Matters Arising – Wendover Parish Council, September 2021
View from the Chair
It’s been a busy time in Wendover now that restrictions have relaxed some more. Since my last bulletin, we have been awarded a large grant from the Lionel Abel Smith Trust to repair more of the Canal path. This is in addition to that from the Parish Council. The work will be overseen by the Canal and River Trust who are currently working on the plans. As hedges will need to be pruned, work is unlikely to start before October, so I will update when timings are known. In the meantime please be careful where the path has been badly eroded.
On 23 July, Andrew Stephenson (HS2 Minister) with various EKFB and HS2 Ltd personnel and Rob Butler MP, met with Rev Sally Moring, Ron Petersen and myself at St Mary’s Church for a discussion on the impacts of HS2 on Wendover. A frank exchange of views left the Minister in no doubt about our feelings about the current scheme, and dismay at the destruction being brought to the area. Noise, hydrogeology and traffic were all highlighted as was the idea that a mined tunnel would alleviate most of the issues, so should be seriously considered!
I was delighted to attend the opening by Jenny, Fiona Poole’s daughter, of the new children’s area in the library, refurbished using donations in her memory. It is a lovely area with wall paintings of trees and a hideaway for sitting and reading books. I am sure that it will be very well used and is an asset to the facility. Did you know there is also a small enclosed patio area outside? Make sure you have a look.
Other Council projects are ongoing and will be updated next time. Hoping you have had a good summer and stayed safe.
Sheila Bulpett
What is Community Speedwatch?
- The scheme is managed by Thames Valley Police, promoted by Buckinghamshire Council and delivered by volunteers.
- The registration numbers of speeding vehicles are recorded.
- Warning letters are then sent out by the Police to the registered keepers stating that their vehicle has been reported as speeding.
- Locations for monitoring speed are selected from sites suggested by the community, based on where there is most local concern about speeding traffic, or the impact of speed.
- Community Speedwatch can only operate in areas subject to a speed limit no greater than 40mph.
- Letters will be sent to offenders by Thames Valley Police. The first letter is a warning letter. The second is a stronger letter. If Speedwatch activity evidences a speed problem, this may result in enforcement by the Police.
Wendover Parish Council shares a Community Speedwatch camera with our neighbouring Parishes. If you would like to volunteer to conduct some speedwatch checks, please contact us at the CFlock Tower 01296 623056.
Hampden Pond
In July 2020 the Council announced plans to develop Hampden Pond. This included making it more family friendly by adding picnic tables etc. The new Council have reviewed the plans and budget and have agreed to simply replace some fencing and make improvements to the paths. This would allow the Pond to remain as a wildlife haven, keeping wildlife in without the threat of added litter. The fencing works will start shortly, with the path improvements taking place over the winter period when the grass cutting season has finished. The Pond has not been re-stocked, but fishing is now permitted through to the end of October. The Open Spaces Working Group continues to work on proposals to improve play areas for families at both Hampden Meadow and Ashbrook Open Space.
Community Orchard
The trees in the Community Orchard are starting to bear fruit. The fruit is still ripening and the Parish Council expects it to be ready to be picked late September.
