Archived News - Parish Council
Parish Council Minutes - March 2010
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 1st March 2010
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 12th April 2010 at 7.30pm.
Central Bedfordshire Council Computer Problems
Central Bedfordshire Council is continuing to restore its IT systems after a major failure overnight on Monday affected many of its routine applications. It is now unlikely many systems will be restored until the middle of next week.
There is some early good news though - staff have managed to ensure that payments that were due to our benefits customers next week will now be made only a day late. Revenues and benefits and ICT staff found a “quick fix” which enabled them to access the necessary database and make these much needed payments. This included calling staff on leave for their assistance - including contacting one enjoying herself at Centre Parcs!
However other payments such as those to businesses and customers of adult social care may be delayed while systems are being restored. If receiving an adult social care payment would cause a customer difficulties they should contact 0300 300 6383.
At present Central Bedfordshire's website remains offline but a temporary site has been set up to keep local people informed of progress on restoring services. This can be accessed at: www.centralbedfordshire.wordpress.com.
Telephone lines into the council's contact centre are also limited and customers should either call staff directly if they have a direct dial number or call the contact centre only in an emergency.
Email has now been restored but a queue of over 25,000 emails, stored since Tuesday, is now being dealt with and the service is intermittent. Customers are asked to call rather than email if at all possible.
Cllr Maurice Jones, Corporate Resources Portfolio Holder, said: “Our main priority is to ensure that our financial systems are restored so that customers, businesses and carers receive the payments they are expecting. Our benefits fix means that some of the most vulnerable people in our community will now get their benefits and rent paid only a day late.
“We are taking this problem very seriously but I want to stress that our IT system has been put together in line with nationally accepted best practice and to have such a major failure is a one in a million event. This is a hardware failure and has not been caused by a computer virus and no personal data has been under threat.”
Central Bedfordshire has set up an online blog to keep the public informed of developments www.centralbedfordshire.wordpress.com.
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 19th February 2010
Central Bedfordshire Offline
Update 11.25am: Central Bedfordshire Council has invoked its business continuity plan to ensure it continues providing services to local people following a major IT problem which occurred overnight on Monday, 15 February 2010.
This does mean the council will be operating a restricted service over the phone until early next week and that its website is currently unavailable. Central Bedfordshire Council has an established business continuity plan which has been put into action to restore its IT services, minimise risk to the public and ensure services continue to be delivered.
Overnight Monday the council's IT system experienced a problem which has affected many of its routine applications. We have been working on the issue since then, and will continue to rebuild systems over the coming days.
Local people are being advised not to contact the council by email at all as these cannot currently be opened and only by phone in an emergency until early next week.
Cllr Maurice Jones
Cllr Maurice Jones, Corporate Resources Portfolio Holder, said: “Even though our IT systems are based on nationally recognised best practice, problems can still occur. This is a one in a million problem. This has reduced our ability to service calls through our customer contact centre, stopped us receiving emails and means our website is unavailable. Can I assure people that we are working all hours to get the systems restored and we have a well crafted business continuity plan in place to continue services and protect vulnerable people in these situations.
“It will help us if people could only call us in an emergency until early next week and please note we will not be able to respond to emails at this time.
“We will keep people informed through the local media about developments.”
Update 2.00pm: Central Bedfordshire Council is still experiencing major IT problems so has invoked its business continuity plan to ensure it continues providing services to local people.
As part of this, www.centralbedfordshire.wordpress.com has been created so residents and partners can see key information updates, important emergency numbers and useful websites.
This facility also enables you to sign up to email alerts so you can be notified when new updates have been added on.
We are still advising people not to contact the council by email at all at the moment as these cannot currently be opened and only by phone, on 0300 300 8000, in an emergency until early next week.
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 17th February 2010
Parish Council Minutes - February 2010
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 1st February 2010
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 1st March 2010 at 7.30pm.
Gritting and salt stock update: Thursday 14 January
Although there have been no more snow flurries, Highways crews were out gritting last night to prepare the roads for this morning's rush hour. We still have just under 600 tonnes in stock - roughly enough for eight more days of gritting just the A and B roads, as Government is still restricting our salt deliveries due to the national demand for salt.
Councillor David McVicar, Central Bedfordshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "Although Highway crews will be out clearing footways in town centres and areas outside of schools we would like to remind local road users that Central Bedfordshire Council has a number of salt bins available for the public to use. These can be found at known trouble spots such as sharp bends, steep hills and junctions which are on roads that are not covered by the 'priority one' salting network. However, if any member of the public would like to request a bin for an area they believe is particularly bad, then please put requests all through the Highways Helpdesk (0300 300 8049). Teams will need to decide each case on an individual basis, taking in to account whether it is a priority for pedestrians in that area."
