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Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team and Berkshire Fire and Rescue will be holding free child car seat checks at Asda, Telford Drive, on 7th and 8th August.

The check forms part of the council’s cleaner, safer, greener campaign to ensure that people using Slough borough’s roads do so as safely as possible.

The teams will be in the car park from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 14.30pm to 16.30pm to make sure that child seats are fixed to cars properly and safely.

When the same checks were made in March this year, out of the 64 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.

There are around a quarter of a million road accidents a year in which someone is injured and around 3,500 people die, including about 30 children aged between zero and 11.

Every year 450 children are seriously injured.

Emma Richards, technical enforcement officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “These free checks are extremely important and I cannot stress enough that every parent who has a child seat should come along and have it looked at.

“Many seats are fitted wrongly and this can cause serious injury to a child if their car is involved in an accident.

“We all want the best for our children and just because you may have paid a lot of money for a seat thinking it would be better quality, the fitting is just as important.”

Commissioner for public protection, Councillor John Edwards said: “It is very important that parents take this opportunity to have their child seats checked over.

“The checks are free to all and could save many lives. Ensuring that a child’s seat is fitted correctly will improve the safety of our children on the borough’s roads, as well as deliver peace of mind to parents.”

Slough Borough Council

More than 80 percent of shops in Slough have passed a trading standards test by not selling alcohol to underage teens in the borough.

Over the last three months, Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team carried out an underage alcohol sales test in local shops to see if any would sell alcohol to children.

The exercises were carried out as part of the Tackling Underage Sales of Alcohol Campaign (TUSAC), in conjunction with the Trading Standards South East Regional Group the Home Office and Thames Valley Police.

Out of 46 Slough premises visited, only nine sold alcohol to underage teenagers.

The four exercises were carried out on:

* May 4 – nine premises visited, only four sales made
* May 10 – twelve premises visited, only three sales made
* June 1 – nine premises visited, no sales made
* July 13 – sixteen premises visited, only two sales made

All stores that sold alcohol are now in the process of being interviewed by trading standards, in view of potential further action being taken.

Dean Cooke, technical officer for trading standards at Slough Borough Council, said: “Although we would have preferred 100 percent compliance with the law from traders, the vast majority of them refused to sell alcohol to the under age volunteers we used.

“We would like to congratulate those traders for their vigilance and to encourage them to keep up their good work.

“We will be providing all sellers of age-restricted products with updated information and training and will continue to operate the proof-of-age Slough Card, with the assistance of Citizencard.”

Further to this, Slough trading standards is also planning to hold seminars for traders to give them the opportunity of further training and to help to address particular issues.

Commissioner for public protection, John Edwards, said: “The recent results of the trading standards underage alcohol tests are very encouraging.

“There are still shops out there selling alcohol to underage teens, but with more training and guidance, hopefully the percentage of underage buying will fall even more.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council has created a brighter and greener look for the gateway to the town by planting 12 trees in wooden planters on the central reservation of Tuns Lane.

The variety of trees have been planted by Slough Borough Council’s transport division and have been sponsored by Reckitt Benckiser; who will also sponsor their upkeep. A further 16 more trees were planted in Church Street, Chalvey Road East and King’s Road.

The idea to add these plants to Slough’s landscape is part of a new venture to make the town greener, and to enhance Slough’s image.

Savio DeCruz, principal engineer for integrated transport at Slough Borough Council, said: “The trees have made a noticeable difference to the area together with improvements to the verges and the central reservation.

“Trees are an important part of our lives, not only because they look great, but also because they can help in the battle against the effects of pollution.

“I would also like to thank Reckitt Benckiser for their support in sponsoring the 12 trees.”

Commissioner for Slough planning and transportation, Cllr Dexter Smith, said: “The trees planted on the central reservation on Tuns Lane make such a difference to the look of the road.

“Tuns Lane is the first view many of our visitors get of our town, so it is important to get the image right. I know many residents will agree with how good it looks.”

The planted trees are;

* Six Carpinus Betulus – common name: European Hornbeam
* Six Pyrus Calleryana Chanticleer – common name: Ornamental Pear
* Four Tilia Mongolica – common name: Mongolian Pine
* Four Aesculus flavia – common name: Yellow Blackeye
* Four Alnus Incana Aurea – common name: Golden Alder
* Two Sorbus Commixta Embly – common name: Scarlet Rowan
* Two Gleditsia Tricanthos Sunburdt – common name: Honey Locust

Reckitt Benckiser is a world leader in household cleaning and health and personal care brands. It is a global company, with its headquarters in Slough and employs 22,000 people worldwide.

