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| This year’s Allotment Association Produce Show is likely to be a bumper event. with nearly 50 different classes for allotment plot holders to enter. The show takes place on August 31, in the Memorial Hall, Great Linford. Doors open at 12pm, with judging taking place between 1pm-2pm (at which time the Hall will be closed). Prizes will be presented from 2.30pm. For details of classes and recipes, click on http://www.greatlinford-allotments.co.uk/ . |  | | Have you ever wondered if the present rain sodden days are normal for the month or a result of changing weather patterns? Did more rain fall in April or May? ▼
If you cannot remember how this months rainfall compares with those earlier in the year or last year or in 1990 do not worry, just log onto Useful links and Weather on the left of the GLPC web site and you can get all the information you require from Andrew Leaver’s brilliant web statistics.
Andrew explains: - “I started gathering rainfall statistics (at my Dad's suggestion I seem to recall) back in 1984. I've now being doing it for a good 20 years (becoming a bit of a rainfall "anorak" in the process) and have no immediate plans to stop.
The rainfall is recorded on a weekly basis at Turvey. Weekly measurements are combined to come up with monthly and yearly rainfall figures. This site contains rainfall charts showing the monthly and yearly rainfall figures. The weekly measurements are available by downloading the spreadsheet containing the source rainfall data.”
▼ And the answer is that 34.3mm [1.37 inches] of rain fell in April and a massive 110.10mm [4.40 inches] fell in May. So what happened to those April showers then?
© Andrew Leaver
| | | Thames Valley Police advise there is a national crime trend of stealing metals, due to their high selling price. TVP warn that churches, schools and building sites have all been targeted by thieves. Also being stolen are catalytic converters from cars. The converters contain an insert of Platinum, which has a high scrap value. Cars which are high off the ground are more at risk.
The police urge people to be vigilant, as several catalytic converters were stolen from a garage in Stony Stratford recently. If you notice anything suspicious, contact the police on 0845 8 505 505 or, for a crime in action, dial 999.
| | | Developed together with young people by MK Youth Service and Connections MK, Mysay.com has been created to place all information for young people --searching for activities, online forum, games, online polling, ‘agony aunt’ section and advice and information on lots of issues young people may be concerned about.
MK Council Youth Officer Hilary Solway says “ Mysaymk.com will give young people even more opportunities to have their say and perhaps get a real taste for local democracy and how to get involved in local decision making.”
| | | With the school holidays comes the need for ways to keep children occupied. The installation of new play equipment at Serjeants Green, Neath Hill, could not have come at a better time. Plans are also in hand to complete the landscaping of the area.
Phil Snell MK Council’s Play Area Officer coordinated the refurbishment as part of an on-going programme throughout the parish. Conniburrow and Downs Barn have already had smaller play sites renewed as well as transformed Multi Use Games Areas [MUGA’s].
This work will continue in other areas. GLPC is presently working with Phil to see if the MUGA at Pennyland can be revamped with Section 106 money provided from housing development in the parish area.
The new play area at Serjeants Green, Neath Hill
Picture - Malcolm Lane |  | | Seek advice sooner rather than later. That is the message from The Shelter Housing Aid Centre in Central Milton to people who are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage. The Charity, which provides free specialist housing advice, has seen an increase in those facing repossession. However, Shelter says there is a lot that can be done to help people’s houses being repossessed, but it is easier to help in the early stages of the problem arising. Shelter has been successful even at the final stages as they run a County Court Advice Desk at Milton Keynes County Court.
Shelter also gives advice on other housing problems such as:
Relationship breakdown
Disrepair
Landlord/Tenant disputes
Housing Benefit
…and much more
Their service is open weekdays except Wednesday at their office in the Food Centre in Central Milton Keynes (over Iceland). Appointments are issued daily at 9.30 am on a first-come-first-served basis. To discuss how Shelter can help you, ring 0844 515 1876.
| | | The Mobile Library Service travels to meet people who do not find it easy to get to a branch library. It operates across Milton Keynes. The mobile library carries a wide selection of books, including fiction and non-fiction, large print and spoken word, as well as a wide choice of films for all ages.
The children's section includes fiction and a useful section of non-fiction for homework. We also have board and picture books for toddlers and very young children.
Monday is the schedule day that the mobile library stops at Neath Hill Local Centre, for 30 minutes between 10.10 am and 10.40 am. The dates are: July 21; August 4 and 18; September 1, 15 and 29; October 13 and 27; November 10 and 24; and December 8 and 22.
| ![http://www.parishcouncils.org/greatlinford/Parish%20Councillor%20pictures/Mobile_Library[1].jpg](http://www.parishcouncils.org/greatlinford/Parish%20Councillor%20pictures/Mobile_Library[1].jpg) | | Cecil Macaulay, the new Chairman of Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC), came to Milton Keynes in 1980, through his employment as Human Resources Manager, with the task of starting a new company in the city, and recruiting and relocating staff.
In 1983 he moved to Great Linford with his family, where he continues to live. Having been involved with community groups when he was new to the area, Cecil decided to go back to university, this time to read theology, at Mansfield College, Oxford, in preparation for ordination as a Minister of the United Reformed Church. The Rev. Cecil Macaulay has recently retired from full-time ministry in large suburban churches in Surrey. It could be said that Cecil has exchanged one kind of parish work for that of ministering to the needs of ‘parishioners’ of a different kind – the residents who live within the GLPC area. ‘Some people can be confused because we are called a parish council and assume that we must have something to do with a parish in a religious sense,’ says Cecil. In Milton Keynes, the parish councils, like town councils, are the first tier of local government.
Nevertheless becoming Chairman of Great Linford Parish Council is an extension of what Cecil has done throughout his working life, when he represented individuals and groups as well as being involved as chairman of both charitable and grant-making trusts. He became a Justice of the Peace in 1978 when he lived in Chelmsford, and has also served in Staines, and now, in MK.
‘Having retired from full-time employment and having represented individuals and groups as part of my career, my aims are to ensure that the parish can be safe for everyone. I also want to contribute to a community that I enjoy living in,’ he says.
