MK News, January 30, 2008

61.6 MB·English

by  LSN Media Ltd

Wednesday,January 23,2008 | Issue number: 282 | www.mk-news.co.uk | 50p where sold
MKNEWS
Hundreds of jobs Fans flock
to Festival
Plus all the latest Milton Keynes
of Creativity
Council vacancies
PAGE 76 PAGE 8
The bedroom NEWS
of cannabis
factory in Flood report
Bossiney
Place,
Money set aside to
Fishermead
stem tides
PAGE 2
Schoolgirl
dies
Pupil loses fight
with cancer
PAGE 3
Petrol prices
What are you
paying?
PAGE 5
Food of love
Win a meal for
Drugs factories busted Valentine’s Day
PAGE 10
MKLIFE
What’s going
BY ROB GIBSON on in the city
been growing for several months.
[email protected]
At 3pm on Thursday officers forced entry PAGE 31
at a house on Mullion Place, found one man
TWO men have been charged with culti- inside and between 600 to 1,000 plants PROPERTY
vating class C drugs after police uncovered growing upstairs.
three cannabis farms on the same estate. Fifteen minutes later they entered another
Find a home
Officers raided three homes in house and found a similar scene.
Fishermead on Wednesday and Thursday Two properties in Fishermead were raided
and found thousands of fully-cultivated earlier in the month as part of Operation PAGE 47
cannabis plants growing inside. Falcoln.
The recent discoveries take the number of One, in Porthleven Place, was home to 979 MOTORS
drugs farms found in Milton Keynes this cannabis plants, the other showed evidence
year to five. Electric transformers in cannabis factory that a cannabis farm had previously operat-
Last year a total of 16 farms were uncov- in Bossiney Place Fishermead,above ed there. Buy a new or
ered but the Assistant Chief Constable at Police across the country have been
used car
Thames Valley Police told MK NEWS that Extraction tubes and incomplete hydro- advised that one “grower” will generally
many more could remain hidden. ponics system,right farm 10 houses in close proximity.
Last Wednesday evening police raided a (cid:1) TWO men have appeared at Milton PAGE 92
home in Bossiney Place but the occupant tricity provider was called in to secure the Keynes Magistrates’ Court to face charges of
managed to escape through the back gar- electrics, which had been tampered to cultivating cannabis. SPORT
den, leaving behind a house filled with bypass the mains. Sung Van Tran, 39, pleaded guilty to one
cannabis. Sergeant Mark Ridley, neighbourhood charge of cultivating cannabis and will be
MKDons
Officers found an estimated 600 plants officer, said: “This all came about through “One of the lights went out another one sentenced at crown court.
growing in the living room, garage, and two intelligence from sources in the communi- followed. A male jumped out of the back He was remanded in custody on Saturday.
All the action from
bedrooms upstairs. ty. window and over a fence and we lost him Van Tuong Vu, 34, appeared before magis-
Another room had bedding and a nursery “We came to look at the property and the down the back lane.” trates yesterday and was remanded until his last night’s game
for young plants. lights were on so we decided to do a door He added that the plants were approach- case is sent to crown court in February.
BACK PAGE
The property was secured before an elec- knock. ing their time of yield, meaning they had He has not yet entered a plea.
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]
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2|January 30,2008|www.mk-news.co.uk|MKNEWS
Police issue e-fit
Step into...
of assault suspect
POLICE have released officers in Newport
this e-fit of a man they Pagnell have carried out a
would like to question number of interviews and
about a serious assault. have been working to
The unprovoked attack identify the main offend-
occurred in the carpark er.
outside the Tesco Express They believe his name is
in Newport Pagnell at Kyle and described him as
around 8.50pm on white, about 18-years-
Thursday, January 17. old, around 5ft 10ins, with
A 15-year-old boy was brown hair.
assaulted by a gang of He wore a green jacket,
teenagers using telescop- jeans and trainers.
ic iron bars. Anyone with informa-
A spokesman for tion can contact police on
Thames Valley Police said 08458 505505.
Flood defences need £600,000 expenditure
AN ESTIMATED £600,000 worth of A resident
JJAANNUUAARRYY work is to be carried out to prevent looks on
flash floods from once again as flood
swamping Stoke Goldington. waters hit
The second phase of a £30,000 his home
inquiry into the floods which hit for the
the village last summer has been second
released this week, following time in a
SSAALLEE!! analysis of the hydraulic capacity month
of the drainage network.
Stoke Goldington was flooded
twice in a month last July after
heavy rain burst the banks of two
brooks which meet just west of the
High Street and flow under it in a
culvert.
Results showed that the open systems, will reduce significantly implemented within the village.
channels and culverts created the likelihood and impact of storm Cabinet member in charge of
some of the flooding problems, damage.” emergency planning, Cllr Douglas
the remainder being caused by The report was carried out by an McCall, said: “The Cabinet is com-
surface water run-off from higher expert consultant commissioned mitted to fund the half million
ground. by the council. pounds worth of work. We hope to
The report recommends to hold The council is now putting put £150k in the 2008/09 Capital
the water back on higher land dur- together a five year programme of Programme, but this has not yet
ing heavy storms with balancing implementation. been set.”
lakes and release it in a controlled The balancing lakes could be The council has already spent
manner as the storm abates. located on the field west of £15,000 on carrying out a number
Kevin Whiteside, chief highways Orchard Way and the field south of of immediate works, including
engineer at Milton Keynes Council Dag Lane. ditch cleaning in Orchard Way and
said: “This, together with targeted The report also suggests that a alongside the playing field by the
White doors improvements to local drainage flood warning system could be village hall.
