Flytipping doesn’t only affect farmers. People with no thought for others tip rubbish all over the place, on community open spaces, roadsides and in ditches.

But farmers do suffer hugely from this anti social crime and this Easter it is the focus of the National Farmer’s Union Love Your Countryside campaign.

In England alone during 2012-2013 there were 711,000 incidents of flytipping, with a case occurring every 44 seconds.

It has been estimated that two thirds of farmers are affected. Items routinely dumped include old fridges, chairs, mattresses, tyres and contaminated waste, with farmers and landowners left to pay the clean-up bill.

I enjoy walking around the area where we live and it appals me, especially during the winter months when the hedgerows and ditches are bare, to see the amount and variety of litter discarded, presumably by motorists who drive by and throw their rubbish out of the window.

There are items such as drink cans, CDs, shoes, bottles and general paper waste.

I shall never forget the day I was walking home and was just a few feet away from the entrance to our farm.

A large people carrier pulled to a stop at the top of our lane.

The window on the passenger side was wound down and the passenger lifted two carrier bags out of the window, turned them upside down, tipped the contents onto the top of our lane, dropped the bags and then drove off.

As I stood open mouthed watching this, the driver gave me a V sign.

I think that just about sums up the mentality of people who carry out flytipping.

I must admit that one aspect of leading a team that is not my strength is taking the right moments to celebrate any achievements and to lock in the feeling of a job well done.

My own mind set is always to switch straight away to the next challenge or get stuck in to the next problem on the list.

The problem is, if you are not too careful life can become a series of problems without the joy and sense of achievement that drives us on to try and get that feeling again.

Worse, it will demoralise the team.

Celebration comes in many forms and can be as little as a knowing smile between, or a pat on the back or saying “thanks”.

It could be recognition of some sort by celebrating a team member of the month or writing to a supplier who has just gone the extra mile.

Last week at an awayday with all the 20-30yr olds in my company discussing what we would like to become, other than the usual well paid input, the two overwhelming winners were a sense of pride and recognition of a job well done.

One of the best ways to celebrate success is to enter the entire team for a business award, as many have done for the Bucks Business Awards this year, which will be announced on 15 May at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury.

The shortlisted candidates, business leaders and companies from across Buckinghamshire will gather to enjoy a sparkling reception and three course dinner, while networking with some of the most successful and forward thinking business leaders and entrepreneurs in the county.

Companies up for awards this year span the entire county and include Brain Tumour Research Trust and Nipperbout from Buckingham, Kim Lloyd of UGG Foods in Long Crendon, as well as Helen & Douglas House, Chiltern Brewery, Enterprise Marketing Solutions, and Caron Vetter of The Belmore, all from Aylesbury.

Whether or not your team wins they will remember you were proud enough to enter them, will enjoy a great night of out with winners, and will have taken a moment to lock in the feeling of success.

The rest of us are left with the empty thought “I coulda been a contender…”

Note to self– must enter the Bucks Business Awards next year.

My guys deserve it.

Pupils, teachers and parents pulled on their wellies to help prepare a vegetable patch for their school.

St Mary’s School in Haddenham is part of a Jamie Oliver kitchen garden project and with free school meals and curriculum changes in September, food education is taking a prominent role.

So a group of 30 got stuck in with their spades and forks last week to prepare the patch in its field.

With the help of caretaker Barry Poutney and outdoor learning coordinator Emily Jarvis, the patch was soon ready for planting.

Speaking at the dig, headteacher Karen Collett said: “We have potatoes planted at the minute but we are going to have all sorts.

“We want a real variation to properly teach the children about where the food comes from.”

The Aston Road school is preparing for the autumn launch of universal free school meals – for children in reception, year one and year two.

It will save parents about £400 a year per child.

Mrs Collett said: “We’re taking it by the horns and we want to do it properly here with the right ethics and in line with the school food plan.

“The whole idea is that the children learn where the food comes from. Grow it, cook it, and eat it in our school meals.

“But we needed a vegetable patch to do that. We do have three small beds but we needed something bigger.”

Mrs Collett secured the school’s place on Jamie Oliver’s scheme after she met a speaker for the chef’s food foundation at a school food plan conference in Greenwich.

She said: “Through her I got a contact to become one of the pilot schools.

“So we are digging the beds to allow us to grow the vegetables and hopefully in September use them as part of our school meals.”

“You know what it is I love about being Spider-Man? Everything!”

Get ready because The Amazing Spider-Man is back, swinging in for more comic book big screen adventures – and this time the stakes have been raised considerably.

In the familiar spidey suit once again Andrew Garfield is an absolute joy as he nails the dual role superbly, so watchable that it is only when he has to deal with a host of new villains that things oddly lose their way a little.

Love interest Gwen Stacy (a blonde Emma Stone) also returns and the two leads sizzle with genuine chemistry that gives the film a solid beating heart.

But it’s just not easy to hold down a serious relationship while being on full time city saving superhero duty and, like many super dudes before him, Spidey has to take steps to protect his girl (as he promised her now dead father) and follow his heart.

As a super-powered love story The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a treat for the senses – you’d be a cynic indeed not to love his Banksy-style web graffiti declaration of love.

Alas, it’s not all good news. New lead baddie Electro (Jamie ‘Django Unchained’ Foxx) is more annoying than menacing and he hogs screen time that would be better served profiling new Hob Goblin (Dane ‘Chronicle’ DeHaan) who actually could be an awesome nemesis if developed in the next movie, and the ‘Sinister Six’ offshoot which is mooted. Another stumble is Paul Giamatti who is wasted as the Rhino, a kind of uninspired bumbling mech rather than a mutant creature.

The special effects work well, though, web-swinging has never looked better or more fun and the Oscorp special projects lab makes full use of a cupboard full of superhero CGI tricks.

Also good to see is the small scale interactions that keep Spidey busy, which include helping a nerd who has bully issues, which has a welcome pay off in the last scene.

But however hard director Marc Webb and his team try, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 just isn’t as ‘amazing’ as the first of this rebooted franchise.

Yes, there is lots of promise for the next part – not least in introducing Felicia (Felicity ‘Cemetery Junction’ Jones), who could become his ‘Catwoman alike’ Black Cat.

But then ‘The Adequate Spiderman’ might be more accurate, but isn’t as enticing as a title.

Find out what’s going on in your street...

APPLICATIONS

14/00987/APP BEDGROVE

Single storey side, two storey side and rear and single storey rear extension and front porch. 53 Limes Avenue HP21 7HD. Mr and Mrs P Knowler.

14/00953/APP MANDEVILLE AND ELM FARM

Removal of existing conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension including new pitched roof to side extension. 5 Westminster Drive HP21 7LS. Mr and Mrs Bird.

