GLPC Parish Councillors, the wards they represent and their contact details.
All Councillor email addresses: firstname.surname@great-linford.gov.uk
Councillors can be contacted on 01908 606613
Conniburrow
Rooda Abdillahi
Jimmy El-Zamek
Joan Pickhaver
Downhead Park & Willen Park North
Mubina Chakera Vacancy
Downs Barn
Joanna Allotey
Janet Brindley (Vice Chair)
Giffard Park & Blakelands
Wangu Bothongo
Sandra Trew Vacancy
Great Linford
Rick Dunn
Donna Nicholls
Christine Onan Vacancy
Neath Hill
Martin Burgess
Sean Porter
Pennyland & Bolbeck Park
Tony Blake
Derek Harvey
Redhouse Park
Franco Iannotta
Willen Park South
Tara Jefferies
Spring2025
Comment
Welcome
After three years spent working as the Chair of Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC), it is with more than a tinge of sadness that I am bidding farewell to the place that has been such an important part of my life.
Work commitments are taking me out of the area, and indeed out of the country. As you read this, I will be settling into a new career challenge in the UAE.
Working for GLPC, first as a Councillor and then as Chair, has been an enormous honour. It has been one of the most fulfilling things have ever done, and the opportunity to give something back to this wonderful Parish has been an absolute privilege.
I will miss the GLPC team who work tirelessly on behalf of all Parishioners to make this place such a special one. Our community is exceptional, and my role has enabled me to see first hand how many people go above and beyond to support each other.
I am thrilled that the work undertaken here was recognised at a national level with our big win in The Star Council Awards, for Parish Council of the Year, and nomination for Parish Clerk of the Year.
I know just how dedicated the team is, and now everyone else does, too!
I would also like to mention the successful Community Forum, which is a platform for you to raise any concerns. Please continue to support these sessions moving forward – GLPC is here to help, and these events put the issues before those who can make positive changes. GLPC has been a special part of my life and I leave knowing that those worked alongside will continue to build on our previous successes and ensure that the Parish only ever continues to evolve positively.
While I will no longer be involved, I guarantee that I will be watching from afar, as the Parish continues to flourish.
I wish every Parishioner, and the GLPC team as a whole, continued success for the future.
Thank you for the opportunity to work for you, and alongside you.
Ed Nixon
www.great-linford.gov.uk
Parish
YOUR PARISH COUNCIL IS THE BEST
Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC) was thrilled to scoop the prestigious Council of the Year title at the 2024 Star Council Awards, which were held in London back in February.
The national recognition highlights the council’s outstanding work in community engagement, service delivery, and innovation in local governance.
The winners of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Star Council Awards were announced at a parliamentary reception, hosted at the House of Lords, which brought together all the finalists and key figures in local government.
Councillor Derek Harvey, Responsible Finance Officer Tess Phypers and Parish Manager Eirwen Tagg attended the ceremony, and were understandably over the moon with the win.
“This award is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication,” said Councillor Janet Brindley, “Our goal has always been to enhance the lives of our residents, and this recognition affirms the impact we are making.”
It was a double celebration for GLPC too - Eirwen, who has spent the past 16 years as our Parish Clerk, was a finalist for the Parish Clerk of the Year Award.
“It is an incredible honour to be recognised as a finalist,” Eirwen said, “This reflects the collective effort of our team and the amazing community we serve. feel privileged to be part of a council that genuinely makes a difference.
“Receiving the award was a wonderful acknowledgement of what we do, but there is never time to be complacent, and it is business as usual, which means continuing all our community-focused initiatives.”
Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North (pictured above with the winning GLPC team), commented on the success of the Parish Council in his constituency: “Congratulations to Great Linford Parish Council on being named Council of the Year. This well-deserved recognition highlights the hard work and dedication that’s been put into making the community a better place!”, he said, “Your commitment to serving the community is truly admirable, and I’m thrilled to see it celebrated.”
ANDTHAT’SOFFICIAL! ANDTHAT’S OFFICIAL!
GLPC serves a diverse community of more than 20,000 residents across 12 estates, delivering a wide range of services and initiatives that enhance community well-being. The council has implemented community forums, engagement initiatives, and strategic partnerships with many organisations, ensuring residents receive the support and resources they need.
“The council also remains commited to enhancing our current services, fostering community connections, and delivering real change for residents,” Eirwen added. “It is an honour to not only work for, but also with, so many members from our community, and always for the betterment of the area for the people we serve.”
