Meet your PARISH COUNCILLORS

On behalf of all our residents, Great Linford Parish Council extends a warm welcome to our new Parish Councillors following the recent elections, and to those familiar faces who are returning to their roles.

VILAS SIRAH, Giffard Park & Blakelands

What made you stand for election?

“So that I could help to grow a multicultural community, and help to keep the local area pleasant for all of us who live here.”

RICK DUNN, Great Linford

What would you say to encourage others to step up and represent their area as a Councillor?

Here’s a little introduction to those people representing you...

CLADIOS MUNANGATI, Conniburrow

What made you stand for election?

“Because strongly believe that Councillors are the eyes of the community. The development, achievement and success of the community hangs on the shoulders of the Councillors. I am passionate about the development and the success of my community.”

JOAN PICKHAVER, Conniburrow

What do you love most about being a Councillor?

“I’ve lived in the area for more than 30 years and felt the need to give something back to my local community, and was fortunate enough to be elected as a Parish Councillor. want to work with residents to make our estate a place to be proud of.”

JANET BRINDLEY, Downs Barn

Why is it important for you to represent Downs Barn?

“I have lived here for over 30 years and during this time the local community has been my lifeline. Becoming a Parish Councillor has helped me discover more about the Parish and this in turn has given me the opportunity to help the community which has supported my family over the years.”

ED NIXON, Downhead Park & Willen Park North and Chair of GLPC

What made you want to become a Councillor?

“I have lived in Milton Keynes for over 25 years and in Downhead Park for most of that time. I have three grown up boys and a grandson and we all live within the Great Linford Parish. Becoming a Councillor seemed like a good opportunity to give something back after 25 years of living here and also to use my background to help deliver benefit into the community through our many initiatives. Having seen the children grow up in the Parish wanted to help GLPC provide value to the community for future generations as well.”

TREVOR HEALE, Downs Barn and GLPC Vice Chair

What made you want to become a Councillor?

“That’s easy – the people! There are a few crusty ones, but they are few and far between. The vast majority are so open and generous that it makes events wonderful to attend. Take the monthly litter picks, for example – the enthusiasm and love residents have for their estates is contagious and we have a great time.”

SANDRA TREW, Giffard Park & Blakelands

Why did you want to be elected as a Councillor?

“I wanted to be elected to influence decisions that impact our neighbourhood, and contribute to positive change; enhance community spirit, address local concerns and help to shape the future.”

“I would say that becoming a Councillor is an excellent opportunity to serve your community and make a difference in people’s lives. It is a chance to represent the views and needs of your community, and to work towards creating a better future for everyone.”

DONNA NICHOLLS, Great Linford

Why is it important for you to represent Great Linford?

“I live in Neath Hill and work in Great Linford and feel very fortunate to be part of such a lovely community. have lived in Milton Keynes for many years, my kids were brought up here, after which spent a few years living in Germany prior to returning to the area in 2020, and I am so happy to be back. My life is fully intertwined within the area and I am passionate about doing my best to represent the needs and interests of our residents.”

CHRISTINE ONAN, Great Linford

What makes this Parish so special?

“The housing in Great Linford is designed in groups instead of rows, which naturally forms supportive communities, and there are lots of open spaces connecting roads and estates. Great Linford has interesting buildings and other structures which tell the story of the history of the people who lived here before us, and how they lived.”

SEAN PORTER, Neath Hill

What makes this Parish so special?

“Great Linford Parish is the core of a group of estates which were uniquely designed, one of a kind and that we are unlikely to see again. Its community and beauty are valuable. We have loads of picturesque green space and a diverse mix of people, many of whom have lived here all their lives.”

MARTIN BURGESS, Neath Hill

What made you want to become a Councillor?

“I decided to become a Parish Councillor after seeing the neglect that was happening by Milton Keynes Council. You hear people moaning about this and that but can’t be bothered to get off their backsides and do something about it. “It’s not my job” you hear as an excuse - that’s from people who only think about themselves and not the wider community! The more that get involved in Parish Council business as a volunteer or Councillor, the more that gets done and the better it is for everyone.

TONY BLAKE, Pennyland & Bolbeck Park

What made you stand for election?

“I have lived in Pennyland for 43 years and often found myself in conversation with my neighbours about things we would like to see. I’m retired now, so I feel this is my opportunity to do, and not just talk.”

DEREK HARVEY, Pennyland & Bolbeck Park

What do you love most about being a Councillor?

“For me it’s about being part of a likeminded, community-focused team of officers and Councillors that is doing a lot of good work helping people in these difficult times through its services, facilities, and partners. It also puts to good use some of my past experience and skills and lets me give something back into the area whether litter-picking, reporting issues or just generally helping out.”

FRANCO IANNOTTA, Redhouse Park

What are you currently working on?

“Together with a few other residents, I am looking to improve the Redhouse Park play park - facilities to include some street furniture, higher fencing around the Multi Use Games Pitch and not forgetting to fix the muddy entrances at each end of the goals, to give one example. The role requires me to think wider than our estate and am going to enjoy getting out and about. I feel passionate about making a difference, and am honoured to support the Parish.”

If you have a question, want to raise an issue, or want to get involved more in your community, please contact your councillor by emailing: firstname.lastname@great-linford.gov.uk