Page 21 - Phonebox Magazine January 2007

Councillor Corner
A contribution from Councillor Debbie Brock
As I write, the year is coming to an end, I Another major cause for concern to tackle anti-social
look back at the issues that have come up in the months since being elected.
The delays to the Olney Campus of Ousedale School have had an effect on many people’s lives and have been one of the largest causes of concern to me. Communication inadequacies by the Council in notifying parents about the delays to the Campus, were made worse in the Summer by the belated notification to parents about the new bus collection points, times and routes to the Middleton site. At a ‘Drop in Session’ held at the Olney Centre on December 6th, officers of the Council were on hand to answer questions put by parents
residents has been the lodging of two Wind Farm applications in our area. At their nearest points the Nunn Wood and Petsoe projects are 6km apart, in spite of this neither application took into account the other, nor of another planned to be developed just outside Hinwick at Poddington. Having viewed the planning file many residents have already expressed the strength of their concerns by writing to the Council on this issue, you may continue to submit letters right up until the application is discussed at the Development Control Committee meeting, possibly in the spring of next year.
behaviour and
crime. My congratulations must be paid to Peter Madden who has achieved much on behalf of Olney’s youth for his work at the Youth Centre.
This year also saw the introduction of the Mobile Police Station visiting rural villages that do not have a regular Police presence; you can always raise issues with officers or volunteers when you see them, local notice boards and parish clerks should have updated information of visiting times in your area.
A photo back in June recalls happier times at the opening of the Post Office’s new sorting office in Newport Pagnell. Despite assurances at the time that local difficulties could be easily rectified, in practice many residents and businesses across the ward are experiencing a disappointing level of service, this is not to blame in all cases your postman or woman. I will continue to apply pressure on these matters, please be in touch with any specific difficulties you are experiencing.
Traffic flow and parking issues are the topics under discussion in the forthcoming Traffic Reviews for Olney and Lavendon, no doubt these will figure prominently in my write ups in 2007. Please note that Bedfordshire County Council have made a request to close the Newton Blossomville to Turvey Road for three, five day periods between 15th January and the end of October to enable repair and resurfacing work. Closures should be well signposted in advance of works taking place.
Another issue of concern to residents, particularly the elderly is that of ‘cold calling’, Spinney Hill Road in Olney is currently taking part in a NO COLD CALLING ZONE scheme. This aims to prevent unscrupulous door to door traders (not the Avon lady), coming to your door and is backed and operated by Trading Standards. I will be interested to hear your views on whether you feel such zones would be welcomed across the ward.
My regular surgery held first Friday in the month, will not take place in January as Olney Town Council will be holding the Town Dinner at The Olney Centre on this night. If you would like to contact me on any issue I look forward to hearing from you. n
and pupils. It was a very well attended session with officers assuring parents that with a February handover from the contractor, an Easter opening of the Olney Campus, would be an achievable target. Worries over school transport were also aired, as were the concerns of Year 9 pupils about the potential move to a new school from temporary accommodation at the Newport site as they begin their SATS exams. I will be putting my first motion to Full Council in Milton Keynes on January 9th 2007, with a request that an independent inquiry be carried out to look at the Olney Campus project from first conception to completion, if any parents would like to support me on the night and see how it goes first hand, please let me know.
Anti-social behaviour has been a challenge to all concerned throughout the year, one notable flash point being at the East Street Car Park in Olney, amongst others. Officers at Milton Keynes Council have been key in bringing pressure to bear on those responsible for the area and new escalations have been noted at the Car Park near to Pegasus Court.
One way in which residents of Olney can help progress action on such issues is by coming along to the Neighbourhood Action Group. A public meeting will be held at The Olney Centre at 7pm on January 9th for a relaunch. This forum is well connected with all public order agencies, through ‘JATAC’, so please go along and discuss your concerns and hear what is being done to
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
Phonebox Magazine 21