BELOW: Councillor Derek Harvey, Parish Manager Eirwen Tagg and Responsible Finance Officer Tess Phypers celebrate GLPC winning the Council of the Year Award.
Understanding the 2025/26 budget – what it means for you
Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC) plays a key role in managing facilities and services in the Parish, which includes looking after our community centres, sports pitches, and allotments.
We also support projects to help tackle food poverty and social isolation, supporting residents through food hubs and community cafes.
GLPC also partners with Citizens Advice to offer financial, housing and legal advice.
Listening to residents
Each year, we ask residents for their priorities.
The key concerns highlighted in our latest survey included litter, dog fouling, youth facilities and the environment.
The council has taken action by introducing biodiversity projects, including the Neath Hill Memorial Planting and beekeeping at the allotments. We have also installed more – and larger – dog waste bins.
In 2024, encroachment clearance and community litter picks saw almost 40 tonnes of litter and green waste collected from the Parish.
Keeping costs low
It is rare that service costs go down, and this year’s rise in Employer’s National Insurance meant that GLPC had to find £21,000 in savings just to break even.
Despite this challenge, we have ensured the precept increase has been kept as low as possible, at 5%.
“It was a difficult decision to make, but necessary to maintain essential services. We’ve had to dip into reserves this year, but that’s not a long-term solution,” said Tess Phypers, the council’s Responsible Finance Officer.
“The 5% precept rise equals 45p per month for a band D property,” explained Councillor Martin Burgess, Chair of the Finance, Governance & Asset Committee, “Even with a £21,000 increase in National Insurance costs, the council has worked hard to cut unnecessary spending while ensuring essential services continue.
“By prioritising what matters most to residents and making smart financial choices, Great Linford Parish Council remains committed to delivering quality services at an affordable cost,” added Cllr Burgess.
The facts and figures
Running costs
Operation running costs
Facility costs
Sports and leisure maintenance
Environment services & open spaces
Community services
Communication
To save money, the council has taken several steps:
We brought work in-house
The Environment and Facilities Team has received training to handle maintenance tasks instead of outsourcing.
We have partnered with organisations
The Community Payback Team (CPT) provided more than 2,800 hours of labour, saving the community around £250,000. Their work includes cleaning, painting, weeding, and maintaining public spaces - jobs that we don’t have a direct resource for and that Milton Keynes City Council cannot do.
We are supporting local groups
Youth services are delivered through partnerships with Pulse and financial support helps local groups run social spaces, events, and food hubs.
Our budget essentials
More funding for youth services to meet demand and provide safe spaces.
Extra support for social spaces, offering low-cost food, drink, and activities to reduce isolation.
Better asset maintenance planning, leading to more efficient spending.
Lower maintenance costs, thanks to earmarked reserves for key projects.
Deep cleaning was brought in-house, reducing external costs.
Increased facility hire income, due to better promotion and use of venues.
Staff contingency budget removed, saving £9,000 and offsetting the rise in National Insurance costs, meaning no ability to cover staff absences.
£173,515
£177,325
£43,728
£29,729
£82,332
£17,525
Green spaces
Our green Spaces:
1 Community Orchard in Downs
1 Wildflower garden in Neath Hill
Community facilities
GLPC manages five community facilities: Conniburrow Community Centre
Giffard Park Community Centre
High Street Pavilion
Marsh Drive Community Centre
Parish Office Meeting Room
The income from facilities and venue hire in 23/24 was £278,825 – an increase of 80% on the previous year.
In 24/25 that income is predicted to rise by 2% to £285k
GLPC support 2 Community Fridges and 1 Community Larder
We distribute MK Food Bank parcels from the Parish Office and between 2022 and 2024 demand for this service grew by 109% 11% of all food parcels issued in Milton Keynes in 2024 were handed out from the GLPC office
Residents made more than 3000 visits to our 2 top-up shops – which equates to 30% of all top-up shop visits made across the new city.
Cleaning up in the Parish
We provide 30 dog bins to support responsible pet ownership
In 2024, we organised 6 Community Litter Picks, which were attended by 203 volunteers who collected 1500kg of rubbish.
In 2024, 38.5 tonnes of litter and green waste was collected through encroachment clearance and picks.
Over the last 5 years, GLPC has invested £260k of Section 106 monies in projects that improve our environment. Projects have included artwork, play areas and infrastructure improvements.
