Brooklands residents prove Milton Keynes has plenty of community spirit

Neighbours Peter Simpson-Leek and Anna Coulson set up a Facebook group for their street, creating a group to act as a positive online space where neighbours could get to know each other and help each other out with tips such as when bin day is or when local events are taking place.  

Conversations in the group led to the idea of a street party, but with residents in the street having lived there for just a maximum of 12 months and the area still growing as new people arrive, the invite was extended to several nearby roads making this a community party.

With the help of a £300 micro grant from Milton Keynes Community Foundation, more than 50 plus residents were able to enjoy the fun, with a bouncy castle, giant outdoor games and food and drink.

“I grew up in a small town where neighbours knew and respected each other, but so often these days with peoples hectic lifestyles you don’t even have time to say hello,” said Mr Simpson-Leek who secured the grant funding.

“We didn’t have a reason to throw the party other having an opportunity to take time out of that busy schedule and have a chat with who you are living next door to while creating a sense of community.

“I have lived in MK for eight years but there are many residents who have moved here from outside the city and so we hope that there have also been some friendships forged by the event too.

“Our local community demonstrates that the often criticised Milton Keynes is a great place to live with some great people living in it.”

The residents hope to keep a strong bond from the party and hope to hold another in the future as the rest of the properties in area become occupied.