Table Of ContentWednesday,january 23,2008 | Issue number: 281 | www.mk-news.co.uk | 50p where sold
MKNEWS
The sky’s
Hundreds of jobs
the limit for
Plus all the latest Milton Keynes
Newton
Council vacancies
PAGE 80
PAGE 29
Carwash NEWS
Schools cash
baby?
Council calls for
Reporter financial help
PAGE 2
Laura Son attacked
Boy beaten in
Hannam
vicious attack
PAGE 3
goes off
Scaffold
road for a
nightmare
Jury returns
different
verdict on death
of carpenter
driving
PAGE 5
experience Fit for
anything
Win an exercise
bike from
Full story on
John Lewis
page 11
PAGE 21
MKLIFE
‘Hoodie’ gang in gun
What’s going
on in the city
PAGE 35
PROPERTY
attack on mum-to-be Find a home
PAGE 49
MOTORS
Buy a new or
used car
PAGE 97
BY ROB GIBSON
her and demanded money. “The victim remembers there were a few The youth with the gun is around 18-
[email protected] One member of the gang pulled a hand people in the area at the time of the attack years-old, slim, tall, with blond hair, and SPORT
gun on the woman before she was and someone came to help her up once wore a silver hooded jumper, blue jeans
Red Bull
A GANG of teenagers assaulted a preg- assaulted and pushed to the ground. the youths ran off. They may have infor- and black trainers.
nant woman at gunpoint and stole her While the woman lay on the ground a mation vital to the investigation. The girl is white, around 14-years-old, driver fears
shoes. young girl from the gang stole her shoes. “This was a cowardly attack by a group 4ft 8ins and of heavy build.
Police said the 34-year-old victim, who The victim was saved from serious of six people on a woman who is six She was wearing silver jogging bottoms for safety
is six-months pregnant, was left shaken injury when a passing taxi scared the months pregnant. and a black hooded jacket.
and distressed after the attack in offenders away. “Luckily she was not injured but has The four other men looked younger New F1 traction
Fishermead. Police have described the attack as ‘cow- been left shaken and distressed. than 18 and all wore hoods over their control rules could
The woman was walking along Penryn ardly’ and are appealing for witnesses to “I am keen to speak to anyone who wit- heads. cause skidding
Avenue at around 8pm on Monday, help find the culprits. nessed the assault or recognises the Anyone with information can contact
BACK PAGE
January 14, when six youths approached Detective Constable Phil Baines said: description of the offenders.” DC Baines on 08458 505505.
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new office in
Morrisons Superstore, Westcroft
Join in our success! Contact the Taylors Westcroft Team on 01908 524456
email: [email protected]
AA678058
2|January 23,2008|www.mk-news.co.uk|MKNEWS
Cash bid to bail
Step into...
out school build
BY ALICIA BABAEE
tects. the planned opening dates of
[email protected] There have also been problems September 2009.
JANUARY
JANUARY at Hazeley, Heronsgate in Walnut Cllr Euan Henderson, responsi-
MILTON Keynes Council is to bid Tree and Oakgrove. ble for new school build said: ‘’It is
for Government funding to plug a Yesterday the council revealed it clear that the government is tak-
huge shortfall in its new school has held talks with the ing our issue very seriously. We
SALE
SALE build programme. Department of Children, Schools sensed a real willingness from
In October £60 million was axed and Families (DCSF) to discuss DCSF officials to help Milton
from the programme by ways it can top up the shortfall in Keynes secure the funding it needs
Government ministers, while a capital funding to make up the to provide our new schools. We
damning report highlighted major current deficit. This followed on have one of the biggest new school
weaknesses. from a meeting between Milton building programmes in the coun-
In November, MK NEWS Keynes’s two MP’s Dr Phyllis try and it simply cannot be deliv-
revealed that the council was Starkey and Mark Lancaster with ered without proper funding.
accused of common control and Schools Minister Jim Knight. Everyone is doing all they then can
governance failures by the Audit Following discussions the DCSF to sort this issue out’’
Commission. has brought forward a ‘safety The original Auidit Commission
It has had to find more than £6 valve’ bidding process to support report, which was presented to a
million to rectify problems caused local authorities who are unable special meeting of the councils
at Giles Brook School in Tattenhoe to meet the demands of their audit committee in December,
and Ousedale’s new Olney cam- school build programmes from also found that real and signifi-
pus. within the original capital alloca- cant Health and Safety issues were
Last year Giles Brook was forced tions. also ignored at Giles Brook and
to close after the ceiling threat- A national pot of money, £150 that evidence indicated ‘a real risk
ened to cave in, despite concerns million, to cover the period 2008/9 of serious physical harm existed at
first being raised in 2003. The to 2010/11 has been set up. the school.”
repairs cost £3 million despite the The council is also making a bid Control failures included the
school costing only £2.9 million to to the Learning & Skills Council tight timescales imposed, inade-
build. (LSC) to support the creation of quate preparation for projects,
Ousedale was delayed by nine sixth form facilities at Oakgrove and the absence of effective man-
months and went more than a and Hazeley secondary schools. agement as well as reports of
third over budget and is subject to It hopes that the final phases of unrealistic budgets.
a legal dispute between the these schools, which go out to ten- Bids have to be submitted by the
authority, contractor and archi- der soon, will still be able to meet end of February.
