Central Bedfordshire Council wishes residents a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

If you need to contact the council over the festive period, the offices are open on a number of days and the emergency out-of-hours telephone lines will be on hand to take calls when needed.

The Chicksands, Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable and Houghton Regis offices will be closed on the 26 and 27 December and also on 2 January 2012. The offices will be open as usual between the 28 and 30 December.

In Ampthill, the offices will be closed from 26 December and will reopen on 3 January.

In Biggleswade, the offices will be closed between 26 and 28 December, open 29 and 30 December and then will reopen on 3 January.

Please notes that the Social Services Emergency Duty Team will be in operation at the Ampthill, Biggleswade and Dunstable offices throughout the entire festive period, their telephone number is 0300 300 8123.

Additionally, people can email the council at customers@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

The emergency out of hours line, which is specifically for housing repairs, homelessness and environmental health concerns like noise nuisance, is 0300 300 8098.

ENDS

Two local parishes in Central Bedfordshire signed on the dotted line last week after joining forces and securing their own village gritter.

Caddington, which two years ago was left with no power and poor driving conditions when severe winter weather hit, have bought their own gritter in partnership with Slip End to be operated, driven and managed by a group of local residents.

The first Central Bedfordshire parish service is being run in addition to Central Bedfordshire Council's winter gritting maintenance programme, who grit A roads and priority routes, which means the local villages will be able to grit their local roads in severe icy and snowy conditions.

Working closely with Central Bedfordshire Council's Highways team, the two parishes have collaborated on the procurement of the new gritter and now have a team who will be trained to operate their gritter.

Tony Hansen (Chairman of Caddington Parish Council) and Ken Crossett (Chairman of Slip End Parish Council) commented: "Having a gritter shared between the two villages will help all of us keep mobile during the difficult winter periods without putting a strain on Central Bedfordshire’s Highways team.

"Our thanks goes to Councillor Richard Stay and Central Bedfordshire Council, who without their help and endurance, we would not have managed to secure this deal."

Cllr Richard Stay, Central Bedfordshire Councillor for the Caddington Ward said: "Congratulations to both parishes who have worked together for the past two years to secure this new gritter for Caddington and Slip End.

"This really is localism in action and shows just how by seizing the initiative, you can really make a difference to the services in your community."

ENDS

A Caddington shopkeeper has been stripped of his licence to sell alcohol by Central Bedfordshire Council's Licensing sub-committee after staff repeatedly sold restricted products to children.

The committee heard that Adrees Latif, who runs the Premier Store in Manor Road in the village, had previously been warned 12 times by Central Bedfordshire Council's Trading Standards officers about selling cigarettes and alcohol to young people. He had been given advice about setting up procedures to make sure staff are refusing sales to children, and also maintaining records of when such refusals had been made.

But, following no fewer than four test purchase exercises involving 16 year-olds in the space of just a month over the summer, staff were found to be repeatedly flouting the law.

Staff sold cigarettes and a large amount of strong alcohol such as vodka and other spirits to the young people who had been selected to make the test purchases. And when the shop's paperwork was examined, it was discovered that very few records were kept. Staff also claimed not to have had any training on selling products to underage youngsters.

Officers interviewed Mr Latif and he acknowledged receiving the advisory visits from Trading Standards. He claimed that after each of the sales he had spoken to all the staff reminding them not to sell to under 18s.

He gave no explanation as to why none of the staff recalled this on each occasion asked. He produced a signed training record single sheet of paper for all the staff but he failed to bring the training manual and workbook that the staff signed to say they had completed their training.

Councillor Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services, said: "This sort of behaviour is absolutely deplorable. As a local councillor and as a father and grandfather I feel very strongly that we must take a strong stance against people who seek to profit by selling harmful substances to children.

"Selling high strength alcohol to young people is not only illegal, it is immoral. Had they all that they had bought, they could have have been caused serious harm."

ENDS

Bottles of illicit vodka have been confiscated from a Dunstable off-licence by Central Bedfordshire Council's Public Protection Team

The spirit, branded ‘Drop Vodka’ and 'Artic Vodka', have previously been found to contain harmful chemicals including isopropyl alcohol (found in cleaning fluid and hand sanitiser), methanol (used in antifreeze) and also chloroform.

These chemicals could harm people's health and the people are urged to report where they see these products on sale.

Central Bedfordshire Council's Public Protection Team is working to identify sellers and stop the supply of these potentially dangerous drinks.

