing demographics. Buckinghamshire County Council

Wendover Housing Growth • Policy S3 of Draft VoAP identifies a potential site for 800 homes in Wendover - equates to c.1fe 20 Buckinghamshire County Council Aylesbury Housing Growth 21 Buckinghamshire County Council

Aylesbury Housing Growth Options to meet housing growth include:

• Provision of 2fe and 3fe primary school on Hampden Fields; • Provision of 2-3fe school to accommodate development in the south within the Stoke Mandeville Parish; 22 • Provision of 1fe school on 1 hectare site within development for 808 homes in the Stone Parish (STO016) • Expand CE School by half a form of entry; • Expand second Primary School from 2fe to 3fe primary school; • Provision of 2fe school on Woodlands site • Undertake feasibility studies to expand existing schools in Aylesbury Town if required Buckinghamshire County Council

Secondary Provision Options to meet housing growth include:

• Site reserved on Broughton Crossing development for a new secondary school up to 10fe; 23 • Old Quarrendon site; • Any major scheme (c. 2000+ homes) would be required to make either on-site provision for a new school or else contribute towards the expansion of a new school; • Undertake feasibility studies to expand existing schools if required. Buckinghamshire County Council

Thank you 24 Any questions? Minute Item 6 Buckinghamshire County Council Visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/democracy for councillor information and email alerts for local meetings

Wendover Local Area Forum

Title: Petition requesting traffic calming in Worlds End Lane, Weston Turville.

Date: 24 May 2016

Author: Simon Dando. Contract Director. Transport for Buckinghamshire.

Contact officer: Sue Brown. Network Safety Team Leader. Transport for Buckinghamshire. 01296-387197.

Local members / Electoral Cllr Bill Chapple. Aston Clinton and Bierton divisions affected:

Summary

A petition has been received requesting that Buckinghamshire County Council install traffic calming in the residential section of Worlds End Lane.

The petitioners are concerned about the speeds and increasing volume of traffic particularly in view of the proposed developments in the area.

The petition also requests that the vegetation is cut back in order to make the 30 mph sign more visible.

Recommendation

• Weston Turville Parish Council to liaise with Aylesbury Vale District Council and BCC Highways Development Management on development related matters.

• If traffic calming measures in the form of narrowings or speed cushions are to be investigated outside of the planning process then they will need to be funded locally by the Parish, LAF or other third party. Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) may be commissioned to undertake a feasibility study into the options available.

• Weston Turville Parish Council to consider setting up Community Speedwatch or run a roadside poster education campaign on Worlds End Lane.

25

Action taken :

• The foliage around the 30 mph sign has been cleared.

• Arriva have advised that they will be carrying out their own checks to ensure that buses are travelling within the speed limit.

Summary

• Bucks County Council are aware of a number of developments coming forward in this area and the cumulative impact on the highway network is being assessed by BCC’s Highways Development Management team. This team is aware of the petition and local concerns regarding the volume and speed of traffic on Worlds End Lane, which will be taken into account as part of their assessment. Traffic calming on World’s End Lane could be secured as part of current or future development proposals in this area, subject to the grant of planning permission. Further enquiries regarding development related matters may be made by contacting the Development Management team by email via [email protected]

• Thames Valley Police (TVP) are responsible for all matters concerning enforcement of traffic laws. TVP runs a ‘Community Concern’ scheme where requests from the public about speeding are considered for enforcement, either by Police presence/speed checks or mobile camera enforcement. Concerns regarding speeding should be directed to the relevant Thames Valley Police (TVP) Neighbourhood Team, who can then carry out some evidence gathering to determine traffic speeds and assess the location for mobile camera enforcement.

• There are a number of initiatives that the Parish Council may wish to undertake to encourage drivers to keep within the speed limit for example Community Speedwatch or road side posters. Further details of these initiatives are detailed in the attached ‘Dealing with Speeding Traffic’ leaflet and Roadside Poster Policy.

• In order to prioritise where road safety and traffic calming schemes should be installed, Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) continuously monitor the reported injury collision records on all its roads. The collision records which are obtained from Thames Valley Police indicate that over the last five years, to 29 February 2016, there has been 1 slight injury collision on Worlds End Lane. As a result of the low reported injury collision history it will not be possible for TfB to fund safety remedial measures at this location.

• If Weston Turville Parish Council wishes to progress the installation of traffic calming in Worlds End Lane prior to the determination of the planning application then they may commission TfB to undertake a feasibility study into the options available.

