Page 41 - Phonebox Magazine October 2008

Councillor Corner
A contribution from Cllr Debbie Brock and Cllr Peter Geary
TRAKA plc WINS SECOND QUEEN’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE
TRAKA’S success has been mentioned before in this column but at the beginning of September an Award ceremony took place. Now fully informed about the remarkable success of this Olney based business, here’s a little more about it. Traka, founded by John Kent, employs 40 people; it designs and manufactures systems that enable keys to be accounted for, enabling only authorised personnel to have access to assets. These may be keys to diamond preparation cabinets, prison doors, airline ground support vehicles or even oil refinery valve systems.
Traka plc won its first Queen’s Award in 2004 for innovation and on her 82nd birthday, Her Majesty the Queen announced the 2008 winners of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, Traka plc had been recognised once again, this time in the category for International Trade. Congratulations, Traka benefits not only our local community but also the country by their export achievements.
fight on and a written judgement of the decision is awaited in October.
The application for Nunn Wood is apparently still working toward resubmission with three turbines remaining in Milton Keynes’ district.
WESTON UNDERWOOD POST OFFICE
On September 17th came the sad news that Post Offices Ltd had decided not to spare its Weston Underwood office. This is bitterly disappointing for local residents served by the Post Office and those who have campaigned so hard for it to stay open. The focus of attention now falls to Milton Keynes Council who have had consultants looking at business cases with the view to continuing services to the communities affected. A Cabinet meeting of Milton Keynes Council in late September will be making a decision on the way forward.
BEST KEPT VILLAGE
A presentation of the Gurney Cup for the Best Kept Village award was held on Weston Underwood’s village green in the presence of Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher. A tree planting then followed to mark the retirement of Fred Foster, long time member and indeed Chairman of the Parish Council. Congratulations to Fred for his remarkable fifty three years of service to the local community.
Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher presenting John Kent with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT AREA
Monitoring of air quality in Bridge Street and High Street South identified risks that certain locations may be exceeding acceptable levels. Further monitoring was carried out to provide a detailed assessment, the findings of which DEFRA accepted in July and consultations on establishing an Air Quality Management Area are underway.
This concern comes at an opportune moment for Milton Keynes Council as Olney is currently undergoing a Traffic Review and Milton Keynes Council is formulating a Lorry strategy both could help combat some of the existing issues that prevent traffic flow thus allowing the pollution to build in the said location.
The aim of the AQMA is to introduce measures to bring the air quality back in line with European Union thresholds.
WINDFARM UPDATE
Judgement again went in favour of Milton Keynes Council at the recent Appeal hearing at the High Court in London in the case against the Petsoe Manor Windfarm. Residents opposing the plans
Fred Foster and John Covington receiving the Gurney Cup for the Best Kept Village from Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher.
NORTH EAST CONSULTATIVE AREA FORUM
Met recently in Stoke Goldington, topics of discussion included Stoke’s flood alleviation measures and the threatened changes to the South East regional plan, which could involve a minimum of five thousand six hundred houses east of the M1. The Forum resolved to write in to the Government consultation giving good sound planning reasons why this expansion should not take place.
Much welcomed news was received about the resurfacing works to Dagnall Road and also Olney Road, Lavendon – more news when we know exactly when these will take place.
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CONTACT INFORMATION Cllr Debbie Brock and Cllr Peter Geary, c/o Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, CMK MK9 3HG
TEL 07884 397253 (D Brock) 07748 906647 (P Geary) EMAIL debbie.brock@milton-keynes.gov.uk peter.geary@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Phonebox Magazine 41