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BULLETIN FOR BURNHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH COORDINATORS TO FORWARD TO THEIR MEMBERS (and for representatives of other community groups to cascade down to their members)
(Items to me by Thursday evenings please!)

Please update me if you change your e-mail address !

burnhamneighbourhoodwatch@gmail.com

Wendy Strathdee
Area NHW Coordinator, Burnham

FOLLOWING BLACK FRIDAY ONLINE SALES PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS INCREASINGLY REGULAR SCAM:

.

"A local resident has notified of a scam which happened to her.

Somebody had managed to get credit under her name at Very.co.uk and ordered an IPad.

The first thing she knew about this was when it was delivered to her property and she opened the parcel and realised that something was wrong.

The lady rang Very. They were trying to put her through to the Fraud group but while she was waiting there was a knock at the door.

A man had a slip of paper with Royal Mail on it asking for the parcel and saying it was for someone in ****** Road.

Fortunately, she did not give it to him and said it had her name and address on the parcel . She told him that the Police had been called and that it was fraud.

The guy then ran off down the drive.

The fraudster had ordered the IPad on 24 hour postage so he knew that the item was being delivered that day and waited for it to arrive.

This lady has asked me to warn everyone about this and to be careful what they sign for and never to hand over any parcel if it has their name and address."

TOMORROW IN THE LIBRARY

CHRISTMAS FAYRE & HIGH STREET PARADE

A reminder that this takes place next Thursday, 6 December. As always, please ensure no cars are parked in the High Street from late afternoon when the road will be closed to enable stalls to be set up. COME OUT, ENJOY THE ATMOSPHERE AND SUPPORT OUR LOCAL CHARITIES AND GROUPS.

After the parade mulled wine & mince pies will be served at Burnham Park Hall and Pop Goes the Choir will be singing favourite tunes after 8 pm.

Remember if you're leaving your home empty to attend, to switch some lights on to make your house look occupied.

(And I'm under a Three Line Whip to remind everybody that the Friends of Burnham Library will be selling Christmas draw tickets in Mays Chocolate House during the evening. They need to raise £2000 to help fund library activities, so if you value this local facility, please pop in and buy some tickets for the draw which takes place on 15th December. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses there are some really worthwhile prizes on offer. )

CHRISTMAS TREES

Davies Bros Nursery are reopening earlier than usual to sell Christmas trees and wreaths. They're displaying the trees un-netted to to help you choose your favourite. Once you've chosen they will give it a fresh cut and trim to suit your stand. The tree will then be netted and carried back to your car.

Here are the prices:

3 - 4ft - £20.00
4 - 5ft - £25.00
5 - 6ft - £35.00
6 - 7ft - £40.00
7 - 8ft - £55.00
8 - 9ft - £65.00
9 - 10ft - £85.00
11 - 12ft - £130.00

Santa will be in his grotto every weekend of the season.
You will also be able to meet two of his reindeer at the Nursery on Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December.

CAROLS FOR THE COMMUNITY - Tuesday 4th December.

7.30 pm at St. Peter's Church.
Organised by Burnham Beeches Rotary Club.
Come and join in and stay for refreshments afterwards. All welcome.

"NOTTINGHAM KNOCKERS"

A reminder about these groups of doorsteps sellers is timely as the Gerrards Cross area has recently been targeted recently, so Burnham could soon be on their agenda again.

They are doorstep callers who target areas offering small household products for sale. These callers may claim to be ex-convicts attempting to mend their ways, however they are not part of any recognised rehabilitation scheme.
Please warn your neighbours, particularly elderly or vulnerable neighbours, not to open the door to strangers or buy or sell on the doorstep. Some doorstep callers may offer poor quality goods at inflated prices and if a caller is not genuine, they may be gathering information for future crime.
Please keep in mind that if cold callers don’t get any sales in your area, they are less likely to return.

