The physical structure of Milton Keynes is a crucial part of its success (Struggles for the soul of Milton Keynes, 3 May) but the development corporation and its successors also understood the equal emphasis needed to develop its social infrastructure. Sites within the grid squares were set aside for schools, health centres, play areas and parks, shops, and community facilities. The schools were built as the housing in each grid was developed, ready for the children as they arrived. In the early days families arriving received a welcome pack with information on local facilities, and one house was designated a temporary community centre to create a focus for the new neighbourhood. Later the Milton Keynes Community Foundation was created to support the developing voluntary sector. With income from property and raising funds from local businesses, its grant funding to voluntary groups of all types has supported a diverse and vigorous third sector, and incidentally a protection against the effects of austerity on public funding. Just a few more reasons why Milton Keynes is a model worth following.
Dr Phyllis Starkey
MP for Milton Keynes South West, 1997-2010
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