News

As you will no doubt be aware from media reports, there has been a suspected terrorist incident in Woolwich, London, in which a man has died and two others have been injured.

I would like to reassure the community in High Wycombe that there is no intelligence to suggest that there is any risk to the community and nothing to be concerned about at this time and I would like to appeal to everyone to remain calm.

There will be additional patrols in the area over the next few days, so please don’t feel alarmed. These officers are there to help reassure the community and are not as a result of any incident.

If you would like to keep up-to-date with information in the area you can follow the police on Twitter @TVP_Wycombe.

You are all invited to the next Neighbourhood Watch meeting on Wednesday, 19th June at Godstowe School, at 7.30pm.

As usual, as well as NHW Co-ordinators having the opportunity to raise issues and concerns in their area, there are guest speakers and in June we will be pleased to welcome Det.Insp. Gavin Tyrrell of the Economic Crime Unit of Thames Valley Police who will talk on their work seizing the financial assets of convicted criminals who have benefitted economically from their crimes. There will also be a talk on drugs and crime. Please do come along and tell your friends and neighbours about it too, everyone is welcome.

The meeting will be held at Godstowe School, Shrubbery Road, High Wycombe HP13 6PR at 7.30pm. Doors will be open at 7pm but the front door will be closed at 7.30pm for school security. Please use the main entrance of the school in Shrubbery Road and not any of the entrances on Amersham Road. Shrubbery Road is on the crest of Amersham Hill and directly opposite Lucas Road, just go in the main gate and park, and someone will be there to direct you into the school.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Our Local Area Technicians (LATs) are the key communications link for Transport for Buckinghamshire between County Councillors, Parish, Town and District Councils and local residents.

They act as the local area representative for TfB and hold an extensive local knowledge, developed by working in and focussing on a specific area. In order to provide a good service to Members, parishes, other authorities and residents, they are kept informed and are involved in any transport matters that span the teams within TfB.

Managing customer expectation and building a positive reputation is an important part of their role. Their main responsibilities include dealing with highway and
traffic maintenance issues and responding to customers, although this is not exclusive and they do work across the broader remit of TfB. Increasingly, their role is to advise, liaise and work both internally and externally to influence and deliver efficient works across the County.
They:
• Liaise with Members, Parish, Town and District Councils
• Deal with and respond to enquiries – those logged with the
contact centre and general.
• Identify & order routine maintenance works and liaise with
operational teams on delivery of the following work and
repairs:
• Road, footpath, kerb and drainage defects
• Traffic signs
• Road markings
• Vegetation cut back
• Overhanging or fallen trees
• Weed management
• Grass cutting
• Smaller Area Maintenance Crew work
• Boundary enquiries
• Highway licensing
• Highway enforcement

Many of you will have been really concerned to have heard about the abuse in Oxford over recent years. A press release is available with all the details at http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/newsevents/newsevents-pressreleases/newsevents-pressreleases-item.htm?id=253413)

Thames Valley Police is determined to protect young people in the Thames Valley and to ensure all victims of sexual abuse, in particular child sexual exploitation, are listened to and fully supported. Some of the media coverage focused on the fact the abuse wasn’t stopped sooner by the authorities. Thames Valley Police has taken a number of steps to ensure that lessons have been learnt.

All of our neighbourhood policing teams and patrol teams have been briefed about the telltale signs of child sexual exploitation. They are out on patrol across our local towns and cities. We are also running dedicated disruption patrols which are focusing on patrolling the areas where offenders may prey on victims. In particular, we will have additional patrols in east Oxford to provide community reassurance.

Currently we are investigating 14 other potential child sexual exploitation cases. These are being overseen by the most senior detectives and are monitored carefully to ensure they have adequate resources.

We are working closely with local authorities, the NHS, and schools, to ensure the lessons we have learnt about how to identify child sexual exploitation are shared with our partners so they know what to look for when dealing with children who may be victims of exploitation or at risk of it

We would encourage any parent, friend, neighbour, or anyone who has been a victim to contact us on the non-emergency number, 101, or via 999 if an emergency, to report it to us so we can continue to tackle this despicable crime.

The five driving assessments are for:
Young drivers, older/mature drivers, driving for work, school run/carshare and refresher.

The one hour assessments are designed to help you drive safely, smoothly, economically and would be in your own vehicle.

The cost is £35 and includes a written report, car safety pack and a copy of the Highway code.

An application form form part of the attached poster.

Be A Better Driver

Police have made a number of arrests in the first operation of its kind to tackle suspected fraudulent pension liberation schemes.

The City of London Police raided a call centre, seizing computers and documents in the operation.

Arrests were also made in Scotland and Cheshire.

The Pensions Regulator warned about pension liberation schemes when it launched an awareness campaign in February.

Depending on how it is structured, pension liberation is not necessarily illegal.

Police say that it starts to become illegal if there is evidence of members being misled about the possible tax consequences involved.

Spam texts

Pension liberation schemes encourage people to access their pension savings before the age of 55, but tax charges and fees often slash the eventual payout.

An estimated £400m has been released in these schemes.

Introducers to the schemes, or advisers, use text messages, cold calls, or website promotions to encourage people to access their "frozen" pension.

REPORT IT

If you receive spam texts report them to the ICO.

http://ico.org.uk/complaints/marketing/2

We want to hear your views about how Bucks Home Choice operates in the future. We’re reviewing our allocations policy because the housing waiting list is very oversubscribed and we need to think carefully about who is allowed to join the register and who should be prioritised. Following the Localism Act, we also have more flexibility about how we allocate social housing.

We are consulting residents, tenants and local organisations, such as parish councils and other stakeholder groups, and we are very keen to hear what you think of the proposed changes. The consultation will run between the 22 April – 2 June 2013 and we’ll publish the results later in the summer.

We hope you can spare ten minutes to tell us what you think.

Please follow the link below to complete the survey.

Bucks Home Choice Survey

The Welfare Reform Act 2012 makes the biggest change to the welfare system for over 60 years. It introduces a wide range of reforms which aim to make the benefits and tax credits systems simpler.

Download our changes to benefits booklet

Starting from April this year and over the next four years, the Welfare Reforms will involve changes to how the following benefits are delivered:

• JobSeekers Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Council Tax benefit
• Housing benefit

In addition to the booket, more information is available at:

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/sites/bcc/community/benefits-changes.page

together with places where you can get help and advice

We have received reports that a company called Aqua Seal have been cold calling on consumers in the Wycombe District suggesting that work needs doing on their roof.

They have been asking for large cash deposits upfront.

The two gentlemen are described as late 20's to 30's and one had an Irish accent.

We would urge consumers not to deal with traders who cold call at your door.

If you wish to report cold calling or have any other consumer problems please contact 0845 404 0506.

Regards
Buckinghamshire Trading Standards

Buy With Confidence - Trader List
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/sites/bcc/trading_standards/consumer_advice/approved_traders_bwc.page

Wycombe District Council is working with enterprise agency Wenta to offer a range of training courses during 2013, which are designed to support entrepreneurs. Heavily subsidised by WDC and Wenta, each training course costs £45 inc VAT.

A Taste of Marketing covers key areas of marketing such as market research, pricing, market segmentation, branding and how to write a marketing plan. By the end of the course, you will be able to carry out your own market research, identify your ideal customers and and what methods you need to promote your business successfully. This course will be held on 14 May (High Wycombe) and 17 July (Marlow).

Other courses available include:

Website Development and Finance and Bookkeeping
 

To book your place on one of these courses, or for further information, please visit www.wenta.co.uk/training-and-events or call 01923 691 364.

Hot Topics in Buckinghamshire

Hot topics for this month include:

Have your say, vote on 2 May
NHS 111 launched in Buckinghamshire
Every voice counts
Speaking Out – independent investigation
New Spring & Summer courses available for 2013
Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Armed Forces Day 2013
The Big Lunch
Celebrate art in Bucks this summer

Have your say, vote on 2 May

Buckinghamshire County Council elections take place on 2 May, giving local residents the chance to vote for the County Councillor they want to represent their local area. The 49 Councillors that are elected to the Council will be responsible for spending over £325 million annually on major public services including education, social services, roads and environmental services.

The election itself is administered by the four district councils across Buckinghamshire on behalf of the County Council. You can register to vote, apply for a new postal vote or to make changes to an existing postal vote up until 5pm on April 17. Applications for a proxy vote can be made up until 5pm on April 24. You can arrange any of these by contacting your local district council.
Watch out for your postal vote which should arrive a week before voting day 2 May

On the day of the elections, polling stations are open from 7am - 10pm

Postal votes can be posted ahead of the election or need to arrive at polling stations before they close at 10pm

For more information visit: http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/

NHS 111 launched in Buckinghamshire
When you need medical help fast but it is not a life-threatening situation you can now call 111.

NHS 111 provides a new way to receive the right care from the right person, in the right place, at the right time. You will be assessed over the phone, given advice and directed straight away to the local service that can help the best.

This could be an out of hours GP, minor injuries and illness unit, community nurse, pharmacist or other local service that meets your needs.

The 111 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free. For less urgent health needs, patients should still contact their GP or local pharmacist in the usual way.

This service will make it easier to access local health services when you need help quickly. If you need to contact the NHS for urgent care there will be three numbers; 999 for life-threatening emergencies; your GP surgery; or 111.

If you have any questions about the introduction of the NHS 111 service in Buckinghamshire please email Bucks NHS 111

For more information, please see www.nhs.uk/111

Every voice counts

Healthwatch Bucks has been set up to help you and your family get the best out of your local health and social care services by ensuring your voice is heard.

By gathering evidence about your experiences of using health and social care services in Buckinghamshire we will be able to influence commissioners and service providers to improve their services.

Healthwatch will create a better health and social care system based on the experiences and needs of children, young people and adults and it will be accountable to local people.

Healthwatch Bucks are here and ready to get started:
We are recruiting volunteers to help us in a number of specific roles. If you’re interested in getting involved visit:

www.do-it.org.uk – type “Healthwatch” into the advanced search or email Healthwatch
01844 348849

Speaking Out – independent investigation
Independent investigation into the activity of Jimmy Savile at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

We would very much like to hear from you if you:
• were the subject of inappropriate conduct by Jimmy Savile at Stoke Mandeville Hospital or elsewhere in the NHS in Buckinghamshire
• knew of or suspected any inappropriate conduct by Jimmy Savile at Stoke Mandeville Hospital or elsewhere in the NHS in Buckinghamshire
• have any information or documentation related to Stoke Mandeville Hospital from between 1965 and 2003. We would like to receive this general information to help us develop an understanding of the hospital’s history and structure. The information does not need to be related to Jimmy Savile.

For more information or to get in touch with the investigation team visit:
www.speakingoutinvestigation.com
Speaking Out Investigation
07500 100642 / 01296 316042

New Spring & Summer courses available for 2013

Join an Adult Learning course
For beginners to advanced
During the day and in the evening
Over 120 venues countywide
Find out what you’re missing out on!

Visit Adult Learning to download a brochure or call
0845 045 4040

Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Armed Forces Day 2013

Come and support our Armed Forces on 29 June 2013 from 1pm – 9pm, Aylesbury Rugby Club, Weston Turville. Join in the fun for the whole family; an air display, fun fair and live music.

10,000 people from across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes are expected to attend the event. Members of the Armed Forces are able to attend for free as a thank you from the local community, this includes Veterans, Reservists, Cadets, Forces Families and both Serving and Ex-Personnel.
In 2011 Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes turned out to host the second biggest Armed Forces Day event in the country and this year we want to be bigger and better than ever!

We need around 200 volunteers to help us on the day setting up equipment, acting as stewards, runners, working on kiosks and taking down equipment after the event. There are also a few opportunities to help us a few weeks before the event with general admin tasks.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please email Bucks Events and let us know of any skills and previous experience you have had.

Tickets will be available from the 10 April at venues across the county.
For more information please visit Armed Forces Day or phone
0845 370 8990

If you would like more information on sponsorship or would like to send a donation, please email Bucks Events

The Big Lunch

The summer of 2012 was filled with street parties and celebrations for both the Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This year The Big Lunch is aiming to get as many people as possible to have lunch with their neighbours to bring together the community. Last year, The Big Lunch fell on the same weekend as the Diamond Jubilee and was a huge success as part of the National Celebrations. This year The Big Lunch falls on Sunday 3 June.

For more information visit The Big Lunch and to find out how your community can get involved.

Celebrate art in Bucks this summer
Bucks Open Studios is the largest visual arts event in Buckinghamshire and one of the largest in the country and it will take place 8 to 23 June.

Over 500 artists and makers from the county including painters, glass workers, basket weavers, metal workers, wood turners, jewellery makers, book makers, print makers and silk makers will be opening their studios to the public for free and showcasing their talent through demonstrations, exhibitions and workshops.

Find out more visit Bucks Open Studios
 

Proposed changes could save self-builders thousands of pounds by ensuring they are exempt from paying a levy charge that must be paid for all new buildings over a certain size.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-make-it-cheaper-to-build-own-home-could-help-many-self-builders

Speaking Out Investigation

We are writing on behalf of the investigation team who are looking into the activities of Jimmy Savile at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

As part of their ongoing investigation, they would like to hear from anyone who:

• was the subject of inappropriate conduct by Jimmy Savile at Stoke Mandeville Hospital or elsewhere in the NHS in Buckinghamshire

• knew of or suspected any inappropriate conduct by Jimmy Savile at Stoke Mandeville Hospital or elsewhere in the NHS in Buckinghamshire

• has any information or documentation related to Stoke Mandeville Hospital from between 1965 and 2003. We would like to receive this general information to help us develop an understanding of the hospital’s history and structure. The information does not need to be related to Jimmy Savile.

For more information or to get in touch with the investigation team:

Visit: www.speakingoutinvestigation.com

Email: speakingoutinvestigation@buckshealthcare.nhs.uk

Call: 07500 100642/01296 316042

Mail: Deirdre Dwyer, Trust offices, Amersham Hospital, Whielden Street, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP7 0JD

It's not just your Parish Council that provides an RSS Feed to keep you updated with changes, you can also get feeds relating to Met Office Weather Warnings

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/data/PWSCache/WarningsRSS/Region/UK

and the Environment Agency for Flood Alerts

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/125226.aspx

MAKE THE MOST OF RSS FEEDS!

A working smoke alarm could mean the difference between life and death!

To use this service you will need the vehicle registration mark along with an MOT test number from one of the following:
• VT20 test certificate
• VT30 refusal certificate

or the document reference number from
• V5C registration certificate

http://motinfo.direct.gov.uk/internet/jsp/ECHID-Internet-History-Request.jsp

Watch the film (2.52)

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has served a monetary penalty of £90,000 to a company that has blighted the public with thousands of unwanted marketing calls.

Please do your bit to help.

Register with the Telephone Preference Service

Report nuisance marketing calls and texts to the ICO

Potentially dangerous electrical equipment could be putting homes at risk of fire after a worryingly low number of returns from recalled products.

The Electrical Safety Council found that on average, only five to ten per cent of items recalled for safety purposes are taken back to stores.

To combat the problem, The Electrical Safety Council has launched an online tool that will allow users quickly and easily to discover if they own an electrical product that has been recalled.

www.esc.org.uk/recall

NHS 111 is now live in Buckinghamshire, which means everyone in the county can access a new telephone service that has been introduced to make it easier to access local health services, when they have an urgent need.

If you need to contact the NHS for urgent care there are three numbers to know; 999 for life-threatening emergencies; your GP surgery; or 111.

When you call 111 you will be assessed, given advice and directed straight away to the local service that can help you best – that could be an out-of-hours doctor, minor injuries and illness unit, community nurse, emergency dentist or late opening chemist.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free.

The service is being introduced nationally and will be available throughout the country by the end of 2013

Monday 18th March

10.30am to 12.30pm

and

6pm to 8pm

Download the poster and application form.

The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to provide the local community with information regarding issues that were reported to the police and our efforts to try and resolve them. We also like to take the opportunity to provide you with crime prevention advice, the details of upcoming ‘have your say meetings’ and to update you with any changes to our procedures that may assist you.

DWELLING BURGLARIES REPORTED The team are pleased to say that no dwelling burglaries have been reported to have taken place on the neighbourhood over the past month.

NON DWELLING BURGALRIES 27 Non Dwelling burglaries have been reported to have taken place this February across the Wycombe local Police area. These include break in’s to sheds, garages and commercial premises. One of these offences is reported to have taken place on our neighbourhood. This being to a garage on Chorley Road, West Wycombe between 20th and 21st February.

Anti-Social Behaviour:-The team are pleased to say that there does not appear to be any ONGOING anti social behaviour issues on the neighbourhood at this time being reported. However if you feel there is an issue that you would like us to help with please give us a call.

Free Selecta DNA for Bucks Farmers Free Selecta DNA property marking kits are available to farmers in the Wycombe District. Please ring WPC Claire Marchant 101 or email claire.marchant@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk for more details. We are also holding a CESAR It day for tractors, quad bikes etc to be marked on Tuesday 12th March. Prices are heavily discounted on a first come first served basis. For more information or to book a place (terms and conditiond apply) please contact WPC Claire Marchant.

Offenders brought to justice -
A 44 year old female has been cautioned with assault ABH following an incident in Piddington
A 25 year old male from Stokenchurch has been charged with Dangerous driving and possessing a bladed article following an incident in Piddington in January.
A male from High Wycombe has been charged with sexual assault on a female under 13 years old.
A 28 year old male has been charged with possessing Cannabis after being found to be in possession of the drug in West Wycombe.

SPEEDING: Over the past month we have prioritised BOLTER END LANE, BOLTER END for our speed enforcement patrols. In total 60 motorists were given tickets for excess speed in February. Three people were reported to attend court due to being recorded at travelling at over 50mph. The fastest being 55 mph. Many residents of BOLTER END had informed us of their concerns about the speed vehicles were travelling through the village. We have seen ourselves that motorists are travelling through the village far too quickly. Many did not actually know what the speed limit was when they were stopped and questioned so they were clearly not paying attention to the road signs. Some motorists that were stopped and given tickets actually admitted to seeing officers with the speed gun earlier in the week/month and they were still speeding!! We will continue to target speeding motorists on BOLTER END LANE. Throughout March we will also be concentrating on Lane End for our speed enforcement patrols.

SPEED AWARENESS WEEK 11/3/13--17/3/13—LANE END Over the past couple of months we have received numerous calls from residents of Lane End who are concerned about the speed vehicles are travelling through the village. In response, your neighbourhood Policing team has teamed up with Lane End Parish Council to hold a speed awareness week from Monday 11th March. We are mobilising extra speed enforcement patrols in an attempt to deter motorists from speeding through Lane End in future. Fixed penalty notices will be issued to any offending motorists, therefore please be mindful of the speed you are travelling to ensure we do not have to issue you a fine. As a resident of Lane End we would like you to assist us with enforcing the speed limit in the village by simply abiding to the limits yourself therefore making those behind you drive as safely as possible.

PARKING: Parking complaints generate a very high proportion of calls made to the police. For me to write about the various parking issues that the NHPT encounter would take forever! I have had a look on line for information and found a website called Neighbours from Hell, which has a very informative article about a number of parking problems. The Highway Code website also has information about parking.
http://www.nfh.org.uk/resources/Articles/parking/index.php (opens new window)
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069860?CID=TAT&PLA=url_mon&CRE=highwaycode_parking (opens new window)

Have Your Say meetings: Every month the team arranges a number of meetings that we call ‘have your say meetings’. This gives you the opportunity to come and meet your local neighbourhood officers and have your say on policing priorities and concerns in your local area. Please feel free to come and see us at any of the below times and locations: Friday 1st March 6pm-- The Fox Pub, Ibstone Tuesday 5th March 2pm-2.30pm-- Old School Close, Stokenchurch Sunday 10th March 11am-- outside Hambleden Church Tuesday 19th March 3pm-3.30pm-- Stokenchurch Primary School Wednesday 20th March 3pm-3.3

http://laneendparishcouncil.org.uk/Speed-Aware-Poster.pdf

If you are faced with a darkened screen with a message asking you to accept our cookies every time you visit our website it's almost certainly because you have set  "Delete Browsing History On Exit" to ON in your browser.

In Internet Explorer click on Tools and Options.

Under Browsing History click the Delete Button and you will see a list of files that are affected. Ensure that "Cookies" is unticked and then Cancel which will take you back to the Internet Options Screen where you can click OK.

At the moment, learner drivers and riders can:

- take a theory test with a voiceover in 1 of 19 languages, other than English or Welsh

- bring an interpreter with them when they take their theory and practical driving tests

DSA wants to know your views on:

- options for changing the current level of language support
- how much notice should be given before making a change
- how best to avoid an increase in unlicensed driving
 

Respond Online - https://consultation.dft.gov.uk/dsa/language_support/

The Department for Transport has published guidance about clearing snow and ice outside your property, pathways to your property or public spaces.

The guidance says there is no law stopping you from doing this.

If an accident did happen, it’s highly unlikely that you would be sued as long as you:
• are careful
• use common sense to make sure that you don’t make the pavement or pathway clearly more dangerous than before.

People using areas affected by snow and ice also have responsibility to be careful themselves.

If you are going to remove snow and ice, here are some tips:

* start as early as possible - it’s much easier to clear fresh, loose snow compared to compacted ice that has been compressed by people walking on it

* don’t use hot water - this will melt the snow, but may replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury

* be a good neighbour - some people may be unable to clear snow and ice on paths from their property

* if shovelling snow, think where you are going to put it so that it doesn’t block people’s paths or drainage channels

* make a pathway down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on

*spreading some salt on the area you have cleared will help stop ice forming - table or dishwasher salt will work, but avoid spreading on plants or grass as they may be damaged by it

* pay particular care and attention to steps and steep gradients

* use the sun to your advantage - removing the top layer of snow will allow the sun to melt any ice beneath; however you will need to cover any ice with salt to stop it refreezing overnight

* if there’s no salt available, sand or ash are good alternatives

* Salt from salt bins is for use on public roads and footways only, not for use on private property.

Selecta DNA - OFFER AVAILABLE TO ALL FARMS

Receive a FREE Selecta DNA kit and warning sign to forensically mark your valuable items and deter offenders, when you sign up to Thames Valley Alert scheme. Selecta DNA is a unique forensic marking solution which you can use to property mark your valuable items within your homes, outbuildings, sheds etc. Making them identifiable if recovered by the police. The warning signs deter offenders from targeting your property but informing them that items are forensically marked, therefore making your property a less appealing target to potential offenders.
One kit per farm whilst stocks last. Contact claire.marchant@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk for more details

CESAR – Discounted prices.

