Parking problems have been tackled in West Bletchley through installing ascot railing on the grass verges for over 15 years. Now the parish seems to be abandoning this approach without proper consultation.

Residents of Avon Grove and Lovatt Close are up in arms after the removal their ascot fencing by the West Bletchley Parish Council.

Local Milton Keynes councillor Gladstone McKenzie said, “Ascot fencing has been a big success in West Bletchley for many years. It protected the grass verges from cars that caused tremendous damage and crated muddy eyesores. The removal of the  ascot railing is short sighted and will probably more costly in the long term. Indeed we are seeing damage to the grassed areas already.”  

West Bletchley Parish Council issued a letter to residents just before Christmas about removing the ascot fencing.   It has not undertaken any real consultation with residents. It simply removed the railing.

Local councillor Elaine Wales added, “We are taking this proposal up with the parish council as it seems short sighted. They need to liaise with residents properly and find an alternative if the ascot railing is no longer appropriate.”