The company have also sponsored one of the large green recycling containers at Montem Leisure Centre, where Slough residents can recycle their plastic bottles, cans, paper and card.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Central Library has set up a community information database, and is asking all organisations, clubs, activity and interest groups to add their information for residents to see.

The new database is for groups and organisations in the Slough area and already gives residents access to more than 200 records to do with the town and activities going on in the borough.

Local services and voluntary groups are also invited to add their information.

The rapidly growing database is full of useful resource material and looks set to grow into the online directory for local culture, activities, interests and contacts for Slough.

Each record provides contact details and a description of the organisation and its aims. Photographs are also added with links to organisation websites, and an attachment.

Groups can even post the minutes of meetings or a promotional leaflet for all to see.

Jackie Menniss, library services manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “The library service has worked hard to find ways to help local communities link together and this great database will help people make contacts and get more from their local community.

“There is even a ‘What’s on’ section where local organisations can promote events”.

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for leisure, cultural and community services, said: “This new database is an excellent way for the town’s residents to find out what is happening in Slough.

“It’s also a great way for organisations and clubs to let people know they are there and ask others to join in.”

The Slough Community Information Database is available at www.sloughcommunity.info.

You can also follow links from the library website www.sloughlibrary.org.uk.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council will be launching its new energy efficiency scheme Energycare next month, offering residents free or subsidised home insulation.

Installing insulation in lofts and cavity walls can reduce fuel bills by over £350 a year, as well as saving over two tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change.

Slough Borough Council is committed to making the town a cleaner, safer and greener environment for its residents as part of its new campaign, and the Energycare scheme will help to make Slough greener.

Energycare is available to all homeowners and private tenants who will qualify for at least 50 percent grant assistance towards the cost of the insulation and it is free for those receiving certain benefits.

The council is launching the initiative in partnership with Energy Services, a national surveying company and Mark Group, the UK’s largest installer of insulation.

Surveyors will work their way across Slough borough, ward by ward, to advise householders of the initiative and exactly how it applies to them.

The scheme will be launched in the Chalvey ward at the beginning of August and aims to improve over 1,000 homes in its first year.

Linzi Bagshaw, Slough Borough Council’s energy conservation officer, said: “The Energycare scheme aims to offer all residents home insulation at the most competitive prices.

“We want to improve the environment and make Slough a greener place to live. Working with our residents in their own homes is an important initiative to help people use less energy and save money at the same time.”

Commissioner for public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “Slough residents can all do their bit to help the environment by checking that their homes are properly insulated.

“Every year we needlessly waste energy when we are heating our homes, because we don’t have adequate insulation to keep the heat in. This new scheme will not only make a difference to how warm our homes are in the winter, but to our winter heating bills.”

For more information, please call the Energycare helpline on 0800 043 9569.

Slough Borough Council

People 1st (Slough) wants to hear residents views on proposals to modernise council housing in Britwell, and have invited them to an exhibition to find out more on Wednesday, July 25 at 6pm.

A programme of improvement works is being developed in conjunction with tenants/leaseholders after People 1st wrote to each of them about the proposal. The responses received will be used to identify priorities for improvements.

The design options, which will be displayed on the night, will transform the look of Slough council flats, creating inviting places to live. All materials and finishes will be long-lasting, underlining a strong commitment to value for money.

The flats included in the modernisation project include:

* Odencroft and Bromycroft Flats
* Travic Road Flats
* Perryman Way Flats
* Lynch Hill Lane Flats
* Monksfield Way (numbers 12 to 17)
* Furzen Close (numbers three to 25)
* Eyre Green

Andrew Billany, chief executive for People 1st (Slough), said: “We want tenants and leaseholders to be fully involved and engaged in this project, and we will update them and keep them involved at every stage. It’s important that they take ownership for how their new homes and surrounding areas should look.”

“It will be essential to meet the aspirations of all residents - tenants and leaseholders alike. The determination to embed value for money throughout will mean that maintenance costs will be kept as low as possible.”

Chair of the People 1st (Slough) Board, Sue Morris, added: “We want to create an environment that tenants will feel proud to be part of. This modernisation project is about creating improved homes, improved neighbourhoods and improved quality of life.”

