June 2023

15 Buckden Roundabout June 2023 Buckden Parish Council Annual Report • Community Plot has been divided into two plots (23a and 23b). 23b will be allocated to a new plot holder. 23a is being used as a Community Plot where vegetables are being grown and donated to the local Food Bank. • Grow wildflowers and flowers alongside the new seating area, to attract birds, bees, and insects to help pollinate the plants on the allotment. Dedicate part of the area for wildlife homes for birds, bees, bugs and hedgehogs by placing hedgehog huts / birdboxes / bat boxes and bug hotels around the area. Climate Change Achievements • Continued to assist residents with the thermal imaging camera loan system, now in its third year. • Prevented flooding of two properties last year, with the purchase of 2 electric water pumps. One house in the conserva- tion area, and the Lion Hotel, which was able to continue business during lunch time by rainwater from a blocked drain. • Represented the council at the ‘ Xmas lights switch on ’ street event and won praise from the HDC councillor lead for the Climate & Environment. • Promoted awareness of climate issues with a series of articles in the Roundabout Magazine. • Provided daily photographic evidence over a 21 - day period, to the Lead Local Flood Authority to demonstrate that the attenuation basin at the Bloor Homes site is not functioning as intended. Plans • Equipment • Seek to ensure equipment purchased by the council is powered by sustainable forms of energy. • Include fuels used by contractors, as part of the selection process. • Support for residents • Provide advice to residents who want to make their properties more environmentally sustainable by linking them to ap- propriate providers and advisers. • Raise awareness of climate change issues with residents and suggest approaches to help mitigate those issues. • Develop swap shop repair environmental advice day. • Wider issues • Monitoring waterways and raising awareness in liaison with Flood Group • Research into pollution/sewage outfall into the Great Ouse • Monitoring Air pollution Taylors Lane, One Stop and by Roundabout • Promoting by example what has parish council done and what individuals have done. Staffing Achievements • Further improved our assessment and management of hazards and risks for staff including purchase of PPE when other hazard reductions measures are not appropriate • Promoted in - house skills development where that is cost - effective and safe e.g. stability testing of memorials • Developed the role of Assistant Clerk • Supported our Clerk to gain a Higher Certificate in Governance Plans • Secure appropriate storage and workshop facilities for handymen • Optimise use of additional BPC - only space within Village Hall Finance Achievements • Recommended amended banking to increase income on funds held as reserves. • Maintained rigorous control of Council Funds Plans • Provide information and support for new Councillors to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively and confidently in relation to BPC expenditure. • Develop plans with other Advisory Groups for spending of CIL.