She has been a campaigner for local people in this area for over 15 years, and has helped hundreds of people with local issues. She has also been spokesperson for transport, the environment and flooding, for MK Council.

From strategic issues like pressing for the new balancing lake we need to reduce flooding, to local issues like pruning hedges, finding out who is responsible for a broken fence, and getting grass cut, Vanessa has worked tirelessly for local people.

Please support her in this election!

She is standing on the Liberal Democrat manifesto of:

• Reduce child poverty, because every child deserves a good start in life.
• Tackle unaffordable housing and homelessness, because everyone deserves a secure place to call home.
• Help our children and young people, so they can thrive through their lives.
• Fight for better health and social care, so that our residents have the support they need.
• Look after our neighbourhoods, so they are tidy, safe and places that residents of MK can be proud of.
• Improve and innovate our public transport, so public transport becomes a real choice for residents.
• Rebuild the local economy and keep a balanced council budget, so that we have a stable recovery from COVID-19.
• Create a carbon neutral Milton Keynes by 2030, so that we become a truly green city.

You can see more detail on the manifesto topics, or the whole manifesto, at www.mklibdems.co.uk.

With the cleansing teams suffering COVID and people walking around more and noticing more, there’s been a lot of focus on rubbish this year!

We are dropping more litter every year and picking up litter and dumped rubbish costs a lot more than emptying household or litter bins, so PLEASE put your rubbish in the bin! If you would like to take part in a big litter pick at the end of June, please let us know ([email protected]).

Vanessa McPake has asked MK Council to clear this rubbish at the V11 underpass, Monkston.

The results from the wheelie bin pilot are in, and overwhelmingly you have voted to go ahead with wheelie bins. Those who have them will keep them, and they will be rolled out to the rest of the borough when the current contract ends, probably in 2023.

There have been problems with flats, and other areas where access and space are tight, and MK Council will be working on solutions for those over the coming months.

Open topped bins cause litter when the wind blows the rubbish, and when wildlife pulls it out.

Now Lib Dems have put extra money in the budget to replace them, and to introduce some “smart bins” that compact the rubbish, and signal when they need emptying.

Dog mess is often a problem, and both our parish councils provide dog bins – but that became difficult when the rules about attaching them to lamp posts changed. Both our parish councils asked the Focus team for help. Jenni got permission for the bins and Vanessa and Leo contributed to the cost.

Some of our redway signs were in a terrible state, worn, graffiti’ d, or sitting on the floor. Now Cllrs Jenni Ferrans and Vanessa McPake have paid for some to be replaced with their ward budgets, and Vanessa has got the sign at Chase Avenue back on its pole at last!

When people park or drive on our grass verges in winter, it really damages the verge! Please do not park on the verge, and please tell the Focus team if there are any more really bad spots. We have reported damage on Eridge Green, Crowborough Lane, Lichfield Down, Dunchurch Dale and Cloudberry, Walnut Tree.

Children in care are among our most vulnerable children but, with the help of foster carers, many succeed well. When the time comes to leave home, Lib Dems have ensured that they will be given the help finding accommodation that any parent would hope to give – advice on their options, and help with the rent deposit, or even a mortgage deposit.

Lib Dems put some extra items into the Council budget including:

• More money to combat child poverty.
• More effort on planning enforcement.
• Replacements for old litter bins.
• A new service to combat isolation.

Brinklow roundabout, at the junction of the H8 Standing Way A421 and the V11 Tongwell St A4146, is getting a facelift! Over the next month, till 9 May, it will be resurfaced completely, the underground cable ducts replaced, and the streetlights fixed. The junction will be completely closed from 9;30 to 4.30 daily. Please avoid the area if you can, to reduce congestion while this very busy junction is out of use.