The keys to some of Milton Keynes’ much-loved community meeting places, sports grounds and pavilions have been handed to local councils.
MK Council took a decision earlier this year to hand over ownership of a number of community facilities to parish and town councils, giving them total and direct control of the venues and spaces that they use regularly.
The Council hopes that by putting more community facilities in the hands of the people and organisations that use them, it’ll encourage greater investment as well as more continuous and sustainable use.
In the first round of ‘key handovers’ earlier this week, MK Council has transferred its ownership of:
- North Furzton Pavilion and Sports Ground to Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe Parish Council
- Westcroft Pavilion and Westcroft Meeting Place to Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe Parish Council
- Sycamore Hall to Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Parish Council
- Walnut Tree Pavilion and Sports Ground to Walton Community Council
Cllr Jane Carr, MK Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Leisure and Community Assets said: “We’re delighted to have handed over the keys of these much-loved facilities to their local communities. Parish and Town Councils and grassroots organisations will now have the power to control what goes on at their local facilities and ensure they serve the needs of their communities. We’re grateful to all our local partners who’ve been involved in this asset transfer process.”
Sharon Kerr, Parish Manager for Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe Parish Council said: “We’re so pleased to be taking ownership of the two community buildings on Westcroft and the pavilion at Furzton. Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe Parish Council will work together with local community groups and businesses to make best use of the facilities.”
Ethaniel Kelly-Wilson, Chair of Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Town Council said: “We’re delighted to be able to take over ownership of Sycamore Hall. It sits right at the heart of our community and many locals have strong connections to the building. We look forward to developing our new asset to provide more modern facilities and local services for future generations.”
Lesley Sung, Council Manager at Walton Community Council said: “We’re committed to protecting the long-term future of Walnut Tree Pavilion and Sports Ground. We’re launching an immediate renovation project which will transform the facility into a modern usable space inside, with upgraded pitches outside. We’d love to hear from local community groups, sports based or otherwise who are looking to use such a facility.”