"Our crews continue to monitor the forecast and gritting the network on key routes to help keep traffic moving. I would like to reassure road users that Central Bedfordshire Council is doing everything it can to help keep traffic flowing on key routes."
Further gritting updates will be issued throughout the day.
Please visit our website homepage www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk for further updates on all services which have been affected by the snow.
Visit www.highways.gov.uk for further travel information on major routes and motorways.
Visit the met office for the latest forecast at www.themetoffice.org.uk.
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 14th January 2010
Gritting and salt stock update: Wednesday 13 January
Highways crews were out gritting from 4am this morning, Wednesday 13 January, as more snow has fallen throughout the night. Although we received a delivery yesterday, and have around 600 tonnes in stock - roughly enough for up to 18 more runs, we are still only able to grit just A and B roads as Government continues to restrict our salt deliveries.
Councillor David McVicar, Central Bedfordshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "As more snow has fallen throughout the night, and continues to fall his morning, our Highways crews have been out gritting A and B roads to prepare for this morning's rush hour. Crews will also be out today refilling salt bins, clearing footways in town centres and areas outside of schools.
"Our crews are still working day and night monitoring the forecast and gritting the network on key routes to help keep traffic moving. I would like to reassure road users that Central Bedfordshire Council is doing everything it can to help keep traffic flowing on key routes."
Further gritting updates will be issued throughout the day.
Please visit our website homepage www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk for further updates on all services which have been affected by the snow.
Visit www.highways.gov.uk for further travel information on major routes and motorways.
Visit the met office for the latest forecast at www.themetoffice.org.uk.
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 13th January 2010
Waste Collection update: Tuesday 12 January
Central Bedfordshire Council's waste team's are continuing to clear the backlog of waste that built up during the bad weather last week.
Crews have been collecting from homes in priority order, collecting waste from those that have been waiting the longest first. Although most major roads are running smoothly, and the snow is slowly disappearing, some side roads are still icy so crews will have to assess each situation and collect where ever they possibly can.
Last week Central Bedfordshire Council was forced to suspend all waste collections from Wednesday. The nature of this type of work involves crews stopping and starting and reversing around small residential areas, which means it has been just too dangerous to dispatch our crews on such compacted snow and ice.
Residents are advised to keep both their black bins and recycling waste out and we will collect it as soon as we can. Unfortunately we won't be in a position to collect garden waste this week.
Councillor David McVicar, Central Bedfordshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "Our waste crews have been very frustrated at not being able to collect waste as normal, but due to heavy snowfall and freezing conditions, we had to think about both the safety of our residents, children playing in the snow and our crews. Now conditions are improving, we are pleased to be in a situation where we are able to catch up on some of the backlog and return services.
Daily information on services affected by the snow and ice will be updated on our Central Bedfordshire Council's website so visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 12th January 2010
Gritting and salt stock update: Monday 12 January
Government still continues to nationally monitor salt supplies and manage which areas are of the highest priority to receive salt deliveries first in the UK, so we are still being forced to only grit A and B roads in Central Bedfordshire.
As the snow gradually starts to clear our Highways crews continue to be on standby in the event of more snow flurries, and were out gritting yesterday on A and B roads. Highways Teams are closely monitoring the forecast and still conserving salt stocks, as although we received a delivery of 200 tonnes yesterday, we still only have around 500 tonnes in stock, enough for six more days worth of gritting just on the A and B roads.
Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "As the snow starts to melt road conditions have improved but drivers still need to take extra care on some of the minor roads where it is still icy. Our crews are on standby and monitoring the forecast closely and yesterday were out spot gritting problem areas, refilling salt bins, and clearing areas outside of schools." "Our crews are still working day and night to help keep traffic moving on all major roads, and I would like to reassure road users that Central Bedfordshire Council is doing everything it can to help keep traffic flowing on key routes."
Further gritting updates will be issued throughout the day.
Please visit our website homepage www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk for further updates on all services which have been affected by the snow.
Visit www.highways.gov.uk for further travel information on major routes and motorways.
Visit the met office for the latest forecast at www.themetoffice.org.uk.
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 12th January 2010
Waste Collection update: Monday 11 January
As the weather conditions have improved over the weekend, Central Bedfordshire Council's waste team is pleased to report that waste collections across Central Bedfordshire are being carried out today, Monday 11 January.
Crews will start by collecting from households who were expecting collections last Wednesday, and although most major roads are running smoothly, some side roads are still icy so crews will have to assess each situation and collect where ever they possibly can.
Councillor David McVicar, Central Bedfordshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said "We are pleased to be in a situation where we can at least start by catching up on some of the backlog but obviously we have not only last week to catch up on, but some collections which were missed due to snow prior to Christmas, so it could be a couple of weeks until we are fully operating as normal.
