Environment

Aylesbury Town Council is committed to enhancing the environment of Aylesbury Town. This commitment can be demonstrated through a number of projects undertaken over the last few years. Chairman of the Environment Committee Cllr Mark Willis said “We are always keen to take on projects which enhance an area of the town. We maybe a small council but I think we can demonstrate that we are making a difference to the town. If anyone feels their neighbourhood can be enhance please contact the Town Clerk at the Town Hall”.

Partnership Working
Aylesbury Town Council believes partnership working provides the basis for the future. ATC has worked with Bucks County Council, Aylesbury Vale District Council, the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust, Aylesbury College, the Police and PCSO’s, The Fire Service, Vale Volunteers and local groups such St John’s, Brownies and Scouts on numerous projects. All these benefited the town as a whole.

Listed below are some of the projects Aylesbury Town Council has undertaken:

Britain in Bloom
Each year Aylesbury Town Council mounts a stunning array of hanging baskets and planters which are augmented by AVDC hanging baskets and floral displays in Vale Park. However, although the competition is organised by the Royal Horticulture Society its not all about floral displays. Over the past few years the competition has put more emphasis on recycling, litter, fly posting, community involvement etc. Click here for more information.

Walton Pond
Walton Pond was ownerless and in disrepair. After a thorough report produced by one of the country’s leading pond experts, the Town Council produced a project plan and in December 2009 implemented this. The main object was to increase the water quality (the source of most water is run off from the adjacent road). It is hoped now that the biodiversity of the pond is increased and provides a habitat for more wildlife and flora.

Old Stoke Road Pond
At one time there was a pond in the Old Stoke Road allotments site. For some reason this was filled in at some time. Not surprisingly the area was prone to flooding. In early 2010 the ATC Outside Team reopened the area and created a new pond. The intention is to create a biodiversity area around the pond.

California Brook
The California Brook runs through the Southcourt Ward of Aylesbury. Following the opening of the Bourg Walk Bridge it became evident that the area around the brook was in need of some enhancements. The hedges and trees surrounding the brook were very overgrown with branches hanging into the water allowing floating debris to be caught. The brook itself was in some cases clogged with other items that at some time had been deposited in the stream. Close by stood a row of dilapidated garages which did not add to the ambience of the area. Bucks C.C., VAHT, Aylesbury Town Council, Aylesbury College, local residents, PCSOs, Aylesbury Vale District Council and the Fire Service all had a hand in transforming the area to a peaceful walkway.

Schools and Colleges
The Town Council has assisted some Aylesbury Schools in the creation of vegetable beds. In one case a large garden that had been left without attention for many years was transformed into a vegetable garden used by various groups.

Bulb, Shrub and Tree Planting
Aylesbury Town Council continue to be involved in a number of bulb, shrub and tree planting projects and are keen to do more. Daffodils have been planted at the entrances to the main routes into town and in the Thame Road. Trees have been planted in various locations including Aylesbury College.

Shrub and perennial planting has been undertaken in Upper Hundreds and the Cambridge Street underpass. The planting replaced overgrown areas.

Dog and Litter Bins
The Town Council maintains over 202 litter bins and 214 dog bins within the town. The District Council also maintains some litter bins, these are mainly installed in the parks that dot the town. On average one litter bin is vandalised each week and although most are reported to us in a reasonable time it is always helpful if anyone finds a vandalised litter bin or believes a bin is not being emptied or not emptied enough reports this. Please call 01296 425678 or e-mail admin@aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk.


Biodiversity and Green Spaces
The Council considers the conservation and promotion of local biodiversity in all its activities, but particularly with regard to the management of its land. The Council will seek to manage its green spaces in a manner that promotes and protects biodiversity. The Council’s Chemicals in Open Spaces policy commits the Council to using pesticides in an environmentally responsible manner and to identifying environmentally-friendly alternatives.


Solar Power
Leading the way with green initiatives, in 2009 a solar panel array was fitted to the roof of the Town Hall. Since then, it has been generating electricity from the rays of the sun. This feeds into the Town Hall's supply and reduces the Council's dependence on traditional electricity infrastructures. In August 2010, a new data logging device was set up, allowing us to provide up to date information online about the array. Click here to see the latest readings.

Green Office Guide
ATC has made a commitment to help preserve and improve the quality of the town’s environment. We have also signed the Nottingham Declaration which commits us to reducing our carbon emissions. The Green Office Guide outlines simple steps the employees of the council can take to achieve these ends. You can read this document by clicking here.