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.

 

 

 

NW Tips to keep your car safe

 

This is a message from Val McPherson Area NW Representative & Administrator for South Bucks & Chilterns.

 

Thames Valley Police have advised us that there is an increase in vehicle crime especially thefts from vehicles, and tool theft from Vans.

 

Please see below some advice to keep you and your vehicles safe:

 

• Do not leave your keys in the ignition or door open when your car is unattended, especially if just popping into the house or at the garage. Make sure that you lock your doors before leaving the car unattended.
• If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly, as thieves are looking for vehicles where the wing mirrors are still out, because they know that the vehicle has been left unlocked.
• Make sure your car is secure with the roof, sunroof ,windows and doors all locked. It is wise to double check the car is locked and not just rely on the locking mechanism.
• Do not leave valuables in your car where they can be seen and stolen, especially your vehicle's registration and insurance as they can be used by thieves to pretend they are the owners and sell your car!
• Mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, medication etc are irresistible to the opportunists thieves as they can earn cash quickly, so never leave in full view, hide away or take with you.
• If you cannot park your car on your drive make sure it is parked in a well lit area or secure car park.

 

Report a theft from a car either ring 101 or via website. If crime is in progress or an emergency ring 999.

 

Tool theft from Vans. Please see advice below:

 

Thieves target Van with tools inside, so if you need to leave the tools overnight, it is wise to mark them clearly.

 

• You can engrave the tools with your home or business postcode by marking it with a permanent marker or paint and then lacquer spray.
• There are other property marking systems like , Smartwater or Selecta Mark which you can find on the internet.

 

Register your tools on www.immobilise.com and record serial numbers and description.

 

 

 

Help shape Buck's plans to prevent homelessness and support local people

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Local people across Buckinghamshire are being invited to have their say on plans to widen housing options, strengthen earlier support to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping, and improve access to housing advice.

 

Residents, community groups, businesses and local organisations are being invited to help shape the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2027 to 2032, with a six-week consultation that is now live.

 

By focusing on early intervention and prevention, the Council aims to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping, improve community wellbeing and ensure Buckinghamshire remains a place where individuals and families can thrive.

 

The strategy, developed with local partners, focuses on three key areas:

 

• Preventing homelessness early by identifying people who may be struggling and providing help as soon as possible, before they lose their home.
• Reducing the need for temporary accommodation and where necessary, ensuring it is safe and suitable, while helping people move into settled housing as quickly as possible.
• Supporting people to rebuild their lives by helping them move into affordable, settled housing and access the support they need to live independently and thrive.

 

Residents are encouraged to come along to one of two drop-in events on Wednesday 23 September, to learn more about the proposed strategy and share their views. Council representatives will be on hand to answer questions, discuss the proposals and gather feedback. The events are taking place at:

 

• Aylesbury Library (Large Meeting Room), Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1UU - 10am to 12 noon

 

• High Wycombe Library (Green and White Rooms), 5 Eden Place, High Wycombe, HP11 2DH - 2.30pm to 4.30pm

 

"Residents can also take part by completing the survey online at: yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com.

 

Anyone with questions, or require this information in another format or language, can email: housingstrategyconsultations@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

 

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 25 October 2026.

 

Find out more about the consultation, the drop-in events and have your say at: yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com.

 

 

Have Your Say and Help Shape a Safer Buckinghamshire

The Safer Buckinghamshire Partnership is reminding residents, communities and professionals across Buckinghamshire that there is still time to share their views on crime, safety and local priorities by completing the county's community safety survey.

Whether you live, work or study in Buckinghamshire, your views matter. We want to better understand the issues affecting local communities, people's experiences of crime and anti-social behaviour, and how safe they feel where they live, work and socialise.

We're Halfway Through – Every Response Still Counts

We're now halfway through the survey period and would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to participate so far. If you haven't yet completed the survey, there's still an opportunity to have your voice heard.