"We appreciate this will cause inconvenience for residents but pleased be assured we will do everything we can to catch up on the backlog. We are advising residents to keep both their black bins and recycling waste out and we will collect it as soon as we can. Unfortunately we won't be in a position to collect garden waste this week.
Last week we were forced to suspend all waste collections from Wednesday due to heavy snowfall and freezing conditions, and we therefore had to think about both the safety of our residents, children playing in the snow and our crews . The nature of this type of work involves crews stopping and starting and reversing around small residential areas, which means it has been just too dangerous to dispatch our crews on such compacted snow and ice.
Daily information on services affected by the snow and ice will be updated on our Central Bedfordshire Council's website so visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 11th January 2010
Gritting and Salt Stock Update: Sunday 10 January
Government still continues to nationally monitor salt supplies and manage which areas are of the highest priority to receive salt deliveries first, so we are still being forced to carry out reduced gritting runs and only able to salt A and B roads in Central Bedfordshire.
With more snow flurries expected today, Sunday 10 January, our Highways team will continue to monitor the forecast, and dispatch crews to grit all A and B roads when necessary. Spot gritting will be carried out on badly affected areas on the A and B network throughout the day.
Yesterday, Saturday 9 January, our Highways crews carried out a gritting runs on all A and B roads at around 7:00am and 4:00pm, with spot gritting carried out at during the day in badly affected areas.
We still only have approximately 360 tonnes of salt in stock, which is roughly enough for 7/8 more runs, and although we received a delivery yesterday of around 60 tonnes, we still need to conserve our salt stock and carry out a reduced gritting run, focussing on just the A and B network.
Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: " As we enter a new week it still looks likely that the cold weather is set to continue and with more snow flurries forecast today, Sunday 10 January, we still need to closely monitor salt stocks. Our Highways crews carried out two full gritting runs on all A and B roads yesterday, Saturday 9 January, and spot gritting on badly affected areas, and will be carrying out runs on A and B roads during today. Our crews are still working round the clock to help keep traffic moving on all major roads, and I would like to reassure road users that Central Bedfordshire Council is doing everything it can to help keep traffic flowing on key routes.
"With Government still monitoring all national salt supplies we are still forced to only grit the A and B roads. Throughout the last week we have also been attending badly affected areas in town centres and replenishing salt bins but people really do need to take extra care on the roads and footways over the weekend and please follow our safety advice for when driving in snow, fog and ice."
Further gritting updates will be issued throughout the weekend.
Please visit our website homepage www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk for further updates on all services which have been affected by the snow.
Visit www.highways.gov.uk for further travel information on major routes and motorways.
Visit the met office for the latest forecast at www.themetoffice.org.uk.
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 10th January 2010
Parish Council Minutes - January 2010
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 4th January 2010
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 1st February 2010 at 7.30pm.
Waste Collection update: Friday 8 January
Due to the continuing freezing temperatures and with more snow forecast over the weekend Central Bedfordshire Council's waste team are still being forced to suspend all waste and recycling bin collections in both the North and South of Central Bedfordshire.
Councillor David McVicar, Central Bedfordshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said "Regrettably we are being forced to suspend all waste collection services again today, 8 January, and it is unlikely we will be able to go out as planned tomorrow to start catching up on the backlog. Other neighbouring authorities are also having to suspend collections, and we are advising residents who have not had their bins collected, to leave them out until we are able to catch up when the weather improves.
"We understand that this will cause inconvenience to residents, especially coupled with the disruptions to collections prior to Christmas, but we have to think about both the safety of our crews and residents and in these conditions we just cannot operate any waste collections. The nature of this type of work involves crews stopping and starting and reversing around small residential areas, which means it is just too dangerous to dispatch our crews on such compacted snow and ice. We can assure residents we will do everything we can to catch up on collections."
All Central Bedfordshire Household Recycling Centres are currently open as normal:
Ampthill
Abbey Lane
Off Oliver Street
MK45 2SA
Tel: (01525) 403611
Biggleswade
Bells Brook
SG18 0NA
Tel: (01767) 313684
Dunstable
Frenchs Avenue
LU6 1BH
Tel: (01582 609212)
Leighton Buzzard
Shenley Hill
LU7 3BT
Tel: (01525) 371619
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 8th January 2010
Gritting and Salt Stock Update: Friday 8 January
As it has been confirmed that Government is nationally monitoring salt suppliers and managing which areas are of the highest priority to receive salt deliveries first, we are still on reduced gritting runs and are currently only able to salt the A and B roads.
Due to the continuing icy conditions and with more snow forecast for the weekend, Bedfordshire Highways today, 8 January, will continue to carry out 'spot gritting' on badly affected areas on A and B roads, and crews will also be manually treating footways and pedestrian areas in town centres.
