Government Publishes Street by Street Crime Stats

The Coalition Government has launched a ground-breaking website, www.police.uk, which provides data maps that show crime statistics at a street-by-street level.  This means that everyone can see exactly what crime is happening and where it is going on in the local area.

The interactive map breaks down incidences of crime into six categories: burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, violence, anti-social behaviour, and other crime.

This development is a landmark event in the Government’s attempt to make the police more accountable, and more responsive to the needs of local communities.  Providing transparent information means that residents will really know about crime levels in their area.

The Government is also introducing directly-elected Police and Crime Commissioners to ensure that police forces respond to the wishes of local residents.  With accurate information about crime, people will be in the optimum position to cast their vote and elect the best people for the job.

I am delighted by this development, which is important for improving police accountability.  Given that we can all now access crime data in an open format, even from our mobile, we can ensure that the police deal with the issues that really matter to people.

The web-site can be accessed here.

Super-Fast Fibre Optic Broadband is Coming to Wendover

I have received notification that BT will be installing super-fast fibre optic broadband capability in Wendover.

The investment project, which should be completed by Spring 2012, will allow roughly 3,500 Wendover premises to enjoy internet speeds of up to 40 Mb/s.

BT plans to invest £2.5bn to deliver fibre-optic capabilities to up to sixty-five per cent of homes and businesses in the UK, in what is at present one of the largest civil engineering projects being undertaken in Europe.

The technology will be sold wholesale to numerous broadband service providers.

I am delighted that the residents and businesses of Wendover will have access to high-speed broadband.  This development will allow homes to communicate more easily, and will permit businesses to improve and expand their operations.

Hemley Hill: Secretary of State’s Decision

On 9 December the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles MP, dismissed the travellers’ appeal to allow development of a currently unauthorised travellers’ site at Hemley Hill. 

Mr Pickles upheld the Planning Inspectorate’s report, which was submitted to the Secretary of State on 5 October, but extended the compliance period from 6 to 18 months. This means that the travellers will have to leave the site within that time period.

The travellers’ have the right to appeal Mr Pickles’s decision, but would need to make an application to the High Court within the next 6 weeks.

David said:

“I welcome this decision, which will come as a relief to many local residents, and hope that the travellers will now accept the decision and move out quickly from land that they had no right to develop in the first place.

“The Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, has made it clear that he is determined to protect the rights of established residents, along with the status of the green belt and AONB”.

Good news regarding airspace over the Chilterns

The letter and accompanying news release below was sent to me by Jane Johnston, Head of Strategic Engagement at NATS. The air navigation service provider has announced that it is postponing plans for further consultation over changes to airspace in the Terminal Control North (TCN) area, which includes the Chilterns.  NATS has confirmed that it no longer intends to push through its former proposals regarding changes to TCN, largely because air traffic levels have fallen since 2008, removing the sense of urgency to restructure the airspace.  Instead, this issue will be merged into a larger-scale, longer-term evaluation of airspace across much of Southern England.

I am delighted by this decision, as it is a firm step in the right direction.

Lloyds Group Job Losses – I.T. and Operations

On 13 October 2010, Lloyds Banking Group in Aylesbury told its I.T. and Operations Department that up to 40 staff could be made redundant by the end of next year. The Department currently employs 400 people in the constituency.

Constituents who have been following the story will know that last year Lloyds Group announced 900 job losses in Aylesbury.  These losses are in addition to last year’s announcement and form part of Lloyds’s nationwide three-year integration programme, which is set to be completed by the end of 2011.

Lloyds has said that specific positions have not yet been identified, and that any redundancies would not take affect until 2011. The Group also said that they would use natural turnover and try to redeploy people where possible to help limit the impact on permanent jobs.

In total 1,600 permanent positions will be affected across the country. The Group will also be releasing 1,150 temporary and contract staff, with an additional 1,750 offshore roles also being impacted. 

David said:

“The news will come as a devastating blow to those affected. It is crucial that the people who lose their jobs get the support they need to find new employment as soon as possible. I will be writing to Lloyds, AVDC and the local Jobcentre Plus to ensure this is the case.  

“In order to create new jobs and attract investment to the local area, we need to make the strongest possible case that Aylesbury, with its affordable rents and close proximity to London, is a good place to do business. Since I found out about last year’s job losses I have put forward this argument in Parliamentary debates and to business executives, and will continue to do so in the future.”

Countryside Awards

Aylesbury MP David Lidington is urging the local community to get involved in the sixth annual Countryside Alliance Awards, which are now open to public nomination.  Everyone who supports rural businesses, produce, and communities is strongly encouraged to nominate their favourites, and to help the South of England claim another national title.

The Awards, nicknamed the ‘Rural Oscars’, are the Countryside Alliance’s celebration of communities, produce, enterprise, and rural heritage.  Voted for by the public, they applaud those who routinely go the extra mile for their community, and who help to promote rural life. 

