Campers
Printed From: Chalfont St Peter
Category: Chalfont St Peter
Forum Name: News and Gossip
Forum Description: News and info on whats up in Chalfont St Peter
URL: https://www.chalfontstpeter.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8318
Printed Date: 19 April 2024 at 7:38am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Campers
Posted By: Yorkie
Subject: Campers
Date Posted: 18 July 2017 at 10:35pm
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We seem to have new campers on the common |
Replies:
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 18 July 2017 at 11:09pm
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Are they part of the Camping and Caravanning Club |
Posted By: Chuckles
Date Posted: 18 July 2017 at 11:15pm
I do believe that they like dags 
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Posted By: Rod
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 6:49am
| That is a serious amount of caravans...there are dogs tied up everywhere...gas canisters...what a mess...I just moved to the area and love that common...what are the rules about how long they can stay? |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 9:27am
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Rod, you have moved into a lovely area. No doubt they will be moved on soon. |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 11:12am
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It could take a week or more apparently.......... ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 11:15am
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Im sure its a standard process that Councils, Dag Owners, Police and Solicitors are all aware of |
Posted By: Libtek
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 11:43am
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II've just been past there and there are over 30 caravans. Lots of them have vans with ladders on the top so we can expect lots of rip off work being done. I can still remember the absolute filthy and dangerous mess that the last lot of travellers left when they invaded Mill Meadow some years ago. Can I ask please that people who use the tennis club, allotments and the playing fields, start closing and locking the metal gate after them, so that when the caravans are moved on, they can't try and relocate down there. I know theres not a lot of room but the caravans are like fleas. Where there is one there are are soon lots more and the tennis club car park and other pull ins can be utilised. ------------- Weekends are a bit like rainbows. They look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them. |
Posted By: BuzzBunny
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 11:46am
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I know that it is being dealt with, but I believe that the person who is working hard on sorting it out is on holiday ( but still working on it with Police etc. ) so it might take a bit longer than people would hope. |
Posted By: Chuckles
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 11:58am
The longer it takes, the bigger the clean-up bill will be... It's a pity that the countermeasures installed after the last such incursion were so utterly ineffective - apparently the wooden bollards were out in under 30 seconds, and the smaller caravans were just driving straight onto the common from halfway along Gold Hill West.
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BuzzBunny wrote:Posted By: watsy
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 11:59am
| I'm always curious how it is the Parish Council's responsibility, yet as far as I know the 'Lord of the Manor' David someone or other who's Dad bought a seemingly worthless title in the 60's and he turned it into a money making operation charging for access to people's driveways etc isn't responsible instead? These facts could be wrong, but it is what I was told about 15 years ago. He should sort it out in my opinion... |
Posted By: dogwalker
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 1:27pm
| The corner shop on the common has restricted entrance to his shop to only two people at a time. A line of 15 campers have formed outside waiting for there turn to go in. Even doing this he claims stuff is being stolen. |
Posted By: dogwalker
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 1:30pm
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You are correct David Baldwin is the Lord of the Manor, but the Parish Council has had the responsibility for maintaining the common since the 1920's. The common is one of the biggest asset's in the village. |
Posted By: ian
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 1:51pm
| Handy stores should only allow one in at a time |
Posted By: Chuckles
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 2:06pm
| Any sign of TVP presence, or is that too much to hope for? |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 2:23pm
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It was reported to TVP on refrerence number 1701 dated 18 July |
Posted By: dogwalker
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 2:42pm
| Walking the dog just now to be surrounded by gypsy kids swearing at me. Nice. Just avoid the common until they are gone. |
Posted By: brewski
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 2:45pm
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According to Facebook, more of these scumbags have turned up, loose dogs running amok, kids on motorcycles, horses by the shelter and not one TVP officer to be seen. Welcome to Britian 2017. ------------- Too many laws... Too few examples... |
