Ilmer Past

Parish Meeting Minutes

LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 18TH APRIL 2023 AT 7PM

PRESENT

Cllr Val McPherson BEM (Chair)

Cllrs Brian Richards (Vice), Richard Myers, Alex Barter, Rolf van Apeldoorn and Jane Rogers

Tracey Martin (Clerk)

38 members of the public present

Buckinghamshire Councillor: Alan Turner

North West Chilterns Community Board Coordinator

1. INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME BY THE CHAIRMAN

Cllr McPherson welcomed all to the meeting. Apologies were received from Buckinghamshire Councillors Gary Hall and Matt Walsh, and from Thames Valley Police who had sent through a written report.

2. APPROVAL OF ANNUAL PARISH MEETING MINUTES HELD 19th April 2022

Approved.

3. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2023

2022 was a busy year firstly with the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Celebrations which took place between 2nd - 6th June and then the sad news that our long serving Monarch after reigning 70 years had died at Balmoral on 8 September.

Precept

The Parish Council have decided to keep Band D unchanged at £37.19 which results in a precept of £34,582.98 for 2023/24.

CIL

The Community Infrastructure Levy for 2022-2023 received £65,678.34.

CIL Expenditure 2022-2023

Grants 01.04.2022 – 11.04.2023

Planning Applications from April 2022 – March 2023

Received 45. Permitted 37. Refused 7. Withdrawn 8.

Longwick Transport Vision Plan for the whole Parish

After numerous meetings and consultations on speeding around the parish with our consultant and a volunteer who is experienced in this field, and our three Buckinghamshire Ward Councillors we presented our 1st Phase Project on Proposed local Speed Limit Changes to the Cabinet Minister Steve Broadbent in July 2022 which was well received.

On 19 July, the then WI President raised concerns with the provision of bus routes and shelters and increase in traffic on the Thame Road suggested a chicane at the Thame End of the Parish to slow the traffic.

The Longwick Transport Vision Plan and our First Phased Projects Longwick Transport Vision and Longwick Neighbourhood Plan on Proposal Local Speed Limit Changes was added to our website and Facebook page, where we received a small number of complaints concerning the allocation of funding for the hamlets (Ilmer, Meadle and Little Meadle) over the main village of Longwick where the majority of increase in housing has taken place.

The Parish Council held a public meeting so that residents could air their views on Tuesday 27 September before the official Parish Council Meeting. We listened and answered questions where possible. During the official Parish Council Meeting a vote was taken to formalise the proposals which was passed by 4 to 1.

Before the proposals can go forwards, we were informed that a Traffic Survey needed to be completed by the then Transport for Bucks. This would take place over two weeks at each of the 7 locations between January and March, but due to tubes coming adrift some of the readings had to be re-done.

The Traffic Survey has now been completed and recently sent to the Parish Council to analyse the data which is an extremely long and complicated document. We have asked our Traffic expert to explain and interpret the findings and this should hopefully be completed shortly.

We have listened to the ideas put forward by some of the residents of the parish when we start looking at the next proposal on traffic calming in Longwick and will arrange a meeting to engage with all residents across the Parish. We will inform everyone via our website, Facebook page and on our Noticeboards.

Boxer Road / Barn Road / Wickfields Estate

Residents have requested new lane markings for Barn Road, Boxer Lane and Wickfield's in order to indicate vehicle priority. The Parish Council have taken a look and have passed this now over to our Buckinghamshire Councillors to enquire from Buckinghamshire Highways if this could be implemented.

Bar Lane

Bar Lane has now been completed with new signs and surfacing. Due to a few accidents some residents complained that the red surface was causing cyclists and other users to skid.

Red high skid surfacing was put in place to highlight to drivers that they had to slow down and stop at the junction, rather than overshoot and a surface which would reduce to a minimum the possibility of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians skidding or slipping on it. High skid surfacing is also called high friction surfacing and anti-skid surfacing and Transport for Bucks at that time accepted this type of surfacing was appropriate at this junction.

The Local Area Technician asked the Network Safety Officer to attend the site and check wear and tear on to see if any improvements needed to be done. The surfacing has been inspected and it has been laid correctly and safely.

Rose Farm

Before any planned building of houses took pace an agricultural dig had taken place where they found Roman remains.

