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Slough Borough Council has been consulting with users of the Haymill Centre and residents in the surrounding area on plans to improve and upgrade the facilities.

With the exception of the Joan Lester Centre, the existing Slough buildings are reaching the end of their useful life and are costing the council more and more to keep them safe and habitable. The costs for maintaining the buildings are increasing and a condition survey undertaken in 2006 has highlighted that £1.2m will need to be spent over the next four years on essential repairs.

A focus group took place with users of the Slough centre in March 2006, to find out what they like about the current community centre and what they would like to see in a new and modern centre.

Following this, a feasibility study was undertaken and outline design proposals were presented to users in November 2006.

In developing the outline design, full account was taken of feedback received from the consultation meetings and a number of subsequent consultations with key users, existing management of the Haymill, youth service and Slough council's education department.

Some of the elements included in the new design include:

Ground floor

* A reception
* Main hall, sports hall and function room
* Support zone (changing rooms, stores and the kitchen will be zoned in such a way to provide services for both the event hall and cafe areas)
* Cafe area
* Slough Surestart facilities
* Options for a community resource room (eg, a library, community police area and bar area


First floor

* Slough Youth service rooms
* Meeting rooms
* Locality office (for remote working for council staff) and lettable office space
* Gallery (overlooking cafe area)


In addition a new education facility will be provided for Haybrook College (the alternative education service) next to the Joan Lester Centre.

What will happen next?

At cabinet on 12 March, commissioners agreed to the proposals for a new Haymill centre and have instructed officers to cost up the scheme and work towards obtaining planning permission for the scheme.

The existing building will be retained for users to continue with their activities, until the new building is in place.

Slough Borough Council

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 17-year-old man was robbed in Langley, Slough.

At about 3.30pm on Thursday 22 March, the man was walking on London Road, near the Slough Hermitage Close turning, when he was approached by two men who asked him for money. Shortly after, one of the men assaulted him, before they both made off in the direction of the Slough town centre.

The man was not injured during the incident, and nothing was stolen.

The first man is Asian, 5ft 8ins, and slim. He has acne scars on his face. He was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top, and rode a small black bicycle.

The second man is black, 6ft, and was wearing a grey hooded top.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Slough's Jill Martindale via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council has introduced new pay and display parking in Chalvey to ease the congestion caused by inconsiderate parking.

This new measure comes in response to last year’s consultation with residents and businesses about creating a parking watch zone in Chalvey. Although Slough residents voted against the proposals for the whole zone, support was strong for street by street improved parking management measures.

Pay and display parking is now in place on the following roads; Chalvey Park, Beechwood Gardens, Turton Way, Chalvey High Street, Darvill’s Lane and Everard Avenue.

The use of parking meters was piloted in Slough town centre in 2005 and has been successful in increasing the amount of short-stay parking in the area.

Other changes in Chalvey include the introduction of double yellow lines in Chalvey Road East and West, new residents’ permit schemes in Turton Way, Everard Avenue, Darvill’s Lane and Chalvey High Street. More parking spaces for residents and visitors have also been introduced in Beechwood Gardens and Chalvey Park.

Chris Weedon, senior engineer for Slough parking development, said: “These new parking measures came about following strong agreement from residents and businesses, because parking was a real problem for them in the area. We only introduce them where a majority are in favour of the proposals, and income from meters and permits goes back into the pot to cover the cost of enforcement.

“It is hoped these new measures will help to alleviate the parking problems that have been causing a nuisance to residents in the area.”

Slough Borough Council.

An accountant from Slough, who also served as a local magistrate, has been jailed for a total of three years and three months for defrauding his clients, false accounting and perverting the course of justice. He was also ordered to pay a total of £35,900 in compensation.

After being convicted on the 15 February 2007, Nirmal Kumar Sharma, 46, of Langley Road, Slough, was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday (23/3). He was given a sentence of 30 months for theft and false accounting and nine months which is to be served consecutively for perverting the course of justice.

In February, Sharma was found guilty of seven counts of deception, one charge of false accounting and one of perverting the course of justice. He was found not guilty of three further counts of deception.

The charges relate to work carried out by Sharma in his role as an accountant who ran his own Slough company, Sharman Associates Ltd. At various times between 1996 and 2003, Sharma was engaged as an accountant by three small businesses: Vanity Lingerie Company Ltd, trading in Luton; New Technology Training Ltd, which no longer trades, and Countech Computer Systems, trading in the Slough area.