Posted By: ian
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 2:49pm
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and because they could act violently the kids illegally riding around on bikes cannot be dealt with. let's hope we are rid of them by the weekend and can put preventative measures in place to stop them returning |
Posted By: big baggles
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 2:54pm
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i had heard that TVP firearms unit have been notified of their presence as its thought these travellers have been seen with shotguns at a previous illegal campsite its a shame the organised traveller site on the road out of beaconsfield towards coleshill was trashed some years ago as they would then have had somewhere to park up before they carried on with their 'travelling' ------------- need a stella and i need one now ! |
Posted By: brewski
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 3:22pm
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Just walked up to have a look, seem to be a few police officers and council officials up there now, not that our new traveling neighbours seem to concerned!🙄 ------------- Too many laws... Too few examples... |
Posted By: Mal Content
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 5:02pm
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Why expect the police to be involved? They are retreating
from the public as fast as possible. Only a few years ago you would have had a
front counter to go into in the police office in Elms Road. Obviously too
convenient, so that piece of family silver was flogged off. The next
incarnation was in the Parish Offices which did away with public contact over a
front counter, but was local. That had to go as well, sending the ‘local’ Neighbourhood
officers six miles away to Amersham, where their responsibilities were
increased and their numbers reduced. Gerrards Cross Police Station had a front
counter where you could go and at least have a conversation with someone about
local issues and a team was in the building able to be on their ground
immediately. That again was obviously inconvenient, so yet more family silver
had to go. The ‘local’ neighbourhood team for Gerrards Cross and New Denham now
come from Taplow, 12 miles away. Good luck to anyone living in Willowbank if
you actually think you have a neighbourhood team that has any interest in you. Sorry, but all the hierarchy in the police seem to do is run
away from the public and put themselves away from any real life issue. Those of
us on the periphery have to fend for ourselves and good luck to you all. Yes,
of course you can complain at Amersham Police Station. Take some time off work,
(it is after all only open during the weekdays during office hours; any other
time might be convenient for the public) pay for your parking and go in. I am
sure they will ‘monitor the situation’ and ‘work in close co-operation with
partner agencies.’ Don’t hold your breath waiting for something to actually
happen. ------------- Floreat |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 5:35pm
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so how long are they likely to be there |
Posted By: brewski
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 5:54pm
Apparently, speaking to a poor resident who lives opposite this mess, she told me they have been served a notice, but have up to ten days to leave?😣 ------------- Too many laws... Too few examples... |
Posted By: Rod
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 7:41pm
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10 days...sounds a long time but at least gives us some hope something is being done. I just drove past and to be honest the whole scene is an abomination... huge amount of caravans and cars, dogs running about (no doubt messing everywhere), kids on motorbikes, washing hanging out, gas canisters all over place and horses grazing. I haven't seen anything as bad as this since I went on holiday to a Haven park down in Hastings. Many thanks to those who are pushing the council to resolve this. Hopefully we can get our beautiful village back to normal soon. |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 7:59pm
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Well said Rod! |
Posted By: Chuckles
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 9:37pm
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They seem to be on the move... <holds breath>
|
Posted By: Shell
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 9:39pm
| They have been told to move by 10 am tomorrow apparently. |
Posted By: Vespa Scaevola
Date Posted: 19 July 2017 at 10:05pm
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Gate at Mill Meadow closed and locked. ------------- Computers are a tool that we must direct with care. |
Posted By: Rod
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 6:35am
| Gold Hill common has been liberated. It feels good to be alive...wonderful day....well done to those who forced this issue with the correct people. Enjoy your day. |
Posted By: Shell
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 7:06am
| That is good news and the Council staff have done an amazing job if they have gone after one day. |
Posted By: swej
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 7:38am
Yes, well done to everyone who had a hand in resolving this issue. 
