This page is relevant to all villages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nottingham Knockers

A great deal of people, especially the lone elderly, do not like opening their front door to be face to face with a young man selling what most households already have in their possession. If anything, the Nottingham Knocker call is more akin to menacing begging based on some of the Facebook posts regarding this activity. Often, a Facebook post raises the alarm for locals so that they can be more wary of opening the door. Stickers on doors stating 'No doorstep Selling Zone' do not deter these people. Most of the time the Facebook alarm is too late and so a simple Whatsapp group for an instant alert would work better. A simple statement of Road and Village will quickly highlight where these activities are taking place.
If you want to be notified by and/or notify your neighbours of activity in the areas covered by these pages follow the instructions below.
Click here to join if you're reading this on your mobile or scan the QR code with your phone if looking at this on your PC.

 

 

New strategy aims to help Bucks residents live independently for longer
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​Buckinghamshire Council has approved a new Better Lives Strategy, setting out how adult social care services will help people live independently for as long as possible and access the right support at the right time.

The strategy outlines a new approach focused on prevention, early help and supporting people to maintain their independence, helping residents stay healthy, safe and connected to their communities for longer. It aims to ensure people can access the information, advice and support they need before problems reach crisis point.

Built around three key themes – Living Independently, Regaining Independence and Living with Support – the strategy sets out how the council will work alongside residents, carers, communities, health partners and local organisations to improve outcomes for adults across Buckinghamshire.

The strategy includes commitments to make information and advice easier to access, strengthen community-based support, help people recover their independence after illness or injury, and give people greater choice and control over the support they receive. It also recognises the vital role carers play in helping people live fulfilling and independent lives.

To help explain the Better Lives Strategy and what it means for residents, Buckinghamshire Council has produced a short video featuring Councillor Isobel Darby. The video outlines the strategy's key priorities and how it will support people to live independently for longer. Watch the video here.

As part of the strategy, residents are being encouraged to explore the wide range of information, advice and support available through Care Advice Bucks. The online resource helps people find guidance on staying independent, planning for future care needs, support for carers and information about local services and community organisations.

The Better Lives Strategy also supports the council's ambition to develop a sustainable, high-quality care and support system that offers residents greater choice, flexibility and personalised support when it is needed.

Residents can find out more about the Better Lives Strategy and the support available by visiting Bucks CC website.

 

 

 

Our News August 2026 - free training, tickets and a new podcast episode.

 

August is here. Normally I’d probably post about holidays, but there have been so many updates about wildfires threatening communities in Suffolk, Essex and London. We shared information on our social channels about preventing and reporting wildfires – you can also find details on our website. 

 

Highlights this month

• Free online retail crime training module launched
• New podcast episode: Pig Butchering with Andy Bush from Absolute radio
• Neighbourhood Officers have increased 22%
• Free tickets available for the Homebuilding show

 

Full post can be seen here.

 

 

 

Listen and subscribe to the new Neighbourhood Watch Podcast!

We're delighted to launch the Neighbourhood Watch Podcast, bringing together well-known guests, powerful personal stories and insightful conversations about crime, community and the places that shape us.

 

Hosted by Alfie Moore, a former copper turned award-winning comedian, episode one: Breaking and Entering with Penny Smith is available now.

 

New episodes will be available, free to download, every Friday for the next six weeks.

 

We’ve recently been reflecting on the history of the Special Constabulary at Thames Valley Police and stories of the real people that have given their time to make an impact in their communities.

Stories about remarkable volunteers such as David, a former farmer who wanted to support his local rural area. Terry, who went on to join as a police constable, eventually finishing his career as the oldest serving beat officer in the country. Nikki and Lucy, who both built their own successful policing careers. And Phil, who recounts dealing with local characters, finding himself in scary situations, and progressing through the ranks.

Now we’re looking for people who want to write their own story.

Whether it’s to launch a career, develop skills and confidence, experience something new and exciting, give something back to the community, or simply to be there and make a difference on what might be the worst day of someone’s life.

If you – or someone you know – would be interested in joining the Special Constabulary, visit our website to learn more. Apply now to do something special.

Thames Valley Police Buckinghamshire LCU Neighbourhood Priorities

 

If you have a moment to spare to help us, please see the link to a short survey that will help shape the local neighbourhood policing priorities for the next quarter of the year:

 

Thames Valley Police Buckinghamshire LCU Neighbourhood Priorities  – Fill in form

 

This survey is to assist your local neighbourhood policing team in understanding what issues are currently of most concern in the community and we are seeking to gather as many responses as possible.

