Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council Wednesday 14th September 2022 has been postponed

9th September 2022-

The Ordinary meeting of the Parish Council due to be held on the 14th September has been postponed until after the Official Mourning period for HM Queen Elizabeth II. New date will be advised in due course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING FOR RADNAGE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT

The Annual  Parish Meeting for Radnage will be held at Radnage Village Hall on Wednesday 18th May 2022 at 8pm

This is not to be confused with the Annual Parish Council Meeting but is an OPEN meeting of the Parish.

The Parish Council traditionally facilitates the meeting and creates an Agenda to include current matters known to be of interest to the community. However any relevant matters can be raised for discussion at the meeting by any member of the Parish community.

Please join us. All welcome.

 
 

 

 

 

28th May 2021

Key political appointments

Following our Annual General Meeting on 26 May at Stoke Mandeville sports stadium, a raft of new senior political appointments have been confirmed.

The first ‘in-person’ meeting to be held by the Council since it came into being on 1 April 2020, saw Martin Tett elected as Leader of the Council for the next four years. As Leader, Martin has his own set of portfolio responsibilities covering financial strategy, economic development, skills and employability, strategic infrastructure, policy and communications and the recovery plan for Buckinghamshire.

Two deputy leaders, Angela MacPherson and Gareth Williams will provide support in addition to their own cabinet responsibilities.

Taking up the important ceremonial position of Chairman of the Council for the forthcoming year is Zahir Mohammed, with Dev Dhillon supporting him as Vice-Chairman of the Council.

The full list of appointments, including the new Cabinet Members, can be viewed on our website.

 

Getting involved in designing future developments in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire Council has been selected as one of 14 pilot areas to help the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) test the use of Design Codes in the planning process. As part of the testing programme, we will be working with residents and stakeholders to develop a new Design Code for Buckinghamshire.

For further details on how to get involved in the new Design Code, look out for updates on our social media channels @BucksCouncil and on the Buckinghamshire Council website as the project develops.

 

COVID-19 vaccine news

People aged 30 or over before the 1 July can now book their COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Book online or call 119.

New variants of a virus are always a cause for concern and, with the latest variant spreading fast in all communities, the NHS has a real focus in ensuring people in priority groups 1-9 get vaccinated as soon as possible, alongside everyone else.

These priority groups include all those most at risk of serious illness. People who are waiting for their 2nd dose are currently being contacted by the NHS to shorten the time between 1st and 2nd doses. This is now down from 12 weeks to 8 weeks.

You can view local updates on vaccines and clinics on the Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group website here.

Planning applications

The Council has agreed a proposal to change its Constitution, which will include the right for Town and Parish Councils to request a call in of Planning Applications (outline, full and reserved matters) to be considered by a planning committee. Further guidance will be issued by the Planning and Environment Service on the new process for Town and Parish Council’s ahead of the changes taking effect.

Volunteers’ Week 2021: a chance to thank Bucks volunteers

 

Over the past 15 months of the pandemic, volunteers have provided essential help to local services and support networks within our Buckinghamshire communities. To recognise their efforts and their invaluable help, the VCSE Recovery Board is encouraging Buckinghamshire’s local councils and volunteer-involving organisations to take part in Volunteers’ Week 2021 (1-7 June) to thank volunteers publicly as well as highlight how easy it is to volunteer and make a difference.

If you would like ideas on how to get involved in the week, including social media content, read this blog from Community Impact Bucks, the Volunteer Centre for Buckinghamshire. #VolunteersWeek2021 #ProudOfBucks

Supporting devolution

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to devolution. While the pandemic severely impacted our capacity last year, we look forward to delivering our devolution programme at pace this year.

To support this work, we’re currently advertising for a Specialist Project Manager for Devolution. This post will be based within the Localities team working across all the council services as well as our key partners of Town and Parish Councils and community groups. This work will be extremely rewarding. It will be faced paced and help embed our devolution programme. The applicant should be passionate about the benefits of local devolution, have good project management and leadership skills, as well as being creative and confident in supporting groups through asset transfers.

Could this be you? Or do you know someone perfect for the role? Please share with your networks.

