About 50 people turned out for Buckingham Town Council’s Annual Town Meeting on Thursday, March 23, where residents had the chance to quiz local representatives on several issues, according to The Bucks Herald.
Police and Crime Commissioner Mathew Barber was in attendance, along with representatives of Thames Valley Police, the Swan Practice, town and county councillors, the town clerk, and chairs and vice-chairs of the town council’s various committees. Citizens Advice, Project Street Life, the Equality, Community Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office gave information during the meeting.
Residents raised several issues, including:
The cost of living – public transport, rising prices, benefits, debt, poverty models, gambling, public health, and food schemes
The river and green spaces – compliments regarding the parks and green spaces, concerns about anti-social behaviour, vandalism, and areas of the river being overgrown;
Health – objections to new housing developments and lack of infrastructure, delays regarding a new health centre, and the recruitment of GPs;
Police – anti-social behaviour, lack of officer visibility, and issues with youth engagement;
Planning/future of the town – revised Neighbourhood Plan, loss of trees, schooling and health provision linked to new housing developments;
Other matters – a new entertainment venue, connecting volunteers for the Coronation Big Help Out, and greater public consultation before Section 106 requests are made.
Mayor of Buckingham Margaret Gateley said: “It was good to see so many of our residents, as well as representatives from key organisations, such as the Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, and Dr Gavriel from The Swan Practice.
The following town council events will be the May Day maypole dancing by local schoolchildren on Tuesday, May 2, outside St Peter and St Paul’s Church, followed by the Coronation Civic Service at the parish church at 10.30 am on Sunday, May 7.
IMAGE SOURCE: Bucks Herald