|
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 8:18am
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A big well done and a large thank you to everyone who contributed to the removal of the campers |
Posted By: ian
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 8:29am
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Well done all. What state is the common in? Do we need a community clean up over the weekend? |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 8:33am
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I understand that Mike, head of our haywardens (and so much more!) from the Parish Council has worked tirelessly since they arrived to have them moved on as quickly as possible. He and the other haywardens have been up there since the crack of dawn today tidying up and making good. They are a small but totally dedicated team who do so much around the village, we are so lucky to have them, thank-you to you all. ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 8:34am
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Of course Im sure we have all bad mouthed the Police and local authorities now and again but to have the Campers moved on in about 36 hours is surely way quicker than anyone thought possible! |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 8:34am
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I have asked that this morning Ian but they say no not for now, they are dealing with the smaller items and general litter and CDC are coming later to move some of the larger items, like the abandoned caravan! ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: brewski
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 10:03am
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Well done to the Parish Council, TVP and all involved. Apparently the traveling convoy ended up in Stoke Poges last night?  ------------- Too many laws... Too few examples... |
Posted By: Nikblik
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 10:10am
| As I've said in previous posts, we are new to the area. I am really impressed with how quickly the council and police have resolved this, when I drove past at 8am the guys were already picking up all the waste. In our previous area, I think there would have been a long period of wringing hands and the clearance would have taken much longer too. Much credit! |
Posted By: GXCSP
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 10:46am
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If that is true then haven't you just shoved the problem to the residents of Stoke Poges. A classics case of cure not prevention or nimbyism at its best. What needed to be done was find a long term solution that provides for the travellers without disrupting local residents or camping illegally. All that has happened here is someone throwing a hot potato to someone else. Not very impressive. |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 10:46am
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They've done an amazing job. The guys at the parish council got straight on with the process at 10pm at night when they first started getting the calls (things must be handled in a certain way or the process can be frustrated and can take longer) and TVP were brilliant in supporting them by all accounts as have been CDC. It has taken larger councils far longer to deal with this kind of problem as you probably know. Mike, Josh and George, our amazing haywardens, were up there at 6.30am cleaning up and as you can see there are mountains of rubbish, I can't believe how hard the 3 of them must have worked. CDC are coming in later with specialist cleaning team to get rid the more unsavoury waste and the police are coming to get the abandoned caravan. Brilliant job everyone. ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 10:49am
What like the permanent camps we already have in the village? That's a permanent solution and certainly not NIMBYism. ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: GXCSP
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 11:04am
| I don't understand your post Emma. I don't know why they aren't located there, full probably, and I'm also not suggesting they set up yet another camp in CSP. What I do mean is that it would have been better to sort out a permanent solution not a short term fix. |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 11:25am
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My point being your accusation of nimbyism is misplaced, we have permanent camps here in our back yard so to speak. And your comment that the way it's been handled is not very impressive is very odd. Not sure what you mean by a permanent solution? Probably a lot of people would love to know what that solution could be? ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 11:36am
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I just phoned the Parish Council to extend my thanks to all of those involved. |
Posted By: GXCSP
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 11:43am
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I don't have a solution, I'm not a Councillor. But asking the travellers to move on just pushes the problem to another area (out of your back yard, hence the term). So let's say that happens again a couple more times, and they end up back on Gold Hill common - what would have been achieved? Nothing. A permanent solution would be allocation g proper sites for them, wherever that may be. |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 11:51am
