At the last meeting of the Betchley Forum on Wednesday 21 st. March 2001 at Lord Grey School, the Rev. Janet Lawrence revealed that Milton Keynes Council were unwilling to make available matching funding to provide administrative support to the board alongside funds already promised by Neighbourhood Councils. Since this contribution is a measure of MKC's commitment it is unlikely that the board could proceed without this funding. Despite this, a shadow board already exists and three Forum meetings have already been held. However, the constitution has still not been finalised.

The meeting discussed development in and around Queensway, Central Bletchley.
Attendees were divided into groups. Each group had a 'facilitator'. The groups were each asked to state 1)    What they liked about Queensway
                            2)    What they did not like about Bletchley
                            3)    Two proposals for change.
                                    (Each point on a Postit)
Those present were asked to vote on the proposals. In order of popularity the proposals were:-
    A community facility (This could include a drop in centre for young people mentioned below.)
    Encourage alternative shops (This would involve rescinding restrictions against some developments such as restuarants and publicity initiatives to attract new businesses particularly those taking advantage of Bletchley Park.)
    Clean it up
    Landscaping with seats benches etc.
    Young people's drop in centre.
    Improve link to Station.
    Address traffic issues.
    Attract large shop
    Employ dedicated road sweeper.
Things that were liked included the trees, the low prices in some shops including charity shops and general accessibility. Those that were disliked were the general mess and untidiness, the limited range of shops and the traffic. The proposals do not give weight to the need to improve the physical environment by resurfacing, possibly with pedestrianisation in mind with planting schemes and children's playgrounds.

A short talk was given on possible improvements to the surroundings of the leisure centre. The safety of the walkway between the lakes was the subject of some discussion.

The next meeting of the Forum will be held in June.  All Resident or Employed in Bletchley may attend and vote.PLEASE RAISE OTHER LOCAL ISSUES WHICH NEED  DISCUSS.  This is YOUR Forum.   Telephone Janet Lawrence on (01908) 377660 for details.

For some time the Bletchley Partnership Board has attempted to progress the redevelopment of Central Bletchley. However, the it was widely believed that the democratic element in the process was missing. The structure is being changed so that the residents will have an opportunity to be consulted and have a say in what they want. Members of both Neighbourhood Councils are involved in the process of changing the structure. Part of the structure is a Forum, which will be open to local residents and workers. This will elect three representatives to the Partnership Board. The Board is also intended to have representatives from Neighbourhood Councils, Milton Keynes Council and local business and will deal directly with Milton Keynes Council and a committee of developers. As stated, the constitution is still under development.

A previous meeting of the Forum was held at Bletchley Leisure Centre on the evening of Thursday 4 th. January.

That meeting addressed the following elements
1    Keith Ely outlined the structure of Bletchley Partnership Board which will consult with the Forum and interact with both Milton Keynes Council and a board representing developers. The board would be constituted as 'a company limited by guarantee'. The two Neighbourhood Councils will each contribute £5,000. It is 'hoped' that Milton Keynes Council will contribute another £10,000.
The  3 representatives elected at the October meeting were confirmed formally as follows:-.
           The Rev. Janet Lawrence (who chaired the Forum) - 377660

3    The Business Action Manager for the SRB (Single Regeneration Budget) Project  for East Bletchley gave an account of how businesses were being involved in helping the community.

4    Subjects for the next meeting were discussed. Concern was expresed at the need for information prior to the meeting and a means of formulating resolutions.
    Topics included
        1    The need to identify and attract suitable businesses
        2    The future of Queensway
        3    Links to the Station across Saxon Street
        4    Planning issues in Bletchley specifically addressing traveller's sites.
It was felt by the chair that the issue raised by the stadium were dealt with elsewhere.

Report on October Meeting
Despite the lack of a formal constitution an initial meeting of the Forum was held on October 18 th. at the CAA building Bletchley Park. Three representatives were elected in the interim. Since there was no constitution and no notice of the need for specific nominations, it was agreed that there would be another election at the next meeting on January 4 th.

Apart from concerns that although the notice of the meeting did warn of elections, it was not clear about the posts and nominations, those attending were unhappy that the meeting consisted mainly of presentations and little opportunity to put views from the floor. This resulted in some heckling of John Best, Milton Keynes Council's Director of the Environment. There was concern that despite talk of regeneration, many Milton Keynes Council proposals would in fact result in deterioration in the quality of life. Amongst those concerns were the proliferation of new traveller's sites around West Bletchley as opposed to other areas, the proposed bridge between Sherwood Drive and Granby and the Denbigh Stadium proposal.

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