The centre:mk will be hosting the Neurodiverse Universe, which will be a brand new free 3-day event at the shopping centre to celebrate and explore neurodiversity.

The event will transform Middleton Hall into a celebration and exploration of neurodiversity, running from 21 – 23 March between 10:00am and 5:00pm.

The event is structured to bring together families, professionals, and individuals to shine a light on a dynamic world of support, knowledge and connection for those impacted by ASD, neurodivergence and mental health challenges.

Event Highlights include special guest Lisa Lloyd, co-founder of SEND Reform England and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent children, who will be offering support and community to those on a similar journey in a style known for humour and honesty.

There will also be interactive zones, with four uniquely designed zones covering sensory needs, mental health and wellbeing, storytelling and educational fun. Highlights include the Sensory Dome, Woburn Safari and the Sci-Fi Museum.

Expert-led workshops and insightful talks will taking place, featuring professionals like Andrew Frasier, Dimitra Charalambous, and Sascha McQueen. Special guest Lisa Lloyd, known as ‘ASD with a G&T’, will share her journey and insights on raising neurodivergent children.

SEND-friendly activities, storytelling sessions with Chip Colquhoun, yoga, sound therapy, and even a silent disco.

Neurodiverse Universe is an incredible new initiative, brought to centre:mk by charity organisation The Spectrum Place, fostering a more connected, informed, and supportive community for neurodivergent individuals and their families. A full programme of talks and activities for the event can be found on centre:mk’s website, www.centremk/whats-on

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director said, “We are really excited to be able to host this brand-new event. By exploring different aspects of neurodivergence, sharing experiences, information and most importantly, ensuring that the kids have fun, we gain a better understanding of everyone’s different needs. This can make a huge difference, which is why we hope we can bring more examples of events and activities like this to centre:mk.

“By coming to see and hear the challenges our neurodivergent community faces, we can all make small changes that could have a huge impact. A key part of our Little Things Campaign, we hope this initiative can make a significant difference.”

In addition to its lively events programme, centre:mk boasts an array of world-renowned brands including John Lewis, H Beauty, Marks and Spencer, Reiss, and more. The centre’s convenient location and ample parking make it an accessible and enjoyable regional destination, with everything under one roof.

For help and support for the neurodivergent community, please visit The Spectrum Place’s website:
www.thespectrumplace.org.uk

Police are appealing for a specific witness to a fatal road traffic collision in Milton Keynes to come forward. 

The witness is being sought to incident that happened shortly before 7am on 4 March.

A silver Toyota Avensis travelling north on V8 Marlborough Street left the road and hit a tree.

The driver, who has been formally identified by Thames Valley Police as Israel Makobora, 29, from Zimbabwe, sadly died at the scene. His next of kin are being supported by specially trained officers.

Investigating officer PC Jamie March, of the Roads Policing Unit, said, “Firstly, our thoughts remain with Israel Makobora’s loved ones who have been left devastated by his sad death.

“Since the collision, numerous witnesses have come forward, which I am very grateful for.

“However, we would still like to speak to the driver of a dark-coloured SUV, which left St Ledger Drive and was possibly overtaken by the Toyota involved.

“This driver, or anyone else with information who has yet to speak to us, should call 101 or contact us via our website, quoting reference number 43250105860.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and weapons incident in Milton Keynes.

The incident happened just before 5.30pm on Thursday (13/3), when there was an altercation between two men in Downs Field, Newport Pagnell, where it was reported that a sword was seen.

Thames Valley Police have provided a description of the two individuals involved as part of their appeal.

One of the men was around 6ft tall, white, and was wearing a grey puffer style jacket with a hood, a light coloured beanie hat, light coloured trousers and light coloured shoes. He is described as being around 18 to 20-years-old.

The second man was also white, wearing a dark blue jacket, black hooded top, dark trousers with a white patch on the left trouser leg and black shoes. His age is unknown.

The first man is believed to have sustained a cut to his lip.

No arrests have been made.

Investigating officer PC Alexander Wong, based at Milton Keynes police station, said, “I’m appealing to anybody who may have witnessed this incident, or who has any information that can help us identify the two men, to please contact Thames Valley Police.

“I’d also ask for anybody who may have dash-cam, CCTV or doorbell footage to please check this and get in touch if it has captured anything that may assist this investigation.

“You can report online, or by calling 101, quoting reference 43250123909.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police are appealing for specific witnesses to come forward following a rape and non-fatal strangulation in Milton Keynes.

The appeal relates to an incident that happened between 6.20am and 7am on Sunday 2 March in a property in Harlech Place, when a woman in her late teens was raped and non-fatally strangled by a man.

As part of their appeal, Thames Valley Police confirmed that a 24-year-old man from Bletchley has been arrested on suspicion of rape and non-fatal strangulation. He has been released on police bail until 24 May.

The police force that covers Milton Keynes also said they were seeking to speak with a specific witness that may have spoken to the victim just after the incident happened.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Elizabeth Lynch, said, “We are carrying out extensive enquiries following this incident and supporting the victim and working with her to gather further information.

“We are specifically appealing for a woman of a mixed ethnic background who was wearing a dressing gown, who may have spoken to the victim in the park next to Ludlow Close after the incident.

“We are asking anyone with information to please come forward and would ask people to please check their CCTV, or if they were driving in the area between 6.20am and 7am to check any dash-cam footage they may have.

“If you have information please call 101 quoting reference 43250102579

or if you have dash-cam or CCTV footage please upload it to our dedicated page.”

Milton Keynes City Council have fined an illegal food trader who attempted to operate outside a concert at the National Bowl music venue in Milton Keynes.

Smith Finest Food were found trading near the National Bowl during the Chase and Status concert, attempting to capitalise on the passing foot traffic of event-goers.

In a statement, MK City Council said, “Not only were they operating without a valid permit, but they also created serious safety risks by serving food onto a live carriageway at a busy taxi drop-off point. Their food unit was illegally parked on a public footpath, with their towing vehicle obstructing a redway.”

The City Council also said that despite warnings from the Licensing Officer, the traders refused to stop. The magistrates expressed concern over the traders disregard for regulations and safety.

In the hearing, the traders ordered total fines of £3,848. Mr and Mrs Smith were individually ordered to each pay a fine of £660, costs of £1,000 and a victim surcharge of £264, for both engaging in street trading without being authorised to do so. 

Milton Keynes City Council is reminding all street traders that operating without a valid permit is illegal and will lead to enforcement action. Businesses must ensure they have the correct permits to trade legally and safely.

Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Cllr Mick Legg, said, “This was a blatant disregard for public safety and our action proves that no one is above the law. We understand that people want to do business at popular city events, but they must follow the rules like everyone else, as the rules are there for good reason.

“The team will continue to do proactive work to tackle instances like this, protecting customers and ensuring street traders have a satisfactory hygiene rating, public liability insurance, and do not pose a risk to the public.”

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