New mums welcome campaign
to raise cash for new neonatal unit
White doors BY ROB GIBSON
Panto star
FROM ONLY [email protected]
£510 Bradley
NEW mothers have welcomed Walsh with
plans to improve Milton Keynes baby Indigo
FITTED Hospital’s neonatal unit. and mum
The unit has remained Laurel Triggs
unchanged since the early 1980s at Milton
3mx3m Victorian but, with the birth rate in Milton Keynes
Conservatory Keynes rising, a major fund-rais- Hospital’s
FROM ONLY ing campaign is under way to cre- neonatal unit
£6995 ate a bigger, brighter unit with
extra cots.
The hospital wants the public to
help raise £250,000 for the Little
FITTED
Future Lives Appeal - part of
which will be used to demolish
walls to create extra space.
OUR PRICE-PROMISE Unit manager Glenda Deacon
said: “It’s been the same since
Coloured Doors “We will match or better about 1984.
FROM ONLY “This is about making the unit
£850 any genuine like for like written more family friendly.
quotation from any of our “Many mothers are in here for up
competitors!” to 16 weeks.”
FITTED The hospital cares for over 300
premature, small or ill babies a
year and donations from the
appeal will help to buy vital equip-
ment to provide the most sophis-
ticated care.
If a baby is unwell it is rushed
from the delivery room to the
intensive care area.
As their health improves babies facilities. “What they want to do with this
progress to the high dependancy Phillipa, from Tattenhoe, said: place will be fantastic for the staff,
and special care areas, before “My son Ethan was born at 26 the mums and the babies.”
being allowed home. weeks weighing only one pound The hospital has agreed to fund
20 Dunsby Road,
Panto star Bradley Walsh visited 11 ounces. four additional cots at £10,000
Redmoor,Milton Keynes on Thursday to drop off £1,700 “He’s been through a huge each as well as seven new nurses
donated by theatre goers over amount but we were very lucky to and three consultants set to join
01908 233433 Christmas. be able to stay at this hospital, by September.
He showed his support for which is only five minutes from For more information about the
mums like Laurel Triggs and where we live. neonatal appeal log on to
0800 834507 Phillipa Cullen, who have first “I’ve spent six or seven hours a www.mkhospital.nhs.uk/about/fu
or
hand experience of the current day here for the last four months. ndraising
Visit our website at www.windor.co.uk A678089 NARRATIVE VERDICT ON CARPENTER’S SCAFFOLD COLLAPSE DEATH
A SEE PAGE 5
MKNEWS|www.mk-news.co.uk|January 23,2008|3
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- AA677744
Pay dispute: Striking journalists and photograhers outside the Citizen office in Auckland Park,Mount Farm N
Journalists strike over pay offer
Need Car Credit?
Regardless of history
JapOti cMUkReiltNt oAlninL KIeSe TyonSu eatssn iCddie tp izhtehoneto fgnoreramwpshepedar as- psinaecirdr e ciate swneta stpo ca a‘yrl leirnfilsgee cf to brt uhat e3 .t5ihn epc eruer nacsieoenndt th“AaI tt’ sp evsoteaprtylee me dneocn ovtua lruaegr iewnlegha atstoe w dree adloibs.”ey WI AA678150.001
can help.See our main
per’s head office during a pay number of titles being produced Johnston Press said: “As previously
strike this week. with reduced staff numbers’. stated, the overall company offer advert on page 99.
The three-day strike, which Features editor Karen Jeffery, is generous given the current eco-
began on Monday, came after who is mother of the chapel, said: nomic climate.
0800 8047008
members of the National Union of “The chapel is resolute and we “It combines a fair basic increase
More News
Journalists had their pay claim believe we are fighting the good with significant improvements in
rejected by the newspaper’s man- fight. the existing salary structure. Less Waste www.agreedcarcredit.com
agement. “We are still keen to talk to man- “Steps will continue to be taken
Further strike action will take agement and we would like to to ensure that the quality and fre-
place from January 28 to 30 and resolve this. We have been encour- quency of our publications will ?Looking 100's of
February 5 to 7 inclusive. aged by the support of local not suffer as a result of any action
the latest
Parent company Johnston Press media, the MPs and people that taken by the NUJ in Milton
for a new
had offered editorial staff a three we know across the city. Keynes.” local jobs
start on 01908 242490
Mum calls for cops AA678095 Job? www.mk-news.co.uk
page 81
[email protected]
to arrest attackers
BY ROB GIBSON
This boy
[email protected] required
plastic surgery
A MOTHER has called for police to repair
to take action after her 15-year- damaged
old son was attacked by a gang cartilage
using iron bars and a home made around his ear
knife. after being
The boy, whose identity has been attacked by a
protected, had been out playing gang of youths Yes ...
football with his friends when he in Newport
fell victim to an unprovoked attack Pagnell. a solid roof
as they walked through the car His mother
park at Tesco Express, Newport can’t
conservatory!
