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January 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 17December 2024dept and they are looking at the best way to move forward, but it was apparent that the developer could have managed the project better. Enforcement is one option, but MKCC would prefer reasonable dialogue, especially if the developers wish to build elsewhere in MK. In an email to the clerk, James Williamson, MKCC Monitoring and Information Officer (Development Plans), stated that a company called Sutton Land Development have been contracted by the developers to complete the work but have no interest in the site in terms of ownership. He suggested going back to the development consortium directly to push for a delivery timetable before pursuing a formal legal route and suspected that they are %u2019holding the purse strings%u2019 in terms of the contractors completing the work. Colin Rodden expressed the concerns of everyone around the table that nothing had moved forward since the last meeting (since May interjected Jane), and it was time to press the legal button since MKCC was constantly saying, %u2018we%u2019ll see what we can do%u2019. He noted that OTC had also requested a project plan for the community building which had not been forthcoming. Jane Brushwood said OTC is doing its best, but unfortunately it was not OTC%u2019s button to push, since MKCC are responsible as the planning and S106 collection authority, a point later reiterated by Chris Tennant. She suggested that residents complain to the developers that they have been miss-sold their houses. As a resident Mary Prosser said she had contacted the developers and they just reply that they%u2019ll %u2018get on to it as soon as they can%u2019 but nothing happens. Ward Councillor Peter Geary said legally MKCC were entitled to insist that the developers return the S106 funding but that would get %u2018very murky%u2019 as the developers would claim to have completed certain elements of the work and the amount returned would probably not be sufficient to fi nish it. This was not the only site in MK where developers had failed to complete to an adoptable standard and the common sense approach would be to refuse to grant those developers permission for further work in the borough, but unfortunately that would not be legally enforceable. David Chennells said he believed that the prevarication was totally deliberate and it was important for residents to know the facts. He suggested a letter in The Phonebox detailing the information that the clerk had been given which might defl ect some of the criticism accusing OTC of doing nothing and pointing out that they can do nothing. In closing Debbie Whitworth once again encouraged the residents to complain to the developers.Update on Community TransportJane Brushwood reported that OTC was now in receipt of an all-electric nine-seat minibus, paid for through S106 funding. It is currently only being used to transport residents to and from the Thursday lunch club at The Olney Centre but suggestions for other uses would be welcomed. A number of volunteer drivers had come forward, she said, for which she was very grateful. However it is important that it is driven responsibly and also the drivers must understand their role in terms of responsibilities and limitations. They would not be expected to assist users from their house to the bus, for example, as that would entail a duty of care and safeguarding so to that end she had produced a draft policy document for comment.Odds and SodsAs a trustee of the Ann Hopkins Smith Almshouses Charity Mary Prosser reported that there is now a full complement of 12 residents and they were all due to attend an %u2018exciting lunch%u2019 at The Swan.Jane Brushwood suggested that The Olney Centre Management Committee should in future be responsible for additionally managing the new community centres at the ex-football club and the new building at Yardley Manor. It should therefore be known as The Olney Community Centres Management Committee. The council were not being too ambitious in suggesting the change, as the other buildings will happen she said, though with something of a chuckle. The next meeting will be held on Monday 6th January at 7.00pm in the Olney Centre. If you would like to contribute to the Public Participation section at the start of the meeting, or any time the mayor deems appropriate, please contact the Town Clerk, townclerk@olneytowncouncil.gov.uk.Get your paws on the latest Olney Wildlife CalendarEmberton photographer Mark Kerr has worked with Orchard Press to create a new Wildlife calendar for 2025, raising funds for local charity Olney Is Kind.The calendars are available to buy from the Phonebox Magazine and cost %u00a312.50, with %u00a35 from each sale going to Olney Is Kind - a community driven initiative dedicated to providing support to local residents facing challenging circumstances. Featuring 12 beautiful photographs of local wildlife from Mark%u2019s extensive portfolio, they are selling fast so grab one while you can.