HOUSING NEEDS ASSSESSMENT 2025

A housing needs survey was recently carried out for the Parish Council to assess current and future accommodation requirements in our community. Below you’ll find a summary of the key findings. For the full report, please click the document link at the bottom of the page.

COMMUNITY MEETING PRESENTATION SLIDES

If you weren't able to attend the Community Meeting attached are some slides from the presentation

Please see below link to a Notice of an application for the registration of land as Town or Village Green for Owlswick Village Green

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Local Makers and Artists Fayre, originally scheduled for 7th June, has been postponed. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

We hope to reschedule the event later in the year and will share updates as soon as we have new details. Thank you for your patience and continued support

Introducing the Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Council Facebook Page

We are pleased to announce the launch of our official Facebook page, designed to keep residents informed and engaged with parish council activities. This new platform will provide regular updates on council meetings, local projects, and community events, ensuring that everyone has access to the latest information.

By following our Facebook page, you can stay connected, learn about initiatives that impact our parish, and participate in discussions that shape our community’s future. We encourage residents to engage with us and share their thoughts as we work together to support Longwick and Ilmer.

Visit and follow us on Facebook today: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576004108507

Please see below document for a Statement of Persons Nominated in the Unitary elections on the 1st May 2025.

Please see below document for a Statement of Persons Nominated in the Parish Council elections on the 1st May 2025. 

Parish Council Election Process

Overview

Parish Council elections are held every four years, typically on the first Thursday in May. The process is governed by the Local Government Act 1972 and additional guidance from Buckinghamshire Council: Buckinghamshire Council unitary and parish elections Thursday 1 May 2025

Eligibility

To stand for election as a Parish Councillor, candidates must:

· Be at least 18 years old.

· Be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of any member state of the European Union.

Meet at least one of the following criteria:

· Be registered as a local government elector for the parish.

· Have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the parish during the whole of the 12 months preceding the day of nomination.

· Have their principal or only place of work in the parish during the 12 months preceding the day of nomination.

· Have lived in the parish or within three miles of it during the whole of the 12 months preceding the day of nomination.

Nomination Process

Candidates must complete a nomination paper and submit it to the Returning Officer by the specified deadline. The nomination paper must be signed by a proposer and a seconder who are registered electors in the parish.

Election Timetable

The election timetable is published by the local authority and includes key dates such as the deadline for nominations, the date of the poll, and the deadline for postal vote applications. These key dates can be found by clicking the link to Buckinghamshire Council’s website near the top of the page.

Contested and Uncontested Seats

If the number of candidates is equal to or less than the number of available seats, the candidates are elected unopposed, and no election poll is held. This situation is referred to as an "uncontested" election. If the number of candidates exceeds the number of available seats, an election poll is held, and the seats are considered "contested."

Election of the Parish Council Chairman

The election of the Parish Council Chairman is governed by the Local Government Act 1972. According to Section 15 of the Act, the Parish Council must elect a Chairman from among its members at the annual meeting of the council.

The election of the Chairman takes place at the annual meeting of the Parish Council, which must be held in May.

Councillors can nominate themselves or be nominated by other councillors.

If there is more than one candidate, a vote is taken. The candidate with the majority of votes is elected as Chairman.

The Chairman holds office until the next annual meeting of the council or until a successor is elected.

The Parish Council value your input and want to keep you updated on all the latest news and events in our community and therefore is establishing an email distribution list to share important updates, meeting notices, and event invitations directly in your inbox.

By clicking here this will take you to mailchimp where you can sign up to our newsletters which will commence in the New Year 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Clerk 

Precept

Band D rate was increased from £37.19 to £39.04 which is an increase resulting in the Parish Council receiving £37,293.31.

Finances.

Opening Balance: £649,623.82

Project Spend: £51,815.88

Receipts: £78,255.88

Projected closing balance: £676,064.49

(Projected as year-end has not been closed off yet).

CIL

The Parish Council received £18,155.32 of CIL funds and spent £3145.29.

Below is a chart showing how CIL Funds have been spent over the last five years.

Grants Awarded

Orchard View Farm Community Garden £2,059.00 Community Garden Projects

Longwick Pre-school £780.00 Grant for Baby and Toddler Group

Promoting Sport in the Community £233.50 Grant for Sport Sessions

Longwick Evening WI £45.50 Carol Concert Sundries

CIL Funding Expiry

Due to delays from Bucks about our Transport Proposals and with £125K to be spent by April 2025, it was agreed that Buckinghamshire Council would not claim back the funds from the Parish Council.

Planning Applications:

Considered: 54 applications

Permitted: 37

Refused: 11

Withdrawn: 5

Not to make a tree preservation order: 3

Split detail Reserved by Condition: 1

Longwick Transport Vision Initiative Plan for the Parish.

It was as far back as June2023 that the Council presented a set of proposals to Steve Broadbent, the Bucks cabinet member for transport, for works throughout the Parish to curb what was perceived as excessive and dangerous speeding etc.

It has been an exceedingly frustrating time since then to get any decisions despite our meeting with Greg Smith MP, our 3 Risborough Ward Councillors and numerous employees at County Hall and I know our residents have shared our concerns as time drifted on.

I am therefore pleased to be able to let you know this evening that decisions have been made and where matters presently stand – Bucks are to install a Toucan crossing at the Sportsman roundabout with some more cycle track built in towards Risborough and to our delight the cost which is likely to be some £200K is not coming from our CIL funds but from S106 moneys. Containing traffic lights, it is expected that when complete this will slow the traffic although Bucks have promised to do a traffic survey then and if speeds are not noticeably reduced then physical changes to the roundabout will be looked at. The 3 phases to start the process are Feasibility…Preliminary Design…and Detailed design and the Parish Council will be voting later this evening in our own meeting to commit £25K towards the design costs of these phases.

Smaller projects will be handled ‘in-house’ by Bucks and spades in ground should be quicker….these projects include dragon’s teeth and line refresh and improved signage on Stockwell Lane at Meadle and Little Meadle and, in conjunction with Chiltern Railways, at the B4009 rail bridge. Speed surveys will be conducted once these works have been done to see what difference (if any) they have made.

Disappointingly, the Authority will not consider a reduction in speed limits on Stockwell Lane through Meadle and Little Meadle nor could they be persuaded to put in a buffer zone on A4129 approaching Longwick from Thame.

However, we will see a change later from the Sportsman roundabout down Lower Icknield Way to under the bridge to 30 mph.

Neighbourhood Plan Review

As Buckinghamshire Council (BC) is preparing a new Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plans (NP) are given more weight in planning decisions if they are less than five years old, the Parish Council (PC) agreed in 2024-25 to review the Neighbourhood Plan adopted in 2018.

In July we successfully applied for a Locality grant of £10,000 to review the NP and carry out evidence-gathering work for a new NP. Our consultant arranged a public drop-in event in October to update and brief residents about the review process and the significant levels of interest from local landowners to Buckinghamshire Council’s Call for Sites. The process also looked at how effective the NP policies have been at managing speculative development applications and the evidence to gather for a new NP.

Residents’ feedback to the workshop themes were about how people travel about on foot, by bike and car, and what needs to be improved (including bus services); the location of facilities used and needed in future; areas with flooding and wider ecological features; the attractiveness of the parish as a rural area, and what characteristics make it special. Residents were also invited to help look at views of Longwick from the AONB given the recent developments and future sites being promoted. The continuing uncertainty about whether BC will want to add new development to Longwick in the next 20 years remains. But this work is essential for us to be able to respond fully to a Consultation Draft Local Plan due out in 2025-26.

The Parish Council also applied successfully for a Technical Grant from Locality to commission a Housing Needs Assessment, so that a new NP could plan properly for local affordable housing needs, which reports back in early 2025-26. The PC was also briefed by Bucks Rural Housing Enabling Officer on a potential residents’ survey about affordable rural housing options for first homes or downsizing, which can be carried out in 2025-26.

