Council to challenge Mile Tree Gypsy and Traveller appeal decision

 

Central Bedfordshire Council has expressed its disappointment and frustration at a recent appeal decision by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to grant permission for a new Gypsy and Traveller site in Heath and Reach which has been the subject of extensive enforcement action by the Council.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has agreed with the Planning Inspectorate that temporary permission for a Gypsy and Traveller site in the Green Belt at Mile Tree Road should be granted, after the Council refused planning permission.

 

Cllr Nigel Young, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities (Strategic Planning and Economic Development) said: "We’re really very disappointed with the decision to grant temporary planning permission, despite substantial local opposition and the impact on the green belt."

"The Council has previously taken enforcement action against the site, when hardstanding was laid without planning permission. An appeal by the applicant against this enforcement action was lost and a High Court injunction secured to prevent further breaches. When the landowner then failed to comply with the enforcement notice, which required removal of the hardstanding and restoration of the site, the council had to step in and do the works."

Cllr Young went on: "The Secretary of State's acceptance of the Planning Inspector’s recommendation opens the door to further unlawful occupation both in the greenbelt and on other land in Central Bedfordshire, as well as undermining our emerging, adopted Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan. We will be taking the matter to High Court."

"What is most astonishing is that in this case we have used wide enforcement powers, precisely as encouraged by Government, to halt unlawful development of this type, and at expense to the local authority."

"Even though in his decision letter Mr Pickles agreed with the Inspector that the proposal is inappropriate development in the green belt and "would result in significant harm to the green belt in terms of its impact on openness and moderate harm because of encroachment" and that permanent planning permission should not be granted, he nevertheless agreed that temporary permission should still been granted."

The decision gives approval for six family pitches with utility/day room buildings and hardstanding for a temporary period expiring on 31 January 2016.

Police - New Technology Pilot

Olly Martins, Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, has approved investment in new mobile devices to increase productivity and the time officers can spend on the front line, it has been revealed.

The first stage of the investment plan will see a pilot scheme launched next month (September) with officers from each of the north and south local policing teams, as well as some senior officers, testing the technology. Three different devices will be trialled in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire to gather feedback about which is most suitable to roll out more widely to operational policing teams.

The force is planning to upgrade the equipment currently available to police officers while on the move from Blackberrys to tablets under investment plans announced by the Commissioner. The aim is to improve efficiency and save money in the long-term to help the force deliver further economies of scale in its budget.

As part of the initiative, the Force is planning to provide police officers with tablet computers to enable them to complete paperwork and witness statements on the move without the need for returning to the police station. The mobile devices would allow officers to carry out their work at their current location and would provide access to real time information as well as emails, the intranet and all the programmes available at their desk top.

Announcing the investment plans, Commissioner Martins said: “This is the latest element of our plan to save £7.5million but avoiding cuts to the front line. We are still facing a challenging financial future but police officers and staff cannot work any harder than they currently are. With this in mind, the intention is to better equip officers so that they can work smarter and more successfully than before, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. It's all about investing to save.

“With increased data at their fingertips, the evidence-gathering process will become much easier and officers will be able to make better informed judgements in the field. The public would much rather have officers on patrol in their communities than filling in paperwork in the office and mobile devices will help increase visibility and make people feel safer.

“The technology will be trialled initially to determine product suitability but the long-term plan is to roll out mobile technology more widely to improve detection rates and ensure officers have the right tools for the job.”

“I want to invest in providing the right tools to do the job and it has to be right for operational officers,” said Chief Constable Colette Paul. “The aim of the pilot scheme is to gather feedback about which device is most suitable for rolling out on a wider basis. We want those people on the frontline to be part of developing the programme, as ultimately they will be the ones using the technology.” 

 

 

Sun Street and Shortmead Street roundabout is underway

Work has started on a new mini roundabout at the junction of Sun Street and Shortmead Street in Biggleswade that will improve the flow of traffic in the area.

