Page 24 - Phonebox Magazine August 2016

Newport Pagnell Councillor Corner
Grass and Weeds
One of the side effects of the summer rain has been to cause the grass to grow longer than normal and for the sides of the roads, footpaths and redways to become overgrown with weeds.
The contract is to cut the grass a set number of times per year regardless of how long it is. Most of the grass has been cut but, because of the length of the grass, we have received complaints about the mess left behind. On the other hand weeds are sprayed once per year, but can’t be sprayed in the rain and this is delaying the schedule. Newport Pagnell is due to be sprayed mid to late July. However, this will depend on the rain!
Flooding
In early summer very heavy rain caused ooding in several streets in Newport Pagnell because the drains could not cope with the volume of water.
The Focus Team was contacted by residents from a number of streets including Wolverton Road, Park Avenue, Station Road, Priory Street, Tickford Street and Mill Street.
The residents’ concerns were passed on to MK Council and asked that urgent action be taken to clear blocked drains and that a review takes place on whether the drains are up to
the job, particularly in Wolverton Road, which was one of the worst affected areas.
Ward councillors met with MK Council of cers and Wolverton Road residents in late July to resolve the problems that led to the Flooding.
Carnival
On the 25th June Newport Pagnell’s Carnival thrilled the town with a fantastic parade of oats and an excellent range of stalls, sideshows and fairground rides on Riverside Meadow. The oats excelled themselves this year and the rain that fell for half the parade did not stop residents watching and cheering as it passed by. The Carnival Committee deserve a vote of thanks for an excellent family event.
Strawberry Fayre
The 3rd July saw the annual Strawberry Fayre at the Youth Club on Wolverton Road. It was a bit overcast but dry and warm for another excellent family event. Lots of stalls and sideshows, plenty of strawberries and cream, great entertainment in the ring and the opportunity to look over a working re engine. Again the committee deserves our grateful thanks for all their hard work.
Soapbox Derby
On the morning of Sunday 10th July Newport Pagnell experienced its 7th annual soapbox Derby. Homemade soapbox carts zipping down Silver Street competing for 1st place. A real family fun event as we all cheered on the drivers to go faster. Two hours after the start the winner was announced. Engineering and design was top notch with some wonderfully thought-out and colourful carts. Congratulations to the organisers and supporters. If you missed it this year do not miss it next.
Giffard Park and Blakelands Play Areas Saved
Following a review of the play areas in Giffard Park and Blakelands by Milton Keynes Council it is proposed that all four play areas are retained. They are Boulters Lock, Hainault Avenue and Great Linford Park (near the canal) in Giffard Park and Wedgwood Avenue in Blakelands. This is good news for local families.
We all encourage residents to notify us if they see any items which are causing them concern. Every item will be investigated. Follow us online:
Cllr Alexander on http://paulalexander. mycouncillor.org.uk, Cllr McCall on http:// douglasmccall.mycouncillor.org.uk or Cllr Eastman on http://derekeastman. mycouncillor.org.uk
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If you need to contact any of the Newport Pagnell South Liberal Democrat Focus Team please e-mail us at NewportSouth@ mklibdems.co.uk
24 Phonebox Magazine | August 2016