FROM ONLY
£510 Serial shoplifter
FITTED
3mx3m Victorian
Conservatory swiped sex aids
FROM ONLY
£6995
FITTED
BY ROB GIBSON
Officers found a bag in the
OUR PRICE-PROMISE [email protected] car containing £478 of
Rampant Rabbits, worth at
Coloured Doors “We will match or better A SHOPLIFTER has been least £25 each.
FROM ONLY convicted after stealing Lavina Hobdale, defending,
£850 any genuine like for like written nearly £500 worth of sex said: “There are times when
quotation from any of our toys. she has offended to support
competitors!” Margaret Rita Walsh (pic- a habit. Margaret is a prolific
FITTED tured), 49, stole the offender but she is positive
‘Rampant Rabbit’ vibrators and in the mood for change.
from the Ann Summers shop “She doesn’t have a partner;
in thecentre:mk on at the moment she is on her
December 9 last year. own.
On Monday she appeared “She doesn’t go out club-
at Milton Keynes bing at night, she stays in.”
Magistrates’ Court. Mother-of-five Walsh, who
The court heard that Walsh was already under a drug
and a friend were spotted by rehabilitation order, pleaded
a member of the public load- guilty to two charges of theft.
ing the vibrators into a carri- The second charge related
er bag before leaving the to the theft of food from a
20 Dunsby Road,
shop without paying. Sainsbury’s supermarket in
Redmoor,Milton Keynes The witness followed the October last year.
pair to a car outside, while Walsh, of Seymour Road,
01908 233433 his wife informed the shop Luton, was sentenced to a 12
staff. month community order
Walsh returned to the shop and ordered to pay costs of
0800 834507 unaware she had been spot- £60.
or
ted, before staff followed her The sex toys were recovered
back out to the vehicle and and returned to Ann
Visit our website at www.windor.co.uk A679946 alerted the police. Summers.
A
MKNEWS|www.mk-news.co.uk|January 30,2008|3
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BY ALICIA BABAEE was given the suit because he had Nicholas Hunt – who unusually
[email protected] soiled himself – was fit to be found two bars of soap in Mr
detained, but would not be fit for Morton’s underpants – was
O Proud to be
POLICE were unable to get interview until he was more alert. unable to identify a single cause
epilepsy medicine for a man Dr Karia recommended half of death. MK’s favourite
while he was in custody, an hourly checks and told officers Toxicology reports showed that
inquest has heard. that someone would need to go he had not been taking his
Call us on:
Michael Morton’s body was and get his medication from epilepsy medication, and Dr
D Milton Keynes
found in bushes 200 metres from home. Hunt said he might have suffered 01908 678151
Milton Keynes police station 13 But when officers went to Mr a sudden unexplained death in
days after he was released on bail Morton’s house to get the med- epilepsy.
in the early hours of November ication they could not enter the The tests also showed a very
16, 2006. property with his keys. high level of ketone bodies –
-
The 37-year-old of Stolford Rise, They said cobwebs across the specifically beta-hydroxybu- Concorde Blind & Curtain Co.
Tattenhoe, was still wearing a yel- door suggested it had not been tyrates – in his blood. Over 2,500
N
low custody tracksuit when he opened for a while and a neigh- micromoles per litre of blood
was discovered by Parks Trust bour said Mr Morton had not spells danger and can cause sud- ANNUAL SALE
workers at 8.50am on November been seen for weeks or months. den death, but Mr Morton had
29. PC Tom Barcham said: “It was 10,570 micromoles per litre
He was seen by a police doctor obvious that it was an unused which meant he was suffering NOW ON
I
twice in custody after being door, it was quite dirty. with ketoacidosis.
arrested for theft on November “The top lock was a Yale type of Coroner Rodney Corner said:
15. security lock, it was brand new, “Looking at his problems it is an W
GENUINE REDUCTIONS OFF
Police officers described him as the shape of the lock was differ- awfully sad case. His health and
vacant, unresponsive and staring. ent to the previous lock, you his behavioural problems were
ALLPRODUCTS
Police surgeon Dr Arvind Karia could see from the paintwork. really dealing him quite a cruel
assessed him twice and believed “Had it have gone in we would blow.”
the known epilepsy sufferer had have tried to turn it, but it would- Dr Hunt added: “There was Open Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-4
had an epileptic fit. n’t even go into the lock.” nothing inconsistent with him 45 Waterside Park, Old Wolverton,
In a statement read out to the Mr Morton’s mother Ann having died shortly after his
court he said: “I observed that at Morton said she had used the release.” Milton Keynes MK15 5NL
times he had exhibited black keys to get into the house on The inquest – at which a jury is (next to Motorserve)
looks.” November 7. sitting – is expected to last three
Tel: [phone]
He said he Mr Morton – who Forensic pathologist Dr days.
email: [email protected]
AA679346
AA679954
MKNEWS ‘Where news comes first in MK’ www.mk-news.co.uk
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Pitchside water sprinklers pro- After a few moments the referee A Dons spokesman said: “A tech-
vided an unwanted interruption stopped the game while grounds- nical problem caused the pitch
during their 1-0 defeat to man Joe Aylett dashed frantically watering system to come on at an
Rochdale as they burst into action behind scenes to stop the spray. unscheduled time.
ten minutes from time (above). And just as it was safe to return “Ground staff acted quickly to tthhee eennddeerrmmoollooggiiee
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AN INSPIRATIONAL school girl parents informing them of the School,said:“It’s very sad for us.
