Police are appealing for witnesses following a disturbance in Bletchley, during which a firearm may have been discharged.

The appeal relates to an incident that happened around 4.20pm yesterday (3/6), when Thames Valley Police received a report of a disturbance on Garrowmore Grove between a number of people who were in possession of weapons. It was reported that during this incident, a firearm was discharged.

There were at least six males in the group, who were wearing tracksuits and face coverings.

A 54-year-old man from Bletchley has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled drug of class B, namely cannabis. He remains in custody at this time.

Detective Inspector Rachel Wheaton said, “We are aware that incidents of this nature will cause concern in the community; however, please be assured that we have not received any reports of anyone being injured and we have made an arrest.

“We are investigating this incident as a priority and are following a number of lines of enquiry.

“At this time we believe that this was an isolated incident and may have been targeted.

“There will be ongoing police presence in the area today while we investigate.

“We are appealing for anyone in the area between 4pm and 4.30pm who may have witnessed groups hanging around Garrowmore Grove.

“We are also asking anyone who heard or saw the incident taking place or anyone with dash-cams driving through the area to check if they passed a silver Toyota Auris estate which we believe is linked to this incident.

“Anyone with information can provide information through our online reporting pages, or by calling 101 quoting reference 43250273836.

“Or if you do not wish to speak to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and they will take your information anonymously.”

Milton Keynes City Council have announced there will be changes to the electoral map ahead of next year’s local elections.

New electoral wards will be introduced for the May 2026 local elections following an independent review of Milton Keynes City Council’s electoral map and two consultations by The Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC). Milton Keynes’ boundaries were last reviewed and redrawn in 2014.

The LGBC is the national body that draws boundaries for English elections. As population changes over time, the Commission routinely reviews an area’s boundaries to ensure councillors represent about the same number of electors.

The Commission’s final recommendations for changes published as part of the review proposed that the number of city councillors should be increased from 57 to 60, and the number of wards be increased from 19 to 21.

Under the new proposals there will be 19 three-councillor wards, 1 two-councillor ward (New Bradwell), and 1 single-councillor ward (Hanslope).

Further information can be found on the review page of the LGBC’s website, including an interactive map.

The changes become law once Parliament has approved them ahead of the May 2026 local elections, when all Milton Keynes City Councillors will be up for election.

To register to vote, you need just five minutes and your National Insurance number

MK Dons have announced plans for their pre-season schedule, with the first team to play seven matches ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The League 2 club’s preparations under new boss Paul Warne will say them play a variety of tests ahead of the upcoming campaign, with seven matches announced for the first team, including a match against Scottish top flight side St Mirren and one against Championship outfit Bristol City.

MK Dons’ first pre-season commitment will be on Saturday 5th July against St Mirren, which will be held as part of a pre-season training camp in Spain. The match will be taking place in the town of San Pedro del Pinatar, located near Murcia and Alicante in southern Spain, with kick-off at 11am local time.

The Dons’ first friendly back in England will be a week later, when they travel to face Hitchin Town on Saturday 12th July at 3pm. That match will see them face a familiar face in the form of former Dons midfielder Stephen Gleeson, who is a player/assistant manager with the Hertfordshire club.

After that, MK Dons face an away trip to National League newboys Brackley Town, with Warne’s side facing the National League North champions in Northamptonshire on Tuesday 15th July at 7:45pm.

Simultaneous friendlies will then take place on Saturday 19th July, with a split squad facing two games on the same day that both start at 3pm. One clash will be against League Two champions Doncaster Rovers, with the Dons facing Rovers in a match held at the home of non-league side AFC Dunstable. Meanwhile, a separate squad will travel to play Wealdstone at the National League club’s ground in North London.

MK Dons’ sole friendly at Stadium MK then follows, with the Dons hosting Championship play-off semi-finalists Bristol City. This contest is on Tuesday 22nd July, with the Dons welcome a side that used to be managed by Liam Manning in a match that will start at 7:30pm.

One week before the first game of the new season, MK Dons will travel to play League One side Stevenage. The match against a side managed by ex-Dons player Alex Revell will be a 3pm kick-off on Saturday 26th July at the Lamex Stadium.

In addition, the Dons’ academy squad will have their own pre-season schedule.

They will begin their schedule at Newport Pagnell Town on Friday 11th July, before facing MK Irish on Saturday 12th July.

After that, they will have matches against Arlesey Town on Wednesday 16th July, Leighton Town on Saturday 19th July and AFC Dunstable on Saturday 26th July.

Ticketing information for all games is available on the MK Dons website.

Gulliver’s Theme Park in Milton Keynes has announced the return of their Land of Lights festival this winter.

The festival will features new lanterns and displays for the upcoming season, with the festival set to be added to the theme park’s roster of attractions on selected dates from November 2025. It will run over the Christmas period and through to January 2026.

More details, including when tickets go on sale, will be revealed in due course with customers advised to sign up to the mailing list on www.landoflights.co.uk to be the first to hear the latest news.

In a statement, the theme park promised a grand show. They said, “Land of Lights 2025 promises to be a breathtaking spectacle, featuring new lanterns covering 12 dreamworlds including an array of incredible dinosaurs.  In addition, there will be music, entertainment and street food with thousands of visitors expected once again.”

Darren Hoy, festival manager, said, “For the fourth year running, we are so excited and proud to be bringing the Land of Lights festival back to Gulliver’s resort in Milton Keynes. We get such good feedback from our customers year after year who come to enjoy the lights and sparkle and we know they won’t be disappointed with what we have in store this time!

“The one-mile trail will showcase a huge array of amazing lanterns and displays, creating a wonderous, wild, and magical atmosphere suitable for all ages.

“Please keep an eye on our dedicated website for all the latest news and ticket sale announcements and don’t miss this opportunity to experience a spectacular display of light and artistry here at Gulliver’s this autumn and winter.”