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I am sure we can all agree there should be a long term solution. Whilst some people may suggest nimbyism, from a short term perspective, a load of Caravans turned up and clearly a number of organisations have worked together to get them moved on swiftly and I personally think their efforts have been impressive and require some applause. |
Posted By: ian
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 11:52am
| There are numerous permanent sites available for travellers up and down the country. Some travellers, however, prefer to travel than to stay put. That's not a problem in itself. The problem comes with the anti-social behaviour some may experience whilst they set up camp, and the mess they leave when they move on. |
Posted By: Bucks Fizz
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 1:04pm
| Just passed 3 caravans plus dogs, kids, etc parked down on the layby in Denham near the motoway roundabout. Hope they're leaving and not planning to return. |
Posted By: Rod
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 2:51pm
| GXCSP - Of course there is NIMBYISM...a load of people turn up park all over the common, cause chaos, start excreting all over the place...who wouldn't want this moved on? I believe the people who are happy they have gone simply want to be able to use their local amenities again. I do feel for whoever has to deal with such uncivilised behaviour when they do move on but the village of St Peter should not have to deal with problem by allowing them to stay. Did you offer some space in your garden or drive to a few of the travellers to help out? If not your comments ae not very impressive. |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 3:05pm
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You could have had some of them on your front lawn GXCSP. You could also have invited them in to use your toilet and shower facilities |
Posted By: GXCSP
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 3:12pm
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Such childish posts. Firstly I don't have a front lawn FYI. Secondly you are completely missing the point. Take for example the ones now allegedly in Denham and Stoke Poges. The locals there will get the police and council to get them to move on within the legal 10 day rule. And they come back to CSP. And we start again. It's a never ending cycle until a proper solution is found. Nimbyism isn't helpful at all. I understand it, who wouldn't, but it never solves problems. So I ask, what do you plan in doing when the travellers return to Gold Hill Common. Throw more public funded resources at it ? |
Posted By: ian
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 3:13pm
They were there yesterday afternoon. Don't think they were with our visitors
|
Posted By: ian
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 3:14pm
Put preventative measures in place to stop them from getting onto the common in the first place
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Posted By: GXCSP
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 3:16pm
| Yes, that would help immensely . Do what they did in GX common |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 3:23pm
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OK GXCSP you dont have a front lawn but surely you have a toilet and shower facilities. Did you invite them in to use them |
Posted By: Bucks Fizz
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 3:23pm
I'm guessing these are the first three vans which the police moved on, before the big influx arrived. That makes me wonder whether they are planning to return. |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 3:29pm
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because if you didnt GXCSP I believe you are just as much a NIMBY as NIMBY's themselves |
Posted By: watsy
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 3:44pm
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Ladies and Gentlemen, please can we remain civil to each other. I know this is a highly emotive subject, and i've come across other local discussion threads which have descended into unpleasantness, but please keep things constructive or I'll close the thread. This is a public forum with the aim of promoting the village, not splitting it! Maybe arrange to discuss it down the pub face to face. Thank you for your co-operation.
|
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 4:01pm
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Sadly I think we will have to go through the same process again. We have to have emergency access to the common so at some point we would have to have some kind of posts/barriers/gates which, they can remove should they wish to have access to a piece of land, well as they did here, they moved a large stone/concrete barrier and some wooden posts and parts of the common are banked up already. Travellers will always travel, there are permanent sites in a multitude of locations nationwide but if there is a wedding (was a traveller wedding locally on Saturday) funeral (I understand many of them are now staying on for a funeral and to take a body back to Ireland), fayre, birth, etc, travellers will move en masse to attend it, I believe TVP said this was one of the largest travellers groups they had come across. So sadly, yes I think we will have to go through the same process again and I don't think there is a single solution unless every village and town has a bit of land next to it that they are prepared to allow travelling groups to stay on. It's a shame that such groups leave such terrible mess and destruction when they leave otherwise people would be more welcoming, maybe! Luckily in 13 years this is only the 2nd time it has happened in CSP so fingers crossed! Back onto a positive, fabulous job everyone, thanks for resolving it all so quickly. ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: ian
