By Tricia Birchley, Bucks County Councillor
The summer did not live up to the prediction of prolonged warm weather; indeed such was the government’s concern for older people that many received thermometers cautioning them to drink sufficient water during the expected heatwave! Despite the prolonged and heavy rain our countryside looked exquisite and I enjoyed many dog walks in the Chilterns this summer.
Together with the Chairman of the Parish Council I attended a working group on 30th July to review potential changes to the speed limits at Lee Common, Kings Ash and Chartridge Road. We were pleased with the suggested adjustments and hope you will make your feelings known during the public consultation.
Since May my role at County Hall has changed dramatically; having overseen the preparation of the outline business case for the future management of Buckinghamshire’s waste, I am now the ‘Lead Spokesperson’ for adult social care. The great majority of our clients are older residents; nonetheless half the annual budget goes towards caring for people with learning, physical and sensory disabilities and mental health disorders. I have been trying to ascertain whether disabled people living in our rural community feel disadvantaged by lack of transport. As we enable more people to continue to live at home, leading longer and more independent lives, loneliness is a concern. ‘Time4You’ is a visiting service to help people with small tasks or hobbies. By 2026 the population of over 65s in Buckinghamshire is set to rise by 36% and the over 75s by 47%, so the provision of these services becomes more challenging.
Over the summer I worked with a number of local residents to support their views at County Council.
I greatly enjoyed the summer lunch on 14th July and Flower Show on 21st – it really was an outstanding event despite the odd shower. This year I hope to donate money from the Community Leaders’ fund to the Cricket Club to encourage our successful younger players.
I do hope all our youngsters who moved school this term are enjoying new challenges; we can be really proud of the A level and GCSE results in our Grammar and Upper schools again this year. Many former pupils have distinguished themselves in their careers and I believe Buckinghamshire gives our children the best possible start to life!