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Slough Borough Council is running smokefree bus posters advertising its free hotline number, in the run up to Smokefree England this weekend.

The adverts will run for three months, helping to circulate the smokefree message across the borough.

The main purpose of the smokefree law 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 smokefree law will be enforced by specially trained staff in Slough who have also been briefed on how to relate to smokers who may find it hard not to light up in public places, such as pubs.

“We have had many positive remarks from the public about this law, but I would like to stress, as always, that it is not a ban on smoking in general, just in enclosed places such as restaurants and within the work place.”

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for Slough public protection, said: “This is a very encouraging move for Slough and will benefit the health of thousands of people.

“It will be tough for many but help is at hand and the council is very conscious of this. Smokers should not be targets, but it is important that everyone can go out and not have to breathe in others smoke.”

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.

Smokefree Slough is part of Slough Borough Council’s cleaner, safer, greener campaign which will be launched at the Big Green Day Out this Saturday, June 30.

One of the council’s pledges to the residents of Slough is to ‘protect the air you breathe’. By enforcing the new smokefree law, the council will be helping residents to breathe in clean air when they are out and about in enclosed public spaces and socialising in pubs and clubs.

Slough Borough Council

If you want to help Slough become cleaner, safer and greener then come to Big Green Day Out in the Town Centre this Saturday (30 June).

There will be lots of fun for all the family – with stalls, activities and give aways.

Rickshaws will be helping Slough people get about using people power, and Urban Strawberry – a ‘rubbish’ band will be making music out of items other people might throw away.

With an environmental workshop for children, along with face painting and a fun ride youngsters can learn how to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

There are also stalls from British Gas and PowerGen and advice and information about recycling in Slough.

Twinkle Twinkle, the real nappy network will be demonstrating how easy it is to use real nappies and Wexham Nursery will have plants on sale.

And, as part of the campaign to help Slough become a Fairtrade town, there will be a stall dedicated to Fairtrade goods.

Green Police stiltwalkers will be on the beat making sure no environmental ‘crime’ is committed.

Nigel Dicker, head of Slough environmental services, said: “Big Green Day Out is all about helping residents be as environmentally friendly as possible, learn about how they affect climate change and how a few simple steps can make all the difference locally and globally.”

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for public protection, said: “Big Green Day out is a fun way for our residents to find out about the issues that affect our environment.

“I know there are many residents who do their bit, but there is still more we can do – and this event will tell you some of the ways in which we can make an even bigger difference.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council would like to assure all council tenants who receive benefit cheques by post that they will receive them this week, despite a looming strike from the Royal Mail this Friday, June 29.

It has been agreed that more than 700 cheques will be sent out on Wednesday instead of Friday and should be delivered to homes on Thursday June 28.

Dave Churchfield, postal services manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “We know how important it is for council tenants who receive benefits to get their cheques on time and were concerned when we heard about the Royal Mail postal strike.

“We wanted to make sure that the money arrived in time for bills to be paid and that no one
would go without, so hopefully, buy sending out the cheques two days early residents will have no need to worry.”

Commissioner for housing, Slough Cllr Tony Haines, added: “Well done to the council for pre-empting the situation and making sure that the cheques go out in time.

“It can be a very stressful situation for people who rely on these benefits to think that they will not receive their money on time.

“Let’s hope that this strike does not interfere too much with the council’s important mail.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council has successfully prosecuted Robert Adewunmi, the former ‘accountant’ for the Deputy Prime Minister, after he pleaded guilty to two offences of making false statements and failing to declare a change of circumstances in reference to housing and council tax benefit claims.

Following reports by national newspapers and the BBC that Adewunmi was fraudulently trading and money laundering from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Slough Borough Council’s investigation unit carried out an enquiry into housing and council tax benefits claimed by the defendant in 2003/04.

Adewunmi, an unqualified Slough accountant, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court last week, to eight months imprisonment for the fraudulent claims to the council, to run concurrently with his present sentence of four years for the theft from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, given last year.

The judge stated that, although it was not normal for the benefit offences to incur prison sentences, in this case, there was a clear element of dishonesty and therefore he believed the sentence was appropriate.