In the run-up to Christmas, they are increasing the number of premises they visit and any illegal goods will be seized and court action could follow.

Cllr Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Shops might think they are getting a bargain by buying from a ‘man-in-a-van’ but not only could they cause great harm to their customers but they could land themselves in court and also have their alcohol licence revoked.

"We are encouraging people to be vigilant and report any suspicious products to trading standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 040506."

Retailers can protect themselves by only buying from reputable suppliers and always getting an invoice which clearly identifies the wholesaler and the products they have bought. The retailer must be able to show where they have obtained their stock.

ENDS

Superfast broadband is winging its way to most of Central Bedfordshire and a new survey should show just how much demand there is for the service.

Officers at Central Bedfordshire Council want to find out just how much demand there is from businesses and people who live in the area.

Superfast broadband would mean people could download music, games and films more quickly, and websites would download faster too.

For businesses the service could also boost opportunities to access global marketplaces and allow more companies to offer flexible working to employees.

The Government wants the UK to have the best superfast broadband in Europe by 2015, so Central Bedfordshire Council is working to make sure our residents benefit from new superfast services.

A survey is being set up to find out just what residents and businesses want from their internet capacity.

Responses to the survey will inform the council's Local Broadband Plan, which aims to ensure that at least 90 per cent of the area has access to superfast services. And for those, possibly more rural, areas that cannot be served by the technology the plan will help to put in place alternative services so that everyone has access to minimum standards of broadband (at least two megabits).

The plan will help to extend coverage of superfast broadband (with speeds greater than 25 megabits per second, and ideally more than 30 mbps) in areas of Central Bedfordshire that are not currently, or unlikely to be served by the market.

The plan is expected to be considered by councillors in February 2012. After this, the council will then work with communities, industry and partners to deliver the plan.

Cllr Richard Wenham, Deputy Executive Member for Corporate Resources at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Superfast broadband is a priority for Central Bedfordshire Council as it is essential for our communities if we are to continue to thrive in the modern age.

"It is also crucial to achieve our economic potential, ensuring we are able to offer the best possible resources for businesses wanting to establish themselves or relocate to the Central Bedfordshire area.

"I would ask everyone to spend a few minutes taking part in this survey; by taking part you are helping to give an accurate picture of likely demand for the service."

To have your say, register your demand and to find out more on superfast broadband in Central Bedfordshire visit our website.

ENDS

A Linslade woman who claimed benefits despite starting work as a teaching assistant has been sentenced to a three month community punishment order.

Magistrates found Dawn Skerratt, of Station Road in Linslade, guilty of dishonestly failing to notify the Central Bedfordshire Council's benefits department that she had started work and that she had subsequently moved to higher paid posts.

This meant that the 40-year-old had been overpaid by £5,689.25 in Housing Benefit and £1,461.36 Council Tax Benefit - an overpayment of more than £7,000.

In court, Skerratt claimed that she had sent three letters to the council's benefits team, but these letters had not been received.

Sentencing, magistrates took into account Skerratt's good character and that her claim had not been fraudulent from the start. She was ordered to undertake a three month Community Service order with the provision that she be supervised for the three month period and that she attend a debt course for advice in relation to her financial issues and ordered to pay £200 costs. She must also repay the overpaid Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

Cllr Maurice Jones, Executive Member for Corporate Resources at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Benefit cheats take money away from those people who really need it.

"Miss Skerratt's defence was that she did notify the council and the council had simply not received the letters - we often hear this from benefit cheats and in most cases neither our fraud investigators nor magistrates believe the story.

"In this case magistrates could not believe that all three letters went astray and could not understand why Miss Skerratt had not followed up her apparent declarations.

"This investigation clearly shows that Central Bedfordshire Council will not tolerate abuse of the benefits system and will take appropriate action against those who do try to make a fraudulent claim.

"I would remind people that while we take a hard line against anyone who falsely claims benefits, help is always available for people who are genuinely entitled to receive financial aid."

ENDS

Four lower schools in Houghton Regis are to canvass the views of parents and others on proposals to extend the age range of their pupils, catering for 3 to 11 year-olds, in a bid to improve education standards.

The informal consultation by Tithe Farm, Hawthorn Park and Thornhill Lower has been given the green light by Central Bedfordshire Council. These join the consultation by Thomas Whitehead Lower school which was approved by the school's Governing Body.