Cecil hopes that GLPC can help bring about an improved standard of landscape maintenance in the eleven communities which comprise the parish area. He also supports the introduction of Neighbourhood Action Groups (NAGs). ‘Our communities are already benefiting from the introduction of neighbourhood policing, through ongoing use of measures to deal with anti-social behaviour and vandalism,’ he says. Maintaining the balance between housing and parklands and ensuring that areas are not overdeveloped, is one of GLPC’s campaigns that Cecil strongly supports and he hopes to encourage effective consultation on proposed expansion plans and planning proposals.
Cecil Macaulay, the new chairman of GLPC. |  | | If you have rats in your area, you don’t need to take extreme measures just call
252 398
or
252 551
Report their location and Milton Keynes Council will send an pest control expert round to investigate. If they are nesting in burrows in your garden, you will have to pay to have them eliminated but that is better than letting the rats invade your home.
|  | | From 1st April 2008 a new national bus pass became available for eligible 60+ and disabled residents for free travel on local bus services throughout England. This national bus pass is accepted for free travel on most local buses throughout England including London between 0930hrs and 2300hrs on Monday to Friday and at all times at weekends and on bank holidays.
While the national bus pass is NOT valid for travel on train, tram, ferry or coach services, Milton Keynes national bus pass holders can, for a fare of 35 pence per single journey, travel between any of the six rail stations inside Milton Keynes - Wolverton, Milton Keynes Central, Bletchley, Fenny Stratford, Bow Brickhill and Woburn Sands.
For more details ask for an application form, either by calling in person at the Council's bus card section at the Civic Offices in Central Milton Keynes or by ringing them on 01908 252558.
| | | The Parish Council sponsored competition for children to 'capture' an image of the Waterside Festival, held on June 20 -22, has resulted in a number of exciting entries. Judging will take place at the Council meeting on July 15, with prizes of £20 and £10 for winners.
Thank you to all those who entered. | | | Councillor Cecil Macaulay was unanimously elected as the Chairman of GLPC at the May meeting of the Parish Council following the resignation of Brian Morsley.
Brian explained: - "After many years of public service, not just in Great Linford parish, it is time for a change and a chance at last to spend more quality time with my wife and family."
Cecil Macaulay, pictured with Parish Manager Eirwen Tagg, chaired his first meeting of the Council on the 17th June.
Picture - David Stabler
|  | | Thames Valley Police (TVP) is holding an open day on Saturday August 9, between 10 am and 4pm, at the Police Museum in Sulhamstead, near Reading. Aim of the open day is to promote greater understanding of the work of the various departments and specialist roles that make up Thames Valley Police. The second open day, held last year, attracted more than 2,000 visitors. As well as being able to visit the Museum to find out about the history of the Force, families will also get the chance to speak to officers from units such as Air Support, Roads Policing, Specialist Search and Recovery and the Mounted Section. Admission is £1per adult , kids go free. For more log onto: www.thamesvalley.police.uk | | | Plans to close post offices in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes are to be discussed at a meeting on Tuesday, July 22 at the Winslow Centre, Winslow, Bucks, at 7pm (refreshments from 6.30pm). Buckinghamshire Community Action (BAC) is eager to ensure that all affected communities have the opportunity to hear directly from the Post Office about their plans - see item below ‘Let's keep the local Post Office open.’ If you want to attend the July 22 meeting email bca@bucks-comm-action.org.uk for a registration form. Further information is also available at www.postoffice.co.uk | | | From July 13, MK Metro's MK3 bus that leaves Wolverton at 0743, will now run to Milton Keynes Central rail station. The service also stops at St Leger Court, Great Linford and Neath Hill Local Centre. The change has been made in response to requests by bus users. For more information, ring MK Metro on 0844 800 4411, email customerservice@mkmetro.co.uk Alternatively, you can use the Bus-Train-Parking-Cycling link on this website, listed under the Useful Links heading in the left hand section of this website. | | | A team of volunteers from BBC Three Counties Radio, BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers), Milton Keynes Council and the general public worked tirelessly over four days at the beginning of June to transform a piece of unloved, litter-strewn woodland in Downs Barn into a haven for nature and a place for the public to enjoy.
Toby Friedner, from BBC Three Counties Radio and the driving force behind the project said:
"The team have worked brilliantly to transform the woods from an area which had been rather neglected into an area which hopefully the local residents and schoolchildren will come to love as well.
"There was a moment on Saturday, when we were laying down the bark path and you couldn't help but notice this really fresh smell from the wood chippings and it was really quite therapeutic really!"
Jane Moore, heading up the team of volunteers from BTCV, said:
"It's been lovely to see the local residents come down to see what we've been doing and to hear from the older members of the community that they can now get easier access to the wood.
"They've told us how much better it is to walk through the wood and feel safe and steady on their feet."
To read the full BBC story and see lots of pictures click on
Copyright BBC.CO.UK | | | The upcoming Waterside Festival (June 20 -22) is featured in the latest issue (No. 19) of News&Views, the parish newsletter. There’s also an introduction to the new parish manager, Eirwen Tagg, and a chance to get better acquainted with four of the parish councillors.
There’s also news of the Sure Start children’s centre at Conniburrow and a profile of new police community support officer (PCSO), Jamie Collett.
Also in the issue, is information about the 300-year-old bequests that are still helping out young people who live in the parish, along with a write-up about the successful Great Linford Tennis Club.
Brian Morsley, parish chairman, looks back over the parish’s year and announces his decision to step down as chairman and councillor for Downhead Park and Willen Park.
This and more besides, are in your copy of News&Views that will be delivered to your door in the next few days. For those who can't wait - you can view the newsletter from this website - click on Newsletters at the bottom of the right-hand column.
All the fun of the (Waterside) festival
|  | | A collaborative project between two established arts organisations and their heritage venues. artworks-mk and Interaction MK will work with artists and communities during May 2008 to design, create and install temporary artworks which interpret the route between the two venues, connecting both place and people.