Adewunmi was also ordered to repay the full £7401.59 overpayment of housing benefit to Slough council within six months as part of a confiscation order, which also dealt with the CPS matter regarding his previous conviction.

The judge ordered that failure to make repayments within six months will result in a consecutive three year imprisonment.

In order to claim Slough housing and council tax benefit, Adewunmi declared that his sister, Mabel Etchie, was his landlord and the owner of the property he rented at Mendip Close in Slough.

He also declared there was no relationship between himself and his wife, Tami Adewunmi, and their landlord.

Investigation officers soon established that Adewunmi had made false statements and that Mabel Etchie was related to him and has never owned the house on Mendip Close or collected any rent for the property.

The Slough property was in fact owned by his wife, Tami Adewunmi at the time of the claim. Investigation officers also established that Adewunmi had failed to declare the start of his employment in 2003.

Ian Wheatley, senior investigations officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “This has been a great victory for the council and the staff who worked hard on the case.

“It also sends out a very strong message to others thinking they can fraudulently claim benefits from the council and get away with it.

“We are very pleased that Mr Adewunmi has been ordered to pay back all the money and has also been given a prison sentence.”

Commissioner for legal and democratic services, Slough Cllr Dexter Smith, added: “The sentencing of Mr Adewunmi is a huge success for the council and will hopefully reassure the town’s residents who bide by the law and pay their taxes, that people who try and steal from the council will not get away with it.

“There are many people out there who need help with housing and council tax, I personally find it disgusting that people like Mr Adewunmi are taking away their entitlements.”

Slough Borough Council

More than 100 people from Slough’s Somali community turned up to a special drop-in evening on Tuesday, which was run jointly by Slough Borough Council and Thames Valley Police.

The event was held to give Slough’s newly arrived Somali community the chance to find out about the services on offer to them from a range of public services including, council services, the police, primary care trust and voluntary organisations.

It is estimated that around 3,000 to 5,000 Somalis are living in Slough based on information from community leaders and national insurance numbers.

Lauren Watts, chair of the Somali Working Group in Slough, said: “The event went really well, and lots of organisations turned up to provide information to the Somali community on their services.

“The evening was also well attended by the Somali community and the feedback we had was that it was informative and helpful, and that they would be keen to hold another event in the future.”

Ch Insp Dave Parker, deputy LPC commander for Slough, said: “It was a tremendous evening with many visitors to all the stalls where experts from various services were on hand to provide vital information.

“It was great that we gave out over 30 police community support officer application packs at our stall and I know that the community and diversity staff were extremely busy fielding questions.

“This type of event is vital if we are to build sustainable partnerships with all of our communities and I know that this is just the start of the bridge-building process. The Somali community was the real driver behind the event and it has been very rewarding for my team.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s chief executive, Ruth Bagley has been awarded with an OBE for services to local government.

Slough Borough Council's chief executive, Ruth BagleyRuth received the honour in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List and will be accepting the honour later in the year.

Ruth has worked in local government for 26 years, and has been chief executive for Slough Borough Council for three weeks. Her previous position was chief executive of South Hams District Council, and she has also held senior positions at North Dorset District Council and Shropshire County Council.

Speaking about her award, Ruth said: “I was stunned when I received the news but am absolutely delighted to accept the honour.

“It feels great that my efforts have been recognised but I know it reflects the dedication and achievements of all the staff I have had the pleasure to work with over the years. Together we have worked hard to improve quality of life for our communities.

“I would particularly like to give credit to the team of staff at my previous council in South Hams to whom the recognition should also go. I hope to work as closely and successfully with the team here in Slough.”

Richard Stokes, leader of Slough Borough Council, said: “On behalf of the council, I would like to extend many congratulations to Ruth on receiving this prestigious award.

“We are delighted that she brings to Slough a successful legacy of working in local government, where she has been held in high regard by her peers, and we all look forward to working with her over the coming months and years.”

Slough Borough Council

Following Slough Borough Council’s clean up of untaxed cars two months ago, the council’s community warden’s has once again removed a further 28 untaxed vehicles from the borough this month, one car up from April.