 

If you cannot find which neighbourhood team covers your area, please visit here and type your area of residence into the search bar

 

This survey will close 31st August. Please feel free to share this with family, friends and neighbours.

 

 

 

Council launches final consultation on draft Local Plan
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Buckinghamshire Council is inviting residents and organisations to have their final say on the draft Local Plan – detailing how Buckinghamshire will manage government housing targets as well as protecting the Green Belt, securing infrastructure investment and supporting economic development across the county up to 2045.

The plan sets out how the county could accommodate around 91,000 homes required under national planning policy, while directing growth to sustainable locations and ensuring the necessary infrastructure is provided. While the council does not set the housing requirement, it is legally responsible for planning how it is delivered. Without an up-to-date Local Plan, Buckinghamshire would face greater risks of speculative development, central government intervention and less local control over where growth takes place.

The plan adopts a brownfield-first approach, with around 13,500 homes expected to come from redevelopment opportunities in town centres, previously developed land and areas close to well-connected railway stations. This will support regeneration, attract investment and reduce pressure on the countryside. A key feature of the plan, reflecting one of the strongest priorities highlighted by residents, is it doesn’t allocate new housing and employment in the Green Belt. The plan emphasises economic growth, by identifying land for employment development and business expansion, including opportunities such as the continued growth of Enterprise Zones.

Infrastructure, another top priority for residents, remains a central focus. Informed by providers, the council has identified more than 500 projects requiring at least £6 billion of investment, covering transport, schools, healthcare, utilities, community facilities and green infrastructure. The council will continue to press government to ensure national housing requirements are matched by investment in local infrastructure.

The six-week Regulation 19 consultation, which launches tomorrow (Thursday 23 July) is the final opportunity to comment on the draft Local Plan before it is submitted for independent examination. All responses will be presented to the planning inspector and at this stage should focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and "sound" – meaning it is evidence-based, deliverable and consistent with national planning policy.

Buckinghamshire Council Leader Steven Broadbent has also written to local MPs calling for government support to secure the infrastructure funding needed to ensure growth is matched by the services and facilities communities need: See here 

Steven Broadbent said:

"Buckinghamshire is a fantastic place to live, work and invest, and we are determined to protect what makes our county special for future generations. However, the government requires Buckinghamshire to plan for significant housing growth. While we do not set those targets, we have a responsibility to outline how that growth is managed.

"This draft Local Plan is our best opportunity to retain local control and shape Buckinghamshire's future. We have listened to what residents have consistently told us are their top priorities. It provides a clear strategy for accommodating growth while protecting the Green Belt, supporting the economy and ensuring homes, jobs and infrastructure are planned together. The plan identifies the infrastructure needed to support growth and we will continue to press government and work with local MPs to secure the investment required.

"This is the final opportunity to for local people to comment, I would encourage everyone with an interest in Buckinghamshire's future to read it and take part."

 

 

Theft from motor vehicles crime prevention

 

We have recently seen an increase in theft from motor vehicles in the area

 

Offenders have primarily been targeting cars parked up in public places, which is likely linked to lots of people being outside and enjoying the lovely weather.

 

We hope you can continue to do so while keeping your belongings safe from car thieves, remember:

 

• Always lock your car when you leave it unattended with no exceptions, make sure to double check it is locked rather than just trusting the lock button
• Make sure windows and sunroofs are closed, leaving them open even slightly risks a thief finding a way to unlock the car or fish items out of your vehicle
• Avoid leaving valuables or important items in your car and if you must, make sure they are out of sight. It is not just tech devices and loose coins that are at risk, many items could be of interest to opportunistic thieves if it means quick money for them.

 

Report a theft from motor vehicle as soon as possible via 101 or via Home | Thames Valley Police💻

 

999 if the crime is in progress or in an emergency

 

What's happening in your area?

 

Would you like to know what's happening in your area and receive the latest policing updates that are relevant to you?👮

 

You can:

 

• See local policing priorities
• Find your neighbourhood team
• Find out the dates and times of local events, where you will have the opportunity to speak with a neighbourhood officer face to face
• Stay updated on local activity

 

by visiting: Your area | Thames Valley Police and typing your area of residence into the search bar

 

You can also use this website to submit queries, report anti-social behaviour and any other non-emergency matters: Home | Thames Valley Police