Campbell Working for Oldbrook, Fishermead, Springfield, Willen, Campbell Park & Woolstone

Park
Parish
Council
Caring within
HOMEGROUND
the community The magazine for where YOU live October 2010

Multiple occupancy
multiple risks!
Special Report
Campbell Park Parish Council (CPPC) has some of the
highest concentrations of Houses in Multiple Occupations
(HiMOs) in Milton Keynes.
That is largely due to the number of three-storey properties in areas
such as Fishermead and Oldbrook.
That type of dwelling, if properly licensed and converted, can offer a
vital source of housing stock which is often the first step in families
establishing themselves on the housing ladder.
But with so many people living in a small space, it is inevitable Parked vehicles blocking both pavements
that there will be increased risks in terms of health and safety and
also exploitation of tenants.
Those risks are almost always significantly increased in unli- What can you do?
censed HiMOs and, in the worst cases, can lead to people being If you suspect you are living in a HiMO, or
killed. want to report a suspected HiMO, please con-
Where such a tragedy occurs locally CPPC will always call tact MK Council’s private sector housing team
on MK Council and other authorities to prosecute the land- on 01908 253271 or email
lords and owners of the offending property. privatesectorhousing@milton-keynes.gov.uk
The concern of parish resi-
Your enquiry will be treated in confidence.
dents and CPPC centres on
WHAT IS CPPC DOING the increasing number of Every new report of a HiMO not known to the
team will be inspected.
ABOUT HiMOs? HiMOs and the resulting is-
sues around parking, rub-
bish, and noise pollution.
At its September meeting
CPPC passed a motion call-
The government is not
helping the problem because
Have your say!
ing on MK Council to act on: they have now made it easier Contact CPPC on this subject. Write to:
G Strict enforcement of the for single family houses to be HiMOs Initiative
converted to HiMOs by with- Campbell Park Parish Council
Housing Act 2004 (which re-
drawing the need for new de- 1 Pencarrow Place
quires compulsory registra- velopments to go through the Fishermead
tion of three-storey HiMOs) planning process, changes ef- Milton Keynes MK6 2AS
which is essential for the fective from October 1.
or email: himos@campbell-park.gov.uk
safety of people in the Parish At street level the chal-
lenge is how we deal with
G Investigate properties sus- the three major effects of
pected of being unlicensed HiMOs; namely lack of ade- INSIDE
HiMOs quate parking, rubbish, and
Boundary review update -p2
noise. Take a look along
G Ensure that unlicensed your street any evening and Latest moves on bus changes - p 3
HiMOs are either brought up see how many cars are
Summer fun days pictures p 4&5
to standard and licensed, or parked on pavements, often
the owners prosecuted. obstructing the access of Advice on staying safe -p8
pedestrians.

