The introduction of passenger services on the East West Rail project linking Oxford with Milton Keynes have been delayed.

Chiltern Railways, who had been confirmed as the planned operator of passenger services on the line, have announced plans to start running services in 2025 will now not happen. The operator has not confirmed when they intend for services to start running.

Reports last week suggested a key factor was a disagreement between Chiltern and the unions over whether trains on the line should be driver-only operations, although the company themselves did not cite this as a factor behind the announcement of a delay.

In a statement, Chiltern said that delays in preparing trains, issues in completing a brand new station in the Buckinghamshire town in Winslow and confirming operating patterns were the reasons to blame.

They said, “Since being announced as operator of the first stage of East West Rail between Oxford and Milton Keynes in March, we have been working at pace to get everything ready for services to begin on the new line.

“Significant progress has been made, including the hiring and training of 44 train drivers, the creation of a new colleague facility at Bletchley, and the fit out of a new modern station with step-free access at Winslow.

“However, there is work still to finish to prepare the trains, on Winslow station and on the operating arrangements for the new route. We are continuing to work with our partners on these to progress them as soon as possible.

“This means that we will not be able to start passenger services before the end of the year. We understand this will be disappointing to people looking forward to using the new route.

“We continue to work closely with Government, trade unions and industry partners, and will provide further updates when we are able to.”

Tracks were fully laid on the route over a period of several years, being finished in 2024 with Chiltern running a test service over the line in October 2024.

Freight trains have begun regularly running over the route since the summer, with the spur completed seeing tracks laid between Bicester and Bletchley to re-open a line that was closed to passenger trains during the Beeching cuts in the 1960s.

The ultimate ambition of the East West Rail project is to reinstate through trains from Oxford to Cambridge, with consultations currently taking place for where to put the line and how many stations are to be built beyond the end of the existing Marston Vale line at Bedford. Plans are currently intended for the full Oxford to Cambridge route to be open during the 2030s.

Reports last week suggested that rail worker unions ASLEF and RMT had objected to plans to run trains on the new Oxford-MK section as driver only operations.

Luton Town bounced back from a heavy defeat at the weekend with a 2-1 win at home to Huddersfield Town.

After losing their previous match 5-0 at Barnsley, goals from Jake Richards and Jerry Yates saw the Hatters pull off victory, with the three points helping Luton climb above their opponents in the League One table.

Leo Casledine had scored an equaliser for the Terriers, but Yates’ winner was enough for Luton to take the points. The result was Luton’s first home win in a League One game under the charge of recently appointed boss Jack Wilshere, and it was enough to elevate the Hatters up to 7th in the table, with the side a point off the play-offs.

Seeking a reaction after their weekend misfire in South Yorkshire, Luton began brightly. Yates was denied by a fine stop from away keeper Owen Goodman, before Kal Naismith had a shot blocked and Cohen Bramall had an effort deflected wide.

An opening goal would duly come the Hatters’ way after 33 minutes. A clearance fell the way of Richards, who drilled in a crisp strike via a deflection that beat Goodman and opened the scoring for the home side.

Huddersfield’s Ben Wiles would come close for an equaliser just before half-time, with his strike being blocked by home defender Nigel Lonwijk. Huddersfield claimed his block came from a hand, but the referee declined to give a penalty.

The visitors would duly equalise just over 20 minutes into the second-half. Casledine placed a fine free-kick into the back of the net from 20-25 yards.

But seven minutes after being pegged back, Luton would duly make it 2-1. Goodman saved Lamine Fanne’s original strike, but the ball fell back for Fanne to cycle the ball back for Yates to bundle the ball over the line and put Luton in front.

Luton were duly able to keep Huddersfield at arms’ length for the remainder of the contest, as the hosts picked up the three points.

The Hatters are in action again at Kenilworth Road once more on Saturday, when they welcome a Bolton side currently sat one place above them in the table to Bedfordshire.

Milton Keynes City Council have announced a £20,000 investment to support the creation of a new cultural and creative space in Wolverton’s Old Market Hall.

After previous private sector redevelopment plans failed to materialise, the city council previously stepped in to purchase the former Agora site and is now driving the multi-million pound scheme.

This redevelopment project is looking to bring more than 100 new homes, nine commercial units, a community space and a sustainable mobility hub to the centre of the town, reinstating Wolverton’s historic Victorian street pattern and creating a greener, more dynamic environment.

As part of the wider Future Wolverton regeneration programme, the Old Market Hall in Glyn Square will be transformed into a lively creative and cultural hub. Plans include exhibition areas, artist studios, flexible workspaces, rehearsal and performance spaces and a welcoming bar café open to the public.