Thames Valley Police and Bucks County Council are offering CESAR identification marking for plant machinery (tractors, trailers, quad bikes etc) at discounted prices (for up to 5 pieces of machinery).
The first kit will be at 60% discount, bringing the price from £149 (+VAT) to £59.50 +VAT, (this also includes a warning sign to deter offenders). A further 4 kits can be purchased at a discounted price of £88 +VAT. (For Bucks farmers) other farmers within TVP can still take advantage of the TVP discount of £88 per kit (up to 5 pieces of machinery).
 

For a limited period, Datatag approved technicians will be installing the CESAR marking system on equipment and machinery in Buckinghamshire for only £59.50 plus VAT, a massive 60% saving on the suggested retail price of £149 plus VAT*. Up to four additional machines can be marked at the discounted price of £88 plus VAT

PLEASE NOTE

Anyone presenting a machine to be protected by the CESAR system must provide

(1) Original Receipt / proof of purchase

(2) DVLA V5 Log Book or Original Certificate of Conformity

To secure your place please telephone the Datatag booking hotline on 01932 796 788 and quote discount code BCC2013

Payments must be made in full at time of booking and can be made by credit/debit card:

- A TVP discounted CESAR system or discounted Compact CESAR system will cost

£59.50 plus VAT

- Four additional machines can be marked at the discounted price of £88 plus VAT

Terms and conditions

. Only one CESAR system or One Compact CESAR system per customer can be installed at the discounted price

. Additional CESAR and Compact CESAR systems can be supplied and installed at the standard

TVP 20% discount of £88 (plus VAT)

. Any machine or equipment presented for installation must be registered to an owner who lives in the Buckinghamshire County Council area

. Anyone wishing to have a CESAR system installed on their machine must reserve their place by telephoning Datatag on 01932 796 788 and the reference BCC2013 quoted

. All payments for systems must be made IN FULL at time of booking

Independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is today offering a reward of up to £3,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the violent attack and robbery of a High Wycombe shopkeeper.

On Saturday 26 January 2013 between 1pm and 1.45pm a man wielding a large knife entered the Premier Stores Convenience Store on Booker Lane and threatened, attacked and tied up the shopkeeper before escaping with approximately £77k from the ATM machine and Post Office. The man is described as black or Asian, 6ft tall and in his mid-twenties, wearing dark clothing and a dark blue scarf around his face.

Phil Gomm, Chair of Thames Valley Crimestoppers, said: “This was a heinous and violent attack carried out in broad daylight and the ordeal has left the shopkeeper and members of the community in shock.

“The Crimestoppers charity is offering a reward of up to £3,000 to anyone who can supply us with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this offence. Someone out there has information that can help bring this criminal to justice. Perhaps you witnessed the event or saw suspicious activity in the area? Crimestoppers wants to receive any information no matter how insignificant it may seem.

“We do not ask for your name and no call is traced or recorded. You won’t have to give a statement, speak to the police or go to court – we only want to know what you know, not who you are. In the 25 years that Crimestoppers has been running we have never broken our anonymity promise.”

Detective Constable Chris Mavers of High Wycombe CID commented: “Thames Valley Police is working closely with the community to investigate this serious crime. However there may be some people who feel unable to speak directly to us for whatever reason. These people we urge to contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously.”

If you have any information on this incident please contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be given anonymously through the Crimestoppers website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Only information given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 that leads to a conviction is eligible for the reward. The reward cannot be claimed for information given online or directly to the police.

The Government is bringing in compulsory microchipping for all dogs from 6 April 2016 to help reunite owners with lost or stolen pets, relieve the burden on animal charities and local authorities and protect the welfare of dogs by promoting responsible dog ownership.

Support from Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, means a free microchip will be available for all unchipped dogs in England.

From 6 April 2016 all dogs will be required to have a microchip giving owners three years to get their dogs microchipped for free from the Dogs Trust. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home are also offering free microchipping in their three centres.

After 6 April 2016, owners of dogs found by the police or local authorities not to have a microchip will have the benefits explained to them and be given a short period to comply with the microchipping law. If they do not, they will face a fine of up to £500.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2013/02/06/all-dogs-microchip/

www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/dog-ownership/

Children are embracing more technology – and at a younger and younger age – than ever before. Keeping them safe can sometimes be a challenge particularly if you don’t know where to go for help and advice.

That’s why ParentPort has brought together key tips and safety advice and put them in one place.

http://www.parentport.org.uk

You can buy a home with a 5% deposit: FirstBuy for first time buyers and NewBuy for everyone

rightmove.co.uk/firstbuy/

newbuy.org.uk

For residents wanting to save their local pub, fans aiming to take ownership of their football club or local people intending to produce their own renewable energy together, community share offers are proving a vital lifeline for communities across the country. The government-backed unit will support the growth of a sustainable market for community shares, building on the successful share offers that have already taken place.

http://communityshares.org.uk/

Local authorities directly benefiting from the Government’s flagship High Speed Rail 2 (HS2) project face additional costs and the sacrifice of land to support the £33bn scheme, the Department for Transport (DfT) has revealed.

A DfT command paper on the project published last week, suggests it is ‘fair and right’ that parties benefiting from HS2 including councils and businesses ‘work collaboratively with the Government on options to support the project financially’.

‘Depending on specific circumstances, this might involve the commitment of funds, the commitment of land, or the alignment of local investment plans (for example in regard to HS2 stations) – to maximise the local and national economic and regeneration benefits of HS2,’ the paper states.

HS2 would run from London to Yorkshire via Birmingham, cutting journey times between London and Manchester by around half to just over an hour.

Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Sheffield and Derby, which will each receive new high-speed stations, are expected to be asked to contribute.

The DfT command paper states: ‘The Government intends to engage with the cities, a range of businesses and other interests to develop funding options… The Government is committed to securing a fair deal for the taxpayer, the cities and other interested parties.’

Paul Bayliss, the leader of Derby City Council, said any extra costs for local authorities could still be good value for money due to the increase in jobs the rail line could bring.

‘If the cost of the investment means we have a £145m return and thousands of jobs it's a good use of resources,’ he said.

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said the contributions expected would depend on ‘local circumstances’.
 

http://www.localgov.co.uk/index.cfm?method=news.detail&id=108692

Homeowners looking to take their next step on the property ladder will now be able to trade their old property in for a new-built home, Housing Minister Mark Prisk said today (25 January 2013).

Launching ‘NewBuy part exchange’, the minister said this new measure would help free up the housing market, not just for these ‘second-steppers’, but also for aspiring first-time buyers, as more properties are freed up to buy.

From today, builders offering the NewBuy scheme will now offer to buy a customer’s existing property in advance of selling them a newly built home, alongside their 5% deposit.

NewBuy success

This move will address a key issue in the housing market, where existing homeowners are struggling to sell their current property and so move up the chain.

It comes as the Home Builders Federation report that there have been 3,000 reservations made through the NewBuy scheme, which offers the opportunity to buy a newly built home with a fraction of the deposit that’s normally required.

Mark Prisk said:

“The NewBuy scheme is unique in the industry in that it not only supports aspiring homeowners, but also those looking to move up the property ladder.

“The part-exchange offer to second-steppers will help them make that move, getting the housing market moving and ensuring those looking to move to a bigger home more suited to their needs can do so.”

Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation, said:

“We know that there is a huge pent-up demand for home ownership after years when large deposit requirements have prevented many people from buying their first home or trading up to a larger home.

“NewBuy means people can buy a new home with a 5% deposit and is now a real option for those who thought they couldn’t get on to the property ladder.

“Allowing people to part-exchange their existing homes and buy a new one using NewBuy will also be a huge boost for those families stuck in their existing homes, unable to sell and without the required deposit to move.”
Further information

NewBuy part-exchange will be available for the first 6 months of 2013, with the possibility of this being extended subject to demand.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/newbuy-part-exchange-will-free-up-more-homes-for-aspiring-buyers

Have your say in helping to decide what the local priorities should be for your area and where local budgets and services should be used.

Please use this link for more information and to complete a short survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QQMDTH5.

All age groups are welcome to participate.

The deadline is 18th February 2013.

The planning minister, Nick Boles has launched a consultation on proposals to simplify the planning applications process by removing ‘unnecessary' paperwork, such as a council’s reason for granting planning permission.

The proposals also include reinstating an applicant's ability to challenge councils about the information needed for a valid application and removing the statutory burden of requiring design and access statements with minor applications.

Boles said: ‘We are determined to cut away unnecessary burdens and paperwork and provide a simpler, swifter planning system for all.

‘The small changes we are proposing are another step in streamlining an application process that for too long has been weighed down by the need to provide irrelevant information and detail.’

Road safety minister, Stephen Hammond, claimed the advice would allow councils to implement ‘more consistent’ speed limits and allow authorities to implement 20mph limits and zones.

It includes an online speed limit appraisal tool to assist local authorities making the case for introducing lower speed limits. The toolkit enables councils to calculate the potential costs and benefits of implementing limits, and fulfils the commitment to the DfT’s strategic framework for road safety.

Roads minister Stephen Hammond said: ‘Local councils should set speed limits based on their local knowledge and on the views of the community. That is why we have launched an online toolkit alongside our new guidance to help councils make the best decisions for their local areas.’

Research by shared space consultant Ben Hamilton-Baillie and cranial pathologists suggested 20mph was a ‘natural’ limit for human impact with surfaces, as humans have evolved to run at a maximum speed similar to this limit – whereas beyond 20mph there is a ‘significantly heightened’ chance of brain damage.

Islington LBC has become one of the latest in a series of councils to implement the policy, as it begins to be rolled out nationally – with broad support from the DfT and local transport minister, Norman Baker.

Phillipa Hunt, director of policy at charity, Living Streets, said: ‘Whilst the guidance could have gone further this should be taken as a green light for Local Authorities to introduce 20mph speed limits to reflect the needs of all road users, not just motorised vehicles.

To track your bus online use one of the following links:

COMPUTER: nextbus.travel

MOBILE: nextbuses.mobi

can track all the gritters by name on their routes using Transport for Buckinghamshire’s Service Information Centre.

All the gritters have GPS trackers installed so that as soon as they start their routes, their progress can be seen online.

When the gritters aren’t out, the ‘Precautionary routes’ can still be seen on the county map for reference. Sometimes you may see some vehicles out on the network during the day time when we are not gritting. This is because some of our gritters have
demountable hoppers and can be fitted up with other equipment to carry out road repairs and other tasks during the day.

The gritters are fitted with a salt hopper and also tanks on the sides to hold brine. We now pre-wet our salt, spreading both on the road at the same time. This helps the salt to start working quicker and also helps it go further.

Snow ploughs are only used when snow falls in excess of 50mm. This is because 50mm is the required clearance between the road and the underside of the plough. This means, however, that ploughs can not be used on roads that have speed humps
or sharp changes in gradient as the plough would ground and damage the road surface. In addition to this, because the plough protrudes some distance from the front of the vehicle, it can be impractical to plough some urban roads and roads with
tight bends.

Sometimes we call on farmers to help us out with ploughing in the event of prolonged severe weather as ploughs can be fitted to some tractors. Famers need to be registered with TfB as they have to meet certain criteria to carry out such work.

If you see a gritter on the road and it’s not spreading salt, don’t worry! It may be that it is on its way to start its route, or has finished its designated route and is on its way back to the depot.

Gritters also switch off their salt when stopped at traffic lights or roundabouts to avoid a pile of salt being left in the road.

Follow a gritter on Twitter @tfbalerts.

Track them at www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport and click on Winter Maintenance.

......burglaries across the district where cars and car keys have been stolen.

Thieves have broken into properties in roads including, Springfield Road in Stokenchurch, Brunel Road in Downley, Rose Avenue in Hazlemere, Pound Lane in Marlow and Redman Road in Booker.

In most instances the burglars have managed to get access to the property by a UVPC door that has not been double-locked.

Area Commander, Supt Gilbert Houalla, added: “I cannot stress how important it is to make sure that you have double locked your front door, even when you are in the house, or go to bed at night, and hidden your car keys.

These burglars are targeting expensive cars, most of which cannot be stolen without keys.

“We will of course investigate every crime to make sure that we arrest, convict and lock up any criminals but I would rather make sure that the crimes didn’t happen in the first place, so please don’t make it easy for them.”

Below are some crime prevention tips to help keep your property secure:

1. Double lock your front door with a key (even when you are in the house). It is not sufficient to simply lift the handle

2. Never leave your keys;
- in locks
- on a window ledge
- on the kitchen table
- on a hook behind the door

3. Keep your keys safe and away from the front door, but easily accessible in case of a fire, and make sure your keys are always in the same place at night-time.

13 December 2012
Christopher Niebel and Gary McNeish, joint owners of Tetrus Telecoms, have been prosecuted by the ICO for failing to notify under section 17 of the Data Protection Act. The defendants pleaded guilty at two separate hearings and were fined £3000 which was reduced to £2000 in both cases due to an early guilty plea. Niebel and McNeish were each ordered to pay prosecution costs of £482.50 and a £15 victims surcharge. The conviction comes after Niebel and McNeish were served with monetary penalties totaling £440,000 for a serious breach of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) after the company they owned sent millions of spam texts to members of the public without their consent.
 

28 November 2012
A London barrister has been prosecuted by the ICO for failing to notify under section 17 of the Data Protection Act. Jeanette Hayne pleaded guilty at the hearing on 28 November 2012 but Westminster Magistrates decided to dispose of the case by way of an absolute discharge owing to particular mitigating circumstances. Concluding the hearing, the magistrate warned that those whose profession is to prosecute people for failing to comply with the law must meet their legal obligations.

2 August 2012
A Lancashire bar owner has been prosecuted by the ICO for failing to register his premises’ use of CCTV equipment.
 

30 March 2012
A Slough letting agent and one of its directors who unlawfully obtained details about their tenants from a rogue employee at Slough Borough Council have been found guilty of committing offences under Section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA).
 

27 February 2012
A letting agent who unlawfully tried to obtain details about a tenant’s finances from the DWP has been found guilty of an attempt to commit an offence under section 55 of the Data Protection Act and the Criminal Attempts Act.
 

12 January 2012
A former health worker has pleaded guilty to unlawfully obtaining patient information by accessing the medical records of five members of her ex-husband’s family in order to obtain their new telephone numbers.
 

16 December 2011
A receptionist who unlawfully obtained her sister-in-law’s medical records in order to find out about the medication she was taking has been found guilty of an offence under section 55 of the Data Protection Act.

10 November 2011
A former gambling industry worker who unlawfully obtained and sold personal data relating to over 65,000 online bingo players has pleaded guilty to committing three offences under section 55 of the Data Protection Act.
 

13 September 2011
A bank cashier yesterday pleaded guilty to using her position to access illegally the personal details of a sex attack victim. The cashier’s husband had been convicted of carrying out the attack and was serving time in jail.
 

10 June 2011
Two former employees of UK mobile operator T-Mobile who illegally stole and sold select customer data from the company in 2008 have been ordered to pay a total of £73,700 in confiscation orders and costs as part of a hearing at Chester Crown Court.
 

1 June 2011
A personal injury claims company employee has been prosecuted for illegally obtaining NHS patients’ information.

More details at http://www.ico.gov.uk/enforcement/prosecutions.aspx

When to treat the roads is not a decision that is taken lightly. Each precautionary run is expensive and uses approximately 65 tonnes of salt. However, failure to salt when a severe weather event takes place would be dangerous, so the process for making the decision is as follows:

Readings are taken from monitoring stations around the county. These stations monitor ground temperature as the decision to salt is based on the temperature of the roads rather than air.

Daily weather forecasts are received including graphs showing the predicted ground temperature and dew point. The dew point is the point where air has cooled to a degree that it can no longer hold moisture. If the ground temperature is forecast to drop to zero, ice would be expected to occur on untreated roads.

As well as the technical reports, experience and team work plays a big part in deciding when to send the gritters out. Timing is important when deciding to treat the network. We usually send the gritters out at 19.00 and/or 04.00 to ensure the roads
are treated before the road temperature drops below zero and before peak travel time in the morning. This also means the gritters should have a clear run of the roads as they can struggle to effectively salt a route if there is a lot of traffic.

If it is raining in the early evening, a decision may be taken to salt later so the rain doesn’t wash the salt away. If snow is forecast before 19.00, the gritters may be sent out earlier, before the afternoon rush hour.

Two decisions are made over gritting in Buckinghamshire – one for the north of the county and one for the south, as weather conditions and road temperatures may vary.

Once a decision has been made, Transport for Buckinghamshire’s website is updated and a Twitter alert is sent out. You can follow us on Twitter @tfbalerts for daily updates.

Christmas Lights - Top Tips

From the Electrical Safety Council

To help prevent the most common electrical problems with Christmas lights, we recommend the following simple precautions and checks.

ALWAYS:

- read and follow the manufacturers' instructions
- check your Christmas lights are not damaged or broken before use and look out for loose wires
- use only replacement bulbs of the same type and rating as those originally supplied with the lights
- ensure all outdoor lights are conneted via a 30mA RCD protected socket
- replace failed lamps immediately to prevent overheating
- ensure plugs and transformers are plugged in indoors, even if the lighting is suitable for outdoor use
- switch your lights off and unplug them before you go to bed or go out
- keep lights away from flammable decorations and materials that can burn easily

NEVER:

- use lights outdoors unless they are specially designed for such use
- connect different lighting sets together
- connect lights to the supply whilst still in the packaging
- remove or insert lamps while the chain is connected to the supply
- overload sockets - try to avoid the use of extension leads or adaptors
- allow children or pets to play with Christmas lights
- attempt to repair faulty lights - replace them
- use lights that are damaged or faulty

Do have a happy and safe Christmas followed by a healthy and prosperous 2013

NHS 111 – the new number for urgent (but not life-threatening) calls – is being introduced in Buckinghamshire early in 2013. This briefing gives an outline of the service. More information will be available for stakeholders in the months running up to the launch.

It is planned that the service will go live in late February 2013, when everyone in Buckinghamshire will be able to use the 111 number. Two stakeholder workshops – aimed at addressing concerns and outlining the steps leading to the launch – are also planned to take place early in the new year. If you would like to take part, please get in touch via the contact details at the end of this briefing.

If you ring NHS 111 before the launch date, you will get a recorded message advising you to ring 999 if it’s a life-threatening emergency or to call 0845 46 47 or your GP.

The 0845 number currently in use will be switched off on 21 March 2013. Callers will then be re-directed to NHS 111.

What is NHS 111?

NHS 111 will ensure local people receive the right care from the right person, in the right place, at the right time. It will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; providing a clinical assessment at the first point of contact, without the need to call patients back.

Once the service is introduced, there will only be three numbers; 999 for life-threatening emergencies, the GP surgery or 111.

The NHS 111 service is being introduced nationally on a phased basis and will be live across the country by the end of 2013.

NHS 111 will direct people to the right NHS service, first time, without the need for them to be re-triaged; and will be able to transfer clinical assessment data to other providers and book appointments for patients where appropriate.

NHS 111 will work alongside the 999 emergency service and will be able to dispatch an ambulance without delay and without the need for the patient to repeat any information.

It is intended that NHS 111 is introduced across the country by the end of 2013.

NHS Direct won the contract to provide the service following a rigorous tendering process.

How will it work?

NHS 111 uses a system called NHS Pathways, which enables the call handler to assess patients via telephone, based on the symptoms they report when they call. This initial assessment will help determine the service they need, as well as how urgently they must be seen. The system returns a ‘disposition’ which defines which clinical service can best meet the patient’s need.

This is underpinned by a Directory of Services, which is integrated with NHS Pathways, and provides the call handler with real-time information about services available for the patient locally.

If you would like more information about the introduction of NHS 111, please email nhs.111@buckinghamshire.nhs.uk or call 01494 552286.
 

Garsington Opera is holding an EVENING OF CAROLS on Saturday 15 December 7 – 9pm at Arts4Every1, High Wycombe, preceded by a rehearsal between 2pm – 6pm. Everyone is welcome.

Following the highly popular event last year, and as part of the recruitment drive for the Community Opera in 2013, the Garsington Opera Education team, comprising the talented and lively opera singers Robert Gildon and Anna Sideris, vocal coach Lea Cornthwaite and inspirational director Karen Gillingham, are hoping to attract many singers of all standards . The evening will include a mixture of well known and lesser known carols and will culminate in mince pies and mulled wine.

Arts4Every1, High Wycombe, The Old St John Church Halls, Desborough Road, HP11 2PU

Garsington Opera Education has been running for a number of years inspiring young people across Oxfordshire to discover and develop an interest in opera. Since relocating to the Wormsley Estate on the border of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire in 2011, Garsington Opera’s education programme has began to establish itself through a variety of projects and programmes for schools and local communities in and around Wormsley. As part of the 2013 season a large scale community opera is planned.

Download the map.

Please note that this map covers the whole of Buckinghamshire and is 4mb in size.

Cost: Rock salt is supplied to the local authority at a cost and there is a limited budget available for winter maintenance.

Suitability: Salt works most effectively on well used roads as the tyre motion plays a key role in the process. It is a better management of a limited resource to target such roads.

Availability: Rock salt production is not sufficient in this country to salt every road. This was only too apparent in the winter of 2009–10 when a prolonged period of cold weather put pressure on the national salt supplies.

Orders to local authorities were cancelled by central government who then took control of the distribution of supplies. Local authorities were instructed to cut down on their precautionary salting routes and the council had to set in place the emergency
salting routes.

Environment: Salting at the current level of 40% of the road network is not deemed to have a significant impact on the local environment. However damage to roadside plant life is evident at the end of the season.

Though seepage into water courses is deemed to be at safe levels if TfB were to salt 100% of the network on a precautionary policy, we would see saline seepage into water courses at more harmful levels.

So how does Transport for Buckinghamshire decide which roads they treat?

TfB salt a network of key roads that provide passage around the county. These roads are known as Precautionary Routes and are salted routinely whenever a decision to salt is made. These roads consist of all A and B class roads and some C and
unclassified roads.

Historically, there has been little or no information available to clinical staff when patients are seen out of hours or in an emergency, for example in Out-of-Hours GP Services or Emergency Departments at hospitals.

The Summary Care Record (SCR) is a secure, national electronic summary of key health information available to authorised healthcare staff providing care to patients in urgent, out-of-hours and unscheduled care settings in England. Because the Summary Care Record is an electronic record, it will give authorised healthcare staff faster, easier access to essential health information about patients to help ensure safe treatment during an emergency – wherever the patient is in England.

The SCR contains only a core set of essential health information:

· Patient’s medications

· Allergies

· Adverse reactions

A key part of the rollout of the Summary Care Record is the patient mailing stage known as the Public Information Programme (PIP), usually carried out over a 12 week period. The PCT in Buckinghamshire will implement a PIP to support the roll-out of the SCR starting at the end of November 2012 and continuing through to February 2013.

All patients registered with a GP in the County of Buckinghamshire will receive:

· a letter;

· a leaflet

· and an opt out form

If you choose to have a Summary Care Record – do nothing! If you choose not to have a Summary Care Record – complete the opt out form and return in the freepost business reply service.