How they work
The sellers may say that they are on a “rehabilitation course” arranged by probation services or other organisations trying to find people work. This is not the case and often they are known criminals. Probation services do not run such schemes.
They may show a card which claims to be a “Pedlars Licence” or work permit. The following is an example of one that has been frequently seized by the police. This is not valid and they are breaking the law if they are using anything like this.
They may also hand over a card saying they are deaf or dumb.
According to the police, the bag of household products is supplied by someone who employs them. The lads are supplied with a full bag of household products (including the typical tea-towels!) and charged a minimal sum for the contents – it used to be £35. They can keep whatever they make, above this amount.
Usually they are deposited in an area from a transit van and given a list of streets to work. An hour or so later they are picked up and dropped off in another location. They often work from 9am to 9pm.
They will knock on a door, offering cleaning items which they know are cheap and of very poor quality; the householder also knows they are rubbish but that is part of the scam. Many people will purchase items and pay them something, just to get rid of them. There have been cases of elderly residents handing over large sums as these lads can be very persistent and confrontational.
The price for whatever has been purchased usually comes to a note – usually £10. The householder disappears to get this – this is when the scam begins, according to the police. When the note is handed over, the lad examines the condition and how long it took the person to get it. If it is crumpled, they accept it and move on. If it is crisp flat and new – they are much more interested and may engage the person in more conversation, to obtain details about them. As they leave they will smell the note. If it is slightly musty – this is an indication that there is more in the property. Those addresses are noted. The addresses of elderly / vulnerable / gullible people are all noted.

These are handed to the employer and there is a small amount of cash handed over for each one.
These addresses are then sold in prisons and pubs. If there is a later break-in, the employer expects a further cut of the proceeds.

These lists are purchased by all sorts of people including – tarmaccers, tree workers, roofers, dodgy builders etc., and can be shared amongst the travelling community. Once on a list, your address could be sold on and on. Hence the repeat nature of these persistent callers.
Police advise that in almost every case of a stop check – the lads have long strings of convictions for burglary and violence. They use the skills learnt during their criminal activity to identify possible targets.

TURN THEM AWAY. REMEMBER if cold callers don’t get any sales in your area, they are less likely to return

FREE TO A GOOD HOME

These items have just been published in today's Stoke Poge's NHW newsletter. (For new readers of this bulletin I should explain that we exchange occasional items of information for the benefit of our members, so please contact the individuals direct if you're interested. Neither of us will accept items for sale to advertise but are happy to advertise items where no money exchange takes place, or to advertise for "wanted" items on the same basis.

A pair of Meindl walking boots size 7.5 but my feet are size 6. They have been well-used but soles in good condition. Water does come in uppers in heavy rain or very wet conditions. May do for a youngster doing bronze DofE or hiking with scouts or guides. Also suitable for dog walking etc.

Sue - M : 07971 - 404457

*****

Tunturi exercise bike in good condition.

Baby's high chair

Baby's walker

Barbara - M : 07876 - 570762
*****

WANTED
Single bed (and mattress) if possible.

Sareena - E : sareena@btinternet.com

SESSION IN BURNHAM LIBRARY - see below. A REMINDER WHAT THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE CONSULTATION IS ALL ABOUT.

Buckinghamshire County Council

Visit our Web Site : http://www.buckscc.gov.uk

News from Buckinghamshire County Council

Have your say on modernising short break services for children and adults

The Council is seeking your views on how it plans to modernise short break services in Buckinghamshire. Consultations for both Children's and Adult's short break services will run side by side from 5 NOVEMBER to 14 JANUARY.

Think of respite services [short breaks] and you are more likely to think overnight residential care, than horse riding. But it doesn't have to be that way.   We know that people with very complex needs may always need some type of specialist care. However, short breaks can be so much more than traditional residential or respite care.   They can help people to be more independent, learn new skills, make friends and overcome loneliness.

Warren WHYTE(Cabinet Member for Children's Services) and Lin HAZELL (Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing) are in agreement about the new approach and say : "We want to make sure that people can access a wide range of short-break options close to where they live. Although short breaks are a vital part of supporting carers they do not have to be in a residential setting. Our current short breaks offer does not provide enough flexibility and choice."