Bar Lane

It has taken awhile for Buckinghamshire Highways to repair the removal of all the new signage that was implemented and renew the red surfacing, but at last the work has now been completed.

Drop in Sessions

The Parish Council continued with the drop-in session on a Saturday morning in the Platinum Room every three months throughout 2024, for parishioners to come and speak to two Councillors regarding their concerns within the Parish. The last one took place in September 2024 and was discontinued because only two residents on average attended at each session.

Community Engagement Survey.

A Community Survey was held to see what residents would like to see happening in the Parish. 89 Responses were received which varied in contents. An extract of some of the actions taken on board:

Additional Play equipment and for those with additional needs.

Football Goals.

Signage re Control of Dogs. (see below).

Anti- Social Behaviour (see below)

Speeding of Traffic Calming and Highways – on our website.

Fly Tipping in Owlswick

Issues Footway/pathways (see below).

Owlswick Green

We were informed by our Solicitor that the hand -over of the Green would be October 2025, but as the small Housing development has been completed, we have asked for this to be sooner but no reply to date. Our MP and Buckinghamshire Councillor are looking to see if they can move this transfer forward.

SID

On Thame Road is still not working after the many reports into Buckinghamshire Highways.

One of our Buckinghamshire Councillor is looking into why it is taking so long to replace.

Hedges and trees around the Playing field.

7 dead Elms were taken out of the hedge that backs on to Wickfield Estate.

Hedge around Playing Field was cut back after the nesting season.

Footpaths and Pathways were checked and reported that some growth from the verges is evading the pavements causing narrowing in some parts. Reported to BCC.

Trees survey was addressed by the Arboriculturist around the Playing Field. This is done each year to check general tree condition and any significant defects etc.

Play Area, Skate Park, and Zip Wire.

A new seat was required for the zip wire and some adjustments to the exercise equipment were repaired.

A new picnic bench was replaced due to wear and tear.

The fence around the playing field was looked into making sure there was enough room for hedgehogs to go through or pass under.

Playground repairs undertaken after ROSPA report.

Matting requested to be put by entrance to the field. Coverage may be extended.

A new Community Board has been placed on Longwick Playing Field

Play in the Park Session

Run by JR Sports over Easter Holidays - free for children within the Parish to attend. Sponsored by PC.

Parish Council Remembrance Service

The Remembrance Service was well attended by the residents of the parish and visitors plus children from Longwick School and pre-school. Gary Hall one of our Buckinghamshire Councillor attended and laid a wreath on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council.

Thank you to the resident for arranging a very good service and to the ladies of the WI who decorated the Memorial and the LOGs for clearing the area.

The railings around the Memorial have been removed as they were unsafe but once repaired, they will be re-installed with a new refreshed look.

Christmas Tree

Thank you to Penn’s nursery who donates a Christmas Tree each year to the Parish Council which was placed on the Playing Field.

Thank you again to the resident for collecting and erecting the Christmas Tree on the field.

Flower Boxes

Thank you to the two ladies who are tending to our Flower Boxes in Longwick. The different flowers make a lovely show as you enter the village.

Defibrillators

The Parish Council agreed to take ownership of the three Defibrillators, one outside the Village Hall, the other at the Red Lion and the one in Ilmer was added under our asset register and covered under the PC insurance.

Dogs to be kept under control Signs.

Signs have been placed around the Playing field asking Dog Owners to keep their dogs under control when using the Playing field as there are many other users wishing to use the field. Any incident please report into the police or the Dog Warden. Details of Dog Warden are on the Signs and also on our website.

Litter-Picking Groups.

I would like to thank the organiser who arranges the Litter-picking volunteers, for keeping Longwick village tidy, but also to a number of residents who are also litter-picking around the hamlets. Our parish looks neat and tidy.

Complaints

Anti- Social Behaviour/ Drugs

TVP have been informed about the Drug use mentioned in the previous survey but ask that any incident to be reported to them via their website www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ report a crime or 101. Details on our website as well.

Fly Tipping in Owlswick – reported to Fix my street with details if possible – Registration of vehicle and photographic evidence, if safe to do so.

VE Day Celebration on 8^th May 2025 from 5.00pm- 8.00pm on Longwick Playing Field.Further details to follow.

Thank You

I would like to say thank you to Tracey Martin our Clerk for all the hard work she has done on behalf of the Parish Council throughout the year and to the Parish Councillors who have undertaken other projects, plus our three Buckinghamshire Councillors who support the Parish Council and update as on matters around the area.

Valerie McPherson BEM

Chair Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council April 2025.

The new Community Noticeboard at the playing field is now available to use.

• Share news, updates, and announcements.
• Promote local events and gatherings.
• Advertise services, clubs, or activities.

Please ensure that notices are appropriate and relevant to the community.Thank you for keeping our noticeboard tidy and up to date!

Please see below links for Notice of Elections for Parish Councillors and Unitary 

Please click the link below to access the February 2025 Parish Council Newsletter 

Newsletter

UPDATE ON THE 1^ST PROPOSAL SPEED LIMIT CHANGES

25^TH FEBRUARY 2025

After a number of phone calls and emails Cllrs McPherson and Richards were informed that an agreed meeting was arranged on 16th January 2025 to walk around Longwick village and the hamlets with the Cabinet Minister for Transport and the Network Transport Team Leader plus Buckinghamshire Cllrs Matthew Walsh and Alan Turner to show them all the proposals we had put forward to reduce traffic speeding in the village and hamlets which we felt were not taken into account.

It was a successful meeting and we managed to agree on providing more reduction of speed limits if a wider look at roundabouts or crossing are implemented but this will be down to Highways and not the Parish Council.

Notes provided by Cabinet Minister for Transport and the Network Transport Team Leader

1. Stockwell Lane - enhanced gateway markings to increase awareness of change in speed limit and environment. Measures for consideration include "Dragon's Teeth" road markings and speed limit roundel. Reapply the central line from the gateway to the slow road marking and warning sign at the property known as Ashmead.

Change the warning sign at this location from junction ahead to junction on bend ahead. Cut back foliage where necessary. Once these measures have been put in place we should collect speed data to determine their effectiveness. This could indicate the potential success of relocating the change in speed limit further away from the current location.

2. Roundabout/Petrol Station.

We have raised the subject with colleagues in strategy who will work to coordinate any future developer contributions to provide a shared use facility to the east of the roundabout. A change in speed limit alone will not appreciably reduce risk at this roundabout - the key issue is that vehicles can travel through the junction at speeds (well below the posted limit) which do not appear to provide sufficient gaps in traffic for pedestrians to use the existing uncontrolled crossing point on the northern arm and also cause difficulty for vehicles exiting the petrol station. These gaps are calculated based on pedestrians crossing the entire width of the northern arm in one stage.

Geometric changes could be made to the layout of the roundabout (changes to kerb line or the kerbs around the central island) to reduce the speeds through the roundabout and/or changes could be made to provide a compliant pedestrian refuge which would allow pedestrians to cross this arm.

Either of these options would require a review of the existing geometry of the roundabout, which could be a desktop review to determine what changes could be implemented taking account of traffic flow, traffic type and swept paths required e.g. agricultural vehicles.

This is the level of detail we would have to go to, to determine what measures would effectively slow traffic through the roundabout to offer pedestrians sufficient gaps to cross.

This would potentially have the added benefit of acting as a (more) effective traffic disrupter and would likely support a reduction in the speed limit on the approaches.

Recommendation to commission a desktop review of the roundabout geometry to determine what changes could be made to manage traffic speeds through the junction.

3. Approach toward Longwick overbridge B4009:

Review and enhance signs associated with reduced headroom and likely path of high on coming vehicles at the rail bridge. Removal of centre line on the immediate approaches to the bridge to reinforce the narrowness and path oncoming vehicles are likely to take. Cut back of foliage/tree growth etc to improve visibility of bridge. Highways will engage with Network Rail towards improving signage on the rail bridge.

Enhance markings between the village gates and 40 mph to the commencement of 30 mph at the current signpost.

