tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167 2008-07-15T07:58:54Z The online companion to the Buckinghamshire Examiner serving the communities of Chesham, Amerhsam, Little Chalfont, Great Missenden, Prestwood and all the villages in between. Movable Type Publishing Platform 4.02a tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.51832 2008-07-15T07:52:09Z 2008-07-15T07:58:54Z

Drivers are still failing to get the message about the dangers of drink driving. This follows the results of this summer's drink drive campaign. A total of 3,646 motorists were breath tested between Monday 1 June and Tuesday 1...

Chene Koscielny Drivers are still failing to get the message about the dangers of drink driving. This follows the results of this summer's drink drive campaign. A total of 3,646 motorists were breath tested between Monday 1 June and Tuesday 1 July as part of the national crackdown on drink driving. 327 drivers (9 per cent) were subsequently arrested, including those who failed to give a sample of breath. By comparison the summer 2007 campaign saw 15 per cent of drivers tested give a positive breath test and Christmas 2007 saw 14 per cent of drivers test positive. Supt Mick Doyle, head of Roads Policing, said: "Nearly one in ten drivers stopped by police during this campaign gave a positive breath test." "It is extremely disappointing that some drivers are still choosing to ignore our warnings and think it is acceptable to put their lives and the lives of other road users at risk. "This particular campaign has ended but we will continue with the targeted, intelligence-led policing that has led to the high numbers of drink drivers being caught recently." A total of 1,108 drivers were tested after collisions, and 84 of these tested positive. All drivers who provided a positive breath test or who refused or failed to provide, will face losing their licence for at least 12 months. They could also be imprisoned for six months or pay a fine of up to £5,000. A total of 871 under 25's were breathalysed, with 85 young drivers testing positive. Of the over 25's 2,775 were tested and 242 drivers tested positive. Supt Doyle added: "For some time many people have thought that younger drivers have got the message about drink driving, however, these figures support recent research which demonstrates that drinking and driving is an issue for younger drivers and that the message of just how dangerous it is to drink and drive is not getting through. "It is not difficult to avoid drink driving - take a taxi, stay at a friend's house, nominate a designated driver or just don't drink, otherwise the consequences could be disastrous. "I would urge anyone who sees someone getting into a vehicle after drinking to call police on 999 immediately. If you have information about suspected drink drivers, call the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or if you don't want to speak to police, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111." tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.51309 2008-07-08T07:44:36Z 2008-07-08T07:46:36Z

A man has been issued with an Anti-social Behaviour Order (ASBO) which prohibits him from entering a certain part of Amersham....

Chene Koscielny A man has been issued with an Anti-social Behaviour Order (ASBO) which prohibits him from entering a certain part of Amersham. Gareth Paul was released from prison on Friday after serving two and a half years for inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH) against a man in Park Place, Amersham, in February 2005. On sentencing, the court imposed an ASBO, which comes into effect the day he is released from prison and lasts five years. The ASBO excludes Paul from an area within Amersham, which was deemed necessary due to instances of repeated threatening, abusive, drunken and anti-social behaviour which Paul had continually subjected residents to up until the time he was remanded in custody. Chief Inspector Stuart Greenfield, Local Police Area Commander for Chiltern, said: “Police and the courts take anti-social behaviour and breaches of ASBOs extremely seriously and treat it as a top priority. Should Paul enter the forbidden area he will be breaching the terms of his ASBO and I would like anyone who sees him in that area to contact Thames Valley Police.” “Tackling anti-social behaviour is the Amersham neighbourhood policing team’s top priority, after residents have told them they are worried about it and as a result the team are determined to pursue troublemakers.” If you would like to report a breach of an ASBO, you can call Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to talk to police and don’t want to leave your name call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. You can also give information to the police in person by visiting any police station. To find out the opening times and location of your local station please call 0845 8 505 505 or visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/bcu/buckinghamshire/bcu-info/stations.htm *For a copy of the exclusion map please email sarah.colston@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50887 2008-07-02T11:49:08Z 2008-07-02T12:02:08Z

A YOB who has caused years of hell for neighbours and shopkeepers in Chesham has been sent to jail....