14/00734/HPDE SOUTHCOURT

The erection of a rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 6m, for which the maximum height would be 4m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.8m. 45 Prebendal Avenue HP21 8HZ. Mr Wasim Altaf.

14/00874/HPDE SOUTHCOURT

The erection of a rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 6m, for which the maximum height would be 4m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 2.8m. 47 Prebendal. Avenue HP21 8HZ. Mr Ashtaf Altaf.

14/01034/ACC ASTON CLINTON

Installation of two prefabricated containers to house biomass heating systems, fuel store and associated service land for access and underground pipework. Green Park Centre Green Park Stablebridge Road Aston Clinton HP22 5NE. County Council .

14/00981/APP ASTON CLINTON

Conversion of timber storage building to form residential dwelling (amendment to 13/01446/APP). Stables Chivery Aston Clinton . Mr Stephen Roberts

14/00999/ATP CHILTON

Remove to source x 2 lower laterals of one Sycamore tree adjacent to garage for clearance. Signpost Cottage Brill Road Chilton HP18 9LU. Mr Baker

14/01022/ATC CHILTON

Section of one Abies (tree) to fell to ground level. Signpost Cottage Brill Road Chilton HP18 9LU. Mr Baker

14/01016/APP CUDDINGTON

Two storey rear extension and single storey side extension incorporating existing store room and insertion of rooflights. Prospect Cottage Lower Church Street Cuddington HP18 0AS. Mr Andy Baillie

14/01017/ALB CUDDINGTON

Demolition of outbuilding and construction of two storey rear with insertion of rooflight and single storey side extension. New windows and internal alterations. Prospect Cottage Lower Church Street Cuddington HP18 0AS . Mr Andy Baillie

14/00832/APP GRENDON UNDERWOOD

Removal of Condition 9 on planning permission 12/00493/APP to enable use of the carport to include storage. 2 The Ridings Grendon Underwood HP18 0DG . Mr Mathew Perry

14/00990/APP GRENDON UNDERWOOD

Removal of Condition 3 to not carry on landscaping scheme and Condition 7 to stop up access in front of no. 3 The Ridings on planning permission 12/00493/APP. 2 and 3 The Ridings Grendon Underwood HP18 0SL. Mr Matthew Perry

14/00962/APP GRENDON UNDERWOOD

Extension to existing workshop building for the storage of hay. The Barn Bicester Road Kingswood. Mr Keith White

14/00950/APP HADDENHAM

Conversion of existing integral garage into living accommodation and change of roof from flat to pitch roof over garage and front porch. 13 Dovecote Haddenham HP17 8BP. Mrs Karen Ingrams

14/00954/ATC HADDENHAM

Fell and grind one Mulberry tree. Church Farm House 13 Church End Haddenham HP17 8AE. Mr Camilla Butler Blaise Enterprises

14/01003/APP HADDENHAM

Change of use of outbuilding from B1 (Office) to C3 (Residential) to provide separate dwelling including alteration to external elevations, erection of side extension and detached car port. Scotsgrove Farm Aylesbury Road Scotsgrove OX9 3RX. Mr Michael Ludgate

14/00823/AGN IVINGHOE

Erection of agricultural building for storage of straw and hay. Buckmaster Farm Horton Road Horton. Mr Christopher Carnell CJ and GR Carnell

14/00982/APP IVINGHOE

Replacement of existing conservatory. The Old Forge 5 High Street Ivinghoe LU7 9EP. Mr Brian Rogers

14/00988/AGN LONG CRENDON

Erection of agricultural building for storage of straw. Reddings Farm Sandy Lane Long Crendon HP18 9ED. Mr John H Rixon

14/00409/APP MENTMORE

Two storey side extension, new porch to front & insertion of 4 new windows to front & 2 to rear to existing dwelling. Spinney Cottage Mentmore LU7 0QG. Mr and Mrs Adam Goran

14/00808/APP MENTMORE

External alterations including replacement roof coverings, replacement of mono pitched roof with hipped slate roof, new and relocated roof lights and lanterns, new roof access safety systems, creation of new window openings, and part excavation to provide swimming pool in connection with the continued use as a residential institution. Mentmore Towers Mentmore LU7 0QH. Mentmore Towers Limited

14/00819/ATC MURSLEY

Remove one Lawson’s Cypress tree. 7 The Lane Mursley MK17 0RY . Mr Sean O’Mahony

14/00871/APP MURSLEY

Erection of stable block. Land Adjacent To Mursley Water Tower Whaddon Road Mursley. Mr and Mrs D Naprous

14/00965/APP QUAINTON

Removal of existing single storey rear extension. Erection of single storey rear extension with sedum flat roof and three rooflights. 67 North End Road Quainton HP22 4BG. Mr and Mrs Mark Smith

14/01033/APP QUAINTON

Change of use of land from agricultural to residential use and erection of double garage. Railway Cottage Doddershall Quainton. Mr Michael Puttick

14/00495/ALB SOULBURY

Excavate internal ground floor up to 400mm and rebuild kitchen fireplace and install new beam. 5 High Road Soulbury LU7 0BT. Mr Stewart Peak

14/00751/APP SOULBURY

Erection of an enclosed entrance canopy. Rushmere Country Park Bragenham Lane Soulbury LU7 0EE. Greensands Trust

14/00989/APP STOKE MANDEVILLE

First floor side and rear extension with front and rear dormer windows. 29 Ligo Avenue Stoke Mandeville HP22 5TY. Mr Nick and Mrs Liz Tegg

14/00722/APP STONE BISHOPSTONE AND HARTWELL

Retention of wooden shed to front. 24 Eythrope Road Stone HP17 8PG . Mr Brian Strong

14/01001/ATP STONE BISHOPSTONE AND HARTWELL

Reduce one lime tree by 30%. 20 Creslow Way Stone HP17 8YW. Mr Robert Brown

14/01052/ATC STONE BISHOPSTONE AND HARTWELL

Crown reduce one purple prunus and one lilac. 62 Bishopstone Bishopstone HP17 8SH. Mr William Gamble

14/01036/ATCWEEDON

Fell three Abies (fir). Shawfield 18 Stockaway Weedon HP22 4NL. Mrs Bates

14/00870/APP WENDOVER

Single storey side/rear extension, lean-to roof structure over existing single storey extension and covered way at side. Rothley London Road Wendover HP22 6PN. Mr and Mrs M Tomlins

14/00932/APP WENDOVER

Erection of a detached dwelling with associated car parking and landscaping with access from existing rear private drive. Land At 11 Manor Crescent Wendover HP22 6HH . Mr and Mrs D Haywood