• The foliage around the 30 mph sign has been cleared.

• Arriva have advised that they will be carrying out their own checks to ensure that buses are travelling within the speed limit.

Resource implications

Resources will be sought via the Parish Council, Local Area Forum, Developer or other third party

26 Legal implications

None identified

Other implications/issues

None identified

Feedback from consultation and Local Member views (if relevant)

Cllr Chapple is in support of the petitioner’s request

Background Papers Dealing with Speeding Traffic leaflet Roadside Poster Policy

27

Minute Item 6 Appendix 1

Dealing with speeding traffic in Buckinghamshire

The problem of speeding traffic remains one of the main concerns for communities in Buckinghamshire. Transport for Buckinghamshire and Thames Valley Police receive a high number of complaints about speeding vehicles at many locations across the County.

It is the driver’s responsibility to drive in accordance to the conditions of the road and within the posted speed limit. The Highway Code states that you should drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. The driver or rider is responsible for their actions and the way in which they drive or ride. According to the Transport Research Laboratory 95% of all collisions involve an element of human error.

This leaflet outlines a number of ways that speed can be managed.

Data Gathering

It is important to establish exactly what the problem is, as very often concerns are based on perception rather than fact. There are various ways in which speeds can be measured:-

• Speed survey. Parish councils and Community Groups can request a speed survey from the Traffic Information Team at Transport for Buckinghamshire. The cost is £380+VAT for a 7 day survey. Requests can be made on 0845 230 2882.

• Police Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) A speed check can also be requested via a Police Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) if there is one in your area. For further details on NAGS please see: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/yournh-nag

Neighbourhood Police deal with reported speeding in various ways, depending on the nature of the problem (i.e. the number of speeding motorists and the number/type of collisions on the road length). No further action is likely to be taken by the police if the data gathering exercise or speed survey shows no speeding.

Enforcement Solutions

Thames Valley Police (TVP) is responsible for all matters concerning enforcement of traffic laws. TVP runs a ‘Community Concern’ scheme where requests from the public about

Dea li ng wit h sp ee ding V May 2016 .doc p1 of 4 29 speeding are considered for enforcement, either by Police presence/speed checks or mobile camera enforcement through a "dealing with speeding traffic" scheme.

Concerns regarding speeding should initially be dealt with by the relevant Thames Valley Police (TVP) Neighbourhood Team, who can then do some evidence gathering through local education with SID or Community Speedwatch, or local roadside enforcement.

If this local activity is able to evidence a speed problem then TVP can assess the location for potential mobile camera enforcement.

Details of the Neighbourhood Teams are on the TVP website, where there is a postcode search to help find the local Neighbourhood Team.

http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/yournh-tvp-pol-area/yournh-nh-listnh.htm

Engineering Solutions

Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) is supporting Parishes with speed control through their villages by enabling them to apply for a range of permanent or temporary electronic vehicle activated sign (VAS) options.

For more information and how to apply for a mobile vehicle activated sign please visit:

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport/more/road-safety/vehicle-activated-signs/moveable- vehicle-activated-signs/

Alternatively, Thames Valley Police may have their own version of these signs which organisations and community groups can borrow or hire. Please contact your local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) or local neighbourhood police office for further information. This can be done through the police non-emergency number 101.

Traffic calming or road safety engineering schemes may be funded through local community funds or through the Local Area Priorities Budget. Residents who feel that a case should be put forward should contact their Parish Council for their support http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport/more/roads-highways-and-pavements/traffic-calming/

Educational Solutions

We find that in many cases, collisions cannot be prevented through simple engineering measures for numerous reasons such as drivers being under the influence of alcohol or that the severity of the collision is far worse simply because the occupants of a vehicle have failed to wear a seat belt. In many cases the solution may be through better education, therefore the Network Safety Team run campaigns, courses and awareness raising initiatives. More details can be found at: http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport/more/road-safety/

• Community Speedwatch

Transport for Buckinghamshire promotes Community Speedwatch. This is a scheme where a Speed Detection Radar Device (SDR) is used at the roadside and registration numbers of vehicles that have been seen speeding are noted down. The information is fed into a TVP database and a warning letter is issued to the registered vehicle owner. Should the vehicle be identified speeding on a subsequent occasion, a further letter will be sent to the owner

Dea li ng wit h sp ee ding V May 2016 .doc p2 of 4 30 informing them that the information has been passed to Roads Policing (RP) for possible further action.