We have also obtained £60k of grants to provide community activities, support community initiatives, purchase sports equipment, and assist with match funding for road safety and car park improvements.
And, through government-targeted funding for deprived areas, we have managed £224.3k to bring about opportunities and improvements to facilities and community engagement in Conniburrow.
Barn
Food services
Community VISION
Building a thriving, connected community
Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC) is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and wellsupported community.
Based on the latest Residents’ Survey and the Communities Strategic Vision for 20252030, it is clear that the voices of residents are shaping meaningful initiatives across the Parish. The feedback received provides valuable insight into the priorities of local people, and GLPC is dedicated to turning these concerns into action.
Councillor Wangu Bothongo (pictured below) explored how the community is being nurtured.
Listening to residents, taking action
Residents expressed a strong desire for improvements in public safety, environmental maintenance, community engagement, and local services. Concerns included littering, vandalism, and inadequate waste management were highlighted as challenges affecting the overall look and feel of the community.
GLPC has incorporated these issues into our long-term vision to ensure the Parish remains a welcoming and well-maintained place to live.
At the heart of the Strategic Vision is a commitment to community well-being.
This includes maintaining public spaces, improving access to services, and fostering a sense of belonging. Initiatives like the Supportive Services Programme - which connects residents to affordable food and advice services- are growing to meet demand, with food bank usage increasing by 19% in the past year. The establishment of Social Spaces continues to reduce isolation and provide support to vulnerable residents.
Investing in young people & community engagement
The future of the Parish depends on its young residents, and GLPC is determined to create more opportunities for youth engagement. The Youth Programme has already seen success with the introduction of a popular Youth Cafe, in partnership with Pulse Youth. The Council is expanding youth activities, ensuring young people have access to educational and recreational support.
GLPC also champions community events that bring residents together. Fun days, and the Big Lunch continue to grow in popularity, reflecting the strong community spirit in the Parish.
The introduction of Community Forum events has further strengthened communication between residents, local authorities, and organisations like Thames Valley Police.
Protecting our environment
& tackling anti-social behaviour
Environmental responsibility remains a key focus, with a strong push to increase biodiversity. Wildflower gardens, community orchards, and the introduction of bee hives in local allotments are helping to enhance the Parish’s green spaces.
Litter-picking events continue to unite volunteers in keeping the area clean, with more than 1500kg of rubbish removed in 2024, and close to 40 tonnes of litter and green waste collected through encroachment clearance and community litter picks.
To address concerns about anti-social behaviour, GLPC is working closely with Thames Valley Police and local enforcement teams. We also worked with Milton Keynes City Council and Thames Valley Police to secure a Public Space Protection Order.
Neighbourhood Watch schemes are being supported, and mobile CCTV cameras are planned for high-risk areas. Additionally, a Walk & Talk programme is being developed to give residents a direct channel for reporting safety concerns.
A positive future
GLPC is committed to delivering on its promises, ensuring residents feel heard, valued, and supported. By focusing on community empowerment, environmental sustainability, and safety, the Parish continues to be a place where people can take pride in their surroundings.
Our Communities Strategic Vision is a living document, continuously evolving as we receive feedback from our residents. The more people from across the Parish participate in surveys and share their views, the better we can tailor our vision to meet community needs. We encourage all residents to engage with us - your voice shapes your future.
Through strong partnerships, proactive initiatives, and direct engagement with residents, we are on a path towards an even brighter future.
Together, we can continue to celebrate our diverse community, protect our shared spaces, and build a stronger, more connected Parish.
THE NEW KITCHEN
bringing the community together
Marsh Drive Pavilion in Great Linford has long been a well used hub by local sports teams, but it had been so well utilised that the kitchen area had become worn and outdated.
Rather than continuing to be a useful space, it had turned into a place only suitable for limited use, and not really fit for purpose.
An upgrade was desperately needed to cater for the increasing number of teams calling on the facility. Thanks to a generous grant from the Football Association (FA) and kitchen furniture shop Howdens, the pavilion is now home to a brand-new kitchen, delivering on all of those previously lacking facilities.
The FA and Howdens jointly funded the refurbishment, and the result is a wonderfully modern kitchen featuring well-built cabinetry, state-of-the-art appliances, and efficient storage solutions – just perfect for the growing needs of our expanding community. The new fit has been designed for durability and ease of use, making for a more accessible, functional environment.