Executive Member for Children's Services, Cllr Mark Versallion said:"Above all we want to raise standards and results for all our pupils. We will consider any proposals by schools that will meet these aims as long as they can show that this is what parents want, that the new arrangements will meet the needs of all pupils including those with special educational needs and the changes can be achieved within existing resources."

The initial consultation will invite comments on the proposals from parents, staff, local communities and organisations. Central Bedfordshire Council is advising the schools on the process to make sure they are following legal requirements and their proposals are in line with Government and Council guidance.

Three of the schools have announced dates for public meetings to explain the proposals to extend their upper age range and invite questions. These are as follows:

• Thornhill Lower School – Wednesday 11 January,
• Hawthorn Park Lower School - Thursday 12 January
• Tithe Farm Lower School – Wednesday 18 January

All meetings will take place at the schools concerned from 6 – 7.30pm

This consultation will end in early February when the Council's Director of Children's Services, Edwina Grant, in consultation with Councillor Versallion, will consider the results and decide whether to progress the proposals further to statutory consultation for Tithe Farm, Thornhill and Hawthorn Park Lower schools. As a Voluntary Aided School, a decision regarding the further progress of the consultation by Thomas Whitehead will be made by the school's own Governing Body.

If statutory notices are published by the Council and Thomas Whitehead Lower school, parents and other interested parties would have a further opportunity to put forward their views as part of a formal six-week statutory consultation. After any statutory consultation and careful consideration of the responses Cllr Versallion will make the announcement on whether this change will happen for any of the schools. This decision will be made in a public meeting so that headteachers, governors and parents are fully aware. The proposed changes could be implemented from September 2013.

ENDS

Residents throughout Central Bedfordshire can find all they need to know about Christmas refuse and recycling collections at the new Central Bedfordshire Council website.

This week and next week refuse collectors will be attaching information tags to everyone's bins with details of the temporary changes to collection days between Christmas and New Year.

Waste, garden waste and recycling will be collected a day later than normal during that week (26 to 30 December), so if you usually have your waste collected on a Tuesday it will be collected on Wednesday and so on through the week. Fridays collections will be made on the Saturday. Don't forget you can recycle wrapping paper, Christmas cards, crackers, plastic packaging and foil in your kerbside recycling scheme in addition to the usual paper, cans, plastic packaging and worn out textiles. Any wine and beer bottles can be taken to your local bottle bank.

Normal collections will resume on Monday 2 January.

If you have a real Christmas tree, once the festivities are over you can take it to a household waste recycling centre, or put it out for collection on your normal garden waste collection day between Monday 9 and Friday 27 January. Trees should be no taller than 6ft, and have trunks no greater than three inches thick.

In the event of severe wintry weather, we will try to collect waste as normal, but this may not always be possible. If severe weather prevents waste collection, the council's website, Facebook page and Twitter feed will be updated regularly.

For more information, call the Council on 0300 300 8302, visit our website, visit the council's Facebook page or check out our Twitter feed.

ENDS

Ever got to a car park and found you just haven't got quite enough change?

Well your problem could be solved today as Central Bedfordshire Council launches their new cashless car parking service in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard,  just in time for that last minute Christmas shopping. 

The new scheme, available in certain council pay and display car parks, will allow drivers to pay by phone with their credit or debit card using a cashless car parking service. 

Operated by RingGo, the service will be run at Ashton Square, Grove Park, Matthew Street, Priory Car park, Regent Street and St Mary’s Gate in Dunstable,  and Duncombe Drive and Hockliffe Street car parks in Leighton Buzzard.

When drivers park their car in an area featuring the RingGo service, they simply contact RingGo by iPhone or Android app, calling, SMS or online, and pay for parking in a much simpler, easier way.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: " With this new service drivers won’t need to carry change or visit parking machines making it easier and quicker for people to park up before heading to the shops.

“We want to encourage even more shoppers and visitors into the area, and it's great to be able to launch this brand new service in Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable, just in time for the last minute Christmas Shopping."

People can pre-register with RingGo either on their website or by using the RingGo apps for iPhone and Android handsets (downloadable either through their handset or from the Apple store or Android marketplace). 

If they pre-register for the service they will be asked to provide:

• The number plate, colour and make of their vehicle
• payment card details

Alternatively people can register at the same time they want to park, either by using the RingGo apps or by calling the RingGo number which is 0203 046 0010.

The council will hopefully be rolling this out throughout other towns in Central Bedfordshire.

