It is exciting news that Universal Studios has been given the go ahead to open a theme park and resort in Bedfordshire. A green light for a world class attraction just 20 minutes from Milton Keynes unlocks major opportunities for our thriving city and will be transformative for the whole region.
Obviously, there’s great economic potential which we’re in a strong position to make the most of, and the opening of the East West Rail line will bring even closer connections. We’ll benefit from the creation of thousands of new jobs, and city businesses can expect a significant boost to visitor numbers and spend. Development on this scale goes hand in hand with improved infrastructure alongside investment in housing, community facilities and beyond.
We’re committed to working in partnership with Universal Studios, the Government, Bedford Borough Council and neighbouring authorities, Destination Milton Keynes, and other partners to maximise the benefits of the development. A major theme park at the heart of the Oxford – Milton Keynes – Cambridge Growth Hub puts us in a fantastic position to continue attracting investment and give our economy the injection it needs.
Recycling rise
New Government figures show that Milton Keynes has the biggest rise in recycling rates of any place in England, leapfrogging dozens of other areas to become one of the country’s greenest recycling cities.
Milton Keynes is now one of the top recyclers, rising an incredible 76 places in the rankings from 83 to 7.
Milton Keynes City Council is asking for local people’s support to get to number one next year by making sure that everything that can be recycled is recycled, into the right bin.
Official statistics show 60.2% of the city’s household waste was sent for recycling, reuse or composting in 2023/24, up from 48.1% the previous year. The national average rate for recycling is 44%.
The rise follows Milton Keynes City Council introducing cleaner and greener recycling and waste collections in September 2023 when, among other changes, local people started separating their paper and card from plastic, metal and glass into two bins. The red and blue wheelie bins have made it easier for local people to sort their recyclables, and by encouraging more people to start recycling, the city council has seen the amount of recycling it processes rise by more than a third.
As the figures for 2024/25 will cover a full year of wheelie bin collections, the city should reach an even higher position in the chart next year.
Cracking down on illegal street traders
Milton Keynes City Council is warning illegal street traders that they could face fines of up to £1,000 per sale and is urging residents to report any concerns.
Street Trading laws are in place to protect consumers, and traders must meet strict requirements, including DBS checks, food registration certificates, and compliance with waste disposal and safety regulations.
Recent enforcement action saw a trader fined £3,848 after being caught trading illegally near the National Bowl, attempting to profit from event-goers.
The city council, working closely with Thames Valley Police, continue to take action against unlicensed traders, including those selling food, vapes and counterfeit goods. The teams have been working together to tackle the anti- social element of car cruising and static meets, particularly in the Network Rail car park on Grafton Street. Licensing officers have been called on multiple occasions to deal with illegal traders at the location.
Unlicensed trading is strictly prohibited in car parks and on roads in the city centre and even on any private land with public access.
Find out more about Milton Keynes City Council on their website.
Written by Cllr Pete Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes City Council