“Football isn’t just about what happens on the pitch- it’s about building a sense of community, and this kitchen upgrade helps do exactly that,” Pete McGuane from Great Linford Football Club told Your Parish Magazine, “When saw the grant opportunity, I knew that by working with the Parish Council, we could create a space where people can enjoy a warm drink on a cold day, grab something to eat, and even give clubs like ours a chance to fundraise.”
Speaking about the nationwide initiative, Andrew Livingston, CEO of Howdens said: “The off-pitch facilities are vital, because clubhouses are the hub of the community. They’re the place for teas and coffees for the taxi of mum and dad, where the frozen wet feet of the army of volunteers dry off, and where the post-match discussion starts. If kitchens are the heart of our homes, then kitchens should be the heart of grassroots football too.”
Mike Diaz, from Howdens, added: “We believe in supporting grassroots sports and community spaces. As part of the Game Changer Programme, we’re proud to have contributed to a kitchen that will benefit Marsh Drive Pavilion for years to come.”
The Great Linford Parish Council Rangers – who help manage the site –have welcomed the upgrade, which means the pavilion is now perfectly placed to support the community’s local sports teams once again.
“We are delighted to support the refurbishment, ensuring it meets the needs of local teams and the wider community,” said Darren Nicholls, Environment and Facilities Officer, “The newly upgraded kitchen will play a vital role in providing match-day refreshments and creating a welcoming space for teams to come together. This refurbishment is a significant step in enhancing Marsh Drive Pavilion as a vibrant hub for the community.”
To see if Marsh Street Pavilion, or one of the other Parish facilities for hire, could work for your sport or community group, please visit great-linford.gov.uk or call us on 01908 606613
ABOVE, FROM TOP: The tired facilities before the refit. The impressive new space is bright and welcoming. Time for a cuppa, GLPC’s Darren Nicholls and Robin Taylor Durr.
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SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES OF THOSE IN ADDICTION
DAFS – the Drugs & Alcohol Family Support group – recently launched a new monthly session in Conniburrow.
Electra community boat ran 12 cruises for groups in the community, which included a free sponsored cruise for members of the Ukrainian community.
phone to help you listen to newspapers, magazines and books, and advice and demos will support you to access online information through your devices.
glpc@great-linford.gov.uk
Catering for families and loved ones of those in addiction, it is hosted at The Salvation Army premises in Ramson Avenue.
“Families can come together to share experiences and feel heard in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space,” say organisers.
These meet-ups will tackle isolation, raise awareness and give support.
For more information, and to find out future dates, call 07900 229137 or 07874 849659 or email info@ dafsmk.co.uk
More details can also be found by visiting the FB page. Search for DAFS – Drug & Alcohol Family Support.
ALL ABOARD!
Aside from running nearly 300 cruises and carrying close to 3000 guests in 2024, the
The boat also ran trips for seven schools and one Cubs group, linked to specific areas of the curriculum, and it aims to increase these educational trips in 2025.
The Electra will begin its new cruising season on April 17.
To book, visit bmkwaterway.org/electra
A ROLE FOR YOU?
Giffard Park and Blakelands Residents Association need at least four volunteers to meet the requirements for forming an official residents’ association.
Come along to a meeting on May 12 at Giffard Park Community Centre between 7pm and 8pm. to learn how to get involved.
For more information please email Wangu@ giffardpark-blakelands-ra. co.uk or Sandra@giffardparkblakelands-ra.co.uk
SEE TECHNOLOGY DIFFERENTLY
If you have sight loss and struggle with technology, there is support available.
On the second and last Friday of every month, Milton Keynes Sensory Services host tech hub sessions at Milton Keynes Central Library.
You can access apps on your
Information on how to choose the right device for you will also be shared.
The tech hub runs between 11am and 1pm and no appointment is necessary –just drop in.
For more information, call Padma on 07456 202707 or email pscheriyan@gmail.com
LITTLE LIBRARY BACK IN PLAY
A new chapter in the life of the Downhead Park Little Library has begun, after it was vandalised towards the end of last year.
The damaged library was taken to the team at Men in Sheds in Kiln Farm who kindly repaired the damage: “The Little Libraries are a cherished part of our community, providing free access to books and encouraging a culture of reading for all ages. We’re so pleased to have the Downhead Park library back in place, thanks to the hard work of our Rangers and the
support from Men In Sheds,” said Eirwen Tag, GLPC Parish Manager.