The work will be showcased during the Great Linford Waterside Festival, 20 to 22 June 2008 at the Great Linford Arts Workshop parklands Great Linford.
Or click on Useful Links and then Parish Community Information on the GLPC Home page.
| | | Over the next few months the Post Office Ltd are conducting a review of local Post Office provision in Milton Keynes. Change may be necessary in the Post Office - but it should not be at the expense of local facilities being available to residents. The formal public consultation will start on the 16th June - but only for six weeks. A new web site www.mkpostoffice.com contains information about the review of local MK branches and details how residents can show support for their Post Office - from completing the online survey, displaying a poster to writing to the Post Office directly. The web site shows all local branches and details the proposed consultation and campaign resources – such as; a letter template and poster, which you can download If you have concerns about your local Post Office closing, please, get involved and together we have an opportunity to make our views heard. |  | | At the top of Constable Close, Neath Hill, there is a small path between two houses leading to the redway, which runs parallel with Monks Way. Where this small path and the redway meet there is a drain cover.
Councillor Sally Ellis [Neath Hill Ward] says "I am concerned that on top of this drain cover someone is putting out food, which I assume is for the birds though it is usually boiled rice and pita breads!. However, whilst walking past last week there were at least 4 rats eating there. On seeing me they ran into the hedge surrounding the house on the right hand side."
MKC's Environmental Heath Officers point out that there is a link between the spring weather and the breeding and survival of rats. The warmer it is, the quicker they reproduce and the better they survive as food is easier to find and they don’t use so much energy in keeping warm and travelling miles to scavenge. Putting out food for birds on a public path only encourages rats, if there is no available food they will most likely move away to an area where there is some.
Any strategy to dissuade rats living in your neighbourhood has to be a joint effort - if your neighbour scatters food for the birds, the rats are happy to live close to your home and feed on the bird food.
For further advice, contact MKC Pest Control MK 252551.
Please do not feed and encourage rats!
| ![http://www.parishcouncils.org/greatlinford/Parish%20Councillor%20pictures/rats[1].jpg](http://www.parishcouncils.org/greatlinford/Parish%20Councillor%20pictures/rats[1].jpg) | | Teams who contributed to the feature on the parish’s cricket facilities in the October News&Views last year, asked GLPC to consider providing sightscreens and scoreboards for the Marsh Drive and High Street pitches in Great Linford.
Having weighed up the cost, parish councillors agreed to the purchase of a set of screens and scoreboard, for each site, as well as a practice net for the new all-weather wicket, from funds set-aside in the 2008/09 budget
Announcing the purchase of the new equipment, Parish Councillor Charles Allum, who chairs the Recreation and Environment Committee (REC) said:
‘We are delighted to provide this new equipment, which we realise will be of great use to the four teams who use our pitches. We know that the facilities provided by the parish council are envied by visiting teams – because they have told us that they wish theirs were as good as those provided by GLPC.’
The new equipment is now ready for use throughout the summer cricket season by the five cricket teams using GLPC pitches. They are: Stony Stratford III, New City, The Printers, North Bucks Ambulance and Great Linford Youth Cricket Clubs.
● The feature on cricket teams in issue 17 of News&Views, can be viewed from this website, by clicking on Newsletter Archive, under Newsletters, in the right hand column.
Stony Stratford & Kislingbury open the season at The High Street.
Picture - David Stabler
|  | | Elections were held in 17 Wards of Milton Keynes Council on Thursday 1 May 2008. The Council representation remains with no overall control by any party.
Liberal Democrats 21 councillors [-1]
Conservatives 20 councillors [+5]
Labour 10 councillors [-4]
The Wards where elections were held and the changes are:
Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Labour Conservative gain
Bradwell Liberal Democrats No change
Campbell Park Liberal Democrats No change
Denbigh Labour No change
Eaton Manor Labour No change
Emerson Valley Liberal Democrats Conservative gain
Loughton Park Conservative No change
Middleton Liberal Democrats No change
Newport Pagnell North Liberal Democrats No change
Newport Pagnell South Liberal Democrats No change
Olney Liberal Democrats Conservative gain
Stantonbury Labour Conservative gain
Stony Stratford Conservative No change
Walton Park Liberal Democrats No change
Whaddon Labour Conservative gain
Wolverton Labour Liberal Democrat gain
Woughton Labour No change
| | | With the retirement of Jenny Sharp, Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC) has appointed Eirwen Tagg as the new Parish Manager. Eirwen is a former international sprinter (for her home country of Wales!) and a management consultant. She and husband Chris have lived in Great Linford for 12 years and have two young children - so you might well meet them on the school run! Eirwen has also been active in fundraising for Great Linford Memorial Hall.
Eirwen welcomes comments about parish matters and can be contacted at the Parish office at Neath Hill Local Centre (almost opposite the Clocktower) which is open weekdays between 9 and 4pm. Ring her on 01908 606613 or email gtlinfordparish@btconnect.com.
As someone who lives in the area, new parish manager Eirwen Tagg, (below) understands the issues affecting residents.
Picture - New City Photographic Society |  | | Great Linford Allotment Association now has a web site at http://www.greatlinford-allotments.co.uk or click on the GLPC web page Useful Links and then Parish and Community Information to find the link to the Association site.
The allotment association represents any plot-holder on the five-allotment sites owned by Great Linford Parish Council. These sites are Bells Meadow, Gifford Gate, Hills Close, Larkspur Avenue and Neath Hill.
The aim of the association is to have every plot in a state of cultivation. They also encourage their plot-holders to take part in competitions and trips.
A highlight of the year is the annual produce show, which is to be held this year at the Memorial Hall, Gt. Linford on the 31st August 2008.
The association meets once a month at 7:30 pm on the 4th Tuesday at the Cricket Pavilion, High Street, Great Linford. All plot holders are welcome to attend.
Inspecting the entries at the annual produce show.
|  | | Two issues have been identified by GLPC as giving cause for concern. The lack of on-site parking to meet the growth in employee numbers and the impact of vehicles turning into and out of Delaware Drive from V10 Brickhill Street without modifications to the road or junction.