For an informal discussion about the role – please contact Localism Head of Service, Katie.McDonald@buckinghamshire.gov.uk, 01296 382043.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service online seminar for Bucks Care Homes

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service alongside with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue service are holding a free online session aimed at people running care homes. It’s all about fire safety and the responsibilities care homes have in ensuring the safety of vulnerable residents.

The session takes place Wednesday 23 June, 11-12am.

Please share the sign-up link with any care homes in your areas, as we are supporting our fire service with the Teams Live seminar and really want to help keep people safe.

‘Be Your Own Boss’ supporting Buckinghamshire’s entrepreneurs

We are making it our business to help more people get their business off to a flying start, with a free online programme delivered by our partners Buckinghamshire Business First.

Several of our local Community Boards are supporting this new initiative to help anyone thinking of starting their own business to develop the skills and make the contacts they need.

Find out more at one of the regular free webinar sessions or on the Buckinghamshire Business First website.

Summer of Stories – what’s your story?

We are making this summer, the Summer of Stories! We are inviting residents to share and celebrate their personal stories, and those of Buckinghamshire itself. There will be lots of opportunities to share stories in creative ways, through an artist-led Story Project throughout the summer, and the Open Weekend event taking place over a long weekend, 22-25 July.

The Story Project will see artists touring a pop-up Story Stall – think artist-designed market stall – to locations across Buckinghamshire and encouraging people to share their stories. Our lead artist, Tom Cross, will design the Story Stall, which will collect stories using postcards, and through conversations with the public. Starting at WhizzFizzFest (26 June), and touring the county over the summer, the Stall will visit events, markets and high streets – engaging lots of different people. The artists will then respond to all of the stories they hear over the summer and create a pop-up storytelling structure that will visit town centres across Bucks in early autumn.

This programme is supported using public funding by Arts Council England, and funding from Buckinghamshire Council, Heart of Bucks and Rothschild Foundation.

Look out for Story Project and Open Weekend updates on our:

We’ll also be using the hashtags #BucksOpenWeekend for Open Weekend content and #SummerOfStories for Story Project content.

For any organisations, charities or groups keen to join in with Open Weekend, please see our website for details on how to register your event.

Active Communities – where every movement matters

Active Communities, a new initiative to encourage everyone to be a little more active, was launched by ourselves on 17 May. It aims to inspire everyone to sit less, stand often and move more as part of their daily routine. Sitting for 20 minutes can harm your body, however, by simply standing up for one minute every 20 minutes you can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and even some cancers.

Over the next 16 months, the wards of Aylesbury North-West and Abbey; Booker, Cressex & Castlefield; and West Wycombe will find out that when it comes to being active every movement matters. Look out for lots of information, reminders and events across your community.

Find out more by visiting our Active Communities webpage.

Spring Bank Holiday bin collections across Buckinghamshire

Bin collections across Buckinghamshire will be operating to a revised timetable next week. With no collections on Monday 31 May (Spring Bank Holiday) all collections that week will take place one day later than usual.

Residents should check the revised timetable and present any bins by 6:30am on their rescheduled collection day.

 

 

 

Coronavirus (COVID‑19)

There are three simple actions we must all do to keep on protecting each other

  • Wash hands keep washing your hands regularly
  • Cover face wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
  • Make space stay at least 2 metres apart – or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions

 

Radnage Parish Council is constantly reviewing the advice received from the Government and updated legislation with information as to how we proceed over the coming weeks and months.

Currently, the regular monthly meetings of the Parish Council will be held remotely via video or audio until further notice. 

The Radnage Village HallIs acting in line with current advice,  For further information, please contact the Bookings Clerk – 01494 485705  or  the Village Hall Manager – 01494 483675   
Thank you for your co-operation

  • 2020 ELECTIONS – POSTPONED MAY 2021
  • CONTACT MAGAZINE CANCELLED UNTIL APRIL 2021

Planning applications received will still need to be considered by the Parish Council as the Wycombe District Council Planning Dept continues to deliver the best service possible in these exceptional times and will prioritise decision making to ensure that the system continues to function. As face-to-face meetings are not currently possible with our residents we encourage you to contact us with any comments that you may have, or make your views known on any planning cases via PublicAccess.