Although we sent five lorries to our supplier to collect salt at the beginning of the week and also received four salt deliveries from our suppliers on Wednesday, we are still forced to reduce our gritting runs to just A and B roads, due to a national demand for salt. We currently have approximately 400 tonnes of salt in stock which is enough for around roughly nine more runs on the A and B network.
With such a huge demand for salt throughout the country we are unsure when any of our 3000 tonnes, which is currently on order, will be delivered, so we are monitoring both our salt stocks and the weather forecast closely throughout the next few days, and we hope a normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.
Councillor David McVicar, Central Bedfordshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "We appreciate road conditions are going to continue to worsen as the icy conditions, the coldest spell in 15 years, is set to continue. I would like to reassure road users that Bedfordshire Highways crews are working round the clock to ensure they can keep traffic moving as much as possible on the network, but regrettably have been forced to limit gritting runs to just A and B roads.
"Nationally there is a demand in salt so our neighbouring authorities are also in a similar situation. We will be attending badly affected areas with our gritters, and manually salting pedestrian areas in town centres and replenishing salt bins as much as possible. People really do need to take extra care on the roads and footways over the weekend and please follow our safety advice for when driving in snow, fog and ice."
Further gritting information will be issued throughout the day.
Please visit our website homepage www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk for further updates on all services which have been affected by the snow.
Visit www.highways.gov.uk for further travel information on major routes and motorways.
Visit the met office for the latest forecast at www.themetoffice.org.uk.
Safe driving information for motorists:
Advice around gritters:
- Advice states to take care around gritters
- Don't be tempted to overtake
- Slow down
- It can take 10 times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, so allow extra room
- Winter Gritting is a 24 hour operation.
Check your vehicles for:
- Correct tyre tread depths and pressures. Don't forget the spare!
- Lights that are working and are clean
- The correct level of antifreeze. A garage can check this for you
- Wiper blades that are in good condition
- A windscreen washer bottle that contains an additive to prevent freezing
- A battery that is in good condition. Winter driving will make extra demands on your battery
Before driving off:
- Check the weather conditions both for your outward journey and any return
- Plan your route and leave in plenty of time. Even consider whether your journey is essential
Remember:
- Speed kills. Do not travel too fast. Cut your speed in possible icy conditions.
- It is far safer to travel a little further on a salted road than to use untreated roads
- Keep your distance - it takes much longer to stop in ice and snow than normal conditions
- Try to anticipate the actions of other drivers
- Avoid harsh acceleration, steering or braking
- Keep in as high as gear as possible
- Allow more time for your journey
- Consider whether your journey is necessary
And finally...
- It is down to the road user to drive according to the prevailing conditions
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 8th January 2010
School Closure Update: 08 January 2010
Central Bedfordshire Council's School Support Team have now been informed that 22 schools are closed across the area today.
Eaton Bray Lower School is currently Open.
School Transport to all the closed schools has also been cancelled.
Full details of which schools are open and closed can be found at: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/snow.
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 8th January 2010
Waste Collection Update: Thursday 7 January
Due to freezing temperatures throughout the night Central Bedfordshire Council's waste team are still being forced to suspend all waste and recycling bin collections in both the North and South of Central Bedfordshire.
Councillor David McVicar, Central Bedfordshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said "Regrettably we are being forced to suspend all waste collection services again today (7 January) so we are advising residents who have not had their bins collected, to leave them out until we are able to catch up when the weather improves.
"We understand that this will cause inconvenience to residents, especially coupled with the disruptions to collections prior to Christmas, but the safety of both our crews and residents is paramount. The nature of this type of work involves crews to stop start and reverse around small residential areas which means it is just too dangerous to dispatch our crews on such compacted snow and ice.
"We can assure residents we will do everything we can to catch up on collections, and under these circumstances we will use Saturdays for collections as well as week days in order to sort out the backlog."
Please visit our website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk on all the latest news on waste collection services throughout the next few days.
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 7th January 2010
Waste Collection Update: Wednesday 6 January
Due to heavy snowfall throughout the night and more forecast today (Wednesday 6 January) Central Bedfordshire Council's waste team has had to suspend all waste and recycling bin collections in both the North and South of Central Bedfordshire.
Councillor David McVicar, Central Bedfordshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said "Regrettably we have to suspend all waste collection services today (6 January) so we are advising residents who have not had their bins collected, to leave them out until we are able to catch up when the weather improves. Under these circumstances we will use Saturdays for collections as well as week days in order to catch up. We must make sure we can access all households safely before we dispatch our crews as safety of both our crews and members of the public is paramount. At the moment it is really too dangerous to operate waste collection vehicles on compacted snow and ice. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused and will be monitoring the situation closely."
Please visit our website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk on all the latest news on waste collection services throughout the next few days.
