Page 21 - Phonebox Magazine June 2006

Phonebox Magazine 21
Debbie celebrating her victory at the recent election
Welcome Councillor Debbie Brock
Debbie reports...
It was about 3.30am on Friday 5th May before the result for the Olney ward was declared and by that time I think everybody was utterly shattered. The result was Ashby 132, Brock 1856, Mabbutt 1589. With the highest turnout in Milton Keynes there cannot have been many people who did not know it was Election Day. I know some people were disturbed by both parties in the evening and if you were one of them please accept my apologies. Wherever there is a winner however, there also has to be a looser. Graham Mabbutt has served the Olney ward for the past twelve years. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Graham for the work he has put into the Olney ward over the years and I wish him well in the future.
Olney Campus
One of the main issues of concern to many people in the Olney ward was the progress of the Olney campus. Over the previous few weeks it had become clear that the Olney campus of Ousedale School was not going to be completed on time. Many parents, quite understandably have questions and concerns over what now will happen in September when the pupils and staff will be bussed to the temporary school at Oak
Grove for the first half
of the autumn term. My
first phone call was to
David Gamble, Head of
Education at Milton
Keynes Council for an
update on progress. A
helpful parent
suggested that it would
be a good idea to hold
a meeting for all the
affected parents. I am
trying to set up such a
meeting and all the
parents concerned will be contacted directly when a date is set. It was also thought that some of the parents may wish to take the children in years 7 and 8 to have a look at the school at Oak Grove to see first hand where they will be taught. This will also give the opportunity to ask questions of the staff as to how school life will operate in that environment. The plan is to open the Olney campus at half term. I have asked to be updated frequently on the progress of the site by MK council officers who are closely monitoring the building works. I will also be pushing for the investigation into the delays and there cause to be conducted as soon as possible. While this is too late for the Olney Campus it will hopefully ensure that the
of the problem. If you witness any anti social behaviour then please report it to MK Police on 0845 8 505 505.
Ice Twice Exhibition
An enjoyable experience of my first week was to be invited by Kim Thonger of the Ice Twice gallery on High Street South, to an exhibition of art made from rubbish. Highlighted at this was a great organisation called Freecycle. Freecycle is an idea that started in the USA and has spread to many parts of the world with a number of branches locally, including Olney and Milton Keynes. The Olney branch already has over 150 members and it gives people who register the chance to pass on things they are throwing away onto someone who may find a use for them. It also reduces the amount of rubbish going into landfill, which is great for the environment. The service works in a similar way to Ebay, however on this site everything is given away for free. For more information you can look on the web at www.freecycle.org and follow the links for the UK and then Buckinghamshire.
While serving on Milton Keynes Council I am determined to be a voice for residents of the ward in Milton Keynes, not the voice of Milton Keynes Council in Olney. If you have any issues you think I may be able to help you with please feel free to contact me by either telephone, e-mail or by post. d
Mediterranean Restaurant
OLNEY
g Pizzas, Pastas & Grilled Food a Speciality g
g We Accommodate Large Parties g g Reservations Taken g
g Takeaway Service Available g
Phone 01234 714600
4 The Galleries, Market Place, Olney, Bucks MK46 4EA
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11.30am–2.30pm & 6.00pm–10.00pm
same mistakes are not made again when Milton Keynes builds more schools, as it surely will as the city expands.
Anti-social behaviour
Anti-social behaviour also featured heavily in the election with incidents becoming more frequent in both Olney and Lavendon. I have had a number of discussions and meetings about how this can be tackled and will continue to work with Town and Parish councils to try to find some solutions. One of the main problems is that while people know it is happening anti- social behaviour is not being reported to the police. If we are going to get more Police resources then the Police need to know the true extent
Debbie with Kim Thonger and his wife Tess
CONTACT INFORMATION
Cllr Debbie Brock, c/o Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, CMK MK9 3HG
Tel: 07884 397253
Email: debbie.brock@milton-keynes.gov.uk