Visit: http://publicaccess.wycombe.gov.uk You can view, comment and track planning applications, perform advanced searches, read comments, track progress, view historic applications, view information and progress on appeals, view enforcement complaints and building control applications, and search applications that are received each week.

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As we find ourselves in unprecedented times, which is concerning for us all, if you need help or advice please do not hesitate to contact: Lisa Stibbs, Clerk to Radnage Parish Council, via: parish.clerk@radnage.net or 01494 484262 and I will try to help.

During these challenging times, please be aware of your friends and neighbours who may need help and support and remember a phone call or email can make all the difference to someone who is feeling worried and concerned.

 

VOLUNTEER/S NEEDED
Do you have a little time to spare each month, or every other month? We are still seeking volunteer/s for the six Parish Council Noticeboards and two Bus Shelters around the village, which have been checked, tidied, strimmed, cleaned and loved by wonderful volunteers for the last 3 years, but who now wish to hand over to someone new. We would love to hear from you if you could spare a little time and would consider taking this over. Please contact the Clerk for details: Email: parish.clerk@radnage.net Thank You.

 

Beacons of the Past Newsletter / update October 2019

From the Beacons of the Past- Hillforts in the Chilterns Landscape Chilterns Conservation Board – A year ago we were champing at the bit for the leaves to fall from the trees and the LiDAR plane to get in the air. Today, we have a thriving Online LiDAR Portal and hundreds of volunteers finding thousands of features. What a difference a year makes! I hope you will enjoy this Autumn 2019 Newsletter which is packed with information, pics, and some great opportunities to get involved.

 

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION 2018

Certificate of Merit!! The full Judges Comments having now been received, together with a note of how impressed the judging panel was with our village hence the high score (we scored 88 out of a possible 100) and offering a well done to all concerned. Padbury won with 93 but the judges said the standard was high and the margins tight. Special mention was made of our Church and the wildlife area, playing field, the well used and enjoyed playground, beacon, pub area, war memorial, to mention just a few! Thank you so very much to everyone who works so hard to cherish our village and make it such a wonderful place to live. We have been awarded a Certificate of Merit to go with the award we received last year.

HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING – HAVE YOUR SAY!

A consultation is underway (until midnight on October 22nd) to hear your views on a series of proposed cost-saving and future growth measures to make the County’s household recycling centres (local tips) affordable for the future. The current ten centres are well used and extremely popular, however the County Council is having to reduce costs across all its services. Buckinghamshire has a much higher number of sites serving its population and, in addition, centres currently take waste like rubble, soil, plasterboard and car tyres for free where other Councils make a variety of disposal charges. There is a proposal to permanently close the Bledlow tip! Access the online survey and supporting information at www.buckscc.gov.uk/hrc-review

Regarding proposed closure of Bledlow Household Recycling Centre by Buckinghamshire County Council (BCC) …

The Radnage Parish Council (RPC) has noted BCC’s proposal for possible closure of this site, ostensibly as a cost cutting measure. Whilst we understand that all councils are looking at ways of more effectively using their increasingly limited funds, without putting more pressure on tax and rate payers, RPC do not believe that the closure of the Bledow Recycling Centre would be of benefit to our own community.

We discussed this issue in our September Parish Council Meeting and note the following points:

  • The site is well used by Radnage residents, being closer than the alternate High Heavens site in Booker. Using an alternative site would entail longer journeys for our residents and increased vehicular use and pollution.
  • We have concerns that, although BCC believes the contrary, there will be a possible increase in fly tipping due to increased distances between remaining sites. Due to its rural and dispersed nature, Radnage would be a likely target for these activities. As we only have 4 very narrow roads for entry to, and exit from, our parish, any fly tipping incident could easily mean that these roads can be out of use until ‘clear ups’ are made by the relevant bodies. Any road closure entails considerable re-routing and inconvenience for our residents.
  • We believe that other neighbouring parishes would also not be happy to lose this site. For example, Princes Risborough is considerably increasing in population, with new housing already built and being planned. The loss of valuable infrastructure at a time of increasing need for that infrastructure, and corresponding increase in waste, would be short sighted.
  • The use of Buckinghamshire facilities by residents of other counties, in the case of Bledlow being used by Oxfordshire residents just over our borders, is most likely made up for by Buckinghamshire residents using Oxfordshire infrastructure. For example Oxfordshire County Council has paid for fibre infrastructure to areas in Buckinghamshire as ‘overspill’ from their recent initiatives.