ENDS

Plans for a pioneering social services project in Central Bedfordshire that will involve families in finding ways of keeping their vulnerable adult relatives safe from harm, abuse or exploitation has been given a prestigious grant.
 
The scheme is one of just 10 across the country to receive the special funding from the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). The seed funding and support from SCIE will allow Central Bedfordshire Council to fund a part-time social worker to concentrate specifically on the new service.
 
Using an innovative new approach, social workers involved in the pilot project  that will help steer adults out of potential difficulties, for example in situations where they are being taken advantage of financially or whether they are experiencing emotional abuse.
 
Social workers will encourages families to get together at family conferences and encourage people to talk about the problem, they will help families to support their relative and look at ways they can tackle the situation without the formal intervention of social services.
 
It is hoped that the project will increase people's independence, shortening the length of time they rely on the support of social workers. 
 
Cllr Carole Hegley, Central Bedfordshire Council's Executive Member for Adult Social Services, said: "The funding we have received from the SCIE will really improve our services for vulnerable adults in Central Bedfordshire, targeting our resources to help them in the most appropriate way for each individual's circumstances."

ENDS

Revellers across Central Bedfordshire are being urged to think about how they are going to get home after a good night out.

While spirits are high and people are enjoying themselves it's easy to put to the back of your mind just how the party will end. And by following a few tips you can make sure your night out goes with just the right kind of bang.

Do not accept drinks from people you do not know - if you begin to feel really drunk after a small amount of alcohol, or you think that your drink has been spiked, get help from a friend, relative or senior member of the management of the pub or club you are in. Find someone you can trust who can take you to A&E to be treated.

If you are walking home, keep to well-lit main roads where possible and avoid shortcuts like alleys, wasteground and wooded areas. Wherever possible try to walk home with someone you know or even try to share a lift.

If you do decided to take a cab, it's all too easy on a cold night to fall into the trap of getting into an unlicensed, uninsured vehicle to get home after good night.

While there is no significant problem of 'fake taxis' in the area, it is always important to make sure that a lift home is a legitimate taxi. Drivers should have their licence on display and all hackney taxis and black cabs display a taxi sign on the roof of their vehicle, a numbered carriage plate near the rear bumper and a smaller numbered carriage plate in the front windscreen.

Private hire vehicles - which can not be hailed in the street - will display a numbered private hire plate on the rear bumper and a smaller numbered plate in the front windscreen.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services, said: "Christmas is a great time for having fun with friends and colleagues and the vast majority of Christmas get-togethers go without any trouble at all.

"We don't want to dampen anyone's party spirits, but it is important to look after your safety on a night out - at any time of the year - and ensure your party is a night to remember for all the right reasons."

ENDS

Residents have just six weeks to have their say on the future of Libraries as the council’s review comes to a close in the New Year.

Libraries are at the heart of local communities - providing access to information, learning and resources for all ages. The council wants to ensure that the service is fit for the 21st century, making best use of modern technology so everyone can benefit.

This current review is all about helping to shape the future of the service, making sure it meets the needs of future generations – offering best value for money. The consultation, launched in October, will run until 18 January and residents are being urged to get their comments in as soon as possible.

Cllr Ian Darlgano, met with Flitwick Library users as part of the festive ‘What’s inside a mince pie’ event yesterday (12 December) and used the opportunity to discuss the consultation, hearing first-hand what residents thought about the current services on offer.

Commenting: "It was great to have a chance to talk face to face with library users to find out what library services they use the most and events they really enjoy attending. People highlighted the importance of continuing with the wide range of services and developing online access.

"We want to assure residents that the council is not intending to close libraries. The aim of the Future of Libraries consultation is to help improve the services which local libraries currently offer, making them modern and even more accessible to the local community.

"I would encourage everyone who values their local library to take part in our current consultation which ends on 18 January."

The council received over 2000 responses following the successful Big Library debate over the summer, and is using all the feedback collected to inform the future direction of local services.

Cllr Dalgarno, added: "Like many services across the country, the library service in Central Bedfordshire faces significant challenges. We need to find ways to save money and continue to deliver – and improve – a service that meets local needs and the needs of future generations."

People can respond to the Future of Libraries consultation by completing the online survey via the council’s website or by collecting hard copies at local libraries throughout Central Bedfordshire.

All responses will be used to inform the 15 year Library strategy which will be presented to the council in Spring 2012 and where a final decision will be agreed.

ENDS

If you're hoping that Santa will be leaving a host of new gadgets and gizmos under your tree, why not make some space before he arrives and recycle your old electrical items?