Complaints have been received due to excessive noise, dust, and other air pollution during the day and then again early in the morning from the builder's various machinery and the huge lorries queuing in Thame Road causing obstruction to traffic to take away soil and hardcore. These lorries are turning using the verges which in turn cause large rifts on the verges creating a wall of mud, plus emptying concrete into the ditch.

It does not help either when the road sweeper goes up and down the road at 03.00 am in the morning waking up the residents. All, these problems have been addressed to our Buckinghamshire Councillors.

Picnic Tables

The Parish Council received letters from Year 6 of Longwick Church of England School suggesting we put some Picnic Tables on the Playing Field to improve the Longwick Community as they had been looking at Ummah which means part of your community during their Religious Studies. The Parish Council agreed and now three of these picnic benches have been placed around the field and are well used.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

The Longwick Parish Platinum Jubilee event was held on Saturday 4 June at Longwick Playing field for everyone to enjoy. There were free rides for the children, face painting and many more activities. The rain held off and every child/young adult received a free mug for this memorable occasion. It was well attended and the £282.85 raised was divided between the Woodland Trust and Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

On 8th September Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle. She was the longest reigning monarch for 70 years. We held a Moment of Reflection on Sunday 18th September which was well attended.

Parish Council Remembrance Service

Each year the Remembrance Service is arranged by Cllr Rolf van Apeldoorn who does an excellent service, including arranging a Bugler. The PC would like to say thank you and also to the WI for decorating the Memorial and the Logs for clearing the area.

War Memorial Steps

Three steps were installed to replace the grass down to the War Memorial when placing a wreath, so that no one slips over when it rains or is frosty.

Stream by Playing Field

The overgrown bank has been cut back and the stream has been cleared of silt, and other objects so it now runs clear. A new grate has been fitted at the end of the stream by our gate to stop debris /footballs getting trapped before going underneath the road.

Green Fence

A 6' Foot Green wire fence has been erected between Wickfield Estate and the Parish Council boundary to prevent residents walking through the hedgerow creating an unauthorised pathway. The hedgerow will be cut back allowing new growth and replanting of trees and bushes to attract back the wildlife.

Longwick Litter Pickers

A resident leads the team with her helpers including children in keeping the village clean and tidy. They are out on a regular basis 6-8 weeks in all weathers covering various roads.

The Hamlets

Cllr Jane Rogers and helpers keep Owlswick free from rubbish and the other hamlets residents are doing the same, so the Parish Council would like to say thank you to everyone for doing a wonderful job.

Community Speedwatch

The Longwick Speed Watch Coordinator and her team are doing speed watch in the village and they are always looking for more volunteers as this will help to increase the number of times, they can cover the roads to check speeding within Longwick. Thank you for doing a great job.

Flower Boxes

Cllr McPherson thanked the residents for tending and planting the flower boxes with attractive flowers throughout the year.

Anti Social Behaviour on Playing Field

We have received complaints from a resident concerning loud music being played and climbing on the roundel on the Playing field. Drugs paraphernalia are left lying around this area and groups of young people who are occasionally gathering late at night and causing a disturbance to the surrounding area. The Parish Council have reported this behaviour to both the police along with the Area Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator.

The police have checked the area and addressed the issues where possibly, but they have limited resources to check every complaint as covering other areas too. However please report into the police via 101 or online of any other unacceptable behaviour.

Dog Fouling

We have received complaints about dog fouling on the pavements and people leaving bags of dog mess by Wellington House. We have asked that residents report it to the Dog Warden at Buckinghamshire Council.

Another concern is dogs running loose in the Playing Field, where a small minority of dog owners do not recall their dogs. It was requested that all dogs be put on leads but that is a difficult rule to enforce, and the majority of dog owners are responsible for their dogs.

The other request is to place Dog waste bins at the end of end of Walnut Tree Lane as it joins the bridleway. Informed Buckinghamshire Councillors.

Christmas Tree

The Parish Council would like to say thank you to Will Smith who transports the tree to the Playing field every year and disposes afterwards and to Alex, Jane, and Rolf for securing the tree with lights.

Parish Newsletter

After 12 years editing the three now two Newsletters each Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter I have decided to step down. I have enjoyed doing the newsletters but the Autumn/Winter Newsletter for this year will be my last one.

Thank you

Lastly, I would like to say thank you to Tracey Martin our Clerk who works hard all through the year and to all the Parish Councillors who have taken on projects throughout the year to make it another successful year, and of course not forgetting our three Buckinghamshire Councillors who are very supportive of the Parish Council and keep us informed and updated on concerns around our Areas.