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 4:11pm
| I went for a walk around Coombe Hill last weekend. At the entrance to Chequers are some bollards that raise and lower into the road. These must be pretty secure. if they can protect our Prime Minister and her guests they should be capable of protecting our common |
Posted By: GXCSP
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 4:26pm
| Not exactly a like for like comparison. But anyhow I know the person who procured the Downing Street bollard, it was Ł150k |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 4:28pm
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The guys at the parish council are fantastic and one thing I really do have faith in is that if they can find a solution and subsequently fund a solution, then they will carry it out. They were trying to solve this through the night, one person was on holiday and trying to sort this from abroad! Very dedicated. Access to common land, owned by the lord of the manor (apparently!) is pretty complex I'm led to believe. ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 4:29pm
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Funnily enough GXCSP I was going to say something similar. I used to sell those things many, many moons ago and they are terribly pricey and not totally infallible! ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: Sweet Pea
Date Posted: 20 July 2017 at 11:12pm
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Maybe put a jobcentre on the Common? That should deter them? |
Posted By: brewski
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 5:15am
Or a HMRC collection office? ------------- Too many laws... Too few examples... |
Posted By: Bucks Fizz
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 7:01am
| The most effective thing is a ditch all around, with a lockable gate at a single access point for emergency vehicles. The old fashioned system of having a 'hah-hah' (ditch) to prevent cattle straying onto private estates' lands has worked well for hundreds of years at keeping out travellers' caravans too. A man with a digger and a load of grass seed shouldn't cost the earth. It works pretty well in Gerrards Cross. And it doesn't detract from the beauty of the common. |
Posted By: Rod
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 7:36am
| I agree Bucks Fizz...cheap and effective while not ruining the aesthetics...my wife mentioned this idea to me last night (so must be a good idea...she knows everything) |
Posted By: Chuckles
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 8:39am
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As I said previously, a lot of them just drove straight onto the common from halfway along Gold Hill West, without actually needing to remove the wooden bollards or granite blocks - it was only the really big caravans that needed to use the vehicular access. Infact the two pedestrian ramps put in a few years ago (opposite Handy Stores and Bench Manor Crescent) actually helped them. A bund / ha-ha combination like East and West Common would be considerably more effective, whilst not ruining the appearance. The wooden bollards / posts could be replaced with a low steel gate - admittedly not as pretty, but definitely more robust. The footway along Gold Hill West would need replacing - but given its current poor condition, it desperately needs attention anyway. |
Posted By: ian
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 9:41am
Of course. The common is more popular than our Prime Minister
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Posted By: ian
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 9:44am
Gerrards Cross commons used to have ditches. Trouble is it is way too easy to simply lay a couple of boards across them and anyone can drive straight over and onto the grass. I believe that is why they were replaced with the grassy mounds and bollards.
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Posted By: dogwalker
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 10:06am
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I agree that the Parish council did an excellent job in getting the eviction notice issued in such a short time. The hay wardens were brilliant clearing up the waste. We have to give praise where this is due. |
Posted By: brewski
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 11:21am
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Can confirm the caravan park is now situated in Stoke Poges, next to the exclusive Stoke Park Golf & Country Club! They must be thrilled...  ------------- Too many laws... Too few examples... |
Posted By: Garry
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 11:22am