Cllr Tony Haines, commissioner for housing, said: “The modernisation project will give residents the chance to say how they would like to see their community look.

“Their opinions are vital to the success of this project.”

During the evening, residents will be shown various options and colour schemes for the buildings and asked to select their preferred choice.

Britwell tenants and leaseholders can contact the decent homes team on 01753 474030 for further information on the open evening.

Slough Borough Council

The Afterhours Arts Academy at Slough Borough Council's Young People’s Centre has been nominated for a National Lottery Award in the category of ‘Best Arts Project.’

The Afterhours Arts Academy offers opportunities for disadvantaged 16-25 year olds in Slough to learn new skills in the creative sector - from sound engineering to singing, graphic design to radio production.

Many of the Slough courses are accredited and offer performance opportunities to showcase the learning that has take place.

The students often return to school or go on to university, become tutors with The Academy or go on to jobs in creative industries.

SYPC have been short-listed from 640 entries to the final ten and are now against serious competition including the Tate Modern.

The Awards have now opened to public voting via a phone number and website and if they make it to the final three, a film will be made about the academy and will appear on primetime BBC.

If it is successful at that stage, it will also win £2000.

Please vote on 0845 3868061 or on the Lottery good causes website.

Calls only cost 1.5p and voting closes on 3rd August.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is investing £300,000 to move its successful kerbside green waste recycling scheme on to the next phase.

The Slough investment is possible thanks to the government’s Waste Performance and Efficiency Grant, and means that all 1000 residents on the green waste waiting list should be getting their green bins later this year. The scheme will be re-advertised to encourage more residents to sign up to recycling green waste.

Through Slough Accord, the council will also be using the cash to help provide another green waste vehicle and crew to collect from the newly issued bins.

The present two vehicles and crews dedicated to operating the scheme are now working at full capacity. The new investment will allow for a 50 per cent increase in capacity.

Wheeled bins are currently in big demand across the country, but it is hoped that the new bins should be with residents on the list ready for mid to late Autumn.

Putting additional investment into green waste recycling is part of the Slough council’s cleaner, safer, greener Slough campaign to encourage people to recycle more and increase recycling rates to meet the government’s new target of 40 per cent by 2010.

Nigel Dicker, head of environment protection for Slough Borough Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted we have the extra money to invest in the scheme.

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the scheme from residents and are pleased that we can now give out more green bins to more residents.”

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for Slough public protection, said: “Encouraging residents to recycle more is one of our top priorities. The green waste scheme continues to be a great success and I’m delighted that we are able to match residents’ enthusiasm with the necessary resources.

“This cash will enable us to further expand the green waste initiative and increase recycling beyond the record levels that we have already achieved in recent months.

“Residents in Slough have shown that they are really keen to recycle. Over the last few years we’ve seen a marked increase in the amount of waste being recycled. I would like to say thank you to all residents for doing their bit to help make Slough greener.”

If you would like to be added to the waiting list for a green waste wheelie bin, email greenwaste@slough.gov.uk or call 01753 875255. Those residents who have already left their details on the waiting list do not need to contact the council to register again.

Slough Borough Council.

As Slough fans of Harry Potter gear up for the release of the latest instalment of his adventures, lucky readers at Britwell Library will be among the first to get their hands on the new book.

As midnight approaches on Friday, July 20, Slough fans and staff will read the last chapter of J.K. Rowling’s previous book The Half Blood Prince. Then on the stroke of 12, the wait will finally be over as the first chapter of the new book, The Deadly Hallows, is read out.

Those attending the spellbinding evening will be treated to hot chocolate and toast as well as being able to lend a copy of the new book.

Nora Holledge, Slough community libraries manager, feels that the event will be as magical as the new book itself. She said; “I am really looking forward to the event. Not only will our readers be some of the earliest to learn what happens next to Harry, but it is also the first time one of our libraries has been open as late at night.

“Hopefully the event will challenge the children’s imagination and get them thinking more about story telling, you never know, we could have the next J.K. Rowling in our midst.”

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for leisure, cultural and community services, said: “I am sure that the children who go will have a lot of fun and have their creativity fired up to write their own tales.

“It’s always pleasing to see how popular these events are with our town’s younger readers, it’s a testament to how much they love reading.”

The storytelling begins at 11:30pm and will end around 12:30am.