More information about Summary Care Records is available at www.nhscarerecords.nhs.uk or calling the information line on 0300 123 3020.

The election result was declared on (16/11), and Mr Stansfeld will take up his role from 22 November, with the Police Authority ceasing to exist at 11.59pm on Wednesday 21 November.

At midnight on Thursday 22 November, all police staff employed by the Authority will transfer to the PCC.

The PCC will indicate their proposed budget and precept for 2013 – 2014 in December, and their Police and Crime Plan will be published by March 2013.

Chief Constable Sara Thornton said: “I would like to congratulate Mr Stansfeld on his election victory and look forward to working together on behalf of the people in the Thames Valley.”

Full election results:

http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/news/2012/nov/pcc-election-result-declared-thames-valley/

There is currently one vacancy on the Parish Council.

This is an unpaid position which involves working for the local community within a team of 11 Councillors.

The Parish Council meets on the evening of the first Monday of each month except Bank Holidays or unless otherwise stated.

Any resident over the age of 18 who is on the Electoral Role and is able to make a regular commitment is eligible to join the council.

If you would like to be considered for co-option to the Parish Council please send written confirmation of your interest to Hayley Glasgow, 74 New Road, Sands, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4LG or by email to clerk@laneendparishcouncil.org.uk. Your expression of interest should contain a few lines about yourself, your interests and what you feel you can contribute to the Parish Council’s work within the community.

If you need any more information you can contact the Clerk on 01494 437111, or simply leave your contact details on the form supplied and we will contact you.
 

The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to provide the local community with information regarding issues that were reported to the police and their efforts to try and resolve them. We also would like to take the opportunity to provide crime prevention advice.

This time of year often sees an increase in homes being burgled. The clocks have gone back and the nights are drawing in. As a result many homes are left in complete darkness giving any burglar the impression that the premise is unoccupied. With Christmas also approaching burglars are aware that many homes will soon be full of the latest gadgets and boxed gifts. Burglars will target homes that are in darkness. Therefore over the past couple of weeks the team has been completing foot patrols and visiting any homes that we feel would be an easy target for a burglar. Any homes we find in complete darkness we have and will continue to put crime prevention literature through the door and a leaflet explaining why we had paid a visit to encourage residents to leave a light on. Burglars can be creatures of habit. Once they find an area where it is easy to commit an offence they will continue to target this area committing more offences. Therefore it is all of our responsibility on the neighbourhood to try and make the area as difficult for a burglar as possible. Please consider using a light timer switch to give the illusion someone is home thus deterring a burglar.

SOME FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Close all the gates to the property if it is feasible to do so and secure them when not in use.
2. Consider fences and gates that you can see through. Consider use of prickly shrubs or trimming existing hedges, etc.
3. Lock all your windows and doors when the property is empty.
4. Make sure the garage is properly secured as above.
5. If able to be adequately secured by mortise locks do so, if not consider fitting padlocks or lockable bolts.
6. Lock all your tools and garden equipment away when not in use.
7. Make arrangements for deliveries to be dealt with by a neighbour/friend or cancel them if not required. 8. Make sure your property is not left in darkness when it is unoccupied. Consider fitting external security lights.
9. Fit good strong windows and patio door locks. Consider the installation of a security alarm.
10. Ensure all windows accessible from the roof are properly secured with window locks. Consider the use of prickly plants around edge of building or use of anti vandal paint (only above 1.8m and with appropriate signs.) which

Anti-Social Behaviour(ASB)
The team are very pleased to say that reports of ASB have been very low now for some time. Over the Halloween period it is usually expected that the number of reports of ASB will rise significantly. As a result of this the team worked extra late shifts in an attempt to provide a visible presence to deter any trick or treaters getting out of hand. This has been successful in that there was not even one report of any anti social behaviour made across our neighbourhood on the evening of Halloween, 31st October.

Offenders brought to justice
A 25 year old Male from Stokenchurch has been charged with the offence of common assault following an incident in the village in May. A 34 year old male from London has been charged with the offence of Theft from a motor vehicle, on Bradenham Road, West Wycombe. A 28 year old Male from Stokenchurch has been charged with the offence of possessing Cannabis with the intention to supply after being arrested on New Road, Stokenchurch in July. A 31 year old male from High Wycombe has been charged with numerous offences of making off without payment. One of these offences took place in Stokenchurch and another in West Wycombe. The male filled his vehicle with fuel and drove away without paying. A 11 year old male from Lane End has been charged with assault ABH after an incident that took place in the village in July.

SPEEDING:
Speeding will continue to be a priority on the neighbourhood. Each month we get numerous requests from members of the public to complete speed enforcement patrols on the road in which they live. Unfortunately we do not have the time or the resources to target every road, especially with our neighbourhood being so large. Therefore we have had to prioritise where we complete speed enforcement. Over the coming months we will set a couple of locations that we will target and we will then report back with the results in this news letter each month informing you of the number of tickets, community speed watch letters etc we have issued. During the month of November we will prioritise BRADENHAM ROAD, WEST WYCOMBE and WYCOMBE ROAD, STOKENCHURCH.

PARKING:
Parking complaints generate a very high proportion of calls made to the police. For me to write about the various parking issues that the HNPT encounter would take forever! The Highway Code website has information about parking. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069860?CID=TAT&PLA=url_mon&CRE=highwaycode_parking (opens new window)

Partnership Activity
Did you know that there is a Neighbourhood action group that represents the Stokenchurch, Lane End, Piddington and West Wycombe area? The NAG consist of a voluntary group of people who meet with the police on a regular basis to discuss issues that have an impact upon the local community and to try and find a joint way of solving them. Interested in getting involved then please get in touch. Please see the attached document for more details. http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/nagleaflet.pdf

Have Your Say meetings: Come and meet the team at the following locations and discuss any issues that concern you:
Friday 16th November 2012, 1700 hours-1730 hours---Piddington Village Hall
Friday 23rd November 2012, 1500 hours-1530 hours—Cadmore End Village Hall
Saturday 24th November 2012, 1200 hours-1230 hours, School Close, Stokenchurch

Have Your Say online You can now send non-emergency messages to us using the online form that is available on the Thames Valley Police website. A number of people have already sent their concerns using this method. For you to do that please follow the link: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/yournh-about-nh-pol/yournh-tvp-pol-area-n235-hys. Please allow some time for us to get back to you as we do check our mail box only at certain times of the day.

Have you Signed up to Thames Valley Alerts? Thames Valley Alerts is the new system for receiving crime and policing updates for your area. The state-of-the-art system allows anyone who signs up to chose what updates they receive and how they would like to receive it. A new option includes receiving information via text and more traditional landline and email messages will still be available. You can also filter the updates you receive by specifying the priority level of the messages you receive. To sign up to receive alerts visit www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/ (opens new window) If you have anything that you would like to discuss with the team then feel free to attend a have your say meeting. If you cannot make these events then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Neighbourhood Team using the Thames Valley Police non emergency number on 101. Finally the team would love to hear from the public regarding any positive or negative feedback that you may have. PC 2272 Danny O’ Driscoll, PC 2719 Claire Marchant, PCSO 9923 Penny Ling, PCSO 9635 Andy Seston and PCSO 8899 Emily Watkins Stokenchurch, Lane End and West Wycombe Community Team.

Reports have been received by London and Sussex councils of fake websites which have been set-up to mirror the look of the council's parking fines sites.

People accessing the websites were asked to supply their personal details including date of birth and credit card details and several frauds have occurred since.

Always check that the URL in the address bar is what you expect it to be and it should ALWAYS start https://

If you're unsure search for the website using Google or your favourite search engine and work from there.

Each year the Partnership produces a Community Safety Partnership Plan which sets out the priorities for improving safety and how the Partnership will do this.

An online survey has been produced which is your opportunity to let us know whether we have identified the right priorities for 2013/14 and which are most important to you.

The results of this survey will influence the work the Partnership will undertake next year. A summary of the results will be put onto the Wycombe District Council website within the Community Safety Section in April 2013. This questionnaire will run from Friday 2nd November 2012 to Friday 1st February 2013.

To complete the survey, please go to

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/community-and-living/community-safety/news.aspx

Paper copies will be available at WDC receptions and at leaflets stands across the district. Please feel free to promote this survey as widely as possible as we would like a good response from the community.
 

Potholes are classified as one of two categories, CAT1 or CAT2.

CAT1 potholes are defined as deeper than 40mm and wider than
300mm. They are deemed as an immediate highway safety concern
requiring urgent remedy.

Transport for Buckinghamshire aims to carry out a first time permanent
repair to all CAT1 defects within 24 hours. There are occasions,
however, when factors necessitate a temporary repair being undertaken;
in these circumstances a further permanent repair will be completed
within 28 days.

CAT2 potholes require less immediate attention. These are reported to
the Local Area Technician who decides upon the most appropriate type
of repair and timescale for further action.

Potholes are reported by routine inspections of the highway. TfB’s team
of Highways Safety Inspectors carry out inspections of all roads in the
County with the frequency of inspections varying from 2 per year for all
unclassified road to 12 per year on all A roads.

TfB also encourages members of the public to report road problems via
the following methods:

• Report a Problem page on the Service Information Centre

• ‘TfB Service Infomation Centre’ iPhone app (available on the Apple App Store)

• Emergency number (detailed below)

For further information visit the Service Information Centre:
www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport

For urgent or emergency highways issues call:
0845 230 2882

Follow us on Twitter:
@TfBalerts

Please find a link to this years budget and strategic plan consultation, titled “Tackling what’s important to Buckinghamshire residents”.

The link is www.buckscc.gov.uk/ourplans.

Please help us by responding to the consultation.

The consultation is open until the 11th November.

Last year, Police recorded the highest level of crime on Halloween compared with any other single day across the rest of the year. There was also a significant rise in urgent calls to the Police Enquiry Centre in 2011. Although Halloween always shows a peak in calls, last year showed the highest levels in five years.

There will be Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), Special Constables and police officers on late shifts, to be able to cope with the demand Halloween brings, but also to act as a visible deterrent to anyone looking to commit crime or anti-social behaviour.

Tim De Meyer, Head of Neighbourhood Policing and Partnerships said: “I know for some people, this time of year can be unsettling as your evenings are interrupted with people knocking on your doors for treats.

“Most of these children or teenagers are just getting involved in the Halloween celebrations and will be friendly.

“Your neighbourhood team will be carrying out patrols in the evenings to make sure people who are trick or treating are doing so in a friendly manner and not causing a nuisance.”

Halloween can be a lot of fun and we are not opposed to people wanting to have a good time, but keep in mind that it can be unsettling for some. Residents who would rather not be bothered by trick or treaters this Halloween can download and print a ‘No trick or treat’ poster here to display in a window.

We would like to encourage all parents, if they have children who will be going out on Halloween night, to recognise this poster and if they see it displayed in a window to move on to the next house.

We want everybody to have fun during Halloween and Bonfire night, but don’t want children and teenagers to be influenced by others into doing things that may seem minor at the time. Please remember, your actions could have a massive impact on not only people inside their house but to your life as well.

If you are trick or treating this year:

Don’t knock where you see a ‘No Trick or Treat’ poster
Be visible and stick to well lit streets
Don’t enter any house
Although Halloween is meant to be spooky, be careful not to frighten people
Plan your trick or treat route before you go and let an adult know where you’ll be going and what time you will be back
Go with an adult when possible

If at any point you do feel nervous or unsafe:

Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there. Use your spy-hole, look out of a window, and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door.
Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them.
if you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, let your coordinator know that you will be on your own at Halloween. If you are a coordinator, please identify people in your scheme that may be vulnerable and offer them reassurance.

The Police will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour at any time of the year.

Catalytic converters are designed to remove toxins from vehicle emissions. The devices contain small amounts of three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. In recent years, the price of these metals has soared to record levels, which means that catalytic converters can provide a substantial return to a thief for just a few minutes work

Please be vigilant and take the time to read the crime prevention advice provided below.

If you observe anyone or any vehicle acting suspiciously in the area or any information about the thefts then please get in touch with the police.

“8 Ways to Deter Catalytic Converter Thefts”

1) Defensive Parking
With a fleet of vehicles it is possible to block the high-clearance vehicles with low clearance vehicles. The goal here is obstructing access underneath the vehicle. At the very least it will slow the thieves down as much as possible so that other security measures have time to effectively respond.

2) Effective Security Lighting
Lighting is vital to reducing catalytic converter theft. Though opportunistic thieves may strike in busy areas in broad daylight, the more organized thieves are more professional, more risk averse and are more likely to offend at night. Good security lighting can therefore make vehicles more visible and improve natural surveillance. External dusk to dawn lighting which automatically stays on during the hours of darkness and goes off as it starts to get light is the most appropriate type of security lighting.

3) CCTV
For some businesses it will make sense to install CCTV to protect their vehicle fleet. Remote monitored CCTV could even stop catalytic converter theft before it happens if the monitoring centre can notify the police in real time as the offence is happening.

4) Perimeter Security
Fencing will deter the occasional/opportunistic catalytic thieves and it will slow down the more organized thieves. Advice on appropriate perimeter security can be provided by a Crime Reduction Advisor or information on ‘police preferred’ fencing products can be found within the ‘products’ section of the Secured by Design website (www.securedbydesign.com).

5) Welded Bolts
If a catalytic converter is a “bolt on” it is possible to have the bolts welded shut. This is only a deterrent to the lowest grade of catalytic converter thief though – the one who works only with a wrench. In some cases it might still be enough of a deterrent to help prevent a theft.

6) Catalytic Converter Protective Sleeves
Protective coverings for catalytic converters, such as the device known as the “Catclamp,” can deter thieves. The Catclamp and competitor Catcuff makes it much more difficult for the reciprocal saw wielding thief to steal catalytic converters. They are, however, quite expensive and may not be cost effective to protect a large fleet of vehicles or an auto dealership. They may be more appropriate for protecting owners of one or two vehicles.

7) ID# Etching
Etching a catalytic converter with a serial number will help the police to track your converter after it’s stolen. Overtly advertising that your vehicles are protected with this form of property marking may also deter offenders, as it will potentially reduce the opportunities for selling on the converters at reputable scrap metal dealers. More information on ID etching can be found at www.retainagroup.co.uk.

8) Parking
Park vulnerable vehicles such as BMW sprinter vans close together and surround them with smaller vehicles or next to walls to make it harder for criminals to gain access to the underneath area of the vehicle.

A Winter Driving Workshop provides a presentation on how to drive safely in challenging conditions followed by a demonstration on what essential vehicle checks you can make yourself in order to keep your vehicle maintained during the winter.

Current dates for November 2012 are below. Places cost £10 per person and includes a car safety pack with de-icer and a high viz jacket.

Dates:
Thursday 22nd November 2012 at STS Tyres, Aylesbury (Park Street)
Thursday 8th November 2012 at STS Tyres, High Wycombe (London Road)
Thursday 15th November 2012 at STS Tyres, Chesham (Amy Lane roundabout)

Events start at 7 pm and conclude at 9 pm. Light refreshments provided.

Places can be booked online by going to https://apps2.buckscc.gov.uk/eCommerce/process/product/ProductCatalogue.aspx

Or search "Shop" on the BCC website.

Hello from the Stokenchurch, Lane End and West Wycombe Neighbourhood Police Team (NHPT) and welcome to the October 2012 edition of the newsletter. The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to provide the local community with information regarding issues that were reported to the police and their efforts to try and resolve them. We recently informed you of a spate of offences that had taken place last month whereby offenders were stealing items from vehicles that had been left unlocked. Since then the team have delivered crime prevention advice across the neighbourhood and we are pleased to report that no further offences of this nature have been reported. During our patrols we have physically checked vehicles parked on main roads and side streets to see that they are locked and secure (Clear the Car Campaign). If a vehicle was found insecure or had tempting property left on show then attempts were made to find the owner of the vehicle. If the owner was located then suitable crime prevention advice was provided to them. If the owner could not be located at that time then a letter from the team has been delivered to the registered owner. It has been good to find that the vast majority of vehicles we have checked were locked and secure and had no property left on show. We do not want criminals getting an easy ride so we hope that this continues.

Vulnerable and Elderly People (VEP)
The Wycombe Police area has recently experienced a number of crimes where VEP have been specifically targeted or have been taken advantage of and had their personal savings or belongings stolen. The people who commit these types of crime know that by creating a deceptive situation, e.g. unnecessary building work or repairs required on your home, a friend in need that purports to have personal financial problems, etc, and by applying continued pressure, using intimidatory tactics and essentially preying upon peoples vulnerability, they are then able to take advantage. If you have a member of your family or a friend that may need help or you feel they are vulnerable to this type of crime, then please speak to them about the situation. It may be a difficult area to broach as the person that you are trying to help may feel that you are interfering with their affairs and trying to take control of their independence. If you need further help or advice please speak to your local Police Officer, Trading Standards, Council or Citizens Advice office. Anti-Social Behaviour

(ASB) Love Thy Neighbour
The team regularly become involved in a number of disputes that occur between neighbours. Often very petty matters become blown out of all proportion and lead to unnecessary conflict and an irreparable breakdown of neighbourly relationships. To try and help you to avoid any potential conflict with your neighbours, we want to provide you with the following tips and information:

Building work – Are you planning to carry out renovations or modifications to your property? If yes then consider keeping your neighbours informed of your building work schedule with a regularly updated newsletter. Include information about deliveries, how long a skip will be in place if it is placed on the road, how contact can be made with you or the site foreman if a neighbour has any concerns, etc. This approach may help to you prevent any disruption being caused to your neighbours daily activities and to their peace and quiet. For information about construction noise visit Wycombe District Council’s website: http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/environment/pollution/noise-pollution/construction-noise.aspx (opens new window)

Fence or Boundary Disputes – if you have a dispute over ownership of a fence, hedge or where the boundary of your property is in dispute then speak with your neighbour before taking any action. If your neighbour challenges ownership or disputes the boundary, then you will have to seek the advice of a chartered surveyor or a solicitor. Boundary disputes are not a police matter and will have to be sorted out via the civil court.

Noise – for information about noise related issues then visit the environmental protection or Wycombe District Council website: http://www.environmental-protection.org.uk/noise/environmental-noise/noise-pollution/#wa471 http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/environment/pollution/noise-pollution.aspx (opens new window)

Parking: Parking complaints generate a very high proportion of calls made to the police. I have had a look on line for information and found a website called Neighbours from Hell, which has a very informative article about a number of parking problems. The Highway Code website also has information about parking.
http://www.nfh.org.uk/resources/Articles/parking/index.php (opens new window) http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069860?CID=TAT&PLA=url_mon&CRE=highwaycode_parking (opens new window) The important message that we would like to get across is that prevention is better than the cure. It is good to talk and talking to you neighbours could help you avoid a whole host of problems.

Offenders brought to justice
A male from Stokenchurch has been cautioned for the offence of assault following a domestic dispute at an address in the village. A male from Bourne End has been issued with a fixed penalty notice after being found to be in possession of Cannabis in West Wycombe.

Partnership Activity
Did you know that there is a Neighbourhood action group that represents the Stokenchurch, Lane End, Piddington and West Wycombe area? The NAG consist of a voluntary group of people who meet with the police on a regular basis to discuss issues that have an impact upon the local community and to try and find a joint way of solving them. Interested in getting involved then please get in touch. Please see the attached document for more details. http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/nagleaflet.pdf

Have Your Say meetings:
Come and meet the team at the following locations and discuss any issues that concern you:
Monday 8th October 2012, Lane End Primary School Edmonds parade Lane End, 1500-1530. Wednesday 10th October 2012, Cadmore End School, Cadmore End, 1500-1530.
Wednesday 17th October 2012. Grays Dormer Thorne Road Lane End, 1100-1130.
Wednesday 24th October 2012. Piddington Village Hall, Queens’s road Piddington, 1700-1730 Wednesday 10th October 2012, West Wycombe Garden Centre,1500-1530.
Wednesday 17th Stockenchurch primary school 1500-1530.

Have Your Say online You can now send non-emergency messages to us using the online form that is available on the Thames Valley Police website. A number of people have already sent their concerns using this method. For you to do that please follow the link: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/yournh-about-nh-pol/yournh-tvp-pol-area-n235-hys. Please allow some time for us to get back to you as we do check our mail box only at certain times of the day. If you have anything that you would like to discuss with the team then feel free to attend a have your say meeting. If you cannot make these events then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Neighbourhood Team using the Thames Valley Police non emergency number on 101.

Finally the team would love to hear from the public regarding any positive or negative feedback that you may have. Pc 2272 Danny O’ Driscoll, PCSO 9923 Penny Ling & PCSO 9635 Andy Seston Stokenchurch, Lane End and West Wycombe Community Team.

Skype users are being told to be wary of malicious instant messages that are being sent through the service, designed to infect Windows computers

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

The poster IS poster size so if you want it A4 size or smaller please select the correct setting before printing.

http://www.mh-p.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/No-Trick-Or-Treat-Poster.pdf

With the nights drawing in as winter approaches, villains inevitably take advantage of dark corners for their shady business. Come along to our Crime Prevention Event on the 20th October when local groups will again join forces to heighten awareness of the people and organisations who can help Wycombe residents combat crime on their doorstep.

Neighbourhood Watch, CrimeStoppers, Thames Valley Police, Bucks Fire & Rescue Service, the council's Community Safety Team and one of the local drug agencies will be on hand for you to talk to and ask questions - please do join us and tell your neighbours and friends about it too. The message of the event is that you are less likely to be a victim of crime if you are aware of the issues in your area, and you are also less likely to be afraid of being a victim of crime if you are able to take steps to prevent it. Even an extra secure padlock or simple alarm can prevent and inconvenient and distressing burglary - Neighbourhood watch has a new alarmed padlock, with shock and movement sensor, a powerful 110 decibel siren, keypad, a battery powered and weather- resistant hardened Zinc Alloy body, hardended steel shackle, anti muffle design, which costs £14, and which will be avaliable at the event if you need some extra protection.

From October 2012, when you book an ATOL protected holiday, you should be given an ATOL Certificate by your travel company as soon as you pay over any money for the holiday - even if this is only a deposit.

Your ATOL Certificate is proof that the holiday you have booked is protected by the ATOL scheme. It will tell you:

What’s protected by ATOL
Who’s covered
Who is providing this protection (the travel company’s name and ATOL number)

Your ATOL Certificate will also tell you what to do if your travel company stops operating.

http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=27

GOV.UK replaces Directgov From 17 Oct

Take the tour:

https://www.gov.uk/tour

A large community opera, enabling young and old to work alongside professional singers, musicians, directors, designers, stage managers and technicians, will be performed as part of the Garsington Opera season in 2013.

