Category Archives: News

New #QuickLitterPick station in Chandos Park

Posted on by

Buckingham Town Council has installed a new Quick Litter Pick Station in Chandos Park following the success of the first one which was launched in Bourton Park in 2021.  The Council has joined with many communities and organisations across the UK to work to reduce litter and the impact of single-use plastics. The Council no longer purchases single use plastic items for events and for use within its offices and has implemented a sustainable purchasing policy. As plastics and some other materials do not decompose the Town Council also undertake regular litter picks in an effort to remove risks to wildlife, clean up the town and encourage others to dispose of their rubbish appropriately.

The Quick Litter Pick station Bourton Park in 2021 has made it easier for residents and visitors to help out, even if it’s just for a few minutes in reducing litter levels and protecting the environment.

Buckingham Town Council has received requests from residents and community groups asking how best they can get involved in safely clearing any litter they find while out and about and from there, the Quick Litter Pick initiative was born.

The litter pick stations in Chandos and Bourton Park contain 5 individual litter pickers and a supply of bin liners and can be accessed by anyone with the code for the lock. Anyone who would like the code can call (01280 816426) or email the Town Council Office or Buckingham Tourist Information Centre (01280 823020) during opening hours. The access code is the same for both stations and will remain unchanged. Any collected rubbish bags can be placed in the nearest litter bin or left by the side of bin and the Town Council’s Greenspaces Team will collect during their park inspections.

When you’re dealing with someone else’s rubbish the best way to clear up litter is with litter pickers. Keeping the litter at a distance from your body can protect you from broken edges and any unwanted germs that might be lurking.

Cllr. Warren Whyte, Chair of Environment Committee has already been out to have a go and said: “Following the success of the Bourton park Quick Litter Pick Station, I am delighted to help launch the new additional location in Chandos Park to help keep our wonderful parks clean and tidy.”

The new Quick Litter Pick point in Chandos Park is located by the bridge to the University.

The Quick Litter Pick point in Bourton Park can be found near the Bourton Park Car Park and Multi-Use Games Area in Buckingham.

Success! Post box for St Rumbold’s Fields in Buckingham

Posted on by

After an appeal by Buckingham Town Council and numerous calls by residents of the new St. Rumbold’s Fields estate in Buckingham, Royal Mail has agreed to install a post box close to Kings Sutton Square in St Rumbold’s Fields, easily accessible to all 398 homes on the estate.

Initially, Royal Mail declined the Town Council’s request as they said there were existing post-boxes within a half mile of the location suggested. However, to access these required crossing a 50mph limit road, twice, as there is no footpath from the new estate to the Bath Lane post box. There’s also no street lighting, making the journey difficult in winter.

Cllr. Mark Cole JP, Chairman of the Planning Committee, was delighted to receive a letter from Royal Mail saying that a post box would now be installed near Kings Sutton Square in the next 12 – 16 weeks. The letter arrived just a few days after the Town Council highlighted the issue, with support from the local newspaper, the Buckingham Advertiser, BBC 3 Counties Radio and Greatest Hits Radio.

Cllr Mark Cole JP, said: “Common sense has prevailed, and Royal Mail has made a u-turn over its original decision not to give St Rumbold’s Fields residents a postal collection point on the estate, even though it delivers to every house. My thanks to the residents who have fought for this, and to the media for their support in our short but successful campaign. And of course, thanks to Royal Mail for seeing reason, and to our friendly local postmen and postwomen.”

Cllr. Mark Cole holds letters and smiles in Kings Sutton Square.

Community Centre Assistant / Caretaker – Maternity Leave Cover Vacancy

Posted on by

Job Advert

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our team to assist the Lace Hill Sports and Community Centre Coordinator in the smooth, effective and efficient running of the Centre and all associated services.

Tasks will include:

  • Inspections and cleaning of all rooms, ensuring they are presentable, clean and tidy and good housekeeping is maintained at all times.
  • Liaising with hirers and setting up rooms - this will involve manual handling such as lifting / moving / setting up / packing away of furniture e.g. tables, chairs, equipment cages.
  • Opening, security and locking of the centre.

The post will primarily involve early morning, evening and weekend working, and we are seeking a flexible person as the days and hours of work may vary depending on the needs and use of the centre.

Please note we will only accept a completed application pack. If you do not complete an application form you will not be considered. CV's will not be accepted.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Sam Hoareau, Centre Coordinator on 01280 812 872.

To apply for this role, download the application pack through the links below or by calling the office on 01280 816426.