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Shenley Brook End School and Vivienne Wood,pupil inclusion very difficult to come to terms
yesterday a letter was sent out to manager at Shenley Brook End with.” AA680241
4|January 30,2008|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
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
A trip to see the MKDons play
GENERAL MANAGER Politicians’ cynicism
Jonathan Cropley SIR - Having followed the debate
01908 242490 regarding funding for the Open
could lead to a long love affair
jonathan.cropley University closely, is it really any
@mk-news.co.uk surprise that people are increasing-
ly cynical about politicians when
MP’s like Dr Starkey sign a fellow
NEWSDESK city MP’s motion, only then to
refuse to vote for it when it comes
Editor: David Gale to the crunch?
01908 689595 Is this just another in a long list of
david.gale examples of Dr Starkey putting her
@mk-news.co.uk Parliamentary career ahead of the
constituents she claims to repre-
Whether it’s a story,picture,community, sent?
business,sports or leisure event,our John Brown
newsdesk is waiting to hear from you Central Milton Keynes
Newsdesk: 01908 689595
Pictures: Andy Handley 01908 689586 Watling St traffic lights
ADVERTISING SIR -Try as I might, I can not find
anything in any report (including
Advertising manager: the 2005 Local Plan) that states
Samantha Thompson that there has been any hint of, let
01908 689589 alone consultation, on the bleak
samantha.thompson prospect of traffic lights along
@mk-news.co.uk Watling St.
MK Council seems determined to
Classified advertising misinform residents and should
manager: immediately drop plans and hold a
Hazel Basford proper consultation process.
01908 689555 The possibility of a stop-start dri-
hazel.basford ving culture on Watling St will
@mk-news.co.uk bring with it rat running and
increased CO2 emissions and poi-
We would love to show you just how effective soning of gardens along the route
advertising in MK NEWSis.For the most past Galley Hill and Two Mile Ash
cost-effective advertising solutions across in particular. Residents along the
Milton Keynes,call one of our sales staff route did not buy their homes only
Advertising: 01908 242490 to have them turned into smog and
[email protected] choking carbon zones. What health
audit has the Council carried out
and what will be the damage to
DISTRIBUTION wildlife and to house values?
Paul Bartlett
01582 390353 Woodside,Stony Stratford
[email protected]
We carefully deliver 94,000 copies of our
newspaper with pride to homes across our city Tories’ school tactics
and the surrounding villages every Wednesday.
In addition,we also deliver a further 4,000 SIR - Children and young people
copies to hotels,restaurants,bars,offices and must not be used as political
other high footfall public places across MK on a pawns.
Wednesday morning.We also hand out 2,500- I have been absolutely disgusted SIR- This weekend I took my children along to stadi- was a good family orientated vibe about the place.
3,000 copies to commuters at MK Railway recently to see irresponsible mem- ummk for their first ever football match. It was great to see almost 8,000 people attend a
Station every Wednesday morning between bers of the Conservative Party Although MK Dons may have lost the match,it was a match in the so-called ‘basement league’and hopefully
6am and 9.30am.Total weekly distribution spreading lies about Oakgrove thoroughly enjoyable day and I will certainly be if the promotion-hunt comes good the fan base will
101,000 copies. School, causing great distress to returning next time they play at home. grow even stronger.
Our deliverers and distribution staff earn top children and their parents. Unlike most grounds the fans were well behaved,the Mr D Short
rates of pay.If you’d like to join them contact The facts are as follows: songs were fun with acceptable language and there Stony Stratford
our friendly staff on the phone/e-mail above. 1. There is no truth whatsoever in
the rumour that Milton Keynes
Council is planning to delay or
LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION stop the completion of Phase 3 of her and is pushed to the floor before this terrifying culture gets possibility to let new houses on
Oakgrove. before having her shoes stolen. even more out of hand. short term contracts, which would
01582 390353 2. The Council has already spent I am 100 per cent sure the yobs Mrs White remain in council stock. Let’s get
[email protected] £750,000 on design fees for did not need her shoes, nor did sent in by e-mail 10,000 council houses built in
Oakgrove Phase 3 and the work will they want them. Most likely they Milton Keynes to house the clean-
Target your business message to anything be going out to tender soon. needed to cause some distress to a ‘Check facts Irene’ ers, shop assistants, bus drivers etc
between 3,000 and 100,000 homes across 3. The completion date is vulnerable person to get their kicks. who will be needed by the profes-
Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire.Simply September 2009. Is this really how some teenagers SIR - I read with interest the letter sional people who can afford to
call for more information and prices. I would be most grateful if you pass the time on a boring night? from Irene Henderson with regard buy houses.
could use your letters page to let I don’t like to tarnish all young- to council house- building. Affordable housing presupposes
WHERE TO FIND US people know the truth and stop sters with the same brush, I am While her reasoning is excellent, that houses for sale are not afford-
people being alarmed by a politi- well aware this is happening up her grasp of the facts is woefully able, otherwise a growth in HIMO,
1 Diamond Court,Fox Milne, cally-motivated scare story. There and down Britain and there are inadequate. with hordes of migrant workers will
must be an election coming! criminals of all ages out there. As the cabinet member responsi- create a ghetto mentality.
Milton Keynes MK15 0DU
Jill Hope But unfortunately the innocence ble for housing, I thought she Alan Price
www.mk-news.co.uk Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate, of youth has long gone and when I might be aware the the discount for Hulto Drive,Emberton
Phone: [phone] Milton Keynes North Constituency walk down the street now, I will council house ‘right-to-buy’ has Housing association resident
always cross the road if I see a been capped to £32,000 outside
Fax [phone]
group of hoodies in front of me. London to stop property specula-
Office open 9am-5.30pm or by Going to the dogs However, as your article proved tors making quick profits. INTERNET
appointment. even playing ignorant to their thug- Houses with tenancies not cov-
Published and originated by LSN Media Ltd SIR- I was horrified to read the gish behaviour does not make you ered by the right to buy scheme are WWW.MK-NEWS.CO.UK
Printed by Surrey & Berkshire Newspapers Ltd front page story of MK NEWSlast safe. provided by housing Associations,
week ‘Hoodie’ gang in gun attack Some thing needs to be done surely it is not beyond the realms of
on mum-to-be.
