on the button issue 14 | Page 4

Voice of Arlesey Vaccinations In the last issue of ‘On The Button’ the Arlesey Residents Association (ARA) made a statement on the expansion of Arlesey, It referenced the survey conducted by the ‘Voice of Arlesey’ earlier this year. In the article the ARA, stated that there was extensive consultation back in 2005 when the Town Plan was formed. It explains that this plan sets out the “aspirations for our community” and was adopted by the Town Council and the then Mid Bedfordshire District Council.” However, what this article does not mention is that this same Town Plan highlighted that two of the key concerns and issues raised were “too much housing development” and “open spaces is threatened by development”. It also highlighted that “34% of residents felt that too many houses had been built in Arlesey over the last few years”. Therefore, using the Town Plan as the basis of the argument to support future planning work and the proposed development of a minimum 1000+ houses appears to be flawed. It is immediately at odds with the wishes of residents consulted at that time. The ‘Voice of Arlesey’ survey results represent the views of 562 Arlesey residents over the age of 18 years. It showed fewer than 1 in 8 residents are actually in favour on the development, whilst the vast majority are opposed (61.1%) or don’t know (24.2%). Almost 1 in 5 didn’t know anything about the minimum of 1000 houses. The actual consultation figures surrounding both the Town Plan and subsequent LDF are unknown. However, the consultation on the master plan held by the developers in June 2012 had just 79 respondents. Alarmingly it is this latter survey is what is currently being used to shape the master plan behind closed doors. One of our main concerns is when people talk about the development they state what it is going to bring to Arlesey. The ‘Voice of Arlesey’ believes investment and access to decent schools, healthcare, good roads and accessible amenities should be available to existing residents whether we have this substantial development or not. However, there are no guarantees that the development will bring all of the promised items. After all, the Arlesey community has just witnessed the Fairfield Park development fight for its tiny bit of section 106 money (the money assigned to new developments to support infrastructure) to make relatively minor improvements to West Drive.  This money will pale into insignificance compared to what will be required to fund the promises being offered by the master plan. The ‘Voice of Arlesey’ is aware that despite the overwhelming evidence other bodies are trying to discredit the views we have collected , which are those expressed by the Arlesey community.  What we can say is that the Voice of Arlesey is actively supported by 350 Arlesey residents, who have opted to receive information and updates on the development from us. The focus of the ‘Voice of Arlesey’ is solely the future of this development as we are concerned how it will impact on the way of life of existing residents. Should you wish to join for our mailing list then please contact us via [email protected] Arlesey Medical Centre Women’s Institute Aleseys WI meeting on T uesday 8th October is a Bring and Share Harvest supper and, instead of our normal Bring and Buy, we are having a ‘Bring’ in aid of the local ‘Need Project’.. Gordon Hamilton is coming to talk to us about the work of the Project and to accept our donations. These can be anything non perishable, – food toiletries,nappies, anything for a family in need and will go into the food bank. Anyone who wishes to donate but cannot come to the meeting can ring Bron on 01462 639500 and she will collect it.. The craft evening will be on Tuesday 15th October at 7.30 p.m. Do join us to share your crafts and have a cup of tea and a slice of cake. We welcome new members to all our meetings but please ring Bron if you plan to come and did not sign up at the September meeting as we need to know numbers. 4 | October 2013 | We are now giving annual flu vaccinations to eligible patients. If you fall into one of the groups below telephone or call at the surgery to book an appointment with the nurse. 65 years of age and above or U  nder 65 years including children over 6 months of age with one or more of the medical conditions below: COPD or Bronchitis or severe Asthma Chronic heart disease Chronic kidney disease Chronic liver disease Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease Diabetes P  roblems with your spleen or a weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV and AIDS, long term steroid treatment or chemotherapy and/or Pregnant, or A  main carer ( formal or informal) or a front line healthcare or a social care worker For the first time this year the Department of Health is recommending a separate flu vaccine for all 2 and 3 year olds. This is not by injection but a nasal spray. Please make an appointment with the practice nurse as for all other childhood immunisations. Again the eligibility has been set by the Department of Health. It is expected that the age range will widen on an annual basis. Larksfield Surgery, Stotfold F  lu vaccine – please contact us after 23 September to book your appointment; flu clinics are starting on Monday, 7 October. F  lu immunisation for 2-3 year olds  - a new nasal immunisation is available from this year, to all children within the date of birth range of 2/9/09-1/9/11; we will be holding clinics later this year and invites will be sent, so please do not try to book an appointment prior to receiving a letter, due to limited stock availability. S  hingles vaccine – this is a new vaccination programme starting this year BUT ONLY for patients within the date of birth ranges of 2/9/33-1/9/34 OR 2/9/42-1/9/43; this is because vaccine supplies are limited to these age bands. A catch up for other age bands will be ongoing for the next 8 years. P  neumococcal vaccine – a reminder to all those aged over 65 years who have not yet been vaccinated, can book an appointment at any time during the year, not just now! D  ispensary news – due to a change in circumstances, dispensary staff are no longer able to take telephone calls. If you have a query regarding your medication, please either come to the dispensary between 8.00am1.00pm or 2.00pm-6.30pm, or alternatively, put your question in writing and leave in either the post box outside dispensary or, if the surgery is closed, in the main post box on the perimeter fence. Please allow AT LEAST 48 WORKING HOURS for prescription requests. r octobe 2013 Diary Dates Walks4Health – start Arlesey Station W.I. October meeting Walks4Health – Corner of Hospital Rd/High St Walks4Health – Corner of Hospital Rd/High St thur 3 & 10 tues 8 thur 24, 31 thur 7Nov Please let us know about your event by the 18th of the month for inclusion in the next month’s Calender. The information and dates in this diary are supplied to ‘on the button’ and are correct at time of going to press, any alterations made by the relevant organisers after printing, is out of our control. to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk