Page 15 - Phonebox Magazine October 2007

Mercury Report
Olney Town Council Meeting of Monday 3rd September 2007
Public participation
No members of the public attended this month's meeting.
Police report
This month's report was given by Inspector Sue Usher. During August there were 19 recorded offences consisting of one case of shoplifting, one of fraud, one of common assault, two of taking vehicles without consent, two burglaries from non dwellings, two of criminal damage to property, four of damage to vehicles and six of theft from vehicles. The last two categories consist of the majority of the crimes. Inspector Usher noted that all but one of the thefts from vehicles occurred during the day, and warned people to avoid leaving high value items, for example laptops and cameras, in their cars.
Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG)
John Sharp reported that, around Milton Keynes Borough including Olney, tests were continually being conducted in shops and pubs to see if it was possible for under aged people to buy alcohol.
The NAG had been in contact with various local businesses to try to reduce the number of cigarette butts left in the street. John noted that businesses had been very cooperative and that, with their help, such as providing boxes for cigarette butts, the situation had already improved.
Deidre Bethune asked if the NAG could persuade people not to leave their rubbish bags on the kerb as, particularly in the High Street, this can block the drainage channels and cause flooding. Michael Hughes noted that bags left on the kerb were also liable to traffic damage, leading to more litter. Steve Clark explained that rubbish bags must instead be left at the perimeter of each property and that regular offenders can be reported to Milton Keynes Council who will issue them a warning.
Winter bedding plants
Tony Evans prefaced this item by remarking that this year's hanging baskets looked spectacular. He said they'd been well looked after, with the groundsmen Ian and Richard having done a very good job.
For information, the baskets around the Market Square are provided by Olney Town Council, while those along the High Street and some nearby roads are provided by Ron Bull (with assistance from the Council, The
Olney Group, various ex-Fiesta members and Andy Crouch), funded through sponsorship from individuals and businesses in the town. The Council's groundsmen water and look after all the baskets.
A quotation for winter bedding plants had been received from HFR Banks and Son. It was for £1924 and was accepted.
Olney entrance signs
As reported in last month's Mercury, the signs at the entrances to the town are to be replaced. Several proposed sign drawings had been provided by a firm, which also works with Milton Keynes Council, and Councillors discussed them here.
Summarising hugely, the proposed signs did not impress any of the Councillors. In particular, Tony Evans felt they were ‘absolutely ghastly’. As such, the matter was handed back to a small committee – Tony Evans, Deidre Bethune, John Sharp and David Coles – for more research and consideration.
The Council would be interested to hear from any local artists or sign designers who have ideas for the sign design.
Tarmac areas on Recreation Ground
The Council had received quotes to tarmac some areas of the Recreation Ground. These included the path from the Rugby Club car park gate to the play area and down to 10ft beyond the multi-purpose court, from the court to the Bowls Club and an extension to the area outside the tractor shed. Some drainage work had also been quoted for. One quote that was discussed came to around £40,000.
Paul Watson explained that the Council had budgeted £3,000 for tarmac works in the
area but that, as well as being an underestimate, this was only for the path from the Rugby Club car park gate to the multi-purpose court, and from the court to the Bowls Club. The possible need for drainage work had not been realised at that stage and so not accounted for.
A lengthy and pretty direct discussion followed, driven partly by confusion – the quotes were for more areas than originally discussed and also considerably more expensive – and partly by concern that the Council's lack of knowledge of tarmac works had led to it not specifying the job properly.
Michael Hughes felt strongly that the issue had moved too far ahead without the full Council being fully aware of it, and that it appeared that Councillors were being asked to agree a quotation during the meeting. Tony Evans felt that this was not the case: nothing had been hidden, the disparity in cost was due to the additional areas and to the original costs having been underestimated, and the Council needed to employ a professional to write up a specification for the job that could then be submitted to many competing firms. In
Paint it yourself pottery and canvases Fun for all the family!
• Hand and foot prints
• Adult and Children’s parties
• Signing plates
• Unique gifts
• Regular events calendar (paint a mug day and competition, half term activities and after school club activities)
• Refreshments available
• Messy play sessions for toddlers
• Painting evenings for adults
• Gift vouchers available
China Creations Ceramic Studio, 2 Fountain Court, Olney, Bucks MK46 4DG (Free parking behind the shop, off East Street or access from High Street, next to Age Concern)
Tel: 01234 714 300
Web: www.chinacreations.co.uk Email: chinacreations@tiscali.co.uk
Phonebox Magazine 15