What has happened to our coun-
MKNEWS LETTERS POLICY
try?
It seems every time I switch on
Letters must arrive by noon on Monday.Full name and address must be
the news and pick up the papers
supplied.Details will be withheld in only exceptional circumstances.
Jan-June 2007 there is yet another story that Letters should be kept short and to the point and may be edited.
Average weekly distribution details shocking crimes that hap-
MLSKNNMEWedSi:a9 G3r,7o4u6p.: 405,297 pen on our streets. Write to:Letters to The Editor,MK NEWS,1 Diamond Court,Fox Milne,
It is a sad state of affairs when a Milton Keynes MK15 0DU.E-mail:[email protected]
pregnant lady has a gun pointed at
MKNEWS|www.mk-news.co.uk|January 30,2008|5
Petrol prices hit NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN
an average of
more than 104p
BY LAURA HANNAM
[email protected]
AS OIL prices hit a record high the
average price of a litre of unleaded
petrol in Milton Keynes is now over
104p.
Gallagher & Cropton have been installing
The price of fuel – both diesel
and petrol – broke through £1 a Windows, Doors and Conservatories in
litre last year for the first time, and around the Milton Keynes area for
but now paying this much to run
18 years.
your car is an every-day occur-
rence. At Gallagher & Cropton we pride
Oil prices reached $100 a bar-
ourselves on our fast, reliable and
rel earlier this month following
a decline in the amount of efficient customer service. Our windows
crude oil on the market and and doors are of the highest quality and
Tesco at Bletchley unrest in oil-supplying countries. Murco at Deanshanger come with a British Standard Kitemark
Fuel duty also went up by 2p a litre
in October, so the average price of a plus we offer a 10 year insurance backed
litre of unleaded across the country
guarantee. Gallagher & Cropton will not
this month is over 104p.
Prices have doubled from the rates be beaten on price, so call us first and
seen last January and more than transform your home forever. We are
quadrupled since 2002.
honoured to say that 90% of our work is
As MK NEWSwent to press yes-
terday (January 29) comparison from recomendations
website www.petrolprices.com
cited the average price of a litre of Licensed Credit Broker. Office of Fair
unleaded in Milton Keynes as Trading No. 544160. Insist on a British
104.7p, with a litre of diesel at an
Standard Kitemark window.
average of 109.6p.
The highest prices in the area
were 108.9p for unleaded and
111.9p for diesel. Doors
The lowest was 101.9p for from
unleaded at Deanshanger £499
Service Station and 106.9p for MKDONS
Jet in Stony Stratford diesel at Asda Automat, Bletchley, BP at CMK inc VAT STADIUM
though prices vary from day to day at
& Fitting
each station.
While
Compared to nearby towns Milton
Keynes residents are paying less for stocks last
their fuel as prices in Bedford,
Northampton and Leighton Buzzard
are all generally higher. 1 1 BARGE
BOARDS
The average price of a litre of
unleaded in Bedford was 105.2p 2 2 GUTTERING
and for diesel 110.6p, in
Northampton unleaded was 106.0p 3
and diesel 110.4p and in Leighton 3 FASCIA
4 BOARDS
Buzzard unleaded was 105.3p and
diesel 109.9p.
5 4 SOFFITS
In Luton prices were slightly
lower yesterday with unleaded at 5 VENTILATION
104.3p and diesel 109.4p.
A further increase in fuel duty
of 2p per litre is due to take
place in April. PRICE PROMISE Good quality,
Businesses across the country
Total Garage in CMK are calling for the Government to halt Texaco at CMK Somerfield expert installations, exceptional
the increase as higher fuel prices hit after sales. All this doesn't have to
their profits. be expensive. Bring down any
Andy Wilson, a private hire driver
written quote into our new
based in Milton Keynes said: “Petrol
prices have gone up 50 per cent over showroom and WE WILL BEAT IT!
the last five years but we haven’t put
our prices up at all. Visit our NEW
“We were earning more five or six
years ago, but we are having to SHOWROOM at:
work longer hours now.
“Some drivers are working about Unit 14, Stadium Business Court, Lyon
14 hour shifts just to earn a living Road, Bletchley
and pay household bills. Showroom hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Sat &
1
“And its not just fuel that is Sun 10am-3pm. 92
9
more expensive, its tyres and Office hours: 9am-9pm. 7 days a week 67
insurance too.” AA
He said taxi drivers cannot 01908 639666
afford to increase their prices as
they will lose customers to
competition. www.gallagherandcropton.co.uk
“It has affected us a great deal, some
Morrisons at Westcroft drivers are having to seek employment Asda at Denbigh
elsewhere,” he added.
