Communities and council come together in next round of Community Board meetings

Across Buckinghamshire over the next few weeks, the latest round of Community Board meetings will bring together local people, groups and organisations, to focus on how to tackle the issues that matter most in their area. These 16 boards are the local link between Buckinghamshire Council and the community, enabling communities to have a stronger voice, influencing how services are delivered, identifying local priorities and deciding the focus over the coming months, with money available to support local projects and ideas.

At their first public meetings in September and October, each board identified its local priorities. Over the coming weeks and months the boards will bring together people to tackle these areas and are keen to hear from those interested in getting involved. In addition to meetings, there are other ways for people to get involved and play their part in improving their area.

Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “ The Community Boards welcome everyone interested in finding ways to tackle local issues and all contributions are valuable to the important work that is planned.  There are a variety of areas each board will be addressing over the next few months including improving the environment, promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting older and young people and Covid recovery and we’re keen to hear from local people about what matters to them in their local area. We know that some people want to make a difference but prefer to get involved in ways other than attending meetings and there are lots of other ways to get involved.”

The meetings are taking place online on the following dates – anyone is welcome to join the meeting but will need to register to attend by emailing the relevant board’s coordinator via the council website at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-boards. These meetings are recorded so anyone can watch them after the event.

·       Beaconsfield and Chepping Wye Community Board – Tues 17 Nov at 7pm

·       Aylesbury Community Board – Tues 17 Nov at 6.30pm

·       Beeches Community Board – Weds 18 Nov at 2pm

·       Wing and Ivinghoe Community Board – Thurs 19 Nov at 7pm

·       North West Chilterns Community Board – Thurs 19 Nov at 6.30pm

·       Wendover Community Board – Tues 24 Nov at 7pm

·       South West Chilterns Community Board – Tues 24 Nov at 6.30pm

·       Haddenham and Waddesdon Community Board – Weds 25 Nov at 7pm

·       Winslow and Villages Community Board – Thurs 26 Nov at 7pm

·       Chesham and Villages Community Board – Thurs 3 Dec at 7pm

A number of Community Boards have already met this month. Webcasts of these meeting are available to view online.

Each Community Board is chaired by a councillor from Buckinghamshire Council, supported by a board coordinator whose role is to make connections and encourage residents, groups and organisations to get involved. For more information about how to get involved, the priorities identified by each of the Community Boards, to see the criteria for applying for funds or to submit an application visit www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-boards or email localities@buckinghamshire.gov.uk