Gerri Besgrove: July 2008 Archives

Ed Macalister-Smith, chief executive of Buckinghamshire Primary Care Trust, was fiercely challenged by residents of Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St Peter at last week's board meeting.

A young boy found a man hanging from a tree while out walking near Chalfont St Peter.

The boy found Bruce Paul Lidbetter,45, from Lincoln, hanging from a plastic rope in a field near Isle of Wight Farm, over the River Misbourne.

The boy and his parents had been walking along the track that runs close to the viaduct near the A413 at about 5pm on April 13, when the boy noticed a bag at the other side of the field and ran over to have a closer look.

Before long, he was running back to tell his parents he had found a man hanging from a tree.

Mr Lidbetter,who had been in Bucks doing casual work, left three notes to loved ones in his pockets.

No members of his family were present at the inquest.

Coroner Richard Hulett recorded a verdict of suicide.

By Jack Abell

A dramatic drop in the use of a popular car park in Chalfont St Peter after parking charges were introduced has led to the fees being scrapped.

The U-turn by Chiltern District Council (CDC) on its decision to make people pay at the Church Lane car park has been hailed as a victory for local residents and businesses.