Olney NAG
At Olney Neighbourhood Action Group's AGM some weeks ago, the various officers were re-elected , with Susan Hughes as Chair, for the following 1 2 months. The NAG continues to work with the priorities chosen by the residents of Olney i.e. Parking, Traffic
Issues and Dog Fouling, in an attempt to make a difference. Having identified two particularly problematic parking issues, we provided photographic evidence of obstructive and dangerous parking to Milton Keynes Council. After consultation with Olney
Town Council, Milton Keynes Council has changed the parking bay layout in the Cattle Market Car Park, and further preventative steps are to be taken at the One Stop crossing to prevent people parking their cars on the pavements immediately adjacent to the crossing. Yes, people really do that!
We took the issue of dog fouling to Olney Town Council who is now, along with Milton Keynes Council, making a stand against dog fouling. Since an article in March's Phonebox, and the display of posters around the Town, there has been an improvement in the control of dog mess in Olney.
The code for dog owners is simple:
Always carry a supply of "poo" bags or a poop-scooper Watch your dog and clear up any mess they leave as soon as possible
Dispose of the mess responsibly. You can use any 'doggy bin' or even general waste bins, or take it home and put it in your black sack.
Do not throw full "poo" bags into gardens or hedgerows.
Offenders are being issued £50 Fixed Penalty Notices by enforcement officers patrolling areas where this offence is happening on a regular basis. Those who do not pay up can expect to go to Court, and may receive a fine of up to £1 ,000.
Please report any dog fouling incident to the Environmental Services envservices@milton-keynes.gov.uk Tel: 01908 252570 or 252398.
Also, if you witness anti-social behaviour or any non-emergency incident please make sure you ring 1 0 1 . If it is not reported, it did not happen. All calls are logged and so enable the Police to identify problem areas and carry out targeted patrols. It is also important to remember that all calls are confidential.
The 'Safer Neighbourhoods' initiative is a wonderful opportunity for communities to be proactive, and make choices for the betterment of their neighbourhoods.
Olney NAG is only able to make a difference because of the excellent support from Olney Town Council, Thames Valley Police and Milton Keynes Council. With the help and support of these dedicated people, we can and do make a difference to your Town. We support the Police 'Have Your Say' meetings that take place every fourth Monday in Costa Coffee in the Market Place. PCSO Tina Lewington and Susan Hughes are there from 10.30 to 1 1 .30 am, so if you have any concerns or issues please come along and discuss them with us.
One issue that has been raised is cycling on the pavements, with some very near misses of pedestrians, particularly on the High Street. Whilst cycling on the pavement is an offence, it is recognised that cycling along the A509 through Olney is not the safest option. Would those who do cycle on the pavement please be aware of pedestrians and people exiting their properties directly onto the pavement. Most important of all, would all cyclists please be aware of their speed if finding it necessary to be on the pavement.
Forthcoming 'Have Your Say' meetings are being held on:
16th December 2013, 13th January 2014, 10th February 2014, 1 0th March 2014, 7th Apr  2014, 2n June 2014, 30th
June, 28thJuly 2014
If you are interested in joining Olney Neighbourhood Action Group or would like any further information, please contact Susan Hughes on olneynag@googlemail.com or 07876 540577.
Do not forget the importance of the 1 0 1 number; it is your contribution to the wellbeing of Olney.
60 Phonebox Magazine
Its all a bit of a jumB1e
I
are in. Edward Lear evidently spotted the fallacy of this and expressed himself in verse:-
Interesting Days Ahead
CASTLETHORPE
 t is an unfortunate fact that the leaders of this world actually believe what they are told by the apostles of Adam Smith, politicians find such faith very convenient. Sadly, economics is not a true science, so some of its exponents are given to serving up some very jumbled ideas which go some way to explain the mess we
   W
hen first I reconnoitred through Castlethorpe, I was gazing at an extremely pretty village enhanced by masses of
autumn colour, but I was due elsewhere and moved on. Sadly, Michael Fish's mark 2 storm got there before I returned so you'll have to wait until next year before I get to show you that wonderful collection of foliage.
At present Castlethorpe lacks not only its autumn splendour, but also an up and running pub. The Carrington Arms has stood decaying for far too long, while the only hope of a decent drink has been sustained by the village hall albeit only at weekends. I found a happy rumour that things are to change for the good and my enquiries carried me to Simon Hill, the present owner. Good news indeed and the expected improvement is to come with some new housing.
"The Local" has long been the essential central ornament of English social life. Recent years have seen a disturbing number of closures. Last month I was reporting the resuscitation of The Cock in Hanslope and now I'm called on to watch another recovery; I'm enjoying this! We're a thirsty crew on Phonebox, so you may all be sure we will keep you posted.