Council backtracks on Sure Start plan

But Great Missenden Parish Council and Village Association objected to the plans saying the road could not cope with the extra traffic the centre would bring and that there were better locations for the site in nearby Prestwood.
With the application set to be decided upon on November 11, the county council dramatically announced it would withdraw the application.
Stephen Bagnell, BCC divisional manager, said: "We want children's centres to be seen as a positive benefit for the community and welcomed into it.
"This has usually been the case so we take any reservations or concerns extremely seriously. We cannot proceed without community support so we shall seek an alternative site."
BCC has received funding from the government to build 35 Sure Start Centre's in the county to provide support and advise to parents and put on local activities.
The withdrawal has been welcomed by both the parish council and village association but both groups hope the county council can find another suitable site.
Parish councillor Andrew Garnett (Con) said: "I think the really positive thing to come out of this is that BCC are listening to us. Now we have to make sure we engage with the community and make sure we get it sited in the best area possible."
A joint statement from Amanda Brown and Seb Berry, co-chairmen of Great Missenden Village Association, said: "We are pleased that the county council has listened to the concerns of the local community.
"This has never been about Sure Start in principle. It is now essential that the county council considers alternative sites in those areas of greatest need, something which we know the parish council are pushing for.
"We look forward to the removal of the planning application for this site."