Pagnell, on Thursday night. understand
His mother found him at Milton why there have
With all the advantages of an
Keynes Hospital suffering from been no arrests
lacerations to his ear and head despite her extension combined with the
and bruising across his body. claim that good looks of a traditional
Yesterday she spoke of her son’s police know
ordeal and her frustration that the the culprits conservatory ...
culprits remain free in the com- Keeping you warm in the
munity.
winter....
She told MK NEWS: “His face was
covered in blood. I was shocked. tried to defuse the situation but these boys were older than him. .... cool in the summer
“Somehow he was really calm the main offender hit the victim “None of them has been arrested At a price you CAN afford!
and the doctor said many men on his knee with the bar before and I don’t understand why.
For a free no-nonsense
would have cried after what he beating him around the head as he “I think they should be charged.
had been through.” lay on the ground, despite efforts “You trust the police to do some- quotation....
Without any reason to be wary, from his friends to intervene. thing. I’m really frustrated because
she had dropped him off to meet The gang left the boy bloodied the attack was on Thursday night – Call Now on 01908 650140
halagitsre eref.rdie ntod sp iactk ahroimun udp 8panm haonudr arenHqdeu sirhweadaks i pntlgaa skotenicn t hstueo r fglhoeooryrs. ptiota rl epanaidr fainv“Hed onwwieg hkctnasno a wsgo owm.heoo int ew base aansdsa nuolttehd- www.customglaze.co.uk AA678164
But at 8.50pm the boy and his damaged cartilage around his ear. ing happens?”
Unit 8, Denbigh Hall Industrial Estate, Bletchley, Milton Keynes
two friends were approached by One suspect was identified by Police described the main
three older youths who began police and others were identified offender as about 18-years-old,
swearing at him for no reason. by students at a city school – how- white, 5ft 10ins, brown hair, wear-
Two of them pulled out telescop- ever no arrests have been made. ing a green jacket, jeans and train-
ic iron bars while the third had The boy’s mother said: “I was ers.
what was described as a ‘cus- horrified and I wanted revenge. Anyone with information is
tomised shank’. Why do older boys go out ‘tooled urged to contact the police on
The bemused group of friends up’? My son is quite quiet and 08458 505505.
4|January 23,2008|www.mk-news.co.uk|MKNEWS
MKLETTERS
MK NEWSis proud to be the truly local
newspaper for Milton Keynes and the
surrounding areas.We provide the most
widely read local newspaper for our Sponsored by
readers and advertisers and are
constantly looking at new ways to
improve our service.If you have feedback Letters to The Editor,MK NEWS,1 Diamond Court,Fox Milne,Milton Keynes MK15 0DU | [email protected]
for us,please contact anyone listed below
Councils should have
GENERAL MANAGER Council house building Hospital bug cure
Jonathan Cropley punished by right to buy SIR – It was encouraging to see
01908 242490 power to build homes that the hospital was getting a
jonathan.cropley SIR – The blame for the council not thorough deep clean in your
@mk-news.co.uk building more council houses lies paper last week.
fairly and squarely on the Surely this is not before time as
Government (‘Build more council we appear to be living in an age
NEWSDESK houses call’ last week). when there are more bugs to be
Government rules and financial caught inside the hospital than
Editor: David Gale regulations penalise councils that on the outside.
01908 689595 build council homes. Mr J Green
david.gale In addition, every home the Whaddon Way,Bletchley
@mk-news.co.uk council built would be open to the
‘right to buy’ so the council would Booklovers’ home
Whether it’s a story,picture,community, lose yet another council house to
business,sports or leisure event,our rent to Milton Keynes residents. SIR – I was glad to see that
newsdesk is waiting to hear from you That would be fine if the money Milton Keynes library has got the
received from the sale could be recognition it thoroughly
Newsdesk: 01908 689595 used to build another council deserves by being placed second
Pictures: Andy Handley 01908 689586 house. But it can’t. in the country based on the
Government rules require that a number of items loaned each
ADVERTISING house costing, say, £100,000 to year.
build must be sold for £40,000 to a I think people forget how vital a
Advertising manager: tenant eligible for a maximum 60 role a library can play to people
Samantha Thompson per cent discount, and half of that within the community.
