Electoral review of Milton Keynes - Submission

On Sunday, I sent my own comments to the Boundary Commission on proposed ward boundaries for Milton Keynes. The full submission is below.

Electoral Review for Milton Keynes
 
After studying the draft proposals for new ward boundaries for Milton Keynes, I feel I must strongly object to the proposals being put forward by the Boundary Commission.
 
I am deeply concerned about the effect of these proposals on my own ward of Campbell Park and feel the proposed arrangements would in fact separate communities rather than bring them closer together.
 
It is true that Oldbrook has good connections with Central Milton Keynes. However Central Milton Keynes, which is largely a business district, acts as a barrier to the estates to the north. Oldbrook would be isolated from the other residential estates if the proposed CMK ward became a reality.
 
Oldbrook has far closer links with neighbouring Fishermead. The two estates are joined by a single Boulevard running right through the centre. Residents from both estates share the use of shops, schools and churches. The parking issues described in your report, referring to Bradwell Common and Conniburrow, have also been present in Oldbrook and Fishermead. In fact, a parking scheme has recently been put in place in Oldbrook to deal with this issue.
 
It is also important to note that a strong relationship exists between Oldbrook and Fishermead, made stronger by their presence within Campbell Park Parish. In fact I would argue Oldbrook and Fishermead have a symbiotic relationship, with community leaders in both estates being heavily involved in local events.
 
I am also concerned that the proposed Woughton & Fishermead ward, would result in Fishermead being isolated from the rest of its ward. Fishermead has no relationship with neighbouring Eaglestone. Your report states that there are good transport links between the two estates. However this is incorrect. It is not possible to drive directly to Eaglestone from Fishermead. This is in stark contrast to Fishermead and Oldbrook, which share a boulevard.
 
Fishermead also has a very strong relationship with Central Milton Keynes. Many Fishermead residents are dependent on CMK Market, located nearby. In fact the residents of Fishermead were instrumental in keeping CMK market open, when its future was threatened by a proposed retail development.
 
The proposal for an Old Woughton & Campbell Park ward, appears bizarre. I can not imagine how difficult it would be to be a councillor for this ward. Many of the estates, even many neighbouring estates, have no relationship with one another. Again, I am concerned Springfield would become isolated in such a ward. Springfield has a very close relationship with Fishermead, with Springfield residents often making use of Fishermead’s churches, shops and its playing field.
 
It is also worth noting that the proposals put forward would mean Campbell Park Parish boundaries would stretch across 4 wards, served by 12 councillors. I don’t believe this would encourage a strong relationship between Milton Keynes Council and Campbell Park Parish Council.
 
I would recommend the Boundary Commission considers a CMK ward, which includes Central Milton Keynes East and West, Oldbrook, Fishermead and Springfield. This arrangement would keep communities together and would best serve local residents.
 
Yours sincerely,
 

Cllr Paul Williams

Campbell Park Ward

Milton Keynes Council

Serving the residents of Oldbrook, Fishermead, Springfield, Woolstone and CMK.

http://www.pjwilliams.co.uk

To chew, or not to chew?

After8, a group of city professionals and authorities, have suggested a ban on chewing gum in Central Milton Keynes.

I'm keen to hear what people in Milton Keynes think of this idea.

Please contact me with your views at paul.williams@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Time to invest in CMK Market

Milton Keynes is a city which does things differently. Whereas many places are defined by their past, Milton Keynes is a city which looks forwards to the future. Whether looking at Central Milton Keynes Shopping Centre, built in the early days of Milton Keynes; or the much more recent stadium:mk which brought football to Milton Keynes; it's clear Milton Keynes is a city of ambition. We seek to create our own history, rather than dwelling on our past.

That said, it is important we recognise our heritage and that we don't lose sight of the many things which make Milton Keynes such a fantastic place to live.

Many cities across Britain have a Primark. Fewer cities have strong vibrant markets and only Milton Keynes has a grid road system which allows the fast movement and quick distribution of traffic. It's not often you're stuck behind a traffic jam in Milton Keynes!

