West Bletchley Neighbourhood Action Groups
When NAGS were first set up n West Bletchley, it was decided that three were needed to cover the area; Old Bletchley, Far Bletchley, and Denbigh and the Leys. Most BPARA members live in what was the Old Bletchley area. Some of our members have always been active in that group. Among them, Rosemary Farr, Chris Simpson and Martin Lamb have all been Chairmen for a time. Karen Lamb was Secretary for several years. A few members on the odd numbered side of Whally Drive live in what was the Denbigh/The Leys area, but none were actively involved with that NAG. It has now been decided to reduce the number of NAGs in West Bletchley by combining Old Bletchley with Denbigh and The Leys. This means that all our members will be within one group, to be called West Bletchley NAG. Far Bletchley NAG remains separate and will keep its name. Brenda Hart, former Chairman of Denbigh and The Leys, has been nominated Chairman of the new group, with Martin Lamb as Vice-Chairman. There will be an election at the first meeting of the new body. The two former groups had almost the same target issues: both favoured tackling anti-social behaviour and speeding; Denbigh and The Leys also targeted drugs, while Old Bletchley considered parking issues a major problem. The joint targets will be discussed at the first at the first meeting on Wednesday 24th October 2012. The venue has yet to be decided, so ring Martin or Karen Lamb on 01908644432 nearer the date if you wish to attend. After that meeting the group will meet every five weeks, to coincide with police shift patterns. Thanks to Martin for giving us this information.
The Leys – Plans to View
Following consultations with local residents, the West Bletchley Council has drawn up plans detailing proposed improvements to The Leys. These improvements include refurbishment of the large play area at the Neath Crescent end of the park plus further landscaping work.
The Council would like to share both plans with as many residents as possible. Accordingly, the plans will be available at the park between 10.00am and 12.00 noon on Friday 5th October. If you are unable to come along at that time, the plans will be available in the Parish Council offices at 1 Porchester Close during opening hours – 9.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Planning Application 12/000916/FUL
This application to build 56 dwellings on land formerly owned by BT, in Bletchley Park, was considered by Milton Keynes Council Development Control Committee on Thursday 13 September 2012. West Bletchley Councillor Tony Mabbott and Chris Simpson made three speeches against the development. Tony concentrated on the effect on the local infrastructure of another 56 houses, in addition to more than 500 already completed, or scheduled to be built, in the area around the Park. Chris argued that in size and design the development was not appropriate for the Conservation Area. Surprisingly, neither MK Council Conservation Officers nor English Heritage had objected on these grounds. Chris was sceptical about the promised tree screens to lessen the impact of the buildings on this estate.
She pointed out that tje landscaping required by H.M Planning Inspector to screen the intrusive housing at the North end of the Park had not yet been provided, after nearly seven years. After some discussion, the Councillors agreed to defer making a decision for a month, so that a group of them could visit the site. Chris will present another three minutes of objections in the October meeting of the committee.
Bletchley Transport Strategy Group
This group consists of members from both Parish Councils and representitives from Residents’ Associations and NAGs. Angie, Chris and Bill Malins represent BPARA, and are pleased that the group has been successful in pushing some projects forward. These include the roundabout at the junction of Buckingham Road and Sherwood Drive, the improvements at the B&Q junction on Watling Street and the pedestrian crossing in Sherwood Drive. Currently work is being done on better signage to car parks in Central Bletchley.
Serco Depot, Sherwood Drive
For several years now we have reported that the Serco Depot was scheduled to move to Wolverton very shortly. Our observant members will have noticed a recently erect sign saying the site is for sale. We have confirmed that this really means that the time to move has come, and the site should be cleared by mid-October. As yet we have no indication of what will probably happen there, but it probably won’t be housing.
Rescue for the Pavilion?
For many years local people have grown increasingly concerned that the former Bletchley Park cricket pavilion was falling into a state of disrepair, and would soon be beyond renovation. The strip of land on which it stans, stretching along Buckingham Road from Sherwood Drive has also been neglected, with the fence not repaired. This gave easy access to vandals to reach the Pavilion. Recently, Angie, Chris and Bill Malins went to a presentation to the West Bletchley Council Planning Department by a group of developers, acting on behalf of the owners of the Pavilion site. As yet there is no planning application, but a scheme has been drawn up and was displayed to the meeting for the developers to get local reactions before submitting an application. The plan is to build twelve houses on the site, with a minimum of tree removals. This would be an “enabling development”, with money raised from the housing used to restore the Pavilion so that it can be used for community events. On the face of it, this seems a very good scheme to us, but we would need to see the terms of the planning application when it is submitted.
Association Secretary
Don’t forget this post will be vacant from the next AGM. We do need some volunteers. Please contact Angie or Chris if you are willing to help. The Association cannot continue without officers to run it.
Autumn Outings
Our member, Graham Simpkins has again arranged an interesting programme of excursions. If you are interested, please contact him by email on graham@grahamsimpkins.com or by telephone on 01908 378945 to obtain full details, including special offers.
- Tuesday 9th October – Morgan Cars and the Malvern Hills
- Saturday 27th October – Churchill’s Chartwell
- Tuesday 6th November – Autumnal Tints, National Arboretum Westonbirt and the Cotswolds.
- Saturday 17th November – Elgar’s England
- Sunday 2nd December – Melton Mowbray’s Christmas Victorian Fayre
Stop Press
The Annual Firework Display in Bletchley Park will be held on Saturday 3 November. Further details from the Park on 01908 640404.
Subscriptions
Many thanks to all who have paid. If you have forgotten, please give the sub to your representative or one of the officers as soon as possible.
BPARA
Angie Ravn-Aagaard – Honorary Chairman (01908 368332)
Chris Simpson – Honorary Secretary (01908 373378)