6|January 30,2008|www.mk-news.co.uk|MKNEWS
MK residents could be
Looking
for a facing massive debts
new
BY LAURA HANNAM
Liberal Democrat cabinet member
Job? [email protected] for finance, Cllr Sam Crooks, said
the capital programme has not
CONSERVATIVES are warning that been agreed and is currently going
in the future Milton Keynes resi- through a consultation process
dents could suffer from millions of along with the council’s general rev-
pounds of debt run up by the coun- enue budget.
cil. “The figures have been submitted
It has been predicted that by the by the departments for what they
year 2011, Milton Keynes Council would like to do and they are cur-
? will have a total debt of £209million rently being analysed,” he said.
in the capital budget. “Eventually the Cabinet will sit
100's of
Next year alone it will be approxi- down and work out what the city
the latest mately £45m. can afford so the capital budget will
Conservatives are worried the reflect that.
local jobs
debt will impact major capital pro- “We have to balance how much
start on grammes such as building new roads can have against disabled
schools and roads. adaptations and against schools
page
Conservative finance spokesman and crematoriums and so on.
Cllr David Tunney said: “The money “It is an entirely normal process.”
81 was built into our plans and has The final budget, including
been taken out by Central Council Tax levels, will be proposed
Government. by the Cabinet on February 19 and
“The problem is that unless we agreed by Full Council on February
can fund the development of the 26. Both meetings are open to the
city in a proper and sensible way we public.
are simply not going to be able to infrastructure funds to grow the Worried: Conservative finance The deadline for the budget con-
encourage people to come and buy town, because growth is the agenda spokesman Cllr David Tunney sultation is February 4, 2008.
houses here. put upon Milton Keynes by the You can have your say by visiting
“The Government wants us to Government. the council’s website at www.mil-
build houses but if people are told “The Government has put this ton-keynes.gov.uk/budget-consul-
01908 242490 you can have a house but there’s no extra burden on us and we need after the recent £64.5m cut for our tation, email budget@milton-
www.mk-news.co.uk school for your youngsters to go to help to do it, we can’t do it off our schools and the £30m cut for the keynes.gov.uk, call 01908 252696 or
[email protected] they are not going to come. own back.” Open University. write to Budget 2008, FREEPOST
“The principal obligation is upon Mark Lancaster, MP for North East “It is looking increasingly as if the ANG7122, Milton Keynes Council,
the Government and upon English Milton Keynes said: “This is a devas- Government is deserting Milton Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East,
Partnerships to come up with the tating blow for the city and comes Keynes altogether.” Milton Keynes, MK9 3JB.
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Open 7 days: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm. Sat 9.30am - 5.00pm. Sun 10am - 4pm.
AA680094
MKNEWS|www.mk-news.co.uk|January 30,2008|7
Emerson Furniture
Photograph SALE
courtesy of
Ultimate
NOW ON
Images.co.uk
SALE
.
20% OFF
NOW
ON
Riding
Opening Times:
high:
Shannon Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm
Bloomfield Sun 10am-4pm
on Poppy
earlier in
the day.
AA655504
Sale Ends 31st January
01908 220222
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm,Sun 10.30am-4pm
Pony girl, 12 dies 1Em5 aTilh: ee nTqruaidriiensg@ Ceemnetrreso, nSftuarcneityu rBeu.csoh.eusk, •M Wiltoebns iKtee:y wnewsw, M.emK1er2s o6nHfuSrn- Oitupproes.icteo K.uFkC A679308
A
in freak accident
BY ROB GIBSON because she was so bright and
[email protected] cheerful.”
Earlier in the day Shannon won
A TWELVE-YEAR-OLD girl has her first cross country class – over
been killed in a freak accident 2ft 6in solid jumps.
while riding her pony. Speaking on behalf of her par-
Shannon Bloomfield (right), ents, family friend Andy Fortune
from Bletchley, died on Sunday said: “She was such a clever and
afternoon as she competed in a fun-loving child.
novice indoor cross-country com- “Her whole life was horses.
petition at Milton Keynes “She was fearless.
Eventing Centre in Malt Hill Farm, “At the British Show Jumping
Hanslope. Championships in 2006 they were
Shannon, a member of the talking about her for the 2012
Whaddon Chase Pony Club, had OIympics.
been tipped to compete in the “That was her dream.
2012 London Olympics. “I want to say a big thank you to
Her father Darren was watching over a jump – this is when a horse the doctor, Fiona, and the para-
the event when the accident somersaults and the rider drops medic, Dave, as well as all the
occurred at around 5pm. vertically below the horse.” team at Milton Keynes Hospital.”
Centre owner Fiona Gifkins was A paramedic and doctor were at Shannon is survived by her par-
oshuets hideea rdb uat cdomasmheodt ioinns.ide when tahide ebveefnotr ea nadn aadmmbinuilsatnerceed tfoiroskt eyenatsr,- oDlda rbrreont haenrd, T Woneyn.dy, and 20- A680319
She said: “It was a freak accident. Shannon to hospital, where she She was a pupil at Cottesloe A
“She was competing and it was was pronounced dead. School in Wing.
the second-to-last event of the Mrs Gifkins added: “She had Milton Keynes Eventing Centre
day. It went wrong. only been here a matter of weeks has cancelled next weekend’s
“The pony did a rotational fall but she made so many friends shows as a mark of respect.
MKNEWS ‘Where news comes first in MK’ www.mk-news.co.uk
Flasher offends after
6
0
2
0
8
6
window display crush AA
A HOMELESS man was incident and pleaded guilty at
clearance sale ends Sunday 3rd Feb
caught exposing himself out- court.
side Ann Summers after ‘tak- Alisdair King, defending,
ing a shine’ to the window dis- said: “Mr Thompson accepts
play. full culpability for his actions.
A shopper called the police “A close friend of his died
after spotting the offender in and he didn’t know whether to
front of a lingerie display at throw himself in front of a
the adult shop in train or drink.
thecentre:mk, at 10.20am on “Fortunately he chose drink
Saturday. and while in a drunken state
An officer confronted the he found himself in the town
man while he was still in the centre.
act and arrested him. “His recollection is not very
John Thompson, 45, good but he can recall taking
appeared at Milton Keynes something of a shine to the
Magistrates’ Court on display in the window.”
