Hare today, gone tomorrow?

Forget the badgers, Cranfield Uni has got hares in its cross-hairs (sorry) because of a muntjac-aircraft collision? Sorry, I don't follow the logic either. We have a meeting with the uni this week and will seek a full explanation. In the meantime read about it here. See comments on the Cranfield facebook page

Uni threatens hare cull

Note the wifi symbol...

Never renowned for its cafe society Cranfield has another string to its bow. OSO near Hacfield Leasing in the high Street,  has been open since December. It's just moved off my peripheral vision  and appeared straight in front of me. The coconut square is to die for. Note the wifi symbol

Agenda for Parish Council 22 January

8 pm Holywell School

^1.            To receive apologies for absence  

^2.            To receive declarations of personal and/or prejudicial interests in any matter

^3.            To confirm the minutes of the last meeting[s] Clerks Report 

^4.            Health & Safety 

^5.            Reports from Committees 

5.1.    General Purposes Committee

5.1.1.    Siting of waste bins x 3

5.2.    Burial Grounds Committee

5.3.    Environment Committee

5.4.    Planning Committee

^6.            Financial matters and accounts for payment

^7.            Correspondence   

^8.            Reports from unitary councillors (and any other representative)

^9.            Highway matters

Up to date crime figures for Cranfield

Men's breakfast

 

There will be a  men's breakfast on 15th February - served from 8:30 and costing £5, at Wootton Church. The speaker is from World Vision.
If anyone wishes to go email Andrew Pearson Andrew.Pearson@eemua.org 

Crawley Road closed again??

If you thought Crawley Road was all done and dusted, think again. This has just come into the PC



We have received instruction from Central Beds Council to carry out detailed design and programming for maintenance works at the following location;

Crawley Road, Cranfield over the weekends of 1st & 2nd, 8th & 9th Feb (08:00 to 18:00)

We will not be carrying out a letter drop as there are no residences within the closure, but Cranfield University have been contacted and Cranfield F.C. will be contacted prior to the start of works.

The dates provided are proposed dates and can be subject to change for a number of reasons.

Advanced Warning signs will be erected at this location prior to work commencing.

In the meantime, if there are any issues that you would like to raise at this time, please do not hesitate to contact me. However, please understand that I may need to refer any matters regarding budget or policy decisions back to the council.

Kind regards

Geoff Parrott
Site Supervisor | Bedfordshire Highways
0845 365 6000 | m: 07725445608 | e: geoff.parrott@amey.co.uk

The great borealis Hunt

There are strong predictions that the Northern Lights might be visible over large parts of Britain tonight. So good luck to all Cranfieldians in the great  Borealis Hunt. Check it out in the 

Daily Telegraph

The scientific name for the Northern Lights is aurora borealis, named after the Roman goddess of the dawn. Northern Lights are essentially created by the interaction of the Earth’s magnetism and solar wind.
The light displays occur when solar particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere in an oval area above the magnetic pole – the aurora belt. These particles emit burning gases upon impact, which produce different coloured lights: oxygen produces green and yellow; nitrogen produces blue…
The best displays occur in the northern parts of Sweden, Norway and Finland, Greenland and Svalbard, Alaska, Canada and Russia. The best months to see them are in February and March and then in late October and November.

We are where we are

Busy parish council committees last night with nine members present and apologies from Morris, Cosbie-Ross and Clark. 

Members were very concerned about the planning application for the former Hartwell Almshouses and the proposal for three separate dwellings each with a bedroom and a 'study-bedroom'. That suggests potential dense occupation and we specified that there should be parking at the front for six vehicles. The High Street is packed tight as it is.

The latest proposal is disappointing but not a surprise. The former owner, the Hartwell Charity, aspired to modernise and sell the building as a single luxury dwelling - potentially the best way of ensuring that its historical and architectural merits would be preserved. But none of the modernisation proposals met with approval from the CBC conservation officer and fell by the way side. So as we often say wearily: 'We are where we are".

Wherever that is!