For more information about the evening, please contact Britwell Library on 01753 522 869.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s Breakaway Centre has turned a bare TV room into a brand new sensory sensation, all thanks to the money-raising efforts of children and staff at the residential home.

The centre started fund-raising in December last year with a Christmas raffle, and since then, has managed to generate £2,000 for the new sensory equipment. With the money raised they have bought bubble tubes, fibre optics, bean bags, a projector and CD player, finishing the room off with a glittering mirror-ball.

Rob Wratten, assistant manager at Slough Breakaway, is pleased with the tremendous effort all the children and staff have put in raising the funds. He said; “I am delighted at how we have been able to raise the money ourselves and transform the room.

“Seeing how enthusiastic the children were in choosing the new equipment was great. They are really making the most of the new space.”

The room itself is designed to be a relaxing and calming environment, where lights and sounds offer stimulation to children with learning disabilities.

Cllr David Munkley, commissioner for Slough education and children’s services, said; “I would like to congratulate the staff and residents of Breakaway for all the fund raising work they have done over the past few months.

“I'm sure the room will be enjoyed and used for many years to come.”

The Breakaway centre offers respite residential care for children with learning and behavioural difficulties between the ages of six and 18.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Town Centre will come alive on Saturday 21 July as the Dance in the Square event returns.

Both professional and amateur dancers will dazzle the Slough crowds with breathtaking routines from 12 noon to 6pm.

The dance groups on show will represent all corners of the world with Indian, American, Spanish, Polish and African influenced dance routines.

The Mlody Las Polish Dance Group will be performing a new routine for the first time in public, with dances and songs from the Kaszub area of Poland. The Nikiita Dance Group will be performing Bollywood and classical dance.

Those in the mood for jiving will be able to boogy to the sounds of Glenn Miller performed by the GI Jitterbugs, and fans of salsa dancing will look forward to the enticing routines of the Calientita group.

The Black Eagles, from Tanzania, will be wowing the crowds with their display of amazing acrobatics and dance moves. For fans of contemporary dance the South West’s top break dancing crew, Physical Jerks, will kick off the event.

Slough’s children will be taking part with performances from Marish, Cippenham, Ryvers and Penn Wood Primary Schools. Local groups will also be strutting their stuff with displays from groups Sugar and Spice, Fusion and dance degree students.

Susan Duncan, events manager for Slough Borough Council, said; “This event will be an exciting celebration of culture and dance, with many our communities represented.

“It will be colourful with lots of different types of music and dance and there will be something for everyone. So come along and join in.”

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for leisure, cultural and community services, said; “I think we are in for a cultural treat with all of the different groups performing, it should be a really vibrant and enjoyable day out for all.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council would like to announce that Godolphin Infant School is the winner of the 2007 Horlicks ‘walk to school’ competition, which coincides with the councils ‘cleaner, safer, greener’ campaign to ask residents to think of ways to help the environment.

The infant school won the competition because of their outstanding achievement of having the highest ever record of pupils and staff in Slough walking to school, at 80 percent.

The Horlicks trophy will be given to the Slough school on Monday, July 16, in a special presentation along with a £150 worth of book tokens.

This was the seventh year that Slough pupils entered the competition, which saw pupils, parents and teachers walk to school for a whole week in May.

The campaign focused on promoting the benefits to children’s independence and learning whilst they walk to school.

By walking to school the Slough children received first hand experience of the road environment and were taught by the accompanying adult on how to keep safe.

But it’s not all about road safety; it’s also about meeting friends and getting fitter. By not using the car it makes it healthier for everyone as pollution is reduced.

Tina Housego, senior road safety officer at Slough Borough Council, said: “Well done to Godolphin Infant School for winning.

“Not only did they do extremely well in the competition, but have so far, had the most children walk to school during the campaign week than any other in Slough in the last seven years.”

Commissioner for education and children’s services, Slough Cllr David Munkley, added: “All the schools who took part in the campaign have done a tremendous job, especially Godolphin Infant, which surpassed itself with more than 80 percent of pupils and teachers joining in the fun.

“Walking to school helps to lower emissions from cars, cuts down on traffic congestion and is very important in keeping our environment greener.

“I hope everyone at the school enjoys the trophy and the £150 worth of book tokens. They deserve it.”

Slough Borough Council

Parlaunt Park School will be opening their very own Slough state-of-the-art cycle shelter next Monday, July 16, with funds from their travel plan award to enhance the health of all pupils.