Monday charged under the Thompson, with a long grey
Public Order Act for inten- beard and dressed in a green
tionally exposing his genitals trench coat and cap, was
with intent to cause alarm or described as a rough sleeper 14 trading centre, stacey bushes, milton keynes, mk12 6hs
distress. who stays in Milton Keynes.
Thompson initially claimed Magistrates fined
huge price cuts everything must go tel [phone]
he had been wiping alcohol Thompson £40 and ordered
off of his trousers but was him to pay £60 costs using his
shown CCTV footage of the benefit payments.
opening times - Monday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
From Bedford: Take the A422 towards Stony
Wednesday: Closed Stratford, turn right just before the A422 crosses
VANDALS DESECRATE CEMETERY GRAVES the A5. Rusticana is next to the KFC. From the
Sunday: 10.30am - 4.00pm stoowuathrd:sT aBkeed tfhoerd A. 5Y onuo rwthil,l tfihnedn uesx int etxot Ato4 2K2FC
SEE PAGE 11
8|January 30,2008|www.mk-news.co.uk|MKNEWS
Noise, activity and creativity the
watchwords of Live 08 Festival
Learning Indian Dance moves with Urja
Playwrite Sophie Wolley performs backstage afternoon to launch actress resident at the
its Live 08 event offer- Soho Theatre in
Erin Campbell displays make-up wounds ing performances, London; trough 1623
workshops, insights, Theatre Company
BY LAURA tours, exhibitions, with their version of
HANNAM music and activities. the seven deadly sins Rock action from Our Man In The Bronze Age
laura.hannam@mk- More than 200 pro- in Sinful Shaxxxpeare;
fessional and non- to local artists such as Workshops included Education and out-
news.co.uk
professional musi- all female Milton African drumming, reach manager Jodie
SIX hundred people cians, performers and Keynes dance group singing, Indian dance, Gibson said: “Live 08
flocked to Milton artists of all ages gath- Sleek. art, stage make-up, was a pilot project
Keynes Theatre at ered at the theatre to Families, children classical music and and it was a great suc- A legal opportunity to tape graffiti to the Theatre
the weekend to take create and celebrate and young people filmaking. cess.
part in a festival of creativity. were invited to take The aim of the event “We were over- and tours were full. Milton Keynes
creativity. The performers part in the activities was to offer a different whelmed with the “The building was Theatre hopes to
The theatre opened ranged from Sophie that took place experience for people amount of people that full of noise, activity make the festival a
its doors on Saturday Woolley, a comic around the building. visiting the Theatre. came, the workshops and creativity.” regular event.
Avanti Tiles & Bathrooms
Milton Keynes
SALE
NOW
m
e
h
1
t
5

ON d1
e8
e7
0
931 n6
7
A6
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UP TO
y9
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h
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s
su
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Biggest stockist of wall and floor tiles in Milton Keynes hall
c
C
n
a
r
Avanti 01908 225225 www.avantitiles.co.uk B
Unit 16 Stacey Bushes Trading Centre, Milton Keynes
Tiles & Bathrooms OPEN 7 DAYS MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8.30am-5.30pm.
SATURDAY 9am-5pm. SUNDAY 11am-4pm.
MKNEWS|www.mk-news.co.uk|January 30,2008|9
Vertical Blinds The Fantastic Fabric Shop 95-97 Queensway,
Wood Blinds Fabric World Queensway Bletchley
Roller Blinds opposite The Post Office
Venetian Blinds MK 372341 or 374178 STOP PRESS!!!
Canopies Heavy cream/beige
Roman Blinds New In! Fully lined eyelet curtains jaquard curtains fully
Free measuring and 4 colours in all sizes lined patio size
sample service 90”x90”
Ring Greig 46”x54” £19.99 46”x72” £24.99 46”x90” £29.99 SALE
07903 339789 66”x54” £32.99 66”x72” £34.99 66”x90” £38.99 only
90”x54” £42.00 90”x72” £46.00 90”x90” £52.00 £30per pair
Ready to hang Voilles and Net Curtains
30 designs in stock! Also big selection of modern panels
SCALLOP-EDGE ROLLER BLINDS BLACK ROLLER BLINDS
60cm £8.99 180cm £16.99 60cm £10.99 180cm £24.99
90cm £10.99 210cm £22.99 90cm £14.99 210cm £26.99
120cm £12.99 240cm £29.99 120cm £18.99 240cm £45.00
150cm £14.99 150cm £24.99
DROP CURTAIN NET SALE SPECIAL SPECIAL
36inch £1.30yd 54inch £2.20yd 54” Curtain Lining54” Blackout Lining1000’s
Beautiful 40inch £1.40yd 60inch £2.40yd £1 per metre £2.99 metre
Easrsteicsnrtet’sima iloma uft pottirrhleiietusy mns: ie Aoawnnt CSEPFrywlueeereaatlea tgm tisVn/Peasail/nascnuhcreinsg444258iiinnnccchhh £££112...680000yyyddd 67893210iiiinnnncccchhhh ££££2233....68030000yyyydddd oKnitlCyc hh£ae3inr. -9PD9audmesapcyh MConoolvyde e£rrs1n. 89C c9uosleohauicorhsnAoafls ncionduf a Brsdbtrtraroiediicncsaksssl
Crownhill and home sample service fabrics and
Ring Jim 07956 653325 dress patterns
AA679905
Hi-tech chapel will
Supplied & Fitted
cater for future needs
Also available loft boarding, AA
lEiXgPhEtR fTit FtiInTTgIN aGn GdU iAnRsAuNlaTEtiEoDn 669130 A679933
Now we can change push up plastic A
hatches to drop down.