Over a period of years, Sharma told his clients that they owed payments to HM Customs and Excise or the Inland Revenue when they did not. He deceived the owners of the three businesses into issuing cheques for amounts ranging from approximately £2,500 to £10,000, then used these cheques to pay other companies’ debts or simply paid them into his own relatives’ accounts. However on Friday (23/3), when Sharma was sentenced, the judge awarded £8,400 compensation to Vanity Lingerie Ltd and £27,500 to Countech Computers Ltd. The judge told Sharma that he had six months to make these payments.

Sharma’s clients were recommended to him by friends and trusted him implicitly, knowing that he was well-established in the community and also worked as a magistrate at Slough Magistrates’ Court. As young, new businessmen, the owners of the companies in question were unaware that they were overpaying taxes until they changed to a new accountant.

When the irregularities were spotted, they were reported to police, who began an investigation. Sharma was arrested in July 2003 on suspicion of theft, false accounting and deception. Officers seized paperwork relating to the three victim companies, together with a computer.

Over the next year, extensive inquiries were made with HM Customs and Excise, the Inland Revenue and local banks, sifting through tax payments made by the three companies since 1996. The evidence gathering was completed by November 2004 and Sharma was rearrested. He was again released on bail and finally charged in January 2005 with deception and false accounting.

The trial was originally scheduled to start in January 2006, but was adjourned for additional evidence. In December 2005, the owner of one of the three victim companies was contacted by a man acting on behalf of Sharma, who said he wanted to resolve the matter and was coming to the company owner’s house. The offer was declined and the police were called. As a result of this incident, Sharma was charged with perverting the course of justice.

Det Sgt Nick Burleigh, who led the investigation, said: “This has been a very long and complex case. Mr Sharma was a serving magistrate and a highly respected member of the community, who abused the trust of his clients. His conviction sends out a clear message that no-one is above the law.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council will be helping residents and businesses to become smoke-free in the run up to England banning smoking in all enclosed public places, from 1 July.

This includes Slough pubs, clubs and all workplaces.

The council will be offering information and help over the next four months to businesses and residents on how the new smoke-free legislation will affect both smokers and non-smokers.

Close up of smokerThe main purpose of the legislation is to protect employees and the public from the effects of second-hand smoke, which can cause heart disease, lung cancer, sudden infant death syndrome and asthma attacks.

Dympna Molloy, head of neighbourhood enforcement for Slough Borough Council, said: “The introduction of a smoke-free Slough in 100 days time will reduce the health risks caused by exposure to second-hand smoke.

“It will also recognise a person’s right to be protected from harm and enjoy smoke-free air, and increase the benefits of not smoking in places for people trying to give up.”

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for Slough public protection, said: “This legislation has already proven to be very welcome in Ireland and Scotland, and I hope we will have the same experiences here in Slough.

“Studies have shown that there has been a massive improvement in the air quality of enclosed public places when they are smoke-free, providing a more enjoyable experience for people either drinking in pubs or bars and those eating at restaurants.”

More than three out of four people don’t smoke, and nearly three quarters of all smokers want to give up. However, only 51 per cent of people currently report their workplace as being completely smoke free.

This figure is lower for people in routine and manual jobs.

The new legislation will cover all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces, including shops, offices, factories, pubs, restaurants, public transport, and work vehicles that are used by more than one person. Indoor workplace smoking rooms will also disappear so anyone wishing to smoke will have to go outside instead.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team in conjunction with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue conducted a two day child seat safety check this month and found only 46 per cent passed.

Out of the 64 Slough car seats checked, only 30 passed. Most of the faults were due to loosely fitted seats, seats not fitting the car properly, and incorrect seat belt routing, all of which can be easily amended.

One of the more shocking finds was buckle crunch, where any part of the plastic from the surround of the seat can rest on the car’s seatbelt clip.

This is dangerous because the pressure exerted will pop or crack the buckle on impact. In a crash at 30mph a child’s body is thrown forward at six times its normal weight, making the child weigh the same as a baby elephant.

Russell Clarke, Slough Borough Council’s trading standards officer said: “It was very disappointing for us to find that nearly 50 per cent of the car seat checks failed and also very alarming.

