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Slough Borough Council will be consulting with residents on plans to improve domestic waste and recycling collections.

In May 2007, the government announced that all local authorities have to recycle 40 per cent of their waste by 2010. The current black box scheme has helped to increase Slough’s household recycling to 22 per cent, but staying with this existing system will not improve recycling rates any further. It also doesn’t allow for the recycling of plastic bottles.

The Slough council’s cabinet have made a commitment to residents that they will not look at options which include alternative weekly collections of residual waste (i.e waste that needs to go to landfill), and that this will continue to be collected weekly.

Slough Residents will be asked to consider:

* How important the kerbside collection of plastic bottles is
* Whether they would prefer for a wheelie bin for recycled materials (including plastic bottles) and for this to be collected every fortnight
* Whether they have room at their home for an extra wheelie bin for recycling
* Whether they would be prepared to separate additional materials for recycling in the future (for example, food waste and textiles)
* To have your say, pick up the October edition of Citizen, fill in the questionnaire and return freepost to the council, or log onto cleaner, safer, greener Slough after Monday 8 October.

The council’s cleaner, safer, greener team will also be out and about in the town talk to residents about the future recycling options.

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for Slough public protection, said: “The environment is a priority for the council and one of the things residents are always telling me is that they are keen to recycle more waste.

“We have been very pleased with the amount of people who have taken up recycling since the introduction of the black box recycling scheme, and have seen increases in recycling rates year on year.

“Recycling is a vital part of the effort to conserve energy and resources and fight climate change, and we need to improve our recycling scheme to help with this. We also need to target those residents who, for whatever reasons, don’t recycle, and encourage them to start doing so.

“The cleaner, safer, greener campaign is helping to educate residents about the benefits of recycling and being greener to help the environment, and we have recently had a team out and about visiting residents and explaining how to recycle waste properly.”

Nigel Dicker, head of Slough environmental services, said: “This consultation will be about finding out about what residents would prefer see in their recycling collections in the future.

“The aim is to make recycling as easy and hassle free as possible, so we can improve on our recycling targets, so it is vital that residents come back to us with their views.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s youth offending team (YOT), in partnership with St Andrews Church in Cippenham, will be opening up an exciting new youth cafe on October 2.

The launch of the Slough cafe, to be situated in St Andrews Shared Church in a non religious capacity, will be from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, but open for business every Tuesday from October 9 at 4pm to 5:30pm for eight to 13 year olds and 6pm to 8pm for 14 to 16 year olds.

The project aims to offer provisions for groups of young people between the ages of eight to 16 who want to make a contribution to their community.

It will be a place where young people can meet to relax and participate in positive activities, be encouraged with personal growth and offer continued support through interactive music, dance, sports and drama sessions.

Commissioner for young people’s services, Slough Cllr Sean Wright, said: “The new cafe will be a great place for young people in Cippenham to relax in and make new friends.

“It will also give them a place where they can go and learn new ideas and skills in a safe environment.”

Babita Gill, education worker and Rene Baron, preventative case manager for the YOT, added: “We are looking to engage young people who want to make a contribution to their community.

“The cafe will enable them to meet new people and to take part in the many activities we will be organising for them.

“The idea is to give them a base from where they can learn new skills and, in turn, respect their community and take part in keeping it a great place to be.”

The young people will also be given the chance to name their new cafe on the open day.

If anyone would like more information, please contact Babita Gill or Rene Baron on 01753 522702.

Slough Borough Council

Construction work has begun on transforming Slough’s High Street.

Slough Borough Council’s Art at the Centre project team, and lead commissioners for the project, Cllr Dexter Smith and Cllr Julia Long, will be lifting the first paving slab on Monday, 24th September, to mark the beginning of construction work.

The aim of the Art at the Slough Centre project is to physically improve the High Street and create a more inviting place for people to live, work, shop and visit.

The £6million project will create an enhanced shopping area, a safer High Street and better transport accessibility for all users of the town, along with unique lighting, paving, seating and colourful artwork.