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Also we have to understand that these people are cunning and premeditate every move and location to move onto. Take note of the machinery they carry but not always leave on site, often they have mini diggers the type that access back gardens because they are easily portable, great for digging and filling holes and pulling things out. Once the job is done the digger is whisked away to another location to avoid the possibility of evidence for criminal damage charges, you would be amazed at the speed these people get the job done, as I said earlier they are clever and their knowledge networked between them of different locations and our laws are immense. An example of their organisation and planning is they had 2 men in a van across the access onto the common that blocked the entrance until a caravan arrived and then they moved to allow the caravan on, there was another van at the top of the common flashing headlights to the new arrivals to let them know it was all clear, communication is so easy these days, even the children don't have to act as messengers any more, been made redundant because of the mobile phone Any damage caused is obviously denied and their claim is it was like that when we got here so unless anybody has evidence to prove any different then the police hands are tied and as I said earlier, the guilty machinery would have been whisked away. How do I know these things? For those that don't know me, my family used to have pubs in the Chalfonts and we would hear their bragging about where they were off too next or as they got merrier some would brag about how they had defeated certain blockades of the location they had just left. I don't envy the council having to attempt to find a solution and still keep the common's handsome appearance on a tight budget, but at least this project will be in our councils hands and hopefully they can find the right solution. |
Posted By: lesleyr
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 11:38am
| Maybe they should start a just giving page to raise the funds to do this. This seems to be the way that lots of things are funded now. I know we pay council tax before everybody starts moaning but something like this for a one-off project might work I know that I would be willing to make a small contribution and I am sure there would be lots of other households in Chalfont that would too. |
Posted By: Rod
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 5:52pm
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Tonight I am going to have a pint at the Jolly Farmer and a stroll across our village common because I can and it is beautiful... I think that this week has put some important perspective on village life and what is important...having read some posts on here previously I think that such problems as a yapping dog pale into insignificance. |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 21 July 2017 at 6:30pm
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The dog has stopped yapping for now. Its a thread I hope to not have to reserrect. |
Posted By: Bucks Fizz
Date Posted: 22 July 2017 at 6:32am
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For all our rants and moans, it is good to know that some folks locally still care about their village. We have to cope with regular invasions, from housing developers who chop down trees and destroy historic sites, railways that nobody wants but which scar our beautiful landscape, travellers who foul the commons and even from the growing numbers of London workers who treat the village as a dormitory but are otherwise indifferent to it and do not support local events or businesses. See you out and about on our lovely commons and paths (but watch where you tread!). 
|
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 22 July 2017 at 10:16am
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well said bucks |
Posted By: big baggles
Date Posted: 22 July 2017 at 12:20pm
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our campers have now set up in asda car park in slough, so handy for the shops..... as for permanent places for travellers to overnight stop then Bucks CC built them one between beaconsfield and coleshill, with sanitation and all the facilities they would need, - they trashed it and ripped out all the copper piping ..... if they want to travel thats fine, i have no issue with them doing that, i have no issue with them and their travelling lifestyle - so long as they follow the law and are civil, i do however object to the fact they occupy land illegally, they leave all their mess for others to clean up, and they are disrespectful to local residents, many thanks to the parish council and haywardens who acted so swiftly ------------- need a stella and i need one now ! |
Posted By: Rod
Date Posted: 22 July 2017 at 3:03pm
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Just seen a load of them coming out of the field in Stoke Poges...so a group of them are on the move...."man the battlements!" More NIMBYISM in Stoke Poges... |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 22 July 2017 at 3:11pm
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Crumbs, I hope they dont come back to chalfont |
Posted By: ma0nps
Date Posted: 23 July 2017 at 10:38am
Not to go too off-topic, but this isn't the first post on here I've seen that has an anti "London workers" sentiment, and as one such worker who moved to the village in the last 12 months, I resent the generalisation. Many people move to the South East for work in London, but many of us who choose to live in towns and villages outside the city are doing so precisely because we DO value the community and local events of village life. |
Posted By: ArtB
Date Posted: 23 July 2017 at 12:19pm
I'll start a new thread so this one doesn't get hijacked because I think you raise a very important point. ------------- *** If you're not part of the solution, you may be part of the problem! |
Posted By: brewski
Date Posted: 24 July 2017 at 1:36pm
|