The findings will help the Safer Buckinghamshire Partnership identify priorities and shape action over the coming year. Responses will be considered alongside crime and community safety data from across the county, ensuring that local concerns help inform partnership activity, decision-making and resources.

By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you can help ensure that the future work of the partnership reflects the issues that matter most to Buckinghamshire's communities.

Take part here:

For any queries regarding the survey please contact : gemma.brooks@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

 

 

NW Telephone Scam plus other Scams

This is a message from Val McPherson Area NW Representative and Administrator for South Bucks and Chilterns .

I have been given permission to share this telephone scam which happened to one of my Coordinator's within the Princes Risborough Area.

My land line telephone rang and I was asked if a large transaction to pay EE had been made by me. I was told that the debit would be processed unless I pressed 1 to respond that I had not made the request.

By pressing 1, I thought this would open a link and within minutes I was told the FCA ( Financial Conduct Authority) would deal with this as they acted for all banks. This was followed by a call from WhatsApp from someone calling himself Michael Ross of FCA who quoted a reference number. Both my phone numbers were then occupied by the scammers for a couple of hours with various messages received together with what appeared to be a purchase order for a replacement mobile phone.

I was then told to place my debit and credit cards in an envelope for collection with replacements to be provided the next day. This was a red flag to me and I said I would not part with my cards without authority from my bank which I knew would not be forth coming.

They said their courier was now very close to arriving, so I locked all doors and rang 101 in the hope that an officer might be available to call in anticipation of the visit.

Having cut the lines to the scammers they gave up and I heard no more from them.

Our police have taken this scam very seriously with our PCSO calling at my home and a follow up call from TVP Fraud the next day.

Please be very careful if you receive a call similar to this and do not press any links.

Winter Fuel Payments Scam

Last year criminals targeted adults between August and October in the UK and a big possibility they will do it again. Please remember most Winter Fuel payments are made automatically. You should not need to apply and you will never be asked to give personal or banking details by text or email.

RingGo parking Scam

If you receive a text message claiming you owe unpaid parking fees from a routine review or billing review do not click the link or reply. Fraudsters are targeting drivers with convincing text messages and impersonation parking Apps like RingGo, threatening enforcement or legal action if you do not pay immediately. Contact RingGo directly to speak to their customer services to sort out any problem.

Our News, September

Tackling knife crime requires a whole-of-society approach, with government, communities, charities and local partners working together. This September we’ve got some great news about knife crime figures. This change has come thanks to a coordinated and collaborative effort from campaigners, charities, government and the police. Thanks so much to all our members who shared information about the knife amnesty in person and online. These statistics show that working together, we can make a real difference.

Other highlights this month:

Save the date for the Neighbourhood Watch online conference
World Cleanup day
What is ‘snapping’ and why is it a trend?

Read it all here

 

 

A new chapter for Buckinghamshire Archives

 

To prepare for the upcoming relocation to High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire Archives will temporarily close to public access from 1 October 2026.

 

The closure will enable the safe packing and relocation of Buckinghamshire's nationally significant archive collections from Walton Street in Aylesbury to a new purpose-built facility in Denmark Street, High Wycombe, with the service expected to reopen in spring 2027. 

 

Buckinghamshire Archives preserves and makes accessible more than 800 years of the county's history, holding unique records, historic maps, photographs and documents that tell the story of Buckinghamshire's people, places and communities. The move marks an important milestone for the service, whose current premises are no longer able to suitably accommodate and protect the growing collection. The new space at Denmark Street will provide significantly improved storage conditions, enhanced public access, dedicated exhibition and display spaces, and modern facilities for researchers, visitors and staff.

 

During the closure period, Buckinghamshire Archives will continue to offer a range of remote services for the county’s budding history fans. This includes the Virtual Searchroom, the ‘Ask the Archivist’ online one-to-one service, as well as wider professional advice. The month of November will also see the return of the much-loved Buckinghamshire History Festival with even more opportunities for people in Buckinghamshire and beyond to explore the county’s rich culture and heritage.