 

By replacing the existing T-junction with a mini roundabout the scheme is designed to assist traffic turning from Sun Street onto Shortmead Street. In addition, improved pedestrian crossing facilities will be provided in the form of central refuges.

The roadworks which started on Monday 19 August will last for approximately six weeks.

To minimise disruption the works will control traffic using small coned off areas where possible to limit the use of traffic lights. Works will take place between 9am and 3.30pm to avoid peak traffic. It will be necessary to close the road in order to carry out the resurfacing, which will be carried out under night-time closures, towards the end of September. We are also taking the opportunity to combine the works with improvements to cycling and walking routes to the town centre and businesses. 

The work is being funded by developer contributions through a Section 106 agreement negotiated by the council, and integrated transport funding.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sunstainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "The works are part of wider improvements to other local routes. Central Bedfordshire Council have been working closely with the Town Council and others on these wider improvement for a number of years. Together we believe we have found the right solutions for Biggleswade. The improvement to this junction which will be completed as soon as possible to minimise disruption."

UPDATE: Missing man found dead in Warren Wood is former Flitwick GP

The body of a man found in woodland near Clophill  is believed to be that of a former Flitwick GP.

Mark Struthers, 56, from Flitton, was last seen at his home address by his wife on Thursday (August 15) at around 12pm. When she returned at 1.45pm that day he had disappeared.

The family car was discovered in Goodwood Close in Clophill on Friday.

Bedfordshire Police were informed that Mark was missing and that recently he had been suffering from depression.

Sunday, August 18, his body was found in Warren Wood just off the A6 near the village.

 

Mr Struthers was formerly a GP at the Flitwick Practice in The Highlands for six years until he was dismissed in 2009 for gross misconduct and was unsuccessful in his appeal to Bedford Employment Tribunal the following year.

 

The case has now been passed onto the coroner.

Have You Seen Missing Mark?

Bedfordshire Police is appealing for help to trace a 56-year-old man who has been missing from his home address in Flitton since Thursday 15 August.

 

Mark Struthers was last seen by his wife when she left him at their home address at approximately 12pm on 15th.  When she returned at around 13:45hrs he was not there.

 

Mark who has recently been suffering from depression, left the home address in the family vehicle which was located in Goodwood Close, Clophill on 16 August.

 

Mark is described as a white male, five feet eight inches tall with short light brown/grey hair which is wavy at the back. He has a red fleck in his left eye and a skin tag under his left eye.  He was last seen wearing dark linen trousers and a light coloured shirt.

 

Anyone who may have seen Mark or has information on his whereabouts can contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence on 101, or text information to 07786 200011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Station Open Days 2013 - in your Neighbourhood

 

 

Open days have been arranged as follows:

Ampthill - Saturday 14 September 2013, 12pm to 4pm
Oliver Street, Ampthill, Bedford MK45 2SA

Bedford - Saturday 7 September 2013, 2pm to 5pm
Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB

Biggleswade - Saturday 17 August 2013, 10am to 2pm
Chestnut Avenue, Biggleswade, SG18 0LL

Dunstable - Sunday 8 September 2013, 12pm to 3pm
Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable, LU6 1AA

Harrold - Saturday 28 September 2013, 12pm to 3pm
Odell Road, Harrold, MK43 7DH

Kempston - Saturday 21 September 2013, 1pm to 4pm
Southfields Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7NR

Luton - Saturday 14 September 2013, 1pm to 3pm
Studley Road, Luton, LU3 1BB

Potton - Sunday 8 September 2013, 11am to 1pm
Bury Hill, Potton, SG19 2RS

Sandy - Sunday 22 September 2013, 11am to 4pm
Ivel Road, Sandy SG19 1AX

Stopsley - Sunday 7 July 2013, 2pm to 4pm
Stopsley Way, Luton, LU2 9AD

Toddington - Saturday 21 September 2013, 12pm to 3pm
Dunstable Road, Toddington, Dunstable LU5 6DR

Note: - We will update this page with final dates and times where these are yet to be confirmed.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service fire stations belong to the local community and we want people to come along and get to know their local firefighters.