A community can operate this scheme with volunteers, either in partnership with neighbouring Parish Councils who may already own Speedwatch equipment or by purchasing their own equipment. Police may also have equipment which can be used by trained volunteers to carry out a vehicle speed data gathering exercise. To find out the availability of this equipment please contact your local neighbourhood police team via the non-emergency police number 101 . There is no charge for using this equipment.

Further information on Community Speedwatch can be found at: http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport/more/road-safety/speed-limits-and- reduction/community-speedwatch/

• Make the Commitment (MTC)

Make the Commitment aims to tackle the problems caused by inappropriate and excessive speed in local communities.

The campaign simply asks drivers to sign a pledge that they will try to drive within the speed limits at all times. The idea behind this is that it will focus a driver’s attention on the speed at which they travel and help them maintain a lower speed.

This initiative is most effective when the majority of users are local residents who travel the road regularly. Leaflets and publicity regarding this scheme may be distributed within the local area. If you think this scheme would be suitable for your area, please contact Transport for Buckinghamshire on 0845 2302882

N.B. Some of the complaints received concern anti-social driving behavior; this is a Police matter and should be reported to them.

Dea li ng wit h sp ee ding V May 2016 .doc p3 of 4 31

Minute Item 6 Appendix 2

Roadside Poster policy

33 TfB Roadside Poster Policy

Introduction

Posters may be used at specific locations or as part of a localised campaign. They may contain words and images and may be moved around sites to provide a county wide topical road safety, or sustainable travel message.

Posters are usually treated as an interim measure whilst more long-term road safety solutions are found or, as a supplement to other long-term solutions. For example, posters are sometimes erected along routes where there has been a history of motorcycle crashes.

A poster campaign is more effective when other publicity is undertaken, such as articles in the media, or school based initiatives.

Unauthorised or commercial signs/posters often become an eyesore and can reduce the effectiveness of necessary road signing. (The County Council has powers under section 132 of the Highways Act 1980 to remove these signs).

By adhering to this policy, the County Council expects to contribute to achieving safer roads and reducing casualties.

Uses

As posters are not governed by traffic sign regulations (see Legal Issues below) there are a number of ways in which images and text can be used to get messages across to road users.

Legal Issues

As posters installed on the public highway are not traffic signs, they are not governed by signing regulations. Posters are classed as advertisements, which are governed by the Town and County Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007.

Local authorities have the power to erect posters on the public highway under Schedule 2 and 3 of these regulations:

Schedule 2 1. No advertisement is to be displayed without the permission of the owner of the site or any other person with an interest in the site entitled to grant permission.

2. No advertisement shall be sited or displayed so as to —

(a) endanger persons using any highway, railway, waterway, dock, harbour or aerodrome (civil or military);

1 34 Transport for Buckinghamshire Roadside Poster Policy

(b) obscure, or hinder the ready interpretation of, any traffic sign, railway signal or aid to navigation by water or air; or

(c) hinder the operation of any device used for the purpose of security or surveillance or for measuring the speed of any vehicle.

3. Any advertisement displayed, and any site used for the display of advertisements, shall be maintained in a condition that does not impair the visual amenity of the site.

4. Any structure or hoarding erected or used principally for the purpose of displaying advertisements shall be maintained in a condition that does not endanger the public.

5. Where an advertisement is required under these Regulations to be removed, the site shall be left in a condition that does not endanger the public or impair visual amenity.

(a) See the definition in regulation 2(1).

Schedule 3

Class 1 Functional advertisements of government departments and their agencies, local authorities, public transport undertakers, statutory undertakers and Transport for London.

1A. An advertisement displayed wholly for the purpose of announcement or direction in relation to any of the functions of a government department, an agency of a government department, a local authority or Transport for London, or to the operation of a statutory undertaking or a public transport undertaking, which –

(a) Is reasonably required to be displayed for the safe or efficient performance of those functions, or operation of that undertaking, and (b) Cannot be displayed by virtue of any other specified class.

1A. (1) Illumination is not permitted unless reasonably required for the purpose of the advertisement. (2) No advertisement may exceed 1.55 square metres in area. (Legal maximum)

When to Use Posters

There are no laid down criteria for when posters should be used. As an example, the ‘Think Bike’ posters were erected along roads/routes where collisions involving motorcycles have occurred.