Valerie McPherson BEM Chair Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council April 2023

4. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCIL REPORT FROM THE RISBOROUGH WARD COUNCILLORS

a) Cllr Turner reported that this is the 2nd full year as a Unitary Council. It has been an interesting time merging all the councils into one Unitary within the back drop of Covid but we are starting to see the benefits and savings but there is still a long way to go. It has been a tough year financially but Buckinghamshire Council is far better placed than many others and have maintained all essential services.

Achievements:

b) Adoption of the Town and Parish Charter to give each of the Councils a bigger say.

c) The Community Boards have been really successful over the 21-22 year with over 450 projects funded totally £3.2m. Money spent on projects chosen by the local community.

d) Public Health: Supported the NHS with £180,000 towards the autumn covid booster program which resulted in 70% of over 50's and 85% of over 75's vaccinated.

e) Buckinghamshire welcome 15 families from Afghanistan and 1,500 Ukrainian people.

f) The local crisis fund in conjunction with Heart of Bucks have helped with the cost-of-living crisis with over £180,000 to date.

g) £1.8m has been allocated in grants to rural businesses.

h) £22.8m of s.106 funds have been spent on infrastructure.

i) Supported local businesses through the Covid grant to 126 businesses totalling £3.5m.

j) £3.4m to 117 businesses for hospitality and leisure grants and many others projects.

Local Level

k) The unauthorised traveller site in Askett took a long time due to the legal proceedings and Buckinghamshire Council were able to remove one set of travellers however, some are remaining due to the Planning Inspector overruling the decision. They have been given temporary permission for four years which is frustrating to all those that have been involved.

l) Around 10 days ago there was an article in a newspaper in relation to local plans. It stated that dozens of authorities are abandoning local plans. Cllr Turner confirmed that Buckinghamshire Council are abiding by the law and there is no directive to abandon the plans.

5. NORTH WEST CHILTERN COMMUNITY BOARDS

a) The Community Board Coordinator stated that there are 15 other boards but they are all set up in the same way and are made up of Buckinghamshire Councillors, Parish Councillors, community/voluntary groups, volunteers, residents and local businesses. Each board has a Chairman and Vice Chairman and for the North West Board the Chairman is Matthew Walsh and the Vice Chairman Carl Etholen.

b) The boards are tailored to listen to the community and bring together ideas and agree priorities by looking at intelligence and data. During meetings members discuss priorities and set actions.

There are 4 action groups made up as follows:

c) Community resilience for which Valerie McPherson is the Chairman. This group focusses on young and older people and crime and antisocial behaviour. Projects include food education, health and wellbeing initiatives, for example, the installation of new outdoor gym equipment in a local park, a horse therapy project and a treatment centre for those young people suffering from mental illness and emotional difficulties. We have also started a community garden for vulnerable families to grow food, with the proviso that some of their produce is donated to food banks, and some is sold where the proceeds are put back into the land to make the garden sustainable. Last year, the Board funded a knife crime project where four films were produced by young people between the ages of 9 and 18 on the dangers of knife crime. The films were presented to all schools in the Board area as part of its education and prevention campaign. The group are also looking to start a walking in nature project for young and older people to come together to form new friendships and learn about their surroundings.

d) Economic Regeneration and Development which focusses on supporting local businesses both urban and rural. Projects have involved marketing and promoting local tourism, a social media campaign for a community bus to increase service users and a Be Your Own Boss scheme which provided tools to individuals who wanted to start their own business.

e) Environmental and Climate Change which focusses on protecting the rural and built environment and supports schemes that reduce the impact and increases the awareness of climate change. Projects have included the installation of solar panels an energy efficiency campaign which measures heat loss from your home, and an Environment and Conservation project for young people who worked the land, learnt about their surroundings and worked on protecting the habitat for the Duke of Burgundy butterfly.

f) Transport and Roads which deals with roads, pedestrians and parking issues, cycling and walking initiatives and reducing car dependency and promoting suitable alternatives where feasible.

g) There have been many more projects but the Community Boards are not just about giving money as they can link local organisations and the community together. Members of our action groups are very passionate about their subject matter and we are always looking for new members. We would like to hear from anyone who is interested.

6. THAMES VALLEY POLICE REPORT

This is extracts from the TVP report from Sergeant Oliver Brixey.