Tel: [phone] Also Watches,
BY ALICIA BABAEE Mob: [phone] Jewellery and
sound system, as well as a very teries and crematoria since 2002
[email protected] www.kmwloftladders.co.uk Valuations
small circular chapel called the and has added 4,400 burial spaces email: [email protected]
sanctuary for initimate services. to Milton Keynes, said: “This is the
A STATE-OF-THE-ART new A canopied setting down space sort of thing that people don’t
52 Queensway, Bletchley 01908 632257
chapel complete with water fea- will house a meeting area, a wait- think about necessarily, until
tures could be built at Crownhill. ing area with toilets, and an offi- something happens.
By 2010 people could be able to cials room. “We’re a growing city and I felt
webcast funerals from Milton There will be a covered port for we really needed to do something
Keynes and use LCD screens to the hearse and the cortege to about it.
show photographs in the chapel. drive through and plenty of park- “It’s a regional facility, people
A planning application has been ing. come from outside Milton Keynes
submitted for the new crematori- A spiritual and tranquil design to use it. ✮ Holiday of the Week ✮
um, which will run alongside the incorporates a wildlife garden “Because these things are
existing one to help cope with the with bridges, seating and ponds to extremely expensive – millions of
£175
growing population of Milton inhabit great crested newts on the pounds – we thought it was unfair ISLE of WIGHT
Keynes. site and other wildlife. for taxpayers to pay.
The modern £5 million cremato- The crematorium is being paid “We stood up to the MON 17 TO FRI 21 MAR- 5 Day Tour
rium will be separate to the old for by the government as part of Government and insisted this was Norton Grange Classic Resort offers you
one, but within the same grounds. its growth funding. seen as a growth item. high standardsof accommodation,
It will contain a larger chapel Councillor Douglas McCall, “We’ve got all the funding we excellent leisure facilitiesand a wide
seating 80 to 100 with a high-tech who’s had responsibility for ceme- need.” selection of things to do during the day in
addition to our FREE excursions.
Great evening entertainmentand
Get into teaching
New Partnership chief vows to give superb foodmake for a fantastic holiday.
Pick up points:M. KEYNES
work a PGCE into
residents the MK they deserve… Ref: 73333
your timetable
✮OTHER GREAT TOURS FROM THIS REGION✮
Fri 21 Mar Lyme Bay (Easter) 4 Days £150
THE NEW Chief executive at Milton Keynes Development Corporation in Interested in training to become
Mon 24 Mar Blackpool 5 Days £150
Keynes Partnerships is to focus on 1991 and later with the Commission a secondary school teacher?
Mon 31 Mar Weston Super Mare 5 Days £160
the growth of the city and give resi- for the New Towns.
dents the city centre they deserve. Following this he joined internation- You don’t need to give up your current Mon 31 Mar Babbacombe 5 Days £150
John Lewis (pictured),who will al property consultant,DTZ,becom- job to begin your training. Study for a Mon 7 Apr Lowestoft(Special Offer) 5 Days £139
take over the role in April,has been ing an associate director in 1996 Fri 11 Apr Jersey 7 Days £300
fl exible PGCE (Professional Graduate
the English Partnerships Regional before joining English Partnerships in
Director for Eastern England and 1998. Certifi cate in Education) part-time at ✮BOOK NOW!! PLACES SELLING FAST✮
Milton Keynes since May 2006. He completed an MA in Urban the OU and typically, you can complete
He has lived in Stony Stratford for Regeneration in 2001 and became a your course over 12 to 24 months. NO NEED TO CHANGE COACH ON THE WAY,
ten years and has extensive back- director of the British Urban YOU WILL HAVE THE SAME SEATS AND
ground in the regeneration and Regeneration Association in 2005. Your training will be individually COACH THROUGHOUT YOUR HOLIDAY
development industry. His appointment as chief executive tailored to your skills and experience
He said his main challenge when follows the announcement that Jane and you could be eligible for funding We have many more fantastic value
he takes over the reins at MKP will Hamilton will retire from Milton worth up to £9,000*. Holidays in the UK and Europe
be the growth that Milton Keynes is Keynes Partnership at the end of
facing and ensuring developments March. Impressed? Ofsted certainly were. departing fromYOURhome town...
are delivered well. Dr Ann Limb,member of Milton In 2006 they awarded the OU’s fl exible CALL US NOW!
“Milton Keynes is at a very crucial Keynes Partnership Committee
PGCE Programme a Grade 1 rating.
stage of its development,there has excited to have the opportunity to (MKPC) said:“We are delighted with
been an extensive period of planning influence future development in the the appointment of John Lewis as FOR A FREE 96
and we are now going to focus on city. Chief Executive.
Contact us today
delivering those plans,”he said. “We need to make sure what is “With his local knowledge and evi- PAGE BROCHURE
“We need to make sure that every- happening in the city centre is what dent commitment to partnership to receive our PGCE prospectus
one is with us as we grow so its gives residents of Milton Keynes working,Milton Keynes will be able
about making sure that we are com- what they deserve; a city centre that to grow and develop effectively in the theCOACH HOLIDAY.com
municating as openly as possible.” people will be excited about working future. What course will your career take?
01242 261666
“Its about really thinking how peo- in,socialising in,shopping in.” “MKPC is looking forward to deliv-
ple will live in new places. “We haven’t really begun to work ering its exciting agenda.”