The untaxed Slough vehicles were removed between Tuesday and Friday last week and were taken off the streets as part of the council’s devolved powers agreement with the DVLA.

The penalty for untaxed cars means that the owner has to pay £80 per vehicle to get it back within 24 hours, which then doubles after that time. They also have to pay a deposit of £120 per vehicle which they get back as long as they get the car taxed within 14 days.

The owner’s details are also passed to the DVLA who can pursue them for back payments if the car’s tax is seriously out of date.

Nick Nawell, a team leader for neighbourhood enforcement for Slough Borough Council, said: “The operation was again a great success and was aimed at removing as many untaxed vehicles from Slough’s streets as possible to reduce nuisance parking. It has sent a clear message that it’s not acceptable to leave your car untaxed on the road.

“It also helps to improve the appearance of the town making it a more pleasant place to live and work.”

Commissioner for Slough public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “This scheme is paramount for removing untaxed and potentially unsafe vehicles from the roads.

“Abandoned vehicles are a blight on our environment and I know the work of the enforcement team and community wardens has really made a notable difference in some areas.

“Well done and keep up the good work.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team is joining forces with teams from across the South East in a co-ordinated operation to target rogue traders.

On Friday (June 15), Slough’s trading standards officers, community wardens and the police will be visiting properties where building or other work is taking place and asking residents how they chose their trader.

They will be finding out whether proper cancellation rights are in place, whether the customer was ‘cold-called’ and whether the traders and their vehicles are legitimate.

Angela Satterly from Slough’s trading standards, said: “Door step crime can be devastating for residents and we have dealt with many cases where rogue traders have ripped off vulnerable residents for many thousands of pounds.

“This special operation aims to show rogue traders that we will not tolerate such behaviour and will take action against those who prey on the vulnerable, in particular the elderly.”

Slough’s day of action is part of a regional operation organised by Trading Standards South East (TSSE).

Councillor John Edwards, commissioner for public protection, said: “Rogue traders who prey on the elderly and vulnerable are beneath contempt.

“Unfortunately these people do not restrict themselves to one borough or another so by taking part in a region-wide operation we have more chance of catching the worst offenders.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s young offending team are looking for volunteers to act as either a responsible adults for the borough’s youngsters or as a volunteer to help with young people.

To become a Slough appropriate adult, residents must be available between the hours of 9am and 5pm, though they can decide how many days they are willing to be “on call” in any one week from Monday to Friday to help out as an appropriate adult in situations such as:

• When a young person under the age of 17 is taken to a designated police station as a detained person, and his parent or carer cannot or will not attend.

• When a young person under the age of 17 is being asked to gives a witness statement in regard to an incident they may have witnessed or been involved in.

• When a detained young person is asked to return to the police station for a further procedure. This may be as a result of police bail for instance (where a young person is released on bail to return to the police station at a later date). This is often the case with young offenders as decisions have to be made regarding a course of action to take.

• When a detained young person is asked to attend a police station to stand on or take part in an identification parade or other identification process.

They must also be 18 years or over, and not be a serving police officer or work for the police and a Criminal Bureau checks will be carried out by the YOT on all Slough applicants.

Because of the nature of appropriate adult work, it is never possible to say how long a volunteer may be needed for. Some appointments can be finished within the hour others can go on for several hours, depending on many factors. Because of this, volunteers are required to be flexible and be able to respond at short notice.

The youth offending team will always be at the end of a phone should support be required.

Full training will be given for this interesting role, and this will take place in early July 2007.

To become a volunteer to work alongside young people, volunteers must live or work in Slough, have an interest in the welfare of young people and want to help stop young people from offending and encourage them to be responsible members of their community.

Training will be given and volunteers must be prepared to commit to seven full days, four Fridays and three Saturdays.

Ann Jansen-East, volunteer and referral order co-ordinator for Slough Borough Council, said: “The YOT team are looking for individuals who are willing to give some of their time to the youngsters of Slough.

“It is a very rewarding job and an important role to take on.”

For further details please contact Ann Jansen-East, 01753 474181 / 522702, ann.jansen-east@slough.gov.uk

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council has teamed up with ICI paints, Thames Valley Probation Area, Thames Valley Police, Central Parking System and Slough Accord to give Brunel car park a face lift.

