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March 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 17February 2025speed was 24.63 mph, with 85% travelling at or less than 29.1 mph. On Yardley Road near the Middle School entrance, travelling north (20mph limit), 18,500 vehicle movements were counted, and the average speed was 19.32 mph, with 85% travelling at or less than 23.6 mph. David Chennells observed that the histograms were remarkably consistent wherever the cameras were located which indicated that the stats were very good and also that each set showed that 2% of vehicles were travelling way above the speed limit. He wondered if it was the same 2% of people who were consistently speeding. Rob noted that when data from each location is compared with previous monitoring periods it showed that average and percentile speeds were creeping down, rather than creeping up. Update on Yardley Manor Playpark and community buildingDebbie Whitworth said that more information had been provided by the MKCC monitoring offi cer at 5pm that day in the form of a plan which she said she would attempt to %u2018make head nor tail of%u2019. The plan covers the building of the community centre starting on 27th January and contains a schedule for each element of construction, the first being de-watering (otherwise known as drainage mused Mercury, since it is currently the location of a large lake). According to the plan handover of the completed building will be in August this year, which caused much amusement around the table with Clerk Jane Brushwood inviting bets and Debbie saying, %u2018don%u2019t hold your breath!%u2019. A steering group has been formed with representation from Yardley Manor residents, OTC, and MKCC.Presentation from the BOFF CommitteePresent from the BOFF Committee were Helen Billingham, Stefan Botfield and Andrew Smith. Helen spoke first, saying that since the November meeting the committee had provided the council with an extensive action plan which addressed the issues that had been raised at that meeting. One area of concern had been the committee structure which had now been addressed with roles and responsibilities being allocated to named individuals. Stefan and one other would be responsible for Trader Liaison. Andrew will be responsible for all Health and Safety issues, including liaison with MKCC Safety Advisory Group, having extensive professional experience in the fi eld. By creating these positions the committee were able to free up another volunteer to become full-time bar manager for the whole weekend, she said. Helen said that she would be taking personal responsibility for all environmental issues. In summary, Helen said the committee would like to run the event in a similar format to last year, except they were not asking to set up the marquee on the Thursday immediately after the market. This would free up an extra half day of parking on the market place, and they would set up the marquee on the Friday morning. Having looked at the logistics it would be possible to be up and running for the comedy night on Friday, she said. Last year was the fi rst time that the comedy night had taken place, and they were keen to repeat it since not only had it been hugely popular, but this year the additional bar revenue could be off set against the loss of revenue from the proposal to close the bar earlier on the Saturday night. It would also provide funding for additional safety barriers and security, as requested by the council, she said. Next to speak was Andrew Smith who described his professional and volunteering experience both in industry and as a Special Constable. Stefan Botfi eld then invited questions from the council. At this point a member of the public and the owner of a local food establishment asked to be permitted to share their experience of BOFF but Jane Brushwood apologetically said that they had missed the open forum section of the meeting so would not be able to speak, but would be welcome to write in or speak at the start of next month%u2019s meeting. Chris Tennant said it was good to see that the committee had listened to the council and fi lled the vacant roles with good, experienced people. Chris Shaw agreed saying the committee%u2019s response had been genuine and meaningful. David Chennells asked why the council did not charge for use of the Market Place to hold the event. Debbie replied that should the event go ahead this year there probably would be a charge. Jane explained that historically charities had not been charged for use of the Market Place. David then emphasised the importance of a Business or Event Management Plan, which would prove that the concerns from last year were being taken seriously, and if they weren%u2019t, the committee would be on thin ice, but if they had a plan and didn%u2019t follow it they would only have themselves to blame if there were problems. Having said that, he said he was optimistic that a plan would be followed and fulfi lled. Debbie Whitworth said that last year the additional day had been granted as a trial and a gesture of goodwill, but as good as the Friday comedy night was, feedback from traders indicated that it was a step too far. With a three-day event the Market Place would still be in use from the Friday morning to Monday morning. She said she was also perturbed that the committee was pushing a repeat of the comedy night as an enabler to meet the other conditions. Helen said she felt they had compromised by putting the marquee up on the Friday rather than Thursday. Debbie then suggested that perhaps the retailers and local hospitality industry could be helped by moving the comedy night away from the market place and spread around other locations in the town, rather like the Edinburgh Fringe. Helen did not think that would be feasible and said that last year the local food outlets had benefitted because no food was available at the comedy night. Chris Tennant asked when the council would be deciding if the event could go ahead. Jane said that the agenda item was not to make the decision that night but to receive the presentation from the committee. Debbie said that the rest of the traders and town need to be up to date on progress and it will be an agenda item on the next meeting. David Chennells asked when the committee needed to know the decision, and Stefan said the fl ippant answer would be yesterday as much of the planning and booking was already underway, and it would be %u2018fantastic%u2019 if a decision could be made before next month%u2019s meeting. Jane said the council needed to be fair to everybody as there had been so many complaints, and it wouldn%u2019t be fair to the retailers who are paying rent and rates 52 weeks of the year and losing a lot of money over one weekend. Debbie confi rmed that the decision would be made at the next meeting.Odds and SodsRiverfest, including the raft race will take place over the weekend of 5th and 6th July. This is one of the events that the clerk is permitted to authorise on behalf of the council, unless there are any complaints. Charges for most OTC services, such as allotments, hires and bookings will rise by around 5% in the next F/Y. The draft budget was approved with a similar percentage increase for most outgoings. The total expenditure on salaries is expected to rise to allow for recruitment of additional staff to manage Yardley Manor groundworks and the new community centre. The Parish Precept (the amount of money OTC collects to pay for services and is collected as part of the MKCC Council Tax) will rise by 4.07%.The next meeting will be held on Monday 3rd March at 7pm in the Olney Centre. If you would like to contribute to the Public Participation section at the start of the meeting, or any time the mayor deems appropriate, please contact the Town Clerk, townclerk@olneytowncouncil.gov.uk.