These Open Days are a great opportunity to learn more about how we as an organisation serve the public and for the public in turn to give us some vital feedback about what more we can do to help them.

We now call these our COMMUNITY fire stations because we want organisations and groups to make use of the meeting rooms when they are not occupied by our own staff.

Garden Services - Distraction Burglary

In the last 7 days we have received two reports of Distraction Burglaries that have involved gardening services.

 

The first took place in Paradine Road, Bedford on Tuesday the 30th July.

 

The second in Glebe Road, Sandy on Tuesday the 6th August.

 

In both cases two white men have arrived at the location and started working on the owners garden without permission.

 

Money has been taken from both homes.

 

It is possible that a small dark red van may be linked to these offences. The vehicle may have gardening services written on the van.

 

Bedfordshire Police ask local residents to be vigilant.

 

Please keep an eye on any unusual callers at the homes of eldery residents.

 

We would also take this opportunity to remind residents to check the credentials of anyone calling at their home. Make sure you check the references of anyone you employ to undertake work within your home and always use professional companies. By using the following crime prevention advice and encouraging your friends and neighbours to do the same you can help keep your property safe.

 

 Crime prevention tips:

• If you’re not sure who is at your door, don’t open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they claim to be from i.e. police, council or gas, electricity, water companies. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may be bogus.
• Many utility service providers like gas, electricity and water companies, provide password schemes for customers, sign up to these. When unannounced callers claiming to be from these utility providers call at your door they should know the password if they are genuine.
• ‘Water boards’ no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.
• Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home; put it in the bank where it is safe.
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.
• Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door.
• If somebody asks for your help (i.e. needs to make a telephone call, lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper) refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door or call a friend or neighbour to come and help.
• If you suspect a bogus caller is at your door call the police immediately.

If you have any imformation about these crimes or the vehicle please call 101.

 

 

Biggleswade Town Council - agenda items and missing attachments - another rethink??

As there appeared to me to be a conflict (see below), in what the Mayor told me she said at the meeting of 25th June 2013, and the minutes, I asked the Mayor:

I have now seen the published minutes of the 25th June 2013 and they do not agree with what you told me you said. Have you changed your mind or do the minutes not accurately reflect what was said?

 

The reply:

 

I am satisfied with the minutes. If any person requires attachments that have been inadvertently omitted they may ask for copies.  Please do not use the red font when emailing me. Thank you.

 

_________________________________________________________________

In my previous post:

http://biggleswadeonline.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/biggleswade-town-council-meetings.html

I received from the Mayor two statements:

 

You will see from the minutes of the Biggleswade Town Council meeting of 25th June that I have addressed the issues raised in your email.

 

I stated that if members of the public wanted copies of the attachments to the Agenda they could ask for them when they collected the papers or at the meeting and they would be handed copies.

 

The minutes of the 25th June meeting have now been published and do not agree with what the Mayor told me she said at that meeting.

The minutes state:

If Members of the public felt that when they collect an agenda from the Town Council office, that they would like additional attachments to the agenda, they are to let the staff know and wherever possible this will be rectified.

Central Bedfordshire's - "Schools Out Booklet"

 

 

 

 

 

The School holidays are under way! Our 'School's Out' booklet is full of info about activities going on this Summer.

Link to pdf file:

 http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/Images/School'sOut2013-2014_tcm6-43677.pdf#False

Sandy & District Horticultural Association - 2013 Show

The 47th Annual Show

Will be  held at Sandye Place Academy ~ Park Road Sandy
on
Saturday  17th  August  2013 - 1.00pm to 5.00pm

 

ADMISSION FREE

 

Welcome to our 47th Sandy Horticultural Show, where we hope that you will see some of the very best in local produce, flower arrangements and local crafts.

There are also displays and activities from other local organisations who will be very pleased to talk to you about what they do.