Over one-hundred people are needed to form an adult and young chorus. Adult men and teenage boys and girls are invited to come to taster sessions at Stokenchurch Primary School on Saturday 29 September, 11 am – 4pm for adults and Tuesday 30 October 11am – 4pm for young people (12+). No previous experience is necessary and everyone is welcome, even those who think they cannot sing. Through these sessions Garsington Opera aims to build on its expanding group of local people (currently mainly female!) to form the chorus for the community opera which will be staged on 19 & 20 July 2013.

The legendary Sir Richard Stilgoe has been commissioned to write the libretto and Orlando Gough to compose the opera for three choruses and ensemble parts. There will be solo parts for young professional singers from Garsington Opera and the orchestra will be comprised of professional players from Southbank Sinfonia.

Workshops have already taken place in four local schools (Stokenchurch, Ewelme Primary schools, Royal Grammar School High Wycombe and Icknield Community College) with the creative team and a group of interested adults. The librettist and composer are now composing and developing the opera based on themes and musical ideas that emerged.

Richard Stilgoe said: One minute you are on the M40 being dive bombed by red kites; the next you are in the peace and beauty of Wormsley, surrounded by ancient trees. This contrast has been our starting point in which a community stands up and sits down for what it believes in.

Further information please contact Gemma Baxter or Kate Laughton 07709 871 133 / communityopera@garsingtonopera.org

When I first worked in Wycombe in 1999 for two years at the rank of detective sergeant, having transferred from Slough, I came to a town that had a reputation for being an area of high crime with a violent and unwelcoming town centre. I am delighted to say that this is no longer the case. Over the past few years crime figures in the area have significantly reduced and High Wycombe has been nationally recognised, winning the National Community Safety Award in 2009 and highlighted as a safe and welcoming town centre by Purple Flag assessors for the last three years.

Wycombe is a great place to work, to live and go out.

Our overarching policing priority is to reduce crime. We work closely with our partners, voluntary organisations and you as the public in order to achieve this. So far this year, there has been 192 fewer houses burgled than compared with this time last year. Burglary is a despicable crime and one that can be particularly intrusive and distressing for victims which is why I am particularly keen to keep reducing the number of offences that happen. This 56 percent reduction in crime, in an area that was already a low crime area, is the best reduction in the whole of Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

We remain determined to cut the crimes that are of most concern to you, so if a burglary happens, we try to achieve this by ensuring that our officers and partners are visible and in the right place at the right time.

It is also important to us to continually improve engagement with the community, and so I would encourage you to follow us on Twitter, @TVP_Wycombe and sign up to www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk to receive daily information about local crimes.

My priority now, as Deputy Area Commander, is to ensure that as well as maintaining these reductions, we also manage to improve our detections, and this is where we really need your help.

We need to catch more burglars! We want to be able to arrest and prosecute the people who are responsible for committing crime in the area.

Most burglars are local and live within the community so we really need you to call us with any suspicious behaviour, or even names. We will follow up every bit of information we receive.

If you do live in the Wycombe District and have previously been a victim of burglary then please don’t think you have been forgotten. I am personally reviewing every unsolved burglary that has happened in the area over the last few months to see if there is anything more that we can do to try and solve these cases.

Next week, I’ll let you know in more detail how important it is to protect front-line policing and what is involved in a burglary investigation, from when the police receive the call to details of the investigative process, including the roles of forensic crime scene examiners, CID detectives and dedicated investigators.

After the success of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes this summer, Wycombe District Council has managed to capture some of our local athletes and give you the chance to meet them in person on September 29th!

We have already had confirmation from many athletes, including Katherine Grainger and Greg Searle, and they will be boarding an open top bus to travel between our two specified ‘celebration points’. These will be at Bucks New University, in the open courtyard space between the two University buildings, and in Higginson Park in Marlow. Details will be on the Wycombe District Council website at the beginning of next week.

During this time, it is only right that we celebrate our local sporting success and recognise the importance of all aspects that make sport as important as it is. The Wycombe sports awards, sponsored by Parkwood Community Leisure, acknowledge our coaches, clubs, projects, volunteers, young volunteers and those that show a lifetime commitment to sport.

Details of the awards, and the individual sponsors of the awards, are found using the link below.

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/leisure-and-culture/sports/events.aspx

Finally, Wycombe District Council offers funding to young elite athletes that do not have the funding from their sports to represent their country. This award is called the Sir Steve Redgrave Award and will award grants of £250 - £1,500 to the candidates that meet the criteria. Again, the details are found using the link belowe.

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/community-and-living/grants/sports.aspx

All deadlines for the nominations are on October 1st so please get your nominations in quickly!

There has been a series of frauds committed in the Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire and Hampshire areas since April 2012 using a very similar method.

The offender targets church members, approaching people at or outside churches or church halls appearing upset and frantic for help.

He tells them that his mother has died that morning (often saying on the island of Jersey) and that he is in desperate need of funds to get out there to identify the body and bring her home.

He sometimes explains that his mother was a member of their church and lived locally until recently.

The suspect is extremely plausible, cries when recalling memories of his mother, often gives his name as ‘John Williams’ and passes a mobile phone number when asked.

He quotes the details of several of the churches local ministers to add validity to his story but these people happen to be on holiday at the time so it appears that he has done some preparatory research.

He is described as a white male, aged 30-35 years, 5’4” to 5’8” tall with a slim build, fair hair which is cut about ear length and he often wears a hoody and jeans.

If anybody matching this description is seen around local churches, please call 999 immediately.

On 1 October, the Emergency Medical Centre in Wycombe Hospital is closing and the new Minor Injuries and Illness Unit (MIIU) will open.

These services were discussed with members of the public through the Better Healthcare in Bucks consultation and we are keen to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of the changes as they are introduced.

Geoff Payne
Medical Director
Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire NHS Cluster

Bucks County Council's preferred method for registering children born between 1st Sept 2008 and 31st August 2009 is online at:

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/sites/bcc/schools/admissions/school_admissions.page

Parents seeking a place for their child for the next acedemic year can apply make their application online from 12th November 2012 but no later than 15th January 2013

Further information is available on 01296 383250 or admissions@buckscc.gov.uk

23rd September 2012
Lane End Playing Fields, The Row, HP14 3JR
11:00am-6.00pm

5 Aside Football Competition
(Registration from 9:30)
Cricket for beginners (under 16’s)
Cake Stall and Decorating Workshop
Crafts and Games
Bouncy Castle

BBQ
Licensed Bar
Open Mic Acoustic Sets
             (email Philip below for a slot)

Enquiries: Philip Malowney – 07951673798
philipmalowney@hotmail.com
 

For some time now the industry has been fighting rougue emails which contain a particularly nasty virus in a .zip file.

In the past they've purported to come from DHL, UPS, Royal Mail and other carriers, hotel booking agents etc. the latest incarnation claims to be from Facebook.

Do not attempt to open the .zip file attachment. If someone you know has sent you a .zip file check with them that it is genuine before opening.

mh-p internet Limited

Please could you make your residents aware of this.. We have had a call
today from a resident in Lane End who thinks someone has attempted to
scam her. A lady knocked on her door claiming to be from Talk Talk and
wanting to speak to her about broadband internet. She let the lady into
her house and the lady asked if she could use the house phone and if she
could have a piece of paper to write on. The resident then asked the
lady to leave as she felt uncomfortable.

She has double checked and it doesn't look like anything is missing. We
have knocked on a few of the neighbour's doors and it seems this lady
from Talk Talk went round to everyone. The neighbours are all concerned
that this is some sort of scam. We can't be sure if it is or if it's
genuine; however the resident rung Talk Talk who said they had no people
in the area today.

The NHS Direct app for Android and iPhone

NHS Direct has launched a mobile app that lets you access trusted and reliable healthcare advice from wherever you are, straight to your smartphone.

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/About/MobileApps

Hello from the Stokenchurch, Lane End and West Wycombe Neighborhood Police Team (NHPT) and welcome to the September 2012 edition of the newsletter. The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to provide the local community with information regarding issues that were reported to the police and their efforts to try and resolve them. At the beginning of the month of August several insecure vehicles were broken into, in Stokenchurch and small items were taken, the neighborhood policing team have been trying to drop letters into all the houses in the village reminding people not to leave anything on show in their cars and to make sure the vehicle is secure, DISPLAY AND YOU WILL PAY, We have also had a garage broken into in the Lane End area, where tools where taken.

We are reminding people to take measures to secure your property adding extra locks where appropriate and remembering not to leave any keys or valuables on display. Double check the security of your home paying as much attention to the back as to the front. Consider movement sensitive lighting for your garden. Closing curtains after dark and use of timer switches for internal lights is highly recommended. During warm weather, make sure that windows are closed when you leave. Do not place valuable items by an open window, even if you are at home. Laptops, cameras, iphones and ipods all feature as stolen items. Property marking is highly recommended. Please report any suspicious behaviour at the time.

Anti-Social Behaviour
The team are pleased to report that there has been a decrease in the number of reports of anti social behaviour (ASB) over the past month. There does not appear to be a problem with ASB in West Wycombe, Piddington, or Radnage. We have increased our patrols in the area of Millenium park lane End and the old ELGA site after reports of youths acting in a rowdy manner. We are still concerned about reports in Lane End and Stokenchurch of vehicles being used in an anti social manner. We will continue to target any persons responsible. There have been several reports of mini mopeds been driven around the Lane End area and wheeler common with no thought to other road users, when these offerenders are caught we will be issuing section 59’s to them. Section 59 warnings were introduced by the government to tackle motorists who drive their vehicles in an anti social manner. Before the 59 warnings were introduced an irresponsible driver did not quite do enough to warrant an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, e.g. careless driving, which was due to the brevity of the incident. The police also found that the inappropriate driving would also take place at an isolated location, e.g. retail park car park when closed, which did not cause any immediate danger to the public and thus would have an impact upon any potential prosecution. The warnings target those irresponsible drivers who do wheel spins, doughnuts or accelerate at an unnecessary speed, etc, and in essence fill this gap in the Road Traffic legislation and help the police combat the use of vehicles being used in this manner.

The powers granted to the Police are under the provisions of Section 59 & Section 60 of the Police Reform Act 2002. This basically means that the offending driver is issued with a warning (Section 59 part) about the manner of his/her driving and the warning subsequently lasts for a 12 month period. During this 12 month period if the offending driver is stopped by the police and the manner of his/her driving requires addressing then the vehicle that he/she is driving at the time can be seized (Section 60 part). The driver can get his/her car back from the recovery company but at the minimum cost of £150. Storage fees will bolster the costs the longer it takes the driver to repossess his/her vehicle. Once a driver is issued with a warning a marker is placed onto the Police National Computer regarding the vehicle used and regarding their personal information. The offending driver is also issued with a letter pointing out the police action taken.

Offenders brought to justice
A 19 year old male has been charged or summonsed for public order in Stokenchurch
A 57 year old male has has been cautioned with ABH in Stokenchurch
A 14 year old male was issued with a youth reprimand for assault without injury in Stokenchurch

SPEEDING and COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH:
The team is currently trying to promote the Community Speed Watch (CSW) program across the neighborhood. Community Speed Watch is a scheme to encourage people to reduce speeding traffic though their community. The scheme enables volunteers to work within their community to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and poor driving, helping to control the problem locally. The local neighbourhood team has been taking the community speed watch out in the last month and over a 100 letters have been sent out and 95% of these have been local residents speeding through their villages We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to work together with us to target the problem of speeding. CSW is not a money making scheme for the police or government. CSW is about identifying those who exceed the speed limit and trying to educate them that speeding is unacceptable. For more information about Community Speed Watch please click on the attached link about a program which is run in Cambridgeshire. If you are interested and would like to take part locally then please get in touch.

http://www.speed-watch.org/ (opens new window)

Partnership Activity
Did you know that there is a Neighbourhood action group that represents the Stokenchurch, Lane End, Piddington and West Wycombe area? The NAG consist of a voluntary group of people who meet with the police on a regular basis to discuss issues that have an impact upon the local community and to try and find a joint way of solving them. Interested in getting involved then please get in touch. Please see the attached document for more details.

http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/nagleaflet.pdf

Have Your Say meetings:
Come and meet the team at the following locations and discuss any issues that concern you:
Thursday 25th September Piddington village hall 1200-1230hrs
Sunday 30th September wheeler end common between allotments and brick makers arms 1230-1300hrs
Saturday 22nd September Paul’s sweet shop 1600 1630hrs
Saturday 8th September the green Stokenchurch 1300-1100

Finally the team would love to hear from the public regarding any positive or negative feedback that you may have. Pc 2272 Danny O’ Driscoll, PCSO 9923 Penny Ling & PCSO 9635 Andy Seston Stokenchurch, Lane End and West Wycombe Community Team.

People wanted to bring enthusiasm, commitment & an interest in education.

Becoming a governor is a rewarding way of making an important contribution to education. It can help you develop your existing skills and learn new ones. Find out who can become a governor, what training and support you can get and how to apply.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Gettinginvolvedinyourcommunity/Volunteering/DG_10038366

or the short link

http://t.co/rHkcHvYL

The Wycombe Sports Awards 2012, sponsored by Parkwood Community Leisure, celebrate and honour the amazing work carried out, every day, by individuals and organisations across the district.

This year we have six award categories in addition to the Sir Steve Redgrave Bursary that are now open for nominations. Shortlisted nominees will be invited to our awards ceremony to be held on Wednesday 24 October 2012 at Court Garden House, Marlow - one of three leisure facilities in the district managed by Parkwood Community Leisure.

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/leisure-and-culture/sports/events.aspx

The closing date for submitting nominations is 5pm on Monday 1 October 2012

Children in England and Wales go back to school in early September. Make sure you know when your child's school reopens. If you're on a low income, you can also find out about help with the cost of school meals, uniforms and transport.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_180103

Global development programme International Citizen Service (ICS) is urging 18-25s looking for a life changing overseas experience to apply now. ICS is giving almost one thousand 18-25 year olds the opportunity to volunteer this September/October or December/January for three months on development projects in some of the world’s poorest countries.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_195659

or the short code

http://t.co/xJZFLfmL

The Data Protection Act gives you the right to access some exam related material. You may request information including your mark, examiner’s comments and minutes of examination appeals panels.

http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_the_public/topic_specific_guides/schools/exam_results.aspx

or the short link

http://t.co/zkfcXCi3
 

on rent increases, deposit protection, disputes, arrears & evictions.

Changes to tenancy and deposit laws

Tenancies with rents between £25,000 and £100,000 per year can now be assured and assured shorthold tenancies.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Privaterenting/index.htm

or the short link

http://t.co/gcW9yM89

Local residents in Wycombe district have until autumn 2012 to receive free cavity wall and loft insulation installed through Wycombe District Council's partner, Cocoon.

Heat escaping from windows and doors from a house, taken by a thermal imaging camera

If you rent privately or own your own home, you could receive free insulation helping to keep your heat where you want it - inside.

Take advantage of having your property insulated for free and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of a warmer, healthier home and save money on your heating bills.

If you are not sure whether you have cavity wall insulation or you're not sure whether your loft insulation is up to the recommended level, just contact Cocoon to arrange a free, no obligation survey. You can visit their website below or call them on 0800 80 48 777.

http://www.cocoonyourhome.co.uk/

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/press-release/10july12-get-your-home-insulated-for-free-before-next-winter.aspx

If you are 18 – 24 years old, you can apply for Start-up Loans, with access to personal support to help develop your business plans and access training.

You can register your interest on the Start-up Loans Facebook page.

http://businessinyou.bis.gov.uk/start-up-loans/

A major review of cosmetic surgery and procedures is launched today by the Department of Health.

The review, led by NHS Medical Director Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, wants people to give their views on and share their experiences of the cosmetic surgery industry and cosmetic procedures.

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh said:

“The recent problems with PIP breast implants have shone a light on the cosmetic surgery industry. Many questions have been raised, particularly around the regulation of clinics, whether all practitioners are adequately qualified, how well people are advised when money is changing hands, aggressive marketing techniques, and what protection is available when things go wrong.

“I am concerned that too many people do not realise how serious cosmetic surgery is and do not consider the life long implications it can have. That’s why I have put together this Review Committee to advise me in making recommendations to Government on how we can better protect people who choose to have surgery or cosmetic interventions.

“We want to hear views from everyone, particularly people who have experience of the cosmetic surgery industry or of other cosmetic interventions – good and bad – so we can learn what works best.”

http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/08/cosmetic-procedures/

or the short link

http://t.co/d4rA6Uod

They contain a virus in the attached zip file.

Do NOT attempt to open the attachment.

Many people believe that smartphones and tablets are not susceptible to viruses, spyware and other malware. This is certainly not the case ... in fact the more people that use these devices, and the more apps that are available for them, the greater the level of harmful and criminal activity.

https://www.getsafeonline.org/smartphones-tablets/viruses-and-spyware-st/

or the short link

http://t.co/2Qp0Z3Wb

For desktop and laptop computers the latest PC Pro Labs Tests Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security was rated best of the paid applications whilst the AVG Anti-Virus led the field of free applications.

It is recommended that you do not run two anti-virus programs on your computer at the same time

Find out where to legal advice to help with legal problems you might be having and what you should expect when talking to a legal adviser.

Find out how legal aid can help you pay for legal costs and what type of problems you can get legal aid to help with

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/GettingLegalAdvice/Gettinglegaladviceandlegalaid/index.htm

or the short link

http://t.co/lDwoqXVm

This year's Wycombe Community Festival is set to be the biggest yet.

Taking place between 12noon and 10pm on The Rye in High Wycombe on Sunday 5 August, it will be a cultural celebration for all the family, focusing on sport, art, music and community life.

The festival will also host an 80ft LED screen, as one of four London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Community Live Sites in Buckinghamshire. Scheduled Olympic events on the day include the badminton finals at Wembley Arena, Olympic marathon, sailing, women's 400m final, the men's omnium (multiple race event in track cycling), women's boxing and of course the men's 100m final.

The following activities, which will be taking place between 12noon and 6pm, will be free of charge:

* Kobika Dance - cheerleading, stunts, arms and jumps workshops
* Bucks Sport (Reactivate) - instant ping pong, basketball shooting competition and other "sports", for example egg and spoon race
* Zumba La Casa - Zumba fitness workouts for adults and zumbatonic for children
* The Rye Lido (Fusion Lifestyles) - fitness classes and swimming
* Wycombe Wanderers Community Trust - inflatable football pitch for matches and penalty shootouts
* Movers and Shakers - fitness classes for older people
* England Netball - shooting competition with netball post
* "I would rather be pole dancing" - taster sessions for pole fitness classes
* Wycombe Sports Centre (Parkwood) - spinning bikes
* Booker Gliding Club - 15m glider with opportunities to get into the cockpit
* Park Lodge Ju-Jitsu - Ju-jitsu taster sessions
* Micklefield Judo Club - judo taster sessions with local Paralympian Ian Rose
* Big Bucks High Rollers - roller derby club showing videos, try on the kit and get a free taster session voucher
* Wycombe Hockey Club, Bisham Abbey and England Hockey - rush hockey taster sessions and quicksticks
* BB+O Golf Partnership - inflatable golf net for adults, tri-golf for children
* England Squash and Racketball - mini-squash wall with free taster sessions

The Wycombe Community Festival, which has been running for the last six years, is organised by SV2G and funded by Wycombe District Council.
 

http://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/healthy-start-vouchers/do-i-qualify/

or the short link

http://t.co/YHgCU3IB

Download and distribute information.

http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/consumer-protection/campaign11-12/doorstep/#named4

or the short link

http://t.co/bBFw7hVR

Whilst primarily dealing with doorstep selling this page also contains links to valuable information on:

Sale of Goods Act

Consumer Rights

Distance Selling

Wycombe DC residents can now rinse and place aluminium foil into the Plastics & Tins Bins

Most of today (Friday) is a sunshine and showers type day. Some of the showers are likely to be heavy with the chance of thunder which may cause some surface water flooding in places. This may also cause some river flooding in some of the fast responding catchments in London.

The major concern today is that the front that went through last night will head south again during the evening and night moving into Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire during the evening. As it does so it will become re-invigorated giving a period of very heavy rain or showers and isolated thunderstorms. 25 mm in an hour or 50 mm in 3 hours are possible in places. There is a small probability of more than this in a few locations although it is not possible to pinpoint exactly where.

During tomorrow (Saturday) the frontal area continues to move south giving further locally heavy rain or showers across the rest of our region. Although intensities are not expected to be as much as further north tonight they may cause some surface water flooding issues and a few river problems.

http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=431&LGIL=8&ServiceName=Find%20out%20about%20pest%20control

or the short link

http://t.co/3959kBgD

Wheel clamping without lawful authority will be banned in England and Wales from 1 October 2012, with anyone breaking the law facing criminal charges and a fine.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_190178

The following message is distributed by Thames Valley Police on behalf of Trading Standards.

Scam Alert

It has come to the attention of Trading Standards that flyers for a firm of tree surgeons and hedge trimmers have been posted in and around the High Wycombe area. There are some concerns that the business address for the company may not exist, although this has not been verified.

Trading Standards therefore urge residents to be cautious when responding to such flyers and are reminded that where the cash price for any work of this nature is £50 or more the law states that the trader must give the customer a written statement of the statutory 7 day cooling off period. If cancellation rights are not provided then the customer is not obligated to pay for any work undertaken.

If a resident has concerns about any traders that canvass for work in and around the home they are advised to seek advice from the national Citizens Advice Consumer Call Centre on: 08454 04 05 06

The new hours can be viewed by finding your local police station on the ‘your neighbourhood’ link on the left of the Thames Valley Police homepage, or by clicking here to see all opening hours

Hello from the Stokenchurch, Lane End and West Wycombe Neighbourhood Police Team (NHPT) and welcome to the July 2012 edition of the newsletter.

The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to provide the local community with information regarding issues that were reported to the police and their efforts to try and resolve them.

On Wednesday 6th June 2012 two Burglaries took place to addresses on George Road and New Road in Stokenchurch. At George Road the unknown offenders used an instrument to force a door open to gain access to the property. The house was searched and various items were stolen. It is believed this took place between 0950 hours and 1450 hours. At New Road the unknown offenders accessed a dwelling and searched the house although no property was stolen. This took place between 0800 hours and 1645 hours. At this time no arrests have been made. If you have any information to assist the investigations please do not hesitate to contact us.

Take measures to secure your property adding extra locks where appropriate and remembering not to leave any keys or valuables on display.
Double check the security of your home paying as much attention to the back as to the front. Consider movement sensitive lighting for your garden.
Closing curtains after dark and use of timer switches for internal lights is highly recommended.
During warm weather, make sure that windows are closed when you leave. Do not place valuable items by an open window, even if you are at home.
Laptops, cameras, iphones and ipods all feature as stolen items. Property marking is highly recommended.

