They published my letter in the paper re Milton Keynes Market!

Yes - big relief - the market is busting at the seams it is so popular and needs looking after. It has been interesting seeing it evolve from the rather sad affair it was 15 years ago to the bustling multi cultural extravaganza that it has become. Where else would you go to buy an African dress or some Polish tinned food?
Reflects all the different people that have moved into our diverse and integrated city. And how could anyone have thought that letting them take a whole, dual carriageway road away in order to build a cheap clothes shop was a good idea.

Result JessM !! Well done!
Primark is something we can definitely do without - and the market, while not my favourite, is great for bargains and often stocks the sort of things not found in the shops any more.

I was already to add my name to your petition JessM but well done. Markets are great, there is one in my home city and the council wanted to upgrade it but got told hands off. It still looks the same when my mother took me there as a child to buy fruit and vegetables. It is so popular it is now a tourist attraction.

Well done JessM. I love the fabric man on MK market. My name is on a petition somewhere.

Well Done and Congratulations! (I did find the website)

Update - sorry didnt see that message nfk.
Several people worked hard on this - well over 10,000 signatures gathered on the paper petition - mostly in the market (others were working on this). Over 500 plus some great comments on my e-petition. Over 200 likes on the site I set up on Facebook. Hundreds of letters sent into the council.
The planning department recommended the planning dept should turn down the application because the alternative site for the market was so inadequate.
Yesterday the applicants withdrew their application and accepted defeat before the meeting. (I was all psyched up with a 3 minute speech planned and my suit out of the cupboard) Phew! Market traders can breathe again. Also we keep our cleverly designed road and our Grade 11 listed centre is not going to have an ugly box stuck on the side.
Interesting to experience that people power can actually work. And that anyone with a computer can get stuck in.

Is there a web address for the petition?

Am having some fun with this. Facebook site has had lots of visitors and comments. Set up a council petition and got 145 signatures in just a few days. Apparently it takes 1000 signatures to get a full debate in council - rather than just the planning committee hearing the application.
I'm learning lots about how to use Facebook to publicise things. Reporter rang me up to ask about my involvement. Slightly dread how I will be quoted...
It is, it seems, quite easy for us older women to sit at home and be community activists just by tapping away on the lap top. Maybe this will inspire other GN members to start campaigning.

Thank you soupy - Darn - my letter to the other paper did not appear. But there is a tiny bit of coverage about the market at last, so maybe people will start objecting.

Paper just arrived and I have seen your letter JessM

Well done!

Hi soupy - they are a bit hit and miss those free paper deliveries. There is a trickle of people on FB leaving comments. Would be nice if it would turn into a flood. The prim ark/shopping building mob went round doing a "survey" in which the only possible answer was "yes i do want a prim ark" or a Primark you silly spellchecker.

Well done Jess. I hate Primark!

As my name implies - I think taking a stand about something that you think matters is a very worthwhile thing to do. Good for you JessM!

I like Primark , only thing is all those ship[s coming into Felixstowe are bringing in cheap Chinese exports .

Jess I will have to pay extra attention to the letters page.

Always assuming the paper arrives tomorrow........

I think we should all climb a tree with placards saying "Grannies say NO to Primark" (horrid place!)

Well done, Jess.

More power to your elbow, JessM.

Respect, Jess!

Can I lie in front of a bulldozer ?

Good for you JessM . It just takes someone to take a stand !

[fighting spirit emoticon]