PARKING
Only 168 more staff parking spaces are planned. The existing parking provision at Tongwell is already at and above capacity by 48 vehicles on the date surveyed.
During redevelopment of the campus, 88 parking spaces will be lost. It is not clear where on site, rather in Delaware Drive, these cars will park until all the construction work is completed.
CONCLUSION
The existing parking provision at Tongwell is already at and above capacity. The transfer of 350 staff from Caldecotte would suggest at least an extra 308 parking spaces are required, if 88% of staff travel by car.
VEHICLE MOVEMENTS
GLPC questions the conclusions by Mercedes on the impact of vehicles turning into and out of Delaware Drive from V10 Brickhill Street, this suggests no modifications are required to the road or junction.
913 staff are currently employed at Tongwell and 350 will transfer from Caldecotte, making a total of 1,263 staff. This is a 38% increase in staff working at Tongwell, without any allowance for future growth or expansion.
If 88% travel to work by car, this would give a minimum of 2222 vehicle trips to the site, without any allowance for those attending training courses, maximum capacity 250 delegates, or company visitors, for whom 89 parking spaces are to be provided.
CONCLUSION
GLPC suggest that the Mercedes vehicle trip generation figures do not reflect the true numbers employed at, or visiting the completed development, do not allow for future growth in employment by Mercedes Benz and will seriously impact on traffic using Brickhill Street, employees and visitors to Tongwell industry and access for the residents of 390 dwellings in Bolbeck Park. Further consideration has to be given to the impact on Brickhill Street and the Delaware Drive, Redvers Gate intersections.
|  | | Local pooches may suffer the indignity of not having their poo picked up because Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC) has run out of bags and Milton Keynes Council says it can no longer afford to supply poo bags to residents.
GLPC encourages dog owners to provide their own bags, whilst GLPC decides, whether it can afford to buy poo bags.
A representative of GLPC said;
‘Residents already pay for these bags as part of the precept they are charged in their MK Council Tax. They also pay - through the parish precept - for the 17 bins that GLPC provides for the dog poo bags, and for weekly emptying of the bins.
‘As a parish we actively encourage dog owners to scoop their dogs’ poop and many residents now do so. We think MKC is in danger of stepping into a mess of its own making.’
| | | A dedicated hotline has been set up to support local authorities in their new role taking over sole responsibility for stray dogs from the police. The change is from April 6 and will mean Milton Keynes Council will be responsible for collecting stray dogs out of office hours as well as during the normal working day. In the past, especially outside normal working hours when the council dog warden was off duty, anyone finding a stray dog would have had to take it to CMK police station.
Now the council will offer an improved service by collecting stray dogs direct from residents’ homes -within a few hours in most cases. The dog warden will continue to respond to sightings of stray dogs during office hours.
Also, a register of all stray dogs found will now be kept by the council instead of the police who previously had this responsibility.
It is hoped to make the register available via the council’s website to make it easier for strays to be reunited with their owners.
Environmental health team leader Simon Teesdale, who is also a Great Linford Parish Councillor said: “We are pleased to be able to offer what we see as an improved service to anyone finding a stray dog in the borough. We will be able to collect strays when they are found, hopefully within a few hours of a call to the hotline.”
The hotline number is 01908 252187 (office hours between 8am - 5pm); out of office hours on 01908 226699.
| | | All GLPC residents should by now have received the latest copy (Issue 18) of News&Views, the parish's newsletter. We have been heartened to receive some positive feedback on the issue, but we'd like more - including any constructive criticisms you may have. We'd also like to include items that you would like to read about. Let us have your views or suggestions to: info.glpc@btinternet.com | | | Work has recently begun to construct housing on the former playing fields and running track of the Gyosei Japanese School at Willen Park South. Barratt Homes plan to build 172 flats and houses on the site, which is next to the ExtraCare retirement village.
Barratts won a planning appeal last November after Milton Keynes Council turned down the company’s original application because of concerns about the density of the development and car parking provision on site.
Great Linford Parish Council had asked MK Council to put conditions on any application relating to: the entrance to Japonica Lane from Brickhill Street, a redway link, not footway from the canal to Japonica Lane, parking next to footway kerbs, the front not the sides of homes to face the canal, the boundary hedge to the bridleway to be retained not removed, and called for a report by MKC Officers into the suitability of refuse storage facilities.
Drainage and groundwork excavations at Gyosei site
Picture - David Stabler
|  | | A couple of months ago, a request was received from some older residents in the Sandy Close/Church Lees area of Great Linford, for a bus shelter or seat at the bus stop.
The Parish Manager contacted the department at Milton Keynes Council who are responsible for shelters and was informed that there was money in 2008/9 Budget for only one bus shelter in St Leger Drive.
The Parish Council had requested some time ago that a shelter be installed at the bus stop by the school and after discussion it was agreed that the new shelter should go there as this stop is also used by the residents of the High Street area of Great Linford.
It was agreed by the Parish Council that they would purchase from their own funds a seat for the stop between Church Lees and Sandy Close and this has now been installed. It has been purposely put in the position adjacent to the stop, in order that a shelter may still be erected if Milton Keynes Council have the funds at a later date.
The new seat in St Leger Drive, between Sandy Close and Church Lees (below)
|  | | As predicted in the latest issue of News&Views, the parish newsletter, the cost to residents of the parish council has been set at £15.60 for the year 2008/2009, based on a Band D property.
The cost of services provided by Great Linford Parish Council [GLPC], is paid by every household as a ‘parish precept’, and is included as part of the Milton Keynes Council Tax Charge. Last year residents had to pay an extra 35 pence for a similar property. However, the parish council has worked hard to keep the increase down, so that residents will now only have to pay an extra 13 pence for the current year – or just 1p per month!
While holding costs down, GLPC has set aside funds for community grants, and for maintenance of its facilities, including the pavilion at Marsh Drive, Great Linford. There are also to be new gates for three allotment sites operated by the Parish, and four sightscreens and two scoreboards for the High Street and Marsh Drive cricket pitches at Great Linford. Money has also been set aside from reserves for environmental improvements.