Applications should be submitted by email to: deputytownclerk@buckingham-tc.gov.uk

Or by post to: Buckingham Town Council, Buckingham Centre, Verney Close, Buckingham, MK18 1JP

Buckingham Town Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Successful applicants will be subject to receipt of suitable references.

Closing date for applications: 16th June 2022. Interviews to be held week commencing 20th June 2022.

Job Type: Temporary

Salary: SCP 3-4 £9.79/£9.99 per hour pending this year's pay award.

Town Clerk Job Vacancy

Posted on by
Buckingham Town Council Job Vacancy logo

Town Clerk

Based at Town Council Offices, Buckingham

37 Hours per week

SCP 46-49 (£51,334 - £55,274) depending on experience

Buckingham Town Council is seeking to appoint a forward thinking and proactive Town Clerk to take responsibility of all aspects of the managerial, financial and administrative operation of the Council.

The Town Clerk will be responsible for the management of the Council’s finances, and is designated as the Responsible Finance Officer.  The Town Council aims to provide good quality services for the community and to maintain these to a high standard.  The Town Clerk will ensure the delivery of these services and will be accountable to the Town Council.

The Town Clerk will advise the Council on, and assist in the formation of, overall policies to be followed in respect of its activities. In particular, they will produce all information required for making effective decisions.  The Town Clerk is accountable to the Council for the effective management of all its resources.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate significant managerial and financial experience, and should have extensive knowledge of local government law and procedures, hold a relevant professional qualification and show that they have, or are willing and able to obtain, the Certificate in Local Council Administration.

Applicants should read all of the Application Pack prior to completing their application and make clear in their application why they are interested in the position, and what relevant skills and experience they have, with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification.

The application form should be completed in full, and shortlisting will be based on the information provided on the form.  CVs will not be accepted.  Please note the post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

 

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Cllr Margaret Gateley, Town Mayor, on 01280 816317 or email: mgateley@cllr.buckingham-tc.gov.uk.

Buckingham Town Council is committed to equality of opportunity and actively welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 7th June 2022 at 12 noon.

We ask that you also submit an Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form with your application. Applications are available on the links below or by calling 01280 816426.

Applications should be submitted by email to: townclerk@buckingham-tc.gov.uk

Or by post to:

Buckingham Town Council, Buckingham Centre, Verney Close, Buckingham, MK18 1JP

Successful applications will be subject to receipt of suitable references.

 

Tourist Information Centre / Shopmobility Assistant Job Vacancy

Posted on by

Job Advert

Saturdays 0945-1615 with additional extra hours as mutually agreed.
SCP 5-6: £10.22 – £10.42 per hour
Depending on experience and qualifications.

Buckingham Town Council manages a Tourist Information Centre and a Shopmobility Service, so this is a varied role with the successful candidate expected to cover both services as mutually agreed under a flexible arrangement.

We are looking for an enthusiastic person with good communication skills, who is capable of working alone or as part of a team. Experience in a customer service environment is desirable and a mature and confident manner is essential.

The main tasks will include:

  • Provide the highest level of customer service, responding to all enquiries in a professional, comprehensive and timely manner.
  • Ensure the TIC and Shopmobility scheme create a welcoming, professional and positive image of Buckingham.
  • Assist Shopmobility users to make safe use of the equipment provided.
  • Assist with all administration procedures relating to the operation of the TIC and Shopmobility, including cash reconciliation and banking.
  • Opening and closing of Old Gaol Museum and assisting with museum tasks as required.
  • Operate the Shopmobility booking system and complete accurate records regarding membership, usage and user training.

For further information please read our detailed job description and person specification or for an informal discussion about the post, please contact Sam Hoareau on 01280 816426.

Buckingham Town Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 17th May. Interviews to be held: week commencing 23rd May 2022 with immediate start for the right candidate.

Please note we will only accept a completed application pack.  If you do not complete an application form you will not be considered. CV's will not be accepted.

Applications are available on the links below or by calling 01280 816426.

Applications should be submitted by email to: deputytownclerk@buckingham-tc.gov.uk

Or by post to:

Buckingham Town Council, Buckingham Centre, Verney Close, Buckingham, MK18 1JP

Successful applications will be subject to receipt of suitable references.

 

New signs celebrate Buckingham’s friendship with France and German towns

Posted on by

Mayor of Buckingham, Cllr. Margaret Gateley and Stephanie Scrase, Chair of Buckingham Twinning Association met recently to inspect the new ‘finger post’ sign that directs Buckingham visitors 405 miles away to Neukirchen-Vluyn, in Germany. Neukirchen-Vluyn joins Mouvaux, 252 miles away in France, as a twin town of Buckingham with officials and community groups working together in all three countries to make positive connections between the three towns.