Campbell Park Parish Council – www.campbell-park.gov.uk  MK 608559

2 CAMPBELL PARK PARISH COUNCIL – working for the people of...

Latest on Parish boundary review

The shape of things to come

or the past three years, the boundaries of And as for Willen; even though Great Linford PC
F Campbell Park Parish Council (CPPC) have
been under review as part of MK Council’s
accepted the wishes of the people and the BRG, its
representative left the meeting in no doubt that the
boundary review programme. option will be discussed again, and it should not be a
That council established a Boundary Review Group surprise if another attempt is made by that parish to take
(BRG) and charged it with overseeing the process and over Willen Ward.
making recommendations. Its original proposal was for: In light of this development, CPPC will be debating its
I Central Milton Keynes Town Council (CMKTC) and options in readiness for this new review.
CPPC to amalgamate If you have an opinion on these issues, or would like to
I To transfer Willen ward away from CPPC to Great attend meetings when they are discussed, please contact
Linford Parish Council CPPC.
CPPC consultated on both proposals. In the case of the
amalgamation 88% of respondents were in favour.
Write to:
An even greater percentage (99%) of those from Willen
Boundary Review, Campbell Park Parish Council
voted to remain with CPPC and, as a result, the loss of
Willen was removed from the agenda. 1 Pencarrow Place
The BRG shifted its direction on the amalgamation, in Fishermead
September last year, by accepting a proposal from Milton Keynes MK6 2AS
Central Milton Keynes Town Council that – rather than Email, with ‘Boundary Review’ as the subject, to
being amalgamated with CPPC – it should continue to boundaryreview@campbell-park.gov.uk
exist and expand its territory to include CPPC’s Campbell For Campbell Park Parish Council meeting dates
Park ward.
Needless to say CPPC strongly opposed that. call 01908 608559
Threat on hold for now
A BRG meeting last month had been due to recommend
to MKC that Campbell Park ward be moved to CMKTC.
A strong delegation of staff and CPPC councillors turned
Community cohesion
out to make final objections but, in the end, did not need Another successful social cohesion meeting has been held
to fight – not for now anyway. between CPPC and repres-
That was because, at the outset of the meeting, a entatives from ethnic groups within the parish.
proposal was accepted by the BRG that where there are Discussions centred
disputes between parishes, they be referred to a new on the aims and
review body in 2011, after the next local elections. aspirations of different
Because of new legislation, that second review must be ethnic groups, and a
completed within 12 months of its start date. way to devise practical
What does that mean? plans which can help
For the time being things remain as they are. CMKTC bring them about.
will still want to relieve CPPC of Campbell Park ward. Sport, music and
food are seen to cross
all boundaries and
MK Credit Union unite people, and it is
An MK Credit Union community collection hoped that an event
point has opened at CPPC’s Pencarrow combining those
Place, Fishermead, offices. elements can be
You can join the credit union there or get further organised in the
information about membership benefits from trained future.
volunteers on Tuesdays, between 11.30am and 1.30pm.
Members can also make payments to their savings
accounts and apply for loans. Graffiti Busters
MKCU offers an alternative way of saving and Call MK Council help-line 01908 252570 to
borrowing, and anyone who lives or works in Milton report graffiti in YOUR neighbourhood.
Keynes is eligible to join. It is a financial cooperative, Or go to www.milton-keynes.gov.uk
owned and run by its members.
and access a simple online report form via
Savings are used only for the benefit of members, and
the streetcare page.
regular savers become eligible to apply for loans at low
Reports will be placed on a register and dealt with.
interest rates.
Offensive and or racist graffiti will be removed on
To find out more call 01908 525086
or e-mail enquiries@mkcreditunion.org.uk
the first Friday following the report.
or visit www.mkcreditunion.org.uk
 ...Oldbrook, Fishermead, Springfield, Willen, Campbell Park & Woolstone. 3

Extra dog bins Place (the Green).

esponding to public
R demand CPPC has
installed seven new ‘dog
bins’ – taking the total it has provid-
ed to 29.
The sites are listed below.
Oldbrook: Rashleigh Place, The
Oval, Hutton Avenue (the Green),
Oldbrook Green youth shelter (the
Green), Boycott Avenue, Leyland
Fishermead: Falmouth Place,
Polruan Place (near playpark),
Kernow Crescent (near playpark),
Pencarrow Place (near playpark),
Penryn Avenue, Tolcarne Avenue
(near playpark), Vellan Avenue.
Springfield: Stamford Avenue
(near playpark), Falcon Avenue (near
playpark), Turnmill Avenue, Bridge
85, Belsize Ave, Walbrook Avenue.
Woolstone: Marshalls Lane
(carpark), Marshalls Lane (near play-
park), Newport Road (allotments),
Newport Road (bus stop beside Mill
Lane), Newport Road (cricket
ground).
Willen: Granville Square, Portland
Drive (playing field), The Well, The
Hooke, Willen Pavilion.
The Parish spends £3,500 a year
keeping the bins clear, so If you see
any of them full or overflowing, please
contact CPPC on 01908 608559.

Buses get the BUG

In the previous issue of Homeground CPPC asked for
comments about recent changes to local bus services
and, of the responses received, 83 per cent said the
service had deteriorated while 17 per cent thought it
had improved.
The Parish is aware that, in light of public reaction,
further changes have been made in an attempt to
address the strength of public feeling.
One recent development, with regards to public
transport, is the newly created Milton Keynes Bus
Users’ Group (MK BUG).
Interim chairman Peter Ballantyne said: “The Bus
Users Group is being set up completely independent-
ly, so that we can work with, criticise, and monitor
both the council and the bus companies.
“This is a very positive move and it is important
that bus users now have a voice. The group will
endeavour to develop relationships with the providers
and ensure we get a bus service that we can be proud
of and worthy of the city.”
If you want to join MK BUG or contact them with an
issue, please send an email to MKBUG@hotmail.com