Central Bedfordshire Council is encouraging everyone to recycle or donate their unwanted electronic items during the Christmas and New Year period.

Now the council's Waste Awareness team will be visiting markets throughout the area to answer your questions about electrical recycling.

On Friday 9 December the team will be at Dunstable market between 7am and 2pm, the following day, Saturday 10 December they will be visiting Houghton Regis Christmas Fair from 8am to 2pm.

On Tuesday 13 December the team will be in Leighton Buzzard market from 7am to 2pm and on Friday 16 December they will be at Sandy Market from 8am to 2pm.

If you're hoping that Santa will be leaving a host of new gadgets and gizmos under your tree, why not make some space when he arrives and recycle your old electrical items?

Central Bedfordshire Council is encouraging everyone to recycle or donate their unwanted electronic items during the Christmas and New Year period.

Now the council's Waste Awareness team will be visiting markets throughout the area to answer your questions about electrical recycling.

On Tuesday 13 December the team will be in Leighton Buzzard market from 7am to 2pm and on Friday 16 December they will be at Sandy Market from 8am to 2pm.

In Christmas Week they will be in Biggleswade at the town's market on Wednesday 21 December from from 8am to 2pm and then on Friday 23 December they will be at Flitwick market also from 8am to 2pm.

Currently, around 64 per cent of waste electronic items end up in landfill each year, where lead and toxins can cause soil and water contamination. This has a harmful effect on natural habitats, wildlife and human health. In 2010/11, Central Bedfordshire residents diverted more than 1,800 tonnes of waste electronics from landfill by taking items to their Household Waste Recycling Centre.

If the items is still in good working order there might be someone else who could get more use out of it. Charity shops or reuse organisations like Preen in Dunstable and Biggleswade take old electrical items for reuse. Otherwise, residents can take any waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) items to one of Central Bedfordshire's four Household Waste Recycling Centres, which are open 9am to 5pm, seven days a week (sites will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day and will close early at 1pm Christmas Eve and New Years Eve)

Councillor Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services said: "We are encouraging everyone to reuse or recycle electrical items, especially at this time of year when lots of electrical items will be replaced as gifts. We want to ensure that our environment is safe, and prevent pollution from these items."

A ‘Weee Recycle’ TV advert will be aired nationally from 26 December raising awareness of the need to recycle waste electronics.

For further information on recycling your unwanted or broken electronic items, visit our website or access the recycling bank locator.

ENDS

An Ampthill woman who falsely claimed nearly £15,000 in benefits has been sentenced to a 12 month Community Punishment Order.

Magistrates in Bedford heard how Joanne Bailey of Ailesbury Road in Ampthill knowingly failed to tell Central Bedfordshire Council that she had returned to work.

As a result she was overpaid £5,514.34 in Housing Benefit, £1,674.58 in Council Tax Benefit, £1,010.35 in Job Seekers Allowance and £6,298.31 in Income Support.

Bailey, aged 28, who had pleaded guilty at an early hearing, was sentenced to a Community Punishment Order for 12 months and also required to attend a 12 day Skills For Life course to address her offending.  She will be supervised by probation for 12 months.  She was also ordered to pay £100 costs.

Cllr Maurice Jones, Executive Member for Corporate Resources at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Benefit cheats take money away from those people who really need it.

"This investigation clearly shows that Central Bedfordshire Council will not tolerate abuse of the benefits system and will take appropriate action against those who do try to make a fraudulent claim.

"I would remind people that while we take a hard line against anyone who falsely claims benefits, help is always available for people who are genuinely entitled to receive financial aid."

ENDS

With budgets getting ever tighter and Christmas just round the corner, it's all too easy to by lured into the trap of a doorstep lender.

But for many this could lead to the biggest New Year hangover they have ever experienced.

Figures show that an estimated 310,000 households nationally turned to an illegal money lender this year, with 20 per cent of victims originally taking out the loan to fund the festive season.

Now Trading Standards and the England Illegal Money Lending Team are urging people to avoid loan sharks whatever the cost.

Loan sharks operate illegally and as their debts are not enforceable in law many resort to bully-boy tactics such as violence, threats and intimidation to get their money back.

One single mum contacted the England Illegal Money Lending Team after she took out a £150 loan for Christmas believing it would be repaid within a few months. The loan shark harassed her for five years, attempting to break into her home and take items in the process.