"a villainous wolf who looked as it had just returned from a bad night in Milton Keynes"

Panto triumph is bad news for Wolf?  Cranfield wows the critics. Or the critic. BTW who is Prof D. Ince? Read the review...

Times and Citizen

Superfast on the horizon?

More tentative, edging towards 'superfast broadband' in Cent Beds. It won't arrive in time for this posting lol.


Central Bedfordshire Council has been working with neighbouring authorities and BT on a project to deliver superfast broadband across the area.
 
BT has now provided us with provisional mapping to show locations and phases of possible superfast access for residents and businesses. The mapping shows that the project will support almost 15,500 premises in Central Bedfordshire to receive superfast broadband services (speeds of at least 24 megabits per second) and ensure speeds of at least 2 megabits are available for all. This means that approximately 90% of Central Bedfordshire will be able to receive superfast broadband by 2016/17 under this plan.
Please find attached the approximate map of phases. We will be publishing this on our website shortly and are sharing this with you in advance so you can assess the impact on your communities.
Below you can see also link to a postcode look up facility. https://bedford.firmstep.com/popup.aspx/RenderForm/?F.Name=WFQy9d6XAA4
 
I must emphasise that we are sharing these phasing maps to ensure the project is as open and transparent as possible, but the map and postcode look-up are only our best understanding of BT's project deployment at this stage. This is subject to change during the lifetime of the project and areas are likely to be added and removed from the plan, in light of on the ground conditions as BT assess them.
It is our intention to work towards ensuring superfast coverage for all and to this extent we are working with the Government on a Superfast Extension Programme to support areas not covered in the current programme. We are also working with the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership to secure additional resources to extend coverage further.
 
We will be publishing all this information on our website today at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/broadband. 

We will also be providing hard copies of the map in our libraries, and releasing information to the press.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact James.cushing@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or Trish.Etheridge@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
 

Cllr Richard Wenham
Deputy executive member for corporate resources

Parish Council 8 January

Agenda for PC next week (provisional)

BUSINESS TO BE DONE
In attendance:
To receive apologies for absence:  CBCllr/PCllrs:  Mrs Sue Clark, A Morris
To receive declarations from members in relation to discloseable pecuniary interests:

Planning Committee
    1.    General Planning Matters
Reports – Correspondence – Agenda Items

    

General Purposes Committee
    1.    Waste Bins
    2.    Salt bags
    3.    Electricity supply
    4.    Bus shelters
    5.    Notice board
Reports – Correspondence – Agenda Items



Burial Grounds
    1.    Baby burial area
    2.    Church wall
    3.    Water supply – cemetery
Reports – Correspondence – Agenda Items

Environment Committee
    1.    War memorial green
    2.    Skate park
    3.    Tree inspection
    4.    Broad Green hedge
Reports – Correspondence – Agenda Items

Anti-flooding

I haven't carried out a personal inspection but all the anti-flood work in Crawley Road carried out before Christmas must be getting tested. Hopefully not to destruction.

Beware oil rustlers

It's expensive enough to buy and you don't want to lose it when it's safely in the tank.  See this warning from Beds Police


 RURAL homeowners on oil-fired central heating are being reminded about the risk of oil thefts as winter sets in and warned to remain vigilant throughout January and February when the demand for oil may increase.

Read more: http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/News/Bedfordshire-homeowners-warned-to-watch-out-for-winter-oil-theft-20131230110038.htm#ixzz2pQIfSZFC

Find flood warnings

Flood warnings in the Eastern region from the Environment Agency 

Visit http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/34678.aspx?type=Region&term=Anglian&from=fl

Flooding alert in Bedfordshire

A grium start to the year - everywhere not just Beds. But even though we are scores of miles from the coast there are still hazards

Beds on Sunday reports this morning...