01908 689589 £40,000 goes straight back to the I am out of work due to a dis-
samantha.thompson Government. ability and the library has
@mk-news.co.uk The £20,000 left would not build become a second home for me.
you much more than a garage! SIR – Congratulations to the MK Government investment in A library is so much more than
Classified advertising While the Government punishes Defend Council Housing Group affordable homes is rising. a place to loan out books.
manager: councils in this way, it favours which organised a successful But this is a time-consuming I do not have access to a com-
Hazel Basford housing associations. It provides demonstration outside the process which could be speeded puter and use the library com-
01908 689555 incentives and subsidies and council offices last week. up by giving more powers and puters three or four times a
hazel.basford allows them to act as developers. It highlighted the desperate funding to councils to build a week. It is a lifeline for me and so
@mk-news.co.uk The Liberal Democrat-led coun- shortage in Milton Keynes of new generation of first class many other people.
cil’s aim is to ensure that the maxi- genuinely affordable flats and council homes with low rents P Dawson
We would love to show you just how effective mum number of family homes houses available for our citizens and secure tenancies. Crownhill
advertising in MK NEWSis.For the most with affordable rents come on and the role that the council Councils should be given the
cost-effective advertising solutions across stream as quickly as possible. could play in filling this gap. leading role in driving through Great day with Lions
Milton Keynes,call one of our sales staff What that means in practice is For too long the supply of a major programme of council
Advertising: 01908 242490 that the council works closely with housing has been left to the house building – they know the SIR– I just thought that I had to
[email protected] the excellent housing associations vagaries of the market with dis- needs of their communities and write to say what a wonderful
we have in Milton Keynes to pro- astrous results – a catastrophic they are accountable. day I had watching the MK Lions
vide new homes and we focus the shortage of affordable homes to For the sake of present and at last weekend’s cup final.
DISTRIBUTION council’s scarce resources on deliv- buy or rent. future generations we need to I have never been to a live bas-
ering our programme to bring Gordon Brown,to his credit, act now. ketball game before and I was
01582 390353 existing council homes up to the has pushed housing much high- Dave Brunwin certainly amazed by how exciting
[email protected] ‘decent homes’ standard by 2012. er up the political agenda and Walton Park the game was.
We carefully deliver 94,000 copies of our The council is actively supporting I normally go along to watch
newspaper with pride to homes across our city the all-party campaign to press the the Dons when they are at home
and the surrounding villages every Wednesday. Government to give councils a as I feel you should watch your
In addition,we also deliver a further 4,000 level playing field with housing that I’ve asked for detailed infor- ambulance is not able to come for local sides but over the past few
copies to hotels,restaurants,bars,offices and associations. mation about exactly where and them and they suffer as a result. weeks the games have been a bit
other high footfall public places across MK on a This would allow us to improve when these wardens patrol. That way they might actually start boring with just the odd goal.
Wednesday morning.We also hand out 2,500- existing homes and estates, as well Cllr Liz Campbell to think about the consequences of But the cup final was something
3,000 copies to commuters at MK Railway as to build new council homes. Denbigh Ward,West Bletchley their actions. quite different with the game
Station every Wednesday morning between Cllr Irene Henderson Name and address supplied going first one way then the
6am and 9.30am.Total weekly distribution Cabinet member for housing,Milton Thick thieves other and when Newcastle came
101,000 copies. Keynes Council (cid:1)SIR – I was disgusted to read back to within just a couple of
Our deliverers and distribution staff earn top SIR – What sort of sick people your article last week about the points in the final end I was on
rates of pay.If you’d like to join them contact On the right lines would vandalise an ambulance? – ambulance that was trashed by the edge of my seat.
our friendly staff on the phone/e-mail above. your story last week. thieves. Well done the Lions, let’s hope
SIR – Eagle-eyed readers will have I was shocked and appalled to I can’t believe that anyone would the Dons can come up with an
spotted that MK Council finally lis- read that anybody, no matter how stoop to such levels, what can have exciting end of the season and
LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION tened to my pleas and repainted desperately they needed drugs or been going through their minds? also win, the problem is I don’t
the hazard markings outside money, would stoop so low to I don’t know what the world is know which to go and watch
01582 390353 Bletchley Fire Station just before actually steal from an emergency coming to when even ambulances, now.
[email protected] your photographer arrived (last vehicle. which provide such an important B Elliot
week’s MK News). They must be so thick to destroy service to our communities, are sent by e-mail
Target your business message to anything Many thanks to all concerned. something that they could actually not safe.