4. East Bound approach A4129.

Enhanced gateway markings and village signs to increase awareness of change in speed limit and change in environment. Measures for consideration include "Dragons Teeth" road markings and speed limit roundel.

Information on Cold Callers., known as Uninvited guests.

Say NO to Doorstep Callers.

Cold callers are opportunists who try to persuade you to have work done you do not need done or offer service you do not really want. These 'salespeople / traders' might show up unannounced and try to pressure you into getting work done on your house, like fixing your roof, driveway, gutters, or trees. They' will often claim they are just in the neighbourhood and can offer a super cheap price.

It is not illegal and does not require a licence.

However, the law states that a trader who ignores a resident's request to leave and not return commits a criminal offence under the provisions of The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

You have every right to say NO thank you and close the door. It is not rude; you did not invite them to call or fix anything or take up a service.

If you do except their offer, ask yourself:

Do I really need the work done?

Do I know this person or company?

Can I afford it and should I not compare prices with other companies?

If you feel threatened or pressurised by the caller and he/she will not leave your property, then ring 999.

If you have been worried you have been a victim of doorstep crime or need advice ring Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on: 0808223 1133.

To find the Right Trader for the work either speak to friends and family who can recommend a person who has done work for them or look at Trading Standards approved Trader Schene on www. traders4u.co.uk or speak.

The Parish Council is pleased to share our first newsletter for 2025. 

Please click the below link to be taken to the newsletter: 

https://mailchi.mp/be0d504e205c/longwick-cum-ilmer-parish-council-newsletter 

The Parish Council has been notified of an application for a premises license at Redpanda Fulfilment Limited, Unit 1 The Hub, Bumpers Farm, Ilmer, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9RE

This correspondence is formal notification that the application is available for public view at the Council Offices. The details of the application are also available to view on the Council website by clicking here. Please search using the address or postcode of the premises if using the search function. The reference for this application is PR202411-358954.

Formal representations in respect of this application must be received by the Licensing Team at the Council Offices by 25/12/2024. In order for representations to be considered valid they must relate to one or more of the licensing objectives. For further information and guidance relating to making a representation, please go to our website. The best way to make a representation is through the public register on the website, however if you are emailing a representation please send it to licensing@buckinghamshire.gov.uk.

Please be aware that the Licensing Act requires local authorities to provide to the applicant copies of all representations or objections made in relation to an application, therefore, the content of any representation submitted, including the details of the individual submitting the representation, will be disclosed. In some exceptional circumstances the law permits the names and addresses of persons making representations to be withheld. If an objector believes there are exceptional circumstances which justify their personal details being withheld from the applicant, they will need to advise the licensing section of this at the time of making their representation.

Any comments should be sent through to the licensing email address stated above.  

Based on feedback from the recent Parish survey, Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Council is considering adding new equipment to the play area and playing field. We'd love to hear your views on what you'd like to see.

The survey will be open until 30th November 2024. Please encourage your friends and family to participate.

Please click here for the survey

Buckinghamshire Council have launched the ‘For Bucks Sake’ campaign.

This is order to help protect our environment, in which they are adopting new powers from Government to increase the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) charge for littering offences to £500 from 23 July 2024 with no discount for early payment.

The principle aim of the ‘For Bucks Sake’ campaign is to reduce littering, including littering from vehicles, by highlighting that it is a criminal offence which we will enforce against.

Please click here for further details on the ‘For Bucks Sake’ campaign

At the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday, 19th November 2024, the Buckinghamshire Council Officer for Lead Enforcement, Strategic Waste Management, attended and provided information to Councillors and the public on how fly-tipping is managed by Buckinghamshire Council.

Please find below a link to a briefing note published by Buckinghamshire Council on fly-tipping.

Buckinghamshire Council is also addressing the issue of littering from vehicles and is encouraging residents to report such incidents on FixMyStreet. For more information, please visit the Buckinghamshire Council website by clicking here. 

To keep residents informed: The Parish Council is still awaiting a meeting date with the local MP, Highways Officers of Buckinghamshire Council, the Transport Cabinet Member, and Thames Valley Police to discuss the Transport Proposal.

We understand how frustrating this delay is. Rest assured, our Chairman has been persistently following up on this matter multiple times.

Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council held a drop in session to get residents views on the proposed Neighbourhood Plan Review.

We understand that some residents may not have been able to attend. Please refer to the document below for a summary of the presentation and information on how to submit your written feedback. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, 16th October 2024.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Clerk: clerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk

The Parish Council will be holding a Neighbourhood Plan Review Public Drop in Session on Wednesday 2nd October from 3.45pm to 8pm at Longwick Village Hall. 

This is an opportunity to consider what the Neighbourhood Plan has achieved since it was made in 2018, and some possible themes for the future.

Children’s activities will be available and more ways to get involved in the coming months!

The Parish Council has finally received a response from Buckinghamshire Council regarding the First Phase Projects of the Longwick Transport Vision, which was submitted over a year ago.

You can find a copy of the document in the link below (additional documents) 

The Parish Council is not satisfied with the majority of the responses and is now pushing for a meeting with the relevant Buckinghamshire Officers, Thames Valley Police and Councillors to discuss potential amendments to the initial plans to move the proposals forward.

Following this meeting, the Parish Council will arrange a public meeting with all residents, which we hope will be attended by the relevant Buckinghamshire Council Officers and Thames Valley Police to explain their reasons for objecting to some of the proposals.

We understand that this situation may be frustrating for some residents, but please be assured that the Parish Council is doing everything within its power to move this forward.

Please see below a link to a document explaining the Devolved Services process and how to report any issues on highways or footpaths.  

Please see below Notice of Conclusion of Audit and Signed off Annual Governance and Accountability Return for 2023-2024

A consultation on the proposal to change the number of councillors from 7 to 9 ran from Tuesday 7 May to Sunday 16 June.

The Standards and General Purpose Committee considered the consultation responses at its meeting held on 10 September. On the recommendation of the Community Governance Review Working Group, the Committee agreed the final recommendation, set out below:

To increase the number of councillors from 7 to 9 to reflect the increase in housing and population.

The Committee also agreed the Reorganisation Order which implements these changes. I can confirm that the above changes will take effect on 1 March 2025 so that they apply for the 1 May 2025 local elections.

The final recommendations have been published which brings the review to an end.

Please see below link to the Parish Council survey results

Allotments available in Stockwell Lane, Meadle, size approx. 30m x 7.7m or 15m x 9.7m. Rent £35 or £20 per annum. 

For more information contact j.rogers@longwickcumilmer.org.uk

Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council would like to hear your views so we have created a short survey for you to complete

Have your say by clicking here

**Closing date for responses is the 17th August 2024**

Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Council have proposed an increase in the number of parish councillors from 7 to 9, to reflect an increase in housing and population.

The Longwick cum Ilmer Community Governance Review will go live on 7 May and close on 16 June and you can have your say on the following link:

http://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/longwick-ilmer-councillors

Please find below a link to the Chairman's Report for 2023-2024

The Parish Council kindly requests that all dog owners ensure their pets are kept under control while using the playing field. If your dog tends to chase running children or other dogs, please consider keeping it on a lead.

In light of a recent incident, the Parish Council is currently considering the introduction of a by-law mandating that dogs must be kept on leads, aligning with UK law.

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated to maintain the safety and enjoyment of all visitors to the field.

Tonight is the Annual Meeting of the Parish starting at 7pm at Longwick Village Hall. Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be no Chairman's report. This will be published on the Parish Council website in the next few weeks.

Longwick/Ilmer/Owlswick and Little Meadle NW

Alert Notice

Stolen Number Plates

17 March 2024

On 8 March a member has stated that both sets of number plates on their car had been stolen either from their driveway overnight on the Thame Road end of the village, or at the Phoenix Trail by the railway line next morning.

Secure Number Plates with tamper resistant screws.