HIGH WYCOMBE RURAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM

The High Wycombe Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team (NHPT) is managed by Inspector Stephen Bobbett and Sergeant Oliver Brixey. They are supervising the three teams as below:

Princes Risborough Neighbourhood Team: PC Sophie Parfitt, PCSO Jennifer Shraga, PC Peter Robinson & PC David Beams (Joining Spring 2023).

Covering Princes Risborough, Bledlow Ridge, Bradenham, Saunderton, Saunderton Lee, Loosley Row, Lacey Green, Speen, Naphill, Walters Ash, Hughenden Valley, Cryers Hill, Widmer End, Great Kingshill, North Dean, Bryant's Bottom, Great Hampden, Little Hampden, Little Kimble, Butlers Cross, Dunsmore, Ellesborough, Terrick, Askett, Whiteleaf, Monks Risborough, Owlswick, Meadle, Horsenden, Longwick, Bledlow, Ilmer and Marsh.

Team News

There has been some recent changes to the Princes Risborough Neighbourhood Team. We wish PC Andy Ralph a happy retirement and PCSO Alicia Grant good luck in her new career as a Student Police Officer. We welcomed both PC Sophie Parfitt in January and PCSO Jennifer Shraga in March. We look forward to PC Peter Robinson joining the team in April and PC David Beams joining us in May.

Every quarter we will prepare a report which will highlight key issues which the Neighbourhood Teams have been focusing on. TVP have worked with the Buckinghamshire Community Board's to identify the following priorities for the High Wycombe Rural NHPT:

1. Serious Acquisitive Crime (Burglary) 2. Anti-Social Behaviour 3. Speeding and Anti-Social Driving

Residential Dwelling Burglary

We have unfortunately seen an overall increase in residential burglaries in this quarter (January – March) in the Princes Risborough area.

Offences surrounding residential burglary differ greatly in the areas of Wycombe to that of the Amersham area. Wycombe and surrounding areas do tend to have more habitual 'localised' criminals whereas in areas to the east of the LPA, cross border offenders are the main issue.

We have had 23 successful outcomes in respect of residential burglary since April 1st, and 4 in this quarter. The detection rate is currently 3%.

Quarter Jan 2023 to date: 9. Sept – Dec 2022: 4.

Yearly April 2022 to date: 22. April 2021 – March 2022: 23.

Theft of Motor Vehicle (includes Taking without Consent / Aggravated vehicle taking)

There were 194 vehicles reported as stolen across the South Buckinghamshire LPA between September 2022 and December 2022. This quarter (January 2023 – date) we have seen 138 vehicles stolen, a reduction to date of 28%. We, have had 21 positive outcomes since April 1st, 2022, and a detection rate of 4%.

Quarter Jan 2023 to date: 4. Sept – Dec 2022: 6.

Yearly April 2022 to date: 21. April 2021 – March 2022: 17.

Anti-Social Behaviour

We have seen a reduction of reports of ASB, drug use and graffiti around the local parks which we would expect during the winter months. We expect this to increase as we move into Spring and the Easter Holidays (and hopefully some better weather).

You can report an incident of ASB to TVP by completing an online report or by calling 101. Number of ASB reports this quarter compared to last quarter.

Jan – March 2023: Princes Risborough 45. Oct – Dec 2022: 37.

Speeding and Anti-Social vehicle use

The NHPT often receive reports and complaints of speeding in residential areas, Anti-Social driving, or vehicle use. We have seen an increase in reports of speeding, parking issues and driving offences. We assess each incident and develop the data around the issue so we can understand the problem and target our patrols and activity in the right locations. If you are concerned about speeding in your area and want to help address the issue, you can become a member of your local Speed watch group or even start your own group.

County Drug Lines (CDL)

In February the Stronghold Team, NHPT and other departments took part in a CDL intensification week focusing on organised crime groups that are blighting our neighbourhoods. For one week, 10 warrants were executed across High Wycombe. This led to approximately £30,000 being seized, over 60 grams of Class A drugs being seized with a street value of approximately £6000-£8000.

In addition to this the Neighbourhood Teams went into local schools and gave presentations on exploitation, CDL and drugs. A number of knife sweeps were completed across parks and green spaces and the team visited young people and vulnerable adults at risk of exploitation and put in measures to safeguard them from harm.

Fraud is the most common type of crime which can have a life changing impact on victims often affecting emotional health as well as their finances. Surprisingly figures show the most likely age group to be scammed are those aged between 20 - 39 years.