INTERNET
between 3,000 and 100,000 homes across The challenge to MK Council now need to use themselves one day. It is awful to think what could
Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire.Simply will be to enforce these markings I just hope that come the day have happened if the patient need-
WWW.MK-NEWS.CO.UK
call for more information and prices. so that inconsiderate drivers who when these people do actually ed to be rushed to hospital.
endanger lives receive the appro- need an ambulance to help them J Hollis
WHERE TO FIND US priate sanction. or a family member, that the Eaglestone
I recently asked the council about
1 Diamond Court,Fox Milne, the amount of time that traffic LETTERS POLICY
wardens spend in West Bletchley,
Milton Keynes MK15 0DU
as I do not recall ever seeing one
Letters must arrive by noon on Monday.Full name and address must be
www.mk-news.co.uk here.
supplied.Details will be withheld in only exceptional circumstances.
Phone: 01908 242490 I was told that they spend 60-70 Letters should be kept short and to the point and may be edited.
hours per month in West Bletchley.
Fax 01908 689550 No doubt this will come as a sur- Write to:Letters to The Editor,MK NEWS,1 Diamond Court,Fox Milne,
Office open 9am-5.30pm or by prise to residents in West Bletchley. Milton Keynes MK15 0DU.E-mail:[email protected]
appointment. In the meantime, rest assured
Published and originated by LSN Media Ltd
Printed by Surrey & Berkshire Newspapers Ltd Conservatories 2266
Windows
MKNEWS
Continuing to offer the very best in quality,value and service after 26 years Unit 8,Denbigh Hall
Industrial Estate,
Doors CALL NOW ON Bletchley,Milton Keynes
Jan-June 2007 and 01908 650140 OPEN7 DAYS
Average weekly distribution Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm
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AA678303
MKNEWS|www.mk-news.co.uk|January 23,2008|5
NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN
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– dead man John Robinson’s family statement Standard Kitemark window.
BY ALICIA BABAEE brother and son. Doors
[email protected] “He was deeply loved by all his from
family, his nieces, his nephews £499
THE family of the man who died and many friends. MKDONS
STADIUM
in the scaffolding collapse at “When he died at the age of just inc VAT
Jury’s Inn say they cannot believe 49 it was a tragedy for us all and
& Fitting
the failures the inquest has most of all for him.
While
exposed. “The verdict of the jury has con-
John Robinson, 49, was working firmed what we always knew, that stocks last
as a cladder on the scaffolding on John died as a result of the col-
Witan Gate when it came crashing lapse of scaffolding at Jury’s Inn.
to the ground on April 11 2006. “We understand the limits of 1 1 BARGE
BOARDS
His injuries did not seem life what a verdict at an inquest can
threatening but he died three days say, but believe that in giving a 2 2 GUTTERING
later in hospital from a blood clot, narrative verdict referring to the
which experts say was triggered by many factors which contributed 3
the fall. to the collapse the jury have found 3 FASCIA
4 BOARDS
On Friday nine jurors who had that there were many failures and
spent two weeks hearing evidence defects at the Jury’s Inn site and
5 4 SOFFITS
at an inquest returned a narrative scaffold.
verdict in which they concluded Inquest jury returned a narrative “As a family we can hardly 5 VENTILATION
that his death was accidental. verdict of accidental death on believe the scale of the evidence
The inquest was told of a num- carpenter John Robinson that the inquest revealed, and we
ber of flaws including that the can only hope that lessons have
number of ties attaching the scaf- which was in the course of con- been learned which will mean that PRICE PROMISE Good quality,
folding to the building was insuffi- struction. no other family has to suffer in the
expert installations, exceptional
cient, inspections by main con- “During the morning of 11 April way we have.”
tractor McAleer and Rush were not 2006 he and others were fixing The Health and Safety Executive after sales. All this doesn't have to
frequent enough, a loading bay tiles to the west elevation. At investigation is ongoing and will be expensive. Bring down any
was removed before it should have about 12.30pm on that day the identify whether prosecutions can
written quote into our new
been and too much was being scaffolding upon which he was be brought.
stored on the scaffolding. working started to collapse. Main contractor McAleer and showroom and WE WILL BEAT IT!
There was insufficient facade “He fell with the scaffolding Rushe expressed their condo-
bracing, parts of the facade were towards the ground. Emergency lences and said: “McAleer and Visit our NEW
missing, there were elements of services were called and he was Rushe had appointed what it
ledger bracing missing, the scaf- found to have injuries. He was believed was a highly competent SHOWROOM at:
folding was wider than it should taken to hospital and died three scaffolding contractor to carry out
have been and poles and tiles were days later. the work, but since the accident Unit 14, Stadium Business Court, Lyon
too far apart. “No one cause can be identified McAleer and Rushe has revised its Road, Bletchley
The jury concluded: “We are as the reason for the collapse but procedure and has appointed its Showroom hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Sat &
2
returning a narrative verdict of there were several factors which own scaffolding expert to oversee Sun 10am-3pm. 08
8
accidental death. contributed to it which were not the design, construction and Office hours: 9am-9pm. 7 days a week 67
“The deceased by occupation recognised at the time.” inspections of scaffolding across AA
was a tile cladder. After the inquest Mr Robinson’s all of its construction sites. 01908 639666
“On 11 April 2006 he was work- wife and son released a statement “We have learned from it and we
ing on the west elevation of the which said: “John was a loving hope that such a tragedy will never
Jury’s Inn hotel Milton Keynes husband, father, grandfather, occur again on a UK building site.” www.gallagherandcropton.co.uk
FISH AND CHIP SHOP UP FOR NATIONAL AWARD
SEE PAGE 27
6|January 23,2008|www.mk-news.co.uk|MKNEWS
One last splash for
MKNEWSBRIEFS
Looking
Rape arrest man released
A MAN who was arrested in connec-
tion with a serious sex assault has
open air swimmers been released without charge.