“As always we cannot stress the importance of correctly installing a child’s car seat. If any parent is in any doubt they should have the seat checked out. We will be holding further events across the year.

“Always check your seat fits the car, if it is incorrectly fitted, you may as well not have one.

“You should check the seat on every journey to make sure it hasn’t come loose, if it has, place as much weight as you can into the seat and pull the seat belt as tight as you can.

Slough Borough Council

In a ground-breaking new initiative, Slough young people will soon have the opportunity to report bullies to the police via a confidential email address.

Dob-a-robber, the first initiative of its kind in Thames Valley, will encourage Slough children to give information to the police through a secure email system.

Crime figures show that an increasing number of children are being targeted by bullies who steal their money and personal property. Many youngsters are afraid to tell their parents or teachers, even if they know who the culprits are.

Martin Reeves, of the CID Robbery Team in Slough, said: “Young people often tell each other about such offences; but extracting the information in order to deal with the culprits through the legal process can prove extremely difficult.

“So, the dob-a-robber campaign has been set up to make it easier and safer for children to provide this information to the police.

“By using the secure email address set up by Thames Valley Police, we hope that more children will come forward - anonymously if they wish.” SloughRobberies@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

The initiative will be formally launched on Wednesday 21 March during a seminar at Slough Grammar School, supported by Thames Valley Police. Pupils from senior schools in Slough, Langley, Burnham, Maidenhead, Windsor and Datchet will attend the meeting to discuss the issues surrounding robbery, and how they can help to bring those responsible to justice.

It is hoped that each Slough school will set up a panel of four 15 to 16-year-old volunteers. The duties of this panel – a sort of ‘crime help’ team - will be to support dob-a-robber by displaying posters within the school premises and advising young people about the new confidential email address.

Martin adds: “Thames Valley Police will fully support this initiative, which we hope will be mainly driven by the young people themselves.

“We would like to see a network of ‘crime help’ panels in the area, with young people spreading the word that anyon

e can give information anonymously to the police.”

Margaret Lenton, Headmistress of Slough Grammar School, said: “This worthwhile activity really drives home the seriousness of robbery, which can carry a lengthy prison sentence.

“This initiative really gives our young people the freedom to report crimes in confidence.”

LPA Commander, Supt Pete Davies, said: “This is an exciting new initiative to help us drive down robbery. Whilst the people responsible for these types of offences may see it as just plain bullying, it is not. Taking someone else’s property using violence or threats is robbery and will be treated as such, with serious consequences for those caught committing the offence.

“I am delighted at the support we have received from students, especially those at Slough Grammar School. We want this to be a long-term project involving our young people, and I hope to see new panel members volunteering each year.”

* Between 1 April 2005 and 28 February 2006, there were a total of 80 incidents of robbery of under 17-year-olds in Slough, compared with 117 reported between 1 April 2006 and 28 February 2007.

Between 1 April 2005 and 28 February 2006, there were a total of 29 robberies of 17 to 20-year-olds in Slough, compared with 54 between 1 April 2006 and 28 February 2007.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

More than 800,000 women are expected to come together across the UK to take part in Cancer Research UK’s world record-breaking Race for Life 2007 series.

Supported by Tesco, it is now open for entries and is set to be the largest series ever with 280 events at venues across the UK hoping to contribute £60 million to the charity’s scientific work.

This year, the Slough Race for Life will be taking place on Sunday 22 July and the event, in its eighth year at Upton Court Park, is expected to raise £261,000 by bringing together 3,000 women.

Rosannah Dawood, organiser of Slough’s Race for Life, said: “Last year’s event had an unforgettable atmosphere and was a great success, raising £167,349.

“I’d really urge every woman to take part as it’s such an inspiring day and the money raised really does make an invaluable contribution to beating cancer.”

Since Race for Life began back in 1994, more than 2.7 million women across the UK have taken part, raising more than £140 million to fund the charity’s pioneering work to help beat cancer.

Every pound raised in sponsorship goes directly to the scientists, doctors and nurses who work ambitiously to find new treatments.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life offers the perfect opportunity to start taking regular exercise and maintain a healthy body weight. The events encourage women of all ages and levels of fitness to train and participate.

For many women Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is an annual occasion, while for others 2007 will be the first time they take part.