The easiest way to change the identity of a stolen vehicle or avoid speeding tickets and parking tickets is to fit stolen number plates. Using security screws to attach your vehicle’s number plates makes it harder for thieves to get your number.

For Wheels for locking , anti tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels.

Stolen wheels are valuable, either as parts or for their scrap value. Using locking wheel nuts reduces the risk of your vehicle’s wheels being stolen.

Advice on keeping your cars safe too:

Lock your vehicle.

Locking your vehicle, even when filling up or parked on your drive, greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.

If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.

Close windows and sunroofs to prevent "fishing"

Leaving windows and the sunroof open invites fishing for items through the gap by hand or with, say, a bent coat hanger, which could also be used to unlock a door for them to get in. Thieves can be ingenious. Don’t give them the opportunity.

Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle

Anything left on roof-racks, tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or in tool chests are easily stolen when the vehicle is parked. The use of cable locks, padlocks and self-locking tools chests, which are secured to the vehicle, makes them more secure, but still, don’t leave things in them if you can avoid it.

Take it with you or hide it

Your mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to the opportunist thief. Remember, the cost of replacing a window is often much more than that of what is stolen. And it should go without saying that wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle.

Hide electrical items and leave no clues

Leaving sat nav mounts, suction cup marks on windows or cables on view gives it away that you have left a Sat Nav, smartphone or other device in your car. Even if they can not see the Sat Nav or iPad they might still break in to see if it is stored in the car, out of sight.

Tool theft from vans

Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, it's a good idea to mark them clearly with your name / company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Alternatively, you can use a variety of other property marking systems. Items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on.

Consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools – a number of security rated products are available. Small cameras are also designed to record inside vehicles.

Information on Average Speed Cameras from Thames Valley Police 

Average Speed Cameras measure how long it takes you to travel between two set points on a road, measured by cameras at each point. This information is then used to calculate your average speed and only data and images of vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit are stored by the system.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) does not support third party funding for average speed systems. The installation of an average speed system should be fair and balanced across the Thames Valley area and not just at locations where third-party funding is available. The cost of an Average Speed system depends on site environment and type of equipment, for a system with one entry/exit camera this can be around £100k.

Mobile van enforcement already takes place in the area and other options such as, education through the Community Speedwatch initiative, the use of SID (Speed Indication Devices) and roadside enforcement by local Neighbourhood Officers should also be considered as potential solutions.

Effective engineering measures must also be considered such as the road layout including road humps, chicanes and tyre rumble devices, these can be implemented by Local Authorities in situations where general speed compliance is evidenced as an issue.

This morning, Cllr Myers, Cllr Barter and the Clerk were out measuring for new surfacing around the tractor area, aiming to improve its appearance and reduce the muddy areas for the children.

The Parish Council are pleased to announce that we have approved for two play sessions over the Summer Holidays which will be run by JR Sports. Look out for further updates and confirmed dates.

A new page has been added under village information for those that would like to volunteer / sign up for Community Speedwatch.  

https://www.longwickcumilmer.org.uk/speedwatch

Buckinghamshire Council have recommended that a public footpath be added to the definitive map, linking the SE end of footpath BCS81/1 to the NW end of North Mill Road, thereby reinstating the route to and from Ilmer/Bledlow. 

Both Bledlow cum Saunderton Parish Council and Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council support Buckinghamshire Council’s DMMO recommendation, and as there has been an objection, the matter will go to a public inquiry. 

If you have every used the footpath BCS81/1 linking to the end of North Mill Road, and are prepared to make a simple user statement in support of the reinstatement of the path, please contact either Mike Britnell (mike.britnell@btinternet.com) or Gerald Burry (gerry_burr@hotmail.com).

Please see below links to Neighbourhood Watch Alerts:

LONGWICK CUM ILMER PARISH COUNCIL INVITE YOU TO A DROP IN SESSION

Saturday 18th November 2023

11am – 12.30pm

Longwick Village Hall Platinum Room

A chance for you to drop in and meet your Parish Councillors Alexandra Barter and Brian Richards to discuss any issues which are affecting you in the Parish.

We hope to see lots of residents attending particularly those new to the village and if successful the Parish Council will hold these sessions on a regular basis.

Refreshments will be available and all are welcome so please do come along.

If you have any questions or would like to contact the Parish Council please email the clerk on:

clerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk

Please see document below with regards to a Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places.  

*Sharing on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council

The Parish Council has received a number of complaints regarding overgrown hedges over the last couple of weeks.

This is just a reminder that the bird nesting season is now over and it is an ideal time to trim back hedges and trees that are overgrown.

All hedges within the Parish are the responsibility of the adjacent landowner and to report any issues you can use FixMyStreet.

https://fixmystreet.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/

The Parish Council has been made aware of a situation that took place at the playing fields on Saturday 23rd September.

A member of the public confronted the organiser of the event which the Parish Council had approved and impersonated a Councillor and told the organiser they did not have permission and was generally very rude.

Understandably this really upset the organiser of the event as they had sought all the relevant permissions.

If there is an issue with the playing fields please contactthe Clerk or a Councillor and be minded that impersonating a person and providing a false statement is an offence under the Crime and Courts Act 2013, UK Public General Acts 2013 c. 22 schedule 5 Part 7 - Impersonation of a designated officer.

MAKE A CHANGE BECOME A COUNCILLOR

WHAT DO LOCAL COUNCILS DO?

Your local council has overall responsibility for the wellbeing of your local community. Their work falls into three main categories:

• Delivery of services;

• Improve quality of life for residents;

• Give communities a democratic voice.

BECOMING A LOCAL COUNCILLOR

As a local councillor you can become a voice for your community and make real change. Councillors are community leaders and represent the interests of the communities they serve.

Local councillors have three main responsibilities:

• Decision-making;

• Monitoring;

• Getting involved locally.

GETTING ELECTED

To stand for election / co-option to a local council you must be:

• a UK or Commonwealth citizen; or be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland; or be a citizen of another Member State of the European Union;

• at least 18 years old;

• an elector of the local council; or in the past 12 months occupied land or other premises in the area the local council serves (as owner or tenant); or work in the area local council serves (as your principal or only place of work); or live within three miles of the local council boundary

If you are interested, contact the Parish Clerk onclerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk

Average Speed Cameras measure how long it takes you to travel between two set points on a road, measured by cameras at each point. This information is then used to calculate your average speed and only data and images of vehicles exceeding the posted speed limit are stored by the system.

CCTV systems stay up and running, and can provide 24/7 monitoring of an area and can be monitored passively or by people.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) does not support third party funding for average speed systems. The installation of an average speed system should be fair and balanced across the Thames Valley area and not just at locations where third party funding is available. The cost of an Average Speed system depends on site environment and type of equipment, for a system with one entry/exit camera this can be around £100k.

Mobile van enforcement already takes place in the area and other options such as, education through the Community Speedwatch initiative, the use of SID (Speed Indication Devices) and roadside enforcement by local Neighbourhood Officers should also be considered as potential solutions.

Effective engineering measures must also be considered such as the road layout including road humps, chicanes and tyre rumble devices, these can be implemented by Local Authorities in situations where general speed compliance is evidenced as an issue.

Alert Notice 3/7/23

Vehicle Crime and Catalytic Converters.

Do not let thieves get an easy ride by following these simple steps to protect your vehicle from being stolen.

Locking your vehicle even when filling up at the garage, or parking your car on the drive greatly reduces the risk of being targeted by opportunist thief. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you have not left a window or sunroof open and never leave any valuable documents inside, handbag, mobile, wallet or the portable Sat Nav on show. Take everything with you.

If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold automatically when locked make sure you lock it properly as criminal gangs are looking where the wing mirrors are still out because that is a clear sign the vehicle has not been locked .

Never leave your keys in the ignition even if you are just jumping out of the car to post a letter, opening the boot, or paying for petrol, as a thief can easily drive off leaving you stranded.

Keep Keys Safe.

Vehicles today are more difficult to steal unless the thief is able to access your keys or fob to clone them. Never leave your keys by the front door, or in sight.

Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key then you do not have a keyless entry.

Keyless car theft or relay theft is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by, this then unlocks the car and starts the engine. Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car to capture the signal even if it is inside your home, so it is advisable to put your fob into a tin box or security Faraday pouch . These can be bought from Princes Risborough & District NW Asso at £4.00 each.

A simple old fashion sturdy steel lock for the steering wheel, gear stick and pedals or a brightly wheel clamp is enough to put any thief off as they know it is going to be hard work to remove these items from the car. Another inexpensive item is locking wheel nuts to protect your alloy wheels, making it more difficult for a thief to gain access by sliding a potable jack under the car.

You can also have your VIN vehicle identification number etched onto each of the windows so your car can be returned even if given new number plates.

In traffic always drive with your car doors locked and make sure you give yourself enough space in front of your vehicle to get out of a tight spot. If your vehicle is bumped from behind wait to pull over somewhere safe and preferable where there are people. If you are suspicious then call the police.

Catalytic Converter Theft.

Catalytic converters are devices fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce the amount of dangerous gases emitted. They are often targeted by thieves as they contain valuable metals which can be removed in less than a minute.

If you see a vehicle being raised using a car jack in a car park or residential entry or hear a loud drilling or cutting sound coming from underneath a vehicle then these are signs that a catalytic theft is being committed. If the crime is happening at the time ring 999, or if it has already happened then report it online or ring 101.

To try and prevent catalytic convertors being stolen from your car(s) if you have a driveway try adding lose gravel to deter intruders stepping onto your property, or make sure that fences, bushes and walls in front of your house are no higher than a metre high, as that gives intruders less opportunity to steal. If you need to park in the street make sure you park under a street lamp and try to make it as difficult as possible to get under your car.

There are also locks, and guards for the underside of your cars available such as Catloc or ask your garage to add a serial number to your catalytic converter or mark it with a forensic marker, which in turn makes it more difficult for the thieves to sell on.

Please take care as we are seeing a slight increase in car thefts.

Best wishes

Val

Area Coordinator

LONGWICK CUM ILMER PARISH COUNCIL

Local Government Act 1972- Sections 87 and 89

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVENthat due tothe resignation of Councillor Rolf van Apeldoorn a casual vacancy has arisen in the Office of a Parish Councillor for Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council.

If by 15^th August 2023 (within 14 days excluding Dies Non after the date of this notice) a request for an election to fill the vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer, Buckinghamshire Council, The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 8FF or via email to elections@buckinghamshire.gov.uk** by TEN electors for the Parish, then an election will be held to fill the vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

Dated: 26^th July 2023

Signed:Tracey Martin

Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council

** Residents of the parish who wish to request an election must include their names, addressses and a signature and if using the email address we recommend sending a scanned copy of the request.

Please see below link to a poster for a Family Fun Day on the 24th June 2023 at Wades Park. 

Alert Message 18/6/2023

An odd call - beware

I received a call from an unknown number and on answering a man voice stated he was from Customer Services, but before I could ask what company he was from he said " Can you hear me"

I replied " Yes I can hear you"., to which he replied " so you can hear me".

I replied "I can hear you".

He then said "I just need a yes or no"

So I replied " I can hear you" The caller hangs up.

Luckily I did not answer to his first reply "Yes", because the caller then using the recording of your "Yes" is a way to sign you up to all kinds information you do not want or asked for.

Obviously those who have a telephone preference service in place this caller would not get through but I receive a number of unknown numbers from genuine organisations and people.

Be careful.

Val

Area NW Coordinator

Accounts for the year ended 31^st March 2023

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 26 and 27

The Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2015 (SI 234)

1. Date of announcement: Friday 2^nd June 2023

2. Each year the smaller authority’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) needs to be reviewed by an external auditor appointed by Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd. The unaudited AGAR has been published with this notice. As it has yet to be reviewed by the appointed auditor, it is subject to change as a result of that review.

Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested. For the year ended March 31^st 2023, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to:

Tracey Martin, Clerk to the Parish Council

clerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk

07521 161 645

on commencing Monday 5^th June 2023

and ending on Friday 14^th July 2023

3. Local Government Electors and their representatives also have:

· the opportunity to question the appointed auditor about the accounting records; and

· the right to make an objection which concerns a matter in respect of which the appointed auditor could either make a public interest report or apply to the court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful. Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the smaller authority.

The appointed auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose between the above dates only.

4. The smaller authority’s AGAR is subject to review by the appointed auditor under the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the NAO’s Code of Audit Practice 2015. The appointed auditor is:

PKF Littlejohn LLP (Ref: SBA Team); 1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London E14 4HD

(sba@pkf-littlejohn.com)

5. This announcement is made by Tracey Martin, Clerk to Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council

The Environment Agency are pleased to be able to offer a new free flood warning service to residents and businesses located in, or near to, an area at risk of flooding from the Horsenden Stream in Princes Risborough.

Flood warnings give people valuable time to prepare for flooding; time that allows people to move themselves, their families, and precious items to safety.

The new flood warning service is an expansion to an existing flood alert service that we already offer to residents and businesses in the local area who are at risk of flooding from rivers.

The new flood warning service is intended to target those properties that are at the most risk of flooding from the Horsenden Stream, however some properties at lower risk are included in the service.

A small area of the parish of Longwick-cum-Ilmer is covered by the new flood warning service. A map of the new flood warning area is attached so you can see the area it covers within the Longwick-cum-Ilmer parish.

We are currently planning to launch the new service on the 24 May 2023.

Residents and businesses in the new flood warning area should be able to register once the new flood warning area has gone live. Therefore, those residents and businesses who would like to register for the new service must do so after the planned launch date, which is currently proposed for the 24 May 2023.If attempts are made to register before this date our systems will not yet include this new flood warning area.

To get the best experience of the new flood warning service, we recommend that residents and businesses that are within the new flood warning area register their details and create a full account by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or visit our website https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings.

We also work with mobile network and telephone providers to automatically register people at risk of flooding to the new service. The service is anonymous and free. If residents and businesses have a phone number that is registered to an address in a flood warning area, and they are with a participating mobile network or telephone provider, they may receive a text or phone message explaining that we will contact them when a flood warning is issued. This does not create an account with full details as we are not provided these by the mobile network and telephone providers. We hold phone numbers securely in our flood warning system in line with our privacy notice.

The accuracy of flood warnings improves over time as we gather more data and get a better understanding of how the river reacts to heavy rainfall. As this is a brand-new service there may be a higher than normal occurrence of false alarms initially.

In some circumstances there may be no time to issue a flood warning in advance so it's important to be prepared, know the signs to look out for and stay alert.

It is important for us to verify what happens every time a flood warning is issued to improve the service. To do this, we deploy staff to affected areas to validate flood extents and our warning alarm levels to improve the accuracy of our warnings.

We welcome involvement from the community to improve the service and would encourage residents and businesses to record and report any actual flooding. If this is something that the Parish Council would be able assist with this would be much appreciated.

You can report incidents of flooding from the river in the new flood warning area within the parish of Longwick-cum-Ilmer to our 24-hour incident hotline number which is 0800 80 70 60 or to Floodline on 0345 988 11 88.

You can find more information on flooding on our website at www.gov.uk/flood.

You can check flood risk online at www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk.

Thames Area Flood Resilience Team

Public Participation at Meetings

Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council meet and makes its decisions in public and invite members of the public and press to attend meetings and contribute within the public forum.

Parish Council’s meetings are not public meetings; they are meetings held in public and there is no requirement in law to provide an opportunity for the public to question the council however, we welcome residents to attend and raise questions on items on the agenda and 15 minutes is allocated for this prior to the Parish Council meeting.

Protocol

(Extracted from Parish Council Standing Orders)

Members of the public may make representations, answer questions and give evidence at a meeting which they are entitled to in respect of the business on the agenda.

The Period of time designated for public participation shall not exceed 15 minutes unless directed by the Chair of the meeting.