Source: Central Bedfordshire News Release, 6th January 2010
Parish Council Minutes - December 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 7th December 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 4th January 2010 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - November 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 2nd November 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 7th December 2009 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - October 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 5th October 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 2nd November 2009 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - September 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 7th September 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 5th October 2009 at 7.30pm.
Ladybird roof will be spotted after go-ahead for extension
A planned new classroom and library area at Eaton Bray Lower School has been given the thumbs up.
The extension, which is needed to cope with an increase in the number of pupils, was given the go-ahead at a meeting on Central Bedfordshire Council's development management committee on Wednesday.
The increase has been linked to the success of the school's new nursery building. The roof design of the extension is based on a ladybird symbol widely associated with books and children's learning and would be constructed from moulded glass fibre and reinforced plastics, domed and coloured red with black spots.
The parish council said they had no objections to the extension in principle but considered the design "architecturally inappropriate".
For the latest news from Eaton Bray and beyond, get the Dunstable Gazette every Wednesday and make a daily date with Dunstable Today.
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 12 August 2009
Notice of Visit by Andrew Selous MP
NOTICE OF VISIT BY
ANDREW SELOUS MP
17th September 2009, 11:30am-12noon
At The Coffee Tavern, Eaton Bray
Andrew Selous MP would like to meet as many constituents as possible.
Parish Council Minutes - July 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 6th July 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 7th September 2009 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - June 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 1st June 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 6th July 2009 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - May 2009
Highlights from May's parish council meetings held on 6th May 2009, along with a downloadable copy of the full minutes are now available from the Parish Council website.
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 1st June 2009 at 7.30pm.
Police Coffee Morning / Surgery
The Police will be holding two Coffee Morning / Surgery events in the area where everyone is welcome to go along to discuss Problems & Grievances and get General Advice including about Crime Prevention.
The events will be held as follows:
- Wednesday 20th May 2009, 10.00 - 13.00
The Coffee Tavern, Eaton Bray - Friday 22nd May 2009, 10.00 - 13.00
The Memorial Hall, Totternhoe
Full details are available in poster form in the Neighbourhood Policing section.
In case you can't attend one, the police are happy to talk to Eaton Bray residents at the Totternhoe surgery as well as at the Eaton Bray surgery.
Annual Parish & Parish Council Meetings
This is an update to the previous annual meeting dates and times.
Both meetings will now be held on Wednesday 6th May 2009 at The Coffee Tavern.
- The Annual Parish meeting will start at 7.00pm, and will be followed by
- Tthe Annual Parish Council meeting starting at 7.30pm.
Update 28 April:
The agendas for both meetings are now available from the Eaton Bray Parish Council website.
Parish Council Minutes - April 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 6th April 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 1st June 2009 at 7.30pm.
During May, there will be the Annual Parish meeting held on Wednesday 6th May 2009 at 7.00pm, and followed by the Annual Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm. Both of these meetings will be held at The Coffee Tavern.
Parish Council Minutes - March 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 2nd March 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 6th April 2009 at 7.30pm.
Proposed Skate & Ride Area
The proposed Skate & Ride Area section of the Parish Council website has been updated to include answers to various questions posed by parishioners, along with details of the location of the proposed skatepark.
If you have any comments regarding the proposals,
then please contact the Parish Council Clerk.
You can also have your say on the Parish Council Forum.
Parish Council Minutes - February 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 2nd February 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 2nd March 2009 at 7.30pm. Items for the March agenda to be requested no later than Tuesday 17th February 2009.
Recycle Now, January 2009
Thanks to your help, the recycling rate across Bedfordshire has increased from 5% in 2000/01 to 40% in 2008/09. We have some way to go to reach our next target of 50% recycling by 2011 but we know that with so many dedicated recyclers we can all make a difference by recycling more and more often. Together we can do it!
To help, we are pleased to announce that we are now adding more items to the recycling collection scheme. Starting on the 12th January 2009 residents in Bedfordshire will be able to add the new items to their existing collection (see below). You won't have to separate the recycling or do anything other than add these new items to your current collection bin or bag.
Source: Bedfordshire County Council
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
To ALL Residents of Eaton Bray Parish (all age groups),
EATON BRAY PARISH COUNCIL hereby invite you to attend a Public Meeting to find out local opinion on installing a Skatepark & Youth Meeting Point at School Lane Recreation Ground.
The meeting is to take place on Thursday 12th February 2009 at The Coffee Tavern from 7:30pm.
WHATEVER YOUR AGE WE VALUE YOUR OPINION
Reader Comments: To have your say via the website, see the Skatepark & Youth Meeting Point topic on the Parish Council Forum.
Parish Council Minutes - January 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 5th January 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 2nd February 2009 at 7.30pm. Items for the February agenda to be requested no later than Tuesday 20th January 2009.