In the Awards’ five years the South of England has taken two national titles and won three commendations, meaning it is in second place on the Awards Leader Board out of the 12 competing regions.

The Award categories are:

• Local Food Award
• Village Shop/ Post Office Award
• Enterprise Award
• Daily Telegraph Traditional Business Award
• Butcher Award
• Hunter Rural Hero of 2010 (16 years and over)
• Hunter Rural Hero of 2010 (15 years and under)
• The Grassroots Award for the Countryside Alliance member who has done the most to further our campaigning work

David commented:

‘These Awards are a terrific way to promote the local businesses of Aylesbury and the surrounding villages.  Our local produce is second to none, so I do urge people in the area to get involved and nominate today.  I really do believe that Buckinghamshire has a very strong chance of winning an award.’

Countryside Alliance South of England Regional Director Sara Rutherford said:

‘The Awards really do have a feelgood factor that gives a boost to everyone involved.  The region has produce, skills, and community spirit of which to be proud, and I look forward to this year’s crop of diverse and inspiring nominations.’

Cast your vote at www.countrysideallianceawards.co.uk

by Friday 22^nd October.

Aylesbury’s European Coalition

Conservative MP for Aylesbury, David Lidington, has joined Liberal Democrat MEP, Sharon Bowles, as a top-flight European politician this week after he was announced as the UK’s new Minister of State for Europe.

The two politicians have crossed paths before, standing as rival candidates in Aylesbury in the 1992 and 1997 General Elections.

Since then, Liberal Democrat, Sharon Bowles, has been elected a Member of the European Parliament for the South East of England and, last year, Chair of the European Parliament’s powerful Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.

Sharon Bowles said:

“It is funny to think that in years gone by David and I have competed for votes in Aylesbury but today we are coalition colleagues. Not only that but, in addition to our roles representing the people of Aylesbury, we both now work at the heart of European politics.

“Though the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives have different views of Europe, David and I shall do our best to make the people of Aylesbury proud. After all, it is where our political careers began.”

David Lidington said:

“It’s in the country’s interest that the new coalition government is successful in tackling Britain’s economic and social problems. I am looking forward to working with Sharon, whose role in the European Parliament is important in defending the interests of Britain.”

ENDS

Council Tax Refund Scam

Below is a press release from Aylesbury Vale District Council warning constituents to be on their guard against a recent Council Tax refund scam.

AVDC Press Release:

Residents are being urged to be on their guard against bogus officials offering to give council tax refunds.

People are being telephoned and told they may qualify for a refund and then asked for their bank account details so the payment can be made. In previous cases they have been asked for an administration fee too. A number of people in the Vale have already been targeted.

Jeff Membery, Revenues and Benefits Manager, said: “We have reported these incidences to Bucks Trading Standards but are concerned that other residents could fall for this scam and lose money. We urge everyone to be vigilant and not to give out any sensitive information to unknown callers, either on the phone or in person.”

Residents who receive any such approach should contact the Thames Valley Police on 0845 8505 505.

Job Losses at Equitable Life & Lloyds Group

Commenting on today’s announcements from Equitable Life and Lloyds Group, Aylesbury MP David Lidington said:

“This is devastating news for employees and their families and for the town’s economy.

“I have talked to senior executives at both Equitable and Lloyds. They have assured me that they will do all that they can to advise and support staff. I shall expect them to live up to those promises and, for my own part, stand ready to help constituents who now face losing their jobs in any way I can.

“I have also talked to the District and County Councils and to SEEDA about the need for an urgent plan of action to attract new employers to Aylesbury.

“The government has designated Aylesbury as a growth area. It makes no sense at all to build thousands of new homes unless you plan for new jobs at the same time.  I shall be pressing Ministers to make sure that government departments and agencies now do their utmost to deliver the jobs that Aylesbury needs.”

View the full story on the Bucks Herald’s website by clicking here.

Press Release: Trust’s recommendation helps local Pharmacy

Buckinghamshire NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT) has told Aylesbury MP David Lidington that literature about the new Prescription Management Service should explicitly make clear that patients have the freedom to choose the Pharmacy they use.

David wrote to the PCT on 23^rd October after being approached by Kinton Pharmacy in Great Missenden. The family run chemist faces an uncertain future since Prospect House Surgery advised patients to use the trial prescription service in partnership with Lansdale Pharmacy in High Wycombe.

David said:

“It is important that there is some sense of fair play amongst local businesses. The Prescription Service is taking trade from Kinston Pharmacy before it has the chance to compete.

“Mr Ruparel says that he does not want a hand out but only the opportunity to provide services to local people, something that he has been doing successfully for a long time.

“Patients have the option to pick the pharmacy they use, but the PCT’s recommendation means this has to be explicitly stated bringing any literature in line with British Medical Association guidance.”