 

Many members of this Association have worked very hard to organise this Show and I would like to thank them for all their efforts both for today and for what they do throughout the year.

 

The decision was taken to make the Show into a one-day event after a reduced footfall at the event in 2012, and we hope that with the addition of a few additional attractions we can continue to keep the Show as a viable event.

 

Our sponsors have been very generous with their contributions to the Show so that we can continue to run this event and make a small profit at the end of the day. Many thanks are due to all of them.

 

The first Sandy Show was held in 1868 in the grounds of Sandye Place, and continued in its traditional form until 1954, apart from breaks during the two World Wars. At its peak more than twelve thousand visitors came each year to admire the standard of the displays. Special trains were run to the town to bring the throngs of people !    The Show was re-born in 1965 and for more than thirty years was held in the grounds of the former Bickerdike’s Nurseries, before returning to its original venue and current home at Sandye Place. By your attendance today it will help to ensure that we can continue to have a Sandy Horticultural Show in future years – it would be very good to reach our 50th Show of the modern era and to continue beyond.

 

Enjoy your visit !

 

Andrew Havergal

Chairman
Sandy & District Horticultural Association

 

link to website where you can find the full show schedule.

 

Do You Know Sandy Petrol Station Thieves?

Bedfordshire Police have released CCTV images of three men they would like to speak with after numerous items were stolen from the Co-Operative petrol station at Girtford Bridge in Sandy.

 

The incident took place at around 4.35pm on Saturday June 29 when the first offender – wearing a blue polo shirt - entered the store and made his way along the aisle putting several jars of coffee into his bag. Two other offenders entered a few moments later, spoke to the first offender and then stole bottles of wine before all three left the store at the same time.

 

If you recognise these men or have any information relating to this incident, contact the Crime Service Team, in confidence, on the non-emergency 101 number quoting crime reference number JD/22952/2013.

 

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

 

 

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner - Police Stations Survey

Have Your Say

 

The recently announced Government funding cuts mean that Bedfordshire Police has to make savings of £7.5m – on top of the £15m already taken out of the budget since 2010.

 With officers and staff already working at maximum efficiency I need to look at new ways in which I can find further savings.

 Currently, police buildings in Bedfordshire cost £3m annually to run and maintain. Many are outdated and in need of refurbishment and are no longer in the best position to serve the public. Others are under-used and are consuming vast sums of money which could be better spent on protecting front line officers or PCSOs.

 Meanwhile, technology and different methods of communicating mean that people often contact the police without visiting a police station and I am keen to establish how people prefer to contact the police in a non-emergency situation before I make any decisions on the future of police stations and contact points.

 That’s why I am asking you for your views. They will help me shape my plans to improve accessibility to the police in non-emergency situations, while making savings that will keep as many police officers and PCSOs as possible on our streets.

Please tell me what you think by taking part in my survey. It will take approximately 10 minutes and can be reached by clicking here.

 

The survey will run until 1 October 2013 and Iintend to make the responses public as soon as possible after that point. The final report will be placed on my website and my decisions will be publicised widely. If you wish to be alerted to the publication of the report, or would like to be informed of my decisions directly, please let my office know by emailing pcc@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk or telephoning 01234 842064.

 

I am also aware that some people may need the survey in alternative formats or languages, and every effort will be made to accommodate this as efficiently as possible. Again, please contact my office with any such requests.

 

Thank you for getting involved and having your say about local policing.

 

Olly Martins
Police and Crime Commissioner.

Biggleswade Assault – Victim Has Died

Officers investigating an assault in a supermarket car park in Biggleswade yesterday (Saturday Aug 3) can confirm that the 64-year-old victim has died.

The victim, from Sandy, had been taken to Addenbrookes Hospital after being involved in an altercation at 3pm on Saturday at the... Asda supermarket car park in Biggleswade. His family was with him when he died this afternoon (Sunday 4 Aug).