14/00951/APP WENDOVER

Single storey rear and side extension attached to existing garage. 19 The Cedars Wendover HP22 6LW. Mr and Mrs A Morris

14/01042/ATP WENDOVER

Fell three ash trees (T19, 20 & 21). 16 Bridleways Wendover HP22 6DN. Mr Trevor Donald

14/00911/APP WESTON TURVILLE

Removal of existing garage; two storey side and rear extensions; part single storey rear extension with balcony over. 112 Wendover Road Weston Turville HP22 5TE. Miss Mandy Osborne

14/01050/ATC WESTON TURVILLE

Raise tree canopy of one Sycamore tree in neighbouring garden to gain 6metres clearance over garden at no. 22. Reduce one Sycamore tree height and spread by between 1 and 2 metres. Remove three Sycamore trees and one Ash tree. Caen Cottage 22 Church Lane Weston Turville HP22 5SQ. Mrs Penny Gudge

14/00969/APP WHITCHURCH

Erection of 4 dwellings between 29 Bushmead Road and Orchard and Old Quary Barns with associated parking and landscaping. Land Between Old Quarry Barn And 29 Bushmead Road Whitchurch HP22 4LG. Mr Phillip Hughes

14/01002/ATC WINGRAVE WITH ROWSHAM

Fell one hawthorn and crown reduce one hawthorn by 25-30%. 6 Leighton Road Wingrave HP22 4PA. Mrs Blood

14/00974/APP WOTTON UNDERWOOD

Siting of mobile home (retrospective). The Lodge Kingswood Lane Wotton Underwood HP18 9FY. Mr Giovanni Piacquadio.

WITHDRAWN

14/00465/APP GATEHOUSE

Part single, part two storey side and rear extension. 1 Berryfield Road HP19 9LZ. Mr Talib Hussain

14/00512/APP QUAINTON

Raising roof of existing dwelling and construction of 3 dormer windows to front and rear and first floor side extension over existing single storey element. 22 North End Road Quainton HP22 4BD. Mr K Collins

14/00336/ALB WENDOVER

Demolition & replacement of existing staircase, bricking up of one window and replacement of two other windows. Replacement of existing ground floors with concrete, and waterproof lining of internal and external walls and first floor ceiling, to remedy damp penetration. 9 Pound Street Wendover HP22 6EJ. Mr Andrew Robson. C/O Lionel Abel-Smith Trust.

DECISIONS

12/02008/APP CENTRAL

Conversion and extension of former offices to provide 50 residential apartments including parking, cycle storage and plant room. 4 Great Western Street Aylesbury HP20 2TW. Mr Russell Legg. Decision: Approved

14/00224/APP BEDGROVE

Two storey side extension. 11 Staveley Close Aylesbury HP21 8DB. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00350/APP COLDHARBOUR

Single storey side extension. 3 Drake Close HP21 8FX

Mr S Parry. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00260/APP ELMHURST AND WATERMEAD

Two storey side and front extension. 91 Elmhurst Road HP20 2AF. Mr Nadeem. Decision: Householder Refusal

14/00392/ACL MANDEVILLE AND ELM FARM

Single storey side extension and insertion of rooflight in existing roof. 8 Mandeville Road HP21 8AA. Mr and Mrs Hart. Decision: Certificate Issued - Propose Dev’t

14/00411/AAD QUARRENDON

One internally and externally illuminated totem sign. The Cotton Wheel PH Jackson Road HP19 9BF. Green King Ltd . Decision: Advert Consent

14/00489/APP BIERTON WITH BROUGHTON

Single storey side extension incorporating conversion of garage into living accommodation. 6 Grendon Way Bierton HP22 5DD. Mr Sergio Anna. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00548/ATC CHEARSLEY

Fell one Silver Birch tree. Chearsley House Church Lane Chearsley HP18 0DF. Mr Paul Brown. Decision: Proceed with works - Trees

14/00292/APP CHILTON

Demolition of single-storey side extension, erection of two-storey side extension, addition of decking to side of extended dwelling, single storey rear extension incorporating catslide roof and dormer window and single storey front extension, 5 Easington Lane Long Crendon. Mr and Mrs L Pearson. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00358/APP CUDDINGTON

Demolition and replacement of existing wall between the dwelling and garage. Erection of conservatory incorporating link to existing garage. 7 Aylesbury Road Cuddington HP18 0BD. Mr and Mrs George Salomone. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00752/AGN DINTON FORD AND UPTON

Provision of new field access and track

Chestnut Farm Ford Road Dinton HP17 8UG. Mr M Knight. Decision: Agric - proceed with works

14/00324/APP DRAYTON PARSLOW

Erection of agricultural building

Ridge Farm Main Road Drayton Parslow MK17 0LJ. M L A Ward. Decision: Approved

14/00351/APP EDLESBOROUGH, NORTHALL & DAGNALL

Erection of four bay cart shed to provide two covered car parking spaces each for the Bungalow and Plot 1 barn conversion (amendment to approved Reserved Matters application 13/01705/ADP). Manor Farm Pebblemoor Edlesborough LU6 2HZ. Mr J McCann. McCann Homes (MK) Limited. Decision: Approved

14/00363/APP EDLESBOROUGH, NORTHALL & DAGNALL

Removal of Condition 2 of planning permission 93/00223/APP - relating to demolition or alteration of any existing building or part of any existing building. The Stables Home Farm Leighton Road Northall LU6 2HA. Mr and Mrs Seward. Decision: Approved

14/00294/APP GRENDON UNDERWOOD

Removal of existing conservatory and replacement with part two storey, part single storey side extension and insertion of a solar light tube on existing roof. Broadway House Broadway Grendon Underwood HP18 0SY. Mr Christopher Gilbert. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00517/ATC GRENDON UNDERWOOD

Reduce by 30% of one Ash tree; Fell one Horse Chestnut tree, one Leyland Cypress tree and one Purple Leaf plum tree. Butlers Farm Main Street. Mr Simeon Coney. Decision: Trees – Proceed with works

14/00057/APP HADDENHAM

Demolition of existing garage and replacement with two storey side extension. 24 Dovecote Haddenham HP17 8BP. Mr and Mrs Akerman. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00248/APP HADDENHAM

Demolition of existing detached garage and erection of one detached dwelling with new access. 9 Roberts Road Haddenham HP17 8HH. Miss Nicola Honer. Decision: Approved

14/00270/ACL HADDENHAM

Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for the erection of single storey side extension with two rooflights. 2 Long Wall Haddenham. Mr P Wylie. Decision: Certificate Issued – Proposed Development

14/00391/APP HADDENHAM

First floor rear extension over existing single storey rear extension. 84 Sheerstock Haddenham HP17 8EX. Mr Alan Fuller. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00406/APP HADDENHAM