New coachway is looking good to open for Christmas

The new Coachway building is now
in the final stage of development
after MK Council handed it over to
the Homes and Communities
Agency (HCA).
Final fitting out work is now
underway prior to opening to the
public, scheduled for December 13.
Redevelopment of the Coachway
is part of a £2.6m partnership proj-
ect by MK Council on HCA land.
The facility will be leased and
operated by the National Express
Group.
Funding for the project has been
provided by the HCA and the
Department for Transport.
For more about this story, please
see: ‘New Coachway set to open in
December’ at
http://www.miltonkeynespartnershi
p.info/media_centre/press_releases
.php?ID=167 on the Milton Keynes
Partnership website.

Property transfer talks Estate’s regeneration plan

The Parish (CPPC) is in discussions with MK Council
about taking over the running of Springfield
Community Centre, Fishermead sports grounds and
Woolstone cricket field.
Both Councils want those local facilities to stay in
local hands and to be run by, and for, the local com-
munity.
The Parish will consult the immediate local communi-
ties, about how the different facilities might be man-
aged, when the transfer is imminent.
A Neighbourhood Action Plan, a blueprint for the
regeneration of Fishermead, has been published and
the public invited to comment.
Meanwhile, at day-to-day level, CPPC
is working closely with the Probation
Service – and Community Payback
teams are dealing with more obvious
problems such as clearing litter, cutting
back overgrown hedges and restoring
path edges.
4 CAMPBELL PARK PARISH COUNCIL – working for the people of... ...Oldbrook, Fishermead, Springfield, Willen, Campbell Park & Woolstone. 5

From dominoes to a day at the sea-side

Some played rounders and football on
Something for everyone!
the beach while others spent most of
HETHER they were nine- breezeblocks with hammers and
the day in the sea. Others enjoyed the
fun fair and seaquarium on the
W months or 90 years there
was something for everyone in
chisels under the watchful eye
of Play Rangers were all part of
Victorian pier.
the Campbell Park Parish the fun.
Back in Milton Keynes there were Council Family Fun Days. So were bouncy castles, and
multisports and family games on the And despite August’s weather mixing record tracks DJ style
Willows Field every Friday in the school swinging between sunshine and with the MKC youth workers,
holidays. Children of all ages, and par- showers, it didn’t stop people along with learning to sing and
ents too, ran in relay races and tackled enjoying themselves. dance.
the space-hopper assault course. Face painting, arts and crafts, Then there was face painting,
It was brilliant to see families playing play for the under 5’s with the African drumming, stories from
together and learning new games, such Pre-School Learning Alliance, Awake to Know Africa, and
as quick cricket and giant dominoes. toasting marshmallows on scary lessons from the fire
At Oldbrook’s Fun Day there was jew- sticks and creatively re-shaping brigade with their kitchen fire
ellery making organised and run by displays – making everyone
local lady Lorraine, and Vanessa from jump back as flames shot into
A day at the seaside was the high-
light, for 80 people who went to
Clacton-on-sea, of summer holiday ses-
Craftability showed how to make button
bracelets and earrings. Another local
the air.
Photo shoots with Gully
sions organised by volunteer craft Mouse, designing badges with
the Community group made and Jane Housego, refreshments
Mobiliser. decorated birds. and games with Oldbrook
The volunteers Christian Centre, and sales of
The activities
baby clothes by the young
were run with the were all on an
mums of Orbit Housing were
help of volunteers ‘organising events
also part of the activities on
and various partner and activities’
Fishermead, Oldbrook,
agencies. course run on Springfield and Willen.
The weather was Fishermead by
MK Dons provided their
beautiful for the MK College, with ever-popular football
Clacton outing, on support from the training – and chil-
which families Parish and dren and adults alike
from the Parish Community were enthralled by
were joined by Mobiliser, as part snakes, lizards, a giant
some from of MK Council’s tortoise and other rep-
Bletchley and regeneration tiles on display.
Bradville. project.

And Pebbles go up on the Downs...

