Page 16 - Phonebox Magazine July 2014

Out and About
Mark Lancaster MP
MK Community Urged To Back Child Rescue Alert
I am urging the community of Milton Keynes to get behind two new government initiatives and lead the way in keeping our children safe.
The recently launched Child Abduction Hub and a Child Rescue Alert system will issue alerts via email and text message at the touch of a button when a child has disappeared and their life is at immediate risk. All you need to do is simply sign up at www.childrescuealert.org.uk
This is a topic that sadly is ever present in the news and I am keen to bring these significant initiatives to the attention of every resident in Milton Keynes, including local agencies, schools, groups and organisations.
The system is the responsibility of the National Crime Agency (NCA), in partnership with Missing People.
In addition, the Child Abduction Hub is the UK’s first purpose-built website providing information on dealing with child abduction. The Hub will be a key source of information on all types of child abduction, whether it’s committed by a parent, a family friend or a stranger. This will help parents, teachers and other professionals to make common- sense, well informed decisions on how to keep children safe.
As a father myself, I would urge you to register at www.childrescuealert.org.uk to receive these alerts, which will inform you if a child has gone missing in your local area. Please sign up, you could save a child’s life.
New Rules = Fair Deal For Pubs in MK
New rules have been announced to ensure that tied pubs are given a fair deal by pub companies.
A new statutory code will give pub landlords running tied pubs new rights to help them get a fair deal from pub companies.
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Tied tenants usually have to pay a higher price for beer from the company they rent from. This should be balanced out by reduced rents or other benefits but this has not always been the case, putting some tied pubs at a disadvantage.
The new rules will also address the contentious subject of rent reviews.
Having spent some time pulling pints in pubs across Milton Keynes such as the Swan in Olney, Robin Hood in Clifton Raynes and the Dolphin in Newport Pagnell, I know what an essential part of community life they are and I am delighted that the Government is providing the necessary support.
Mark’s Got Wind in His Sails at Bradwell Mill
As work to restore historic Bradwell Windmill nears completion, I had the privilege of scaling the outside of the iconic Milton Keynes landmark and a chance to leave my own mark on the distinctive ‘cap’.
When the restoration is completed this summer, Milton Keynes will have its own operational windmill for the first time in 138 years. Which means that local people will once again be able to buy home-milled stoneground flour for baking and enjoy the sight and sounds of turning sails and grinding millstones.
Bringing the mill back into operation is being achieved through a partnership between the building’s stewards, Milton Keynes Museum, and Milton Keynes Council, who funded the work of specialist heritage contractors Owlsworth JP.
Whilst up on the scaffold, I not only had a chance for a bird’s eye view of my constituency, I was also invited to pick up a paintbrush and help complete the
waterproofing of the windmill’s cap.
For me, it is great to see the project coming to fruition after a great deal of dedication and commitment. Bradwell Mill is a valuable icon for the community and it’s great to know it will be put to good use for many years to come. The next step now is to ensure its future. The building needs more volunteers to help with the day-to-day maintenance of the mill, open days, tours and visits and, of course, milling flour! Can you help to keep the sails of Bradwell Mill turning? Contact Milton Keynes Museum on 01908 316222
Mobile Surgeries
With the summer months upon us, my mobile surgery will, once again be out and about in the villages. I am looking forward to meeting constituents and giving everyone an opportunity to voice their concerns. Look out for the dates and times in the next month’s issue of the Phonebox.