A member of the public shall not speak for more than 3 minutes.

Any questions raised shall not require a response at the meeting nor start a debate on the question. The Chair of the meeting may direct that a written or oral response be given.

A person shall raise his / her / their hand when requesting to speak.

A person who speaks at a meeting shall direct his / her / their comments to the Chair of the meeting.

Only one person is permitted to speak at a time. If more than one person wants to speak, the Chair of the meeting shall direct the order of speaking.

I have mentioned about this kind of scam previously as this can happen to anyone but mainly targeting parents as you can see from the message below.

One of our my coordinator's advised me that a member in Walnut Tree Lane had been the intended victim of a scam via mobile phone -

"...I recently received a text message purporting to come from my son informing me that he had dropped his phone in water and was no longer working. He gave me another number and asked me to change my records which I did.

I have now spoken to my son who informs me this is a scam and I should delete the message and number immediately. The number given was 07546 194443..."

Before you do any changes please make contact with your son/daughter/niece or nephew before acting on the information you receive using another phone if possible to check if they have changed their number.

A warning:

There have been a recent increase in reports of "number spoofing". This is when scammers change their caller ID to disguise their identity from the person they are calling.

Many phone handsets now let you see the number of the person calling before you answer. This feature is known as Caller ID, as this helps you to only take the callers you wish to converse with.

However, with "spoofing callers" they deliberately change the telephone number and/or name relayed as the Caller ID information. They do this to hide their identity or to try and mimic the number of the real company or person., which has nothing to do with the real person/company.

Identity thieves who want to steal sensitive information such as your bank account or log in details sometimes use spoofing to pretend they are calling from your bank or credit card company.

You may be aware that spoofed numbers can come from across the world and account for most of our nuisance calls .

So please be wary of any phone calls or text messages that you do not recognise.

Meeting Dates 2023-2024

Except when there are clashes with elections or public holidays the Parish Council meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at Longwick Village Hall.

Please check the Parish Council’s website for agendas, minute and any lastminute changes.

20^th June 2023

18^th July 2023

August – no meeting

19^th September 2023

17^th October 2023

21^st November 2023

19^th December 2023

16^th January 2024

20^th February 2024

19^th March 2024

16^th April 2024 – Annual Meeting of the Parish starting at 7pm followed by the Parish Council meeting

21^st May 2024 – Annual Meeting of the Council

Please see below links on the First Phase Projects

• Proposed Local Speed Limit Changes report produced April 2023. 
• Speed Data from speed surveys 2023

The Parish Council would also like to clarify that although these projects have been proposed to Buckinghamshire Council at this stage there is no guarantee that Buckinghamshire Council will approve all or some of the projects.  

When the Parish Council receives a response from Buckinghamshire Council on which projects can move forwards confirmed costings will be provided to the Parish Council at which stage another vote will be taken by Parish Councillors.

Councillor McPherson reported at the Annual Meeting that the Autumn / Winter edition of the Newsletter will be the last she will produce after 12 years. The Parish Council would like to thank her for all of her efforts on the newsletter which has been well received by residents.

Looking forward if there is a desire for the newsletter to continue it will require a group of volunteers to produce and circulate it as it is a lot of work for just one person to do.The newsletter is not a Parish Council initiative but the Parish Council would be happy to consider a grant towards the printing costs but additional funds from other sources may be required.

If you would like to be involved please contact the Parish Clerk clerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk stating your interest and that you are happy for your details to be shared with any other volunteers who come forward and the Clerk will put you in touch with each other.

If you enjoy gardening and would like an allotment, there is a great new project starting in Little Meadle.

Our Community Garden has been launched by the North West Chilterns Community Board at Buckinghamshire Council in conjunction with Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Council.

We are looking for families who would like to grow produce on a free plot and volunteer gardeners who would also like to grow food and help people from all different backgrounds and ages learn how to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers from seed. Anyone really who would like to get involved is very welcome.

Fruit and vegetables may be shared around the group to eat and any surplus given to food banks. Some produce will also be sold with the proceeds being used for next season. Your plot will be free, all we need is your time, passion and commitment.

If you are interested and would like to hear more about this project, please contact:

· Jackie Binning on jackie.binning@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or call 07816 118011

· Valerie McPherson onv.mcpherson@longwickcumilmer.org.uk or call 07815 144691

Do you have an hour to spare one or two times a month. 

Our Speedwatch group are still looking for volunteers.

If you would like more information please contact clerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk or complete the registration link: https://communityspeedwatch.org

Once registered we can add you to the WhatsApp group where Speedwatch dates are coordinated.

Press release from Buckinghamshire Council

Next Monday, Buckinghamshire Council will officially be reopening the Bledlow Household Recycling Centre (HRC).

From Monday 16 January 2023 the site will be open five days a week, closing every Wednesday and Thursday. It will open 9am-4pm in the winter (Oct-Mar) and 9am-6pm in the summer (Apr-Sep).

The site will look and feel very similar to other household recycling centres in the county. Buckinghamshire residents can visit free of charge, but there will be costs for disposing of any non-household waste.

Bledlow is a rural site so residents are asked to consider the local area when travelling. The site is most suited for small trips and residents with lots of waste are encouraged to use the larger sites such as Aston Clinton and High Wycombe.

To minimise disruption in nearby villages, residents are asked try to avoid visiting at busier times, like school drop off. Visitors should drive slowly and safely and take care of cyclists, farm machinery and other road users when entering and exiting the site.

Before visiting, residents are encouraged to check the webcams online to see how busy the site is and for the quieter times to visit. All sites are currently open 9am-4pm however during busy periods, especially at weekends, last entry may be before 4pm to allow those already onsite to unload their waste and exit before the site closes. Residents are asked to consider coming back at another time if the site is busy, especially if there are queues outside the site.

Bucks residents are being reminded to bring proof of address when visiting, such as a:

• council tax statement
• utility bill
• passport
• driving licence

Waste permits will be needed if residents are visiting in vans, or want to use trailers. Trade waste is not allowed on site, please find an alternative site.

Oxfordshire residents, for example those living in the Thame and Chinnor areas, must pay to visit the site. Charges start from approximately £20 per trip for a small car, and nearer £50-60 for a medium-sized car. Alternative household recycling centres in Oxfordshire are available on the Oxfordshire County Council website.

Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change commented: “The reopening of Bledlow Household Recycling Centre will benefit local residents needing to make a small trip to the tip.

“We’d like to ask users of the site to be considerate of neighbouring communities and villages by driving slowly and being mindful about the impact of queues on traffic congestion. Please check the online webcams to see how busy the site is before visiting Bledlow HRC. If necessary, consider spreading your visits or visit the Aston Clinton or High Wycombe sites for larger trips.

“Based on other recycling centres in Buckinghamshire, we expect the site to be busiest on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and quietest on Tuesday mornings. To manage potential traffic outside the site, some temporary traffic management will be in place with no access turning right into the site from the south. All users are asked to approach the site from the north via Wigans Lane. Please check the website for more information and remember to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your trip.”

For more information visit www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/bledlow-hrc

Please see attached document from the Community Boards on the Cost of Living Update

The Remembrance Service Friday 11th November at 11am

Due to hall availability the Parish Council meeting tomorrow (18th October) will be held in the meeting room at Longwick Village Hall meaning that we will only be able to allow 20 members of the public to attend due to maximum hall capacity. We would kindly ask that if there are a number of residents wishing to speak on the small matter that a representative is selected to speak on their behalf.

Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council has a vacancy for a Parish Councillor.

The role of a Councillor is very varied and involves attending to the needs of residents and groups, making decisions on local services, collaborating with the Unitary Council to adhere to local needs, and progressing vital projects to invest in the future of the community.

Meetings are held once a month and, on average being a Councillor requires around 10 hours commitment per month.

The Council intends to fill this vacancy by co-option at the full council meeting on Tuesday 15th November 2022.

Expressions of interest are invited from anyone that would like to be considered for co-option.