*conditions apply Quote GAJAAW
“You can get too hung up on physi- on what the new retail area could be, Milton Keynes Partnership,created
Self drive option available on
cpal“alI c dtehe iysnoigkun t ahwraeitt ’hsc orseuoatm ttihneigtnh.kiningg foarb ouust ttohe waante dt’hv teeh esgrtoaett’ siho uengx fceoi rtoe pumppeognrrtatu danitni tgtieh steh dauotn wiavrneera- iginnr oJthwuent hen, e2dw0e 0vce4ilt,oyi.psm reesnpt oannsdib ilnev feosrtment Open doo0r8s4 t5o 3 a6 b6r 6ig0h3t3er future AA679753 many tours-SAVE £30
bring back into Milton Keynes.” sity centre as well,”he added. It is a sub-committee of national Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings. Details in our
www.openuniversity.co.uk/teach brochure and on our website. Single supplements apply.
He said the city centre is an area Mr Lewis,a qualified chartered sur- regeneration agency English
he will particularly focus on and is veyor,began his career with Milton Partnerships. AA678706 Pate Court, North Place, Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 4DY
10|January 30,2008|www.mk-news.co.uk|MKNEWS
COMPETITION
Valentine’s Day sorted with our competition
COMPETITION 1: As St Valentine’s Day approaches and restaurants across
the city become fully-booked,MK NEWS is offering two
ITALY has long been regarded as
one of the most romantic countries great competitions so that you can put the oven gloves
in the world,having brought us star
down and treat someone special to a romantic dinner.
crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet,
Casanova and of course St.
Valentine.
But for those two at Bella Finish your meal with the perfect
wishing to stay Italia at aphrodisiac; Torta Cioccolata
a little closer to Lower 12th Tartufata, a decadent chocolate and
home this S t r e e t , caramel truffle cake.
Valentine’s C e n t r a l Priced at £24.95 per person, the full
Day, Bella Italia is setting the pace by Milton Keynes, on Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day menu can be viewed
bringing a little bit of classic Italy to along with a £50 voucher to spend. at www.bellaitalia.co.uk . To make a
Milton Keynes. Choose from a wide range of delec- reservation call 01908 395369.
Bella Italia will be hosting an exclu- table dishes including Fonduta di
sive evening of romance with a spe- Formaggi, a unique 3 cheese fondue COMPETITION 2: will leave both you and your partner famous sangria and fabulous cock-
cial three course menu especially with Focaccia bread that is perfect in cupid’s arms. tails.
crafted to help spark the flames of for sharing, and main courses such AS the romantic night approaches On arrival customers will receive a Three seating times are available:
passion. as pan-fried fillet sea bass on a bed many readers might be wondering complementary glass of cave along 6pm till 8pm, 8pm till 10pm and
We are giving three readers the of roasted new potatoes and cour- which restaurant they can book with some mixed olives and pan de 10pm till 12am.
chance to win an exclusive table for gettes or Pollo alla Griglia. that is romantic,has a great ambi- barrra while they start preparing For queries and reservations con-
ence,is candle lit and would be the your first course of tapas including a tact La Tasca at miltonkeynes@latas-
perfect place to set your tempera- fantastic tomato and goat’s cheese ca.co.uk or call 01908 331920.
tures sizzling for the night ahead! salad with Serrano ham.
La Tasca can do just that and for This will be followed by some of its HOW TO ENTER
those of you who are familiar with La most famous dishes including
Tasca, few words are necessary for Gambas Pill Pill (prawns sautéed in
you to appreciate the difference the olive oil with garlic and Spanish TO be in with a chance of winning
restaurant could make to your guindilla peppers). one of three tables for two,simply
romantic night. The tapas is finished off with the email your name,contact number
We are offering three lucky readers third round which includes a mouth and address to competitions@mk-
the chance to win a romantic meal watering Cordero en Salsa (casserole news.co.uk along with either Bella
for two with a bottle of cava all worth of lamb, with wine, potatoes, mus- Italia or La Tasca.
£70. tard and peppercorns). Alternatively post your details to
This year Finally, Bella Italia/ La Tasca Competition,
the restau- indulge in MK NEWS,1 Diamond Court,Fox
r a n t a delicious Milne,Milton Keynes,MK15 0DU.
designed a dessert, Deadline:Wednesday,February 6.
fantastic five washed Editor’s decision is final.
c o u r s e down with First names picked win.
menu which La Tasca’s
Fineweave
Flooring Specialists
For all your flooring needs www.fineweave.co.uk
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BRANCH FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF THE GREAT SAVINGS AVAILABLE
Hard-wearing 8mm Laminate Quality,
Natural Look SCRAPED OAK
WAS WAS Service and
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£12.53 sq/m £11.89 sq/m
SAVE 45% SAVE 30% Experience
TO CLEAR TO CLEAR
END OF YEAR CLEARANCE
SAVE UP TO 50% - Top Quality Products at JANUARY SALE
Clearances Prices - A Winning Combination
NOW ON
To make way for our new 2008 ranges,
we have several Clearance Products including
LAST FEW DAYS
Carpet,Wood and Vinyl available at Knock Down
prices. For further information, please contact our
local branch (only available while stocks last)
Visit our products in our Luxury Showroom with parking right outside or let
us bring the showroom to you with our Free Choose-at-Home Service
AA680232
6 Maryland Road,
For further information
Tongwell, Milton Keynes
on our January Sale,
01908 614735
please contact your
local branch.
Branches also in Fleet,Farnham Common,High Wycombe,
Maidenhead,Woking,Wokingham and Woodley.