Demolition of existing garage and replacement with single storey front extension with new porch. 19 Rudds Lane Haddenham HP17 8JP. Mr Sean Trafford. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00566/ATC HADDENHAM

Fell one hawthorn. St Marys Church Church End Haddenham HP17 8EJ. Roseanne Ward. Decision: Proceed with works - Trees

14/00403/APP NETHER WINCHENDON

Conversion of south side of the barn to living accommodation with the addition of 2 rooflights and a new single window to the south elevation; single storey link with two rooflights to existing West Barn and conversion of barn to living accommodation. The West Barn Marsh Farm Winchendon Ridge Road Lower Winchendon HP18 0EB. Mr Peter Bullock. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00255/APP LUDGERSHALL

Demolition of existing outbuilding. Erection of two storey rear extension. Willow Cottage The Green Ludgershall HP18 9NZ. Mr and Mrs Burchell. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00282/ATP MURSLEY

30% Crown reduction and 20% Crown thinning of No.1 Sycamore. First House The Beechams Mursley MK17 0RX. Mrs C Peat. Decision: Consent Refused - TPO

14/00286/ATP MURSLEY

Fell No 1Sycamore. White Gates Cottage 2 Church Lane Mursley MK17 0RS. Mrs Sarah Dolder. Decision: Consent Granted - TPO

14/00287/ATC MURSLEY

Fell No.3 Leylandi and No.2 Holly Trees, 20% Reduction Silver Birch and Holly Tree and works No.3 Leylandi. White Gates Cottage 2 Church Lane Mursley MK17 0RS. Mrs Sarah Dolder. Decision: Proceed with works - Trees

14/00291/APP MURSLEY

Erection of detached two storey dwelling with garage. Brook Cottage 8 Church Lane Mursley MK17 0RS. Mr P West. Woburn Project Management LTD T/A Signature Homes. Decision: Approved

14/00312/APP MURSLEY

Single Storey Side Extension. Spring Grove Barn Station Road Mursley MK17 0PJ . Mr and Mrs Baxter . Decision: Householder Approval

14/00576/ATC MURSLEY

Fell No.2 Sycamore, No.2 Holly and No.1 Ash, No.1 Lime Tree and trees marked in G2. St Marys House 5 Main Street Mursley MK17 0RT. Mrs J Pallister. Decision: Proceed with works - Trees

14/00423/APP PITSTONE

Demolition of existing side extension and replacement with two storey side extension and replacement single storey rear extension(Amendment to planning permission 13/01560/APP). 82 Vicarage Road Pitstone LU7 9EY. Mr Justin Harwood. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00258/APP QUAINTON

Demolition of existing rear conservatory. Erection of single storey rear with two rooflights and side extension with two rooflights. 56 Upper Street Quainton HP22 4BA. Mr and Mrs Robert Brown. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00439/ATC QUAINTON

Crown thinning of one Apple tree by approximately 20%. 10 The Green Quainton. Mrs Elizabeth Kehoe. Decision: Trees – Proceed with works

14/00296/ATC SOULBURY

Height reduction No.1 Poplar and remove Pine. Close Cottage Church Lane Soulbury LU7 0BU. Mr Storey. Decision: Proceed with works - Trees

14/00417/APP SOULBURY

Demolition of existing cottage and erection of a detached dwelling. Butlers Cottage Liscombe Park Soulbury LU7 0GF. Sir Nicholas Bonsor. Decision: Approved

13/03186/APP STEEPLE CLAYDON

Single storey rear extension. Sturmer 3 Claydon Hill Farm Barns Claydon Hill Steeple Claydon MK18 2EN. Mrs Helen Low. Decision: Householder Refusal

14/00354/APP STOKE MANDEVILLE

Two storey, single storey and first floor side and rear extension and new pitched roof over existing flat roof front projection and garage. 12 Hughenden Green Stoke Mandeville HP21 9EB . Mr and Mrs S Thomas. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00334/APP STONE BISHOPSTONE & HARTWELL

Change of use of land to residential use and erection of 2 detached houses with a detached shared four bay garage/carport and new access (amendment to planning permission 13/02562/APP. Land Adj 42 Bishopstone Road Stone. Decision: Trees – Proceed with works

14/00221/APP WADDESDON

Single storey rear extension and second floor rear roof extension, and change of use of part of the ground floor from C3 to an A3 (Restaurants and Cafes) use (Amendment to planning permission 13/02002/APP. 94 High Street Waddesdon HP18 0JD. Decision: Approved

14/00029/APP WENDOVER

Erection of detached car port and store. 94 Ellesborough Road Wendover HP22 6EW . Mr and Mrs Forgham. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00342/ATP WENDOVER

2.5m overall crown reduction of one maple tree Kookaburra. 31B Aylesbury Road Wendover HP22 6JG. Mrs Marshall. Decision: Consent Granted - TPO

14/00140/APP WESTON TURVILLE

Erection of single storey rear extension and front porch. 152 Weston Road Aston Clinton HP22 5EP. Mr and Mrs Stols. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00399/ATP WESTON TURVILLE

Remove limb of one Field Maple overhanging footpath & rear boundary of No.5 Flaxen Field and remove stem overhanging rear garden and boundary to 31B Church Lane. 5 Flaxen Field Weston Turville HP22 5GJ. Mr and Mrs K M Bottomley. Decision: Consent Granted - TPO

14/00459/APP WINSLOW

Single storey side and rear extension. 30 Offas Lane Winslow MK18 3JS. Mr and Mrs R Hunt. Decision: Householder Approval

14/00604/APP WINSLOW

Two storey side extension. 2 Offas Lane Winslow MK18 3JS. Mr K Glass. Decision: Householder Approval

Whether we like it or not, social media and constant access via smart phones are part of our children’s lives.

For many parents comprehending 21st Century teenage communication can be a real challenge. However making an effort to understand how it works by getting involved is far better than burying your head in the sand.

Setting up your own Facebook page and asking your teen to explain how to use it can be a good way to start.

If they are experiencing problems with peers, getting into mischief or sharing the wrong sort of information or pictures, you are far more likely to come across issues early, if you are involved yourself.

Choose your battles carefully.

The aim is to build their trust so they are careful with what they say as they know you are there in the background, but they don’t choose to shut you out altogether.

Sharing and joining in presents parents with opportunities to discuss peer pressure, relationships, protecting your digital footprint and considering the potential damage pictures and posts could do to future university and job applications.

Understanding and choosing the privacy and notification settings carefully means there are fewer concerns about who you are sharing personal information with. Safety online is paramount and agreeing rules about what personal information is safe to share is crucial.

Acting on impulse through social media is rarely a good idea.