Parish Council Business Matters
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) the Parish Council is required to routinely and proactively provide information to the public.
These documents have been made available via a new Business Matters section on the Eaton Bray Parish Council website - www.ebpc.co.uk.
For further information about these documents, or if you have other questions regarding Eaton Bray Parish Council and its responsibilities, please contact the Parish Council Clerk.
Parish Council Minutes - December 2008
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 1st December 2008
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 5th January 2009 at 7.30pm. Items for the December agenda to be requested no later than Tuesday 23rd December 2008.
Parish Council Minutes - November 2008
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 3rd November 2008
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 1st December 2008 at 7.30pm. Items for the December agenda to be requested no later than Wednesday 19th November 2008.
Parish Council Minutes - October 2008
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 6th October 2008
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 3rd November 2008 at 7.30pm. Items for the November agenda to be requested no later than Wednesday 22nd October 2008.
Treats for Troops
Eaton Bray Parish Council is supporting the Dunstable Branch of the "Royal Air Forces Association" led by Rita and Reg Hedgecock, and we ask if you the parishioners could also do your bit to help.
All you need to do is get a box (shoebox size) and fill it with items that would be of use to our serving service service men/women. As Cllr Rick Brand, Warrant Officer (Retired) RAF. ATC said, "Anything that you can put into your box [suggestions below] will be very much appreciated by our servicemen/women, and will bring some small amount of comfort to their lives. You do not have any idea how much an Andrex Toilet Roll means when serving in a location such as Afghanistan, or a Razor, soap etc. And please remember to write a short note or a card to say who you are, and your location back home, so these guys can at least thank you."
Suggested donated items: Andrex Toilet Roll, Small Packs of Biscuits, Any small toiletries (Razors, Sachets of Shampoo, Face Flannels, Sachets of After Shave etc), Chewing Gum, Raisins, Peanuts, Lightweight Paper Backs, Lightweight Puzzle Books, Biro Type Pens, Oxo Cubes, Sachets of soup, Sachets of Flavoured Hot Drinks (Chocolate, Maltesers, Galaxy etc), Dominoes, Small Travel Games, Wind up Radios/Torches, Disposable Cameras.....
"Remember, it is the things we take for granted that shows them we really care"
Please return your completed box (not sealed) to: Mrs Head, Parish Clerk, 20 Good Intent, Edlesborough, Dunstable, Beds, LU6 2RD.
Thank you for your support.
Source: Focus, October 2008
Parish Council Minutes - September 2008
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 1st Septemer 2008
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 6th October 2008 at 7.30pm. Items for the October agenda to be requested no later than Thursday 25th September 2008.
Parish Council Minutes - July 2008
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 14th July 2008
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 1st September 2008 at 7.30pm. Items for the September agenda to be requested no later than Thursday 21st August 2008.
Parish Council Minutes - June 2008
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 2nd June 2008
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 14th July 2008 at 7.30pm. Items for the July agenda to be requested no later than Thursday 3rd July 2008.
Parish Council Minutes - May 2008
Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting: Tuesday 6th May 2008
Minutes of Annual Parish Council Meeting: Wednesday 7th May 2008
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 2nd June 2008 at 7.30pm. Items for the June agenda to be requested no later than Thursday 22 May 2008.
Parish Council Minutes - March 2008
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 3rd March 2008
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 7th April 2008 at 7.30pm. Items for the April agenda to be requested no later than Thursday 27 March 2008.
Concillor Vacancy
Eaton Bray Parish Council has a vacancy for a Parish Councillor.
To be eligible for co-option onto the Council you will need to be an elector over 21 years of age and have lived or worked within 3 miles of Eaton Bray for at least 12 months.
If you are interested in serving your community on the Parish Council please write to:
Clerk to Eaton Bray Parish Council, 8 Station Road, Stanbridge, Beds LU7 9JF or email clerk@ebpc.co.uk
Please see Become a Parish Councillor for more details.
Parish Council Minutes - December 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 3rd December 2007
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 7th January 2008 at 7.30pm. Items for the January agenda to be requested no later than Friday 21 December 2007.
Judge awards £20,000 to libelled neighbours
A bitter row about a radio antenna has shattered the peace in a quiet cul-de-sac and left a family of four facing a hefty court bill.
Last Monday a parish councillor was awarded "significant" damages after a judge decided his neighbours had launched an unnecessary personal attack during a planning dispute.
Recorder Lance Ashworth QC ruled that Cllr Ric Brand, of Mill End Close, Eaton Bray, had been unfairly victimised by neighbours Paul and Sandra Dear when he applied to put the amateur radio equipment up in his back garden.
A letter sent by the Dears to other homes in the road made a number of personal allegations which the judge said were "designed deliberately to damage Mr Brand in the eyes of others."