Whilst we object to the full closure of the Bledlow centre, we are willing to enter into debate, on behalf of our residents, regarding any sensible proposals for cost saving measures at this site.

BUCKS COUNTY COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE Sept 24th 2018

Spend a few minutes and have your say on future of household recycling centre service says Cabinet Member

More than 3,000 people have already responded to the Council’s household recycling centre consultation, and County Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment Bill Chapple OBE is continuing to urge as many as possible to spend a few minutes and have their say.

The County Council has a tough budget to meet from April 2019 onwards and needs the views of as many as possible before taking decisions about the future of the service.

The eight week consultation, which is open until October 22, asks for views on a wide range of proposed options, including:

  • the closure of the Bledlow site and possibly also Burnham
  • selected weekday closures at Chesham, Aylesbury (Rabans Lane) and Burnham (if this site remains open)
  • charging for some waste items that sites legally don’t have to take for free
  • charging or limiting access to Bucks recycling centres for  people living outside the county.

Bill Chapple OBE said that with the ever-reducing funding in the public sector, difficult decisions have to be made across all services.

“I’m really grateful to everyone who has taken the time to respond to our consultation already.  We’ve also talked to over 350 local residents at the drop-in sessions at local libraries that we’ve organised and there are at least 5 more sessions to go. Overall, it’s been a great response.
“We have also been invited to evening meetings at parish and town councils as well as local area forums, so we have more opportunities to get the views of as many as possible.
“Although, much of the focus has been around the one or two site closure options, we also need as many views as possible about the other proposed changes that we have set out.  I would really like to hear people’s views.
“The site closure proposals have prompted concerns about increasing fly tipping. I was really concerned about this too, but research and the experiences of other councils show the link simply isn’t there.”
Bill added, “In my experience, fly tippers never have any intention of taking their waste to a tip, they simply off load it wherever they can. It’s also worth saying that around half of all fly tips in Bucks are caused by people who live outside the county.  Fly tipping is a criminal act and we will continue our zero-tolerance approach and bring dumpers to justice.
“Please spare a few minutes to complete the online survey – the more responses we get, the better informed we will be when we take final decisions later in the year.”

For more information and to complete the consultation, visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/hrc-review. You can still attend a drop-in session and talk through your concerns face to face. The dates and locations are:
Buckingham library – Wednesday 26 September – 10am to1pm 
Burnham library – Thursday 4 October 4
– 10am to 1pm 
Chesham library – Monday 8 October 8
– 2pm to 5pm 
Beaconsfield library –  Friday 12
October – 10am to 1pm 

Drop-in sessions have already been held at the Bucks County Show, and High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Aylesbury libraries.

 

RECYCLING & BUCKS ‘WASTE WIZARD’

Many people in Buckinghamshire no longer think ‘bin first’ when it comes to disposing of rubbish, but instead consider first whether things can be recycled.
That’s an attitude that’s being celebrated in Recycling Week (24-30 September 2018) by the Waste Partnership for Buckinghamshire- the county’s five local authorities working together to provide its waste and recycling service.
Chairman of the Waste Partnership Cllr Mike Smith said: “We have impressive recycling rates in Bucks, thanks to the efforts of our residents. To support them, it’s our job in the Waste Partnership to make recycling as easy as possible, and our kerbside collections now accept more kinds of material for recycling than ever before. Even more people are recycling their food waste too, helped by the fact that householders can now use ordinary plastic bags in the kerbside collection. Over 1,400 extra tonnes has been recycled since October last year.”
Another initiative that has proved a popular way of helping people recycle is the Bucks Waste Wizard. This innovative online service lets you put in the item you want to dispose of, enter your postcode, and get up-to-date information on whether it can be recycled and how to do it. It will also give you details of how the item should be disposed of if recycling is not possible.
Mike Smith continues: “Since November 2017, well over 10,000 people have used the Bucks Waste Wizard. It really is a great way for anyone to make sure they’re doing the best for the environment and recycling when they can. Over 46,000 searches have been made for how to recycle items, ranging from the popular, such as mattresses and plastic, to the slightly more obscure – including fairy lights and nail clippings!”
Visit the Waste Wizard at www.recycle4bucks.co.uk/recycle-in-your-area
Find out more about your kerbside collection at www.recycle4bucks.co.uk/your-waste-service