Chene Koscielny A YOB who has caused years of hell for neighbours and shopkeepers in Chesham has been sent to jail. Twenty-three year old Moshin Mirza, known as Bunty, was sentenced to 24 weeks in Woodhill Prison by Aylesbury Magistrates Court on Monday for breaching his Anti Social Behaviour Order. The news has been welcomed by shop keepers and councillors, who choose to remain anonymous. Part of Mirza's ASBO stipulated that he was not allowed in certain parts of Chesham, but he was seen by a Police Community Support Officer in Greenway Parade without good reason on October 10. On January 24, officers asked him to leave another area of Chesham after they had received reports that he was behaving in an anti-social manner. When he refused he was arrested. Mirza is from Pond Park. Shop keeper Chandra Saujani, who owns Costcutter on Greenway Parade, said: "Bunty has never personally done anything to us, but I think he did instigate other kids to do things. We used to get bunches of kids coming in the shop, they would challenge you, pick things up off the shelves and throw them on the floor, swear, intimidate the staff. They used to scare the old people. "After Bunty's ASBO things quietened down a lot. I think maybe the other kids worried that the same thing might happen to them." PC Gary Blackburn, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Chesham, said: "Residents in Chesham have told us that anti-social behaviour is their top concern and we are determined to tackle those causing it. Hopefully this sends out the right message to him and others that ASBOs are effective and the courts take them very seriously." tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.49331 2008-07-01T07:39:07Z 2008-07-01T08:18:39Z

MORE than 10,000 steam enthusiasts are expected to attend the biggest annual spectator event in the Chilterns this July. The 21st annual Prestwood Steam Rally will be held at the Hangings, in Honor End Lane, on July 5 and 6,...

Julie Voyce MORE than 10,000 steam enthusiasts are expected to attend the biggest annual spectator event in the Chilterns this July. The 21st annual Prestwood Steam Rally will be held at the Hangings, in Honor End Lane, on July 5 and 6, from 9am to about 5pm. Entrance is possible at the gate on both days. Last year’s rally was postponed because of bad weather but the organisers have pledged that, this time, they will promote a bigger and better show. Organiser Malcolm Biggerstaff, of the Chiltern Traction Engine Club, said 38 steam engines would be adorning the show. Among them are two that have not previously visited Prestwood: a Fowler road loco heavy haulage vehicle, circa 1920, and a Marshall agriculture engine machine, used on farms in the 1920s. Mr Biggerstaff said: “We were very disappointed to have had to cancel last year’s show. It was the first time we had to cancel at The Hangings. “The field was waterlogged and we had to spend a small fortune, anyway, but it was very sad. “But we are pulling all the stops out this year and expect a bumper attendance.” A blacksmith and a potter will be in attendance. There will also be someone working a pole lathe, which was used in the past to make chair legs and other pieces of turned furniture. There will also be an animal farm for the children, a craft marquee, a children’s fun fair, and lots of other things for people to see and do. tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50732 2008-06-30T15:20:21Z 2008-06-30T15:23:14Z

Arson is suspected after fire firghters were called to a fire at Angling Spring woods, Martinsend Lane, Great Missenden. One appliance and crew from High Wycombe attended the blaze at about 3.48pm on Sunday....

Chene Koscielny Arson is suspected after fire firghters were called to a fire at Angling Spring woods, Martinsend Lane, Great Missenden. One appliance and crew from High Wycombe attended the blaze at about 3.48pm on Sunday. tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50712 2008-06-30T13:55:01Z 2008-06-30T13:57:30Z

by Martyn Pritchard A 33-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in Chesham on Friday evening....

Chene Koscielny by Martyn Pritchard A 33-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in Chesham on Friday evening. ]]> The woman, aged 33, was attacked by a teenager along Waterside at 11.45pm. The offender emerged from behind a tree and grabbed hold of the woman. He tried to push her to the ground but she broke free and ran home before raising the alarm. The attacker is white, five feet seven inches tall, and in his late teens. He is also said to be clean shaven with shoulder-long blonde hair. Police are seeking witnesses and anyone with information should ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50711 2008-06-30T13:52:00Z 2008-06-30T14:08:03Z

CHESHAM United and Amersham Town are forging groundbreaking links which they hope will benefit both clubs next season. With Aylesbury United groundsharing at The Meadow, Chesham have solved the problem of over-use of their pitch by arranging for their youth,...