The cycle shelter will be an incentive for children to bike to school with their parents and help keep Slough cleaner, safer and greener.

The school travel plan is produced by all schools in the borough to promote sustainable transport for its pupils and staff by looking at ways to promote walking and cycling to ease congestion and pollution.

The awards were given by the government to schools which had travel plans to reduce car dependency.

To promote safer cycling, Parlaunt Park School, Slough has trained 23 of its year six pupils to become cycle aware.

The shelter will be officially opened by Savio De Cruz, principal engineer integrated transport and Tina Housego, senior road safety officer, both from Slough Borough Council.

Savio De Cruz said: “I’m really proud of the school for training its pupils and buying this superb cycle shelter.

“It will help immensely to get children and their parents fit by cycling to school everyday, or even every other day, to help beat congestion and to ensure Slough is a greener and safer place to be.”

Commissioner for education and children’s services, Cllr David Munkley, added: “Well done to the school for getting the travel plan funding for this wonderful cycle shelter.

“Many children will have fun cycling to school and, in turn, this will help keep them fit and healthy.”

Slough Borough Council

More than 150 young people from the Slough Somali community took part in a football tournament held at Herschel School, Slough, on Saturday (7/7). The tournament was part funded by Thames Valley Police as a follow up to the successful information evening, run by Slough Borough Council and partner agencies, which took place a fortnight ago.

The Slough teams were split into three age categories and, at the end of an exhausting day under the sun, the winners in all three age groups were Slough Stars.

All the games were played in good spirits with handshakes and smiles, notably assisted by the high standard of the voluntary referees.

The event was held not only to give Somali youngsters the chance to express themselves on the football pitch, but also as a bridge-building exercise. It provided an opportunity for Slough’s newly-arrived Somali community to find out more about neighbourhood policing and what services the police provide.

Ch Insp Dave Parker, deputy LPA commander for Slough, said: “It was a tremendous day with many visitors popping in and asking a variety of searching questions. It is quite clear to me that the community leaders are keen to play their part in community cohesion. They feel that they are treated extremely fairly in Slough, which is a really positive message for police and our public service partners.

“They are concerned that if they are unable to offer activities to the younger element of their communities then this could give rise to anti-social behaviour, which is something we are all keen to prevent. I am determined that now we have started to build a good relationship with the Somali community, we continue along this path.

“It was also pleasing for me to have another 20 PCSO application forms taken off my hands, and to be able to sign up several parents and players as potential neighbourhood action group (NAG) members. I see this as the start of something really special: it was a most rewarding day for all those involved.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Police in Slough are launching a campaign to crack down on thefts of satellite navigation systems.

The two-month long Slough campaign, to be officially launched on Monday 16 July, follows a massive rise in sat nav thefts in the area in recent months - a 79 per cent increase since 1 April.

Ch Insp Dave Parker, deputy commander for Slough police area, said: “Thefts of sat navs are a major problem in Slough, despite our best efforts to combat them. On average, 10 are stolen a day.

“Their visibility, portability and value make them a gift for opportunist thieves; but it really only takes a couple of minutes to take the sat nav and cradle with you and rub off the suction mark – we want to get people into the habit of doing this and prevent themselves becoming a victim. I want people to realise that leaving a sat nav in a car is the equivalent of leaving cash laid out on the dash-board.”

Publicity for the Slough campaign will include trailers displaying sat nav theft prevention messages travelling around the town and advertisements on the back of First buses

Slough Crime reduction advisers will visit all the major supermarkets, schools, and major car parks, including the railway station, during the launch week, to give out vehicle crime advice packs to the public. The packs are also available from the front desk at Slough police station.

Ch Insp Parker continued: “We recommend that drivers take all valuables with them – including the distinctive plastic cradles which hold many electronic devices – and wipe away marks left by suction pads.

“Leaving the support cradle or marks from suction pads behind encourages thieves to break into the car because they assume a device is hidden in the glove box.”