 

The move into the refurbished Denmark Street space supports the council's wider regeneration and transformation plans for High Wycombe as part of its Estates Strategy. Progress continues to be positive for the new site, where Buckinghamshire Archives will occupy part of the first floor of the building, with a new public entrance created on Denmark Street, in the heart of the town, opposite High Wycombe Library. The remainder of the first floor will be transformed into modern office accommodation.

 

Further information about the move and services available during the closure period can be found here.

 

Your Bucks, Your Say: help shape the services that matter most to you

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Buckinghamshire Council is at a key stage in planning next year’s budget and is inviting residents, businesses and local organisations to help shape these financial plans in a consultation that opens today.

 

Every day, Buckinghamshire Council delivers services that support people and communities across the county. From caring for vulnerable adults and children to maintaining roads, collecting waste and recycling, supporting town centres and helping people into work, these services play an important role in everyday life in Buckinghamshire.

 

These are also the services that support the council’s vision to improve everyday life for all residents, as set out earlier this summer in the council’s plan for the next five years.  This plan outlines how residents will be able to access better opportunities, be part of thriving communities, be supported when they need help, live in and visit great places and feel their local services offer value for money.

 

The council is now planning the budget for the next financial year that will pay for the services that will deliver this vision and the council’s commitment to Buckinghamshire residents.

 

Buckinghamshire Council's annual Your Bucks, Your Say consultation has launched today (Monday 7 September), giving our residents, businesses and community groups the opportunity to take part in developing the 2027/28 budget priorities.

 

Like councils across the country, Buckinghamshire Council is facing increasing pressure on its finances. Around three quarters of the council's budget is spent on four essential services: adult social care, children's services, home-to-school transport and temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.

 

Changes to the way local government is funded also mean that a growing proportion of money raised locally in Buckinghamshire is being redistributed elsewhere, creating additional financial challenges for the council.

 

Despite these pressures, Buckinghamshire Council remains in a robust financial position with value for money one of its most important pillars. The council is continuing to plan ahead, finding smarter and more efficient ways of working, making good use of technology, reducing waste and making big savings while protecting the services residents depend on most, with the current budget plans maintaining weekly bin collections, investing in roads and town centres and programmes to support people into work particularly younger residents.

 

The Your Bucks, Your Say consultation runs from Monday 7 September until Sunday 18 October 2026.

 

Residents, businesses and organisations can take part online here. Paper copies are also available from libraries and Council Access Points across Buckinghamshire.

 

 

Fraud alert: Trusted family members, friends, and carers stole £51 million from pensioners

 

Older and vulnerable people are seeing millions of pounds stolen from them with the fraud committed by those closest to them, according to new figures released by the City of London Police, the national lead force for fraud.

 

Data from Report Fraud reveals that criminals stole £93.8 million through fraud by abuse of position during the 2025/26 financial year, with people aged 70 and over accounting for more than £51 million of those losses.

 

A total of 3,812 reports of fraud by abuse of position were made during the year. This type of fraud occurs when someone exploits a position of responsibility, authority, or trust to access and steal a victim's money, assets or property without lawful authority. Offenders are often family members, friends, carers, employees, or individuals entrusted to manage another person's finances or affairs.

 

The data shows older people are disproportionately affected. Victims aged 70 and over accounted for more than £51 million in reported losses, while those aged 80 to 89 suffered the highest number of reports and the highest financial losses of any age group, losing almost £24 million.

 

Analysis of Report Fraud data identified a number of common offending methods. Many cases involved family members or close friends abusing their position to gain access to a victim's finances, often by stealing bank cards, obtaining banking details or making unauthorised transfers from accounts they could access through regular contact with the victim. In some instances, offending continued after a victim's death, with relatives allegedly manipulating wills or other legal documents to gain control of estates, property, and financial assets.