Jill Menghetti CHESHAM United and Amersham Town are forging groundbreaking links which they hope will benefit both clubs next season. With Aylesbury United groundsharing at The Meadow, Chesham have solved the problem of over-use of their pitch by arranging for their youth, ladies and academy teams to play at Spratley's Meadow, revamped last year. They will also make players available for either first team or reserve football at Amersham, with the reserves playing in the Suburban League. Chesham manager Andy Leese said: "This link shows the value of clubs working together for the benefit of the community. The arrangement is a structured one and plenty of thought has gone into it." Magpies manager Dale Welch said: "Several clubs were interested in using our pitch but this agreement will give local players good opportunities to play senior football within a quality environment through both clubs.'' tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50690 2008-06-30T12:25:25Z 2008-06-30T12:26:19Z

Rob Burnett A MAN who was known to many people in Chesham, particularly users of the Moor Gym and Swim, has died. Ken Hardy, who was 70, of Cavendish Road, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 17 from heart failure....

Julie Voyce Rob Burnett A MAN who was known to many people in Chesham, particularly users of the Moor Gym and Swim, has died. Ken Hardy, who was 70, of Cavendish Road, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 17 from heart failure.]]> Originally from Fulham, Ken and his wife of 47 years Margaret, moved to Chesham in 1964. He spent most of his working life as an advertising type setter for J Walter Thompson in London, but after leaving the profession he took a part time job at the open air pool in Chesham where he worked for 12 years. Always keen on fitness, Ken became a fully qualified gymnastics instructor when his son Gavin, now 40, was younger. He was a good swimmer and enjoyed weight lifting as well. He will be remembered by many people for riding around town on his scooter, and he always had a love of motorbikes. His wife Margaret said he loved his job at the pool. She said: "He loved it because he liked meeting new people and talking to them, he was just one of those people who would speak to anybody and everybody. I have had so many cards from people who I don't even know who knew him from the pool. "There was never anyone else like him, he was unique. With Ken what you saw was what you got, he was very honest, he never put on any airs or graces and if you didn't like him that was tough." Ken's funeral took place on Monday at The Chilterns Crematorium. Any donations for the British Heart Foundation should be sent to Church View Funeral Service, 161 Broad Street, Chesham, or call 01494 776777. Danny Essex, manager of the Moor Gym and Swim has opened a book of condolence. tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50687 2008-06-30T12:23:44Z 2008-06-30T12:25:05Z

Rob Burnett robburnett@trinitysouth.co.uk CHESHAM'S long awaited new Healthzone should be completed in May 2010 with work due to start at the site early in the new year. Members of the public got their first glimpse of the plans for the...

Julie Voyce Rob Burnett robburnett@trinitysouth.co.uk CHESHAM'S long awaited new Healthzone should be completed in May 2010 with work due to start at the site early in the new year. Members of the public got their first glimpse of the plans for the new building at a meeting in Chesham Town Hall on Thursday, June 26. The new £6m, 1,800 square metre facility on Berkhampstead Road will have 20 consulting rooms and car parking for 102 cars. It will house GP services for two thirds of Chesham residents and host a range of other services that currently require a hospital visit, such as specialist consultant visits. See Thursday's Examiner for full story]]> tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50686 2008-06-30T12:22:53Z 2008-06-30T12:23:26Z

A HOUSE in Hampden Avenue, Chesham was burgled between midnight and 7am on Tuesday, June 24. Burglars entered the house via a window and stole, cash, cards, car keys and two cars, a black Honda, and a grey Volvo. If...

Julie Voyce A HOUSE in Hampden Avenue, Chesham was burgled between midnight and 7am on Tuesday, June 24. Burglars entered the house via a window and stole, cash, cards, car keys and two cars, a black Honda, and a grey Volvo. If you have any information please contact the police on 0845 8 505 505. tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50578 2008-06-29T07:18:28Z 2008-06-29T07:38:19Z

Mounting fuel costs are threatening life-saving air ambulance services in Bucks. The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance says it is already feeling the effect of the escalating fuel costs....