Think before you post is a good lesson for life, much the same as think before you speak.

Encourage the habit of reading through carefully before posting and taking a moment to thing about whether anything could be mis-understood or mis-interpreted by others either now or in the future.

Once out there, taking it back is tricky and the consequences for both yourself and others may be serious and long-term.

Like it or not, communication via smart phone and social media is here to stay.

Embrace it and get involved. You never know, you may even enjoy it and have some fun yourself.

April the tenth turned out to be a red letter day heralding the year ahead.

Yes, it was my sister Pauline’s birthday – perhaps her present to Tiggys was the overfull day sheet of casualties.

It was the first time this year that the numbers taken in overflowed the front page with 29 casualties.

Over the page which should not happen until later in May were two more bringing the total to thirty one.

That is why we are here. Is this a portent of the summer to come.

And a bit worrying is that some animals were brought from outside our area.

Gloucestershire, Milton Keynes, Hemel Hempstead, a swan from Banbury, a hedgehog from Wexham, Northampton and even Glastonbury.

Why worry?

I do worry when it seems there is no help for wild animal casualties in those areas.

What a list?

And now another list: 3x fox cubs, 9x baby pigeons and doves, 4x wood mouse orphans, the swan, 5x baby blackbirds, 3x finches, a duck, 2x rabbits and, as to be expected, 3x hedgehogs.

Bored?

Sorry.

One particular baby blackbird had a serious injury.

Somehow a cat had caught hold of him and broken his wing.

Our priority when a bird is caught by a cat is to treat the victim with antibiotics to counter that virulent bacteria, Pasteurella multocida, that every mammal, even us humans carry in our bites.

We are used to coping with bird fractures.

Our vet inserted an intramedullary pin into the broken bone.

Back in the bird nursery Hector soon resumed his begging for food.

Normal baby bird behaviour.

Sorry about the lists.

There is a thriving performing arts and film-making community in Aylesbury according to a man who is aiming to shine a spotlight on it.

David Pustansky, who has lived in Aylesbury for over 20 years, has worked as an actor, presenter, director and writer during a varied career.

He is now aiming to use his expertise in these fields in his latest project entitled ‘Lights Camera Aylesbury’.

During this project he will be creating six short films and a documentary about the performing arts and film-making community in Aylesbury.

David said: “I have received some funding from Aylesbury Town Council and the Aylesbury Vale Arts Council to run a programme to support the development of the performing arts here.

“We are aiming to get as many groups involved as possible in this project which will act as a great means of networking and connecting the performing arts community.”

David, 28, who lives in Southcourt always knew he wanted to pursue a career within the arts.

He studied drama and media at Aylesbury College.

Career highs include singing as part of a crowd on a film starring Judi Dench, a role which he was given after undertaking auditions at Southcourt Community Centre.

He also produced a short comedy film based on BBC TV series Red Dwarf, which went on to feature on the DVD release of the seventh series of the sitcom.

David has also starred in a version of the pantomime Cinderella, covered various entertainment events for whatculture.com and written, directed and starred in the feature film ‘Awoken.’

He is now turning his attention towards showcasing the performing arts community within the town, and he said there are many ways that people can get involved.

He said: “I am currently casting actors and crew for the project and I am also looking to interview representatives of local performing arts groups to raise awareness of the activities they are doing.”

Full details on the project are available at www.aylesburyperformingarts.co.uk or to get involved e-mail David directly at dpustansky@googlemail.com.

A 100mph speedster and a driver using the pavement to protect his alloy car wheels have been caught on the roads as part of a crackdown on reckless driving.

With Princes Risborough’s Neighbourhood Action Group stepping up its monitoring of two problem roads - Longwick Road and Wycombe Road - drivers are being caught by temporary radar equipment.

Drivers are then sent a warning in the post from police and if they are caught three times, they face prosecution.

Recent examples have included a young driver who drove his BMW on the pavement of Longwick Road at more than 40mph to protect his alloys from getting wet in a puddle.

Also caught on Longwick Road - a 30mph zone - was a man travelling at more than 100mph late at night between furniture manufacturer Hypnos and Wellington Avenue.

A pair of vehicle activated signs are being moved between roads and are in place for seven days at each spot while portable signs are in place outside schools to reduce the speed of drivers.

The action group is made up of volunteers from Risborough businesses, schools, churches and councillors.

Chairman of the group Mandy Dormer, who saw the driver use the footpath when she was on watch, said: “It is quite fortunate that no one was on the pavement at the time. He should really have slowed down and waited to pull out on to the other side of the road instead of going around the puddle.

“Obviously we are concerned about speeding in general but in particular when schools are kicking out. It’s the subject we receive most correspondence about so we have made it our number one priority.

“But we would like volunteers to come forward to help us with the community speed watch programme and for people in the town to take ownership of the roads they perceive to be a problem.”

If you would like to volunteer to help keep the roads in Risborough safe, email prisboroughnag@gmail.com

Our home should be a place where we can truly feel ourselves and show off our style and taste - but millions of us are living in someone else’s property, with all the limitations that imposes.

Tenants have to cope with decor choices that aren’t theirs and landlords’ rules on what they can and cannot do to rooms. To add to the frustration - especially for decor divas - current spiralling house prices mean it could be years before many can make the giant financial leap onto the property ladder.

After living in 12 rented homes, Joanna Thornhill knows exactly what it’s like to “have a sinking heart as you look at wallpaper that doesn’t appeal and furniture that’s seen better days, and to be unable to make even basic cosmetic alterations”.

She has come to the rescue with her new book, Home For Now, which bursts with inspiring ideas, practical advice, projects and tips to transform rooms without breaking the rules or busting the budget. It’s just as suitable for those who are nesting temporarily in their first-bought house or flat, before investing in their ‘forever’ home.

“I’ve found through personal experience and through visiting a range of homes for the book, that rather than feeling burdened by the challenges of living in a place that cannot really be changed, it’s possible to be empowered by those circumstances.

“Underwhelming or disheartening spaces can be transformed with a bit of creativity, imagination and a minimal outlay. Small changes, easy DIY projects and a little reorganisation can make a space you’ll truly love that you’ll be proud to call home.”

Follow her suggestions for rescuing rented spaces, and you’ll find you don’t want your tenancy to end!

Boring walls - especially in an unappealing shade - can really impact on the atmosphere of a home. “Don’t be daunted, with a little thinking outside the box there’s no reason why patterned walls can’t be a part of any home, without breaking any of your tenancy rules,” says Thornhill.

She suggests: Hide hideous walls by cladding a large freestanding board in wooden planks, or simply use a trompe l’oeil woodprint wallpaper. B&Q’s vinyl Wood Effect Wallpaper in Brown by Lutece, £14.98, looks like planks (www.diy.com).