It is believed the libel ruling cost Mr and Mrs Dear around £10,000 in damages and another £10,000 in court costs.
After the ruling Mr Brand said he plans to give a large chunk of the money to charity.
The 61-year-old parish councillor added last week: "I sincerely wish it hadn't happened, I didn't want this.
"It really has been a most horrible time for us, but obviously you can't allow somebody just to assassinate someone's character.
"There's nothing I've got to hide, so it's a pretty sorry state of affairs. It's a situation where this guy and his wife have just turned on us."
The problems started last year when Mr Brand, an amateur radio enthusiast, applied for permission to put the antenna up.
He said he had discussed the plans with the Dears and was willing to be as accommodating as possible.
But his neighbours objected and sent copies of their objection letter to South Beds District Council and other homes in Mill End Close.
When Mr Brand was shown a copy of their letter, he said he suffered a mini-stroke.
"It was absolutely horrendous. It completely deviated away from the actual planning issue," he said.
This week Coventry County Court heard that the letter made allegations about how Mr Brand had become a councillor, and alleged that he was a "pill popper" because he takes prescribed medication.
Under cross examination Mr Dear accepted that this was "a pretty personal attack," and conceded that the aim was to injure Mr Brand in the eyes of others.
Awarding aggravated damages, the judge said: "Having considered the conduct of the Dears, Mr Brand is entitled to feel that the Dears' conduct has exascerbated the injury."
Mr Ashworth said that Mr Dear had shown genuine remorse for what he had done.
After the ruling, Mr Brand said: "At the beginning when this all kicked off, had the Dears come to me when my solicitors first contacted them and said: 'Sorry, it was out of order and we went over the top', I would have said: 'Fine'."
He said he had withdrawn legal action against another neighbour when an apology was forthcoming.
And the councillor added: "At no time did I ever use my authority as a parish councillor either for my personal gain or to solicit help when the application went before the district council.
"The parish council doesn't have the authority to pass planning applications; all they do is look at it and advise the district council."
When the application was presented to the district council, it was given the go-ahead.
But yesterday Mrs Dear said her family had objected to the radio mast plan on health grounds, and claimed many of the comments in the letter had been misinterpreted.
She also claimed that the couple had sent a retraction letter, which had not been accepted.
"Now we're worried about where we're going to get the money from.
"He didn't have to do what he did; he could just have turned round and had a meeting," she said.
But despite the tension caused, Mr Brand said: "I don't bear anybody any malice. I'm not that sort of person.
"I'm not going to start throwing my toys out of the pram. That's it as far as I'm concerned.
"They can get on with their lives and we'll get on with our lives. It didn't give me any pleasure, in fact it's pretty tragic.
"I'm just hoping that this can be an end to it all and we can resume our daily lives."
Source: Dave Burke, Leighton Buzzard Observer, 4 December 2007
Huge bill as councillor sues for libel
A bitter row about a radio antenna has shattered the peace in this quiet cul-de-sac in Eaton Bray, and left a family of four facing a hefty court bill.
On Monday a parish councillor was awarded "significant" damages after a judge decided his neighbours had launched an unnecessary personal attack during a planning dispute.
Recorder Lance Ashworth QC ruled that Councillor Ric Brand, of Mill End Close, had been unfairly victimisedby neighbours Paul and Sandra Dear when he applied to put the amateur radio equipment up in his back garden.
A letter sent by the Dears to other homes on the road made a number of personal allegations which the judge said were "designed deliberately to damage Mr Brand in the eyes of others."
It is believed the ruling cost Mr and Mrs Dear around £10,000 in damages and another £10,000 in court costs.
After the ruling Mr Brand said he plans to give a large chunk of the money to charity.
The 61-year-old parish councillor added yesterday: "I sincerely wish it hadn't happened, I didn't want this.
"It really has been a most horrible time for us, but obviously you can't allow somebody just to assassinate someone's character.
"There's nothing I've got to hide, so it's a pretty sorry state of affairs. It's a situation where this guy and his wife have just turned on us."
Source: Dunstable Today
Parish Council Minutes - November 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Tuesday 6th November 2007
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 3rd December 2007 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - October 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 1st October 2007
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Tuesday 6th November 2007 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - September 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 3rd September 2007
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 1st October 2007 at 7.30pm.
Eaton Bray and Edlesborough Flooding
Some of you will know to your cost that several homes in the district were completely or partially flooded on 28th May, Bank Holiday Monday. Many others only narrowly escaped. People who have lived here for decades have seen similar problems over the years but perhaps not so severe as the 2007 flood.
The situation was reported to Eaton Bray Parish Council meeting and the local MP. A small group have come together to inform and lobby the authorities concerned who may be able to take action to help prevent this from happening again.
If you would like to know more please contact Sue Detre.