The work to repaint the ceilings of two floors white started last October and was completed this April to give the car park a brighter, cleaner and safer feel.

The painting has been carried out by Slough offenders sentenced to unpaid work, who carry out community orders to pay something back to Slough for the crimes they have committed.

Groups of up to eight offenders have been on site several times a week to carry out the painting with materials donated by ICI.

The teams were closely supervised by officers from the Thames Valley probation service and the project used more than 1500 litres of paint.

Paul Lawrence, ICI trade specifier account manager for ICI Paints is pleased with the finished result.

He said: “As a major local employer, ICI Paints is pleased to have supported this initiative which is an important part of the Thames Valley Police crime reduction programme. The final appearance of the car park ceilings is one that the whole team from the Thames Valley Probation Service can be proud of.”

The project was initiated by Slough Borough Council’s community safety project officer, Kam Bhatti and Thames Valley Police Inspector Jon Goosey, to reduce fear of crime and encourage more drivers to use the town centre car park.

Kam Hothi, Slough Borough Council’s acting parking enforcement manager, has also been on hand with the project.

She said: “This project has been a great success and we would very much like to be able to extend it to other council owned car parks.

“Hatfield is currently undergoing major work to improve the parking environment which will encourage more customers to use our car parks.”

Inspector Goosey added: “Reducing vehicle crime is one of our top priorities in Slough, and while there has been very little car crime occurring in the Brunel car park over the last year, there was a significant fear of crime associated with this location.

“By making these improvements we are hopefully reducing this fear and encouraging people to use this car park again.”

The project has proved logistically challenging for Slough council as sections of the car park had to be closed to allow the painting to take place.

This was handled very well with the help of Debbie Mabbs, contracts manager from Central Parking System and her team, along with Slough Accord, who donated barriers and cones to provide a safe working area.

To find out more about other crime reduction or community safety projects, or about any of the partners involved in this project, please contact the community safety team on 01753 875501.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s deputy chief executive and strategic director of cultural and community services, Dawn Warwick, will be leaving to join Wandsworth Borough Council as their new director of adult social services.

Dawn has been a key member of the management team since 2001, during which time she has helped the council establish itself as a three star provider of social services, overseen the establishment of People 1st and helped set up the national association of directors of adult social services, for which she is also the assistant honorary secretary.

Dawn is very sorry to be leaving Slough council and the borough in September, but is justly proud of what her team has achieved.

Ruth Bagley, chief executive for Slough Borough Council, said: "Dawn and her team have laid some very strong foundations and I am confident that her good work will be sustained during any transition.

“We are of course very sad to see her leave, but we wish her all the best at Wandsworth Council.”

Commissioner cultural and community services, Slough Cllr Julia Long, said: “Dawn will be greatly missed when she leaves, but her hard work, dedication and sheer determination in all she has done for the council will live on. I wish her congratulations and all the best in her new role.”

Cllr Cryer, commissioner for social care and social and economic inclusion added: "Dawn Warwick has been instrumental in bringing about the improvements we have seen in the council over the past few years. Social services has seen a transformation during her tenure, it is now an excellent department. Personally I have found her to be a dedicated, efficient, and highly professional director to work with, I wish her all the best in her new role."

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is celebrating National Bike week by unveiling two new cycle ways and staging a bike ride along new and familiar routes.

The ride takes place on Tuesday 19th June and cyclists of all ages are welcome to join in the two wheeled fun. The ride will start from Wellington House and take about two hours to complete, along 12 miles of cycle ways.

After the ride there will be a chance for people to relax and enjoy lunch and refreshments provided at the finish back at Wellington House.

Cllr Dexter Smith, commissioner for planning, transportation, legal & democratic services, said; “Cycling is not only great exercise but it has the added benefit of being environmentally friendly too.

“The council has invested significantly over recent years to provide many miles of new cycle lanes around Slough, there’s never been a better time for people to get out of their cars and on their bikes.”

Savio DeCruz, principal engineer for Slough Borough Council, feels that the two new cycle paths will encourage more people to get on their bikes; “The ride will show people that there is a different way to getting around Slough instead of relying on their cars.