Short breaks include day, evening, overnight, weekend or holiday activities.   They can take place in your own home, the home of an approved carer and in your local community too.

Both councillors are keen to make the best use of resources and say : "We want to make sure that the money we have for short breaks is spent where it is most needed. Carers provide most of the care in our communities and without them public services would struggle to cope.   However we do have to consider budgets.   We believe that by modernising short break services we can meet need and make the best use of the resources we have."

Parents, carers and service users have already helped to and adult short breaks policy and children's short breaks service statement.   Once finalised and agreed, these will guide how short break services are delivered in the future.   To get to that stage we need your views on the several features that have been included. These are how we will:

• define what a short break service is
• make access to short break services fair
• decide who is eligible for short break services
• make sure people get the right type of short break to meet their needs
• fund some types of short breaks

The decision to consult on short break services was made at the Cabinet meeting held on 22 OCTOBER 2018 more details can be found here.

If you or someone you care for or uses short break services, it is very important that you have your say. To have your say either complete our online questionnaires on the ‘Have your say’ pages of www.buckscc.gov.uk

People can also ask questions or give their views by coming along to one of eight 'Talk to us' drop-in sessions at libraries across the county [dates venues in further information below].

More information about the Children's Short Breaks Service Statement Consultation can be found at www.buckscc.gov.uk/shortbreaksforchildren

More information about the Adult Short Breaks Policy consultation can be found at www.buckscc.gov.uk/shortbreaksforadults

Further information:

What we are asking for views on

We need to understand if people agree or disagree with several features of the service statement/policy. These include, how we will:
• define what a short break service is
• make access to short break services fair
• know who is eligible for short break services
• make sure people get the right type of short break to meet their needs
• be clear about how short breaks will be funded
• make sure services meet existing and future need

How people you can give their views

You can have your say by:
• completing our survey online go to ‘Have your say’ on www.buckscc.gov.uk
• copies of the survey will be available from council services they attend
• emailing us at shortbreaks@buckscc.gov.uk
• calling on - T : 01296 - 383 - 122 and leaving a message
• coming along to and talk to us (more details below)
• writing to us New County Offices

This consultation will run from the 5 NOVEMBER 2018 – 14 JANUARY 2019

'Talk to us' sessions

If you have any questions please come to one of our ‘Talk to us’ open sessions or call us - T : 01296 - 383122. You do not need to book a session. Just drop by. Copies of the questionnaire will be available and a comment box for anyone who is unable to come at the published times.

1. Aylesbury Library (Study Centre), 15 NOVEMBER, 10 am - 12 noon
2. High Wycombe Library, 15 NOVEMBER, 5 – 7 pm
3. Buckingham Library, 21 NOVEMBER, 10 am – 12 noon
4. Burnham Library, 20 DECEMBER, 10 am – 12 noon
5. Chesham Library, 3 JANUARY, 12 noon – 2 pm
6. Seeleys House Short Breaks Service, 10 JANUARY, 10 am - 12 noon and 5 - 7 pm

Next steps
We will review all feedback and use it to develop the framework for the delivery of a new short breaks service planned for 2019. This will be considered by the Council's Cabinet in MARCH 2019.

Any decisions will be published on our website www.buckscc.gov.uk

UPDATE ON A4 CYCLEWAY PROJECT

(Thanks to one of our members for this update)

It would appear that a number of people think (and hope?) this project has been shelved, unfortunately it hasn’t. I received this response from Tayo Akinosade, (Project Officer, Highway Infrastructure Projects, Transport Economy Environment, Buckinghamshire County Council) after asking him for the latest information about the A4 cycleway.

