Page 6 - January Phonebox Magazine 2012

Dear Residents of Olney
There have been concerns about motorists exceeding the 30mph speed limits on roads such as the Yardley Road, Asprey's loop and Weston Road in Olney. Can I ask that a New Year resolution we can all have a go at keeping in 2012 is to keep pedestrians, cyclists, yourselves and other road users safer is to leave a little earlier, concentrate on the road, think of others, and have a lighter foot on that accelerator pedal thereby keeping to the legal speed limits in our town.
I would also be interested in hearing from individuals who have ideas about how we keep Olney roads safer for all.
Wishing you all a safe and Happy New Year.
Councillor Colin Rodden
Happy New Year from all of The Friends of Summer Leys and Happy Wildlife Spotting in 2012. Why not join us, as our programme of illustrated talks continues with:
Titchmarsh Reserve near Thrapston
Through the Seasons
on Tuesday 17th January, 7.30-9pm
Memorial Hall, 42b High Street, Gt. Doddington, NN29 7TQ.
£2 donation includes tea/coffee and a biscuit. Children are free.
All money received will be used to fund improvements at Summer Leys and to encourage interest and enjoyment in nature.
email jon.p.collings@live.co.uk or telephone 01933 272205 for more information.
Summer Leys is situated on Hardwater Road near Wollston.
Dear Editor
Ref: Parking in Olney – A response to two previous letters
As an employer and owner of a business in Olney (fifteen years now), I think we should do everything we can to protect our beautiful High Street. I have heard the valid arguments highlighting the importance of supporting the local shops but don’t hear much about the other businesses. We don’t have to be based here and pay a premium in rates for the privilege (around 10 times more than the higher residential council tax band for the building), all of which goes directly back to the council and indirectly benefits everyone.
The High Street is fairly empty at 8.30am because many commuters have long gone for the day, so it makes perfect sense to utilise parking for staff. We employ local people from Olney and the surrounding villages, all of whom regularly shop in town during their lunch hour, bringing custom and life as opposed to a commuter ghost town. As a small business, parking is the one thing we can offer employees and is the only tangible thing we get in return for our ‘eye watering’ rates. In addition large, slightly quirky buildings such as ours and Brocks Garage (plus all other larger high street non retail/non residential buildings) bring character and individuality to the town and we must support them to keep them viable. This all helps attract visitors.
I can appreciate the frustration of not being able to park directly outside your house, shop or office but this is mostly due to households having an average of at least two cars (some more with work vans etc). The simple fact is that market towns were not built with parking in mind. It is not a problem specific to Olney High Street, as your last letter also stated and I think Olney has relatively easy parking compared to other market towns. It is most likely to be the current economic climate, not parking, that is the main reason for fewer visitors at the moment and for most businesses finding things extremely tough.
Lastly, whilst it is up to the individuals concerned, I think it a shame that people feel the need to write anonymous letters in the Phonebox. It diminishes the validity of ‘the topic’ and also creates a slightly ‘sinister’ threatening tone, particularly if you are the one initiating the debate.
Alex Thomsen, The Old Maltings, Olney High Street.
Olney Markets
WEEKLY THURSDAY
General Market all day
MONTHLY FARMERS MARKET First Sunday of every Month (9am–1pm)
Farmers Market will be held 1st January 2012
For more details please call
Olney Town Council offices 01234 711679
admin@olneytowncouncil.gov.uk www.olneytowncouncil.gov.uk
Welcome to
Bailey WeBer KiTchens
Kitchen Design, Supply & Installation. Building work including extensions, conversions, plastering, or just taking down that wall to create a larger room. Tiling.
Huge range of door styles both modern and traditional
• Solid Woods
• Vinyls • Foil Wraps
Work surfaces
• Solid Woods
• Laminates • Granite • Cesar Stone • Corion
102 High Street, Newport Pagnell MK16 8EH
Please come and visit our showroom Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 10am-4pm
To arrange a design consultation please
telephone 01908 216218 www.bailey-weber.co.uk
In association with Highlander Property Services Ltd
6 Phonebox Magazine
Summer Leys Your local nature reserve Part of the Wildlife Trusts