“With the two new cycle ways more people will be able to take advantage of cycling either to school, to work or even just for pleasure.”

The two new cycle routes are in the Cippenham and Wexham areas of the borough. Slough Borough Council is currently on target to deliver all of its planned cycle ways by 2011.

Slough Borough Council

Slough is celebrating its building heritage, during National Architecture Week with a photographic exhibition of the borough’s contemporary and classic buildings.

Slough Borough Council is hosting the display as part of its ‘Art at the Centre’ initiative. Photographs on display include work by Brian Tollington, Jan Williams and Chris Teasdale as well as contributions from members of the Slough and District Civic Society.

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for Cultural Services, said; “Slough’s rich architectural heritage is often under-appreciated, this event will showcase to residents and visitors alike the many attractive and interesting buildings across the borough.”

Roger Kirkham, principal planning officer, feels that the show will be a chance for people to re evaluate their perception of Slough; “We have some really interesting buildings in the Borough but people don’t always realise what’s on their doorstep.

“I think people who come along to the exhibition will see Slough in a different light.”

For more information on the exhibition contact the West Wing Box Office on 01753 823710.

Slough Borough Council

Members of the Somali community in Slough are being invited to attend a drop-in evening on 19 June, run jointly by Slough Borough Council and Thames Valley Police.

The event is an opportunity for Somali people living in Slough to access information from a variety of service providers on issues such as education, housing, community safety, crime, social services and health.

There will be stands manned by representatives of key local authority departments, the police and the primary care trust, as well as organisations from the private and voluntary sectors. Interpreters will be on hand, and leaflets will be provided in various languages.

The aim of the event is to reach some of the more recently arrived, vulnerable or isolated members of the Somali community, who may not be accessing services through the traditional routes due to language difficulties or other issues. There are believed to be between 3,000 and 5,000 Somalis living in Slough, based on estimates by community leaders and National Insurance registrations.

Ch Insp Dave Parker, deputy commander of Slough local police area, said: “This event builds on previous partnership work aimed at helping other new communities in Slough, in particular the Polish community. Over the past year, there have been several successful drop-in events for newly-arrived Polish residents, and we hope this approach will provide similar assistance to the Somali community.

“Slough police area has contributed some funding towards the event, and I will be there to talk to people, along with members of the neighbourhood policing team and our specialist Community and Diversity team. We hope as many people as possible will take this opportunity to get to know their local officers and find out more about policing in their area.”

Anne Farmer, community safety officer at Slough Borough Council added: “This event is important to ensure that our Somali community know what services are on offer, and how they can be accessed.

“With so many people moving to the town in a short space of time, it is vital that they are embedded into the life of the town, and know where to go if they have a problem or need help.

“I am really pleased so many organisations are involved in this event.”

Slough Borough Council

Children and teachers at Slough Montem Primary School will be able to take the healthy option of walking or cycling to school by using a new pedestrian and bike path.

Mayor of Slough, Cllr Rashid Butt, will officially open the cycle and walk way, which is one of two new routes to be unveiled by Slough Borough Council, as part of a 12 mile bike ride around the borough.

Slough Borough Council is staging the event as part of National Bike Week with cyclists of all ages taking part in the two wheeled fun. The ride will start from Wellington House and take about two hours to complete and include both new and old cycle ways.

After the ride there will be a chance for people to relax and enjoy lunch and refreshments provided at the finish back at Wellington House.

Cllr Dexter Smith, Slough commissioner for transport, said; “These new paths give people the option of walking or cycling, which is not only great exercise but it means people can be environmentally friendly too.”

Savio DeCruz, principal engineer for Slough Borough Council, feels that the two new cycle and walk ways will encourage more people to leave their cars at home; “The ride will show people that there is a different way to getting around Slough instead of relying on their cars.”

The two new multipurpose routes are in the Cippenham and Wexham areas of the borough. Slough Borough Council is currently on target to deliver all of its planned cycle ways by 2011.

Slough Borough Council

Slough a town much derided for its appearance is holding a celebration of its "contemporary and classic" buildings.

To mark National Architecture Week, a photographic exhibition of the best buildings in Slough has been set up.

