Page 16 - Phonebox Magazine January 2013

NEWPORT PAGNELL COUNCILLOR CORNER
Introduction
The Old Year has gone and the New Year has come. I sincerely hope you had a joyful and merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Did you make any New Year resolutions? I personally gave up making New Year resolutions a couple of decades ago, although I still look at personal changes I might like to make.
When I wrote the May Contribution I thought it was never going to stop raining. As I started to think about this we had floods and as I complete it, it seems we are heading for a record cold winter. The gas and electricity companies must be smiling!
Newport Nobby’s Signal Post
The signal post that stood on Railway Walk, once heralding the journeys of Newport Nobby, is very sick. It stood in the place where a signal post has stood for 150 years. (Sheppards Close is the site of Newport Pagnell’s railway station). The signal post had to be removed as it had started to lean and was a safety hazard. It now rests in the SERCO depot at Wolverton. Ironic in that Wolverton played a big part in our railway history.
The train was also known as Nobby Newport. You can find out more online at: clutch.open.ac.uk/schools/giffard99/home.html
Newport Pagnell’s Historical Society plays a big role in such matters and had a plaque attached to the signal post, but that weathered away, and without them much of our history might be forgotten.
Milton Keynes Council is currently in the process of looking at options for repair and for a signal post to stand once again in its historic site. This might only be a small part of Newport Pagnell’s heritage but it is very important we maintain it.
Newport Pagnell Christmas Lights
Congratulations are in order to the Christmas Lights Committee for another superb Christmas Lights, which was enjoyed on the 24th November.
The rain threatened but stayed away until the afternoon and the strong winds forecast did not appear. Weather-wise it was a normal November day. Both sides of the High Street were lined with a range of stalls, some raising money for good causes like the RNLI and the British Heart Foundation, others for fun.
There were fairground type rides and raffles. Everyone who went was entertained by superb displays by local organisations and groups. It might have been damp but it was a cheerful and enjoyable day and a good start to the Christmas celebrations.
Milton Keynes Budget
Milton Keynes Council’s Conservative administration has started the consultation on its budget for 2013/14. It contains a number of proposals for the residents of Milton Keynes. The Consultation runs until 11th February 2013 and if you feel strongly enough please comment on the proposals.
Among the proposals are increases to bus fares and the cessation of some bus routes and car park charges for Milton Keynes are proposed to increase.
Some facilities for children are undergoing major changes and there will be reductions in service to young people. Council house rents are planned to increase by 4%. There is also a planned increase in Council Tax.
It is important that you have your say and
your comments must be received by the 11th February.
Please e-mail us on NewportFocus@mklibdems.co.uk if
you need to contact any of the Newport Focus Team.
You can comment at www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/budget-consultation 16 Phonebox Magazine
A contribution from Cllr Derek Eastman