The problem with the Secklow Gate Primark development was that it sought to damage some of what was good about Milton Keynes.

As I've said many times, I would welcome seeing a Primark built in CMK. Secklow Gate was the wrong location.

I am delighted that the livelihoods of market traders are no longer threatened. However now is not the time to stop the campaign, especially as thecentre:mk may look to submit revised plans on the same location.

Well over 14,000 people signed a petition to save the market, and I'm incredibly proud to have played a part in campaigning from the very beginning.

Now that we know what the market means to the people of Milton Keynes, it is clear we should be looking to invest in it. CMK Market is a highly valued community asset but it clearly needs some attention and a lot of investment.

As long as I remain a Councillor, I will be pushing for investment in CMK Market to ensure it remains a strong vibrant market for years to come.

Emily Darlington backs CMK Market

CMK Market will not survive, if proposals to move the market and make way for a new Primark are approved by Milton Keynes Council according to hard pressed market traders.   

Market traders met with Emily Darlington and local Labour Councillor Paul Williams to express their fear that the market would be lost to CMK and they would lose their livelihoods.

This meeting took place one week after market traders served a deputation at a meeting of Milton Keynes Council to outline their concerns. Market traders also expressed their anger at not being consulted over the plans, which they say would see CMK Market moved to a site with less footfall and 40% less space than the original.

Emily Darlington, Labour Parliamentary Spokesperson for Milton Keynes North opposed plans to move CMK Market after meeting with concerned market traders about the impact on their business and local residents.  

Milton Keynes Council will decide whether to approve the planning application at a meeting of the Development Control Committee later this year. English Heritage have also written in opposition to the plans.

 Emily Darlington, the Labour Parliamentary Spokesperson for Milton Keynes North said, "I am shocked and appalled that market traders have not been consulted over plans which will have a massive impact on their livelihoods and could see an end to over 400 jobs.

 “I am not opposed to a new Primark being built in Central Milton Keynes but the Council should investigate better locations in CMK where this could be built without destroying the market or our central grid roads.

Emily Darlington continued “CMK Market is an important part of the cultural make-up of Milton Keynes. If we lose it, we lose a part of our history”.

Cllr Paul Williams, Labour Councillor for Campbell Park Ward concluded, “Having listened to the views of local residents, and the market traders, I am opposed to the current plans for this development. The proposed development would not only destroy our central grid roads and inconvenience commuters, it would put at risk a vibrant market which is an asset to our community.

Police and Crime Plan

The newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley has published his draft Police and Crime Plan. This sets out the PCC's priorities over the next five years.

You can find the Plan and respond to the Consultation here: 

PCC Police and Crime Plan

Paul stands up for CMK Market

Paul, this week, asked the Leader of Milton Keynes Council to work with market traders to ensure a strong vibrant market survives in Central Milton Keynes.

This took place at a meeting of Milton Keynes Council, where market traders served a deputation expressing their own fears about the future of CMK Market, if the proposed Primark development were to go ahead.

Milton Keynes Council will decide whether to approve the planning application at a meeting of the Development Control Committee later this year.

Paul said, "I am pleased the Leader of Milton Keynes Council has agreed to work with market traders to ensure a strong vibrant market remains in Central Milton Keynes". 

Having listened to the views of local residents, I will be opposing the CMK Primark application at the Development Control Committee". 

While I welcome the creation of new jobs in Milton Keynes, I do not believe this should be achieved at the expense of market traders. There are other locations in CMK where this could be built without putting livelihoods at risk".

Paul to hold Fishermead surgeries

I will be holding regular monthly drop in surgeries at the Trinity Centre, Fishermead on the first Friday of every month at 4pm. 

Dates are as follows:

11^th January 2013

Then every 1st Friday on

1^st February 2013

1^st March 2013

5^th April 2013

3^rd May 2013

7^th June 2013

5^th July 2013

2^nd August 2013

6^th September 2013

4^th October 2013

1^st November 2013

6^th December 2013