Julie Voyce Mounting fuel costs are threatening life-saving air ambulance services in Bucks. The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance says it is already feeling the effect of the escalating fuel costs. Lyn Paver, Chief Executive for the trust, said: "The continuing rise of fuel costs places additional financial pressures on the charity, not only in service costs but also our efforts to raise awareness within the community. "These increasing fuel costs effect us in so many ways, as a result of this we are always looking for people in the three counties who are willing to spare a few hours of their time to help us keep these rising costs down, by helping at events, distribution of collecting boxes, and towing our exhibition trailer." She said the trust relies solely on the generosity of the public in the three counties to help raise the £1.7M needed to enable us to operate 365 days a year. tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50569 2008-06-28T09:03:29Z 2008-06-28T09:08:34Z

by Rob Burnett and Jack Abell HUNDREDS of residents have joined a Buckinghamshire Examiner campaign to save post offices in their communities from closure. This follows the news that nine post offices in the Buckinghamshire area have been earmarked for...

Julie Voyce by Rob Burnett and Jack Abell HUNDREDS of residents have joined a Buckinghamshire Examiner campaign to save post offices in their communities from closure. This follows the news that nine post offices in the Buckinghamshire area have been earmarked for closure. Waterside Post Office in Chesham which has been operating for 100 years is one of them. Prasann Patel has been the post master for 22 years and said he has received tremendous support from his customers.]]> He said: "It's been very good and I have already got about five hundred signatures on my petition and there's not one person who comes in who does not support us. "All the customers who come in are disappointed and angry about what is going on but I'm very pleased with the support I'm getting from the local community. "Also I'm very chuffed with our MP Cheryl Gillan, she has written to me twice and I think she is doing a great job in supporting the local community on this. I think she is doing a marvelous job working hard for us so I would like to thank her." Cheryl Gillan, MP for Chesham and Amersham, said: "These five post offices in my constituency are well used and part of the community. We have put a petition into each post office and I have reapplied for an adjournment debate in the House of Commons, with the support of Dominic Grieve, MP and Paul Goodman, MP, so we can debate the closures. "Last week I visited Old Amersham and members of my team have already visited some of the others. "The petitions will be presented in Parliament and go to the Post Office making the case for retaining the post office branches." "This is not a party political issue, it is something that we must all work together on." See pages 6 and 7 for more news on this and to join our campaign. tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50576 2008-06-27T13:16:59Z 2008-06-28T19:34:20Z

THE CLOSURE of the post office at Botley could prove to be a double whammy if it leads to the closure of the village's only shop. Owner of Botley Stores, Kumar Thuraisingham, said he will lose 50 per cent of...

Julie Voyce THE CLOSURE of the post office at Botley could prove to be a double whammy if it leads to the closure of the village's only shop. Owner of Botley Stores, Kumar Thuraisingham, said he will lose 50 per cent of his income if the post office closes, as looks likely. And he has urged residents to support his shop if they want to be sure he will remain a viable business. He said: "My plan is to carry on but unless people use the shop more I can't guarantee that I will be able to pay my bills. If it turns out it's not practical then I'll have to think again." If the shop closes then not only will residents have to travel 1.7 miles to the next closest post office in Chesham, or further to a less busy post office in Bovingdon, but they will also be forced to travel out of the village for shopping as well. However there are only five buses a day through the village, and, the bus stop has no shelter and no seats. Many pensioners say it is too difficult to take the bus, and that when they are no longer able to drive, life will become very difficult. Frank Walker, 85, said the post office at Chesham always has a long queue which would make it impossible for elderly people to use. He said: "My wife and I are pretty fit compared to many people but she's had a hip operation and I've got a dodgy ankle and it would be crippling to stand in that queue, you're lucky if you get out of that place in half an hour." He said it was "an awful crime" that the Botley Post Office was closing and that at the very least a mobile post office should be provided. Ninety year old Neville Gillman, of Goose Acre, lost one of his legs during combat at the Battle of Alamein during WWII. He said: "At the moment I'm still driving, but none of us can be sure how long we'll be able to or ought to, one has to look to the future. Walking is becoming more difficult for me and my wife (Nancy) has arthritis and asthma, so working 300 yards can be quite painful. "People we have spoken to feel the same, especially as Botley Stores is the only shop and the hub of the community." Widow Pat Bell, 80, who lives above the shop, said: "I'm furious. I use the post office every day as I use it for banking. I don't drive, and the bus goes all round the houses and takes for ever. I'll have to go in a taxi, but it costs £10 to get to Chesham and back and now they (Chiltern District Council) have cut the taxi subsidy to £50 a year I won't be able to go very often. "There are a lot of elderly people in Botley and Ley Hill and a lot of them are on zimmer frames, so this will be very difficult." tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50568 2008-06-27T13:00:13Z 2008-06-27T13:02:02Z