If the walls are plain but boring and there’s a paper you love, try suspending one roll as a single drop by hanging it from a trouser or wire hanger secured with clothes pins or simply a couple of tacks at the top.

Tactic tip: A tenancy agreement may stipulate that you cannot make changes to your home, but if there’s a specific task you feel needs doing you could approach the landlord to ask if you can do it yourself. For instance: one wall may be shabby or in a garish colour and you could paint it and then promise to return to the original colour when your tenancy ends, if they wish.

Pictures and photos instantly personalise a space but hanging these up can be a problem if the landlord will object to potential damage of walls from hooks and nails.

“Removable wall stickers, and increasingly, removable murals and even wallpapers have risen in popularity in recent years,” says Thornhill.

“They’re also perfect for commitment-phobes because they can simply be peeled off, leaving no trace when no longer required. Picture hanging strips, instead of nails, could mean less, or no, damage to walls.”

She suggests: Make the most of paint leftovers or tester pots and create your own inexpensive artwork with a cheap canvas. Dab on different colours to create an abstract pattern, or echo colours which are already featured in the room. Lean against a wall on a shelf or centre-stage on a mantel, or use to cover up an ugly fireplace.

Small cardboard gift boxes glued together create a display space, and are the perfect spot to show off lightweight items. Line each box with colourful paper offcuts and attach to a wall with removable picture-hanging strips.

Removable wall stickers and murals are available from companies such as Stickers Wall (www.stickerswall.com); Command’s range of adhesive picture hooks and hanging strips available from supermarkets and stores including Homebase (www.homebase.co.uk). NB: Always do a patch test before embarking on a project to ensure the surface is suitable.

Tactic tip: If you plan on staying in the property for a while, use this as a bargaining tool. Tell the landlord how keen you are to make it feel like home as you are likely to stay longer if you can make minor alterations. No landlord wants a property lying empty or the constant expense and hassle of advertising for tenants and vetting them, and so may be willing to bend the rules to retain a long-term tenant.

Small spaces mean storage is vital but as a tenant, spending thousands on bespoke fitted storage that you’d leave behind if you move is unlikely to be an option, says Thornhill.“Luckily, with clever planning and savvy shopping it’s possible to marry the aesthetic and the practical into one happy union,” she says.

“It’s no coincidence that the trend for painted furniture coincided with the last big recession. Think of it as your interiors secret weapon, ready to turn even the most dated and dull furniture into something more appealing, rather than simply hitting the shops for something new.”

She suggests: Convert a redundant wardrobe into an armoire by adding shelves inside and, if the furniture is yours, paint it (if wooden, sand and prime first) in a striking shade to make it a feature.

Alternatively, cover doors with self-adhesive chalkboard sheets so it works as a place for messages and shopping lists. Amazon has a selection of blackboard sheets and a roll of Magic Black Board paper is £21.24 for a pack of 10 A1 sheets.

Create a handy storage space for everyday crockery on a counter top by using a simple fruit crate. Add cup hooks inside and use the top for extra items. Old, vintage suitcases make a great makeshift table; stack a few together for a coffee table and if they’re scruffy give them a blitz with spraypaint to transform them into a matching set.

Tactic tip: Adjustable shelving can be a great solution for rentals. If your landlord is reluctant to put up shelving for you, see if you can get permission to install it on the basis it could be customised for future tenants. Always ask for permission before making any changes outside of the rules of your rental agreement, however minor, otherwise you could be in breach of the terms of your contract.

Home For Now by Joanna Thornhill is published by CICO, priced £16.99. Available to readers for £11.99 (inc p&p). Visit www.cicobooks.co.uk or call 01256 302 699 quoting ref GLR 9OJ.

A rambling group is encouraging people to get their blood pumping on an annual countryside walk.

Thame and Wheatley Ramblers have organised the four-mile introductory stroll from Watlington on Sunday, May 4, and the short, paced walk is open to all.

Walkers will need to meet at 10am at the Hill Road car park before setting off and if you need more convincing, coffee and cake will be provided as an incentive in the Town Hall afterwards.

Last year’s walk through Moreton was a great success, and the events are designed to highlight walking as a healthy, free activity that anyone can enjoy.

For those who catch the walking bug, they can buy a ramblers’ membership which gives them access to 28,000 organised walks each year, discretionary discounts and a subscription to the award winning Walk magazine.

Call 01844 215624 for more details or visit www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk

Young farmers are a fabulous bunch of people. They work hard, play hard and raise a lot of money for charity.

Five intrepid Buckinghamshire young farmers are currently training for a 24 hour 200 mile cycle challenge from Winslow to Blackpool to raise money for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The fact that they will arrive in the seaside town the night before the national Young Farmers Club annual conference in May doesn’t faze them.

One of the team members, Alan Burborough, a 23-year-old farmworker, said: “We’ll just crack on, there’ll be no time for recovery.

“We don’t mind, that’s all part of the fun.We couldn’t get any more time off work!”

The team, four farmworkers and a mechanic, bought bikes in November but training has been sporadic.

Alan said: “Farming can be very busy so training has been a bit here and there. A couple of us have done some 70 mile routes and four of us have indoor bike trainers and get on in the evenings.”

The boys chose their challenege to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their club, Edgcott and Winslow.

Alan said: “A lot of clubs have cycled to the AGM in the past, but doing it in 24 hours is our challenge. We’re pretty sure we’ll manage it.”

A support team with a pick up truck and livestock trailer, spare bike and tools, will be with them all the way.

If you want to support their exciting challenge send a cheque made out to Edgcott and Winslow Young Farmers and send it to Berry Leys Farm, East Claydon Road, Winslow MK18 3ND.

If there is one condition business craves, it is a degree of certainty in the underlying economy.

Being able to understand the broad direction of travel has a powerful impact on decisions taken on business investments, new staff, and launching new products.

Since the crash in 2008 we have been living in uncertain times, with the prospect of banks, countries and even the Euro zone collapse a daily discussion on the news. While the impending threat of financial collapse is no longer a daily headline, one has to wonder at the future stability of the USA and Europe, including the UK, with such a huge debt overhang.

Deep uncertainty remains just beneath the headlines.

On the other hand, last week a significant fall in the UK unemployment rate to 7% had the Bank of England scrambling to ease interest rate hike fears and the Pound is trading high against the Euro and the Dollar, so the outlook for the currency is uncertain.

The uncertainty is amplified by the prospect of Scottish independence, which would have implications for Sterling, and in and of itself is stoking fears about jobs and growth to the extent that I notice the CBI has just come out campaigning strongly for a ‘no’ vote.