Teacher and family support workers from The Pebbles Children’s

Centre took five families out for a day on Dunstable Downs.
Kite flying provided great fun, and some of the children went
walking with their parents while others loved watching the gliders
soaring so high up in the sky.
After lots of fresh air and exercise everyone had a picnic, and a
good fun day was had by all!
6 CAMPBELL PARK PARISH COUNCIL – working for the people of...

Christian centre ‘reborn’

Expansion of Milton Keynes
Christian Centre, on Oldbrook, is
complete!
The work took just over a year
and opening ceremonies are
planned for October 30.
The centre’s Billy Ritchie (pictured)
said: “The new church hall will give
us much needed extra room for
Sunday Services, allowing us to
move from three to two services at
10 am and 12 noon.”
The building is not exclusively for
church members’ use and the com-
munity-at-large will also benefit.
“As well as a new church hall wel-
coming visitors, we believe Milton
Keynes Christian Centre can be a
great facility for the whole of our
Parish.
“We believe our church needs to
be active in serving our special
community, and the new facilities
will enable us to develop these
activities. We now have use of a
multi-purpose space to expand
FoodBank, parents & tod-
dlers, the senior citizens
group – and our ever-pop-
ular children’s club
‘Frantic’, on Fridays. It
will also house a great
coffee shop with a large
seating area and, eventu-
ally, free WiFi. There will
be rooms for small meet-
ings of community
groups.”
Parish residents are
invited to an open day on
Saturday October 30
between 12 noon and
4pm. A host of activities for all
ages, including music, dance, free
coffee and food from around the
world are planned. Comedian Bobby
Ball will be performing in the
evening. Above: a hall for 600 and the huge
Tickets are free, just call MKCC on new cafe foyer – all part of a £2.5
01908 670655 to reserve yours. million investment

investigate your complaint.

Bonfires can be a flaming nuisance
nder the Environment occasional fire, that will not be con-
U Protection Act 1990, it is
an offence to cause a statu-
sidered a nuisance because no single
individual can be held responsible.
tory nuisance.
That includes smoke, fumes,
gasses ‘emitted from premises so as
to be prejudicial to health or a nui-
sance’ and can include nuisance cre-
ated by bonfires.
What counts as a nuisance?
To legally be considered a nuisance
a bonfire would be a regular problem
and interfere with other people’s well
being and comfort or enjoyment of
their property.
If a fire is only an occasional event
it is less likely to be considered a
nuisance. Similarly, if you are trou-
bled by a series of bonfires from vari-
ous neighbours, each only having an
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Please come along and see
how the Parish Council con-
ducts its business. Meetings of
the council are held on the third
Tuesday of each month, start-
ing 7.30pm, at the Oldbrook
Centre, Oldbrook Boulevard,
Oldbrook. Visitors are welcome
to come and see what goes on.
The next meetings are on
Oct 19, Nov 16 and Dec 21
What to do if a neighbour’s bonfires
are causing a nuisance:
Approach the neighbour to try and
resolve the matter – they may not be
aware of the problem, and talking
may make them more considerate in
the future.
If that fails contact MK Council’s
Environmental Health Department
which must take reasonable steps to
Skills ladder
Ten Fishermead and Oldbrook people
have taken part in a six-week accred-
ited training course – Organising
Events and Activities – delivered by
Milton Keynes College Skills Ladder
and funded by the Parish Council.
Supported by CPPC’s community
development manager and the local
community mobiliser, the tutor
worked with participants to develop
skills such as team work, communi-
Its staff have power to issue an
abatement notice under the
Environment Act. That act also allows
you to take private action in a magis-
trate’s court.
What are the alternatives, more
environmentally beneficial, methods
of rubbish disposal?
MK Council issues green bins for
garden waste – including leaves and
small branches – removing need for a
a bonfire. If you have more than the
bin will hold, take it to the recycling
sites. Or you can create your own
compost bin.
cation, budgeting, marketing events
and health and safety.
The participants also gained in con-
fidence as the course progressed,
culminating in their organising and
presenting events themselves at the
Oldbrook Family Fun Day.
I There’s a great Business Diploma
course starting now – FREE if you
have been unemployed for over six
months, receive job seeker’s
allowance and are computer literate.
You must also want to take part in
a café project at The Trinity centre.
Interested? Call Chris on 01908
222827 or email chris@mklc.co.uk
We also deliver ESOL (English
classes) at The Trinity centre –
Mon-Fri – if you need help.
 ...Oldbrook, Fishermead, Springfield, Willen, Campbell Park & Woolstone. 7

Working together to beat rubbish dumpers...