Please report any suspicious behaviour at the time.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
The team are pleased to report that there has been a decrease in the number of reports of (ASB) over the past month. There does not appear to be a problem with ASB in West Wycombe, Piddington, or Radnage. We have increased our patrols in the area of Millenium park Lane End and the old ELGA site after reports of youths acting in a rowdy manner. As a result of this a couple of local 10 year olds were identified to be in possession of a stolen bicycle. Both have been cautioned for the offence and the team will be working with them in an attempt to prevent further offending.

We are still concerned about reports in Lane End and Stokenchurch of vehicles being used in an anti social manner. We will continue to target any persons responsible. This month one male was issued with what we call a section 59 warning. Section 59 warnings were introduced by the government to tackle motorists who drive their vehicles in an anti social manner. Before the 59 warnings were introduced an irresponsible driver did not quite do enough to warrant an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, e.g. careless driving, which was due to the brevity of the incident. The police also found that the inappropriate driving would also take place at an isolated location, e.g. retail park car park when closed, which did not cause any immediate danger to the public and thus would have an impact upon any potential prosecution.
The warnings target those irresponsible drivers who do wheel spins, doughnuts or accelerate at an unnecessary speed, etc, and in essence fill this gap in the Road Traffic legislation and help the police combat the use of vehicles being used in this manner.
The powers granted to the Police are under the provisions of Section 59 & Section 60 of the Police Reform Act 2002. This basically means that the offending driver is issued with a warning (Section 59 part) about the manner of his/her driving and the warning subsequently lasts for a 12 month period. During this 12 month period if the offending driver is stopped by the police and the manner of his/her driving requires addressing then the vehicle that he/she is driving at the time can be seized (Section 60 part). The driver can get his/her car back from the recovery company but at the minimum cost of £150. Storage fees will bolster the costs the longer it takes the driver to repossess his/her vehicle.
Once a driver is issued with a warning a marker is placed onto the Police National Computer regarding the vehicle used and regarding their personal information. The offending driver is also issued with a letter pointing out the police action taken.
Offenders brought to justice

A 25 year old male from Stokenchurch has been charged with the offence of possessing a bladed article after being arrested in the village.
A 45 year old male from Lane End has been cautioned for assault after an incident on Edmonds Parade
A 20 year old male from High Wycombe was arrested in West Wycombe after being found in possession of cannabis. He has been cautioned with the offence.
Two 10 year old youths from lane End have been cautioned with the offence of Stealing a bicycle from a garden shed in Lane End
A 24 year old female from Stokenchurch has been cautioned for theft after stealing a Laptop from a friend in the village.

SPEEDING and COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH:
The team is currently trying to promote the Community Speed Watch (CSW) program across the neighbourhood.
Community Speed Watch is a scheme to encourage people to reduce speeding traffic though their community. The scheme enables volunteers to work within their community to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and poor driving, helping to control the problem locally.
We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to work together with us to target the problem of speeding. CSW is not a money making scheme for the police or government. CSW is about identifying those who exceed the speed limit and trying to educate them that speeding is unacceptable.
For more information about Community Speed Watch please click on the attached link about a program which is run in Cambridgeshire. If you are interested and would like to take part locally then please get in touch.
http://www.speed-watch.org/ (opens new window) (opens new window)

Partnership Activity

Did you know that there is a Neighbourhood action group that represents the Stokenchurch, Lane End, Piddington and West Wycombe area? The NAG consist of a voluntary group of people who meet with the police on a regular basis to discuss issues that have an impact upon the local community and to try and find a joint way of solving them.
Interested in getting involved then please get in touch. Please see the attached document for more details. http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/nagleaflet.pdf

Have Your Say meetings:
Come and meet the team at the following locations and discuss any issues that concern you:
Tuesday 03/07/12-- 1500-1530 Piddington village hall.
Sunday 08/07/12-- 1115 -1145 Cadmore End church.
Thursday 12/07/12-- 1500 – 1530 Lane End School Edmonds parade.
Sunday 15/07/12—1700-1730 Kings Arms Hotel Car Park Stokenchurch
Saturday 21/07/12—1700-1730 play park area Cater road Lane End.
Saturday 28/07/12—1600-1630 West Wycombe Garden Centre Car Park
Sunday 29/07/12—1200-1230 Mini Market, New Rd, Stokenchurch

Have Your Say online
You can now send non-emergency messages to us using the online form that is available on the Thames Valley Police website. A number of people have already sent their concerns using this method. For you to do that please follow the link: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/yournh-about-nh-pol/yournh-tvp-pol-area-n235-hys. Please allow some time for us to get back to you as we do check our mail box only at certain times of the day.
If you have anything that you would like to discuss with the team then feel free to attend a have your say meeting. If you cannot make these events then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Neighbourhood Team using the Thames Valley Police non emergency number on 101.

Finally the team would love to hear from the public regarding any positive or negative feedback that you may have.
Pc 2272 Danny O’ Driscoll, PCSO 9923 Penny Ling & PCSO 9635 Andy Seston Stokenchurch, Lane End and West Wycombe Community Team.

If your current broadband speed doesn't meet your needs you can do something about it today by visiting www.superfastforbucks.org and backing your local county council's campaign to bring superfast broadband to Buckinghamshire.

These days it’s not uncommon for households to have more than one way of accessing the internet – be it through a computer, tablet, smartphone or games console. But standard broadband cannot always cope with the requirements placed on it by modern families, who like to use the internet to do a variety of things – from watching catch up TV, streaming films, uploading photos, or enjoying online gaming.

With superfast broadband, multiple devices can be online at any one time and still enjoy high speed connectivity.

Unfortunately from town to town and even street to street, internet connection speeds vary significantly across Buckinghamshire. Buckinghamshire County Council and Buckinghamshire Business First have secured government funding to improve access in areas which currently have no broadband access or suffer very slow speeds.

Registering your demand for superfast broadband will only take a couple of minutes and won’t cost a penny. You’re simply helping Buckinghamshire County Council and Buckinghamshire Business First demonstrate to broadband providers that there is a strong demand for superfast connectivity here in the county. If you are unable to register online please call 0845 3708090 / 01296 395000.

Register by 1 September 2012 and you will be entered into a free prize draw for a chance to win an iPad kindly donated by Buckinghamshire Business First.

More information, including answers to frequently asked questions, is available on www.superfastforbucks.org. Details about which areas will benefit from our government funding and when improved broadband access will be rolled out in Buckinghamshire will be published on the website as soon as we know, so please check the website for updates.
 

There has been a series of robberies and express kidnappings on or around the motorway connecting Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Dunkirk and the Channel Ports - particularly towards the southern end of the route. Perpetrators of these incidents have been using threats of violence and carrying knives and/or firearms. In the early hours they have been flagging down vehicles, seeming to seek assistance, or kidnapping single drivers outside petrol stations or 24-hour stores. The perpetrators have generally been gangs with Eastern European connections, sometimes using UK-registered vehicles. They have been robbing victims on the spot or taking their victims under force to the nearest ATM to extract as much cash as their cards will allow.

Single use breathalysers will be obligatory in all motorised vehicles as of 1 July 2012. Motorists and motorcyclists travelling to France should purchase a kit complying with French regulations and carrying the “NF” label. Road users are advised to carry at least two breathalysers at all times.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/europe/france1#roadtravel

or the short link

http://t.co/hLOcJvAv

A confidential phone line for you to report somebody who is not paying their fair share of tax.

http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kb5/hmrc/contactus/view.page?record=tRNNy6edopA

or the short link

http://t.co/EOzH9SaE

By supporting your child's learning and development at home, you can have a real impact on how well they succeed at school and beyond.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/HelpingYourChildToLearn/DG_185973

or the short link

http://t.co/JGrNo6Y4

Download the Met Police's book of scams for free.

http://www.met.police.uk/fraudalert/

You don’t have to give your name. Your report will be investigated and enforcement action taken, if needed.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/UntaxedVehicle/DG_4022073

https://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/app/enquiry?execution=e1s1

In 2008 the public consultation exercise was concluded for the first time and the neighbourhood priorities were agreed as:-
1) Anti Social behaviour
2) Speeding
3) Parking

Hello from the Stokenchurch, Lane End and West Wycombe Neighbourhood Police Team (NHPT) and welcome to the June 2012 edition of the newsletter. The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to provide the local community with information regarding issues that were reported to the police and their efforts to try and resolve them.

Rural Burglaries, Skirmett, Ibstone & Stokenchurch – 14th May 2012
Between 16.30hrs-22.30hrs on Monday 14th May 2012, three similar burglaries occurred in neighbouring rural areas.
A property in the odd numbers on Lowes Close, Stokenchurch was targeted between 16.30-22.30hrs. Damage was caused to the lock and glass of a rear ground floor door by which entry was gained. A messy search of the upstairs bedrooms took place. Items were moved around, but not taken, from the kitchen. Cash and jewellery was stolen during the burglary.
Between 17.15hrs-19.15hrs a property in Skirmett was burgled. The offender(s) gained entry by jemmying open the back door. An untidy search of the bedrooms took place causing damage to furniture. A handbag was stolen from the kitchen. The perpetrator took an item of no apparent value from outside the property and brought it inside but left it upstairs.
In the short time frame of 17.40-18.50hrs, a third property was broken into. The home in Ibstone was again accessed from the rear. Attempts had been made to force the patio doors open but access was ultimately gained by smashing them. An untidy search was made of the main bedroom and some jewellery was stolen whilst other items of value were left in situ.
If you saw or heard anything please contact us on our new non emergency number 101 quoting the relevant crime reference number: Stokenchurch – GF4048586/12, Skirmett – GF4048528/12, Ibstone GF4048505/12.
If you see anything or anyone in the area that causes you suspicion, please contact us immediately on our non-emergency number 101. If you believe a crime is in progress, is just about to happen, or has just happened, please dial 999.
If you want to provide information anonymously please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please consider a few simple prevention steps to your property:-

1. Keep windows and doors shut, locked and in good condition
2. Property mark your valuables with a UV pen or forensic property marking kit
3. Use a timer switches to make your home look occupied in the evenings
4. Ensure house and car keys are safely stored away from the doors and windows
5. Keep tools and ladders locked away out of sight.

For more Crime Reduction tips and information please visit our website www.thamesvalley.police.uk and click on the 'crime prevention' tab.

Anti-Social Behaviour
Motor Bikes (MB’S) and Anti Social Behaviour (ASB)
There has been an increase in calls reporting the anti social use of miniature motorbikes (mini Moto’s), quad bikes and off road motorcycles again in Lane End and across the neighbourhood. We will be targeting this problem over the next month.
Mini-Motos and off road motorcycles (including quad bikes), have become an increasingly popular past time in the past few years and have become more prevalent within the community. However the public are generally unaware of the ASB related problems that the MB’s are causing, e.g. noise, danger to other road users, etc, which result in a high number of complaints being made to the police.
MB users are also often confused about where they are lawfully entitled to ride MB’s and wrongfully assume that they can ride them on roads or footpaths, common land, woodland or recreational parks (refer to Section 34 of Road Traffic Act 1988 for more details). The only place that these types of MB’s can be ridden is on privately owned land where the permission of the land owner has been given. However if permission is granted and the piece of land also allows access to the public, e.g. a public footpath runs through the piece of land, then the owner of the land would have to potentially comply with health & safety legislation to ensure the safety of the public. This may include the erection of signs and barriers, plus public liability insurance maybe required. The land owner could also face prosecution if the noise of the MB’s becomes an issue.
MB’s can therefore only be ridden on private land where the general public do not have access or at an authorised race or off road track/course. The nearest location that I am aware of that caters for off road bikes is on Daws Hill Lane, Flackwell Heath, which is run by Z-Racing. A Mini-Moto is classified by the Department of Transport as a motor vehicle and therefore must comply with road traffic legislation (this includes quad & moto cross bikes) if used on a road or other place to which the public have access, e.g. common land, woodland, recreational park, etc.
If the MB’s are used at these locations then the rider could face prosecution for no insurance, not possessing a driving licence, having no road tax or MOT, etc (refer to Road Vehicles Construction & Use Regulations 1986 for more details). Plus the MB’s could be seized by the police if the rider has been previously issued with a Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 warning.
The police therefore urge anyone who may own or is looking to purchase a MB that they conduct thorough research about the relevant laws, legislation and where MB’s can be lawfully used. This approach will hopefully reduce ASB complaints and prevent you from being prosecuted.

Offenders brought to justice
A 34 year old male from Lane End has been charged with criminal damage to a dwelling.
A 19 year old male from Lane End has been cautioned for the possession of Cannabis.
A 18 year old male from lane End has been cautioned for a Public order offence.

SPEEDING:
In last month’s update we told you that we would be completing a speed enforcement operation on the neighbourhood on Monday 21st May. This took place on the Marlow Road Stokenchurch at the junction with Marcourt Road. A total of 26 motorists were issued speeding tickets for travelling at 35-42mph. Many of these have requested to attend a speed awareness course rather than having 3 penalty points added to their licence.

Partnership Activity
Did you know that there is a Neighbourhood action group that represents the Stokenchurch, Lane End, Piddington and West Wycombe area? The NAG consist of a voluntary group of people who meet with the police on a regular basis to discuss issues that have an impact upon the local community and to try and find a joint way of solving them.
Interested in getting involved then please get in touch. Please see the attached document for more details. http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/nagleaflet.pdf

Have Your Say meetings:
Come and meet the team at the following locations and discuss any issues that concern you:
Sunday 17th June 1500-1530 hours West Wycombe Garden Centre
Monday 18th June 1100-1130 hours Old School Close, Stokenchurch

Have Your Say online
You can now send non-emergency messages to us using the online form that is available on the Thames Valley Police website. A number of people have already sent their concerns using this method. For you to do that please follow the link: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/yournh-about-nh-pol/yournh-tvp-pol-area-n235-hys. Please allow some time for us to get back to you as we do check our mail box only at certain times of the day.

If you have anything that you would like to discuss with the team then feel free to attend a have your say meeting. If you cannot make these events then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Neighbourhood Team using the Thames Valley Police non emergency number on 101.
Finally the team would love to hear from the public regarding any positive or negative feedback that you may have.

Pc 2272 Danny O’ Driscoll, PCSO 9923 Penny Ling & PCSO 9635 Andy Seston Stokenchurch, Lane End and West Wycombe Community Team.

http://laneendparishcouncil.org.uk/Bus-Timetable-48-339.pdf

Buckinghamshire Trading Standards is warning Buckinghamshire residents to be aware that the above companies cold-calling at homes in the County recently. The companies have both attempted to deceive consumers into believing that they need urgent or unnecessary work carried out on their roofs and failed to provide written cancellation rights, as required by law. Subsequent inspection of the work has also found it to have been unnecessary and very over-priced.

If residents are approached by anybody purporting to be from either of these companies, or indeed any company making similar claims, they are advised to decline any offers of work until they have had the opportunity to seek a second opinion. Trading Standards would be grateful if any such approach is reported to them, or if any resident has had work done by either company and has concerns, call on: 08454 04 05 06

Message sent by
Howard Wynne (Police, Uniform PC, Wycombe LPA)
 

Do you want superfast broadband?

Then register your interest. Your county needs your vote.

Are you often left frustrated at the tediously slow speed of your internet? Do you dream of being able to stream videos without that annoying ‘buffering’ symbol? Superfast broadband may be closer than you think and you can register now.

Buckinghamshire County Council and Hertfordshire County Council have teamed up to try and increase the amount of superfast broadband coverage in the two counties.

http://www.superfastforbucks.org/

'For young people, by young people.'

Bucks Youth Bank is a grant-making panel for young people's projects that benefit the community. Buckinghamshire currently has 2 Youth Bank panels, one in Aylesbury and another in Wycombe.

The panels give out grants to local groups of young people or individuals aged 13-19. This funding may be for projects the young people want to start or which they are all ready involved in but want to develop.

The role of the Youth Bank panels is to look at application forms and decide on how the grant money should be spent - Young People Make The Decisions.

Projects that have previously been funded, dance, drama, music workshops, community safety, volunteering, drugs awareness, independent living, special music events.

The young people from Youth Bank panels regularly take part in fundraising events and activities to add to the 'pot' of funds they are able to distribute around the county.

Youth Bank are always looking for new people to be involved. Either to be part of a panel or to get stuck into fundraising, or both! If you are interested please give us a shout.

To apply, for funds complete an application form, for assessment by your local Youth Bank panel. A presentation will need to be given to the panel for grants over £3,000.

For more information call 01296 382543 or email bucksyouthbank@buckscc.gov.uk

You can download an application form from http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/youth/YouthBank.page

A campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse is being launched today (14/05) by Thames Valley Police in partnership with Domestic Abuse Co-ordinators and Crimestoppers.

The aim of the campaign is to increase awareness and promote early intervention in an attempt to break the cycle of abuse.

The majority of domestic abuse still goes unreported and the focus of the campaign is to encourage people to contact either the police, Crimestoppers or specialist support agencies.

The campaign is urging family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to come forward and let the police or other agencies know if they suspect someone is being abused.

A dedicated website speakouttoday.co.uk and video has been launched to provide practical information for victims and those supporting them, and includes vital links to national and local support services.

Further information on domestic abuse can be found on the Thames Valley Police website http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/

PARKING:
Over the past month three fixed penalty notices have been given to motorists parking on the yellow lines on the West Wycombe High Street. Two tickets have been issued to motorists who have parked on the turning circle at the junction of Chorley Rd and the A40, West Wycombe. These all relate to parents that are collecting children from the Primary school. Ideally we do not want to have to give out parking tickets. However we are concerned that if people are parking incorrectly then more drivers may be tempted to do so and a result there will be an increased risk of an accident at school pick up/drop off times. Parents have plenty of car park spaces available within the West Wycombe Garden Centre and we are pleased to see that the majority of parents are parking lawfully. A minority of parents have been parking in the private car park of Church Lane. Again we are concerned that an accident may occur as children walk across this car park to and from school. The team will be continuing to target drivers who park unlawfully.

SPEEDING:
Speeding is still a concern on the neighbourhood. The local neighbourhood team have numerous speeding operations planned for the coming weeks to enforce and educate drivers travelling over the speed limit. The Buckinghamshire road safety officer will be joining the team to complete speed enforcement patrols in Stokenchurch and Lane End. Fixed penalty notices will be issued to any motorist caught speeding. Motorists will then be given the opportunity to attend a speed awareness course where appropriate. If a motorist decides to attend the course they will not be given the penalty points for the speeding offence.

Theft from insecure Motor Vehicles
Overnight on 6th-7th April four offences of theft from a motor vehicle took place on Bolter End Lane and Finings Road. The vehicles that were targeted had all been left unlocked by the owners. Some of the vehicles were parked on drive ways. A series of similar offences have taken place over the past couple of months in Stokenchurch, Risborough, Marlow and Penn. These vehicles either had property stolen from inside or the vehicles interior was searched and nothing was taken. The majority of these vehicles were left insecure and basically provided an open invite to an opportunist thief.

To try and prevent further offences and to raise awareness to this current crime trend, Operation “Get the Message” has been created. This operation, which has been aptly named due to the local community not getting the message about car security, will involve visible patrols in the area, the distribution of crime prevention literature, the use of the media, intelligence gathering and engagement with the local community. It also involves officers physically checking vehicles parked on main roads and side streets to see that they are locked and secure. If a vehicle is found insecure or has tempting property left on show then attempts are to be made to find the owner of the vehicle and provide suitable crime prevention advice.

Anti-Social Behaviour
There have not been many reports of anti social behaviour over the past month. There does not appear to be a problem with anti social behaviour at all in Piddington and West Wycombe at this time. We have received a few reports of incidents in Lane End and a couple in particular have caused some concern. These relate to youths starting fires in Millennium Park. Two ten year olds have been identified as being responsible and have been warned by officers. It is alarming that they were in possession of lighters. Please can we request that if you have young children ensure that they do not have access to lighters or matches. We do not want this trend to escalate.

Partnership Activity and neighbourhood action group
Did you know that there is a Neighbourhood Action Group that represents the Stokenchurch, Lane End, Piddington and West Wycombe area? The NAG consist of a voluntary group of people who meet with the police on a regular basis to discuss issues that have an impact upon the local community and to try and find a joint way of solving them. Interested in getting involved? Then please get in touch. Please see the attached document for more details.
http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/nagleaflet.pdf

Offenders brought to justice
A male from High Wycombe has been charged with Robbery following an offence in Stokenchurch.
A female from Stokenchurch has been cautioned for stealing money from a friend’s bank account.
A male from Stokenchurch has been reported to court for the offence of common assault following an incident that took place in November 2011.
A female from Slough was found to be in possession of cannabis in West Wycombe. They have been cautioned for the offence.

Have Your Say online
You can now send non-emergency messages to us using the online form that is available on the Thames Valley Police website. A number of people have already sent their concerns using this method. For you to do that please follow the link: http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/yournh/yournh-about-nh-pol/yournh-tvp-pol-area-n235-hys. Please allow some time for us to get back to you as we do check our mail box only at certain times of the day.


Have Your Say meetings:
Come and meet the team at the following locations and discuss any issues that concern you:Sunday 13th May 2012-1200-1230 hours Forgetts Rd, Lane End
Sunday 13th May 2012-1300-1330 hours Widdenton View, Lane End
Sunday 20th May 2012 1430-1500 hours Pigeon Farm Rd, Stokenchurch
Sunday 20th May 2012 1530-1600 hours Britnell Court, Stokenchurch
Monday 21st May 2012-1800-1830 hours- Blackwell Rd, Lane End
Wednesday 23rd May 2012-1800-1830 hours-Cater Road, Millennium Park Lane End

If you have anything that you would like to discuss with these officers then feel free to attend the surgery. If you cannot make these events then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Neighbourhood Team using the Thames Valley Police non emergency number on 101.
Finally the team would love to hear from the public regarding any positive or negative feedback that you may have.

Pc 2272 Danny O’ Driscoll,
PCSO 9923 Penny Ling
PCSO 9635 Andy Seston
Stokenchurch, Lane End and West Wycombe Community Team

An essential resource for anyone going to the games or trying to avoid the congestion and road changes that will take place

http://www.getaheadofthegames.com/

The Neighbourhood Policing Teams of Wycombe have noticed an increase in the number of cases they are dealing with involving counterfeit bank notes. In particular there seem to be a number of counterfeit £20 notes circulating in the Wycombe area. Such notes are taken out of circulation as soon as possible, often resulting in an unrecoverable loss to small businesses and individuals.