by Greg Burns gregburns@trinitysouth.co.uk AN ELDERLY lady died from carbon monoxide poisoning a day before her birthday after a small fire broke out in her flat overnight an inquest heard on Wednesday. Amy Kind, 73, of Hollybush Lane, Chesham, died...

Julie Voyce by Greg Burns gregburns@trinitysouth.co.uk AN ELDERLY lady died from carbon monoxide poisoning a day before her birthday after a small fire broke out in her flat overnight an inquest heard on Wednesday. Amy Kind, 73, of Hollybush Lane, Chesham, died on March 3, after candles she had lit started a fire in her ground floor maisonette which had no smoke detectors.]]> At the inquest into her death at Amersham Magistrates Court on Wednesday, June 25, neighbour Gary Burnham told the inquest how he called the fire serivce at 7am after spotting the smoke and tried, with three other neighbours, to get inside. He said: "I was leaving my house when I looked around to see if there was anyone out of their homes to say hello to. As I turned around I saw what I thought was steam coming from the ground-floor flat and I saw that the window was completely black. "I rang the fire brigade and we all tried to kick the door down to get in but we could not. Mrs Kind kept herself to herself and I had never spoken to her before." Andy Gosling, Bucks Fire and Rescue Service's investigating officer, told the court that a switched off plug socket meant they could rule out the possibility the fire started via a faulty electrical appliance. There were also lots of flammable items in the living room, where the fire broke out, including cardboard, newspapers, and clothing which would have easily caught on fire. Mr Gosling said: "It seems most likely that a candle fell onto the television or onto the floor and that would of resulted in the fire burning for several hours. "The smoke would not have been noticeable by anyone inside especially because there was no smoke detectors in the property. "Because the door was closed and no windows open the fire would have quickly smouldered as there would have been no oxygen to keep it going. But then it would of continued to emit dangerous smoke for hours. This fire could have started as early as midnight." Recording a verdict of accidental death coroner Richard Hulett said: "This fire must of gone on for a period of hours and it appears she was overcome while sitting in her chair and was largely oblivious to the that befell her which is probably a mercy." tag:www.buckinghamshireexaminer.co.uk,2008://167.50512 2008-06-26T16:22:05Z 2008-06-27T13:03:10Z

by Rob Burnett THE annual Tour de Pednor bike ride has raised more than £3,000. The charity bike ride is a five mile course around the Pednor Valley which starts and finishes at the Queens Head pub in Chesham....

Julie Voyce by Rob Burnett THE annual Tour de Pednor bike ride has raised more than £3,000. The charity bike ride is a five mile course around the Pednor Valley which starts and finishes at the Queens Head pub in Chesham. As well as the bike ride on Sunday, which had 79 participating cyclists, Lisa Rafferty, landlady of the pub and her partner John Walker, organised events over both the Saturday and the Sunday to help with fundraising.]]> There was a prize draw for a 40inch wide screen TV, as well as a raffle and a beer festival. Lisa said: "We have raised in excess of £3,000 this year. We really wanted to break the £3,000 mark because we have been so close the last couple of years. "The money will be split between Chiltern Dog Rescue and the Hospice of St Francis. "It was a fantastic weekend, it's a real community event, the biggest one in the calender for the pub. "It was fantastic to see so many people turning up for charity, and I'm so glad the weather held out for us on Sunday. It's a massive event for the pub and all the money goes to charity." Lisa said there were all sorts of fundraising activities going on. She said: "You name it, we did it. Sharon Thompson was silent for a whole hour, no talking, no drinking, no smoking, no texting for a whole hour and she raised £630 which was brilliant. "It's the first time we have had a beer festival as well so everyone enjoyed themselves. "I want to say a big thank you to everybody who helped out because it is a lot to do. "Now I have got to think what to do next year to go one better and raise £4,000."