for a The 24-year-old was arrested after
a woman called police at 2am on
November 1 last year,after she was
new allegedly assaulted in Ladymeadow
Court,Middleton.
The woman,aged 28,claimed that
she had been attacked as she walked
Delays on new
home from the city centre.
Police marquees were erected on
health centre will Noon Layer Drive and scenes of crime
Job? officers searched for forensic evi-
see Wolverton lido dence.
The suspect was arrested and ques-
tioned by police before being released
open this summer on police bail.
He returned to Milton Keynes Police
Station last Tuesday and was released
BY LAURA HANNAM
without charge.
[email protected] A police spokesman said the investi-
? gation is still active.
SWIMMERScan get ready to splash
100's of One-way high street
out this summer as Wolverton’s
the latest outdoor pool will open for one PLANS to turn the high street in Stony
more season. Stratford into a one way road are like-
local jobs
The heated pool on Aylesbury ly to go ahead.
start on Street West, which is 43-years old, Wolverton pool will open in May for one last season The idea is among proposals aimed
was believed to have closed for good at easing traffic problems in the town.
page
in September to make way for a new the pool to open for another sea- allow you to swim when there is Milton Keynes Council says the
health and social care facility to be son.” thunder and lightning about.” majority of the 500 people who
81 built on the site. Hilary Saunders, chairman of the The pool, which can hold 900 peo- responded to a consultation in
However, the build date for the Wolverton and Watling Way Pools ple at a time, is likely to open from December were in favour of the
health centre has now been put Trust, said: “Fans of open air swim- May 10. scheme,so it is moving ahead with
back allowing swimmers another ming will have all of next summer to However, the go ahead has not yet the project.
chance to catch the sun’s rays by the enjoy the experience. It is a lovely been confirmed by Milton Keynes The proposals also include a traffic
pool. experience swimming outside, and Council. calming scheme on London road,a
A spokesman for Milton Keynes the pool is heated. When it closes it will be replaced formal crossing on Church Street
Primary Care Trust said the compli- “I hope people will come on the by an Olympic-size indoor swim- close to the junction with High Street
cated health centre project, which dull days as well as the crowded very ming pool to be built on land cur- and,the introduction of waiting
involves several organisations, has hot days because there are too few rently owned by Radcliffe School, on restrictions and residents’ permit
been posponed to make sure all the “scorchers” to pay our bills. Aylesbury Street West and adjoining parking to deal with various parking
01908 242490 plans are right. “I like to swim when it is raining Western Road Recreation Ground. problems throughout Stony Stratford.
www.mk-news.co.uk “The project has been delayed and because I then often have the pool This will be funded with £9 million Cllr Chris Williams,transort boss
[email protected] we are now anticipating that work all to myself, but I would like more given to the project as part of a said: “We hope to start work at the
will begin on the site in September people to discover the joys of swim- £732m Growth Area Funding pro- end of February and be finished by
2008. ming in the rain. gramme, which the Council placed early spring.”
“This provides an opportunity for “Just a word of warning, we cannot a bid for earlier this year.
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MKNEWS|www.mk-news.co.uk|January 23,2008|9
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With traffic lights:Computer generated image of projected traffic flow at Calverton/Fairways on H3 junction @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ TUaMvniiilsttt o5oBn-c 6lkKe, t eS1cyth6nrl-eee2esy6t,, (cid:2) Servicing @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Lights the future say ✁@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@AA678148 B&WATLING STREETQ TMEVSIFCCOITOMERACUILATIKPO RSSEO2AD TSA2TVRIESPETTOCFK (cid:2)(cid:2) MReopTa’isrs•w0w0a1uwt7ho9.rAe9isAce0 ds6lu ip 8pNp8oastr itoe &n 6oa c3l onS4mee0prvas3inc 6etR oAN6Ce3ptw0.oc9rko3✁9m @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
road planners @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@gggggg@@@@@@@@@@??@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@??ee@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ee??@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@??ee@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ee??@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@??ee@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ee??@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@??ee@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ee??@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@??ee@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ee??@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@??ee@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ee??@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@??ee@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ee??@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@??ee@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ee??@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@??ee@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ee??@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@??ee@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ee??@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@??@@@@@@@@@@??????@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
BY LAURA HANNAM
[email protected]
‘I AM convinced traffic lights are the
right solution on the V4’,Milton Keynes
Council’s cabinet member for transport,
Cllr Chris Williams,has announced.