There are currently six Little Library stations across the Parish, and everyone in the community is invited to borrow a book, donate a book, share a story and help to keep this brilliant initiative alive.
DOWNHEAD PARK NEW EMERGENCY KITS IN THE PARISH
Great Linford Parish Council has installed new bleed kits and defibrillators across the Parish to improve emergency response in critical situations.
Bleed kits provide fast care for severe incidents of bleeding before emergency services are on hand, while defibrillators can significantly increase survival rates for those in cardiac arrest.
These life-saving devicesmade possible by using Section 106 funding were installed in February and are now ready for use.
Defibrillators and Bleed Kits can now be found at Conniburrow Community Centre, Marsh Drive Sports Pavilion and Giffard Park Community Centre.
In an emergency, these publically accessible devices can be accessed by calling 999 – you will then be provided with an access code. Additionally, three bleed kits have been positioned in the High Street Pavilion, Great Linford Community Hub and at Marsh Drive Community Centre. While
these won’t be available 24/7, they will be registered with emergency services.
Please take the time to memorise where these kits and defibrillators are located. They could save a life.
TACKLING CRIME ON YOUR DOORSTEP
A reminder that Neighbourhood Watch crime prevention is operational in Redhouse Park and Blakelands, and signing up is easy.
By joining ourwatch.org.uk you will receive important local Police Alert messages, and once you’ve subscribed, use the postcode search to join the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
In the absence of there being a scheme in your locality, you can apply to start your own.
Neighbourhood Watch links with the Police and other authorities, helping bring a strong emphasis on crime awareness and crime prevention, as well as encouraging reporting to the Police any suspicions or concerns you have.
Ourwatch.org.uk also has lots of crime prevention tips.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS LEARNED IN FIRST AID COURSE
Great Linford Parish Council (GLPC) recently supported Community Action: MK in delivering a First Aid at Work training course for volunteers. The initiative aimed to empower small community groups, charities, and volunteers with essential first-aid skills.
Many of the 14 volunteers who attended give their time to multiple organisations, further extending the reach of this vital training.
Led by Marcus Gibbons, a first aid expert with over 40 years of experience in HM Forces and more than 15 years teaching First Aid, participants gained hands-on experience in areas including CPR – lifesaving chest compressions and rescue breaths, defibrillator usage, choking response, basic paediatric first aid and burns treatment.
“By equipping local volunteers with life-saving skills, we are strengthening our community’s resilience,” said Tommy Hayes, Community Liaison Officer for Great Linford Parish Council, “Learning first aid can mean
the difference between life and death, and we believe that every community space should have individuals trained in first aid.
“GLPC is committed to continuing this partnership with Community Action: MK to bring more first aid courses to volunteers and community groups across Milton Keynes.”
CRIME PREVENTION AWARENESS DATES
Milton Keynes Crime Prevention Roadshows are being hosted in Great Linford in April, and there are two chances to engage with representatives from Thames Valley Police, Milton Keynes City Council, and other
agencies from the area.
Pop along and meet them at Lidl (Wolverton Road, Blakelands, MK14 5AA) on Wednesday, April 9 between 9am and 12.30pm and on Friday, April 11 (St Leger Drive, Great Linford, MK14 5HA) between 1pm and 4pm.
These events provide valuable advice on how to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime and really are worth a visit.
Puzzle Corner
Exercise those brains with this edition’s puzzles – we’ve got another locally themed anagram, and a word ladder to get you thinking.
Then, reach for the colouring pens and enjoy a little mindfulness time – what a blooming great idea! Puzzle answers below.
Can you solve our anagram? CARDIGAN LOAN NUN
Local events to look out for
Dates for your diary...
April Saturday 5th Neath Hill Community Litter Pick 10am – 12:30pm Meeting Point: Macintyre, Fletchers Mews, Neath Hill MK14 6HW
May Saturday 3rd Willen Park & Downhead Park Community Litter Pick 10am – 12:30pm Camphill Car Park, Japonica Lane, Willen Park MK15 9JY
Community Forum
Date to be confirmed - see website for more information Sunday 8th VE Day Celebration 4pm Ping Square, Great Linford MK14 5HA
June Saturday 7th Big Lunch at Conniburrow Community Centre see website for more information
July Saturday 5th Pennyland & Bolbeck Park Community Litter Pick 10am – 12:30pm Bolbeck Park Band Stand, Venables Lane MK15 8PL
