GOING out for the evening any time between now and April 11? You may need to be aware that the closures of the A404 southbound carriageway scheduled to end last week were delayed through unexpected circumstances. They were re-scheduled and by the time you read this the works should be well advanced, but closures between 10 pm and 6 am will occur each night until April 9. There may be closures on the following two nights, same times, but only if the work has over-run. The company carrying out the work apologises for any inconvenience and further information is available from the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by email at ha_info@highways.gsi.gov.uk

HERE'S a potential evening out that shouldn't get you tangled up in those road. I often make a comment in this column to commend the work of Michael Eagleton in organising tip-top jazz gigs a couple of times a month, and I make no excuse in repeating my praises here. He puts a lot of work into engaging jazz acts that would be unlikely to be available so conveniently to local audiences. As his many regulars know, his acts often come from abroad, not infrequently from the USA West Coast. Of course, Michael has had long and extensive contacts with the whole wide world of jazz, and he keeps well abreast of the plans of travelling musicians, thereby acquiring an acute sense of when they might be prepared to divert to Marlow. Ask him sometime about the crucial connection between pizzas and Tuesdays. So, jazz-fans, raise a cheer for Michael's energy and dedication to the art form I know he loves. Now for next week.

One of London's top Big Bands will be at Marlow Jazz Club next Tuesday, April 8. The Jim Barton Big Band is getting some top gigs and receiving much praise just lately. The 16 piece line-up includes stars young and not so young. At either end of the age scale are Roy Willox a veteran of the British jazz scene and the very talented young saxophonist Tracey Mendham. Vocals are provided by Paul Wood.

Music, at the Royal British Legion Hall, starts at 8.30 pm, with admission at £8.

A fortnight later, April 22nd, a Club favourite is back in town - the vibraphone maestro Anthony Kerr.

WHETHER it is a function of increased public relations awareness resulting from the new age of Police Commissioners, or it is the remarkable increased effectiveness of our police of which the government has been so eager to convince us, it is difficult to say, but obvious to observe in regular bulletins. The spectacular successes of confiscating massive quantities of drugs and money actually benefits us all, as it removes both villains and their assets to commit further crimes. But, of course, we feel more gratified to hear of success at lower levels and in more local situations.

So, here is some remarkably good news.

Burglaries on homes in the Marlow area have almost halved over the last three years. New figures show the number of burglaries on homes in the Marlow, Bourne End and Wooburn Green areas, is down by 49 per cent since 2011. From April 1 2013 to March 6 this year, there were 70 ‘dwelling’ burglaries reported compared with 137 in 2011/12.

Inspector Scott Messenger, who heads up the team at Marlow Police Station, puts the dramatic fall down largely to better use of police resources and stronger links with the community.

SPRING is the usual season for lopping and felling. I notice that one project in Marlow Bottom has also provided a number of neighbours with obstacles, in the form of logs, to deter destructive parking on the erstwhile grass verges.

It has often been a puzzle to me as to whether we are at liberty to lop or fell with impunity, and it is a fairly tortuous subject. I'm sure there are many other residents who are equally unsure of their rights and limitations. I was made aware recently of a very informative leaflet. It's available from a website; sadly it's one of those with an inordinately complex address, but it works, I tried it. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/244528/2127793.pdf VALLEY News is back on the streets. Its absence in the last few months has been directly the result of my default, for which I apologise. I also thank those who have laboured to bring the latest issue to fruition without much assistance from me. I assure you it was not from choice or wilful dereliction.

In particular, Lorna Parkins and Anne Shave are to be thanked for a splendid effort. The new issue is now out and the result is impressive. For the first time ever, there's a full colour cover and that makes a splendid impression.

ST MARY'S church is holding another Quiz Night. Their Spring event will be on Saturday April 26. It starts at 7.15 pm at St Mary's. Note that the event is being organised by the church, not the pre-school, and proceeds will be for church funds.

Tickets are £10 to include a fish 'n' chip supper and there will be a bar supplied by Rebellion. There's also a raffle, so you can try getting lucky, just in case the questions leave you a bit overpowered.

Come as a team or they'll find you one to join on the night. Tickets now available from Graeme Slocombe on 07785 262078.