Some women are cancer survivors while others run or walk in memory or to celebrate the lives of family, friends or loved ones, making the race experience both emotional and inspiring.

Gloria Hunniford, patron of Race for Life, said: “Last year we broke two Guinness World Records thanks to the hundreds of thousands of amazing women who took part in Race for Life. This year we want to continue to build on this success and raise even more funds for vital research into cancer.

“The genuine enthusiasm and emotion demonstrated by women across the country creates an atmosphere on race day that is truly inspiring. We know that Race for Life holds a special place in many women’s hearts and hope that together we will beat cancer.”

To take part in Slough’s Race for Life:

* Call: 08705 134 314

* Log on: http://www.raceforlife.org

Slough Borough Council

A convicted Slough fraudster appeared at Reading Crown Court on Friday, 16 March 2007 after a financial investigation found he has assets worth almost £2 million which can be confiscated.

Nawaz Sharif, aged 37 and from Slough was convicted before the same court in December 2006 and sentenced to five years imprisonment.

He was found guilty of forty cases of perverting the course of justice and had another 123 cases taken into consideration. This was after he made false nominations relating to speed and red light cameras. He was also found guilty of benefit fraud and immigration offences.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council will celebrate the centenary of Salt Hill Park by planting a tree in memory of James Elliman founder of the park who donated it to the residents of Slough.

The tree will be planted with the help of year four pupils from James Elliman Primary School, Slough and a special plaque will be set up to commemorate the very special occasion.

The Mayor of Slough, Cllr David MacIsaac, will also be attending along with Councillor Julia Long, Margaret Innis (Chalvey Community Forum), council staff and Wexham Nursery staff, who have donated the tree.

And to carry on the celebrations, the council will be leading a healthy walk on Thursday March 22 starting at the Salt Hill tennis centre car park at 10am.

Anyone is welcome to take part and the walk will take in Salt Hill Park, revealing its historical elements then along to Slough Museum to view a display about James Elliman and onto Slough Library.

There will be no need to book, just turn up on the day.

Bruce Hicks, community parks projects officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “Salt Hill’s centenary is a really exciting celebration.

“We thought planting the tree would be a good way of marking this very special anniversary and for those who would like to take part – why not come along for the healthy walk?”

Commissioner for leisure, cultural and community services, Cllr Julia Long, said: “It’s amazing to think that Salt Hill Park has been open to the public for 100 years.

“I’d urge as many people as possible to go along for the healthy walk and help us celebrate the birthday and to see the commemorative tree planted by James Elliman School’s pupils.

“It a lovely park and should be enjoyed by all.”

Slough Borough Council

A film festival which aims to bring the community of Slough closer together opens on March 27 at Empire Cinema, Slough.

The Slough Same Difference Film Festival will showcase a range of thought provoking films on the themes of community, conflict and peace. It will open with one of the most sought after films of the year so far.

This is England is a portrayal of the complexities of masculinity, violence, race and the allures of being part of a gang.

In the current climate of fear amongst communities and where difference seems to be more important than ever a festival like this can help to bring communities together. All the films cover themes that are important to the diverse community of Slough.

This year there will also be workshops taking place at the Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre in the unit opposite Carphone Warehouse.

The workshops will include introduction to filmmaking, introduction to animation and peace art! They will give passers-by the chance to drop in and create their own animation, learn about film making and also create art around, what peace means to you.

The festival's main aim is to raise awareness and bring the community of Slough closer together to share interests and increase understanding.

The festival is organised by External link iconAik Saath (opens a new window), Slough Co-operative Film Society, Resource Productions and Instinct Media.

Tickets can be reserved on 01753 574780, bought on the door or online at External link iconwww.same-difference.org.uk (opens a new window).

For further information please contact Rob Deeks, on 01753 574780 or email info@aiksaath.com.
Films showing

This is England
Favela Rising
Iraq in Fragments
Paradise Now
Moving Image Mela
Rize
Mad Hot Balloon
We Shall Overcome

Some of the films showing at the Same Difference Film Festival 2007

Slough Borough Council

Slough Police are appealing for witnesses after two men were seriously assaulted in Slough on Saturday (10/3).

At approximately 12.15am, a 23-year-old man was in the main bar of Shout nightclub, Slough, when he was involved in an altercation during which he sustained injuries to his head and face.