Looks like we got off lightly compared to this poor lot... http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/832095/Travellers-250-tonnes-rubbish-Blackbrook-Lane-eviction-Bromley  ------------- Too many laws... Too few examples... |
Posted By: Bucks Fizz
Date Posted: 24 July 2017 at 2:55pm
| I think you have misunderstood my post. I, too, moved here quite some years ago as my work was in the London area. However I have never treated this village as a dormitory. I love and respect its rurality and I volunteer in the village and turn out to support the parish council and all the fetes and fundraisers. I join the army of post Feast Day rubbish clearers and I am a member of a number of village organisations. I'm surprised if the distinction between folks like me and those London workers who treat the place like a dormitory and take no interest in the village is unclear to you. If you are one of the latter people, however, then my comment applies and I make no apology for it. |
Posted By: ma0nps
Date Posted: 24 July 2017 at 9:04pm
My point is that, right now, I probably am one of the latter as you describe it, because it's not actually that easy to quickly get to know people in a new area when broadly my life revolves around getting home in time to do bath and bedtime for my little boy. I have every intention to turn up to some volunteering things, such as helping put flags up/down when I can, but comments like yours make me less likely to do so as it comes across (and it's quite possibly just the medium of writing in plain text where I appreciate that emphasis and tone can get very lost) as though there's a perception that people newer to the village who work elsewhere are viewed as "outsiders" It sounds like that wasn't your intent in this case, so I apologise if you think I've cast your comment in a bad light- not my intention at all- but equally, it wasn't the first post that's read that way to me with references to London-workers, from people other than yourself. As a village we (and I really hope and want to be part of a "we" community here!) need to be careful not to be too quick to blame people that we perceive are in different groups to be to blame for problems. I grew up in a small market town in Cumbria where frankly pretty much everyone was born and bred and local, and there too, all of the community events were being propped up by a very small minority of dedicated residents, to whom the rest of the community were probably never adequately grateful. So I don't think being a popular village in commutable distance to London is the problem here! |
Posted By: GXCSP
Date Posted: 25 July 2017 at 6:48am
| This is a really embarrassing read. Apparently if one doesn't volunteer to pick up some litter now and then, then they are just using their village as a hotel. Wow, never knew that before. |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 25 July 2017 at 12:28pm
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I think most people probably pick up litter now and again. |
Posted By: Bucks Fizz
Date Posted: 25 July 2017 at 2:30pm
| So glad to hear this, Man0ps. And GXCSP, for those residents who never even venture into the village, it would be pretty hard to pick up litter, nor even to care. I daren't visit the common in case the travellers have left it in a mess. There are some sorts of litter I'd rather not have to clear up. Anyone had a look? |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 25 July 2017 at 3:16pm
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When I first saw the post from Bucks Fizz re London workers/newcomers it also rattled my cage (but I suspected they didn't mean it the way it sounded) and I agree that there have been a couple of anti-newcomers posts on here but also I have had a couple of convo's in the village too. I even had one of those conversations where a person moaned and moaned about newcomers, usual stuff, house-prices, lack of village involvement, over crowding of schools and facilities, etc, so I pointed out that I am in fact a newcomer and was told, of course we don't mean you! It's the other ones! Made me laugh as it reminded me of an Autralian couple I know who were involved in an anti-immigrant conversation recently, so they pointed out that they too are immigrants and were told, Oh we don't mean you, we mean the others, you see where I'm going with this!! It's easy to over simplify the matter and blame 'newcomers' for the fall in footfall in the village but it isn't that simple. A large number of newcomers are families. Often 1 parent is working in town/elsewhere and actually the other parent is working part-time or more locally and spends a lot more time in the village as a result, as is the situation above (I think if I'm reading it correctly) and in fact my own situation, never have I spent so much time locally (and the location of locally has changed numerous times over the years) since I had my daughter. 