Coronavirus update
- A report to Buckinghamshire Council today shows that so far the council has lost £20m in income during the pandemic while its expenditure has increased.
- The Swan Support charity says that more underweight swans have been roaming the streets of Thames-side communities in the lockdown looking for food because many people have stopped feeding them on the river. The charity says there’s a misconception the birds can’t be fed bread, but they also enjoy other kitchen scraps like oats, peas and lettuce.
- The local pest control company Pest.co.uk said yesterday that rats have been “breeding like crazy” during lockdown, making the most of nesting in empty buildings and shops. The company said its call-outs have increased 25 per cent this year compared to last.
- Penn and Tylers Green FC Ladies first team has organised a floodlit match against Wycombe Ladies for the first post lockdown day next Wednesday, kick-off 7.30, at French Meadow.
- The Horse and Jockey in Tylers Green will not be serving take-aways this weekend as builders are making improvements and preparing the pub for a full reopening next Wednesday.
- Buckinghamshire NHS Trust has organised a series of virtual “coffee and chat” sessions via Zoom as part of its Mental Health Mates in Bucks campaign. For details of the High Wycombe area email mhmbucks@gmail.com
- The “That’ll be the Day Christmas Show”, whose tour would have included Wycombe Swan, is instead performing an online version which can be seen live on 10 December. Tickets available from the Wycombe Swan website.
Local news
Payment protest – Farmers Simon and Mikey Swerling blocked the main haul road to the HS2 construction site for the Chalfont St Giles ventilation shaft yesterday holding up hundreds of construction workers for several hours. The pair said they had still not been paid compensation for loss of income when their equestrian centre was closed to make way for the railway. They removed their farm vehicles mid morning, having made their point. HS2 said the issue will be resolved “soon”.
Lights replaced – After complaints from wildlife enthusiasts, HS2 contractors are subduing the security and work lighting around the controversial Jones Hill Wood site near Great Missenden after reports that bright lights are likely to disturb rare and protected Barbastelle bats living in a tree near the site.
Helping the homeless – Wycombe Homeless Connection says it raised £50,000 from the Big Sleepout fundraising event last weekend.