Roger Kirkham, the Slough borough council's principal planning officer, said he hoped the exhibition would show the town "in a different light".

A council spokeswoman added the Berkshire town's "rich architectural heritage" was often under-appreciated.

The town itself was famously savaged by poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman, who wrote: "Come, friendly bombs, and fall on Slough, it isn't fit for humans now".

In recent years, the reputation of Slough - blighted by unsympathetic post-war planning - suffered further when Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant chose to set their hit BBC comedy The Office on the Slough Trading Estate.

Mr Kirkham said he hoped the show would be a chance for people to re-evaluate their perceptions of Slough.

"We have some really interesting buildings in the borough but people don't always realise what's on their doorstep," he said.

"I think people who come along to the exhibition will see Slough in a different light," he said.

The show begins on Monday at the town's West Wing arts venue and will feature the work of local photographers and the Slough and District Civic Society.

BBC News

Slough Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a 16-year-old boy was robbed in Manor Park on Tuesday (12/06). The boy was walking down Stafford Avenue, Slough at about 10.30am when he saw two youths on a red moped coming down the alleyway onto Stafford Avenue.

One of the youths got off the moped, searched the boy’s pockets and stole his Nokia 3220 mobile phone and a £10 note.

The Slough moped passenger was of mixed race, about 17-18-years-old and about 6ft 1ins. He was of stocky build, had stubble and a black full-face helmet. He was wearing a black hooded top, light blue jeans and white trainers.

The driver of the moped was white, also 6ft 1ins, wearing a full face crash helmet, a dark blue coat, dark blue tracksuit bottoms and black gloves. He was of medium build and possible had stubble.

Slough PC Helen Core, investigating the case, said: “It is possible that there was an elderly couple in the area and we are asking them or anyone who saw the incident or knows the two youths to contact police.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, and who has not yet spoken to police, is asked to contact PC Core on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

After Slough Borough Council’s Creative Academy helped Slough become the most enterprising town in the regional finals of Enterprising Britain, it will now enter the next stage of the national finals.

But as all young enterprising entrepreneurs know, they must be deemed excellent to get the title and will be judged by non other than Peter Jones from the BBC2 programme, Dragon’s Den.

After the nationwide competition was launched to find the most innovative town, city, place or area in the UK Slough will go head to head with other regional finalists for the winning title of most Enterprising Town in the UK.

Creative Academy was selected by the South East England Development Agency as the South East’s most enterprising place in the regional heat of Enterprising Britain 2007, and is facing the team of independent judges in the hopes of being named Britain’s most enterprising area.

Alison Hibbert, head of creative delivery for Slough Borough Council, said: “This is going to be very exciting for the team going into the national finales.

“I haven’t met Peter Jones before, so I think that will be an experience. We are all very much looking forward to it and I’m very proud with how far we have come.”

Commissioner for cultural and community services, Cllr Julia Long, said: “Well done to all those involved in the competition for getting so far.

“It would be brilliant if we won and became the most enterprising town in the UK. Fingers crossed and good luck.”

Judge Peter Jones for Enterprising Britain 2007 said: “We’ve seen outstanding bids from all the regions of the country with places that have turned around the prospects of local people, communities and economies through enterprise.

“It’s fantastic to see at first hand the places which make Britain such a hotbed for entrepreneurial activity.”

The competition is run annually by the Department of Trade and Industry in partnership with the Regional Development Agencies and Devolved Administrations, to celebrate enterprise activities and reward entrepreneurial success.

The national winner will be announced in an awards ceremony to be held in London in September. They will then go forward to represent the UK in the European Enterprise Awards later this year.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s disabled children’s forum arranged an information day on Wednesday 6 June, to bring together more than 30 organisations to give advice on their services, to coincide with National Down Syndrome Week.

Helping with the day were Slough council’s interagency disabled children and young people’s database and Community Care Berkshire.

All Slough families of children with disabilities and those working with them were invited to the day which consisted of three sessions.

The first session was where visitors could obtain information from all stands assembled by all the organisations involved and then three key speakers made presentations.