Source: Focus, July 2007
Parish Council Minutes - July 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 2nd July 2007
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 3rd September 2007 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - June 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 4th June 2007
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 2nd July 2007 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - April 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 2nd April 2007
The Annual Parish meeting is to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Tuesday 8th May 2007 at 7.30pm.
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Wednesday 9th May 2007 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - March 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 5th March 2007
The next parish council meeting will take place on Monday 2nd April 2007 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - February 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 5th February 2007
The next parish council meeting will take place on Monday 5th March 2007 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - January 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 8th January 2007
The next parish council meeting will take place on Monday 5th February 2007 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Agenda - January 2007
Download Agenda for 8th January 2007
--Parish Council Clerk
Parish Council Minutes - December 2006
A summary of this month's meeting, along with a downloadable copy of the full minutes is now available from the Parish Council website.
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 4th December 2006
The next parish council meeting will take place on Monday 8th January 2007 at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Minutes - November 2006
A summary of this month's meeting, along with a downloadable copy of the full minutes is now available from the Parish Council website.
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 6th November 2006
The next parish council meeting will take place on Monday 4th December at 7.30pm.
Parish council's view is likely to be overruled
Outline plans to develop land next to 23-25 Bower Lane, Eaton Bray, look likely to ge the go-ahead, despite objections from the parish council and some neighbours.
Objections include that the proposed development would have a detrimental effect on nearby homes and would lead to unacceptable and dangerous kerbside parking.
The scheme is set to be considered at a meeting of South Beds District Council's planning committee tomorrow (Wednesday 11th) when councillors are expected to be influenced by a planning officer's report recommending approval.
This advises: "It is not considered that the development of an overgrown parcel of land would result in the loss of open space of recreational or amenity value and it is considered that the site is capable of accommodating a residential development in a manner that would be an efficient use of land, would respect and enhance the character of the surrounding area and would preserve and provide adequate amenity for residents."
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 10 October 2006
Parish Council Minutes - October 2006
A summary of this month's meeting, along with a downloadable copy of the full minutes is now available from the Parish Council website.
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 2nd October 2006
The next parish council meeting will take place on Monday 6th November at 7.30pm.
Parish Council Agenda - October 2006
Download Agenda for 2nd October 2006
--Parish Council Clerk
Source: Eaton Bray Parish Council
Byelaw Changes - September 2006
Eaton Bray Parish Council hereby give notice of the following proposed changes to the byelaws in respect of pleasure grounds, public walks and open spaces of Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire.
These proposals to be advertised for a period of twelve weeks prior to submission to the Department for Enviroment and Rural Affairs.
Any representation regarding these proposals should be addressed to: The Parish Clerk, 8 Gardners Close, Dunstable, Beds. LU6 2AJ
For details of the changes, please see:
Parish Council Minutes - September 2006
A summary of this month's meeting, along with a downloadable copy of the full minutes is now available from the Parish Council website.
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 4th September 2006
The next parish council meeting will take place on Monday 2nd October.
Parish Council Minutes - July 2006
A summary of this month's meeting, along with a downloadable copy of the full minutes is now available from the Parish Council website.
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 3rd July 2006
There is no meeting during August, so the next parish council meeting will take place on Monday 4th September.
Parish Council Minutes - June 2006
A summary of this month's meeting, along with a downloadable copy of the full minutes is now available from the Parish Council website.
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 5th June 2006
Public Meets the Parish Council
In response to the village folk who visited us on April 8th we can advise on the following subjects.
Traffic Calming
We are holding an open public evening on July 6th at 7.30pm in the Coffee Tavern.
Parking Wallace Drive
Advice sought from Bedfordshire Highways.
Water Mains
Now repaired.
Nuisance Youths
Police (from the end of May) now have the authority to move these people on. If you have a problem please call PC Neville Johnson on 01582 473 418 or 077 6817 7719.
Hedges
To be investigated
Source: Focus, June 2006
Parish Council Minutes - May 2006
A summary of this month's meetings, along with a downloadable copy of the full minutes is now available from the Parish Council website.
Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting: Monday 8th May 2006
Minutes of Annual Parish Council Meeting: Tuesday 9th May 2006
Leisurely Land Deal
Eaton Bray is in the money, thanks to a land deal.
May Oates, 84, gave almost half an acre of land in the High Street to the parish council, "for the good of the village".
The council has agreed to sell the land to builders in a £70,000 deal. The cash will be used for recreation purposes, and invested to help offset future rate rises.
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 29 March 1984
Clerk's golden goodbye
Clerk Edryd Evans had been given a £100 "golden goodbye" after retiring as parish clerk for Eaton Bray. But he would continue as clerk for Kensworth, Studham, Whipsnade and Chalgrave parish councils, and for Houghton Regis Town Council.
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 30 June 1983