Dr James Hobbs
We are very sorry to have to report the sudden death on 30th October of Dr James (Jimmy) Hobbs. Jimmy was a founder member of BPARA in 1990. Since then he has supported the work of the Association, representing residents of part of Whalley Drive on the Committee.
He was, of course, more widely known as a much respected GP, in practice with Doctors Jarvis and Labrum at their Whaddon Way surgery. After retirement he was able to dedicate more time to working as a member of the Rotary Club, as a governor of White Spires School and as a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade. He also found time to enjoy playing golf or bridge, visiting National Trust properties and taking holidays in his native Wales or on long cruises. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, especially Mary, his wife, and their family, to whom he was devoted.
Festival of Christmas
Once again, Bletchley Park and West Bletchley Council are combining to put on a two day Christmas event in the Park. It will be open from 10.30 am to 6.00 pm on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December.
New Housing Development
At last work has begun to build a second block of flats at the junction of Sherwood Drive and Turing Gate. Work is also to begin on planned homes for dementia sufferers. When finished, these should complete all the approved development at the north end of land formerly belonging to Bletchley Park. Turing Gate is the entrance to the whole estate. It is narrow, and vehicles parked there cause inconvenience to residents. It is not helpful that Taylor Wimpey is advising prospective purchasers of their flats to park there. Unfortunately, Milton Keynes Council cannot adopt the estate roads until all building is complete, but a planning enforcement officer has agreed to discuss the situation with the developers, to see whether alternative parking can be arranged. The process of adoption of estates by local authorities is extremely slow. This may improve in the future, as our MP, Iain Stewart has informed us that the Department of Transport is currently in discussion with local authorities about possible changes to the system.
South End of Bletchley Park
The developers of the north end of the Park also own the land opposite the railway station. Plans for building there are now at an early stage. At an exhibition in the Park on 24th November, agents for the developers showed a possible layout for up to sixty dwellings, screened from the Park and Sherwood Drive by existing mature trees. The design of the buildings will not be the same as those at the north end, and not three storeys. Milton Keynes Council would like a building for light industry to be included. We shall only know exact plans when an application is submitted, probably early next year.
Planning Application 11/02387/MKCOD Bungalow for children with severe learning difficulties at the rear of 73-89 Whalley Drive
Milton Keynes Council has now submitted further details of this application, which is to be built on land adjacent to the car park of the Parkside Medical Centre. Because of the narrowness of the approach road to the centre and restricted visibility for drivers, we have asked the Council to reconsider its planned layout for access to the bungalow. We have also suggested that they work with the medical centre staff to make a more sensible arrangement.
There are no further developments to report.
Updates
Proposed 20mph speed limits
At the time of writing no final plans for the introduction of these limits have been drawn up by West Bletchley Council. When they have, the limits will be in place for a six month trial period. We are told that a survey was carried out in the Parish and the majority of those consulted would prefer the 20 mph limit to traffic calming measures. Members of BPARA in Whalley Drive are largely against the scheme for their road, mostly on the grounds that the speed limit will not be enforced. We are told that Thames Valley Police has not the manpower to carry out checks.
The Leys
At present, finances are being arranged for improvements to the Leys. Once that is done, plans will be drawn up, taking into consideration suggestions received in consultation with members of the public and local schools, etc. These will be presented for further consultation before work begins.
Things that did not go bump in the night
It is pretty certain that the plans will not include a shooting range. We shall probably never know why a large number of live gun cartridges were scattered on part of The Leys one Saturday night recently. Fortunately they were spotted by a man walking his dog, who informed the police.
Bletchley Transport Strategy
After many meetings with various local committees, Milton Keynes Council Highways Department has informed us that some of the “schemes” proposed in the Transport Strategy will at least be started in this financial year. Among them are the junction of Sherwood Drive and Buckingham Road (though no decision has yet been made as to how this will be improved), a pedestrian crossing close to the College in Sherwood Drive, and an experimental rearrangement of traffic circulation at the junction of Watling Street and Saxon Street (B&Q roundabouts).
The Serco Depot
The Depot in Sherwood Drive has been scheduled to move several times. We have now been told that it should be transferred to Wolverton in May or June 2012. The site will then return to Milton Keynes Council Property Department. No decision has been made about future use of the site.
BPARA News
The sad death of James Hobbs means that we need a representative to take over his section of Whalley Drive. It involves delivering four newsletters a year and occasional notices, as well as collecting subscriptions from members at the beginning of the financial year. If you would like to offer your services please contact Chris Simpson (373378). Ken Watson has been auditor of the Association’s accounts for a number of years. Sadly he has been gravely ill for some time, but we are pleased to hear that he is now recovering slowly.
Food Banks
If you would like to donate a few items of food for needy families, West Bletchley Council has a collection point at the shop in Melrose Avenue, and St Mary’s Church at the office in Church Green Road. Non-perishable foods in cans or packets are always welcome.
With Best Wishes for A Very Happy Christmas and Trouble-free New Year!