The first was Louise Franklin, campaign and policy officer for the Council for Disabled Children and the National Children’s Bureau.

She talked about the national campaign, Every Disabled Child Matters, which has been lobbying central government for more money to be put into local services for disabled children and their families.

Next was Rafiq Chohan, head of economic development, diversity and equality for Slough Borough Council, who provided an update on disability definition and equality.

And finally, Robert Auckland, who has a disability himself, talked about his achievements and working for the council before briefly speaking about Being Included.

Lunch was provided and visitors were able to spend time looking around the exhibition.

Surinder Mankoo, co-ordinator, Slough interagency disabled children’s database, said: “This event gave many people, both families of children with disabilities and those working in the industry, a chance to meet others and gain information on all services.

“With more than 30 organisations gathered under one roof, it made for a very formative day.”

Slough Borough Council

The Earl of Wessex was the guest of honour at Slough Western House Primary School On Tuesday June 5, and officially opened the new building.

During his visit, the Earl met Mayor Rashad Butt and Slough Borough Council’s new chief executive, Ruth Bagley, before being treated to a tour of the school and entertainment from its students.

On the agenda was a visit to the new IT suite where the Earl was introduced to the school governors, the construction company Osbourne, who built the new state-of-the-art school and Janet Tomlison, strategic director of education and children’s services.

Year four Slough pupils, aged from eight and nine, performed a Maypole dance in the playground, before the guests were shown around the new reception class and the nursery’s garden, where the youngsters grow their own plants and flowers.

Then the whole school congregated into the hall where they sang a special song to welcome their visitors, before the Earl of Wessex unveiled the plaque and officially opened Western House Primary.

Gill Bodman, head teacher of Western House Primary School, Slough said: “This was such an exciting event. All the pupils had been busy learning their dances and signing and it was wonderful to show our visitors around the new school.”

Commissioner for education and children’s services, Cllr David Munkley, added: “The Earl of Wessex’s visit was very exciting, both for the pupils and for everyone involved in the design and construction of the new school building.

“All the students and teachers had worked hard to make sure the day was full of fun and entertainment for all involved and I'm sure the Earl was very impressed.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s central library found out who the best painters of fantasy miniature figures were in town this month as youngsters paraded their best war gaming character models.

This was the first ever Games Workshop painting championship in Slough, and only two winners ccould be crowned fantasy heroes. One from the 11 to 13 year old category and another from the 14 to 16 year old group.

The two winners with the best finished figures received copies of fantasy war gaming books and graphic novels. The painted models are used in fantasy games where up to 20 players do battle with each other on a table top board.

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for Slough leisure, culture and community services, feels the competition gave children a chance to display their artistic abilities. She said: “This was a great opportunity for all of Slough’s young war-gaming enthusiasts to showcase their talents.”

Gaby Koenig, children’s librarian, hopes the competition showed another side to the library. She said: “There’s a lot more to libraries than you’d think and this competition just shows we can be a place for fun as well as learning.”

She added: “With the interest that has been shown in this competition, we’re looking to form a war gaming club in the library. Anyone who would be interested in taking part is welcome to get in contact.”

If you would be interested in a war gaming club at the library please contact Slough library on 01753 787524.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Police are appealing for witnesses and information after an elderly woman had cash stolen from her home in Blair Road, Slough on Monday (4/6)

At about 2.20pm the 85-year-old woman let a man into her home when he claimed he was from the water board. He told the woman to sit down while he checked the taps.

The man went into the kitchen and turned on the taps, before going into the woman’s bedroom. He stole cash and jewellery. When the woman challenged him, he left via a window leading on to Bath Road, Slough.

The offender is white, about 30 and of large build. He was wearing blue jeans and a dark, possibly black padded jacket and a watch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Slough Det Con Hall on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0845 8 505 505.

There are some simple rules to follow which will keep you and your home much safer:

•Never open your door to a stranger. If someone comes to your door, use your intercom system, or shout through the door to see who it is.

•If the person is not expected, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. Tell them to make an appointment. If they say there is an emergency, check with the police.

•If the person is expected, put the chain on and then check identification. If you do not have a chain, ask for the identification to be put through the letterbox.