Shortly afterwards, a 20-year-old man was also assaulted, sustaining injuries to his abdomen.

Both men were treated at Wexham Park Hospital, and are now recovering at home.

An 18-year-old man and another man in his twenties were later arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. They have been bailed until Monday 30 April, pending further inquiries.

Anyone with any information about the incident is urged to contact Slough Det Con Mike Hall via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not wish to speak to police or leave your name, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Ruth Bagley as its new chief executive.

Ruth will be coming to Slough from South Hams District Council in Devon, where she has been chief executive since 2000.

South Hams is currently rated as an excellent council and has beacon status for housing and tourism.

Councillors at full Slough council on Thursday 22 February voted in favour of appointing Ruth to the position. She comes to Slough with many years' experience in senior management at councils including North Dorset District Council and Shropshire County Council.

Ruth is also one of the first chief executives to be invited to join a national leadership programme for chief executives in local government.

Speaking about her new role, Ruth said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been offered the role. I know I will be coming to Slough at an exciting time, particularly with the Heart of Slough project taking shape.

“I am also pleased to see that the council has maintained its three star (good) rating and is improving well. I am looking forward to building on this fantastic achievement with staff and partner organisations to continuously improve Slough’s services for the benefit of all residents.

“Some of the achievements I am proud of here in the South Hams have come from focusing on community needs and establishing strong partnerships.

“I know I will be using this experience in Slough to help develop, sustain and celebrate vibrant and prosperous communities.”

Richard Stokes, leader of Slough Borough Council, said: “I am very pleased that Ruth has accepted the offer to join us as Slough’s new Chief Executive. She comes to Slough with many years’ experience at a senior level in local government and I am confident she will lead the council on our journey from good to excellent.

“On behalf of all councillors and officers, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Ruth. We are all looking forward to working with her.”

Before her time at South Hams, Ruth worked for North Dorset District Council, Shropshire County Council and Gwent County Council.

Ruth will be joining Slough Borough Council in June. The current chief executive, Cheryl Coppell will be leaving Slough to join the London Borough of Havering as their chief executive on 9 March. Until Ruth joins the council, chief executive responsibilities will be shared among the directors’ team.

Slough Borough Council

Police are appealing for the public’s help in identifying an antisocial Slough bike rider.

A red Motocross bike has been persistently driven anti-socially in the Langley, Slough area.

PC Andy Fleming, Area Beat Officer for Langley, said: “The bike has been seen in Upton Park, causing damage to the surfaces there. It has also been seen roaring down Langley High Street in broad daylight.

“We think that the bike is unregistered. It is also probable that the rider has no license or insurance.

“This sort of behaviour can be intimidating to members of the public; we hope that someone in the community knows who the rider is, and can help us put a stop to it.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Andy Fleming via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to talk to police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council’s DAAT (Drugs and Alcohol Action Team) are holding a drug and health awareness session at TVU for employers and employees in Slough about the effects drink and drugs can have in the workplace.

It will also raise awareness on workplace policies, including exploring the employer’s responsibility towards the care of their staff.

DAAT believe that substance and alcohol misuse should be considered as another health problem and that support should be provided to employees to seek treatment.

The impact for the employer could include loss of productivity, absenteeism and poor quality of work from staff as well as other costs such as disciplinary actions, legal actions and health and safety implications.

Jatinder Matharu, Slough DAAT programmes coordinator, said: “We are hosting a number of health workshops during March at local businesses with a view to supporting them in 2007/08 to develop drug and alcohol workplace policies.

“Sometimes people forget many professionals get caught in the cycle of drink and drug abuse, especially if they have a very stressful job.

“With our workshops, we hope to bring awareness to employers so they can detect any signs of substance or alcohol abuse and offer their staff help and advice.”

Cllr Sean Wright, Slough commissioner for community safety, added: “It is really important that employers know how to recognise signs of drink or drug addictions within their staff and how to help them.

“The DAAT team are experts at being able to advise people on how to seek professional help for others.”

Slough Borough Council

Police are holding a special event in Slough to promote vehicle security.

Slough Vehicle Crime Day - part of Berkshire East’s Week of Action next week - will be held in the car park at Tesco, Wellington Street, Slough, on Saturday 17 March from 9.30am to 4pm.