Announcing the setting of the precept, Councillor David Stabler, chairman of the parish Finance and General Purposes Committee (FGP) said: ‘Once more GLPC precept is and will remain one of the lowest charges out of the 20 urban parishes, those in the “new city” area. Check this out when you get your Council Tax Guide with your new Council Tax bill for 2008/09 in April.’
For residents who wish to compare the GLPC precept charge against those of other parish councils, go to About GLPC on the right hand section of this website, and select Policies of, and facts and figures about the Parish where the various precepts are outlined.
Councillor David Stabler (below) chair of the parish Finance and General Purposes Committee (FGP) has announced the rise in precept is just 13 pence to £15.60 for 2008/9 |  | | Reports are increasing about the use of mini motorcycles – also known as mini motos, say Thames Valley Police (TVP). Complaints range from disturbance to residents, to damage to the environment.
TVP say that many people are not aware of the legislation which applies to these bikes or vehicles. By law the only place you can use them is on a public road - not on Redways or footpaths - and you must have a driving licence, tax and insurance and wear a helmet. Even if you are fully legal, you still cannot use them on Redways or pavements, or in parks or on playing fields. Also, you have to be 17 years of age to have a motorcycle licence and 16 years to ride a moped.
Police and Community Support Officers have the power to seize any vehicle or bike that is being used in an inconsiderate manner, and can even dispose of it. Riders can also be arrested for careless or dangerous driving.
By law, parents have a responsibility for their child’s actions and can face a large fine or even imprisonment if they allow them to drive or ride in an inconsiderate manner.
Some of these bikes/vehicles are capable of speeds up to 60 mph and can seriously hurt young children or elderly people – as well as those using the bikes!
Danger to residents and the environment can be caused by illegal use of mini motos, as pictured below.
|  | | The number of rats has increased over the last few years. Parish Councillor Simon Teesdale works for MK Council where he leads the battle against the rodents. Here he gives some advice:
There is a link between the milder weather and the breeding and survival of rats. The warmer it is, the quicker they reproduce and the better they survive as food is easier to find and they don’t use so much energy in keeping warm and travelling miles to scavenge.
If there is no available food they will most likely move away to an area where there is some. If your bird feeder has attracted rats then remove the feeder for a few weeks until the rats have moved on. If they have dug into your compost bin you may need to empty it to evict the rats.
Any strategy to dissuade rats living in your neighbourhood has to be a joint effort - if your neighbour still scatters food for the birds, the rats could still be happy to live under your shed and feed with the birds. Contact MKC Pest Control MK 252551 for further advice.
Rats love food put out for birds and squirrels says parish councillor Simon Teesdale (below). |  | | The latest issue of News&Views, the parish newsletter, spells out how councillors have managed to keep the increase to householders of the cost of the parish to 1p – that’s right – just 1p per month. Also in the March issue (No. 18) is an article on the history of the Grand Union Canal, as part of the Street Where You Live series by David Stabler. There are also profiles of three of our parish councillors – plus an appeal for a second councillor to represent the Pennyland and Bolbeck Park Ward. Could that be you? A double-page spread details activities to keep young people occupied, and there’s an update on the latest efforts by the Neighbourhood Action Groups (NAGs) to keep our communities safe, and neat and tidy. There’s also a sad final word from Jenny Sharp who retires in April, as parish manager, in which she devotes part of her Sharp Tongue column to her time with the parish council. Those and lots more in the issue, copies of which will shortly be delivered through your letter box by parish councillors and volunteer helpers. We welcome comments on the latest issue of the parish newsletter. If you have any views, you can email us at info.glpc@btinternet.com or ring on (01908) 606613. Happy reading! You can read the latest issue by clicking on Newsletters in the right hand column of this website.
Hold the front page!
|  | | After many howls of protest from residents two new dog poo bins have been installed, one in Middleton, Great Linford and another in Hammond Crescent, Willen Park. GLPC agreed bins were appropriate close to areas where children play and irresponsible dog owners frequently do not poop and scoop their “best friends” leftovers.
Considerate canines coming from Willen Park, Downhead Park or along the canal towpath will find the Hammond Crescent bin a convenience. People parading pampered pooches past Pippard, Summerhayes, Hills Close, and Middleton now have no excuse for pets fouling grass and footpaths.
GLPC would prefer it if all dog owners bagged the poo and put it in their black sack at home. Responsible resident dog owners can now plan their regular walkies where they know bins are rather than leaving mess in the grass or throwing bags in the shrubbery.
GLPC provide and maintain 17 bins in the parish area. The parish council’s contractor empties the bins weekly. For a list of where the bins are located, click on Parish Facilities in the right hand column.
As well as the 17 dog poo bins provided by GLPC, British Waterways also provide four poo bins on the canal towpath between Marsh Drive Great Linford and Hobart Crescent Willen Park.
The new bin, Willen Park play area, Hammond Crescent
Picture - David Stabler
|  | | Do you live in or Pennyland - Bolbeck Park?
Do you have an interest in the welfare of your area?
Would you consider serving your community as a co-opted member of the Parish Council? If your answers were YES to these questions and you would like to be considered as a councillor for this vacant seat, then contact, between 9am – 4pm.
Eirwen Tagg. Parish Manager
GLPC
10 Tower Crescent
Neath Hill
| | | Police executed a warrant at a property at Loriner Place Downs Barn on the 4th February and closed down a cannabis cultivation factory.
Three people were later arrested; Phan Van Nhuan, aged 20 and Manh Le-Duc, aged 30, both of no fixed abode, have been charged with the production of a controlled class C drug. They appeared at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court the next day. A 23-year-old woman has been released on police bail until 10 March 2008.
Sgt Chris Geen, who leads the Great Linford Neighbourhood Team, said: “This warrant shows we will not tolerate drug dealers coming into Milton Keynes and setting up cannabis factories.
“We are pleased with the result but we rely on community intelligence for raids such as this, so if anyone has any information about drug supply in their area, I would urge them to contact us.”
