Page 42 - Phonebox Magazine December 2014

Olney Councillors’ Corner
Superfast Broadband
We wanted to begin this month’s article with an update on the status of superfast broadband.
This project will give residents access to much faster and more reliable internet connections with much of the Olney ward now covered by the rollout. There are however concerns for a number of the smaller remote villages, that we represent, where the service is not yet available. We are due to meet with Milton Keynes Council’s Programme Manager for Broadband to try and make sure that all areas can benefit from this new technology. We will feedback on this meeting through the individual parishes and also in our next Phonebox article in January.
Parking on Pavements
We have received a number of comments recently about drivers parking their cars on pavements in Olney and the surrounding villages. Although parking can often be difficult, obstructing pedestrians, particularly wheelchair users, the visually impaired and people with prams and pushchairs can be inconvenient and dangerous. Thames Valley Police are asking residents to report any concerns by calling 101. They have also advised us that, over the coming weeks, they will be issuing reminder notices to drivers who park inconsiderately.
Cllr David Hosking
Planning Application for Homes in Sherington
As many residents of Sherington will be aware, a planning application was submitted towards the end of October for 36 new homes on land off the High Street. Sherington became a “selected village” around five years ago after a decision was taken by the Parish Council to accept expansion of the village. However, the recent application conflicts with Milton Keynes Council’s policy and would therefore need the support of villagers to be granted. As ward councillors, we are keen to hear the views of the village on this application (reference: 14/02002/OUT) which can be viewed here: http://publicaccess2.milton- keynes.gov.uk/online-applications/. Please let us know what you think by emailing your comments to: olneyward@milton-keynes. gov.uk.
Cllr Peter Geary
Carole Mills’ Visit to the Olney Ward
In November we were pleased to welcome Milton Keynes Council’s Chief Executive, Carole Mills, to Olney. We spent a morning with Carole and showed her many of the positive things which are taking place across the ward including the recreational and sports facilities plus our excellent schools. We also took time to explain some of the main concerns of residents such as poor state of some of the roads as well as the proposed gravel extraction in Lavendon and Lathbury. Carole’s visit allowed us to highlight the unique challenges in providing the council’s services to a large rural ward.
Best Wishes for Christmas
Finally, we wanted to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. We look forward to speaking to as many of you as possible in 2015!
Monthly Surgeries
If you have any issues that you would like to discuss with us in person, then please come along to one of our monthly surgeries. These are run in the Olney Centre on the first Friday of each month between 7.30pm and 8.30pm. Alternatively, we can be contacted at other times by phone or email.
Our individual contact details are as follows:
David Hosking - 01234 241010 david.hosking@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Keith McLean - 07983 456081 keith.mclean@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Peter Geary - 01234 714260 peter.geary@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Cllr Keith McLean
42 Phonebox Magazine