We then have the immediate prospect of the Euro elections, which look like offering a strong vote of confidence in UKIP, less to do with their ardent opposition to HS2 than their strong conviction that the UK (with or without Scotland) is big enough to look after its own affairs. We might end up with an independent Scotland in Europe and the rest of us out.

Uncertainty indeed.

While we are on the subject of elections, we are of course already headed into the roller coaster lead up to the May 2015 General Election, which is certain to deliver a new Government of one sort or another: more uncertainty.

Add to this the grim potential impact of the Ukrainian affair that has so many chilling parallels with the outbreak of WW2. Adolf Hitler annexed Austria in March 1938 and took over the Sudentenland to break up Czechoslovakia on the ruse of protecting ethnic Germans. Sound familiar?

Last week, in Donetsk a letter was issued to all ‘citizens of Jewish nationality’ asking them to register with the new pro-Russian regional administration.

Certainty is not going to break out any time so we may as well crack on.

Bucks County Council’s report into narrowing the gap of attainment in schools has been criticised as a ‘complete farce’ and ‘superficial’.

Bucks has some of the highest performing schools in the UK but also one of the widest attainment gaps between children eligible for free school meals - the Pupil Premium - and their wealthier classmates.

A county council report into how the gap can be narrowed was put together and included 12 recommendations.

But secretary of Wycombe Labour Mark Ferris has written to Val Letheren, chairman of the education, skills and children’s services select committee, to slam the report as ‘superficial’.

Mr Ferris said: “The report doesn’t even analyse the data. For example, to investigate if the gap is widening, whether it is worse in some areas or schools than others or how it compares with other counties.

“Nor does the report explore possible causes of the Bucks gap.

“Bucks County Council seem incapable of carrying out an evidence-based inquiry.”

Mrs Letheren told the Bucks Herald she was ‘fuming mad’ to read the letter, began writing a response but decided not to send it.

She said: “I don’t think they deserve a message as they will just pick the whole thing to bits. I feel it will only give them ammunition.

“I was so cross. They think they are the only party that cater for the poor and needy but they’re not. They should read the report properly.”

Mrs Letheren said the overall aim of the report has been successful in raising the profile of the Pupil Premium and emphasised that the report was compiled by a mixed-party select committee.

Recommendations - welcomed by cabinet members - included improving literacy, setting up ‘learning development centres’ and engaging with parents to encourage their children to make improvements.

The majority of aspiring homebuyers do not know what the MMR is – and even those who have heard of the government’s new Mortgage Market Review are mostly are ill-informed, believing it will mean smaller deposits and relaxed lending criteria.

The worrying level of ignorance has been highlghted by a survey commissioned by Experian, the global information services company.

According to the survey results, 43 per cent of those questioned think the introduction of the MMR means they can apply with smaller deposits – when larger deposits to make mortgage repayments more manageable, are likely to be needed;

One in five believe lenders will have relaxed their lending criteria, when affordability checks will in fact become much more stringent;

Only 44 per cent of the respondents correctly understand that it means lenders will be more careful about ensuring that mortgage applicants can afford their repayments, both now and into the future;

And just 15 per cent are rightly aware they will need to speak with an adviser before getting a mortgage;

The Mortgage Market Review (MMR), which was introduced yesterday, aims to make mortgage lending more responsible and stable.

However, it does mean that those hoping to borrow to purchase a property will need to show they have considered how they will be able to manage their repayments in the long term – for example, in the event of an interest rate rise.

In order to stand the best chance of securing a mortgage – and to get one with the best interest rate – homebuyers need to get their finances in the best possible shape. However, it appears very few potential buyers are doing that.

Experian’s Peter Turner said: “Although none of us have the luxury of a crystal ball to see into the future, understanding how much we can really afford to borrow - and crucially, repay – even if our circumstances change, is so important for any credit application.

“Time spent preparing your finances now will pay dividends in the future. We’d advise potential homebuyers to look at their financial situation as soon as they make the decision to look for a home, and not just before they apply for a mortgage. This will give you the chance to make any improvements necessary and get accepted - and at the best rates, too.

“Simple steps like increasing your monthly credit card repayments, ensuring you’re registered on the Electoral Roll and not taking on additional borrowing can make a real difference to how lenders see your ability to afford and manage a mortgage. But it does take time to build a clear, consistent track record of positive money management.”

Here are some simple tips from Experian CreditExpert to help you prepare for a mortgage application after the Mortgage Market Review:

1. Know your budget. As soon as you decide to look for a property, scrutinise your last few months’ outgoings carefully to understand your spending habits. Are there things you could do without to finish each month with cash in the bank?

2. Know what you can really afford. Visit a broker or use an online mortgage calculator to work out your likely repayments. Importantly, play with the interest rate settings to see if you could afford repayments if rates rise.

3. Make sure your credit report is up to date. As well as checking your outgoings, you should also check your credit report, which includes a record of all your borrowing over the last six years. Ensure everything is accurate and up-to-date.

4. Does your Experian Credit Score need work? The Experian Credit Score is a guide to help you understand how a lender might score your credit worthiness. If it’s lower than you expected, ask the experts for help and ensure your credit report paints the best picture possible before you make your application.

5. Build good behaviours. Finally, from now until your application, try to appear like an ideal mortgage borrower. Show you can make it through several months with a slight surplus. Don’t take out additional borrowing and try to demonstrate you can comfortably manage any outstanding credit commitments you have.

“Once online, a sentient machine will quickly overcome the limits of biology. In a short time, its analytic power will become greater than the collective intelligence of every person born in the history of the world. Some scientists refer to this as the Singularity. I call it Transcendence.”

I used to be fully human – until I met Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp), the world’s foremost researcher in the field of artificial intelligence.

Caster’s genius allowed us to create a fully sentient machine which combined the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions, fused using his own consciousness.

This highly controversial experiment (his own ‘transcendence’) was ironically only brought about by Caster’s wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany) when a radical anti-technology group shot him.

The only way to ‘save’ his mind was to upload it but once online he began to create an army and reproduce his entity, and there may be no way to stop him.

I was a badly injured film reviewer who Caster was able to heal using his incredible reconstructive technology.

My body was rebuilt stronger, faster and with more capacity, but as part of the process he ‘networked’ my brain.

Now I serve him. He just instructed me to inform you that Transcendence is a great sci-fi thriller… wait, something isn’t right… That doesn’t compute…

It’s directed by Wally Pfister, who was cinematographer for the incredible Chris Nolan on such classics as Inception and The Dark Knight.

My initial hopes were high but alas Pfister’s first directorial release is a badly judged and overall fairly lame effort. Might he have been ‘networked’ by a dull Xbox intelligence?

