Page 30 - Phonebox Magazine September 2012

Newport Pagnell Councillor Corner
A contribution from Cllr Derek Eastman
Introduction
Potholes and overgrown hedges
Hello again. The Newport Pagnell MK Ward Councillors are now taking it in turns to provide the Councillor’s Corner contribution for the Phonebox. This, we hope, will bring some variety in both articles and style.
Follow me online: www.derekeastman.mycouncillor.org.uk
As I wrote the May Contribution I thought it was
By far the most numerous complaints I am receiving at the moment are about potholes and hedges, which growing across footpaths and redways, and these are always reported to Milton Keynes Council with minimum delay. However, resolving the issues is taking longer and longer.
never going to stop raining. As I write this we are experiencing the wettest summer for many, many a year.
Well Done Greg Rutherford
It is good to start this month with recognition of Greg’s achievement in winning GOLD at the London Olympics. Greg is a resident of Woburn Sands, in the Borough of Milton Keynes. This is something to celebrate and I do hope that Greg becomes a real role model for all our future young Olympians. Well done Greg.
We have been told that it could up to six months to get potholes repaired, which means it will be wintertime and instead of repair they will probably get worse.
You can report potholes and overgrown hedges by telephoning Milton Keynes Council on 01908 691691 or by e-mail via the Council Section of MK WEB.
Lovat Hall Car Park
Before After
New Boundaries for Milton Keynes Council – and will Newport Pagnell be split?
The Boundary Commission has consulted on the size of Milton Keynes Council and has confirmed that, as the New City has grown, the number of Councillors will increase from 51 to 57. However, it comes at a price.
The Borough of Milton Keynes will be divided into 19 wards, each with three Councillors, based on the number of electors in each ward. Newport Pagnell is currently split into two wards (North and South) with two Councillors in each. Under the new rules Newport Pagnell will be too big for three Councillors and there is a likelihood that some of Newport Pagnell will move to another MK Council ward and therefore be covered by a different ward Councillor. This is not yet decided and the Boundaries Commission is currently reviewing ward boundaries and seeking comments. Your Newport Pagnell Liberal Democrat Councillors, along with the Town Council, strongly believe that Newport Pagnell should not be split under any circumstances and remain as one ward. We believe that Newport Pagnell has a strong identity, community and history and should remain intact. This might mean that some rural parishes will be moved into the existing North and South wards with three ward Councillors in each.
If you wish to make any comments on new ward boundaries you can submit them to the Boundaries Commission at www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/south-east/buckinghamshire/milton- keynes-fer
Children in (Food) Poverty in Milton Keynes
In June the report into Child Poverty in Milton Keynes was released and it raises real issues and concerns. For example, do you know that one child in five, under the age of 16, lives in poverty in MK, and no community is excluded. I would not have expected that to be a statistic in the 21st century. I started to wonder how many children go to school or go to bed hungry. Additionally, if children get free school meals how do they eat in the holidays?
In 2009 1,112 child food parcels were distributed and in 2012 this increased to 2,787, a rise of 150%. These figures are from The Food Bank, the largest of the food distributors in MK. There are of course several others. There is no doubt child food poverty is going to get worse. MK Council supported my motion to the Leader of the Council to investigate just how many children rely on Food Bank parcels. We should know by October.
I would urge you to read the report, it can be found in the MK Council section on MK Web.
I would also urge everyone to support his or her local food bank.
Full Shelves Empty Shelves
Trees Chaucer Close
London Road Cemetery
No job is too small. A short while ago a local resident asked me if I could get some work carried out at the cemetery as the area around the crematorium plaques had become overgrown, making it difficult to maintain the memorial and place flowers.
I contacted MK Council and asked for the work to be carried out. Fortunately in this case the work was carried out expeditiously and to everyone’s satisfaction.
Tesco is coming !!
Confirmation has been received that Tesco will commence the development of their Tickford Street store next year, in time to open for Christmas 2013.
If you need to contact any of the Newport Focus Team please email us on NewportFocus@mklibdems.co.uk.
NEWPORT PAGNELL MEDICAL CENTRE FLU CLINICS
If you are a registered patient at Newport Pagnell Medical Centre please book your appointment now to get protection from flu.
Flu injections need to be repeated every year because the virus changes. Therefore the injection is best given before the flu season starts.
It is highly recommended for all patients over 65 years of age or in a medical risk group which includes heart or lung problems, diabetic, kidney or liver problems, had a stroke and patients taking medication or if you have an illness that lowers immunity. We also recommend this if you are a carer or pregnant.
Flu clinics will be held at Newport Pagnell Medical Centre on Saturday 6th October, 8am - 2.30pm and Saturday 3rd November, 8 am-2.30pm.
Please ring 01908 617111 to book your appointment.
30 Phonebox Magazine