On Thursday the 1st May 2025 you have the opportunity to vote in your 15 PARISH COUNCILLORS and 2 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCILLORS.
Report Flooding
If you need to report incidents of flooding over the weekend, here are the key contact numbers:
Flooding on the public highway – Buckinghamshire Highways
In office hours Telephone: 01296 382 416
Out of office hours Telephone: 01296 486 630
Online: Report a blocked drain or flooding
Flooding from a main river or reservoir – Environment Agency Floodline
Telephone: 0845 988 1188
Online: Check for flooding
Flooding from a public sewer – contact your water utility company if the cause of flooding is from a sewer, a burst water main or a household storm water drain.
Anglian Water: 03457 145 145
Thames Water: 0800 316 9800
Affinity Water: 08457 823 333
Main rivers blocked by debris or a fallen tree – Environment Agency
Telephone: 0800 80 70 60
Roads closed due to flooding list can be found here.
Electoral Registration – are your details up to date?
Buckinghamshire residents are being urged to ensure their electoral registration details are up to date through the annual canvass.
All residents will be contacted during July and August, and will receive an email or a letter from Buckinghamshire Council asking to confirm that the names of people listed as eligible to vote in their household are correct.
Being on the electoral register means that you can have your say and vote in future elections – plus it can also help with your credit rating. All you need to do is to read the email or letter carefully and follow the instructions on how to respond, if necessary. It’s very quick and easy!
If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear on the messages we send. If you want to register this can be done as part of the canvass (a follow-up step is required).
The easiest way to register is online at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Nick Graham, Buckinghamshire Council’s Returning Officer and Director of Legal & Democratic Services, said:
“We will begin emailing residents from Monday 3 July. Please be assured that emails coming from ‘[email protected]’ with a subject line of ‘Electoral Registration – Response Required’ are legitimate, and not part of a scam, which we know was a concern for some residents last year.
“We strongly encourage residents to respond to their email or letter promptly, and preferably online if possible. This will reduce the amount of printing, postage, and transport usage, all which impact negatively on the environment, which the council is striving to protect as part of the Bucks Climate Challenge.
“Finally, please note that as a result of the Elections Act 2022, voters now need to provide an accepted form of photo identification to be able to vote in person. This includes voting on behalf of someone else as a proxy vote.”
Further information on registering to vote can be found on the election pages of the council’s website.
Any residents who have any questions can contact the council’s Electoral Registration team at elections@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or 01296 798 141.
Local Elections in Buckinghamshire Info – 1st May 2025
The election for Buckinghamshire Council (Unitary) and Parish Councils is on 1st May 2025. You will be voting for the councillors to represent you locally for the next four years.
Register to vote – To vote, you need to be registered by 11th April 2025
Bring photo ID with you – When voting at polling station, you will need to bring photo ID with you. To find out what ID is accepted and to apply for free voter ID. The deadline to apply is 5pm on 23rd April 2025
Vote UK election – Polling stations will be open on 1st May from 7am to 10pm. If you cannot attend on the day you can apply for a postal vote by 5pm on 14th April 2025
Proxy vote – If you’re on the electoral register and want to vote by proxy, i.e. someone votes on your behalf with your permission, you must apply by 5pm on 23rd April 2025
General voting information – For general voting information
Volunteers Week 2nd-8th June 2025
Bucks Best Kept Village Competition May-July 2025
Bucks Best Kept Village Competition 2025
The period for entries closes on 30th April 25. Judging takes place between 1st June and 14th July 25. The results are announced at the end of July.
The competition is judged on several criteria:
1. Cemetery, graveyard
2. Green, playing field, children’s play area, outdoor recreation facilities, designated nature conservation area
3. Floral Displays (hanging baskets, tubs, planters, flower beds etc.)
4. Community facilities (Village Hall, Community Centre, Church Hall)
5. General environmental features (hedges, verges, ditches, pond, stream, pump etc.)
6. Shops and pubs
7. Bus stops, bus shelters, public seating, dog bins, notice boards, information signs
8. War memorial
9. Quality of Competition entry – up to date and detailed map with features highlighted
10. Evidence of community engagement
VE Day Street Parties 5th-11th May 2025
Celebrate VE Day with a street party
Thursday 8 May marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking the end of WWII.
Council launches £1.8m grant scheme for rural businesses
Buckinghamshire Council has announced the launch of the Bucks Rural Business Grant fund, which will provide crucial support to small rural businesses in the county. This initiative, made possible through the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund, will deliver £1.8 million in capital grants over two financial years.
The Bucks Rural Business Grant fund focuses on small-scale investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas. Its primary objectives are to create jobs, support business growth, and drive economic prosperity within Buckinghamshire.
Eligible businesses can apply for grants ranging from £2,500 to £300,000, with a requirement to match-fund a portion of the grant amount.
The application process involves an Expression of Interest followed by a Full Application, which will be assessed and then go to a funding panel. Successful applicants will enter into a Grant Agreement and will be closely monitored on their outputs and outcomes. This will include due diligence checks and site visits to ensure the effective use of the grant funds.
Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, stated:
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the bedrock of our local economy, so it’s great news that the launch of our Bucks Rural Business Grant fund will help foster the growth and prosperity of small rural businesses across the county.
“By providing targeted support and resources, the new fund will help empower local entrepreneurs, create employment opportunities, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.”
To reach as many local rural businesses as possible, the council is working closely with Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Buckinghamshire Business First. In addition, the grant application process will be communicated through the council’s website and detailed guidance will be provided to all applicants.
The Bucks Rural Business Grant fund received £1.8 million from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Easter 2025 changes to bin collection dates
Over the Easter bank holiday weekend there will be changes to bin collections for some residents as below:
Scheduled collection Day -> Revised Collection Day
Friday 18th April 25 (good Friday) Saturday 19th April 2025
Monday 21st April 25 (Easter Monday) Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Tuesday 22nd April 2025 Wednesday 23rd April 2025
Wednesday 23rd April 2025 Thursday 24th April 2025
Thursday 24th April 2025 Friday 25th April 2025
Friday 25th April 2025 Saturday 26th April 2025
Woodland Manor FREE Lunch Club every Friday and other events
New Bucks Deputy Lieutenants
DRAFT Local Nature Recovery Strategy consultation till 24th Mar 2025