Slough’s crime reduction advice team urge people to take the following advice:

• Close all windows and lock the doors when you leave your car, even if it’s only for a short time.
• Don’t leave anything on display in your car, remove all parts of the system including any support cradles and suction pads fitted to the windscreen
• Clean off any marks left by the holder and pads.
• Don’t leave your sat nav in your glove compartment – it’s the first place a thief will look – instead, leave your glove compartment open to show that there is nothing inside and take the system and components with you.
• Keep a record of the make, model and serial number of the equipment. Store this somewhere safe, separately from the vehicle.
• Mark your system with your postcode and house number or vehicle registration using a special security marker such as an ultra-violet pen. This will make it difficult for thieves to sell your property and enable the police to return items to you if they are taken.
• For further information about vehicle security, please look at the Thames Valley Police website – www.thamesvalley.police.uk
• Alternatively contact the Crime Reduction Team on 0845 8 505 505

Remember – Remove it, or lose it.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Police have this evening (06/07) executed a search warrant at a pub in Langley, Slough under the Misuse of Drugs Act

Officers entered the premise around 8pm and one man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug. He is currently in police custody at Slough police station.

A number of articles have been taken for forensic analysis.

The warrant, carried out in line with Operation Falcon, involved over 40 officers and police staff from Slough, including many from specialist departments. The police drugs dogs were also used in tonight’s operation which began with a briefing to all officers at 7pm.

Insp Andy Boomer, neighbourhood inspector for Langley, Slough said: “The warrant was carried out following a number of concerns raised by members of the local community, and because we have sufficient grounds to believe that certain people have been engaging in alleged criminality at the premise.

Insp Boomer added: “I would like to thank everyone involved in today’s operation for their hard work, commitment and professionalism.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Police are appealing for witnesses after a robbery at a shop in Slough this morning (5/7).

At about 10.15am, a man walked into Ladbrokes in Bath Road, Slough near the junction with Cranbourne Road. He looked around and then left the premises.

Two other men then entered the shop. One approached the manager, who was behind the counter, and produced a firearm before demanding money. The robber fired the weapon, which made a loud noise, but no bullets were discharged.

The manager handed over an amount of cash, but the robbers then tried to break through the security door. They were unsuccessful in their attempt and ran out of the shop. The manager was not injured in the incident, but he was left shaken.

The first man to enter the premises is white, in his mid twenties, 6ft, slim, with short brown hair and an unshaven face. He was wearing a white polo shirt with red stripes and blue jeans, and spoke with an East European accent.

The man with the firearm has a dark complexion, is in his mid twenties, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins, medium build, with heavy stubble. He was wearing a blue hooded top and possibly a cap, and also spoke with a foreign accent.

The third man is also dark-skinned, in his mid twenties, about 5ft 8ins, medium build, with a long face and long nose. He was wearing a black hooded top and green cap.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, and has not yet come forward, is asked to contact Det Con Richard Jarvis in Slough CID 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

Slough residents made 347 pledges to help the environment at Slough Borough Council’s Big Green Day Out last Saturday (30 June).

One resident makes her pledgeMore than 80 residents approached the council’s cleaner, safer, greener stall to say how they would do their bit to help with the council’s newest campaign.

Out of all the possible pledges, the majority of residents (54 per cent) said they would pledge to take all their litter home with them, with reusing carrier bags being another top pledge (at 51 per cent).

Replacing light bulbs with energy saving ones was top of nearly 50 per cent of residents’ agendas and more than 1,500 bulbs were given away on the day. If all these bulbs were to be installed, it would save 37.04 tonnes of CO2 per year.

To help make homes safer, 400 carbon monoxide sensors were also given away.

Denise Alder, director of green and built environment, said: “It was a really successful event, which raised the profile of our cleaner, safer, greener campaign.

“We are still urging residents to make their pledges online.”

Residents who make a pledge will be entered into a prize draw to win £150 of vouchers for Stows Cycles or £50 gardening vouchers for Wexham Nursery.

Slough Borough Council

The Chalvey, Slough Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) held its third meeting on Wednesday 27 June in Brook House, Chalvey. The NAG has been set up to address concerns raised by people living and working in the Chalvey area of Slough.

The Slough group, which comprises residents, council officers and Thames Valley Police, is part of the roll-out of Neighbourhood Policing and will attempt to address the priorities raised by local residents, through a partnership approach.

Inspector Ken Paterson from Thames Valley Police said: “Although NAGs are a relatively new concept, the principle of community-based policing is not. It’s about getting back to basics and enabling the police and their partners to be more responsive to the needs of communities. We know that this partnership approach works in tackling the problems that matter to local people.”

Three main issues emerged from the intital consultation with Chalvey residents: fly-tipping, littering and anti-social behaviour. At the NAG meeting, the group identified a set of actions that will be taken to try to resolve these key concerns.

