The Splashpole Saga - what you think.... Last month I wrote about theSplashpole, the piece of land between the weir and the A509, and how the gate has now been locked preventing access to the park via the weir. The land is owned by Emberton United Charity. It is not a public right of way although it was regularly used by locals while Milton Keynes Council leased the land from the charity. That lease agreement has now finished and so the charity chose to lock the gate. I have written a few times to get them to reconsider and reopen the access, but they replied by saying they did not think my views generally reflected public opinion. So I thought we should find out and set up a little petition to find out just what local opinion really was. We have nearly reached the 100 mark, but more importantly the views and comments left, show just how strongly you all feel. Some of them are shown here. I have written once more, and the letter is printed in the letters section in the mag. I look forward to their reply, and via the Phonebox will keep you posted. Meanwhile the petition is still open, so please do sign it, share it on facebook and tell all your friends too. David Trend If you think the path to the weir is a real asset to the community and that the gate should be unlocked to allow access to Emberton Park across the weir, please sign the online petition. www.ipetitions.com/petition/splashpole Emberton United Charity states in its aims as providing open spaces, so provide this open space for the people of Emberton and Olney. RD I've been using this access to Emberton Park for 40 years and find it absurd that it is kept locked. BB I wholeheartedly support this petition. As someone who walks around Emberton Park every day, it would just be so much nicerto leave the road earlier and a much prettier route to take. KS When I lived in Emberton one of the highlights of the stroll to Olney was crossing the weir - locking the gate seems mean and uncharitable to me. PH So pleased you are pursuing it. We have walked that route for many years, and now we have been known to climb over the gate! JF The countryside is a shared asset for the community and this sort of thing goes against this principle. Open the gate! PB I'd love to be able enjoy this piece of land again. MW It's a far better/safer walk into the park than along the A509. MG It's a real shame the gate is locked, as its a much safer and quieter way of getting into Emberton Park than along the footpath by the busy road. What harm can be done by opening it up again. KR Emberton Park is such a lovely facility, used by families and large group. To have family access, particularly for prams and pushchairs away from the car entrance and from the weaving footpath entrance would be really useful. SW Definitely my way of choice into the park - i think stopping access just because you can is pretty petty minded and I'm getting too old to climb the fence!! LG I think this path should be open for everyone to enjoy . . . much more pleasant to walk across the weir than to go over the busy bridge. GN Yes, should be opened. Selfish, considering the EUC was set up for the good of Emberton People! Not in the spirit of the charity. TP Please open this real asset for the use of local people who like to walk over the weir and keep away from the busy A509. MW Don't understand why this right of passage has been closed. I have previously used this path on many occasions. AS H He a r t h ome a0 PROFESSIONAL STOVE INSTALLATIONS SIJCCiill <>rrer CEDAR package only £1395* Professional Sweep and Vacuum service £45 CEDAR PACKAGE INCLUDES: • 4.9 kw Multlfuel stove • 8 meters HETAS approved stainless steel chimney liner & fittings Nest removals and guards tted - Chimneys capped • Register plate & carbon monoxide alarm I • Full installation and HETAS Certlflcatlon \. .' , ·-. ... ...· 'Price subject to site survey Phonebox Magazine 15