Parish and its partners in grime

By parish warden
Mitch Mitchener
orking with MK
W Council’s enforcement
team, waste officers, and
MKC councillors, the Parish has
attempted to rid various streets of
the habit some people have of leav-
ing contaminated pink and black
sacks dumped on green areas –
sometimes many days prior to sched-
uled collection days.
That behaviour has been a common
cause of complaint from many local
people.
One particular Fishermead street
has been targeted with such sacks
searched for evidence of the guilty
parties’ identities.
As a result many residents have
received section 46 letters explaining
that they should only put their waste
out on collection days.
The letters also inform them that
should they continue with such inap-
propriate behaviour they will receive
a fixed penalty notice – £100 fine.
If that is not paid court action
could increase that to £1,000.
Residents can be assured that this one flytipping incident.
action will continue wherever such Therefore I would like to remind
dumping continues.
In a recent incident a large amount
of flytipped rubbish was set alight
residents that MK Council runs a
FREE BULKY WASTE collection
service.
and, unfortunately a large ash tree Just call Environmental Services on
was damaged and had to be felled. 01908 252570
That is a typical escalation: email: recycling@milton-keynes.gov.uk
G Thoughtless person dumps rubbish visit: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/bulkywaste
G Another one sets it
alight
G Established tree is
damaged
G Fire service has to
deal with incident
G Police have to inves-
tigate
G Waste services have
to clear debris
G Landscape officer
inspects damaged tree
G Contractor employed
to fell and clear of logs
Adding on the value
of the damaged tree,
it’s a considerable
amount of public
money being wasted on
Thanks to some help from CPPC the

families of Woolstone are to get a much

Get your out - test your smoke alarm
Following last month’s fatal
fire on Fishermead all resi-
dents are urged to check that:
I You have a smoke alarm fit-
ted in your home.
I It is working. It should be
checked weekly.
I Normally batteries should
be changed every 12 months
(though 10 year smoke alarms
are now on sale).
PLEASE DON’T
Many people remove smoke
alarm batteries, to use them
in a child's toy or because the
alarm sounds when cooking.
PLEASE don’t – no alarm
means no alert if there’s a
fire...a fire which could kill
you, your family and your
neighbours.
If the alarm is triggered by
your cooking it has probably
been installed incorrectly.
If in any doubt do not hesi-
tate to contact the fire service
on 01908 665567 or, if you live
on Oldbrook, 01908 263374 or
improved play area.
Following removal of an unsafe play
email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk. area at Rectory Lane, the Parish has
They will be only too happy assisted residents in achieving its rein-
to send a fire crew to advise statement.
you as to the correct location.
Public consultation between resi-
They will even supply and fit
dents, Campbell Park Parish Council
one free of charge, and also
and MK Council led to an application
give you invaluable information
on fire prevention. for help being made to WREN (a body
They will advise on making funded by a tax on waste going to
escape plans to save yourself landfill).
should you become trapped by That bid was successful, and com-
a fire. A cup of tea is all you bined with further funding from CPPC
need provide them with... and MK Council, has enabled installation
Please read the fire safety work to get underway.
advice on the back page.
Better parking for disabled drivers
Disabled users of the Parish’s Oldbrook The work was completed and funded
Centre and Oldbrook First School are by MK Council after Campbell Park Parish
benefiting from recent changes to park- Council had asked that authority to con-
ing arrangements for the neighbouring sider the matter.
properties. CPPC applauds the posi-
tive response from MK
The changes have come about with the
Council, and courteously
creation of two new disabled access bays requests drivers to respect
within the existing car parking area. the new bays.
Installation of a dropped kerb has further They are for use by Blue
improved access to the buildings. Badge holders only.
8 CAMPBELL PARK PARISH COUNCIL – working for you
Campbell
Park
Parish
HOMEGROUND
Council
Caring within
the community
issue of October 2010
Stay safe and alive!
Fire Safety in the Kitchen
round 60 per cent of accidental fires
A in the home start in the kitchen,
and taking a few simple steps can dra-
matically reduce your risks.