If you notice anything suspicious around your area or witness a crime in progress phone 999 or 0845 8 505 505 to give information or report an incident.
Report crimes, in confidence or anonymously, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
|  | | Do you know how to throw away an old sofa with just one finger? The easy way of getting rid of unwanted items of furniture is to ring MK Council who will, FREE of charge, collect items from outside your home and dispose of them. Just leaving furniture outside you house is not only unsightly but can be dangerous. For a guide to all the services available from MK Council ring 01908 252570 or log onto http://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/recycling/home.asp and select the item headed Find out what to do with furniture, white goods and bulky waste. You can book a collection on-line from this website, or by ringing the above number. The website also has suggestions about disposing of unwanted items, other than by dumping them, such as giving furniture to Age Concern, selling via ebay and so, on.
Dumped furniture is unsightly and can be dangerous. Picture Charles Allum.
|  | | Thames Valley Police remind residents to make their house secure at all times and keep car keys and handbags hidden from view. There have been a number of crimes in which thieves use wire or other materials, to reach through letter boxes or cat flaps and ‘retrieve’ keys with which to gain entry to houses. Several cars have been stolen by thieves using this method to take cars keys and then drive the vehicles away.
Crime Reduction officer, John Horsley, said: ‘I want to remind residents to make sure their house is secure at all times even when you are in the property. Ensure all doors and windows are locked and dead bolts are activated before going to bed.
‘If you have a house alarm, make sure you use it and if you do not have an alarm we would advise you purchasing one and also consider a security light if you do not already have one.
‘When you lock your doors, keys should be removed from the lock so they cannot be removed by offenders using a hook through the letterbox. Car owners must ensure they keep their car keys hidden as well as their handbags and wallets, and not on view to make sure they do not become victims of crime.’
Be vigilant and if you notice anyone acting suspiciously or witness a crime in progress phone 999 or 0845 8 505 505 to give information or report an incident.
Thieves are using a variety of implements to reach through letter boxes to 'lift' house or car keys. | ![http://www.parishcouncils.org/greatlinford/Parish%20Councillor%20pictures/letterbox[1].jpg](http://www.parishcouncils.org/greatlinford/Parish%20Councillor%20pictures/letterbox[1].jpg) | | If you cannot remember the post code for the important letter or card you are sending you can now easily look it up on the Royal Mail "Post Code finder" web link GLPC has added in "Useful Links" under the heading "Parish Community Information".
Click on the link "Find any Post Code" and it should take you directly to the Royal Mail site. Just type in the address and it will find the post code. Or find the full address if you know the post code.
AND you can see a map of the location - brilliant!
Image copyright - alphabetilately.com |  | | Keeping tabs on planning applications is one of the functions of the parish council. It is now possible to track applications made to MK Council that are within the Great Linford Parish Council area, via this website. Click on Planning Applications in the right hand column for Whys and Wherefores of planning applications.
This will give you Quick Clicks to all applications, every decision, and appeals. The document also gives a general guide to the planning process.
| | | A play area that can be transformed into a boat or other play scene was officially declared open in Downs Barn this week by Children from nearby Woodlands Day Nursery who were first to use the refurbished play area. The play equipment installed at Farrier Place is the only one at present in the UK using the unique design that allows the play area to change into different scenes such as a boat or a jungle scene by the removal and adding of different panels.
Milton Keynes based playground equipment maker Kompan has worked with Milton Keynes Council to install the play equipment that can be adapted into a different play scene every year if appropriate.
The £10,000 refurbishment costs came from the Section 106 planning obligation paid by the Gyosei School redevelopment. The recent Clydesdale Place play area refurbishment was also paid for with Gyosei s 106 funding.
Council play area officer Phil Snell said:” This is early days yet but we hope that this design will allow us to reinvigorate play areas and give fresh impetus to play when we replace old equipment.”
Woodlands nursery children "open" the play area.
Picture - David Stabler.
|  | | Dog owners who regularly poop and scoop, will be pleased to know that, as well as the 15 dog poo bins provided by the Parish Council, British Waterways also maintains several, along the Grand Union Canal towpath. These can be found: -
• South of bridge 80 H4 Dansteed Way. Adjacent Hobart Crescent Willen Park.
• Adjacent bridge 79B linking Pennyland to Bolbeck Park.
• By bridge 78 adjacent the Giffard pub, Hainault Avenue Giffard Park.
• Near bridge 77 on the path leading to The Wharf off Marsh Drive.
For a full list of all dog poo bin sites, click on Parish Facilities
Dog poo bin next to the canal
Picture - David Stabler
|  | | The application for four new detached houses on the site of Spring Cottage, Willen Lane, Great Linford (Application 07/01504/OUT) was refused by the Milton Keynes Planning Officer on 6th November 2007. Because; -
- The proposed development would result in the further encroachment of the built environment into an open, undeveloped area which would have a significant detrimental impact on the setting of the Great Linford Brickworks Scheduled Ancient Monument.
- Also, the development would have a significant detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area including the Grand Union Canal and its associated Linear Park, and the nature of the low-trafficked Willen Lane.
- The development would therefore be contrary to policies D2, D2A, D3 and HE1 of the Milton Keynes Local Plan 2001-2011
| | | Damage wreaked on play equipment at Downs Barn, means a £500 repair bill. Vandals cut the climbing ropes on equipment which has been in place since the estate was built. Because the company that provided the ropes is no longer in existence, chains have been fitted in the interim, at a cost of £500. The damaged unit has just had a major refurbishment, with much of the wood changed, and awaiting a coat of paint. A new bin and sign are to follow.
The damage has come at a time when MK Council has installed a new roundabout and basket swing, to complement the existing toddlers climbing frame that has a slide and climbing platforms.
There are plans to improve other Downs Barns play areas, and MK Council has appealed to residents to keep an eye out for possible vandals.
The rope netting, cut by vandals, has had to be replaced with chains - at a cost of £500. Picture: Charles Allum
|  | | A new dog poo bin has been installed at the bottom of Loriner Place on Downs Barn. But before pooches on neighbouring estates get sniffy about not having one of their own, the new bin is meant to serve the needs of those dogs who also live at Windrush Close, Tadmarton and Colesbourne Drive area of Downhead Park.