During calendar year 2011, the number of counterfeit Bank of England banknotes taken out of circulation was around 374,000 with a face value of £6.3mn.
There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself and your business from falling victim to such fraud. Comprehensive guides on how to check Bank of England notes are available online or in print, free of charge, direct from the Bank of England by following this link: http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/Pages/educational.aspx


If you have any information, or have been the victim of fraud, please contact us on our new non emergency number 101. If you want to provide information anonymously please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
 

We want to ensure that emergency medical services are available 24 hours a day at Wycombe Hospital. The PCT are suggesting that in future only Stoke Mandeville will have a 24 hour emergency medical service.
 

http://democracy.buckscc.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=633&TPID=68288919

Queens Diamond Jubilee Event
Monday 4th June 2012 – Lane End Playing Fields
Lane End Parish Council and the Lane End Youth Clubs were very much looking forward to holding an event for Parishioners at the Lane End Playing Fields on Monday 4th June 2012 to mark the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances the event had to be cancelled. (Please ignore the advert in the May edition of the Village View that advertises that the event is going ahead. The June’s edition of the magazine will confirm that it has been cancelled.)
 

The Community Right to Build gives communities new powers to build local housing, shops and community facilities.

It allows communities to create the buildings they want to see without going through the normal planning application process.

It came into effect in April 2012.

http://communityrights.communities.gov.uk/what-are-community-rights/community-right-to-build/

or the short link

http://t.co/Q2funyzz

For 5 to 9 year olds:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ7N0nCymWo&feature=youtu.be

For all children:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Yourchildshealthandsafety/WorriedAbout/DG_10015786

A public ballot has opened today for UK residents to apply to be at the heart of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations on Tuesday 5 June.

Ten thousand members of the public will get the opportunity to enjoy the day’s events from free seats facing Buckingham Palace.

The day will be the culmination of the Diamond Jubilee weekend and will include a lunch at Westminster Hall, a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace and a balcony appearance and flypast.

Details of how to apply and other information about the ballot is available online.

The ballot will close at 23:59 BST on Friday 20 April 2012.

More information

Four thousand guests, will join The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, at the party to be held near Henley-on-Thames on the afternoon of 25 June. It is being jointly organised by the Lord-Lieutenants of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire as part of The Queen’s UK-wide Diamond Jubilee regional tour.

More than a quarter of the tickets will be available through the public ballot which will be drawn on 9 May by the Lord-Lieutenants of each of the three counties. The ballot is open to adult residents of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Each successful applicant will be allocated a double ticket so they can bring a guest.

They will join guests from all walks of public life including representatives of voluntary organisations and charities, together with civic, community and business leaders.

The ballot closes on 30 April. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of May.

Guests are promised a splendid afternoon to remember. A highlight is a river pageant themed around the Thames which celebrates the important role the river has played in the life of the three counties over a thousand years.

Closely associated with the event is a major Jubilee fund-raising appeal for the four Community Foundations in the three counties which exist to strengthen communities and enrich local life by inspiring and supporting philanthropy and charitable giving.

Click on the Application Form to print and send no later 30th April

Rate and comment on NHS services

You can share your experiences of almost any NHS service. Just search for the service below and give your feedback

http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/HospitalCommentInput.aspx?servicetype=hospital&searchtype=hospitalcommentsearch

or the short link

http://t.co/RN5lz4c3

The State Pension profiler uses information you provide to quickly estimate how much basic State Pension you may get. This is based on your National Insurance contributions to date. It will also tell you the earliest you may get it.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/StatePension/DG_184319

The e-marketplaces campaign is for people who are trading online through an online marketplace, sometimes referred to as an online auction or online market to sell goods and services as a trade or as a business but aren't paying the right amount of tax.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/campaigns/emarket.htm

Dentistry is one of very few NHS services you have to pay for. This section explains what you will have to pay for and when you may not have to pay.

http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/aboutnhsservices/dentists/pages/nhs-dental-charges.aspx

This maintenenace work will trigger the RSS Feed to list all the pages on the website and will cause temporary corruption of the "Last Page Updated" list for which we apologise.

The "Last Page Updated" list will regenerate as soon as new pages and documents are uploaded to the site.

Thames Valley Police are committed to involving the community in the policing of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes. We believe that by improving the flow of information between the community and its police we can all make a greater impact in the prevention and detection of crime and anti social behaviour.

To receive messages by email, text, phone or Twitter visit:

https://www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/

After two years of very low winter rainfall, parts of England are officially in drought. As a result, a number of water companies have announced temporary restrictions in water use from 5 April 2012.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_201641?cid=rss

http://www.ageukbucks.org.uk/

Some packs in one batch of co-codamol 8mg/500mg strength tablets manufactured by Wockhardt UK Ltd have been found to contain the higher strength co-codamol 30mg/500mg product. The issue seems to have been a result of a manufacturing error but this is still being looked into.

http://www.mhra.gov.uk/NewsCentre/Pressreleases/CON146829

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/Budget/Budget2012/DG_WP201339

“Taking a low dose of aspirin every day can prevent and possibly even treat cancer,” BBC News today reported.

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/03march/Pages/daily-aspirin-cuts-cancer-risk.aspx

Here is a list of frauds claiming to be linked with London 2012

http://www.london2012.com/about-this-website/stay-safe-online.php

Women concerned about French-made PIP breast implants can find all the latest NHS information about the issue on these pages.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Breast-implants/Pages/PIP-introduction.aspx

This consultation sets out the government's proposals to enable same-sex couples to have a civil marriage.

The key proposals of the consultation are:

to enable same-sex couples to have a civil marriage i.e. only civil ceremonies in a register office or approved premises (like a hotel)
to make no changes to religious marriages. This will continue to only be legally possible between a man and a woman
to retain civil partnerships for same-sex couples and allow couples already in a civil partnership to convert this into a marriage
civil partnership registrations on religious premises will continue as is currently possible i.e. on a voluntary basis for faith groups and with no religious content
individuals will, for the first time, be able legally to change their gender without having to end their marriage

Current legislation allows same-sex couples to enter into a civil partnership, but not civil marriage.

The full details of the consultation are included in the pdf version of the consultation document, which is available to download below.
Respond online

Please send us your comments by using our online form (Opens in a new window).

The consultation closes on 14 June 2012.
 

Protect yourself against online fraud:

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/TDIYD-your-personal-information-is-valuable-so-protect-it-Mar12

http://t.co/WS3w1OpW
 

Housing Minister Grant Shapps declared the NewBuy Guarantee open for business - a scheme that will enable an estimated 100,000 prospective and existing homeowners to buy their dream home with much smaller deposits than currently required.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/newsroom/2104147

Driving licence rules will be changing from 19 January 2013. There will be many new rules for motorcycles, cars towing trailers, buses and lorries. Find out more about these changes and how they could affect you as an existing or new driver.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DG_201187

Magistrates, also known as Justices of the Peace or JPs, are volunteers who hear cases in courts. They deal with around 95 per cent of criminal cases in England and Wales. Find out more about what magistrates do and how to become one.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Gettinginvolvedinyourcommunity/Volunteering/DG_195453

or the short link

http://t.co/CBMKay82

THINK BIKER car window sticker

http://shop.dft.gov.uk/THINKShop/product.aspx?ProductID=04cc108e-573c-43b8-bb46-21b1d27294d8

or the short link

http://t.co/XkkygkB6

Everyone has a story. So what’s yours?

Last year more than 8,000 young people took their story in a new direction with National Citizen Service. This year, you can too.

http://nationalcitizenservice.direct.gov.uk/

http://t.co/CXHQGMju

Developing reading, writing and spelling for five to 11 year olds

Reading with your child and helping them with writing and spelling can help boost their achievement. Certain skills, like reading and counting, are worth really practising at home because they're fundamental to your child's progress later on.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/HelpingYourChildToLearn/DG_4016579

or the short link

http://t.co/dTtTdNMB

Consumers have been warned to steer clear of pension offers that claim to be able to provide loans or release tax-free cash from people’s pension pots before they reach age 55.

http://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/press/pn12-05.aspx

Doug's funeral will be at 2pm on Wednesday 7th March at Holy Trinity in Lane End for the Church Service then the Chilterns Crematorium at 3:30pm for the committal all are welcome at both, after which the family would welcome you to the Grouse and Ale at 4:30pm.

Doug's family has requested Family flowers only for the funeral but would welcome donations to be made to PHA UK which is the research and patient support group for the illness that Doug had. These can be forwarded to Arnold Funeral Services in Marlow.

Our thoughts are with Doug's family at this extremely sad time.

Buying a used vehicle is serious business. By making you aware of the following advice, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) can help you reduce the risk of buying a stolen vehicle.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/AdviceOnBuyingAndSellingAVehicle/DG_4022402

or the short link

http://t.co/a1jtIGIy

Dogwatch is entirely staffed and funded by volunteers. We are proud to help the Police and RSPCA in the already excellent work that they do.

We circulate information regarding stolen dogs to our members; Police HQ; Beat Officers; Dog Wardens; and re-homing centres.

We circulate details of all snoopers on members’ property to members and Police Headquarters - helping to prevent rural crime.

We brief members on progress in the area by e-mail and hold regular meetings with the police.

http://dogwatchalert.com/

1/ Which member of royalty rode his horse on one of Lane End's Commons?
A - King George V

2/ What year was the Wesleyan chapel built?
A - 1865

3/ Name two sports the gents of Lane End excelled in?
A - Cricket and Tug of War

4/ What happened to the telephone exchange in 1944?
A - It was bombed

5/ What was Cowasjee Jehangier hall later called?
A - Wycombe Court

6/ When was Widdenton Park reservoir built?
A - 1932

7/ What is the name of the 'lost' village between Lane End and Frieth?
A - Ackhampstead (there's lots of info in the internet about Ackhampstead, just Google it!)

8/ The son of which legendary poet and story teller was a squire in the 'lost village' in 1429?
A - Chaucer
 

If you are being contacted about fines or charges for which you are not responsible it may be because someone is using your registration mark. It is possible that your vehicle may have been cloned. Find out what to do if you think your vehicle has been cloned.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/VehicleCrime/DG_10020050

We have seen a dip in our blood stocks and are looking for more O- B- and O+ donors. If you're eligible please call 0300 123 23 23

What you can earn & the taxes you pay

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Privaterenting/RentingOutYourProperty/index.htm

or the short link:

http://t.co/Bs1wFewP

The New Enterprise Allowance may help you if you want to start your own business. If you've been getting Jobseeker's Allowance for at least six months you could get a mentor and financial support to help set up your business. Find out more, including how to take part.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Jobseekers/programmesandservices/DG_198864

The Digital TV switchover for the London Region will start on 4th April, and if you don’t convert your TV to digital by the time of the switchover, you won’t be able to watch any TV programmes.

Community Impact Bucks is helping to cascade digital TV switchover information in the areas of south Bucks served by the London Transmitter group. In addition to our staff giving information and advice at local events and meetings we also have volunteers working across the area helping to spread the message to people who may need help in accessing the Switchover Help Scheme. We want to make sure no one is left with a blank screen.

The BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme can convert one TV to digital for you. You are eligible for the Help Scheme if you are:
- aged 75 or over, or
- live in a care home (for six months or more), or
- receive (or could get)
o Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or
o Attendance or Constant Attendance Allowance or
o Mobility Supplement or
- registered blind or partially sighted

If you are eligible then the Help Scheme has already written to you. All you need to do is respond to the letter by sending back a completed reply form or telephone for free on 0800 40 85 900. If you receive a letter, please respond even if you don’t need any help.

The scheme can provide and install easy to use equipment to switch one TV. It includes an approved installer, aerial upgrade if needed and a 12 month aftercare service, with free helpline. Most people will be asked to pay £40 towards the service but it can be free for those who receive certain income-related benefits.

Do you know someone who needs a helping hand switching to digital TV? Please talk to them and make sure they get the help they are entitled to by telling them about the Switchover Help Scheme.

If you are a community or voluntary group and would like to get involved in helping to cascade digital information to your members there is free help and support available to you. Please contact Carol Nutkins or Bridget Wythe at Community Impact Bucks on 0845 3890389 for further information.

For further information on the Switchover Help Scheme visit helpscheme.co.uk or call 0800 40 85 900. Textphone users can call 0800 40 85 936.

If you are not eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme, but need general switchover information or advice, visit www.digitaluk.co.uk
or call 08456 50 50 50.

http://www.set4sport.com/

Tuesday 5 June 2012

more details at

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/Features/DG_WP200687

Are you paying too much for your broadband, phone or TV? Find out on Ofcom-approved price comparison sites

http://t.co/zYpQiudP

Find out about benefits and tax credits

https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/ba/lp

or the short link

http://t.co/Obj9FM81

If you’ve got a good idea of where you want to go with your career and like the idea of earning while you learn, an Apprenticeship could be for you. You’ll get top quality training, developing skills and gaining qualifications on the job.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/OptionsAt16/DG_4001327

or the short link:

http://t.co/IMsjMXYB

Directgov's Journey Planner offers a full range of information and route planning services for every journey. The Highways Agency offers live traffic updates, feeds and alerts, and information on weather conditions and planned roadworks on England's motorways and trunk roads. Get the information you need before you set off.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Usingmotorwaysandroads/Trafficinformationandjourneyplanning/DG_184637

or the short link:

http://t.co/52CovC2E

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions

UK consumers are achieving 22 per cent faster broadband speeds at home than they were 12 months ago, new Ofcom research reveals.

http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/2012/02/jump-in-uk-broadband-speeds/?utm_source=DirectgovTwitter&utm_medium=Tweet&utm_campaign=bbspeedfeb

or the short link

http://t.co/Qdf8DWjy

Water regulator Ofwat publishes details of estimated rises in water & sewerage charges by region in Eng. & Wales

http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressnotices2008/prs_pn0112bills

This website provides you with helpful information about crime and policing in your area.

And from May, maps will show action taken after a crime has occurred.

www.police.uk

Neighbour disputes and nuisances

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/WhereYouLive/NoiseNuisanceAndLitter/index.htm

See what's planned for June 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/Features/DG_WP200687

If you have an emergency situation; crime in progress, car accident with injured parties etc please ring 999, otherwise, call 101

Seen a dog that's dangerously out of control in England? Use Directgov to report it to your local dog warden.

http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=432&LGIL=8&ServiceName=Find%20out%20about%20the%20dog%20warden%20service

or the short link:

http://t.co/gFmjOLG4
 

SIGN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S PETITION TO

BUCKS COUNTY COUNCIL

WHAT DO WE WANT?

TO OPEN A FOOTPATH AND

LINK EDMONDS PARADE TO

THE VILLAGE CENTRE

PLEASE

VISIT ANY LANE END SHOP

TO SIGN UP

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Van buyers will be able to receive 20% - up to £8000 - off the cost of a plug-in van, Transport Minister Norman Baker and Business Minister Mark Prisk announced today.

This is an extension of the Plug-In Car Grant which offers 25% - up to £5000 – to motorists buying a new plug-in car. Ministers have also re-confirmed there is funding secured for this grant until 2015.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-news-20120117

Check the radon map and see what you can do about it

http://www.ukradon.org/

LIVE internet broadcasts showing meetings at Buckinghamshire County Council have begun.

The first webcast featured The Budget Scrutiny Challenge Group on Monday.

Meetings are recorded and can be viewed afterwards as well.

To view the Meetings or the recordings please visit:
http://www.buckscc.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

At the time of writing a poll on the Bucks Free Press website showed that 67% of readers would watch the meetings.

http://t.co/tSIyhaXr

NHS PIP breast implants to be removed for free.

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/01January/Pages/government-review-advises-on-french-pip-breast-implants.aspx

or the short link:

http://t.co/lfwriwZp

The Government has decided to proceed with the development and delivery of a new national high speed rail network to provide the capacity that Britain needs to compete and grow.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/statements/greening-20120110

http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/high-speed-rail/

There is currently one vacancy on the Parish Council.

This is an unpaid position which involves working for the local community as one of a team of 11 Councillors.

The Parish Council meets on the evening of the first Monday of each month except bank holidays or unless otherwise stated.

Any resident over the age of 18 who is able to make a regular commitment is eligible to join the council.

If you would like to be considered for co-option to the Parish Council please send written confirmation of your interest to Hayley Glasgow, 74 New Road, Sands, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 4LG or by email to clerk@laneendparichcouncil.org.uk. Your expression of interest should contain a few lines about yourself, your interests and what you feel you can contribute to the parish council’s work within the community.

If you need any more information you can contact the Clerk on
01494 437111.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Timeoffandholidays/DG_073741

The current scams involve telephone calls from people pretending to be from the OFT (Office of Fair Trading) offering a refund on bank charges and emails pretending to be from the HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) offering a tax rebate.

DO NOT GET CAUGHT

http://www.oft.gov.uk/consumer-advice/

Fahra Nawaz, aged 17, was last seen at her home address in Wingate Avenue at 5.30pm yesterday (2/1).

Fahra is Asian, 5ft 4ins, with a large build and long black hair. She was wearing traditional Asian-style clothing of blue trousers, a long purple top and black shoes.

Insp Glenn Jones said: "Fahra has learning difficulties and because of this she may be vulnerable to anyone who wanted to take advantage of her.

"I would urge anyone who has seen her, or who knows of her whereabouts, to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact Thames Valley Police via the 24-hour Enquiry Line on 101.

Please don't leave it to someone else.

If you’re generally healthy and aged between 17 and 65, do something amazing.... Give blood.

http://www.blood.co.uk/

Do you have a question or view on:
Care for older people?
Reducing crime?
Services for those who are vulnerable?
Improving roads and footpaths?
Support services for children?
If so, come along to the Council’s scrutiny committees and have your say directly to County Councillors at the Public Platform slot at the meetings.
We welcome questions or views on any service delivered by Buckinghamshire County Council or the NHS in Buckinghamshire.
Complete an online form to submit your question or views and find out more information on our website:
www.bucks.gov.uk/scrutiny
Alternatively, call us on 01296 383604 or email us at
scrutiny@buckscc.gov.uk
Follow us on twitter at scrutinybucks

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/38289.aspx

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200712

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/12/30/new-rules-will-make-it-easier-to-travel-with-pets/

Become a digital champion!

http://champions.go-on.co.uk/ways-to-be-a-digital-champion/inspire

Transport for Buckinghamshire Launch Service Information Centre Version Two.

It should be easier to get around the county in your car following the
launch of version two of Transport for Buckinghamshire's award winning
Service Information Centre.

Changes have been made to the site that give it a more user friendly feel,
as well as showing CCTV images of roads in the area and live car park data
for Aylesbury and Wycombe so that drivers can find available spaces.

Peter Hardy, Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Planning and
Transport said, "These improvements create an enhanced experience for our
residents in Buckinghamshire. I am pleased that ongoing developments mean
that visitors to the site will benefit from all the new features that we
have added."

A single map now shows all works within Buckinghamshire and a map has also
been added showing disruption and congestion with live, real time
information. The new fresh look encourages users to share and discuss pages
using social media and via email and there are still more developments in
the pipeline.

To see the new site, visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/transport.

A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not (or, in the case of some vulnerable adults, cannot) consent to the marriage, but are coerced into it. The coercion can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure.

The Home Office are seeking views on whether making forcing someone to marry should be a criminal offence or whether current arrangements provide adequate protection. We are also interested in views on what more could be done to prevent forced marriage from happening. There are clear arguments both for and against making forced marriage a criminal offence. These arguments are presented in the consultation document.

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/forced-marriage/

or the short link

http://t.co/DLguwnGj

A specialist environmental crime taskforce which will blitz illegal waste sites in England and Wales over the next two years has been set up by the Environment Agency, it was announced today.

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/135590.aspx?month=12&year=2011

or the short link

http://t.co/W8sfze20

You should only call this number if you have questions about your tax credits.

The exact cost of calling this number can be checked by calling your telephone service provider.

If you have hearing or speech impairments, the new textphone number is 0345 300 3909.

You will still also be able to use the old numbers (with the 0845 code), for about the next 18 months.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200423

Suzy Lamplugh Trust was founded in 1986 following the disappearance
of the young estate agent. The aim of the Trust is to raise awareness of the importance of personal safety and to help people to avoid violence and aggression and live safer, more confident lives.

They have created a special christmas safety list at http://www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety/personal-safety-tips/safety-over-the-festive-season/

and their website is full of useful and practical advice on personal safety for people from all walks of life.

www.suzylamplugh.org

Staying warm in winter

Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia. Find out some simple things you can do to keep warm, stay healthy and make the best use of your heating at home.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/KeepingSafeAtHome/DG_10027755

or the short link:

http://t.co/4ogYn0hM

http://think.direct.gov.uk/video-drink-driving.html

you can choose to alert 4 people you are on your way home

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/press-release/22-nov11-am-i-safe-free-phone-app-allows-you-to-check-your-cab-is-licensed.aspx

Almost £1 billion will be spent over the next three years to provide unemployed young people with extra help as part of a new 'Youth Contract'.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200235

http://www.london2012.com/games/ceremonies/get-involved/casting-information.php

https://online.businesslink.gov.uk/hub/action/render?pageId=mynewbusiness&site=1000

or the short link

http://t.co/hYfd4LTS

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/index.htm

or the short link

http://t.co/Cf10XAIX

A study commissioned for consumer advice site knowthenet.org.uk suggests that, on average, only 44% of people were able to correctly identify illegal activities online.

Knowthenet.org.uk has now launched a free online test - which lets consumers test their own understanding of how the law applies online and check out advice on how to stay out of trouble.

http://accidentaloutlaw.knowthenet.org.uk/

Only 8% of women aged 26 to 35 have up-to-date anti-virus software on their computers, putting them at higher risk of fraud and computer crimes this festive shopping season.

http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/women-face-higher-online-fraud-risk-this-christmas-nov11

or the short link

http://t.co/OIQGk3ru

There is a wealth of information available online on the Wycombe District Council's My Wycombe service.

You can enter your own (or another) address and see information and links to district, county councillors and MPs, next bin collection dates, council tax band and charge, nearest parks, play areas and other community facilities, health and sheltered housing, planning applications and history, and planning policies and constraints.

You can also subscribe to email alerts for new and determined planning applications in your chosen area.

Try the My Wycombe website

Have you seen any suspicious activity, anti-social behaviour or criminal activity whilst out and about in this area?

If you’re out walking your dog, jogging, or just enjoying the countryside you could support the work of the police by reporting anything suspicious that you feel we should be aware of.

We are only as good as the information we receive and you could help us keep Wycombe District safe for those who live, work and visit the area.

You are reminded not to approach anyone who you suspect of committing a crime, or put yourself in any danger in anyway.

Instead, if you witness anything, please note details such as descriptions, locations or vehicle details.

Wycombe District is a safe place to be and we want to ensure it stays this way but need you to help us to do this.