Six sets of traffic lights are planned on
the V4, Watling Street, as part of the plans
for 6,500 houses in the Western
Expansion Area (WEA), south of Stony
Stratford.
Several councillors have expressed con-
cern that the signals will cause grid lock
and turn neighbouring estates into rat
runs as drivers try to avoid the queues.
But transport planners at MK Council
claim new data shows traffic lights will
cut journey times dramatically when the
new housing is built.
The data, which was displayed at a press With roundabout: Computer generated
conference on Friday, showed that a jour- image of projected traffic flow at
ney southbound from the H1 Ridgeway Calverton/Fairways on H3 junction
down Watling Street to the H4 Dansteed
Way, which took 3.6minutes last year, lights, which were approved during the
would take 12 minutes with roundabouts outline planning application stage, will
in 2016 but only half the time with sig- use modern technology to constantly col-
nalled junctions. lect data and readjust to find the best way
Similarly a journey westbound along the of working.
H3 Monks Way from the A5 to the WEA Kevin Whiteside, chief highways and
took 1.5 minutes in 2007. In 2016 the data transport engineer, added: “This is a tech-
claims this would rise to 28 minutes if nical solution to a technical challenge.
roundabouts were still in place, but only “When we talk about traffic signals
2.5 minutes if traffic lights were installed. everyone thinks of the ones here in the
The images showed traffic jams backing city centre and, if they were there, they
up right into the centre of Stony Stratford would cause problems, but these are dif-
if roundabouts remained on the grid ferent.”
road. “If this wasn’t Milton Keynes the idea
Cllr Chris Williams said: “I was one of that traffic signals work would not be met
the people that wanted roundabouts to with such big surprise.”
remain and thought we could find a solu- Developer Gallagher Estates, which
tion but it is not the case here. became a partner with Milton Keynes
“We are not suggesting that traffic lights Council in the WEA after purchasing the
are the sole solution to growing traffic land interests in the area last year, hopes
problems in Milton Keynes, in other areas to begin work on the development in
re-modelled roundabouts will do the job, May/June this year.
but our primary objective is to keep The transport data is set to be available
MTilrtaonns pKoeyrtn eps lmanonvienrgs. ”said the traffic tsoit ev itehwis owne eMki.lton Keynes Council’s web- A678284
A
IMMEDIATE ACTION CALL FOR NEW FIRE ENGINE
SEE PAGE 12
10|January 23,2008|www.mk-news.co.uk|MKNEWS
Good foundation left
Call for ban
on cinema
booze ads
by hospital chairman
AN MP is calling for a
changed to the law that
allows adverts for alcohol
to be broadcast in cine-
Lawnmower death: Rev Handa Shonin mas before films with a
Mike Rowlands welcomes ‘new
Coroner in call for lower than 18 certificate.
The move by MP Mark
era’ as he retires at the end of Lancaster comes in
monk death pair
response to growing con-
cerns at the level of
April after ten years at the top
to come forward teenage anti-social behav-
iour in the city.
He asked a
BY ROB GIBSON
A COUPLE who tried to save a Buddhist local people and staff can Parliamentary question
monk from dying under a lawn mower [email protected] now have a real say in the way which confirmed that the
could hold valuable information about that their hospital is run and loophole in the law still
what happened. THE chairman of Milton the manner that healthcare exists.
HM Coroner for Milton Keynes is Keynes Hospital Trust has services are delivered. Mr Lancaster said: “It
appealing for the pair to contact his declared a ‘new era’ as he “Over the past ten years the seems inconsistent that
officers as they may be able to help an announced his retirement. hospital has gone from having taken the trouble
inquest into the death of 50-year-old Mike Rowlands has worked strength to strength and there to certify which films
Reverend Gyosei Handa. at the hospital for 10 years has been a real improvement should or should not be
The chief monk died on Tuesday, and witnessed a host of in the reduction of waiting watched by minors we are
August 21 after becoming trapped changes that have shaped times, which has positively then allowing alcohol to
under the lawn mower he had been health care in Milton Keynes. impacted on patient care. be advertised before some
using to cut the grass at the Peace Last week the 65-year-old “I shall miss the organisa- films with a lower than 18
Pagoda at Willen Lake. announced his retirement as tion and all the friends I’ve certificate.