A crime reduction advisor, supported by an area beat officer and PCSO, will be handing out leaflets and advising members of the Slough public how to avoid becoming a victim of car crime.

Jason Ballantyne of the Slough Crime Reduction Unit, said: “We will be advising people not to leave possessions in their vehicles, and to have car alarms fitted if possible.”

Motorists will also be urged to make sure that unattended vehicles are parked in safe, well-lit places, and that keys are kept safe at all times.

Jason adds: “We will also be explaining existing crime reduction schemes such as the Vulnerable Scheme, which involves us visiting various locations such as car parks, identifying vehicles with items on view and then passing the registration numbers on to the DVLA, who then write to the owners with suitable advice.

“Free number plate security screws will be handed out, and we will also be using Ford’s crime prevention Transit van which is packed with security measures to show the public.”

“We hope to reassure motorists that, by taking a few simple steps, they can avoid being targeted by criminals.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council is celebrating this year’s key stage three results, which are well above the national average.

At level five and above, Slough schools achieved above the national average by four percent in English, five percent in maths and three percent in science.

14 year olds at Langley Grammar School and Herschel Grammar School achieved 100 percent in English and maths.

Other schools’ improvements since the 2005 results include:

* Baylis Court School improving in maths by five percent, Langleywood by 12 percent and St Joseph’s by nine percent
* Beechwood School improving in English by 16 percent
* Wexham School improving in science by seven percent

Janet Tomlinson, director of Slough education and children’s services, said: “I am delighted with these fantastic results. Every year our results get better, and that is testament to the hard work and dedication of pupils, teachers and school improvement staff here at the council.

“We have achieved well above the national average, proving that Slough schools are great places to learn.”

Cllr David Munkley, commissioner for Slough education and children’s services, said: “These are great results! Not only are schools doing really well with their key stage results, but our value added scores are among the top in the country. This means that Slough pupils whatever their ability, thrive, achieve and progress well within our schools.”

Herschel Grammar School, Langley Grammar School and St Bernard’s Convent School achieved value added results which place them in the top quarter of schools nationally.

Langleywood, St Joseph’s, Westgate and Wexham schools all achieved value added results which place them in the top 40 per cent of schools nationally.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s drugs and alcohol team (DAAT) will be promoting women’s health issues on Thursday to coincide with International Women’s day.

The team are in partnership with the sexual health team, YOT, domestic violence team, Barnardos and Berkshire East PCT.

The day will provide information on sexual health, alcohol, drugs, breast screening and domestic violence.

Jatinder Matharu, Slough DAAT programmes coordinator, said: “International Women’s Day brings with it very important messages.

“Any woman who is affected by domestic violence, drugs or alcohol, or knows anyone who is, can come and see us in the shopping centre for advice on how to receive help.

“It’s our way of being able to reach out to the residents of Slough and let them know we are here to help.”

During the day, DAAT will be giving away a range of advice leaflets and other literature, chocolates, balloons, flowers, vouchers and will also run a raffle.

The proceeds of which will to go to Berkshire Women’s Aid.

Cllr Sean Wright, Slough commissioner for community safety, added: “The DAAT team, along with others, are doing a fantastic job of bringing information and advice to the public.

“Next Thursday will be a very good opportunity for women to go along and talk about matters that may concern them.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s communications team has won a prestigious award for its excellent internal communications.

The award from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) was presented to the Slough team at a gala dinner for the Thames and Chilterns region last Friday (23 February).

The team scooped the gold PRide award in the internal communications category for their campaign ‘You’re Looking Good Today’, which prepared council staff for the Comprehensive Performance Assessment inspection in 2005.

Cllr Dexter Smith, Slough commissioner responsible for communications, said: "I am absolutely delighted that our internal communications has been recognised by the CIPR – well done to the team!

"The campaign came at a time when we were facing a very important inspection and we wanted to make sure staff were fully prepared for it. This campaign provided staff with all the information they needed about the inspection with a memorable strap line – you’re looking good today – to make sure they were engaged with what was going on.

"Like all good PR messages it focused on an inner truth - in this case the council's services were of a good standard. This then became a self-fulfilling prophecy and the CPA inspectors maintained our rating at good (three stars) despite the inspection being against a harder test."

The Slough council was not only up against other local authorities in the Thames and Chilterns region, but also private sector companies and PR agencies.