PARTS of Bedfordshire are on flood alert after heavy rainfall since the start of the year.
The Environment Agency has reported this morning (January 3) that the River Great Ouse will continue to rise between Newport Pagnell, where the river level is currently at its peak, and Bedford as the high water levels head downstream over the next few days.
Levels are already beginning to rise in Tempsford while Harrold Bridge is currently closed.
The Agency expects 'low lying land and roads to be affected first' and warn further showers will be expected for the next few days.
A statement read: "On New Year’s day up to 16mm of rain was recorded in the Upper Ouse catchment. As the catchment is now saturated we have seen river levels react to this, and the peak is now travelling down the Ouse, currently around Newport Pagnell.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and update this flood alert as appropriate."

Read more: Environment Agency warning

You have been warned

Watch out for train travel on Thameslink over the next 24 hours due to predicted stormy conditions. Trouble in Cranfield has ventured out but will be getting an early train home this afternoon. 

A statement from First Capital Connect says: "As the storm will continue throughout the night, the lines have to be checked for damage on Tuesday morning before being released back to us to start running services again. There will be no trains on Tuesday in the hours of darkness and we'll resume service as soon as we are able.
"We advise passengers to check our website or contact our Twitter team (@FirstCC) before they travel and allow plenty of time for their journey. If you have booked advanced travel and are using our services to connect with other ones, we are passing all FCC tickets valid for travel on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday on any of these days.
"We are advising customers to try and get home early on Monday and wherever possible not to travel on Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Services are likely to remain disrupted until the close of service on Christmas eve.
"We will continue to monitor the forecast and update our customers as the situation develops."

Read more:Bedfordshire News

Escape pod

Need a break over the festive phase? Rellies getting you down? Want off the couch? Check out the Forest Centre opening times

 

Superfast Cranfield?

We are in Phase 2 (see below):  Superfast broadband is due to arrive in Cranfield between October next year and March 2015. CBC in partnership with MK and Beds Borough just announced the roll out of their superfast programme. CBC states:



Around 15,500 homes and business premises in Central Bedfordshire are set to benefit from new superfast broadband infrastructure, it was announced yesterday (Fri, 20 Dec).

The council is on target to deliver high-speed broadband (24Mbps) to approximately 90 per cent of premises in Central Bedfordshire by the end of 2016, with all areas set to receive services of 2 Mbps or more.

The project is a partnership with Bedford Borough and Milton Keynes Councils, BDUK (the Government’s superfast programme) and BT Openreach.

The locations and phases of delivery are now available on the council’s website at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/broadband

The  programme will build on the existing fibre networks already provided by BT’s commercial investment.

Wind turbine application

From Against Cranfield Turbines 

Cranfield Wind Turbine application delayed yet again. Latest statement from FCC advises it will be submitted at the end of January.

Find Against Cranfield Turbines 

on Facebook 

Brrrrrrrr

 

6 pm: This white patch is heading for us...brrrrr

Baxter makes it back

My impression of dogs - they are a hobby for insomniacs as the gate to Broad Green clanks again at 6.30 am or it's the chair of the parish council's dog writhing in anticipation of fresh meat on the other side of her door as I knock. Does Jake listen to her plea for good behaviour? I leave  you to work it out.

Nevertheless it's Christmas and this post is for all my friends in Cranfield who I think the world of and who have dogs of which I do not think a lot. To show there are no hard feelings, here's a heartwarming shaggy dog story. Baxter makes it back 




Baxter makes it back 

Planning apps in Cranfield

New planning applications in for Cranfield include the former Hartwell Alms houses (now sold) viewable at

 Central Beds Planning

and the development at the corner of Lodge Road and the High Street viewable at

Central Beds Planning Lodge Road

Holywell expansion

Item of note for full parish council on Wednesday night.

Report of presentation by Holywell head teacher to parish councillors this month 

Before the meeting started, Mr Haddon updated members on the expansion plans for the school.  The school is moving towards being a 600 pupil school, possibly relocating the library which would be used as a village library. The school needs more land for sport which it is hoped will be a school and village facility.  The aim is to put a village sports hall with a 3-badminton hall and a dance hall – located at the end of the MUGA.  

Skateboard Park proposals

Items of note from the Environment Committee at full parish council on Wednesday night. Please note that these minutes and proposals are subject to confirmation.