It is believed that a couple, who were chairman of Milton Keynes made here.” “I am certainly not sug-
walking in the grounds, ran to the assis- Hospital NHS Foundation Mike will continue his role gesting that a change of
tance of the monk and tried to help. Trust, with effect from the as governor of two local the rules will be the ‘silver
However, they left the scene before end of April. schools and will retain his bullet’ to solve all of our
police officers could take their details. Mike said: “It’s a new era for post as Mental Health Act problems with binge
Rev Handa was best known for his the trust. This is a good manager for the local PCT. drinking and anti-social
annual Hiroshima Day lantern cere- opportunity for someone else A statement from Milton behaviour but it would be
monies and helped to build the Peace to come in and bring a fresh Keynes Hospital said: “Both another step in the right
Pagoda in 1980 - the first to be built in perspective to things. Sir John Southby Bt and Mike direction.”
the western hemisphere. “My private timescale for Rowlands will be missed by A voluntary code is in
The circumstances surrounding the retirement had actually been staff from across the trust.” place by the industry
death have been investigated by the for December last year but Non-executive director Sir restricting the advertising
Health and Safety Executive. foundation trust status was John Southby Bt, who joined of alcohol before films
The inquest is due to start in February delayed and I was deter- the trust in 2000 and was with the lowest certifi-
and Coroner Rodney Corner has urged mined to stay until we got it. appointed as deputy chair- cates but the code does
the couple to contact Milton Keynes “The achievement of foun- man in 2003, is also set to not apply to all films with-
Coroner’s office on 08458 505505. dation status means that retire at the end of March. Bowing out: Mike Rowlands chairman of MK Hospital Trust out an 18 certificate.
Who will deal FFFrrrooommm t ththehe e 11 sets ntO dOc tocotfbo eObre c2rt 0o20b070e t7rh e2t h0Ee0n 7dE,untrdihnuegr i anPbgow ilPietory wo tfeo rA cottrfo erAantetteyo ranney
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with your affairs LLaassttiinngg PPoowweerr ooff A Atttotorrnneeyy ( L(LPPAA).) .H oHwoewveevr,e Er,P EAPsA msa mdea dperi oprr itoor
t1o O 1cstto Obecrt owbielrl cwoinllt icnounet itnou bee tvoa blied .v alid.
and welfare if you TThhee LLPPAA hhasa sn onwo wre prlaecpeladc tehde EthPeA EasP Aonea so f othnee moofs tthe most
iimmppoorrttaanntt lleeggaall pprrootteeccttiioonn mmeecchhaanniissmmss f foorr y yoouur rf ufututurere. .I n Idnedeeded
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your right to LLPPAA iiss tthhaatt iti tw wilill la lallolwow y oyuo uan adn ydo yuor ufar mfailmy itlhye tcheer tcaeinrttayi notfy of
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choose your you become incapable of making decisions about these things
if you become incapable of making decisions about these things
yourself. Moreover, you will have the comfort of knowing that
yourself. Moreover, you will have the comfort of knowing that
Attorney by the Attorney dealing with your affairs is the person of your
the Attorney dealing with your affairs is the person of your
choice and not someone whom the Court chooses to appoint on
choice and not someone whom the Court chooses to appoint on
waiting until its your behalf.
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Unlike the EPA, an LPA will need to be registered with the
Unlike the EPA, an LPA will need to be registered with the
too late.
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AA ppeerrssoonn ccaann mmaakkee ttwwoo ttyyppeess ooff LLPPAA,. one dealing with
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A Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
behalf in relation to your financial affairs (as do EPAs) and one
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make decisions on your behalf regarding your property and
fAin Parnocpiaelr tayf faanidrs A. ffairs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows
you to plan ahead by choosing one or more people to make
You can appoint a property and affairs Attorney to manage your
decisions on your behalf regarding your property and financial
finances and property whilst you still have capacity as well as
affairs.
when you lack capacity. For example, it may be easier for you
tYoo ug icvaen saopmpoeionnte a tphreo ppeorwtye ar ntdo acfafrariyrs oAuttt otransekys tsou mcha naasg pe ayyoiunrg
yfionuarn cbeilsl sa nifd yporuop feinrtdy iwt hdiilfsfti cyuolut tsoti lgl ehta avbe ocuatp. a cPilteya asse wneoltle a tshat
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382-390 Midsummer Boulevard, the document has to be registered before it can be used.
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Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 2RG A Personal Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to
We also participate in the Institute of Cancer Research Will for
[email protected] plan ahead by choosing one or more people to make decisions
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Contact us now on: 01908 847115 on your behalf regarding your personal healthcare and welfare.
As you can see the protection offered by an LPA can be
As you can see the protection offered by an LPA can be
to see how one of our solicitors can help invaluable. Please contact us today to see how we can help.
invaluable. Please contact us today to see how we can help.
Home Visits Available [email protected] and
www.neves-solicitors.co.uk pashby@neves-solicitors .co.uk
AA677751