As well as the new fingerpost signage, the Welcome to Buckingham signs have also been updated to include Neukirchen-Vluyn, and a new display added to the Council Chamber window with items donated from the Twinning Association and the Town Council archives. These include guide books, visit accounts, photographs, a boules set and a french ‘cheese’ a hollow wooden block used to bang the gavel against during Council meetings.

Stephanie Scrase, Chair of Buckingham Twinning Association said that: “These new signs are a testimony of an incredible and friendly town who has worked hard to promote friendship to its neighbouring countries.

It gives me a warm feeling every time I see the signs linking my home town of Mouvaux and Neukirchen–Vluyn with Buckingham. These three towns are firmly linked on many levels, so many friendships and exchanges have developed over the past 20 years thanks to twinning, long may it last.

The association is run for the benefit of all, to form new friendships or to know more about twinning, please come and join us.”

The new signs were erected ahead of a weekend of celebration including Twinning in the Market on Saturday 19th March - a celebration of our twin towns through music and dance surrounded by Buckingham's fantastic local market traders.

Buckingham to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Posted on by

The four-day Jubilee weekend in June, to celebrate the Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, will see Buckingham jam-packed with festivities for everyone to enjoy.
Alongside the 250 trees already planted, as part of the Queen’s Canopy project, the Council are celebrating the Jubilee with three large celebration events and are supporting several more including a Jubilee beacon that will be lit at the historic St Peter & St Paul’s Church.

The Council is also encouraging residents to get involved by hosting their own street parties as part of the Big Jubilee Lunch. There’s no fee for temporary road closures; contact Buckinghamshire Council for details.

Celebrate Buckingham was held for the first-time last year and was a great success. This year the event will again be held in Bourton Park to celebrate the range of voluntary organisations who are serving the town and enable local groups to raise funds and recruit volunteers. This year, the council are inviting all local community and voluntary and groups to take part by booking a stall. As before, we are asking each stall to provide some form of activity because experience has shown that this encourages people to take more time to engage with stalls. Please contact the Town Council office for details.

Platinum Jubilee Events:

Thursday 2nd June

  • Celebrate Buckingham Day:
      • Returns to Bourton Park
      • Jubilee fancy dress contest
      • Awarding of Trader of the Year prize by the Buckingham Society
      • Chance to view the Council’s robes and mace
      • Local community, voluntary and social enterprise group stalls and free fun activities for all
      • Reading of the proclamation by the Town Crier
      • Bouncy castles and entertainment
      • Food stall
    • Lighting of the Jubilee Beacon
      • At 9.45pm at St Peter & St Paul’s church, part-funded by the Town Council.

Friday 3rd June

  • Music in the Market
    • Returns to Buckingham’s Market Square this year, with live music and tasty food. Organised by Buckingham Acoustic Club, this family-friendly music festival is a firm favourite of many.

Saturday 4th June

  • Picnic on the Pitch
    • Lace Hill Sports & Community Centre will host a huge outdoor picnic, with a fantastic lively atmosphere including entertainment, bouncy castle and more.

Sunday 5th June

  • Platinum Jubilee Civic Servive
    • St Peter and St Paul’s church will host this civic celebration of the Queen.
  • The Big Jubilee Lunch
    • Residents are encouraged to host street parties.

The Chair of the Town Centre & Events Committee, Cllr. Robin Stuchbury, said “Councillors have been considering the Jubilee for some time, working with officers to best support the community in their activities and creating a shared experience. We’ve moved events and shared budgets to enhance the weekend and create a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate the long period of the monarch’s rule. We look forward to seeing people, not only at Town Council events but also having their own special celebrations including gathering to light the beacon which is part-funded by the Town Council.

Buckingham has always been supportive of the monarch, as our two Royal Charters testify. We look forward to the Queen being fit and well and would welcome her to visit Buckingham at any time – the last time she visited and met the residents was when my late friend Cllr. Isham, greeted her in 1996 on behalf of the community, as Mayor of Buckingham.”

The Buckingham Otters Auction

Posted on by

After a Summer of Otter Spotting, the Buckingham Otters Bidding Extravaganza Begins

Did you fall in love with the otters? Would you like to become the proud owner of one? Our final key event of the project, the Buckingham Otter Auction is here and bidding opens this Friday 24th September 2021!