Posters may be displayed on any road maintained by Buckinghamshire CC.

2 35 Transport for Buckinghamshire Roadside Poster Policy

Duration

Posters are more effective in the first week that they are displayed, this is when they are at their cleanest and drivers are not familiar with them It’s for this reason that posters should be moved to other sites after a few weeks and that any faded or water damaged posters are replaced.

The maximum period that a poster would be authorised to stay at one location is 16 weeks.

Size

All measurements are in millimetres unless stated otherwise.

The maximum acceptable size for a poster is 750mm x 750mm. The maximum size for a lighting column is 600mm x 600mm.

The larger the poster the more prominent it will be on the public highway and the easier it will be to for road users to read especially on high speed roads (40mph +). However, the larger the poster the more difficult it will be to find suitable street posts to erect the poster.

Message zz All messages should be kept clear and simple to avoid any possible misinterpretation (short and sharp). zz Messages should contain ideally no more than 4 words. zz Messages should be an instruction or a statement rather than a suggestion or thought. zz Posters containing images should be large enough for the image to be clearly recognised and understood by passing vehicles. zz Detailed and clustered imagery should be avoided. zz Text should mainly be in bold, capital letters.

Poster Types and Fittings

For durability it is recommended that posters be made from corrugated plastic or other composite type material.

Corrugated plastic posters should be fitted with plastic cable ties in the centre of the poster in order to take the majority of any wind pressure. In addition, extra plastic cable ties may be required for the top and bottom of the poster.

Composite material posters may come with a channel backing for fixing with clips.

Logos/Sponsorship

It is not recommended that logos are used as they may distract from the main message.

3 36 Transport for Buckinghamshire Roadside Poster Policy

Posters Designed by Local Schools or Communities

Some posters will include pictures and messages drawn by local school children as part of a competition where the winning design is used. This is a good way of promoting road safety in schools but it is important that the images and messages drawn are clearly recognizable and understood by road users. Some designs can be made clearer by enhancing the outline of the text and image and increasing the size of the poster.

Good Practice zz Posters must not contain or replicate any traffic sign shown in theTraffic Signs Regulations and General Directions Manual i.e. a 30mph sign with red border may not be used. zz Posters should not contain any advertising material. zz Posters should be fitted on private land wherever possible. Posters must not be fixed to any other traffic sign/post or telegraph poles zz The minimum mounting height for signs located on pedestrian routes or footways is 2.1m and 2.3m on a cycleway. In verges it should be mounted at approximately 1.5m – 1.8m above ground level. zz There should be a minimum of 500mm lateral clearance between the edge of carriageway and edge of poster frame. zz Ensure that the tail of a cable tie does not point out towards the footway as this can cause issues, especially when at child or eye level of pedestrians or cyclists. zz Posters should not obscure junction or bend sight lines or other road signs/ signals nor should they distract road users at potentially hazardous locations. zz Posters should be secured so that they cannot be easily twisted around or moved in any way. zz Posters should be inspected by local community representatives on an ad hoc basis to ensure that they have not become damaged or have moved. zz Care should be taken to ensure that posters are not erected in locations that could be seen to intrude upon properties or homes. zz Wherever possible, posters should be installed back to back. zz The Parish Council and local community representatives should be advised that posters are to be erected.

Health and Safety

In order to minimise the risk to the County Council for each proposed sign location a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is to be carried out to identify the significant hazards and to determine the required control measures. Further details and an example risk assessment can be found on the HSE website http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/)

4 37 The applicant will be asked to confirm their understanding and agree to carry out and adhere to a risk assessment.

Due to the risk of striking underground utilities (gas, water, electricity etc) no person may dig into the highway (verge or footway) to install a post for the purpose of fitting a poster unless properly approved by the Highway Authority.

If there is a need for a dedicated post location it may be possible for a ground screw to be installed by the Highway Authority. A removable post may then be fitted at that location as and when required. The local community will be required to bear the cost of this.

Any person or organisation installing a poster should ensure that they have £5m public liability insurance cover.

If, in the opinion of the Highway Authority, a poster is erected where it presents a hazard to the travelling public, the Highway Authority reserves the right to remove the poster, or instruct the applicant to remove the poster.

Consultation

Consultation between the Parish Council and interested parties, e.g. local residents and the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Office. Consideration should be given to informing local press and putting articles in local newsletters as a way of advertising the campaign.