We see may forms of fraud and scams and the offenders are getting more sophisticated to make the scam/fraud believable. We have seen an increase in courier fraud, romance scams/frauds and impersonating officials such as Police Officers.

Please make sure you carry out the correct checks before you disclose any personal details or let anyone into your home. All genuine Police Officers will be happy to provide their identification.

Rural Crime includes a range of different crime types such as burglary and thefts, hunting offences, Wildlife Crimes and Criminal Damage. Your Rural Neighbourhood Team are committed to tackling crimes affecting the Rural community, working with the community to improve security and offer crime prevention advice.

We have seen an increase in Rural Crime across the area in this quarter (January – March) compared to the last quarter (October – December 2022).

Jan – March 2023 / Oct – Dec 2022: Princes Risborough 8 & 11 burglaries in the Rural areas.

The Princes Risborough NHPT has recently executed a Section 8 PACE warrant at a Rural farm in the area where there was information on stolen vehicles being stored. This was a successful warrant where 15 vehicles were recovered along with trailers, plant equipment and lots of vehicle parts. 5 offenders were arrested and have been bailed whilst the investigation continues.

Contact

Thames Valley Police Webform: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/report-a-crime Call 101 (Non-Emergency Contact Number) Call 999 (Only in an emergency)

Sgt Oliver Brixey

7. OPEN FORUM – TO DISCUSS ANY PARISH BUSINESS

a) A resident asked Cllr McPherson to introduce the Councillors.

b) Before developments are permitted do they check on sewerage systems and whether they can cope. Cllr Turner stated that this is critical points and when plans are submitted for large developments one of the consultees is the water authorities and if it is deemed unable to cope, they then have a legal responsibility to upgrade the system.

c) £380k of CIL funds have been earmarked, what for? Cllr McPherson stated that approximately £250k has been allocated to reducing speeds across the Parish. The remainder has been allocated to a hub / café which was included in the neighbourhood plan. Additional CIL funds should be received this year from the Rose Farm development.

d) Are there any plans to look at the environment damage by the new developments. Cllr McPherson and Cllr Turned responded when applications are submitted, they have to carry out an environmental study and there are strict guidelines on larger developments. This information can be found on the planning portal. The resident stated that maybe the Parish Council can look at planting of trees to reduce impact of development.

e) Concerns were raised about the amount of funds being spent on reducing speeds and the consultation process. Cllr McPherson stated that last year there was an open evening which outlined a number of options including an extra crossing on the Thame Road, central point for crossing and more these will be discussed later in the year. The Parish Council is also looking at the pavements by the Red Lion.

f) S.106 and CIL monies were raised. Cllr McPherson stated that the Parish Council does not receive or hold any s.106 monies Buckinghamshire Council receives this. With regards to CIL money because the Parish Council has a neighbourhood plan, we receive 25% and the rest goes to Buckinghamshire Council. Cllr Turned added that s.106 monies are agreed between the developer and the planning authority for primary infrastructure and once agreed can not be spent on anything else. The Parish Council has been concerned about s.106 monies not being spent and has raised this with Buckinghamshire Council. Cllr Turner confirmed that over the last 20 years not a single penny of s.106 money has been returned to the developer due to it not being spent within the allocated timeframe.

g) Speed cameras were suggested. These cost around £150,000 to install and it would be based on a recommendation by Thames Valley Police. Concerns were raised that accidents are required to see change.

h) It was suggested that the Local Area Technician could attend a meeting to discuss any issues.

i) Concerns were raised about who will produce the newsletter now that Cllr McPherson is stepping down. It was confirmed that it would require a group of volunteers to run it in some form and that it is hoped that it can continue and if volunteers do come forward with a reasonable grant request the Parish Council would look favourably upon it.

j) Lower Icknield Way to Owlswick traffic calming was raised. Cllr McPherson confirmed this will be considered with any future 2nd phase traffic proposals.

k) A request was made as to whether CIL funds could be used for repairs to the Church roof on Ilmer. Parish Councils have restrictions on what funds can be spent on. This will be discussed outside of the meeting.

l) The village has seen a lot of development and growth but the community spirit has deteriorated.

m) Concerns with communications was raised. Cllr McPherson confirmed that communications are through the website, Facebook and noticeboards and if required a leaflet drop.

n) Concerns were raised over the lack of facilities for the youth as some local groups and sports clubs have been lost.

Cllr McPherson thanked everybody for attending and the meeting was closed at 8.30pm.