Shockingly, despite her regular payments he added additional arbitrary amounts, never letting the outstanding balance decrease. When he was arrested, the woman had repaid more than £5,000.

She said: "When he was arrested, it was such a weight of my shoulders. It had got to the point where I was too frightened to answer the door. I realised he was never ever going to go away. If he hadn't been arrested I'd probably still be paying him now."

Consumer Affairs Minister, Edward Davey said: "Pure and simply, loan sharks are criminals who prey on vulnerable communities and fleece their victims out of hard-earned cash, often through intimidation and violence.

"This will not be tolerated, which is why Government is continuing to fund the important work the Illegal Money Lending Teams are doing up and down the country to bring these crooks to justice."

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services, said: "No matter how desperate you are there are alternatives to loan sharks available and local credit unions can help even those on the lowest incomes.

"I would urge people to slam the door on doorstep lenders and think twice about using their disreputable services."

If you believe you or someone you know is involved with a loan shark call the Illegal Loan Team in confidence on 0300 555 2222.

For more information on Credit Unions in the area call Bedford Credit Union, which has regular collection points in Sandy, Biggleswade and Shefford, on (01234) 346352.

ENDS

Business people across Central Bedfordshire can now sign up to a special newsfeed service that will keep them up-to-date with the latest developments in the area.

Called Let's Talk Business, the service is being run by Central Bedfordshire Council giving information on all sorts of targeted business information on subjects as varied as financing and funding opportunities, contracts and tenders from Central Bedfordshire Council, networking events and awards and competitions.

When people join they will also receive a Business Timebank voucher giving access to one hour's free advice from a business professional.

Cllr Ken Matthews, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Strategic Planning and Economic Development, said: "Let's Talk Business is a great way for the 11,500 companies across our area to receive the most up-to-date business information around.

"It only takes a matter of minutes to sign up for the service but I'm sure it will prove an invaluable resource for many in the area."

To sign up visit our website.

ENDS

A new strategy is being developed for parking across Central Bedfordshire and everyone is being encouraged to have their say.

The parking strategy sets out Central Bedfordshire's approach to managing car parking across the area.

It suggests prioritising short stay parking on sites within an acceptable walking distance of shops, including an appropriate level of disabled parking bays.

The council is also looking to encourage more long stay parking for commuters on the outskirts of town centres and close to train stations.

The plans also looks at on-street parking and residents’ needs to be able to park near their homes. This could see the creation of more Residents' Parking Zones and will also include parking standards to ensure any new development has an appropriate provision of spaces.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Parking is often one of the most controversial issues in a community, and can cause real problems.

"Central Bedfordshire Council wants to get their parking plan right - and the only way we can do that is to ask the people who matter what they want.

"Please take the time to fill in the survey - it should only take five minutes, but could make a real difference to your community."

The consultation questionnaire and strategy document will be available at all libraries, council offices and customer contact centres across Central Bedfordshire until 24 February 2012.

It is also available online.

ENDS

Protecting front line services by cutting overheads and avoiding council tax rises for next year form the cornerstones of a draft spending plan approved by Central Bedfordshire Executive councillors this week.

The council intends to spend £180m from April 2012 on its wide range of services including highways maintenance, waste collection and disposal, libraries, children's services and social care. Councillors also agreed a £78.7m capital programme outlining investments in road maintenance - an area which residents highlighted as important in a recent council survey – as well as school buildings, street lighting and new residential care facilities.

A reduction in government funding due to national austerity measures and increased demands on services - in areas like adult social care and children services - means the council needs to cut spending by £10.5m next year and nearly £40m over the next four years. To achieve the savings without cutting frontline services, the draft budget approved by councillors includes ambitious plans to deliver services differently, with a more commercial focus and maximising the use of technology to improve efficiency.

The draft budget has been informed by a survey carried out by the council in the autumn in which over 2,000 residents outlined what they believed the council's future spending priorities should be.

Cllr Maurice Jones, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, said: "We've constructed a robust budget that reflects the feedback residents gave to our budget survey. We got strong feedback that we should be looking to reduce back office costs, so we are proposing significant savings and efficiencies by reviewing management structures and administration to protect frontline services.

"It is clear from recent government statements that the country still has a long way to go to reduce the national budget deficit. While we are looking to drive through £10.5m of savings in the coming year, we want to ease the burden on our residents by not increasing council tax and also to invest in our infrastructure to support the local economy."