•Some offenders will not bother to ‘trick’ their way in if they find an insecure window or door. Make sure all your windows and doors can be easily locked and are locked whenever you leave the room. Padlock your side gate.

•If you need any work done in your home or garden it is advisable to contact Age Concern to ask for advice. There are many ‘bogus callers’ who are offering to do work for people and it is advisable to check whether they are genuine.

If you are worried about your security contact your local Crime Reduction Office via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council has teamed up with ICI paints, Thames Valley Probation Area, Thames Valley Police, Central Parking System and Slough Accord to give Brunel car park a brighter face lift.

The work to repaint the ceilings of two floors white started last October and was completed this April to give the Slough car park a brighter, cleaner and safer feel.

The painting has been carried out by offenders sentenced to Unpaid Work, who carry out community orders to pay something back to Slough for the crimes they committed.

Groups of up to eight offenders have been on site several times a week to carry out the painting with materials donated by ICI.

The Slough teams were closely supervised by officers from the Thames Valley Probation service and the project used more than 1500 litres of paint.

Paul Lawrence, ICI trade specifier account manager for ICI Paints is pleased with the finished result.

He said: “As a major local employer, ICI Paints is pleased to have supported this initiative which is an important part of the Thames Valley Police crime reduction programme. The final appearance of the car park ceilings is one that the whole team from the Thames Valley Probation Service can be proud of.”

The project was initiated by Slough Borough Council’s community safety project officer, Kam Bhatti and Thames Valley Police Inspector Jon Goosey, to reduce fear of crime and encourage more drivers to use the town centre car park.

Kam Hothi, Slough Borough Council’s acting parking enforcement manager, has also been on hand with the project.

She said: “This project has been a great success and we would very much like to be able to extend it to other council owned car parks.

“Hatfield is currently undergoing major work to improve the parking environment which will encourage more customers to use our car parks.”

Inspector John Goosey of Slough police added: “Reducing vehicle crime is one of our top priorities in Slough, and while there has been very little car crime occurring in the Brunel car park over the last year, there was a significant fear of crime associated with this location.

“By making these improvements we are hopefully reducing this fear and encouraging people to use this car park again.”

The project has proved logistically challenging for the council as sections of the car park had to be closed to allow the painting to take place.

This was handled very well with the help of Debbie Mabbs, contracts manager from Central Parking System and her team, along with Slough Accord, who has donated barriers and cones to provide a safe working area.

To find out more about other crime reduction or community safety projects, or about any of the partners involved in this project, please contact the Community Safety Team on 01753 875501.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

A 28-year-old Slough man was jailed for eight years at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (1/6) for rape and sexual assault.

Martin Christian, from Newhaven Spur on the Britwell Estate in Slough was jailed for eight years for rape and two years for sexual assault, to run concurrently.

Martin was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a 30-year-old woman at her home in Slough on 22 July 2006.

Officer in the case Det Sgt Emma Brown said: “I’m very pleased with this sentence, which reflects the severity of sexual crimes and the seriousness with which police treat them.

“This sentence will hopefully provide a form of closure for the victim, who has helped police with their enquiries and shown tremendous courage throughout the investigation. I sincerely hope this result will also encourage other victims of sexual crimes to come forward and report incidents to police.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Roads policing officers investigating a collision in Slough (30/5) involving a stolen car are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Shortly after 3.30pm, a black Subaru failed to stop for a police car along the Wexham Road, Slough. The vehicle made off from officers and was later involved in a collision in Wexham Street, with three stationary vehicles and one moving vehicle.

The Subaru was not in sight of the police car at the time of the collision.

Four men decamped from the vehicle which was abandoned in Wexham Street.

A number of Slough police resources were deployed to the area, including the helicopter and dog handler, in a bid to locate the men.

One man was arrested within minutes of the collision and another was later arrested. Both men were taken to Slough police station.

Both men, aged 26 and 27, are now being dealt with by Hampshire Constabulary as the Subaru is suspected of being involved in a robbery in Farnborough earlier that day (30/5).

Thames Valley Police officers continue to investigate the collision.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Det Sgt Luke Pillinger via the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. Those who do not wish to speak to police or leave their name should call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough