Labour Councillor for Bletchley West, Nigel Long has successfully encouraged the local Parish Council to purchase a much loved open space to protect it from being bought for development.

The site on Cheneys Walk was one of two sites put up for sale suddenly by an owner based in East Sussex. Local Labour Councillors Nigel Long, Elaine Wales, Lauren Townsend and Mick Legg persuaded West Bletchley Parish Council to hold a special meeting on Tuesday 14th July to consider buying the two open spaces   

The Parish Council agreed a proposal from Cllr Nigel Long and Cllr Elaine Wales to buy both sites.

Site 1: Cheneys Walk: This site has now been secured by the Parish Council. This is a large open space with lots of trees. 

Site 2: Melrose Avenue: This smaller site unfortunately was sold at auction for £36,000. The Parish Council will now look at other ways to protect this smaller open space from development.

Cllr Long said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure this open space and protect it from the threat of development. This is a big win for West Bletchley residents, Councillors and the Parish Council.”

Cllr Veronica Belcher, Chair of the West Bletchley Parish Council added: “I am pleased that we have been able to buy this lovely open space. It highlights again that the West Bletchley Parish Council is on the side of local residents.”

Cllr Elaine Wales continued: “I grew up 5 minutes from the Cheneys Walk open space and used to play here as a child. Like other residents I always thought it was owned by Milton Keynes Council so I was surprised when it turned out to be privately owned. I am glad we have stopped the sale and can now protect it for local people. We also now need to do an audit of all local open space to protect other areas from developers.”    

Cllr Long concluded: “I am pleased that West Bletchley Parish Council has secured Cheneys Walk open space. We now need to try and protect the Melrose Avenue open space and undertake the audit of open spaces ownership that we agreed at the Special Parish Council meeting.”