 

The data also identified 764 reports involving the misuse of powers of attorney, resulting in reported losses of £34.6 million. These cases typically involved offenders exploiting a position of legal authority to control a victim's finances and make unauthorised withdrawals for personal gain. The offending was often linked to elderly or vulnerable victims who relied on trusted individuals to help manage their affairs.

 

There were also 444 reports involving social care workers abusing their position, with reported losses totalling £13.3 million. These cases commonly involved offenders gaining access to victims' bank cards, financial information or personal belongings while providing care and support.

 

The findings highlight how offenders can target people during periods of vulnerability, including ill health, cognitive decline and bereavement. During the reporting period, dementia was referenced in 337 reports and victims were described as vulnerable in 359 reports. The data also identified reports involving probate and allegations of wills or estates being manipulated for financial gain, demonstrating how offenders can exploit individuals and families at some of the most difficult points in their lives.

 

The City of London Police is encouraging anyone who supports an elderly relative, acts under a power of attorney, is involved in administering an estate, or works within the care sector to remain vigilant for signs of financial abuse. Most Abuse of Position reports made to the police come from family members of elderly or vulnerable people who rely on others for care and support with managing their finances.

 

We are encouraging organisations and members of the public to share the following guidance with patients, service users, and their family members:

 

• Review financial statements: check financial statements regularly for any unauthorised transactions. If anything appears suspicious, contact the bank as soon as possible.

 

• Watch for warning signs: be alert to unpaid bills, missing possessions, or unexpected changes to a will or bank account, as these may be indicators of financial abuse.

 

What to do if you are a victim of fraud by abuse of position:

 

• Tell your bank or card provider: if you notice any financial transactions made without lawful authority, notify your bank or card provider as soon as possible.

 

• Act quickly if something feels wrong: you can raise a safeguarding concern with your local authority’s adult social care team. If a solicitor or deputy may be misusing their role, you can report your concerns to the Office of the Public Guardian.

 

How to report it:

 

Report it to Report Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040. For more advice and to raise any concerns, contact the Office of the Public Guardian.

 

 

New opportunities for adults to learn, develop skills and thrive

 

Residents across Buckinghamshire are set to benefit from more opportunities to gain qualifications, develop new skills and progress in their careers as Buckinghamshire Council takes on responsibility for the Adult Skills Fund from the government for the first time.

 

The move marks an important step in giving Buckinghamshire greater control over how skills funding is invested locally, helping to make it easier for residents to access the training, qualifications and support they need while ensuring opportunities are shaped around the needs of local communities and employers.

 

From the 2026/27 academic year, responsibility for the funding has been devolved from the Department for Education to Buckinghamshire Council. This will enable local decisions to be made about how funding is used – helping to create learning opportunities that support people into work, help them progress in their careers and strengthen Buckinghamshire's economy.

 

The Adult Skills Fund supports adults aged 19 and over to access a wide range of education and training opportunities. Whether someone wants to improve their English or maths, develop digital skills, gain a qualification, build confidence or take the next step in their career, the fund can help them access the support they need to succeed.

 

Learning opportunities funded through the programme include:

 

• English and maths qualifications
• Digital skills training
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• Vocational courses in areas such as Construction, Leadership and Management, Bookkeeping and Accountancy, and Health and Social Care
• Tailored learning programmes focused on confidence building, preparing for work, family learning, wellbeing and community learning

 

Supporting residents to gain skills, confidence and qualifications is a key part of Buckinghamshire Council's ambition to create thriving communities and a strong local economy. By investing in lifelong learning and helping people reach their potential, the council is working to improve opportunities for residents and make Buckinghamshire an even better place to live, work and learn.

 

Courses are delivered through a network of trusted education providers, including Buckinghamshire Adult Learning, Buckinghamshire College Group and a range of independent training organisations, making it easier for residents across the county to access high-quality learning and training close to where they live.

 

Residents interested in improving their skills, gaining qualifications or accessing training opportunities can find out more by visiting the Adult Skills Fund pages on the Buckinghamshire Council website.