MK City Council’s plans would see Market Hall Wolverton become a community owned arts and cultural centre for the whole of Milton Keynes, offering access to performance, cinema, exhibitions and creative studios.

Around 20 light filled studios will provide space for artists to work and share their skills through workshops, while a versatile performance space will host theatre and live events. Exhibition areas will showcase diverse art forms and run regular workshops, creating a vibrant hub that connects local people with artists and creators. The venue will also provide employment pathways for young people needing extra support, offering real work experience and skills development in a supportive environment.

This investment comes from Section 106 contributions, funds provided by developers through planning agreements to support local infrastructure and community projects.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Cllr Shanika Mahendran, said, “This is an exciting step forward for Wolverton, by investing in the Old Market Hall, we’re not only preserving a piece of our history but creating a space that will inspire creativity, bring people together and boost the local economy. It’s a fantastic example of how regeneration can benefit the whole community.”

Marie Osborne, CEO of Future Wolverton, added, “We are thrilled that the City Council has agreed to support our project in bringing a much needed cultural facility to Wolverton. The project has attracted many artists and volunteers from the community already, who are helping to convert this space from its current unused empty shell. There is a long way to go of course, but this is great news for us and the future of Wolverton.”

Work is already underway and residents will be invited to enjoy creative events and activities ahead of the completion of the ground floor fit out, scheduled for the end of March 2026.

Milton Keynes City Council leader Cllr Pete Marland announced he plans to step down as Council Leader after the next election.

Marland made his announcement in a speech after being named as Councillor of the Year at the Labour Housing Awards.

As part of his speech, Marland confirmed he will end a run as Council leader at the next election, with Marland also not standing for re-election in the Wolverton ward he represents when it is next up for election in May 2026.

Cllr Marland said in a statement, “I’m proud to lead a council that is recognised nationally as highly performing. All our statutory council services are now at good or better. We have made progress with our next local plan and the city is set to benefit from being one of the next generation of New Towns.

“I’m proud that over the past twelve years we have transformed the council and the reputation of Milton Keynes.

“I think it’s therefore the perfect moment for me to confirm that I will be retiring as council leader next May. I decided before the last set of local elections in May 2024 that I would not seek re-election again, and told the Labour Group and other senior councillors over a year ago.

“I believe it is right that the next chapter of our city, and leadership of the Labour group, should be taken forward by the next generation.

“I have no doubt that with such a good group of councillors, three amazing Labour MPs and a strong track record of Labour delivering for local people, the city’s best days are ahead of us, but I’ll continue to work hard as leader until the end of my term in May.”

Marland gave the speech after winning the national award, which MK Labour said highlighted how Milton Keynes City Council has led the way in sustainable development over the past decade, with a nationally recognised record of delivering well-planned growth with the infrastructure needed to support it.

During Marland’s time as MK City Council leader, Milton Keynes has received city status while all statutory council services are now rated good or better. A recent Local Government Association review of the city council stated that MK City Council was “Highly performing and well-run.”

Marland had previously lead MK Labour both when they entered power at Milton Keynes Council in 2014, having lead the council first as a minority administration, then in a full alliance with the Liberal Democrats, and then being elected with an outright majority as largest party at the most recent MK City Council elections in 2024.

Marland’s tenure was praised by Milton Keynes’ 3 Labour MPs.

Chris Curtis MP, MK North said, “I’m very pleased to see the progressive and well-planned growth of Milton Keynes recognised and congratulate Pete on the award.

“After twelve years as leader, it is impossible to fully convey how much work Pete has done in transforming the way people think about our city, nationally and internationally, and I’m pleased that over the past 18 months since I was elected as an MP we’ve been able to supercharge that work to enhance the city’s reputation even further.”

Emily Darlington MP, MK Central and former Deputy Leader of MK City Council, added, “It is great that the positive work that we do here in Milton Keynes has been recognised with this national award.

“I think it’s fitting that after almost twelve years and some major achievements this is the moment that Pete has confirmed he will be retiring next May. As a former Deputy Leader of the Council, Cabinet Member and now as a local MP I know first hand that during the dark days of Conservative austerity, in Milton Keynes we not only protected services from cuts, we improved them, and under a Labour government we will continue to fight to improve the lives of local residents.”

Callum Anderson MP, Buckingham and Bletchley, also commented, “Over the past twelve years, Milton Keynes has achieved milestones that many would have thought impossible.

“The city has been truly put on the map as a forward-thinking place to live and work, and his persistence means we’re ready for the next generation of growth, including affordable homes, jobs, better transport, and new infrastructure. I am glad that his years of hard work as leader is being recognised, and we will continue this work to make sure Milton Keynes remains a city of opportunity.”