Will Tomkins, the Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer with Slough Borough Council, recognised that fly-tipping is a problem in the Chalvey area. He stressed the importance of residents reporting incidents to Slough Borough Council. “In order to resolve the issue of fly-tipping we need to work together, we need residents to report incidents to the Council. If we know when and where it’s happening and a description of the offenders then we will be better able to stop it. Fly-tipping is a serious offence: offenders can receive fines of up to £20,000 and/or six months' imprisonment.”

Insp Paterson added: “Our PCs and PCSOs will continue to patrol the areas identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour. In fact, within an hour of the NAG, PC Nick Bond arrested a man on suspicion of a drug-related offence at one of the locations identified by residents at the meeting. This shows how important it is for local people to help police by telling us where the problems are. We will also continue to use the designated alcohol-free zones to deal with youth disorder and other drink-related disturbances.”

The Slough Chalvey NAG is still keen to receive further information and participation from the public. You can report fly-tipping, litter and anti-social behaviour via the Together Action Line on 0845 605 2222.

Serious incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime should be reported to Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505. In an emergency, always dial 999.

The next meeting of the Chalvey NAG will be held on Wednesday 1 August at Brook House, starting at 7.30pm. For further information, please contact Nora Smith, Community Safety Project Officer, Slough Borough Council, on 01753 477 356 or Insp Ken Paterson, neighbourhood policing inspector for Slough South, on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council is being represented by two of its primary schools at the Berkshire Cricket festival, as they take part in the regional finals of the ASDA Kwik Kricket competition at Reading Cricket ground, Friday, 29 June.

The two teams, from James Elliman and Montem Primary School, will compete against 15 others from across the county for the chance to progress to the regional and then national finals.

The festival is organised by the regional cricket development manager for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the winners will be presented with their trophy by former England, International cricketer, Aftab Habib.The schools won the chance to play in the county finals after finishing first and second in their local game held at Slough Cricket Club.

Claire Thrussell, community sports officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for both teams to have reached the Berkshire final with nearly 20 teams involved in the Slough matches. James Elliman and Montem have already done extremely well to get this far.

“I would like to wish both teams the best of luck and say a special thanks to the organiser of the Slough festivals, Phil Wise, all teachers involved and club members who have made it possible for these teams to represent the town.”

Commissioner for leisure, cultural and community services, Cllr Julia Long said: “This is a great opportunity for the two schools to showcase their sporting talents at county level.

“I hope that both teams enjoy the event and I am sure that their efforts will make the borough and their schools very proud.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council will be launching its new campaign – cleaner, safer, greener Slough – at Big Green Day Out this Saturday.

To mark the launch, Slough council will be asking residents to make a pledge for a cleaner, safer, greener Slough and has come up with some ideas that they can commit to, including:

* Taking all litter home with you
* Reporting all anti-social behaviour to 0845 605 2222
* Increasing home security with an alarm or window locks
* Replacing old light bulbs with energy savings ones
* Reusing carrier bags

The idea is that if we all make one simple change it will help to make a difference and improve quality of life in the borough - not only now but in the future too.

The council is also committed to making Slough clean, safe and green and will be making its own pledges to the people of Slough.

Residents who come along to Big Green Day Out will be asked to make their pledge on the day by filling out a form with what change they will commit to and their contact details.

All pledges will be entered into a prize draw to win £150 of vouchers for Stows Cycles or £50 of gardening vouchers for Wexham Nursery.

Denise Alder, director of the green and built environment for Slough Borough Council, said: “The cleaner, safer, greener pledges are about encouraging residents to work with the council to make a difference to the environment we live in.

“Making one simple change to the way we live our lives will have an impact not only now, but in future generations."

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for Slough public protection, said: “I know our residents are proud of living in Slough, and keen to help make life even better.

“Cleaner, safer, greener is about keeping our town clean and tidy, tackling anti-social behaviour, reducing fear of crime and being greener by increasing recycling and encouraging environmentally friendly transport.

“We are asking residents to join with the council and do their bit to make this happen.”

Cleaner, safer, greener Slough is the new name for the council’s award winning Keep Slough Green and Tidy campaign which has been running since 2003. As well as keeping the town green and clean, the campaign will focus on making the town safer.

Residents who want to make a pledge and enter for the prize draw after Big Green Day Out, can make their pledge online.

The winning residents will be drawn on 1 October.

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 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 Slough 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