The Buckingham Otter Trail was a temporary feel-good public art installation featuring ten 3ft tall sized otter sculptures. Sponsored by local businesses and organisations, the otters were decorated by professional artists, school children and community groups which brought much excitement to the town over summer.

Photograph of painted otter sculptures

Following the removal of the otter-tastic sculptures at the end of the trail and their appearance at the first-ever Celebrate Buckingham event, Buckingham Town Council will now say their final farewells to the beloved otters as they swim away to their new forever homes.

Chairman of the Town Centre Events Committee Cllr Robin Stuchbury said “After a summer of giving so many people pleasure the otters are going up for auction, if you’ve enjoyed seeing the otters this is your opportunity to purchase one and by doing so you’ll be contributing to the Mayor’s charities and benefiting our local community, in the very same way the otters have throughout the summer. So please don’t miss this one off opportunity of owning your own Buckingham otter and by doing so you’ll be helping others”.

The bidding will be taking place online using social media and the Town Council website. Each week one otter will be added to the auction, you will have nearly two weeks to make your highest bid.  The otter being auctioned will be on display at the Tourist Information Centre. Bids may be submitted through the Town Council website and by telephone.

The online event will see our large sculptures auctioned, with profits to be split equally between the Mayor’s Charities and a future similar event next summer. The Mayor’s Charities are Project Street Life and Community Care North Bucks, which includes YC2 Buckingham & Winslow Young Carers, North Bucks Carers, Open House and the Hospital Car Service. We could not be more delighted to raise money for these worthy causes, pouring funds straight back into supporting the community and making another sculpture trail next summer for everyone to enjoy.

If you wish to find out more information about the auction or one or more of the otter sculptures, please visit www.buckingham-tc.gov.uk

We’ll be sad to wave goodbye to our otters but we’re sure there are wonderful things on the horizon for them in their new homes!

Quick Litter Pick

Posted on by

We’ve all had moments where we’ve spotted the littered remnants of someone’s night before and wanted to just get stuck in and clear it up. This year has been no different, and Buckingham Town Council has received requests from residents and community groups asking how best they can get involved in safely clearing any litter they find while out and about.

When you’re dealing with someone else’s rubbish the best way to clear up litter is with litter pickers. Keeping the litter at a distance from your body can protect you from broken edges and any unwanted germs that might be lurking.

As only the most dedicated of litter hunters tend to carry around litter pickers at all times, the Town Council has introduced Buckingham’s first #QuickLitterPick point. This covered cage in Bourton Park contains 5 individual litter pickers and a supply of bin liners and can be accessed by anyone with the code for the lock. (Anyone who would like the code can call the Town Council Office or Buckingham Tourist Information Centre during opening hours).

Cllr. Sue Hetherington has already been out to have a go and said: ”The Quick Litter Pick is a great idea, it was easy to use and we had really positive reactions from the people we met while using the litter pickers. Everyone was keen to have a go! This project was originally started with previous Chair of the Environment Committee Ruth Newell, I’d like to send her a big thank you.” The Quick Litter Pick point can be found near the Bourton Park Car Park and Multi-Use Games Area in Buckingham.

This year Buckingham Town Council have taken a multi-pronged approach to getting litter under control, including more regular park bin emptying and raising awareness of the problem, particularly of broken glass which can easily cause harm to children and animals.

Planning Committee: 24th May 2021

Posted on by

The Planning Committee of Buckingham Town Council met on Monday 24th May. The full agenda is available in our archive.

The following decisions were made:

  • Cllr. Mark Cole JP was elected as Chair and Cllr. Anthony Ralph as Vice-Chair.
  • Cllr. Sue Hetherington was chosen to represent Buckingham Town Council on the North Bucks Parishes Planning Consortium East-West Rail Group
  • Of the planning applications discussed, 5 were recorded as no objections (one with the proviso to the satisfaction of the Heritage Officer) and 1 application was opposed. Of the tree applications discussed 6 were recorded as no objections and 1 opposed. Please note: planning applications are not decided by Buckingham Town Council, its objections or approval are given as a consultee to the planning authority: Buckinghamshire Council.
  • Briefing notes will continue to be provided for the agenda by the Planning Officer.
  • Buckinghamshire Council’s tree officer is to be invited to attend a meeting with Buckingham Town Council’s Planning Committee, Environment Committee, Tree Wardens and the Buckingham Society.
  • The next meeting of the Planning Committee will take place on Tuesday 8th June on Zoom.

A live stream of the meeting is available on YouTube. Full minutes of the meeting will be available via our 2021 archive in due course.