If you see any suspicious activity in the area, contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
 

This document describes the main measures of the Localism Act under four headings:

new freedoms and flexibilities for local government

new rights and powers for communities and individuals

reform to make the planning system more democratic and more effective

reform to ensure that decisions about housing are taken locally

The document Decentralisation and the Localism Act: an essential guide also gives further background. It explains how the principles that underpin the Localism Act also inform other government policies.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/localismplainenglishupdate

You can read the Act and its explanatory notes in full, on the parliament website at:

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/localism/documents.html
 

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/downloadFile?contentID=HMCE_PROD1_031736

Saturday 3rd December: 10.00am-4.00pm

Christmas Café, Craft Fair & Artisan Market

at Lane End Village Hall

Saturday 3rd December: 2.00-5.30pm

A family Christmas Fayre, with Santa, reindeer dust, Santa magic keys, parents gift stall and lots more…….

at Lane End Youth & Community Centre and

Lane End Primary School

An ambitious new strategy to tackle the housing shortage, boost the economy, create jobs and give people the opportunity to get on the housing ladder was announced today (21 November 2011) by the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/2033724

Saturday 3rd December 2011 at 7pm until midnight, Lane End Village Hall. 3 course meal supplied by the Grouse and Ale. Dress to impress! tickets are £17.50 each call 01494 883878 / 07932 326046 or email leycc@hotmail.co.uk.

Come and join Lane End Village Council as we turn on the Christmas Tree lights at the Lane End Village Hall, there will be carols from the Church and School and refreshments.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

An era of Whitehall control has ended with a historic shift in power back to local people, as the Localism Bill becomes law.

The Localism Act will trigger the biggest transfer of power in a generation, releasing councils and communities from the grip of central government.

The flagship legislation, which late yesterday afternoon received Royal Assent, puts a raft of new rights and powers at the disposal of local people to take charge of their future, delivering on more than 30 coalition agreement commitments.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/newsroom/2030130

or the short link

http://t.co/reaH0ogr

The government has launched this consultation to ask for views on how we can protect victims of stalking more effectively. The consultation incorporates a number of issues, including current legislation, the effect of police information notices, search powers, the work of existing organisations and alternative measures to tackle stalking.

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/stalking-consultation/

or the short link

http://t.co/FUBClSsz

Thames Valley Police has gone live today (14/11/2011) with 101, the new national single non-emergency number, which will replace the 0845 8 505 505 number.

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/general/14nov11-thames-valley-goes-live-with-101.aspx

or the short link

http://t.co/qJ4GZkBU

Certain transsexual people can now apply for equal treatment rights for social security purposes. This could mean getting the State Pension paid early, or having some National Insurance contributions refunded.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200047

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has now started sending out tax calculations (on form P800) to show taxpayers if they have paid too little PAYE tax for 2010-11. The calculation will show the total income and personal allowances that are due. HMRC sends notes with the calculation to explain what it all means.

If you get a calculation you should check it to make sure you agree with the information included.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200065

If your child is eligible for free school meals, it's worth registering them even if they're not going to have the school lunch. This is because schools receive a 'Pupil Premium' - an extra payment for each eligible child which they can spend on useful services. Registering might also get you extra help for things like music lessons or school trips.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_200057

or use the short link

http://t.co/t5nPCwGv

Find out what your rights are when buying a car, including when you can claim for a repair, replacement or refund

http://bit.ly/buy-a-car

Buying a car - your rights
 

Struggling with your mortgage payments?

Put together a simple action plan to help you keep your home.

There are several things you can do to make sure your home isn’t repossessed. It’s never too late to get advice, so don’t walk away or hand over your keys to your lender. Find out how to get help to keep your home if you are facing repossession.

What you can do to avoid repossession - a guide

Get Safe on Line has worked closely with the Rough Guide team to produce this downloadable useful guide to staying safe on line

Simply click on the link below for Your copy of “The Rough Guide to Staying Safe On Line”

Rough Guide (1,930KB, PDF)

Anyone who has served in the UK Armed Forces may be entitled to financial support. This also includes the widows, widowers and dependants of those who have served.

Find out what pensions or other payments may be available.

http://bit.ly/VeteranBenefits

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a bookmakers was robbed in High Wycombe on Sunday (6/11).

At about 10.15pm, two men forced their way into Coral's bookmakers, Cressex Road, through a side fire door. They forced the lone member of staff in the store to the floor, before taking her to the counter area where they stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the safe.

The member of staff, who is 20-years-old, was not injured in the incident.

The first man is white and was wearing dark clothing, a light coloured bandana and an over the shoulder bag. The second man is black, wearing a dark jacket with grey on the shoulders and inside the hood, Adidas trainers with white stripes, a light coloured scarf, and was holding a black holdall.

Anyone with any information about the incident or who recognises the description of the men, should contact Det Con Tom Gregory via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

If you don't want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The threat of scam apps is very real. Some users have been landed with bills of hundreds of pounds after inadvertently downloading a scam app.

http://bit.ly/scam-apps

If you are due to work, volunteer or compete at the Olympic or Paralympic Games, or are attending in another official capacity, it's likely you will need an accreditation pass to give you special access to London 2012 venues and sites. Find out what the process involves.

http://bit.ly/GamesPass

Google has started to index Ajax/JavaScript content, so comments made on sites that use services such as the Facebook Comment Box or Disqus will now be discoverable via Google search.

http://bit.ly/rQzhqp

Wycombe Area Youth Council (WAYC) is a fantastic opportunity for young people in the Wycombe district to express their views and be consulted on issues affecting them.

Membership is open to all young people within the district aged 14 to 19 years. If there anything that you want to ask or say about services for young people, then contact the youth council on 01494 447 250 or email wayc@wycombe.gov.uk

http://bit.ly/rB7xeW

In heavy snow, our home carers can’t always reach vulnerable
people. Can you help?

• Can you help clear snow from a driveway or path when our home carers can’t reach someone?

• Or do you have a 4x4 vehicle and can help drive our home carers where they are needed?

If you can help, please let us know.

Please tell us your name, town/village and contact details and if you can help with simple snow clearance or whether you have a 4x4.

Email locality-services@buckscc.gov.uk
or telephone 01296 383409

Worried about clearing snow?
Don’t be.
The Government has produced advice on how to clear snow safely. The most important thing to remember is you won’t be in trouble for clearing snow sensibly (eg use salt and sand to melt snow, rather than hot water which will turn to ice).

Go to: www.direct.gov.uk and learn about the ‘snow code’

Would you know if your child was in a gang?

Learn to spot the signs and find out how to keep them safe

http://bit.ly/ParentsAndGangs

WDNHWA is pleased to announce that there will be a local Neighbourhood Watch meeting for Lane End, Stokenchurch, and nearby villages on Wednesday, 16th November, starting at 7.30PM. The location will be the Stokenchurch Methodist Church, The Common, Stokenchurch HP14 3TZ. The road is diagonally opposite The Kings Arms Hotel on the A40.

The invited speakers are:

Jay & Jade of Street Dreams re the work they do with young people to help keep them on the ‘straight and narrow’.

Your local police Neighbourhood Team.

Geoff Pegg, Chairman of WDNHWA re the new arrangements in the police support systems for NHW (messaging, database etc).

It is most important that the new police support systems, particularly re the messaging, be outlined to you and that you provide your own feelings about this. So, do please try to come along and do encourage others to attend as well. These meetings are not just for Co-ordinators – anyone interested can attend.

Find out what you're allowed to do to protect yourself.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Chief Constables have produced a summary of what people can do when faced with an intruder and the support offered by the law when householders defend themselves. The following is taken from that statement.

http://bit.ly/home-defence

The right to peaceful protest is a vital part of democracy, and it has a long, distinguished history in the UK. Here’s some basic information about protests, as well as a few other ways in which you can make your voice heard.

http://bit.ly/protest-rights

Local residents and Wycombe Sports Centre users are invited to an exhibition between Monday 31 October and Friday 18 November, to find out more about Wycombe District Council's latest proposal to redevelop the Wycombe Sports Centre site and build a new leisure centre.

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/press-release/26oct11-local-residents-invited-to-find-out-more-about-redevelopment-proposals-in-high-wycombe.aspx

or the short link

http://bit.ly/ulAqPX

With the clocks going back on 30 October everyone gets an extra hour. How you spend it is up to you, but that one hour could make a real difference to someone’s life. Why not spend it helping someone get online?

http://bit.ly/Give-an-hour

Is Britain beset by binge boozers? Will wine help you lose weight? Could six cans of lager help you live longer? The media pose questions like these on an almost daily basis, often using and abusing the findings of medical research to back up their headlines.

In this special report, Behind the Headlines analyses the media's relationship with research on alcohol, the science behind it, and what all this means for us when we consider raising a glass.

What's your poison: A sober analysis of alcohol and health in the media (PDF, 3Mb) is a must-read for anyone who wants the facts on whether the headlines are true.

Firework safety and the law

Fireworks often play a big part in celebrations – like Bonfire Night, Diwali and Chinese New Year. However, fireworks are explosives and burn at high temperatures, so they need careful handling and storage. Find out about firework safety and the law about their use.

http://bit.ly/firework_safety

Transport for Buckinghamshire are holding workshops across the county this
November to help prepare motorists for the challenge of winter driving.

Last year over 200 people attended either an evening workshop or a winter
driving event hosted by their employer.

Each workshop starts with a winter driving presentation on how to drive
safely in challenging conditions. The garage technicians will then take
attendees through the most common faults and basic vehicle maintenance
checks.

Peter Hardy, Buckinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Planning and
Transport, said "We have experienced some severe weather over the last
couple of winters so these workshops could be beneficial to those who are
not experienced at driving in these conditions."

Whether you're an experienced motorist, older driver or have just passed
your driving test, a winter driving workshop will help you understand how to
conduct basic vehicle checks to reduce the possibility of the vehicle
breaking down.

"I spoke to employees who went to the Winter Driving Workshop and all have
said how valuable it was. The comments included that much of it was down to
common sense and they would think more about their driving and vehicle
safety." Peter Gannaway, Health and Safety Manager Paradigm Housing Group.

"I went on the course with a limited knowledge of the effects the winter can
have on my vehicle, but two hours later I was up to speed. It's not rocket
science, but what you do learn is common sense that could keep your car on
the road in the cold and should make you a safer driver. I've still got my
sleeping bag in the boot, I've never used it, but it's great to know it's
there!!" Andy Holmes, Buckinghamshire County Council.

The evening workshops start at 7 pm and are held on the following dates:

STS Tyres Aylesbury on 8th November 2011

STS Tyres High Wycombe on 15th November 2011

Buckingham Ford on 17th November 2011

STS Tyres Chesham on 22nd November 2011 

To find out more about winter driving and to book a place on a workshop,
visit our web site
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/transport/winter_driving_workshops.page

Alternatively if you would like to host a workplace workshop please
telephone 01296 382450 or email roadsafety@buckscc.gov.uk

There is a new easy way for you to tell Ofsted how you think your child's school is performing.

Ofsted has launched Parent View, a 12-question online survey that lets you give your views on your child's school at any time.

http://bit.ly/ParentView

Share this with friends and loved ones to remind them.

Time to Test

http://bit.ly/firekillsclock

http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/jobs/

http://talesoftheroad.direct.gov.uk/

or the short link

http://bit.ly/TalesOfTheRoad

Changes to tenancy and deposit laws

Tenancies with rents between £25,000 and £100,000 per year can now be assured and assured shorthold tenancies

Find out about changes to the annual rental threshold

Types of tenancies - private renting

Store the word "ICE" in your mobile phone address book, and against it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency".

In an emergency situation, the police, ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are and be able to contact them. It's as simple as that, and for more than one contact name you can use ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc.

all NHS hospitals have a complaints process.

http://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/complaints/Pages/NHScomplaints.aspx

Care homes are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC is responsible for monitoring the standards of most private, voluntary and local council care services. Learn more about standards of care and who to contact to make a complaint if you're not happy.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/CareHomes/DG_10031520

DELECTA DNA is a forensic crime reduction system that links criminals to crime scenes and provides an unbreakable chain of evidence in a court of law.

Furthermore, it enables stolen goods to be returned to their rightful owners.

Each batch of Selecta DNA contains a non-toxic liquid with a unique DNA code. This solution can only be seen under UV light - the police have UV arc-lamps in each of their local Custody Suites.

By displaying warning labels, window stickers, and other signage, it deters criminals, as they know the DNA will link them to the crimes they commit.

As well as the DNA identifier, each bottle of the solution contains about 1,000 microdots and each microdot shows the manufacturer's secure database phone number and the unique code of the owner. This gives the police the ability to positively ID a recovered item on the spot.

These kits are ideal for such items as:
- Computers, IT equipment, and other electrical equipment.
- Jewellery
- Antiques and paintings
- Leisure equipment such as golf clubs, bicycles, motorcycles etc.
- Tools

The kits that are able to mark about 50 items can be obtained from WDNHWA at a cost of £23.00 and this includes the database registration cost with the manufacturer. Also included are warning signs and tamper-proof warning labels.

Please confirm your interest in the first place with Gemma Brooks at Wycombe District Council's Community Safety Department as follows:

- ph 01494.421117
- email : Gemma.Brooks@wycombe.gov.uk

Alternatively, talk dir ectly to WDNHWA at the Crime Prevention Event on Saturday, 22nd October, from 9.00AM until 2.00PM in The Chilterns Shopping Centre, High Wycombe. The kits will be available to purchase there.

We want to hear from you on your priorities for council spending over the coming year. The consultation is live until 13 November 2011.

Your money - your choice

www.buckscc.gov.uk/budget

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is reminding consumers to follow good hygiene practices when storing and preparing vegetables, following two recent E.coli outbreaks.

http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2011/sep/washveg

or the short link

http://bit.ly/nZX7th

Responsibility for sewers is changing on 1 October 2011.

Find out the difference between drains and sewers, and who is responsible for repairing and maintaining them.

Also, learn how to prevent a blocked drain and what to do if a blockage happens.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/WhereYouLive/Streetcleaninglitterandillegaldumping/DG_10026174

or the short link

http://bit.ly/sewer-pipes

A BUCKS hypnotherapist has hit out at internet giant Google after she was left 'helpless' when her email account was hijacked.

http://bit.ly/qSwyqv

Free services like gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo etc. are not secure use them at your own risk!

Facebook is making sharing even easier by automatically sharing what you’re doing on Facebook-connected apps. Instead of having to "Like” something to share it, you’ll just need to click “Add to Timeline” on any website or app, and that app will have permission to share your activity with your Facebook friends.

What activity, you ask?

It could be the news articles you read online, the videos you watch, the photos you view, the music you listen to, or any other action within the site or app. Facebook calls this auto-sharing "Gestures".

http://mashable.com/2011/09/28/new-facebook-feature/

I'm sure many people all over the world are begining to question whether Facebook is worth all the hassle?

Child maintenance is financial support towards a child's everyday living costs.

Separated parents can arrange child maintenance between themselves by making a family-based arrangement.

They can also ask the CSA or courts to get involved.

Find out about child maintenance and how to make an arrangement that works for you.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/ChildMaintenance/Arrangingchildmaintenance/DG_199174

Adoption is where a child legally becomes a member of a new family and has one or two new parents.

If you are at least 21 years old and can provide a permanent, stable and caring home, your application to adopt will be welcomed.

There is no upper age limit.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Adoptionfosteringandchildrenincare/AdoptionAndFostering/DG_4019657

or the short link

http://bit.ly/ukadoption

It’s pretty amazing how Facebook can suggest friends for you based on the most ephemeral of connections. Or how about when you log in and see ads for services you were just searching for on Google? Or what about when Facebook synced all of your cell phone contacts to the site without you realizing you’d allowed it? What about the new API that allows apps to post items on your timeline without you even doing anything. Not to mention the frequent design changes that put your privacy settings under different menus and submenus.

Read the article/solution and comment at www.mh-p.info

Based on information supplied by www.securitymanagement.com

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is a minimum amount per hour that most workers in the UK are entitled to be paid.

Find out what the current rates are and where to get help if you think you are being paid below the minimum wage rate.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/TheNationalMinimumWage/DG_10027201

or the short link

http://bit.ly/nmw-rates

When you buy something the law gives you certain rights that protect you if it’s faulty. You may also have extra rights depending on where you buy the item and how you pay for it. Find out what your rights are and who can help if things go wrong.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/index.htm

Tax-free children's savings accounts, known as 'Junior ISAs', will be available from 1 November 2011.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_192028

To celebrate Walk4Life Day a national database of walks has been published:

http://www.walk4life.info/

The independent Boundary Commission for England (BCE) today launches a 12-week consultation on its initial proposals for new Parliamentary constituency boundaries in England.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_199450

or the short link

http://bit.ly/constituencies

Trustees are the people in charge of a charity. They play a vital role, volunteering their time and working together to make important decisions about the charity's work.

Trustees' Week is an annual event to showcase the great work that trustees do and highlight opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved and make a difference.

Trustees’ Week 2011 is 31 October – 6 November and this website will be regularly updated with news and information in the run up to the week.

http://www.trusteesweek.org.uk/

The government has announced that it will ban the payment of referral fees in personal injury cases. The current arrangements have led to high costs, encouraged a compensation culture and led to the growth of an industry which pursues claimants for profit.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_199404?

The aim of Get Safe Online is to provide computer users and small businesses with free, independent, user-friendly advice that will allow them to use the internet confidently, safely and securely.

http://www.getsafeonline.org/

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Planning/index.htm

or the short link

http://bit.ly/planning-guide

Charity 20/20 cricket match in aid of Wycombe Hospital at High Wycombe Cricket Club this Sunday, 11 September.

Gates open for a BBQ at Noon and the match starts at 1.00pm.

Former Pakistan test cricketer Shakil Ahmed, will be playing along with former county players and rising young stars.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children and include a prize draw ticket with the chance to win a children's coaching session with a former England test player.

Tickets are available on line at www.scannappeal.org.uk or by telephone at 01491 734 161.

All proceeds will go to Scannappeal’s HeartScan Appeal for Wycombe Hospital. This Appeal is for £125,000 for a state of the art 3D heart scanner to diagnose and treat patients with heart complications and to monitor the heart function of breast cancer patients, so helping many local patients including those in your area.
 

A leaflet has been produced for winter 2011/12 explaining how you can protect yourself against flu this coming winter and why it’s very important that people who are at risk have their free seasonal flu vaccination every year

http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2011/09/seasonal-flu-vaccinations/

or the short link

http://bit.ly/oLhF0f

Postgraduate study offers a way of retraining as a teacher or social worker, or starting a career in healthcare. The application process is often different from that used for other postgraduate courses – and there may be alternative sources of financial help on offer.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/ChoicesAfterYouGraduate/DG_10012475

or the short link

http://bit.ly/teachtraining

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply for the same student loans, grants and bursaries as other undergraduate students. Find out what full-time or part-time courses you may get finance for and what finance is available.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/Typesoffinance/DG_171531

or the short link

http://bit.ly/teachingfinance

Agency workers will be entitled to new employment rights from 1 October 2011 when new regulations come into force. When on an assignment you will get some of these rights from day one and some after 12 weeks in the same job.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_199272

Relationship abuse can happen to anyone. It involves more than physical violence, it can be when someone puts you down, threatens you or forces you to do something you don't want to. Find out more about how to spot the signs, have your say on the issue and seek help here.

http://thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk/

or the short link

http://bit.ly/thisisabuse

Find out why, and read about the #energyefficient alternatives

One of the ways you can save energy in your home is to use energy saving light bulbs. These can last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs and can save you money on your electricity bills. Find out how these bulbs work and how to recycle them.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Energyandwatersaving/Energyandwaterefficiencyinyourhome/DG_179919

or the short link

http://bit.ly/light_bulbs

Businesses up and down the country are being invited to contribute ideas on how the Government can cut red tape and regulatory burdens without affecting its responsibilities to protect the environment.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/09/01/red-tape-spotlight/

or the short link

http://bit.ly/rd9jGI

The warning, which the MHRA says is "precautionary" comes after reports that the anti-psychotic drug Seroquel XL has been found within some Nurofen Plus packets. Three defective packs have been found in pharmacies in London, but the affected batches may have been distributed across the UK.

The blister packs of the two different drugs look different, and should be easily spotted. The Seroquel XL 50mg tablets are large and capsule shaped and can be identified by their gold and black packaging; Nurofen Plus tablets are smaller and have silver and black packaging.

http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/08August/Pages/nurofen-plus-mhra-warning.aspx

Flooding can cause widespread damage to your home and belongings. Making plans in advance can reduce the chances of your home being flooded and also save your life. Find out how you can prepare for flooding and protect your home from flood damage.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/WhereYouLive/FloodingInYourArea/DG_10014599

or the short link

http://bit.ly/floodwarning

Cllr Hugh McCarthy, Wycombe District Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability, commented: "Between 2 September and 14 October, we are inviting you to have your say on the bold and exciting plans that we have made for the future of the Wycombe district, which aim to improve local facilities and help to deliver new jobs and prosperity to the area by regenerating key sites and setting in place a strong framework for future development. We want the Wycombe district to continue to be somewhere people are proud to live, work, visit and shop in. So please, take the opportunity to review our plans and tell us what you think - there are plenty of ways to have your say and to get involved."

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/press-release/25aug11-have-your-say-on-shaping-the-future-of-the-wycombe-district.aspx

or the short link

http://bit.ly/nTyUnU

A door step promotion of the Councils Home Insulation Grant will be taking place across the Wycombe District area commencing on Thursday 25th August, in the Totteridge area, but will be expanding across the district over following weeks.

The promotion will be conducted on behalf of Wycombe District Council by one of the approved installers from a company called Baring, offering Cavity Wall and Loft insulation, as part of the Wycombe 500 Houses challenge.

Each of their representatives will be in possession of a laminated copy of a letter of authority issued by the council, together with an ID badge giving their name and displaying the Wycombe District Council Logo. If you are in any doubt as to the identity of the caller then Wycombe District Council's ! Environmental Co-ordinator, Mrs Lesley Stoner, can be contacted on 01494 421744.

You have a right under the Data Protection Act to see information about your results. Having access to information - such as a breakdown of their overall mark and examiners’ comments – may not lead to your grades being altered but it could help you make decisions that impact on your future, such as deciding to re-sit an exam or pursue a particular subject at college or university.

http://www.ico.gov.uk/news/latest_news/2011/students_can_request_examiners_comments_under_data_protection_laws_18082011.aspx

or the short link

http://bit.ly/nsObg1

Cooling your home without air conditioning and checking your risk of flooding are just two ways to get ready.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Thewiderenvironment/Climatechange/DG_179147

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Publictransport/index.htm

or the short link

http://bit.ly/qSqkdM

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Publictransport/RailTravel/index.htm

or the short link

http://bit.ly/UKrail

e-petitions is the best way for individuals to make themselves heard.

It only takes 100,000 signatures to get a petition debated in parliament and if your topic is not listed you can start your own petition.

One petition already has over 150,000 signatures.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/

With the recent announcements from the main energy providers of large increases in the price of energy, the cost of keep warm is rising. It is becoming harder for residents to keep their homes heated to the recommended temperatures of 21˚C (70˚F) in the living room and 18˚C (65˚F) in other occupied rooms. To help combat this, a free phone helpline has been set up to advise residents in Buckinghamshire how to cut their energy bills.

