County affairsBy Tricia Birchley, Bucks County Councillor
The winter colours have been exceptionally beautiful this year showing off our countryside to best effect on clear sunny days, however they are now shorter and the nights colder. Living on top of the hill, the slightly frostier weather has made dog-walking a real pleasure!
Once again we’ve had discussions about the county’s winter gritting programme and I have spoken out forcefully about the expectations of local residents. I am pleased to say that The Lee and Oxford Street will both be properly treated this winter, as will Rocky Lane, in the event of bad weather.
At the Chiltern Society AGM in early November I voiced my concerns about the knock-on effect on the Chilterns AONB from the Government’s plans to build 9300 houses south of Aylesbury. This changes the stakes considerably from building them north of the town. It suggests that without investment in infrastructure to entice quality employment to Aylesbury, these new residents will join the 60,000 people who already commute out of the county each day to work and put extra strain on our roads and railway system. The A413 is a particular concern. No one wants a new super-highway through the Chilterns, and Aylesbury Vale District Council is now suggesting upgrading the A41 from Aylesbury to Aston Clinton, and believes that by co-operating with Government they will get the maximum infrastructure investment. The county is determined to see local villages retain their identity and prevent dormitory development. None of this is perfect and we understand that to accommodate every new person arriving in Britain for work from now on a further 260 new houses would be needed each and every day! We really must express our concerns now for the sake of future generations in Buckinghamshire.
The County Council expects to retain the four stars awarded last November for top-quality services and performance, ‘offering excellent value for money’. The Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review, ‘Meeting the Aspirations of the British People’ sets out its spending review for the next three years. This will continue the drive for even better value services delivering at least 3% net, cash-releasing value for money savings per year across central and local government.
My role as Lead Spokesperson for Adult Social Care is challenging and although I believe the county does a good job in looking after older people and those with disabilities, I continue to press the case for those living in the countryside where loneliness and access to services can be more challenging.
May I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year!