^1.            War Memorial Green.   Ben Fay had a meeting with PCllr G Young.  He made suggestions as follows:
1.1.     Plant a hawthorn or laurel hedge
1.2.    take bus shelter out and erect metal fence
1.2.1.    It was agreed that separate meeting is arranged with representatives of the committee so that proposals can be put to the council.   PCllrs R Baker, A Morris and G Young will represent the committee.    ^2.            Skateboard Park.   At the last quarterly surgery, the majority of people asked that the facility goes into the Millennium Park.  The Clerk had contacted CBC and they looked favourably upon the project, indicating that it would give permission for the skate park to be sited there.   However the CBC planning did not look favourably, due to location.   RECOMMENDED that Delise Ball should have a meeting with the planners in the New Year.  

Forever Cranfield

A little bit of Cranfield hast been commemorated in Silsoe according to the Bedford Times and Citizen. It reports that the former site of the National College of Agricultural Engineering was officially recognised in the unveiling of a plaque at Bloor Homes’ Silsoe Grange development last week. The site was an international centre for agricultural engineering and related disciplines subsequently becoming Silsoe College, part of Cranfield University running from 1963-2009. All teaching, research and consultancy work were transferred to the Cranfield Campus of the University in 2009, when the Silsoe site closed.

Bloor Homes welcomed the former staff members to the site, plus Professor Frank Inns the first member of staff after the Principal, to be appointed to the college in 1962, who officially unveiled the plaque on what is now a brand new development by Bloor Homes.


Vanessa Macnee, Sales Director of Bloor Homes said the plaque was a reminder and tribute to the college, preserving the key part of history that happened in Silsoe.

Last parish council meeting for 2013

The meeting is, as usual, at Holywell School

Wednesday, 18th December 2013 at 8.00pm 

BUSINESS TO BE DONE
1. To receive apologies for absence

2. To receive declarations of personal and/or prejudicial interests in any matter

3. To confirm the minutes of the last meeting[s] [copy herewith] Clerks Report

4. Health & Safety

5. Reports from Committees

5.1. General Purposes Committee

5.2. Burial Grounds Committee

5.3. Environment Committee

5.3.1. Polling District Review

5.4. Planning Committee

5.5. Finance & Grants Committee


6. Financial matters and accounts for payment

7. Correspondence

8. Reports from unitary councillors (and any other representative)

8.1. Mount Zion – a report from Peter Meadows


9. Highway matters

CBC shuts down its waste disposal project

The news comes courtesy of Beds on Sunday...read full story at Beds on Sunday

Rookery South Covanta

"AS of last Tuesday there is now no plan in place as to how Central Bedfordshire will dispose of its waste.
The Central Bedfordshire Energy and Recycling project (BEaR) was officially closed down this week after members of the authority’s executive decided to abandon any further attempts to proceed to contract with the final two bidders."

 
 

Green Business Network in Bedfordshire

This could be your business.

 
GBN has been awarded a contract to identify small to medium sized enterprises in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and parts of Cambridgeshire for grant funding of up to 28% of the cost of equipment or installations that enable business growth or environmental improvements.

Qualifying businesses – less than £41 million turnover, fewer than 250 employees, and not more than 25% owned by large companies – can apply to take advantage of the grants on offer from the Grants4Growth scheme on offer from South East Midlands Local Economic Partnership
We will be making contact with those businesses that we know are likely to be interested in grant funding, but others are encouraged to talk to us about the scheme.

GBN will use the referral fees generated from the contract to continue to run the Network to benefit member businesses in the area. If you are interested in knowing more about the Grants4Growth scheme, please contact Jane Varley at GBN on 01234 241411 or email info@gbn-bedfordshire.org.uk


 

Well worth a visit

 

It's great to see  disused or privately owned station buildings on the the Bedford Bletchley Line take on a new lease of life. This looks worth a visit over the holiday period.

Minus one centigrade

CBC ALERT
Full salting run tonight

Temperature to fall to -1°C
Full salting run from 6pm tonight