Measures to close the spending gap include:

• Reducing the number of buildings the council works from
• Streamlining management and reducing money spent on back office administration
• Seeking ways of running services more cost effectively, including looking at private sector providers and considering setting up an independent Trust to run leisure services
• Renegotiating contracts to get the best deals, for example for highways maintenance, energy, information technology and vehicle leasing.
• Offering care contracts and commissioning services jointly with others to increase the council's buying power
• Charging utility companies for accessing public highways
• Bringing charges in line with those levied by other councils, for example respite care and making sure we cover rising costs, such as charges for issuing Blue Badges linked to changes in the national scheme.

Extra investment is being proposed for some services to help deliver savings down the line. These include

• Improving services that help people to live independently at home for longer and to reduce the use of residential care
• Investment in leisure centres to increase their profitability
• Investment in more energy efficient street lights when replacements are due.

The council's spending plans are now open for public consultation. Residents can view the budget proposals online or from their local libraries from next week.

People can take part in the debate on our community discussion website, email comments to consultations@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or send written responses to FREEPOST RSJS GBB2 SRZT, Budget Consultation, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands SG17 5TQ.

The consultation is open until midday on 27 January 2012. Councillors will then use feedback to review the draft budget options, before full council announce the final budget on 23 February 2012.

ENDS

A ‘White Knight’ will lead Central Bedfordshire’s fleet of new gritters into battle this year as competition winner Perla Heley-Weatherley races to the finish line.

Picked from almost 100 entries as part of the annual winter driving campaign, Perla aged four from Dunstable, was the successful entry from the competition launched on 22 October, at the winter driving event.

Perla Heley-Weatherley commented about her entry: "White is for the snow and knight as the gritter’s keep our roads and drivers safe."

Perla met with Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services and Deputy Executive Member, Cllr Budge Wells, today (7 December), at the Dunstable Depot to see ‘White Knight’ being officially unveiled.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Not only would I like to congratulate Perla on her winning entry, but take the opportunity to thank all those who entered, it was very difficult deciding as there were some great ideas put forward.

"The annual winter driving campaign provides advice and tips on how road users can stay safe during the winter months, as well as keeping people up to date with our extensive winter maintenance programme."

As part of this year’s maintenance programme the fleet will be carrying out as many as six daily salting runs in the most severe weather. The 18-strong vehicles will also carry real-time tracking so base crews can see where they are, how fast they’re moving and how much salt they have spread.

Roads carrying the highest volume of traffic are gritted when road temperatures are expected to drop below zero and when they are expected to be damp.

Cllr Brian Spurr, added: "We keep in store more than 5,500 tonnes of salt – that’s enough to spread over 30,000 football pitches. With the average gritting run using seven tonnes of salt.

"As well as making sure priority roads are sufficiently salted, we have been working over the summer to repair around 1500 potholes caused by last years severe weather – investing over £200,000.

"We want every motorist to be prepared for driving in ice, fog and snow so we are advising people to follow the safety guidance about simple car checks before heading out."

Make sure tyres have plenty of tread, have extra washer fluid in the car, keep a shovel in the car as well as a blanket, food and water in case of emergencies. Keep headlights clean and watch out for weather forecasts - don’t head out if bad conditions are expected.

Road users are also advised to report dangerous or severe potholes by calling the potholes hotline on 0300 300 8049.

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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in every high street and shopping centre around Central Bedfordshire - and while the bright lights and carols are attractive to shoppers, they're also attractive to thieves.

While out and about shopping for presents - and while shopping online, it's good to remember a few pointers.

Shoppers who want to break their trip and take their heavy bags back to the car are being reminded to keep those valuables out of view - remember if you can see that brimming bag of goodies, so can a thief.

Satnavs and other in-car devices can be costly to replace. Remove the cradles from your car and wipe away any tell-tale suction marks from your windscreen.

Always check toys over before buying and note any instructions, warnings or safety messages. Look for the European CE mark on toys and ensure that the name and address of the manufacturer or importer is clearly marked.

Always get a receipt and check the store's refund policy. Remember unless the present is faulty, a store does not automatically have to refund if the present is 'not right'.

But if you buy your presents online, you automatically have a seven day cooling off period even if the goods are not faulty.

And before entering your personal details online, make sure you are visiting a secure site. The web address should begin with 'https' and a small padlock should be displayed on the screen.