Eligibility Requirements:

To stand to be a Parish Councillor you must be:

· A UK or Commonwealth citizen; or be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland; or be a citizen of another Member State of the European Union

· At least 18 years old

· An elector of the local council; or in the past 12 months occupied land or other premises in the area the local council serves (as owner or tenant); or work in the area local council serves (as your principal or only place of work); or live within three miles of the local council boundary

To find out more and request an application form please contact the Parish Clerkclerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk or call 07521 161 645.

Closing date for applications is Friday 4^th November 2022.

Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council will be holding

A Moment of Reflection on the Eve of the Funeral of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Sunday 18^th September 2022 at 7.50pm with the minutes silence taking place at 8pm outside Longwick Village Hall

There will be a minute’s silence, a reading by the Chairman of the Parish Council and singing of the National Anthem

Unfortunately this meeting has been cancelled due to mourning days being classed as Bank Holidays and therefore the agenda not fulfilling the required number of days notice. 

The Parish Council will be holding an additional Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 13 September 2022 starting at 7.30pm at Longwick Village Hall to discuss and vote on the Longwick Transport Vision 1st Phase Projects.

The meeting will commence with an extended one hour public participation time where questions can be asked on the proposals followed by discussions by Councillors and a vote on the 1st Phase Projects.

An agenda will be issued in due course.

Please see attached Notice of Vacancy following the resignation of Councillor Roger Wilkes. 

Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of Blessed and Glorious Memory, by whose Decease the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George: We, therefore, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of this Realm and Members of the House of Commons, together with other members of Her late Majesty’s Privy Council and representatives of the Realms and Territories, Aldermen and Citizens of London, and others, do now hereby with one voice and Consent of Tongue and Heart publish and proclaim that The Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now, by the Death of our late Sovereign of Happy Memory, become our only lawful and rightful Liege Lord Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of His other Realms and Territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, to whom we do acknowledge all Faith and Obedience with humble Affection; beseeching God by whom Kings and Queens do reign to bless His Majesty with long and happy Years to reign over us.

Given at St. James’s Palace this Tenth day of September in the year of Our Lord Two thousand and twenty-two.

GOD SAVE THE KING

Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council has placed books of condolence in the Post Office and Briants for residents wishing to leave a message of condolence following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

These will be available until the day following the funeral and will then be collated and stored at County Archives.

Please see below link to the full Transport Initiative Report which the Parish Council hopes will help residents understand the proposals which were made to Buckinghamshire Council. The proposals which were made are at this stage still draft and no decisions have been made as to which projects will proceed. The Parish Council is considering holding an additional Parish Council meeting the date for which will be published shortly. This will give residents a chance to voice any concerns and Councillors the opportunity to vote on the draft proposals

Please see attached flyer for details of an free event which is being held on Longwick Playing Fields on the 12th August 2022 .

Please find below a link to the Longwick Transport Vision First Phase Projects which has been presented to Buckinghamshire Councils Cabinet Member for Transport.  

The audit of accounts for the year 2021-2022 have now been completed. 

A notice of the conclusion of the audit can be found on the below link.  

Please find below a link for information on the Cost of Living Support available 

https://costoflivingsupport.campaign.gov.uk/

The Parish Council recently purchased Community Speedwatch equipment and is now looking for a group of volunteers to operate the equipment.  Full Training will be provided. 

For further information or to register your interest please contact the Parish Clerk: clerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk 

LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH COUNCIL

Notice of public rights and publication of unaudited annual governance & accountability return

Accounts for the year ended 31^st March 2022

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 26 and 27

The Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2015 (SI 234)

1. Date of announcement: Monday 30^th May 2022

2. Each year the smaller authority’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) needs to be reviewed by an external auditor appointed by Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd. The unaudited AGAR has been published with this notice. As it has yet to be reviewed by the appointed auditor, it is subject to change as a result of that review.

Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested. For the year ended March 31^st 2022, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to:

Tracey Martin, Clerk to the Parish Council

clerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk

07521 161 645

on commencing Wednesday 1^st June 2022

and ending on Thursday 14^th July 2022

3. Local Government Electors and their representatives also have:

· the opportunity to question the appointed auditor about the accounting records; and

· the right to make an objection which concerns a matter in respect of which the appointed auditor could either make a public interest report or apply to the court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful. Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the smaller authority.

The appointed auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose between the above dates only.

4. The smaller authority’s AGAR is subject to review by the appointed auditor under the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the NAO’s Code of Audit Practice 2015. The appointed auditor is:

PKF Littlejohn LLP (Ref: SBA Team); 1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London E14 4HD

(sba@pkf-littlejohn.com)

5. This announcement is made by Tracey Martin, Clerk to Longwick cum Ilmer Parish Council

The Parish Council has been offered some free Trees which are mostly whips but there are some beech and oak and other varieties.

We are asking residents for their suggestions on the placement of these trees.

The trees can also be planted on private land but if on private land we would ask the land owner to "adopt" a tree or trees and agree to look after by watering them until established.

The trees will be available from the last week in November.

Numbers are limited so please email the clerk on: clerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk to register your interest by the end of June 22.

The North West Chilterns Community Board is delighted to announce they have arranged the Interactive Dementia Awareness Experience on Friday 20th May 2022 at Risborough Community Centre, Wades Park, Stratton Road, Princes Risborough, HP27 9AX

The Virtual Dementia Tour is a life changing experience and the only scientifically and medically proven method of giving a person with a healthy brain an experience of what dementia might be like. Enter the world of a person with dementia and understand the simple changes you can make to your practice and to the environment to improve the lives of people with dementia. 

The Virtual Dementia Tour is taken by over 200,000 people per year in the UK and is the benchmark training that other providers strive to achieve. Already commissioned by over 18 NHS Trusts, 4 HSE Trusts, Care homes, Nursing Homes, Police, Prisons, Ambulance, Universities and Colleges, Councils, CCGs, CQC, Electric and Water Companies, Families and many more, the Virtual Dementia Tour has an impact that just cannot be matched or replicated. 

There are four sessions available with nine places including an interactive experience on the specially designed vehicle followed by a group debrief. The training will be provided by Home - Training 2 Care UK Ltd Please feel free to book a place(s) on the above link. 

If you have any difficulties, please contact Jackie Binning on Jackie.binning@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

Please see attached flyer below for booking link. 

If you enjoy gardening and would be interested in helping others to grow their own vegetables, there’s a great new project starting in Longwick.

Grow to Give has been launched by the North West Chiltern Community Board at Buckinghamshire Council in conjunction with Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Council.

We are looking for volunteer gardeners to help people from all different backgrounds and ages learn how to grow vegetables and flowers from seed to produce.

Vegetables will be shared around the group to eat and any surplus given to food banks. Some produce will also be sold with the proceeds being used for the next season.

If you are interested and would like to hear more about this project, please contact on jackie.binning@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or call 01296 585495.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

TUESDAY 19^TH APRIL 2022 7PM-8PM AT LONGWICK VILLAGE HALL

• A change to meeting your Parish Councillors
• Have your say on your local community
• Share any concerns which you may have

There will also be the following reports:

• Chairman’s Report
• Buckinghamshire Council Report from Risborough Ward Councillors
• Representative from Thames Valley Police to provide an update

TEA, COFFEE AND BISCUITS WILL BE AVAILABLE

Followed by the monthly Parish Council meeting at 8pm which you are welcome to stay and observe.

Please just turn up on the night but if you would like further information, please contact the Parish Clerk: clerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk

An appeal has been launched by the UK's Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to help Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

To make a donation to the appeal please click the below link. Any amount will go a long way to help the DEC charities provide food, water, shelter and healthcare to refugees and displaced families.

https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal

Please see below link to information shared with the Parish Council from Buckinghamshire's Local Heritage List who are looking for help in nominating buildings and volunteers to assist with surveys.

The Parish Council is delighted to announce that the new piece of playground equipment is open for use. 

We hope your little ones enjoy using it. 

