Steering Group Minutes - September 2003

Everyone from the group had been at their meeting. From the general discussion vandalism, joy riding, safety of children walking to school, identity of village had been raised. Also it was generally discussed that there will be a lot of liaison between Action Groups as many of the issues overlap and the points raised by the Action Groups should be publicised more such as in the Leisure Centre and perhaps even a separate 'Leisure Centre Action Group' may be needed.
Issues discussed in detail:-
1. More traffic calming measures on the A413. Need to identify the village on the A413 e.g. gates, so that motorist know they are entering the village and it is not just a through route. On the northbound part of the A413 the sign to the village is overgrown by vegetation. If something obvious is done fairly soon it would be a good way of showing that the Action Groups are effective.

2. Church Lane is one of the main roads into the village and needs improved parking (double yellow lines) and improved paving. The cobbled paving and flower tubs should be continued in Church Lane similar to Market Place and the High Street.

3. Traffic problems in the village centre. Church Lane and the Vale have many traffic problems and with drivers parking on the zebra crossing. Need a traffic warden occasionally. Insp Proctor had recently informed the Clerk that 2 part time wardens had been appointed in the area which includes Chalfont St Peter. The Clerk to ask if they would cover these problem areas.

4. Safer routes to school - need to get the schools and partners interested in this. Bucks CC do have a school travel officer, Julie Pickard, who will address meetings. Rob Loveland to initiate action with CSP Middle School.

5. Preserve the historical identity of the village- a good project for the group as there are many grants available now e.g. Heritage grant, lottery grant, arts council.

Need to take on board one of these suggestions and be seen to be doing something about it to show the benefits to the whole community.

Older Peoples Action Group

Cllr Horne reported. The Group has met with Rock House, Austenmead and Hibbert Lodge but still a need to find out the views of old folk who do not live in homes.
Hibberts Lodge expressed the need for more visits to the elderly from the community.
Austenmead expressed concern about speeding outside the church and overhanging hedges along the footways.
General concern about the lack of buses after 6p.m. and early in the morning. Dial-a-Ride only starts at 9a.m. which may be too late to get the doctors or hospital. Also bus time tables too small and can't read them.
Lack of fresh food shops and art supply shops in the Village. Also lack of homes for the elderly. The Group is aiming to have a meeting in St Peter's Church Hall to reach out to the rest of the elderly in the community.
Actions
Strive to have 30mph signs painted on roads to reduce speeding.
Approach Transport section at Bucks C.C. about needs for buses and better timetables.
Check depth of allowable unevenness in the pavements.
David Gardner to help with contacting Old people's campaigners in the County and the Third Age.

Traffic

Ian Corbett reported about parking problems in the High Street around Mr Crusty's and outside the public toilet area.
Waiting restriction signs in Market place need to be more dominant.
Many people find parking in Church Lane car park is difficult. The Group suggested that charges should be made but with the first few hours free to allow more available spaces.
Need a traffic warden
Speeding along Denham Lane is dangerous near St Robert's school, more so now motorists are trying to avoid the speed camera along the A413.
Disturbance from aircraft noise - stunt planes from Denham and commercial planes. Also will the third runway at Heathrow affect the village? Are CDC representing this area?
Public buses- Some buses are full with Community College children
Buses are too infrequent. The 305 to Uxbridge only runs 2 hourly or longer. There is no evening or Sunday service on the 353 route. Need more buses on the 305 and 353 routes during commuter times. The earliest 335 bus arrives at Amersham at 9a.m. and need an earlier one, the same as the 305 to Uxbridge.
To consider the Rural Transport Scheme
Bus service not running to the timetable- look at the Public Service Agreement
Some residents are worried about the possible increase in housing at the NSE and the effect this will have on traffic and services.

Youth Action Team

Sue Moffat reported on behalf of Liam
The team have already had 2 meetings and now beginning to get a broad cross section of youth workers together. The Group has sent out a questionnaire in order to get the views of the youth. The results should be available at the next meeting on 8th October at 3.30p.m. in Tatling End Police Station.

Community Funding
Countryside Commission have now informed us that we will not get funding. There is £500 available from CDC. To get this we need to do:-
1. Appraisal
2. Constitution
3. Issues
4. Outline Action Plan

It was agreed that a village newsletter should be sent out regularly. David Furze suggested that it may be possible to distribute a newsletter via 'Infusion' the churches newsletter which is sent to all residents. It was also suggested that an advert could be included in the Parishes web-site asking for a volunteer to organise the newsletter or ask the Community College. The cost of printing a newsletter would increase the funding required.

If the costs for setting up the Village appraisal is more than £500 there is a community fund available.
David Gardner and Sue to meet to organise the application to be considered at the next meeting on 29th October at 7p.m.

NEXT MEETING OF THE STEERING GROUP 29TH OCTOBER, 2003 AT 7.30 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL OFFICE