By way of an update, we have now selected a preferred contractor with a proposed start on site date around mid-Nov 2018. However, the County Council has a Christmas embargo period (from 27 November 2018 – 11 January 2019) which prevents works on the network during this busy period. Therefore, a decision has been taken to postpone the start of construction until January 2019, after the Christmas embargo, rather than starting immediately for just two weeks and then having to make the site safe and secure which is neither desirable or practical for public and contractor. A programme of works will follow in due course. The A4 project webpage is regularly updated and can be viewed here https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/transport-and-roads/road-projects-and-improvement-schemes/a4-sustainable-travel-scheme/

Burnham's first synchronised Dancing Lights Show. Lent Green Lane, SL17AP.
Illumination will begin at 6.45 pm on Saturday 1st December, supported by refreshment stalls provided by Burnham Youth Club. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Shooting Stars Chase and Burnham Youth Club. More info: contact MS Productions on 07572 053340

BOPAG (BUCKS OLDER PERSONS ACTION GROUP)

BOPAG recently sent me some details on Retirement Leaseholds which I thought worth reproducing here, bearing in mind that some older people are contemplating these properties at a later stage in their lives.
The reference sources are worth noting for anybody thinking about this type of property in the foreseeable future.

Age UK have just published a very useful retirement leasehold – Things to consider
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/factsheets/fs2_buying_retirement_housing_fcs.pdf

Better Retirement Housing www.betterretirementhousing.com
Better Retirement Housing, formerly the Campaign against retirement leasehold exploitation (CARLEX), exists to promote good practice in the retirement housing sector.
The elderly should be able to downsize, enjoy the benefits of stress-free homes, and live communally. The advantages of this form of living to achieve mutual reliance and combat loneliness are obvious.
Sadly, the UK’s retirement housing sector has been beset with poor practice and has an appalling reputation. It has been the subject of critical tribunal rulings, two investigations by the Office of Fair Trading, and one Law Commission report. It has also been debated in Parliament, and at the All Party Parliamentary Group meetings organised by the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership.
We acknowledge that the retirement housing sector is varied and there are good operators within it. Better Retirement Housing is delighted that new overseas companies are moving into the market, and that care providers are producing housing solutions. This has introduced a welcome change of culture.
Nonetheless, the standard retirement leasehold flat remains a dubious proposition. It is absurd that it can be the single worst residential property investment one can make, with plummeting re-sale values bearing no resemblance to the local housing market.
The worst practices are made possible by leasehold tenure, and is widely acknowledged that in Scotland, where leasehold does not exist, retirement housing is more harmonious.
Better Retirement Housing aims to improve this sector and, with the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, seeks to make reforms to residential leasehold law.
We assist with individual problems and provide an editorial service of the sector, which aims to be accurate and fair.
The best way to contact Better Retirement Housing is via email outlining the issues you are facing.
Or you could call them on:  07808 328 230
Sebastian O’Kelly
sok@leaseholdknowledge.com
Martin Boyd
martin.boyd@leaseholdknowledge.com

Law Commission
They have published the Consultation Paper on leasehold enfranchisement reform: “Leasehold home ownership: buying your freehold or extending your lease”. They have extended the consultation period, it now closes on 07 January 2019.
They previously published a summary paper on proposed solutions for leasehold houses in July 2018.
Download our Consultation Paper on leasehold enfranchisement
Download the summary of the Consultation Paper
Download the Welsh summary of the Consultation Paper

The project on leasehold enfranchisement involves a review of leaseholders’ rights to:

purchase the freehold of their house
participate, with other leaseholders, in the collective purchase of the freehold of a group of flats
extend the lease of their house or flatGo to
https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/leasehold-enfranchisement/#leasehold-enfranchisement

BULLETIN FOR BURNHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH COORDINATORS TO FORWARD TO THEIR MEMBERS (and for representatives of other community groups to cascade down to their members) (Items to me by Thursday evenings please!) Please update me if you change your e-mail address !

BULLETIN FOR BURNHAM NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH COORDINATORS TO FORWARD TO THEIR MEMBERS (and for representatives of other community groups to cascade down to their members)
(Items to me by Thursday evenings please!)

Please update me if you change your e-mail address !