Have your say - Look out for your voter registration details from Buckinghamshire Council

Have your say - Look out for your voter registration details from Buckinghamshire Council
01 July 2020

Buckinghamshire residents are being encouraged to make sure their electoral registration details are up to date in the annual canvass.

With the first elections for Buckinghamshire Council taking place in May 2021, the canvass is an important opportunity for residents to ensure they will be able to take part and vote.

The annual canvass means Buckinghamshire Council can keep the electoral register up to date, identifying any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so.

Ian Hunt, Interim Head of Democratic and Electoral Services at Buckinghamshire Council, said: “It’s important that residents keep an eye out for messages so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in the county. To make sure you are able to have your say at the elections taking place next year, simply follow the instructions as provided. It is really quick to confirm your registration details.

“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear in the messages we send. The easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, otherwise you will simply need to confirm or amend the details following the respond method on your communication.

“This year’s canvass, which we have to carry out by law, is taking place during a challenging public health situation. We are working to ensure that we take account of public health guidelines, including the continued importance of social distancing.”

Buckinghamshire Council will be contacting residents by post or email between July and August.

Further information, including contact details, can be found at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/your-council/council-and-democracy/elections-and-voting/confirm-your-registered-voting-details/

Bonfires - don’t be anti-social

Bonfires - don’t be anti-social

Apart from the hugely antisocial aspect of this practice, bonfires create smoke that is often dangerous to those people with existing health conditions. During this unprecedented time of people staying home, coupled with improving weather conditions, there may be a temptation to start work on the garden or home.

Both of these activities have a high likelihood of generating rubbish and waste. If you do generate additional garden waste, compost the materials wherever possible.

If as a last resort, if you do decide to have a bonfire, please consider the following advice and guidance which will help reduce the risk of you having a fire related incident or action being taken for statutory nuisance.

Bonfires

Ideally garden waste should be composted or stored until garden waste collections return to normal. If you are gardening and have garden waste to dispose of and do consider having a bonfire, remember:

● Some areas are designated smoke free zones where bonfires are not permitted, so check first

● Check the weather first. If it is windy, the smoke from a bonfire could blow dangerously across a road

● Do not use flammable liquids to start the bonfire

● Do not burn dangerous items of waste such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries

● Do not leave a bonfire unattended. An adult must supervise the bonfire until it has burnt out

● If the bonfire has to be left, damp it down with plenty of water to prevent it re igniting

Dumping waste/Fly-tipping

Don’t be tempted to try and dump waste anywhere. Fly-tipping is illegal. When notified, buckinghamshire council will remove fly-tipped waste from public land and will take steps to trace the offender. If the waste is traced back to you, you face prosecution.

Please consider the consequences of your actions. We encourage you to report fly-tipping immediately to Buckinghamshire Council if you discover it.

Disposable barbecue danger alert in parks and open spaces

Disposable barbecue danger alert in parks and open spaces
Press Release from Buckinghamshire Council 10th June 2020

Dangers from throw-away barbecues have prompted warnings from Buckinghamshire Council as lockdown restrictions are relaxed and residents are able to travel more widely for leisure.

Eagle-eyed residents in Aston Clinton reported having to douse several disposable barbecues left burning on the grass by visitors in the local park over a weekend.

Clive Harriss, Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure, said the inherent danger of using any device with a naked flame was one the council wanted to avoid.

And, he said, in the past few days Bucks Fire and Rescue had been called to blazes in woodland and open spaces across the county, from Cliveden and Farnham Common in the south to the Milton Keynes borders in the north, including a disposable barbecue in High Wycombe.

There's concern for safety in the county's parks, woodland and open spaces, particularly since country park rangers reported a fire in Thorney Park.

While barbecues, camp fires, and stoves are not allowed in Buckinghamshire country parks, Clive urged residents not to light fires or use any device with a naked flame in woodland or open spaces, and to dispose of cigarettes carefully.

"We're all feeling constrained by the lockdown restrictions, and even the most mild relaxation on travel and leisure risks a release not unlike a coiled spring! Witness what we've seen on the coastal beaches in the fine weather," he said.

"As we're now able to enjoy the wonderful parks and open spaces we're fortunate to have in Buckinghamshire, I urge that we remain vigilant about the risk of fire, especially as the weather has been so mild and dry."

Clive added: “It also goes without saying that people should also dispose of all their rubbish in the bins provided or better still, take it all home. That way we keep our countryside and open spaces as attractive as possible for everyone to enjoy.”

Bucks Fire and Rescue fire safety outdoors advice: https://bucksfire.gov.uk/safety-hub/general-info-for-outdoors/

The Countryside Code

Respect other people

1. Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors
2. Park carefully so access to gateways and driveways are clear
3. Leave gates and property as you find them
4. Follow paths but give way to others where it’s narrow

Protect the natural environment

1. Leave no trace of your visit, take all your litter home
2. Don’t have BBQs or fires
3. Keep dogs under effective control
4. Dog poo - bag it and bin it

Enjoy the outdoors

1. Plan ahead, check what facilities are open, be prepared
2. Follow advice and local signs and obey social distancing measures