RURAL CRIME IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

There has been a rise in the incidence of rural crime in our area and homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures. Good window locks and strong deadlocks can make a big difference. Please see the following information from Thames Valley Police to help keep your property safe.

Taking just a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe from burglary. Here are a few tips:

  • Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you’re just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock UPVC doors (lift handle and turn the key);
  • Even when you’re in the property, make sure your doors are secured so that people cannot just walk in;
  • Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox (remember a device could be used to hook keys through the letterbox);
  • Install a visual burglar alarm (as part of a suite of prevention measures – a burglar alarm on its own will not prevent entry to your home);
  • Install good outside lighting;
  • Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property;
  • Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied;
  • Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition;
  • Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immoveable object inside a locked shed or garage;
  • Keep ladders and tools stored away; don’t leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home;
  • Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property;
  • Ensure rear fencing is in good repair;
  • Improve natural surveillance at the front of your property i.e. trim high hedges;
  • Mark your property with postcode and house number and register your property for free with Immobilise (opens in a new window);
  • Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme (opens in a new window);
  • Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows;
  • Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault.

If you see anything suspicious, please call us on 101.

BEWARE OF ROGUE TRADERS AND COLD CALLERS

It seems that there are currently a number of people visiting our village uninvited offering goods and services that have not been asked for and are most likely not wanted!! Scammers, fraudsters, rogue traders……

If traders do not respect the wishes of householders it is possible that they are committing a criminal offence under The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Our local Neighbourhood Watch works with police and others in regard to this matter and the Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards produce door stickers advising that the resident does not welcome cold callers and asking them to leave immediately. These are supplied free of charge and are available from the district council, library or police station. If you have any difficulty obtaining a sticker pack please email: trading.standards@bucksandsurreytradingstandards.gov.uk

Remember – do not open the door or allow anyone access to your home to anyone you do not know, who has no reason for being there or has no valid proof of identity. Legitimate callers will not mind being challenged! If you have any concern report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service on: 0345 040506 Family, friends and neighbours please look out for those around you who are vulnerable and could fall victim to rogue traders or scams.

YOU AND YOUR DOG

The Kennel Club have recently teamed up with the National Farmers Union to provide advice to dog owners about ‘livestock worrying’. Most dog owners would recognize that dogs shouldn’t attack livestock but livestock can also suffer stress from more minor ‘confrontations’ or from being chased. Stress can cause pregnant sheep to miscarry, for example. A scary but true fact is that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 sets out a fine of up to £1,000 for worrying livestock, which includes not having your dog under close control in a field of sheep, even if he doesn’t harm them. This Act also permits a farmer to shoot a dog which is worrying livestock.

What to do around cattle – Cows can be curious and calves skittish – move calmly and don’t linger. The Kennel Club advice is to put your dog on a lead and skirt around cattle, never passing between calves and adults. If you need to get away, drop the lead so that you don’t hinder each other’s escape.

Check your dog for ticks after a walk.

Don’t leave poo where it will be stepped on! Pick up that poop!!

If you’re out enjoying the countryside with your dog don’t forget to take some water and a bowl.

Meetings of the Parish Council –

Our meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month (no meeting in August) and are held in the Village Hall at 8pm.

You can contact the Council at parish.clerk@radnage.net

and information can be found via the website at www.radnage.net

Your Parish Council:

Chairman: Cllr Mr Robert Nikiel
Cllr Mr Jez Lofts

Cllr Mr Anthony Eden
Cllr Mr Everton Merchant

Cllr Mr Darren Ungless

Clerk: Ms Lisa Stibbs