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Section
Four
Services Policing The steering committee had not originally included a separate section on policing. However, the response to the questionnaire was such that it demonstrated that policing, or the apparent lack of it, was a major concern. We felt that a description of existing cover was necessary in the body of this document as the topic was certainly going to feature in our Action Plan. It is rather ironic that in 1798 Little Marlow boasted one constable. Now, over two hundred years later and with a greater crime rate than the end of the 18th century, we have none; or, at least that is the perception of residents. Police cover in Little Marlow is provided by the Thames Valley Constabulary from its Headquarters in Kiddlington and from bases in Bourne End and Marlow Town. The cover for our Parish is by vehicle and, according to residents, is non-existent. From the sound of sirens on the A4155 it is obvious that they are about, but going to calls elsewhere. The obvious question to ask is “Do we have a crime rate that warrants regular and frequent patrols”. Further analysis will be undertaken to establish an answer to that question. But it is not just the response to an emergency that is uppermost in people’s minds; they also want a police presence to feel comfortable in their homes and safe when about their business on the highways. The results of the questionnaire have shown that feelings of safety and security are absent. Policing
forms a major part of our Action Plan. A meeting with the Police during which Little Marlow Parish Council
expressed their concerns, took place in January 2007. With continuing Government cutbacks the Police simply do not
have the appropriate number of personnel to police the area securely.
In most cases a call out will take up to 45 minutes hence the fears of
the local inhabitants are well founded. This
subject remains ongoing. Fire Station The
“new” Marlow Fire Station relocated from Cambridge Road, Marlow to a
magnificent new building in Parkway, Little Marlow, in August 2005, with the
official opening on 1 October. The
station is also home to Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's Wycombe and
South Bucks Fire Safety Office.
Health Care
The
geographical position of Little Marlow, nestling as it does between the town of
Marlow and the shopping area of Bourne End, means that independent Health Care
would be uneconomical. Both Marlow and Bourne End have adequate medical services
with many General Practitioners operating from Medical Centres. There is a
cottage hospital in Marlow and several dental practices in both Bourne End and
Marlow town. Whilst many other trades have ceased business in the area,
opticians have been seen to flourish with some four or five shops in Marlow High
Street alone! Despite a high
profile petition and publicity campaign the Government have not listened to the
local population and many of the departments at Wycombe hospital have been, or
are in the process of being transferred to Stoke Mandeville Hospital near
Aylesbury. This remains a bone of
contention as the public transport links between High Wycombe and Aylesbury are
poor, the A4010 linking the two towns is one of the most dangerous roads in the
County and an additional concern is the poor standard of hygiene at Stoke
Mandeville itself. People can also
be referred to Wexham Park hospital near Slough. There is an excellent District Nurse service in the village and alternative medicine is well represented in the area plus pharmacists in Bourne End and Marlow. Provision
for the Young and Elderly
The demographic profile of the Parish of Little Marlow shows that our population tends towards the elderly and it might be said that one factor is the prohibitive price of property for first time (and thus, young) buyers. Thus, the addressing the needs of the elderly must form an important aspect of our Parish Plan. The Elderly As with any other age range, the priorities of life are to be housed, to be fed and clothed and to have adequate medical facilities. After these basic necessities have been satisfied, follow the desires to be entertained and to enjoy life. There must also exist a feeling of safety and security. By and large, these qualities are available in the parish. Most of the elderly own their own homes and, whilst we have only one farm shop in the area, food and clothing is available nearby, although it must be appreciated that the paucity of public transport renders the ownership of a car almost a necessity. For those reaching the twilight of their years that might cause a problem. Fortunately, a trend over the past few years of the major grocery stores delivering their wares has made that less of a problem for some. Medical facilities are covered elsewhere (see Health in Section One).
Education Pre-School Groups Pre-school groups meet in both the Pavilion in Little Marlow and at Abbotsbrook Hall. We are fortunate to have two Pre-Schools within the boundaries of Little Marlow. Abbotsbrook
Pre-School is a
privately run group that has been opening its doors to local children aged 2˝ -
5 years for over 40 years. Based in
the picturesque Abbotsbrook Hall the pre-school welcomes up to 24 children each
weekday morning during term time and in recent months has extended its provision
to include a lunch club. The ethos
of the pre-school is ‘learning through play’ - while
our children are playing, they are learning too, through activities that match
their capabilities and enthusiasm. Its
excellent location provides safe opportunities for nature/interest walks through
Abbotsbrook and the spacious hall allows room to provide a large range of
equipment and toys to enable all the children to access a wide curriculum.
Primary
Schools There
are two Primary or First schools. Little Marlow Church of England School was started in 1861 when it catered for children in the 5 to 12 years age range. It is now a C of E aided First School taking children from 4-7 years, fully subscribed with a waiting list. The school has recently received good SIAS and OFSTED Reports.
Little
Marlow Church of England School Clayton’s
school started in Bourne End in 1896 and moved to Wendover Road in and takes
children from 3 to 11 years.
Secondary
Education Whilst
there is no direct provision for secondary education within the parish of Little
Marlow, there are adequate facilities very close by in adjacent areas. There are
secondary schools in Marlow, Bourne End & Wycombe.
Sport
& Recreation
Even though the surrounding areas (Wycombe, Marlow & Bourne End) have some excellent sports and recreational facilities, Little Marlow Parish can boast a few facilities not available elsewhere. The Country Park The water filling of the pits left by gravel extraction that had taken place throughout the 20th Century has resulted in a number of lakes alongside the Thames. In particular, Spade Oak Lake, now a nature reserve, attracts a wide variety of waterfowl and ornithologists have recorded more than 200 bird species. In addition, a community of the endangered water vole is now in the area. The park is well served by footpaths and several bridges have been refurbished.
Spade
Oak Lake Sailing Sailing and boating are two major attractions along the Thames and clubs cater very well for aquatic enthusiasts.
Sailing
on the River Thames Cricket
Club If one is talking of sport in Little Marlow, the Cricket Club must not be overlooked. We have recently upgraded the pavilion facilities and now enjoy first class accommodation. The club plays in local leagues and new members are welcome.
Little
Marlow Cricket Club – a ‘home’ game Summary - Introduction - Section 1 - Section 2 - Section 3 - Section 4 - Section 5 - Section 6 - Section 7
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03/07/2007 WebWork by Jonathan |