The Parish Council is delighted to announce that the new piece of playground equipment is open for use. 

We hope your little ones enjoy using it. 

The Remembrance Service will take place at Longwick War Memorial on Thursday 11th November at 11am. 

The Parish Council have been notified of the following:

Subject: Statutory consultation on proposed changes to the school's admission arrangements from September 2023

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing to inform you that the Governing Body of Waddesdon Church of England School has commenced a consultation on proposed changes to the school’s admission arrangements which would take effect from the beginning of the academic year 2023 to 2024. I attach a letter giving more details and I would be grateful if you could bring it to the attention of your parishioners and any other interested parties.

The changes proposed are:

• minor changes to the catchment area which have been requested by Buckinghamshire Council to ensure that all properties in the County have a catchment school
• inclusion of wording to state the normal age for admission to the Sixth Form and the procedure for applications for a place for children out of their normal age group
• the addition of a supplementary information form to assist in the verification of catchment addresses

The full proposed admission arrangements are available on the school website athttps://www.waddesdonschool.com/admissions/statutory-consultation-on-proposed-changes-to-admission-arrangements/

The consultation will run from 1 October 2021 until 12 November 2021.

If you have any comments on the proposed changes, please send them to myself.

Best wishes

Nicki Logan

Clerk to the Governing Body

Waddesdon Church of England School

Clerk to Governors <clerk@waddesdonschool.com>

A reminder that dogs are not permitted in the playground area regardless of whether they are on or off a lead.

The Parish Council have employed a transport consultant to prepare a Transport Vision for Longwick and the surrounding hamlets within the parish.

Following the questionnaire many of you filled in earlier in the year and the discussion groups some of you attended, come and find out what the consultants have proposed to overcome the traffic and transport issues in the parish.

An informal drop-in consultation for local residents and businesses will be held at

Longwick School on Friday 23^rd July 1.30-4pm and 5-7.30pm

Come and see us, chat to the people working on this task, ask questions and let us know what you think. What you see is not set in stone and you still have an opportunity to influence the outcome.

It is likely that there will be no official COVID restrictions in place on that day but please could you still wear a mask and observe the current physical distancing rules as not everyone will have been vaccinated.

If you are not able to attend an online version of the exhibition will be available on the Parish Council website near the time along with a form to let you tell us your comments.

If you would like to discuss the above or for more information please contact Councillor Valerie McPherson v.mcpherson@longwickcumilmer.org.uk

National Small Charity Week(14-19 June) celebrates and raises awareness of the essential work carried out by small charities in Buckinghamshire. It also offers them the opportunity to participate in training at both a national and local level to equip them with information and skills to overcome challenges and to thrive.

With four out of five charitable organisations in the county considered small (annual income of under £100,000), the vast majority of Bucks not-for-profits have been hit hard by the pandemic which has restricted income generation while driving up demand for services.

If you work or volunteer for a Bucks voluntary organisation which needs help, local charity Community Impact Bucks supports groups at all stages of their development from getting started, to developing policies and procedures, and securing funds and volunteers through online resources, training and events, and one-to-one tailored advice. To find out how the Community Impact Bucks team could help, read its Small but Mighty blog which also gives details on how to receive weekly updates on new funds and resources.

There is a locker at the playing fields by the MUGA which contains a net and assembly instructions for games that can be played on this Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).

The Yellow lines have been laid out for tennis, White for 5 a side football, and Red for basketball. The net can also be positioned for badminton or volleyball.

To use the net please contact v.mcpherson@longwickcumilmer.org.uk or call 07815 144691 to obtain the code to the locker. 

After use please replace it in the locker as you found it.

The Parish Council does not permit the use of E-Scooters, Motorcycles or any other Motorised Vehicle at Longwick Playing Fields and it is a criminal offence to drive any powered vehicle on private land without the land owner’s permission and offenders can be prosecuted.

Longwick cum Ilmer's Annual Parish Meeting and the Monthly Parish Council Meeting have been postponed from Tuesday 20th April 2021 to Wednesday 28th April 2021. This is due to the official mourning period for the Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.The agenda and Zoom details can be found on our website from Monday 19th April 2021.

Please see attached PDF Notice of Uncontested Election

The Bledlow Household Recycling Centre Community Interest Company has lodged an appeal against the non determination of the following planning application:

CM/0002/20- Proposed continuation of the use of the land as a Household Recycling Site as currently consented by planning permission no. CC/3/83- Bledlow Household Recycling Centre, Wigans Lane, Bledlow Ridge.

All representations should be made to the Planning Inspectorate by 22^nd April 2021 either online: Reference: APP/P0430/W/21/3266409 (planninginspectorate.gov.uk) or in writing to :

Neil Devereux

The Planning Inspectorate

Room3C Eagle

Temple Quay House

2 The Square

Bristol BS1 6PN

Appeal reference: APP/PO430/W/21/3266409

We look forward to you submitting a representation of support for this facility to re-open.

If you have any questions, please email: contactbrhrccic@gmail.com

Please see below links for more information and feedback form for Maggie's Solar Farm Consultation  

Well done to all the children who entered our Competition to draw / design a Poster on Reducing Speeding in the Village and Hamlets. We were overwhelmed with all the entries, they were fantastic. Winners have been contacted and all children who entered received a prize.

MAKE A CHANGE BECOME A COUNCILLOR

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is calling on all community heroes to step up and become a local (parish and town) Councillor at the 2021 elections.

What do Councillors do?

Local Councillors are the champions of their community who invest time in local projects and issues to the benefit of residents and theneighborhood. Councillors attend to local needs of residents, local groups and businesses, make decisions onlocal services, collaborate with district and borough councils to adhere to localneeds, and progress vital projects to invest in the future of the community.

What do councils do?

Councils lead on community services such as allotments, footpaths, public seating and litter bins, but also larger projects such as the running of local transport,leisure services, youth services and climate change initiatives. These activities arefunded by a local tax, called a precept which is determined by the council.

How long does it take?

NALC's Local Councillor Census Survey found that councillors put aside, on average, three hours a week for council work. Council work often includesattending meetings, engaging with residents and speaking to local groups andbodies on behalf of the council.

Can I stand for election?

You must be:

• A British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth, or the European Union

• 18 years of age or older

For further information contact clerk@longwickcumilmer.org.uk

Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Council are running a competition for all children who live in the Parish between the ages of 3-11 years to design a hand drawn A4 poster and a photo submitted or created on a computer. The theme is: Reducing Speeding in the Village and Hamlets.

The Parish Council will judge the entries and prizes will be awarded in the following categories: 3-5, 6-8, & 9-11 years. Each category will have a 1st, 2nd & runner up prize in the form of an Amazon e-gift card which will be sent direct to the parents email address.

Please send your entry into Val by Saturday 20 February including the following information : Name of child, age, and email address .

Email: v.mcpherson@longwickcumilmer.org.uk

The winners will be informed by Monday 22 February.

All design posters will be displayed around the Village and Hamlets.

Please note that Parish Council meetings are being held virtually until further notice. Please contact the clerk if you wish to participate.

Usually the Parish Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month (except August) in Longwick Village Hall at 7.00pm. Meetings usually last about two hours.

The first ten minutes are available for the public to express their view or ask a question on relevant matters on the agenda and they are welcome to stay and observe the rest of the meeting.

Each year the Council must prepare a budget and as part of the process seeks the views of residents and businesses regarding priority areas for the year ahead.

https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/corporate-services/budget-2021-22/

Buckinghamshire Council latest on Covid testing

Click on link for details

Community briefing COVID19

Click link for details

Buckinghamshire Libraries Launch

Covid-19 mobile testing will be available at High Wycombe Park and Ride and now Aylesbury. 

Check details to see if you are eligible for testing please visit

Covid testing Press Release from Buckinghamshire Council

The Parish Council intends to do all it can for its Parish for the duration of this Coronavirus outbreak.

Click here for a page of useful information and contacts for use during these difficult times.