Dog walkers from those areas have been dog-ged in their request for a bin to be installed somewhere between Colesbourne Drive and Loriner Place, and the Parish Council has duly responded. There have been many problems with dog poo in the grass verges along the redway – mainly in the Downhead Park side, at the rear of the houses in Windrush Close, so the bin is for the use of pooches from both estates.
The new bin brings the number provided by GLPC to 15. For a list of where the bins are sited, click on Parish Facilities in the right hand column. Many dog owners plan their regular walkies where they know the bins are situated.
Bins are provided so that dog owners can scoop up waste and put it into the bins, rather than having to take it home. The bins are emptied regularly by the parish council.
Bin there, done it say Max and Sam, having sniffed out the new dog bin in Loriner Place. Picture: David Stabler
|  | | Two new NAGS - Neighbourhood Action Groups - for Linford North and Linford South held a combined first meeting on Thursday 1st November. Attended by 22 members from local communities, Neighbourhood Watch, Thames Valley Police, MKC ward councillors and parish councillors, the meeting was told by Lisa Emmanuel and Inspector Geoff Robinson how the NAGS will be set up to identify and deal with the most important issues of concern to local residents and businesses.
Great Linford North NAG covers Blakelands, Bolbeck Park, Giffard Park, Great Linford, Neath Hill, Pennyland and Tongwell whilst Great Linford South NAG comprises Conniburrow, Downs Barn, Downhead Park and Willen Park.. This new style of local policing has been introduced nationally known as Neighbourhood Policing but in Milton Keynes called Safer Neighbourhoods. The reason for the different title is to reflect the fact that in Milton Keynes the project is truly a multi-agency one, and that the issues local residents may be experiencing aren’t necessarily just police related. Indeed many problems may have little to do with the police service, but the NAGS will prioritise the top three things that worry, annoy or upset residents and then try to overcome the problems. Linford South NAG meet at the Salvation Army Hall, Ramsons Avenue Conniburrow. And Linford North NAG at the GLPC office at Neath Hill local centre. Contact details Lisa Emmanuel Safer Neighbourhoods Project Manager Community Safety Partnership Email: lisa.emmanuel@milton-keynes.gov.uk 01908 252767 Picture - David Stabler |  | | PLANS to demolish Spring Cottage, in Willen Lane, Great Linford, and replace it with four detached houses, are being opposed by Great Linford Parish Council.
The cottage is the former home of the supervisor of the adjoining Dell brick kilns, an historic site close to the canal. The Dell brick workings are a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and GLPC believes the proposed development may overlook and impinge on the character of this restored industrial archaeological site.
The Parish Council is also concerned that the junction with Willen Lane and Marsh Drive which would have to be altered to widen access, and three passing places built along Willen Lane, will dramatically alter the character of this ‘country lane’.
There are also fears that the development will be a threat to the newts that live in the adjacent ponds. Residents of nearby Alverton, have also raised objections to the development.
The application is presently being considered by MKC Planning Officers.
The Dell brick kilns and Spring Cottage was featured in February 2007 in Issue 15 of the parish council’s newsletter News&Views. You can read the article by logging onto the parish council website www.great-linford.gov.uk and click on The Street Where You Live, listed under Newsletters.
Spring Cottage site from The Dell boundary.
Picture – David Stabler
|  | | Why is MKC proposing to introduce a ‘pay to pray’ charge? By suggesting an extension of CMK pay & display from five to seven days a week, between Saxon Gate and Witan Gate, MKC will unnecessarily penalise [ @ £1 per hour] those wishing to worship at Christ the Cornerstone at the weekend.
Milton Keynes Council’s consultation on proposed amendments to the parking arrangements in Central Milton Keynes started on 6th August 2007 and ends on 30th September.
GLPC made comments to Paul Harrison, Scheme Development Officer MKC about the proposed changes.
FREE WEEKEND PARKING IN CMK
The Parish Council does not agree with the proposals to confine free weekend parking only to blocks C1 and C4 between Saxon Gate and Witan Gate, and to extend pay and display charges to the City Church and Holiday Inn blocks, C2 and C3, from five to seven day a week. This introduces a ‘pay to pray’ charge on those wishing to worship at Christ the Cornerstone at the weekend.
GLPC believes it will make it more inconvenient and confusing to allow free weekend parking in the two blocks farthest away from the shopping building. All C blocks between Saxon Gate to Witan Gate should have free weekend parking for the economic benefits and simplicity of understanding and operation.
To add your own comments on the CMK parking review Email paul.harrison@milton–keynes.gov.uk
C2 City Church parking block
Picture - David Stabler
|  | | Home security is the best way to avoid your chances of being burgled. Many burglaries are carried out on the spur of the moment, as a burglar may see an open window or other easy point of access and take their chance.
Home Security Checklist:
• Timers on radios or internal lights can give the impression someone is home.
• Always lock all doors and windows when you leave the property even if its only for a few minutes.
• Install visible burglar alarms.
• Fit a letterbox cage to prevent attempts to open the door from the inside.
• Don’t leave keys near the door or in an obvious place.
• Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed, and put garage and shed keys in the house and out of sight.
Distraction burglaries, where criminals use tricks to get into homes and steal, are a constant blight on communities. Bear these suggestions in mind:
• Make sure you can see any callers before opening the door, by fitting a door-viewer or door-scope.
• Fit a door chain or door bar to stop people gaining entry to the house without your permission.
• Always make sure the door chain/bar is on before opening the door.
• Always ask people for identification to check they are a professional. Then call the company they claim to work for using the number taken from the phone book. If they are genuine they will not mind you doing this.
• DO NOT LET ANYONE IN UNLESS YOU ARE HAPPY WITH THEIR IDENTITY!!
| | | All vehicles will be prohibited from travelling north along Tongwell Street [V11, A4146] between its junctions with the Fox Milne roundabout [Childs Way H6] and Pineham roundabout [Portway H5] from 3 September to March 2008
South-bound traffic on this section of Tongwell Street will not be affected.