Keep electrical leads, tea towels,
cloths, loose clothing and
anything which may catch
fire away from your oven and
hob.

Keep ovens, hobs, grills
and extractors clean – build
ups of fat and grease can
easily catch fire.

Keep toasters clean, free of
crumbs and away from cur-
tains, towels and anything
else that could catch fire.

Never put metal in a
microwave or try to sterilise
dish cloths/sponges in it.

Don’t overload electrical
sockets – use one plug in
each socket. If you have to,
use a fused adapter and keep
the total load to no more
than 13 amps (a kettle alone
can use 13 amps). DON'T PUT WATER ON FAT FIRES! This huge fireball
was caused by just half a cup of water tipped into a

Make sure plugs have the burning fat frier during a CPPC Fun Day display.
correct fuse for the appliance
being used. If in doubt, refer to the
manufacturers instructions.

Turn off electrical appliances when
not in use, and keep them and leads
away from water.

Use spark devices to light gas cook-
ers – it’s safer than matches or lighters.

Never leave children alone in the
kitchen.

Keep pan handles turned to back of
hobs and away from other gas burn-
ers/electric rings.

Take pans off heat and turn off
hob/or grill if you have to leave the
kitchen while cooking. Make sure oven,
hob and grill are turned off when you
have finished cooking.

Avoid cooking if you are tired, have
been drinking alcohol or are taking
medication that can make you drowsy.
Chip pans/hot fat frying

Never fill a pan more than a third full
with oil or fat.

Dry chips/food before putting them in
the pan.
Campbell Park Parish Council – www.campbell-park.gov.uk
Home Ground created for Campbell Park Parish Council by Intermedia (ICS Ltd) – 01908 270000. Printed in England
The magazine for
where YOU live

If the oil has started smoking turn
off the heat and leave to cool down,
otherwise it may catch fire.

Turn off the hob if you have to leave
the kitchen (many fires start while peo-
ple are answering the door or tele-
phone).
If Your pan catches fire:

Don’t panic and don’t take risks

Do not move the pan.

Never throw water or use a fire
extinguisher on a hot fat fire.

If it’s safe to do so – turn off the
News in brief
Work has started on a woodland
management plan CPPC’s parkland
area on Oldbrook Green. It is intend-
ed to safeguard and develop the area
for future generations.
An initial survey has been complet-
ed and shows a diverse range of
species with over 400 trees in total.
The next step is to establish the
current condition of the trees. There
is no intention to make wholesale
changes, but to work with the best
existing features and to see how
they can possibly be complemented
and enhanced. There will be more
Deepest sympathy
It is with deep regret that Campbell
Park Parish Council records the trag-
ic death of a mother and child in a
house fire on
Fishermead last month.
On behalf of everyone
living in the Parish,
CPPC sends its condo-
lences to the victims’
bereaved relatives.
heat – but never lean over the pan to
reach the controls.

Leave the kitchen, close the door
behind you, get everyone else out of
the house...and DO NOT go back inside
for any reason.

Call 999.
Get a smoke alarm
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue
Service is offering free risk checks
to anyone who would like one.
That involves assessment of the
fire risks in your home, carried
out by fire-fighters, and takes 20
to 30 minutes. You will need you
to be there to answer questions.
If they think you need them,
they will also fit as many smoke
alarms (British Standards
approved with sealed batteries
which should last 10 years) as
they think necessary. In certain
premises, they may fit heat
detectors.
And that is all FREE.
See page 7 for more about
smoke alarms and how to
request a check.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing,
they can provide an appropriate
smoke alarm system.
They will, with your consent, pass
your details to the RNID who will
arrange a hearing assessment for you.
Subject to the results of that they will
loan you a special smoke alarm system
suitable for your needs.
updates as the project progresses.
  
Fishermead’s George Damien has
won the draw for a £25 Co-op vouch-
er in the estate’s regeneration com-
munications survey. Thank you the
Co-op for putting up the prize.
  
Police report a growth in burglaries in
which car keys have been taken and
then used to steal the owners’ cars.
Entry is often through cat flaps and
open windows...with some thieves
‘fishing’ through letterboxes to steal
keys left on hall tables.
Secure your house and hide your
keys – even when you are at home!
 MK 608559