Depp looks bored throughout which is oddly a reflection of how most of the audience I saw this with also looked. I was distracted enough to notice that several people left muttering that it wasn’t worth their time, and when having a look around the cinema I spotted two more who had nodded off.

Transcendence is still a good looking film but the script is laboured, the plot fails to engage and the climax just dull. This should be filed as a good idea that deserved a better realisation.

One for tech nuts with very high boredom thresholds only.

A blossoming congregation is having to up sticks because it has almost doubled in size in just one year.

For four years, members of Grace Church Thame have met at The Guide HQ in Southern Road every Sunday morning. But the contemporary style of service has attracted more than 50 new members, meaning the Southern Road venue is now too small for the group of 90.

From now on, the church will hold its weekly Sunday services at Lord Williams’s Lower School in Oxford Road.

Church pastor Anthony Taylor said: “We are so excited by the growth that we have seen happening at Grace Church Thame these last few years.

“Wherever people are on their faith journey they are finding they can come to Grace Church and explore the Christian faith at their own pace as well as enjoying love, acceptance, support and friendship from everyone else who attends.”

The first service at the secondary school will be on Sunday, May 4 at 10.30am and Anthony says all are welcome.

Grace Church Thame has been part of the community since 1999 and regularly gets involved through events like the Marriage Preparation Course and The Alpha Course.

To find out more about the church and its services, visit www.gracechurchthame.org.uk or call 01844 214853.

Homeowners in local authority areas which have seen with the largest falls in the unemployment rate have seen the value of their property rise by almost £136,000 over a decade, according to new research by Lloyds Bank.

The average house price in the ten areas that recorded the largest falls in the unemployment rate in the decade to March 2014 rose by 68 per cent, or £198,709, to £334,404.

The unemployment rate in these areas fell by 1.3 per cent during the same period.

The rise in house prices in the ten top performing employment locations over the past decade is split between areas of northern Scotland and inner London.

In the Shetland Islands the average house price has more than doubled (104 per cent) in the past decade to £153,782. The Shetlands is followed by Hackney (84 per cent), Southwark, Western Isles (both 78 per cent), Lambeth (76 per cent) and Tower Hamlets (72 per cent). All of these areas have seen their unemployment rate fall by between 1.1% and 1.8% since 2004. (See Table 1)

These areas have outperformed the rest of the country as a whole, with UK average property prices growing by 22 per cent (£36,482) to £199,039 over the same period, whilst the national unemployment rate is 0.5 per cent higher.

At the other end of the spectrum the top ten areas with the lowest house price performance and a higher unemployment rate are generally concentrated in Northern Ireland and outside southern England.

These areas include Lisburn in Northern Ireland, Newport in south east Wales and Blackpool.

Lloyds Bank housing economist Nitesh Patelsaid: “In general, house price growth over the past decade has been stronger in the areas that have seen the biggest falls in the unemployment rate as measured by the claimant count.

“Areas in northern Scotland and inner London have generally outperformed other areas on both house price performance and a lower unemployment rate.

“During the recession of 2008-09 property values fell across most areas, even where the unemployment rate rose only marginally.

“This does highlight that while unemployment is important there are also other factors that drive house prices, such as affordability, earnings growth and low housing supply which will have contributed to rising prices in the earlier year.”

Police are hunting a pervert who has sexually assaulted young women in a series of morning attacks in Aylesbury town centre.

Incidents started on April 16 with the last reported assault on April 20 and police believe they are linked.

The first incident happened on April 16 at 8.40am in the lift of the bus station waiting area of Friars Square, where an Asian man in his late teens approached a woman in her twenties and tried to grope and kiss her.

She pushed him away and was able to get to safety.

The second incident, between 8.15am and 8.40am on April 17, happened in the same bus station on stairs leading to Friars Square and also involved the man approaching his victim, another woman in her twenties, and attempting to grope and kiss her.

She managed to struggle away from the man and left the scene.

The third incident, between 8.15am and 8.40am on April 20, occurred at the cash machine outside Natwest bank in Market Square.

This time, the victim either fell or was pushed over and the offender climbed on top of her while making inappropriate sexual comments.

In this instance, the offender fled the scene when a passer-by approached him.

The man police are searching for is Asian, aged in his late teens, around 5ft 6ins, of medium build with short dark hair.

In the first two assaults he was wearing black shorts with a white T-shirt and carrying a sports bag on wheels with black writing on it.

In the third assault, he was wearing dark trousers and a white shirt.

All three victims were women in their early twenties, but police said they look younger.

Anyone who witnessed any of these incidents, recognises the description, or with other information that may assist the investigation, should contact PC Claire Furness on the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A huge archive of local, regional and national newspapers covering more than 300 years of history is now being made available to the public at the British Library.

New secretary of state for Culture Media and Sport Sajid Javid unveiled the £33m revamp of the library’s collection, which features a state-of-the art reading room, 750m pages of journals and 4.8m archived websites.

The oldest surviving newspaper is the Stamford Mercury, from May 22, 1718 – although earlier editions are available in facsimile form. The paper was first published in 1713.

The oldest English-language newspaper title was published in Amsterdam in 1620 and covered news from Italy, Germany and Bohemia.

In conjunction with a new robotic storage centre in Boston Spa, West Yorkshire, the collection at St Pancras, London, replaces the Colindale newspaper library in north London.

During Second World War blitz bombing raids on London, a direct hit on the library at Colindale resulted in the loss of 9,000 volumes and today, during the ongoing programme to digitise work, some still turn up containing lumps of shrapnel.

British Library chief executive Roly Keating said: “Newspapers are often described as the first draft of history – in fact, in many cases they are the raw material of history and very often the only record that exists of an event or an individual that otherwise would have been forgotten.

“The British Library’s newspaper collection is a vital part of the memory of the nation – recording every aspect of local, regional and national life, and continuing to grow at a rate of more than seven metres every week.

“The opening of the Newsroom means that news and newspapers are no longer the Cinderella of the library’s collections, but are now at the very heart of the British Library’s offering to researchers”

There are 40 digital microfilm viewers, 7.8m scanned pages of historic newspapers and more than 40,000 TV and radio news programmes, increasing at a rate of 60 hours every day across 22 news channels.

The fragile print collection’s new West Yorkshire home is both temperature-controlled and humidity-controlled so that the 60 million copies of newspapers stand a chance of lasting well into the future.

The facility, which is also a low-oxygen environment to cut the risk of fire, is off limits to people to help maintain the atmosphere.

{http://www.bl.uk/subjects/news-media?ns_campaign=brand&ns_mchannel=ppc&ns_source=google&ns_linkname=%2Bbritish%20%2Blibrary%20%2Bnewspapers&ns_fee=0|You can find out more about what’s available by clicking this link}