Chiltern Ridges news
By Tricia Birchley
Once again a harsh winter has resulted in an abundance of spring flowers and the Chilterns have looked magnificent against a background of blue sky and cherry blossom. We cannot let a bullet train racing through our precious countryside ruin the tranquillity of the AONB for evermore. The Lee and South Heath are especially affected among the hilltop villages but the disruption and noise will be felt across a wide area and we must resist it at all costs.
The general election debate will rumble on for some time and it yet remains to be seen how financial markets will react to a hung parliament. There were no surprises locally, meaning Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes, but another election may be necessary to bring political certainty to our great country.
I continue to be concerned about the state of many local roads, have been out and about regularly with Highways officers and put in bids for urgent work in discussion with the Parish Council. Members are concerned that we proactively prepare for winter next year although we are unlikely to experience such extreme conditions. Hillside roads, altitude and frost pockets all affected us adversely and I have asked County Council to take into account the duration of the snowfall in our villages this year.
The Cultural Olympiad is gaining momentum; many people may remember that during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the University of Wisconsin withdrew from the wheelchair games, which came to Stoke Mandeville at short notice. Any memorabilia relating to 1984 would be very welcome as the story of those games is now being recorded and a documentary prepared for Channel 4.
The Community Leaders Fund will be replenished in June and I would ask you to let me know of any projects that would improve the lives of local people. County Council is evaluating a pilot in Chesham aimed at building community capacity to see how we can raise the quality of life for vulnerable people. Twenty-seven organisations have been linked up so that if an older person comes into contact they are assessed and referred to the appropriate place. Dignity in Care is another new initiative to ensure that people in hospital or living in residential care are treated with respect and consideration.
I’m struck by the variety of events planned throughout the summer, there really is something going on locally for everyone. I look forward to seeing you, hopefully in plenty of sunshine, and addressing your concerns at County Hall.