Print a copy of your order confirmation and check that the company has their full address and telephone number displayed on their website so you can contact them if something goes wrong.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "With the rush, adrenaline and fun of finding those Christmas bargains, online or in the high street it's easy to forget basic safety precautions that we might take for granted at any other time of year.

"Remember it might be the season of goodwill to all - but thieves do not take a break at Christmas."

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Central Bedfordshire Council has welcomed Government's support for plans to restore the rail link from Oxford to Bletchley and Bedford, with a spur to Milton Keynes.

The Autumn Statement by Chancellor George Osborne last Tuesday (29 November 2011) put the east-west rail link firmly in the National Infrastructure Plan, ensuring its inclusion in the Government's rail investment programme for 2014 to 2019.

The Government will support Network Rail to develop the £270 million rail link between Oxford and Bedford and before July 2012, the Government will announce how it will implement this plan subject to support from local contributions, based on a developed business case.

Last week’s announcement is fantastic news for Central Bedfordshire, with Cllr Ken Matthews, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development commenting:

"It is great to have Government's support to make these important improvements. An east-west new rail link would cut journey times (train versus car) between Oxford and Milton Keynes or Bedford by more than half, and between Winslow and Oxford by almost two thirds - providing local residents with faster, more direct access to these towns and cities.

"This can only help to benefit the area by bringing business in, promoting economic growth and can only help to strengthen local enterprise ventures.

"We look forward to further working with the Department for Transport, Network Rail, and the Consortium on this vital scheme for the area."

Consortium members will meet next week to plan their next steps.

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Residents around Dunstable and Totternhoe are being invited to have their say on plans that will affect a unique part of the area's countryside.
 
Central Bedfordshire Council wants to protect and improve an area of countryside around Totternhoe, near Dunstable.
 
The area, which is popular with cyclists, walkers and horse riders, contains a number of historical sites, and a rich and diverse range of wildlife and ancient green lanes.
 
The council wants to work with partners and the public to create an action plan to improve biodiversity and restore the area's many features for everyone to enjoy.
 
The area being looked at in the proposed masterplan includes areas of old chalk workings, Maiden Bower Scheduled Ancient Monument, Totternhoe Knolls and the medieval motte and bailey ruins of Totternhoe Castle.  Also included is the old disused railway, which is now part of a Sustrans National Cycle Route.
 
The council wants people who use and enjoy the area to let them know what they think of the plans during a special consultation, which will run from Monday 12 December 2011 to Friday 27 January 2012.
 
Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "The area has a rich history and is home to many rare plants and butterflies.  It's a popular spot for many people and Central Bedfordshire Council wants to preserve this heritage for generations to come - while also making it as attractive and accessible as possible for everyone.
 
"I would urge people to tell us what they think of our plans - with your help we can make the area a real asset to the wider community."
 
People can see the plans and meet officers on 12 December at The Chilterns Gateway Centre in Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, between 10am and 3pm.
 
A second opportunity will be held at Totternhoe Memorial Hall in Castlehill Road in the village on 14 January also between 10am and 3pm.
 
People can also see the plans and comment on them online.

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Local residents are being given the opportunity to comment on the ‘soundness’ of the joint Minerals and Waste Core Strategy as a public consultation launches on Monday, 5 December 2011.

As part of the joint Minerals and Waste Core Strategy Development Plan the consultation proposals will set out the planning strategy for mineral extraction, non-hazardous landfill and waste recovery that is needed throughout Central Bedfordshire over for the next 15 years. For the plan to be ‘sound’ it has to be deliverable, comply with national policy, and meet all the legal requirements for plan making.

Local people will have the opportunity to comment on whether or not they consider the plan to be 'sound' during the consultation, running from 5 December 2011 until 29 January 2012, by visiting the planning portal or by e-mail: MWPLan@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or by letter /representation form to: The Minerals and Waste Planning Team, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, SG17 5TQ. The documents can also be viewed by visiting local council offices and main libraries.

Over the next few years, new sand and gravel workings are needed to supply construction materials. Also more waste management sites will help to move society away from landfilling, and towards waste recovery uses (such as mechanical biological treatment facilities and recycling facilities.)

Cllr Ken Matthews, Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development for Central Bedfordshire Council, said "Both mineral extraction and waste management are important for healthy and growing communities, and this Core Strategy provides the planning policies for where these developments should take place over the next few years."

The strategy is being developed jointly between Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, and Luton Borough Councils and all three Councils are inviting representations on the 'soundness' of the joint Minerals and Waste Core Strategy before it is formally submitted to the Secretary of State for approval.

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