General

The posters must be mounted and maintained in accordance with the standards detailed in this policy.

5 38 39 40 Minute Item 12 Appendix 1

Active Bucks Local Area Funding Allocations 2015-2017

Guidance Document Revised May 2016

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Contents

1. Summary

2. Background

3. The Project

4. Criteria for the use of Active Bucks funding allocations

5. Submission and assessment of proposals

6. Compliance with the Council’s financial orders and procurement framework

7. Standard conditions to approved Local Priorities budget proposals

8. Governance

9. Contacts

Appendix A – Project timescales

Appendix B – Competitive funding pot - criteria

Appendix C – Scoring criteria

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1. Summary

1.1 This paper describes the arrangements for the Buckinghamshire County Council physical activity budgets allocated to Local Area Forums (LAFs) from September 2015-September 2017.

1.2 The LAF provides the opportunity for local Parish, Town and District and County Councillors, along with residents' organisations and other appropriate local groups, to help prioritise County Council expenditure and activity in their area as well as working together to resolve local issues.

1.3 Each LAF has been allocated a devolved budget (called the Active Bucks funding allocation) to help it increase levels of physical activity in its local area based on local need. The amount of allocation for each LAF has been modelled upon the population of that LAF based on data from the Census 2011.

1.4 The County Council has seen its central government grant cut by more than 40% in the last 5 years with an additional budget cut of 21% in 2015-16. At this time of heavy reductions in Council budgets it is important that, in order to continue to justify locally determined expenditure, all proposed projects satisfy strategic aims of the Buckinghamshire Health & Wellbeing Board to ensure that they are a good use of County Council budget and will help deliver the Buckinghamshire Physical Activity Strategy 2014-17.

2. Background

2.1 An aim of the County Council’s Strategic Plan is that all Buckinghamshire residents should be able to effect changes that will improve their lives and their local areas. We want to encourage communities to be actively involved in improving their local areas and all those who want more say in their local communities and services to have the opportunity to do so.

2.2 LAFs play a central role in achieving this (although this is not the only mechanism for working at a more local level). The Active Bucks funding allocation provided to each LAF by Buckinghamshire County Council is to be used to assist the LAF in addressing local levels of physical inactivity which, in turn, will address priorities within the overarching framework of the County Council’s Strategic Plan.

2.3 Physical activity was highlighted in your LAF’s public health profile as a key preventative priority – profiles can be found at http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/healthy- living/public-health/laf-profiles/.

2.4 Physical inactivity directly contributes to 1 in 6 deaths in the UK; is the fourth largest cause of disease and disability in the UK; and costs £16.9m in Bucks each year through healthcare costs and lost productivity days. Physical activity plays an integral role in the prevention and management of over 20 chronic health conditions including

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type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia; improves healthy growth and weight in children; and improves community cohesion.

2.5 In Bucks, approximately 1 in 4 adults are considered inactive – that is they undertake less than 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week. Many more are not active at optimal levels for their health, and levels of inactivity generally increase with age. The picture for children is also cause for a concern with data estimating that only 21% of boys and 16% of girls active enough to benefit their health.

2.6 Evidence suggests that even small increases in physical activity levels can make a big difference, doing something is better than nothing, and the more we do the greater the benefits.

3. The Project

3.1 Active Bucks aims to support more Bucks residents to become more active, more often; and will look to utilise the role of Members and other community leaders to engage local communities

3.2 Active Bucks has 3 key outcomes:

1. To support Buckinghamshire residents to increase their physical activity levels 2. To increase the number of Buckinghamshire residents participating in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week 3. To reduce the number of Buckinghamshire residents undertaking less than 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week

3.3 To help deliver this, each LAF has been allocated funding over two years (September 2015-September 2017) to support the development of new, local physical activity opportunities for residents to access. Appendix A outlines the full project timescales

3.4 There has also been countywide green space physical activity provision commissioned, , to ensure economies of scale and address key trends identified through the community engagement process (see 3.6-3.8)

3.5 Between May-September 2015 the Active Bucks team engaged local communities and residents from each of the 19 local areas across Buckinghamshire to understand what we can do to get people moving more. This process also included understanding community assets that might be better utilised to engage more residents in regular physical activity.

3.6 All of the information and insight we gathered from this engagement helped us inform how new physical activity opportunities (including what LAF allocations can be used for) will be developed between September 2015-September 2017.