Nicky Davis, chair of CIPR Thames and Chilterns, said: "The PRide Awards are about raising professional standards by identifying, recognising and rewarding the first-rate work going on in the PR industry outside of London and the contribution this makes to business and society. The judging process is rigorous and to win is a tremendous achievement."

Slough Borough Council

Two Slough teenagers have been jailed for a total of seven-and-a-half years following a robbery on a taxi-driver in Slough.

Duke Mohammed, 19, formerly of Sutton Lane, Langley, was sentenced to five years and 18-year-old Nicole Richardson, formerly of Lansdowne Avenue, Bayliss, Slough, was jailed for two-and-a-half years for robbery at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday (21/2). Twenty-one-year old Conroy Bradshaw from Slough was also sentenced in relation to the robbery for assisting offenders and was handed a community order.

At approximately 9pm on Friday 8th July 2005, a call was received by a taxi company to attend Victoria Court in Slough. A driver was dispatched and both Mohammed and Richardson were collected and driven to Borderside, Wexham. As the driver drove past a telephone kiosk and approached a bend, he was told to stop his vehicle. He was then threatened with a large blade which was pulled towards his neck. The driver, a man in his 40s, was also physically assaulted, sustaining cuts to his head and a cut to his left hand which later required surgery. During the incident, £20 was taken from the driver’s shirt pocket.

Det Insp Steve Armstead of Slough CID said: “I am very pleased with the sentence passed which clearly demonstrates the seriousness of such an offence.

“I hope that these sentences will go a long way in terms of reassuring taxi drivers and the wider community in Slough that crime of this nature will simply not be tolerated by police.”

Slough Supt Brian Langston, BCU Commander for Berkshire East, said: “Our cab drivers provide a valuable local service and are a frequently overlooked section of the community. They are often vulnerable to attack, working as they do alone and late at night. We take all offences against our cabbies seriously and this conviction is a tribute to the commitment of the investigating team who put a great deal of effort into capturing those responsible. The sentences send out a powerful message that anyone intent on committing this type of crime can expect to go to prison”.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council is supporting the Slough Fairtrade Town Initiative Group who are taking part in the national Fairtrade Fortnight campaign ‘change today, choose Fairtrade’.

The two week annual Slough event started yesterday, February 26, and will end on March 11 with a series of events in the town.

The aim is to challenge people to make small changes by switching to Fairtrade, which will trigger a positive change in communities in developing countries.

The direct benefits to farmers and workers in the developing world means they in turn will be able to make changes to their lives and environment.

Cllr Robert Plimmer, Slough Borough Council's Fairtrade champion, said: "Making small changes in the way we act as consumers can give people in developing countries a better way of life.

“If enough people make a change in their shopping habits, a community in Africa, Asia or Latin America can build classrooms, employ a part-time nurse or construct a road so that they can get their produce to market.

“Beside food, there are other products from these countries and we should make sure the producers are making a sustainable living.

“Fairtrade has been embraced enthusiastically in Britain but more and more people need to line up behind Fairtrade so more producers can sell more under Fairtrade terms.”

One in two people in the UK recognise the fairtrade mark and the Fairtrade Foundation is keen to use this year's campaign to increase understanding of consumer decisions to help tackle poverty in the developing world.

Research undertaken by the foundation shows that many people know and agree with the concept of Fairtrade, but they have still not made the switch to its products.

The events being held in Slough are -

* Saturday March 3, from 10am to midday - Fairtrade coffee morning at St Andrews Shared Church, Elmshott Lane Cippenham, Slough.

* Tuesday March 6 from midday to 2pm - Fairtrade stall at the lunchtime cafe at St Andrews Shared Church, Elmshott Lane, Cippenham, Slough.

* Saturday March 10 from 11am to 1pm - Fairtrade stalls in the Slough Town Square.

Fairtrade sales are doubling every two year with more than 2,000 retail and catering products and all major supermarket chains are now stocking Fairtrade products.

The annual Fairtrade Fortnight is promoted by networks around Britain which include trade unions, development agencies, pressure groups and charities, churches and faith-based organisations.

The Slough Fairtrade Town Initiative, with the help of Slough Borough Council, would like Slough to attain Fairtrade Town status along with 200 other Fairtrade Towns in Britain.

Slough Borough Council.