Detectives have rearrested the 65-year-old man who was already in custody for manslaughter, and continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

DCI Tim Redfearn from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation:

“We are now treating this man’s death as manslaughter”, he said, “and I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the altercation take place between these two men at around 3pm. on Saturday 3rd August in the Asda car park to contact us.

The men were waiting in the disabled parking area at the time and got into a disagreement about parking. We know they became involved in a disagreement which resulted in one man punching the other knocking him to the ground. It would seem an argument over nothing has led to tragic and devastating consequences for both men and their families. I know the supermarket car park would have been very busy on a Saturday afternoon so if you were there at the relevant time please contact the police in confidence.”

The offender, aged 65, left the supermarket immediately afterwards but was arrested at his home address nearby a short time later and taken to Greyfriars Police Station in Bedford where he is being questioned.

Anyone with information relating to this incident can contact Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Shuttleworth - NSRA Hot Rod Show - 2nd to 4th August 2013

 

From the 2nd until the 4th, the NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals will put an amazing show of cars, trade stalls and music.

 

The weekend will work to its usual format, with arrival on Friday and live band with disco in the evening. On Saturday all the cars enjoy a cruise around Bedfordshire which they are planning special for this year. Again live entertainment at night with a band and disco.

 

Sunday sees the main show and the day trippers all wanting to see the biggest Hot Rod show in the UK for pre-1972 vehicles, shop the masses of trade stands and enjoy the lovely John Price on the mike .

 

This year they will have The Wall of Death and any weekend ticket holder will get in free on Friday and Saturday – don’t wait until Sunday – you will have to pay! If you have never seen these nutters you’re in for a treat.

 

The tradition of bringing over a US guest this year sees Jay Storer visit who is a Hot Rod author, journalist (Street Rodder among others), car builder and Bonneville racer. Through the weekend there will be talks about his life and the rodding scene in the States. He is a very interesting guy so make sure you check him out.

 

 

It’s always a great weekend, lots to see and do…and of course amazing cars to drool over.

 

Please check out the pre-entry booking form online for prices – but if you pre-enter on time it will cost £35 for members and £45 for non members. All pre-entries are guaranteed a goody bag, but if you pay on the gate the first 150 will get a bag, then ‘when they are gone they are gone’.

 

http://www.vintagebedfordandmk.co.uk/2013/07/18/nrsa-hot-rod-show/

 

http://www.nsra.org.uk/

Central Bedfordshire Highways "NEW" Reporting Service

Have you tried the "NEW" Highways reporting service at:

 

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/travelling/roads-safety-and-highways/default.aspx

 

The web site says:

 

"Register today to report your issue and get updates"

 

I registered and used it to report a problem on 21st June 2013.

 

The report shows on my page says - Ref: 101000001640(Highways Report, sign broken sign)Status: Service Request received.

 

Having seen that the problem had been fixed for several weeks and I had not received any update I went back to check on the web site. The status remained the same:  Service Request received.

 

I emailed Highways on 11th July 2013:

My service request has not been updated.

Ref: 101000001640 (Highways Report, Sign Broken sign) Status: Service request received

I know it was dealt with within a couple of days of reporting it but there are no dates shown, so I do not know when it was reported and presumably when you do get round to updating it and clear it that will not show a date either.

 

The CBC Customers Services response was:

 

Thank you for your email. Your report was raised at 1203hrs on 21st June 2013, and was cleared at 1554hrs on the same day.

 

I hope this has answered your enquiry, however if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

I replied on 22nd July 2013:

 

I am not sure you have actually read my email.

 

I told you I know it has been cleared, I told you that there is no update online. There is still no update online.

 

Your web site says : You can now report highways problems online. The progress of your report will appear in the left hand column.

 

There is no point in me writing to you and you giving me the update, I thought the whole point of the  new system was supposed to overcome that need.

 

Can you please just take a moment to address my comment.

 

As is usual with CBC Customer Services, when faced with a difficult question,  they then ignore you.

 

As of today, the status on my reporting page remains the same: Service Request received.

 

Have you used this NEW service and what are your experiences?