The service is offered by the United Sustainable Energy Agency in partnership with Buckinghamshire County Council, the four Buckinghamshire District Councils and Buckinghamshire Primary Care Trust.

If you are finding your energy bills unmanageable, you are not alone. Currently over 5 million people in the UK cannot afford to pay for the heat they need. Any resident in Buckinghamshire who is struggling with their energy bills can call 0800 107 00 44 for free, impartial advice on:

• Cavity wall and loft insulation including the grants available
• Grants and loans to help with heating system replacements
• Government and energy company payments
• How to switch energy suppliers to get the best deal
• Advice on fuel debt
• How to be more energy efficient in the home

Some of these improvements can take a few months to install; don’t wait until it gets cold to phone.

The helpline is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
 

Following small outbreaks of disorder in parts of the force area, Thames Valley Police has set up the following Twitter feeds to keep communities updated:

www.twitter.com/TVP_Slough

www.twitter.com/TVP_Reading

www.twitter.com/TVP_Oxford

www.twitter.com/TVP_MK

www.twitter.com/TVP_Aylesbury

www.twitter.com/TVP_Wycombe

You can also follow us on the main Thames Valley Police Twitter site:

www.twitter.com/thamesvp

If you have information about groups gathering or behaving suspiciously, please contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505.

Alternatively, if you do not want to speak to police, or leave your name, please contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111

Thousands more police officers will be deployed on the streets of London tonight to help contain rioting that has affected parts of the city. Parents are advised to ensure their children stay off the streets as police move to tackle any signs of disturbance.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198958

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/uk_riots

A 'demo' map showing 180,000 assets owned by public sector bodies has been published.

These include restaurants, pubs, an airport and even Swindon Town’s football stadium!

It is hoped that by publishing a national asset map billions of pounds of potential savings will be identified.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198888

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/asset_map

We have received a number of calls from concerned residents across the District who have reported suspicious phone calls from people claiming to be completing a crime survey and acting on behalf of Thames Valley Police.

Thames Valley Police have no knowledge of this survey and would advise anyone who receives such a phone call to advise them you are not interested and to not give them any personal information.

Please do let us know if you receive a call like this, including what was said, time and date of call, any phone number obtained, together with any other information you may obtain.

If you have any information in relation to this message, please contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505

To find out more about Thames Valley Police in your area - please go to our website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk.

Persistent 'neighbours from hell' will be evicted from their homes more quickly, under new plans to tackle anti-social behaviour.

While eviction will always be the last resort, the rights of victims to a peaceful life will be prioritised over the rights of offenders.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198838

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/neighboursfromhell

You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home if you haven't got a working smoke alarm.

A smoke alarm is the easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you time to escape.

They are cheap, easy to get hold of and easy to fit.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/FireSafety/DG_071751

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/edFzws

Enhanced rider scheme

Get more out of your riding and motorcycle by taking the enhanced rider scheme. You'll get your own trainer to help you make your riding more enjoyable. You can also get insurance discounts with most motorcycle insurance brokers. Find out how to find a trainer and get started.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/RidingMotorcyclesAndMopeds/DG_4022666

http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/media-centre/news-releases/2011/campaign-to-hunt-some-of-the-uks-most-wanted-fraudsters-launched-by-crimestoppers-45132985

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/Companyandpersonalpensions/index.htm

1000 each year will die waiting as there are not enough organs available.

Register NOW!

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Features/DH_128851

Telephone scammers claiming to represent the OFT

We are aware of consumers being contacted by people claiming to represent the OFT. Consumers are told that the OFT can reclaim bank or other charges for them, and that this service requires an upfront fee to be paid by money transfer. Some consumers have been asked to pay between £100 and £200.

The OFT is warning people not to pay money to bogus telephone callers claiming to be from the OFT. These callers have no connection with the OFT. The OFT do not ask people for money over the telephone.

If you receive a telephone call from the OFT asking for money, this is a scam and you should not pay.

For further advice contact Consumer Direct using the Directgov online form

http://www.oft.gov.uk/consumer-advice/

From 1 August 2011, householders could get government funding to help install renewable heating systems such as biomass boilers and solar thermal panels. Money will be available for up to 25,000 installations over the next year, with grants being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198244

Home improvements continue to top the list of complaints about doorstep rogue traders, according to new figures from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). Complaints about home maintenance peak during the summer, so find out what to do if an uninvited trader calls at your door this summer.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198600

Millions of homes and businesses in rural parts of the UK could receive better value broadband services by the end of this year. This follows Ofcom’s decision to reduce significantly the prices that BT Wholesale can charge internet service providers (ISPs) in primarily rural, less densely populated areas.

http://media.ofcom.org.uk/2011/07/20/better-value-rural-broadband/

The First

"Can I speak to the BT Account Holder" is generally how the first starts and although they are a competitor of BT they keep saying "BT" to instill in your mind that they are from BT.  They talk about saving you money when infact they're trying to move you to their service.

The way to test to tell if they are from BT is to ask them to tell you your account number (it's at the top of your phone bill) - they can't because they don't know it. Terminate the call.

The Second

This is more serious.

Again they claim to be a representative of BT.  He will tell you that he is about to disconnect you because of an unpaid bill and will demand a sum of money, probably about £30 or you will have to pay £118 to be re-connected.

He's not after your cash - he wants your credit card details.

If he thinks you're suspicious he will so offer to demonstrate that he was from BT by disconnecting your phone.  He will tell you to hang up and phoning someone - he would dis-connect my phone to prevent this call.

Your phone will be dead - no dialling tone, no engaged tone, nothing.

You hang up and then he calls you again.

The cutting off of the line is very simple, he stays on the line with the mute button on and you can't dial out - but he can hear you trying (This is because the person who initiates a call is the one to terminate it). When you stop trying he cuts off and immediately calls back.

Don't get caught by this scam!

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has opened an investigation into websites that charge people for government services that are available directly from government, either at no cost or for a lower fee.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198585

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/do-it-online

Suitable for anyone with a business idea however early stage, the “Is it for me?” workshop covers everything you need to know about working for yourself and whether starting a business or going into self-employment is right for you. “Is it for me?” workshops are being held at the Holiday Inn, High Wycombe on the following dates:

27th July

19th August

16th September

7th October 

If, following this workshop, you decide to commit to starting your business and have already started your research, you will qualify for a second tier of workshops focused on getting the basics of your business right and developing your business plan.

Don’t delay – these workshops won’t be around for long. To book, call Business Link on 0845 600 9006 today. Please note that prior booking is essential for all Business Link events. Entry will not be permitted without an e-ticket.

Information collected by the British Trust for Ornithology shows that the number of swifts breeding in Britain has declined considerably - by 44% in the South East between 1995 and 2008. Much of this decline is caused by the loss of nesting sites, due to building repairs or even simple re-pointing of brickwork, which means that swifts can no longer access a traditional site.

Your help in completing the questionnaire will be appreciated.

Swift Nesting Site Questionnaire 2011

.

http://taxcreditsvideos.direct.gov.uk/index.html

or use the short link.

http://bit.ly/isNS61

For further information please vist :

http://thebigtreeplant.direct.gov.uk/funding.html

or the short link:

bit.ly/g1LTIY

Residents are asked to keep a close eye on their local playground following an attack on the Winchmore Hill play area.  The equipment, which was installed 13 months ago,  will now have to be replaced at a cost of £25,000, after it was wrecked by offenders trying to steal the metalwork.

The value of scrap metal and cabling is at a record high so please be vigilent.

It is now cheaper to use your mobile phone on holiday in Europe after new Eurotariff charges came into force on 1 July 2011.

The Eurotariff is an EU regulated price limit for call charges within Europe. The rules also cover charges to send a text message.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_188961

or the short link

http://bit.ly/mob-hols

From this date the UK's pet movement rules will be harmonised with the rest of the European Union (EU), making it cheaper and easier for owners to travel abroad with their pets.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198187

or the short link

http://bit.ly/pet-rules

The proposals to extend the Air Travel Operators' Licence (ATOL) scheme would mean that up to 6 million extra holidays a year could be covered by the consumer protection scheme.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_198011

or the short link:

http://bit.ly/atol-changes

The draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) below are subject to public consultation from Friday 24 June 2011 to Friday 19 August 2011.

The draft SPDs are:

• Draft Developer Contributions SPD Update and associated Developers Guide
• Draft Housing Intensification SPD Update
• Draft Community Facilities SPD

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-buildings/planning-consultations.aspx

First-time buyers struggling to build up a large enough deposit to get on the property ladder are being urged to register their interest in the FirstBuy scheme.

Under the new scheme, the government and housebuilders will lend you the money for a deposit, with loans repaid when you sell the property.

For more information and to register for the FirstBuy scheme visit:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_197938

or the short link

http://bit.ly/FirstBuy

The exceptions are:

• if you have made a SORN for the vehicle
• if your vehicle has been kept off-road since before SORN came into force on 31 January 1998 – unless it was brought back into use
• if your vehicle is recorded as stolen, passed or sold to the motor trade or between registered keepers
• if your vehicle is recorded scrapped or permanently exported by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing (DVLA)
  
   

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Motorinsurance/DG_186696?CID=Continuous_Insurance&PLA=DM&CRE=Furl

or the short link

http://bit.ly/m3xt85

As a juror you can't discuss the case on Twitter or Facebook.

Find out about jury service and your responsibilities

http://bit.ly/juror_uk

 

Fines will be introduced for people who don’t take care that information on their benefit claim is correct or don't tell the Department for Work and Pensions quickly about a change in their circumstances. These will be civil penalties, not criminal convictions.

http://bit.ly/claim_fine
 

The government has revealed plans for a zerowaste economy which includes the scrapping of bin fines and tackling illegal fly-tippers

http://bit.ly/0-waste

Please find below, a link to the ‘Your Neighbourhood’ page of the Thames Valley Police website, where you will find the latest updates for your area.

http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/

This link will allow you to enter your Post Code in the ‘Postcode Search’ box on the right of the page.

Once entered, click on ‘SHOW’, and you will be taken to the page which will give details of your local Neighbourhood Team, your local priorities, issues being tackled by the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) - made up of local residents and partner organisations, together with links to Neighbourhood updates, upcoming Neighbourhood meetings and Crime Statistics.

The Neighbourhood updates are produced on a monthly basis by your local Neighbourhood officers and give an overview of recent events, and Police related matters they have been involved with.

From the link you will also be able to access other areas of the Thames Valley Police website.

The Food Standards Agency have issued advice on the E. Coli outbreak in Germany.

http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2011/june/outbreak

or the short link

http://bit.ly/lDCQ3H
 

Please note the date of the Full Parish Council Meeting has been changed from Monday 1st August to Monday 8th August. The Meeting will be at 7.30pm in the Sycamore Room of the Lane End Village Hall.
 

The roads in Buckinghamshire have suffered from a lack of proper maintenance
for many years. This has been due mainly to the previous Labour Government
changing the revenue funding formula for southern counties such as
Buckinghamshire and also importantly, removing all our so called 'supported
capital borrowing', which helped to fund road resurfacing.

This problem has been made worse by two long, hard winters. The result is
that our roads fall far short of the standard that you have a right to
expect. This situation cannot be rectified quickly but I am determined that
we should make a start.

I have therefore assembled a budget for a two-year programme to allow more
road repairs. I have done this partly by reprioritising spending within the
Transportation department. This has involved some difficult and
controversial decisions such as switching money from promoting walking and
cycling, removing the planned increase in locally spent budgets, postponing
the review of speed limits and much more.

Nevertheless, I believe that taking tough decisions is what you elect your
councillors to do and I stand by these changes in priority. In addition, I
am also asking the County Council to release £3 million from our reserves to
make a total road repair budget of £25 million over the next two years.
Whilst this sounds a lot of money (and it is your money as Council tax
payers), in reality it constitutes barely a tenth of what really needs to be
spent to upgrade most of our roads.

I am already receiving a number of e-mails from residents stating that their
particular roads should be given priority. I hope you would agree that it
would be completely wrong for money to be spent on the basis of who shouts
loudest or first.

Whilst Council officers will advise on which roads should be resurfaced, I
propose to devolve the final decisions to your locally elected County
Councillors as they should be most closely in touch with their local areas
and residents' views. Nevertheless, I must be very clear that, given the
size of the problem, even after this programme there will be roads in many
areas where residents' reasonable expectations will not be met.

My new Cabinet Member for Transportation, Peter Hardy and I will oversee the
programme and will do our best to ensure that we really are 'working on it'.

Yours faithfully

Martin Tett
Leader, Buckinghamshire County Council

The main programme will take place from Saturday 2nd June to Tuesday 5th June with celebratory activities throughout the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. Further details of these events and of other national and regional Diamond Jubilee events will be announced in due course.

http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Pressreleases/2011/AnnouncementofplansforthecentralDiamondJubileeweek.aspx

or the short link: http://bit.ly/jnpmLe

The Government have released further information including details of Bank Holidays, exhibitions, projects, school holidays and term dates.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_197517

or the short link: http://bitly.com/dj-2012

Following the EU Directive and new UK Law we are pleased to offer advice through our Webmaster on how to manage cookies on your computer.

http://www.mh-p.info/?p=284

If you have a comment or question on this article or any others please leave a reply on the page.

Ofcom has published research into mobile broadband speeds.

Read the report and find out about 3G speeds across the UK

http://bit.ly/m-bb-s

The government, following an EU directive and through the Information Commissioners Office, has issued a new law governing the use of cookies.

All of the latest web browsers have the facility for the user to control cookies through the options menu but in a large number of cases refusing cookies can have a detrimental affect on the performance of the website.

You can read about the new law at http://bit.ly/law-cookie

You can read what our Webmaster and Statcounter (who manage the cookies on this website) have to say about this new legislation at http://www.mh-p.info/?p=274

Use My Wycombe to find out changes to your bin collection dates this bank holiday.

See http://mywycombe.wycombe.gov.uk/
 

Go back in time to 1642 on May 29 and 30 as 70 members of the English Civil War Society replay the skirmish between Royalists lead by Lord Wentworth as they burst from the woods to attack the Parliamentarian patrol under the command Captain Haynes encamped at West Wycombe House. The day lasts from 2pm-6pm.

on Father's Day there is a Vintage Car Day on June 19 where proud car owners will have their beautiful cars on display.

There is no extra charge for the entrance price for these events and National Trust members go free.

And to top this off there is an open air performance of Pride and Prejudice on August 28. Booking is essential for this and there is a ticket charge.

Direct.gov and the Police have issued these tips to avoid becoming a victim of cash machine crime.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_197477

or the short link

http://bit.ly/cm-crime

Cllr. Bill Bendyshe-Brown, Chairman of Wycombe District Council, recognised the following for their contribution to the community at a small ceremony last evening.

Professor Peter Thomas - Bucks Sports Board

Pastor John Richards - The Oasis Project

Sheena Dykes - Wycombe Night Shelter

Sgt. Michelle Ryan - Thames Valley Police

SWO Ash Malik - Royal Air Force, High Wycombe

Seamus Doyle - Veolia Environmental Services

Amanda Foister - Longridge Activity Centre

Sharon Henson - West Wycombe / Piddlington Parish Councils

David Griffin - Shopmobility

Dr. M Aslam - Sunday Cricket League

Sqdn. Ldr. Malcolm Maultby - Risborough Area Community Bus

Hilda Stern - Small & Medium Enterprises

01494 437111.

The Adult Learning Free Taster Week runs from May 14th to 20th.

Why not see what's available in your area?

Visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_187560

or use the short link

http://bit.ly/a-l-w

You're never too old to learn!

Interested in holding a street party for the Big Lunch on 5 June. Find out how WDC can help -

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/events/street-party-for-the-big-lunch.aspx

or the short link

http://bit.ly/iFo0PR

The Government has launched a new website which explains the new student finance system which takes effect from 2012

http://yourfuture.direct.gov.uk/

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/events.aspx

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/general/12apr11-council-services-over-the-bank-holidays.aspx

and specifically

http://maps.wycombe.gov.uk/mywycombe.aspx

This month’s Royal Wedding is a great occasion for national celebration, and street parties are a traditional way of doing this. Over the last few months rules have been relaxed and red tape cut to make it easier for people to organise a street party or fete.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/Features/DG_WP196814

or the short link

http://bit.ly/rw-s-p

Every few weeks the government will publish all the regulations affecting one specific sector or industry.

You tell them what’s working and what’s not, what can be simplified and what can be scrapped.

Based on your feedback, they will start getting rid of unnecessary red tape.

http://www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/home/index/

or the short link

http://bit.ly/fMbniK

You can find all this information at:

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/council-and-democracy/elections-and-voting/forthcoming-elections.aspx

or the shortened link:

http://bit.ly/h74v1t

ASAP!

Census staff will carry an ID card

They will not ask for your bank or credit card details

You won’t be asked to leave your completed form on the doorstep

You can arrange a visit by calling the helpline number of the form

Census staff will only visit residents who have not returned their forms

Don’t let the caller in your house

If you’re not sure of the callers identity, keep the door closed and call the Census helpline (0300 0201 101)

For more information visit www.census.gov.uk  or call 0300 0201 101

For more information about getting started with your #2011census online questionnaire please visit

http://help.census.gov.uk/england/help/help-and-information/Gettingstarted/Completethequestionnaireonline/Topics/Gettingstartedwithyouronlinequestionnaire_S0004A.html

or http://bit.ly/fd4oas

If you're planning or considering holding a street party to celebrate the forthcoming Royal Wedding, Wycombe district Council have issued guidelines.

http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/news/events/street-party-for-the-royal-wedding.aspx

Lane End Youth & Community Centre Association - Vacancy

The Coalition Government has today launched the first stage of plans to give members of the public the right to comment on every aspect of new legislation, putting people at the heart of the legislative process.

Prime Ministers Introduction

Protection Of Freedoms Bill

Please note - the next meeting of the Full Parish Council has been changed from Monday 7th March 2011 to Tuesday 8th March 2011 at 7.30pm in the Sycamore Room of the Lane End Village Hall.

You can now see faults that have been reported.

Report a new fault by street name or on a map.

Track problems that have been reported.

Visit the site to see all the things that can be reported direct.

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/transport/ea_report_problem.page

Bucks County Council have released their proposed budget for 2011/2012 for public consultation. Residents can make comments on this by going online – www.buckscc.gov.uk/budget

New approach to handling complaints of antisocial behaviour will be trialled by eight police forces.

http://tinyurl.com/39rbqcn

A free event for people affected by stroke, their carers

This is a Community Message from the High Wycombe watch office on Wednesday 10th November 2010.

A local building company is experiencing problems with a bogus company using their identity. The local company trades under the names of Lee Pave or John Lee Construction Servicing Ltd, both based in the Stokenchurch area. They are concerned that an elderly person may suffer loss or a person or company will be duped by the bogus company.

They have requested that if anyone is contacted or approached by anyone purporting to be from this company they contact the office to confirm identity, before agreeing to any work to be done - They can be contacted on 01494 482992

If you have any information in relation to this message, please contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505

The Bucks Free is holding a straw poll on whether residents want a community stadium or not. Deadline 4pm Wednesday 10th November 2010
 

http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/8624402.Your_vote__Does_Wycombe_need_a_new_stadium_/

Clearing Snow and Ice - New Guidance

Stokenchurch / West Wycombe / Lane End neighbourhood

Local priorities

After consultation with the communities in the neighbourhood, the following priorities were identified:

1. Anti-social behaviour. There are groups of rowdy young people along Lane End during evening hours and weekends.
2. Speeding. Motorists exceed the 30 mph speed limit along Finings Road, Lane End, Marlow Road Stokenchurch and High Street West.
3. Parking. There are concerns along Lane End High Street on the path way and West Wycombe area of the Primary School at start and end of school day.

Neighbourhood Action Group

These issues are now being tackled by the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) made up of local residents and partner organisations.

Neighbourhood updates

• Update for September
• Update for August
• Update for July

Have Your Say meetings

Meet your local neighbourhood officers and have your say on policing priorities and concerns in your local area.

Find out more about Have Your Say meetings

Further to the approval of the Council’s Cabinet on 6 September, WDC Council will be undertaking public consultation on planning options for a new stadium and community sports facilities from the end of this week. This project responds to issues with the constrained Adams Park site used by Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps and the need for wider community sports facilities within the district.

PACT (Parents And Children Together), founded in 1911, is also known as the Oxford Diocesan Council for Social Work inc. We are a registered charity working to improve life chances for children. The focus of our work is within Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire and aims to build and strengthen families.

We are an approved Adoption and Fostering Agency. We have a history of finding safe, loving families for children in care. Here are a few facts about Fostering:

1.    Did you know you don’t have to be married to become a Foster Carer?

2.    You don’t have to have children already although you do need to have experience of caring for children.

3.    Did you know you get paid a Fostering Allowance of £335.70 a week to be a Foster Carer which is tax free and won’t affect any other benefits?

4.    Most of the children who need fostering are known as ‘hard to place’ children, they will usually be 8+ years of age.

Fostering is a hard but very rewarding job. If you think you might have what it takes to become a Permanent Foster Carer or you want to find out more then contact PACT now on 0800 731 1845

e-mail fostering@pactcharity.org or visit www.pactcharity.org

Two new parishioners, Lorraine Smith and David Crichton , have joined The Parish Council thus bringing us up to our full complement of eleven.

The Parish Council owns Moor End Common and is responsible for ensuring it is kept in good condition thereby maintaining its SSSI status. We have recently reviewed the composition of the committee that advises The Council on its upkeep and this reconstituted body will start meeting very shortly .

Wycombe District Council made a presentation to The Parish Council about the consultation process they have embarked on that will lead to a decision where to site the proposed Wycombe Community Stadium; Wycombe Air Park is one of the three areas under consideration. WDC have promised to keep us fully informed and will include our views in the decision making process

We are planning a Traffic Survey later this year to establish the facts about people driving at excess speed through Lane End.

The Internal Auditor has just finished examining our financial records for the year 2009/10 and given us a clean bill of health.

The second issue of the improved Clarion was distributed in June. The Council has received many indications that parishioners welcome the new format and find it both interesting and informative. The next issue will be published in September. If you have any interesting stories or views you would like published please contact our editor Katy Dunn.

Sam Mckee of The Elim Church gave a very interesting presentation to The Council about the work he carries out among the young people of The Parish. He has asked whether we can provide additional funding to further this work and we will make a decision on this very shortly

We will be increasing the rent we charge allotment holders by a very modest amount in October.


Graeme Coulter
Chairman
 

Located at the Playing Fields off The Row, the Play Area has been closed by the Parish Council until further notice as it not safe to use.

The Council is considering urgent action to resolve the problem and make the facility safe.