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3.7 Voluntary Community Champions are also continuing to will also be recruited who will advocate the project locally and significantly contribute to the sustainability of the project. Champions will be recruited in each LAF area and rewarded through earning Time Credits.

3.8 Following the community engagement process identified above, a set of recommendations have been developed and the year 1 options were presented to each LAF in September/October 2015. These set out options for the most effective use of the Active Bucks funding allocation. LAFs were able to select which option they would like to use their funding allocation for. It is now time to select the options which LAF’s wish to select for the Year 2 proportion of their budget and once again These options will be based upon a number of elements, including:

- Results of the community engagement process - Local demographic/health data - Availability/accessibility of local assets - Any available evidence/best practice as to ‘what works’ - Input from key local strategic physical activity stakeholders (inc. District Councils; Leap – the County Sport & Activity Partnership for Bucks and Locality Managers)

3.9 It is anticipated that, where possible, some activities funded through the Active Bucks project will incorporate opportunities for residents to spend the Time Credits they have earned.

3.10 The project will be independently evaluated by UKActive through a mixed- methods approach including the monitoring of all activities funded through the Active Bucks project

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4. Criteria for the use of Active Bucks Year 2 funding allocations

4.1 LAFs are required to make a final decision from the menu of options of the type of activity/s they will fund for year 2 of delivery (January 2017 to June 2017), this decision must be made by July 14th 2016 via a survey which will be distributed electronically to all members of each LAF.

4.2 Decisions by the LAF regarding this funding must reflect need/demand as identified in the separate Active Bucks Recommendations document

4.3 The LAF’s investment must be spent in line with Buckinghamshire County Council’s financial orders and procurement framework.

4.4 Active Bucks funding allocations must not be used to:

- fund activity that doesn’t appear on the Active Bucks ‘Menu of options’ - fund activity or facilities which are the primary funding responsibility of another body (e.g. it should not be used for activities normally funded by parish precepts or by district council budgets) - fund retrospectively i.e. on activity which has already taken place - fund transportation to access activities (it is not possible to address transportation with the funding available) - fund any activity that doesn’t create new or increased opportunities to be active - purely subsidise the costs of existing provision - fund existing activity already taking place - as a contribution towards larger capital projects - fund any activity that hasn’t had an application formally submitted, assessed and agreed by the scoring panel (see 5.3)

4.5 Funding allocations will be split over 2 years (one allocation for September 2015- September 2016 and one allocation for September 2016-September 2017). It will therefore not be possible for the full 2-year funding allocation to be utilised in year 1.

4.6 Projects funded from the year 1 allocation must be completed by 31st September 2017

4.7 Physical activity provision selected by the LAF will be commissioned through an open application process whereby each application will be scored separately. This process will be managed by the Active Bucks team.

4.8 Should a LAF not make a decision regarding use of their year 2 allocation by the end of July 2016 their allocation will automatically be utilised to enhance the delivery of countywide physical activity delivery at a local level

4.9 Any remaining unused year 2 LAF funds following the procurement process, will automatically be utilised to enhance the delivery of countywide physical activity delivery at a local level

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4.10 Should we receive no appropriate applications to deliver the chosen activity/s, the Active Bucks team will discuss further options with the relevant LAF Chairman

5. Submission and assessment of proposals

5.1 Once a decision has been made by the LAF for the Active Bucks LAF funding allocation, the Active Bucks team will commence an open application process inviting applications from local physical activity providers to deliver the selected activity/s

5.2 All proposals must be submitted on the Active Bucks application form (available online) and submitted within an identified timeframe. Any applications received beyond the deadline won’t be considered for funding

5.3 All eligible applications received within the timeframes will be scored using the scoring criteria (see Appendix C) by the scoring panel consisting of key local stakeholders:

- BCC Public Health team representative - Active Bucks team representative - District Council representative - Leap representative - Locality Manager or Lead Area Officer - LAF representative (LAF Chairman or other nominated County Councillor)

5.4 The Active Bucks team will report back details of the successful applicant/activity to the LAF to ensure the activity can be promoted throughout all relevant networks

6. Compliance with the Council’s financial orders and procurement framework

6.1 The Active Bucks funding allocation must be allocated in line with Buckinghamshire County Council’s financial orders and procurement framework. It must be spent on activity within the project year (September-September) for which it is allocated.