The closures are necessary enable the widening of the existing carriageway, side road junction modification, new traffic islands and partial demolition and extension of pedestrian underpass in connection with the M1 junction 14 Area Improvements.
Whilst the Tongwell Street northbound carriageway is closed the alternative route at the Fox Milne roundabout is to turn right onto Childs Way [H6] in an easterly direction to the Northfield roundabout then turn left onto Portway [A509 H5] back to the Pineham roundabout junction with Tongwell Street [V11]. Alternatively turn left onto Childs Way in a westerley direction and then right onto Brickhill Street [V10].
The underpass to be closed is situated approximately 75 metres north west of the Fox Milne Roundabout under V11 Tongwell Street. The closure is required to enable the partial demolition and extension of the underpass.
Whilst the underpass is closed, the alternative route will be via the redway at the western side of V11 Tongwell Street to the Pineham roundabout, through the underpass turning right onto the redway at the eastern side of V11 Tongwell Street to return to Fox Milne roundabout and vice versa.
| | | ‘It was a big shock, I never expected to win best in show.’ That was the reaction of Richard Potton when presented with the trophy for the most show points at the fifth Great Linford Parish Allotment Association Produce Show. This was held in a crowded Memorial Hall, filled with fellow GLPC allotment holders, on August Bank Holiday Monday. For more results, click on the Parish Facilities section in the right hand panel.
Richard Potton, proud winner of the shield for best in show |  | | Thames Valley Police are looking for volunteer special constables to work alongside regular colleagues. Specials are not paid except for a small expense allowance but have the same powers, uniform and equipment as regular police.
Special Constables are volunteer police officers who give up their own time to help support the work of their local police force.
In Thames Valley there are currently around 325 Special Constables, who as well as providing valuable support to their regular colleagues, also form a vital link between the police and local communities.
Special Constables have the same powers as regular officers and perform a range of policing duties under the supervision of, and supported by, regular officers. Of the many voluntary organisations there can be few that offer the variety of experience that you will find in the Special Constabulary.
You will find the work of a Special Constable varied, interesting and, at times, exciting. But above all you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to reduce crime, disorder and fear in the Thames Valley community.
If you are interested in becoming a Special, a recruitment trailer will be at Midsummer Shopping Centre on Saturday 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd September. There will also be an Open Evening at the MK Police Station at Witan Gate at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, September 25.
As a 'Special' you will fulfil a vital link between the police and local communities |  | | Pictures and contact details of the new councillors elected and co-opted onto Great Linford Parish Council are now posted on "About GLPC" under the link "Who's Who of Councillors and Parish Staff."
Pictures by
New City Photographic Society | | | THE PLAN by Developers in co-operation with English Partnerships [EP] to extend the Shopping Building and construct two multi-storey car parks in Central Milton Keynes will block existing pedestrian and cycle access routes, compromising pedestrian and cyclist safety, create extended diversions for cars, and increase traffic congestion.
So says Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC), which has lodged a formal objection against plans to close permanently and build on roads; car parks and footways in anticipation of work starting on the new shops and car parks.
GLPC believes the Developer’s and EP’s plans will dramatically change the existing visual ‘openness’ of the shopping centre, by creating monolithic buildings which will dominate and restrict important access routes into, through and around CMK. [Secklow Gate, Silbury and Midsummer Boulevards]
The new development will not only be unsightly but unworkable, says GLPC. In the Developers plan, one multi-storey and a block of three story flats is to be built on the existing car park bounded by Secklow Gate, North Eleventh Street, Silbury Boulevard and North Row.
Secklow Gate is to be blocked and part demolished with the market removed to a location adjacent the Food Centre. The present area of the shopping building is to be extended over the market site, existing footways, parking bays and access roads on both Silbury and Midsummer Boulevards. A second multi-story car park and a block of multi-story flats is to be built on the existing John Lewis car park.
GLPC says that the car park opposite North Eleventh Street will encroach almost up to the Silbury Boulevard retaining wall and severely restrict access by pedestrians and cyclists; from the offices, homes and redway connections at the east end of CMK, to the west end; Lloyds Court, the Library. Council offices, business district and the railway station. .
The removal of Secklow Gate, extension of the shopping building and the construction of the multi-storey car park adjacent John Lewis will also restrict the north-south movement of cars, pedestrians and cyclists between existing developments in Great Linford Parish in particular Conniburrow, Downs Barn and through Campbell Park to the theatre district, Food Centre and Xscape says GLPC.
GLPC has objected to GOSE, the Government of the South East about the closure of roads. GLPC states that in the Developers and EP’s proposals compared with the present multiple choices and freedom of movements, the road closures “will lead to frustratingly increased and congested journey times, and unnecessary, unsuitable and unsafe diversionary routes, which are not based on long familiar, established and desired traffic patterns.”
Commenting on the plans for the road closures and new development, David Stabler, vice-chairman of GLPC said: ‘This is another example of plans being encouraged by English Partnerships which totally ignore the decades of thoughtful planning that went into creating Milton Keynes. It really shows that EP’s priorities have less to do with what is right for the citizens of Milton Keynes and more to do with increasing financial returns for the government. The plans completely fly in the face of the original vision that went into the design of CMK.’
‘You can add to that another serious adverse impact of this development, that by reducing pedestrian and cycle routes into and through CMK, it may force people into their cars, perhaps to shop in the more ‘car-friendly’ district centres at Kingston and Westcroft.
| | | A new link from this website will help you to find out more about crime and what is being done to combat it. Everything from Crimestoppers, to Neighbourhood Watch, plus the ‘Thames Valley Police website, is available via the new ‘Crime and Community Safety’ link. Clicking on this will help you find out everything, from who is your local ‘Bobby’, to 24 hour a day advice on drugs, plus the latest Home Office research into crime both in the UK and around the world.
The collection of web links gives an encouraging insight into the considerable effort by a number of agencies, to make communities safer. Try |
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