40% of our population in the village falls between the ages of 30-59, 27% of the population is over 59, more than the national average. One could argue that if that 27% spent more time and money in the village, especially given they are the 'cash rich' generation (if we are to believe the reports, ha ha!) then every village shop/business would be laughing, maybe we should blame the retired people!! But again that wouldn't be at all fair. The reasons will no doubt be complex. But even Bucks Fizz has posted in the past that they now do most of their shopping in Gerrards Cross and certainly the vast majority of their food shopping outside of the village, and nobody can doubt their love and devotion of the village. So maybe one could argue that we don't have the correct mix of shops/businesses to draw people in, or the lack of free parking puts people off, or too many nail bars, indians and various other issues. I tell you what if you have an answer the Chamber of Commerce would love to hear from you! But we can not not blame one segment of our community, in fact most of us are 'newcomers'. Between 1801-1901 our population rose by 700, since 1901 it has risen by 13,000. I've seen 'newcomers' help with all kinds of charities, events, PTA's and regularly see them shopping in the village alongside some more established residents. We need to come together and be united in making our village the best we can make it. Please don't be put off joining in ma0nps as and when you could possibly have time and don't feel guilty if you don't have time! Trust me I know of PLENTY of people who have lots of time on their hands and wouldn't dream of helping with anything or shopping locally. Your post really struck a cord with me, don't feel guilty, if you're working and have a young family you've more than enough to do. But if ever you do want to spend a sunday morning changing the flags or a few hours closing the road for fun night or helping with anything else at all trust me you'll be welcomed with open arms and find some lovely people from all walks of life. ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 25 July 2017 at 3:16pm
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Good god I go on!!! That looks long!! Sorry folks!!!!! ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 25 July 2017 at 3:21pm
Well! The parish council did a great job of tidying it up for the kids from CCC to completely trash it on Friday when they broke up! It was littered with dominos boxes and other food/drink rubbish. Haven't been passed there since then....... ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: Sunray
Date Posted: 25 July 2017 at 3:27pm
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The Village belongs to all of us whether we work in London or have retired here, the events, the social aspects, the community is for everyone, we all have moved here because it is a great place to live. To ensure it continues to be a great place to live we need to support it, each of us contributing something depending on our ability, spend in the local shops, support the local schools, volunteer at the Library, help at Feast Day, put up the flags, or pick up the litter down your road. The thing is, do something do not just take from the Village, give something back., ------------- Sunray |
Posted By: ma0nps
Date Posted: 25 July 2017 at 10:29pm
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The beauty of this is, whatever our stand point, clearly we're all united by wanting to see the village thrive! Clearly I've not been here long enough to know positive and negative changes over time, maybe it's better or worse now than the good/bad old days, but as someone who was fortunate to have a lot of choice last year when my family moved, I would point out that I think it's bloody lovely here! That's why we came. Very fortunate to have an awesome set of neighbours, and i look forward to getting more and more involved as we make our lives here- no doubt things like being part of a school once our boy's school-age will also help (at this point I'm trying not to get paranoid from other posts on the forum that there aren't enough school spaces and he'll end up being placed in Slough or something!!!) |
Posted By: MV Owner
Date Posted: 26 July 2017 at 10:18am
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Thats correct, what a lovely village CSP is |
Posted By: EmmaO
Date Posted: 27 July 2017 at 10:35am
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School places!! 8 years I've spent being paranoid about them 😂😂 we shall see, the developers and council say that we don't need new places after the development as currently there are pupils from outside the village attending the schools therefore village children don't and won't need extra places, we shall see!! What I can say is, my daughter is just about to go into year 4 and her class throughout the infant school had spaces, ave of 28 in the class over the 3 years. Currently the year group is full but includes a couple of children from as far away as Amersham and Chesham. It was a lower birth rate year apparently. But the current year going into year 1 was a bumper year so all spaces at lovel end were taken and catchment was quite strictly enforced, so! I reckon it depends a lot on that years birth rate, but I have yet to meet anyone who couldn't get a place in the village, even if they didn't get their first choice school, hope that allays your fears a bit 😊 ------------- The artist formerly known as Bobblehead :) |
Posted By: big baggles
Date Posted: 27 July 2017 at 2:10pm
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and the catchment for this years intake at the infant school is tiny.... ------------- need a stella and i need one now ! |
Posted By: ma0nps
Date Posted: 28 July 2017 at 12:17am
Well, I'm all about 2 years time! But I'm reassured by what you guys have said!!! |
Posted By: ian
Date Posted: 28 July 2017 at 12:30pm
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Back to the main topic of this post..... http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/15439939.21_year_old_man_slapped_with___1_800_fine_for_fly_tipping/" rel="nofollow - http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/15439939.21_year_old_man_slapped_with___1_800_fine_for_fly_tipping/
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