6.2 The Active Bucks team is responsible for ensuring that activities are compliant with the Council’s procurement framework

7. Standard conditions for approved Active Bucks funding allocations applications

7.1 Standard conditions apply to all activities receiving Active Bucks funding support and the Active Bucks team may recommend additional conditions for specific activities. All standard and additional terms and conditions will be outlined within a service specification for each activity chosen by each LAF.

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The standard terms and conditions are:

a) The LAF’s financial contribution may only be used for the purposes agreed by the LAF and detailed in the application submitted. Any variations must be agreed by the Service Director and any significant changes will require reconsideration by the panel b) 50% of the agreed grant will be made upon receiving an invoice before commencement of the activity; with the final 50% of the agreed grant made upon receiving the following at the end of the funding period of the activity following the submission of (alternative staged payments may be considered in exceptional circumstances):

- Proof of expenditure e.g. relevant paid invoices/receipts - At least one positive case study (e.g. impact of activity on a participant) - All relevant participation monitoring data as agreed in specification

c) Buckinghamshire County Council’s support and funding for the project must be acknowledged in all relevant publicity, including any written publicity on the scheme d) All Active Bucks/BCC branding guidelines must be adhered to by the recipient e) The recipient must alert the Active Bucks team at the earliest possible opportunity if it is likely that the scheme expenditure is slipping from its original timetable f) The recipient may also be required to attend a LAF meeting to speak on the outcomes of the project

8. Governance

8.1 The Service Director has delegated the responsibility for the management and decision making of the devolved budget to the Public Health Principal and the day-to- day management to the Active Bucks team. Issues relating to the devolved budget or individual schemes should be raised with the Active Bucks team who may refer upwards if appropriate

8.2 Where appropriate, the Active Bucks team may allocate Active Bucks funding allocations outside LAF meetings. Such action will normally be taken in consultation with the LAF Chairman and other local County Councilors and will be reported to the LAF at its next meeting

8.3 The allocation of funding, expenditure and notifications of timetable slippage will be monitored by the Active Bucks team. If there is slippage, the Active Bucks team will take a view of the likelihood of unallocated and unspent monies being used that year and may intervene to allocate the budget to other purposes within the Active Bucks project

9. Contacts

Email:

[email protected]

Tel: 01296 382698 or 07795 238414

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Website:

www.buckscc.gov.uk/activebucks

Appendix A – Project timescales

Stage Outcome Deadline

Presentation of Recommendations (including menu of options and funding Recommendations to guidance) presented to each LAF via an online survey before June 20th 2016 LAFs June 20th 2016

LAF makes decision about which physical activity options they’d LAF year 2 decision like to use their funding allocation for; and communicate the By July 14th 2016 making choice/s to the Active Bucks Team

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Active Bucks Team to coordinate open application process for Sept 2016 local providers to apply to deliver chosen LAF option/s

Procurement of year Applications assessed/scored by a panel which will include key 2 physical activity local stakeholders. Providers selected and notified provision Late Oct – Nov Note: if quotes obtained, the quote offering best value for money 2016 will be selected

Agreements finalised with relevant providers and activity commences (or start date agreed – deadline for commencing Jan 2017 provision - Jan 2016)

Monitoring year 2 All activity monitoring reports received from each provider and Aug 2017 physical activity summary presented to LAFs provision

Appendix B – Scoring Criteria

Each fully completed application will be considered and scored on the following (including scoring weighting):

 Experience of previous delivery of delivering physical activity of this nature before (e.g. target group/activity type) (10%)  Activity delivery against requirements set out in the specification (25%), highlighting: o What the activity will involve? o Why this approach will be effective to the target audience? o Minimum number of participants the activity will engage? o Any partners involved and what their role is? o How the activity is accessible to vulnerable groups? o Timescales involved?  Approaches to recruit new participants to the activity (20%)  Approaches to sustainability, including retaining participants (30%)  Value for Money (15%)

Please note the minimum score a successful application needs to achieve is 50%.

More detail about scoring criteria can be provided if requested.

Successful applicants will be expected to meet minimum delivery standards, including the following:

 Appropriate Public Liability Insurance (min. cover value of £5m)  Appropriate qualifications for delivery staff (e.g. NGB coaching certificate)

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 All delivery staff to hold Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) certificate (in date) where applicable  At least one delivery staff member to hold First Aid qualification  Safeguarding Policy  Data Protection Policy  Risk assessment

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