Residents have had their input along the way by having their say on potential designs and layouts, which led to the council appointing designers Allen Scott Ltd, consulting engineers Waterman’s Civils and a group of artists in 2005.

The project is expected to be completed in December 2008.

Cllr Dexter Smith, commissioner for Slough planning and transport, said: “This is very exciting. It will be great to see the plans coming off paper and being put into place on a larger scale.

”The Art at the Centre project is all about creating an inviting place residents and visitors, and I hope they will enjoy their new High Street for many years to come.

“It’s also about creating a High Street with a difference so that it is unique from every other High Street in Britain, putting Slough on the map and getting people talking.”

Roger Kirkham, Art at the Centre project manager, said: “I am really looking forward to seeing the new High Street take shape. The lifting of the first paving slab will really make this project a reality, and it will be particularly interesting to see the public art pieces as they go in over the next year.”

Slough Borough Council.

Slough Borough Council’s central library will be welcoming an inspiring, award nominated author to Slough for a special talk and book signing on October 6 at 1pm.

Marilyn Heward Mills was nominated for her debut book, Cloth Girl, by Costa First Novel Awards last December and the paperback has received rapturous applause from critics.

Ms Mills was born in Switzerland to a Swiss mother and a Ghanaian father, but lived in Ghana until the age of 19.

Her novel is a vivid, atmospheric story of her home country before and after the Second World War which saw its traditional society move optimistically towards independence.

Marilyn draws on her own experiences for the book to convey the vibrant colours and powerful African sun, and above all, the strong contrasts between her characters whose lives were defined by the events of these years.

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for leisure, cultural and community services, added: “We are very pleased to have someone as talented as Marilyn coming to Slough Library.

“I think it’s very important for people to meet authors and find out the background to the books and ask any questions they may have.

“Reading is such an important part of life. Not only in an educational sense, but it can bring so much joy to people’s lives.”

Haneeza Aslam, senior librarian at Slough Library, said: “We’re all looking forward to meeting Marilyn and hearing her talk about her book. She’s a very talented author, so don’t miss this wonderful opportunity.

“Please contact Slough Library on 01753 787526, by email library@slough.gov.uk or in person to get a ticket. It’s free to attend, but places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.”

Marilyn said of her book,: “I wanted to show the rich humanity of Ghanaians; that behind the big headlines, there are ordinary people in Africa who experience love and pain, humour and tragedy in much the same way as over here in the UK.

“I am very much looking forward to coming to Slough and sharing my book and experiences.”

Marilyn started writing her novel in 2002 and aims to write most days. She lives in Dulwich with her husband and two children.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council will be launching its new Catering for Health Awards initiative at its Slough Safe Food Awards ceremony on September 27.

The awards ceremony praises eateries for their high standards of hygiene and food safety.

The new initiative will give recognition to catering companies in Slough who offer residents healthier meals by reducing ingredients, such as salt, fat and sugar.

Only the eateries in the Slough borough who have gained a Food Safety Award can enter into the new initiative. For more information log onto the food inspection website and the new Catering for Health certificate will help to boost a business’ reputation.

To apply, catering companies have to look closely at their menus and cooking methods and see how they can maximise the use of fruit, vegetables and starchy foods (breads, pasta, rice and potatoes).

They also need to look at how they can reduce ingredients which they don’t necessarily need, such as fat, sugar and or salt.

To help with this, the council has produced a checklist for businesses, who in turn, cross off the points relevant to them and send it back to the council to be considered for the award.

Commissioner for public protection, Slough Cllr John Edwards, said “As a council which is concerned for the well-being of local residents, we want it to be easy for people to know where they can eat healthy food.

“Businesses that receive one of these awards will be able to show that they are not only a safe and hygienic establishment, but that they offer healthy meals, too.

“The new Catering for Health initiative is a great incentive for eateries to start looking at the ingredients they use in their recipes – and develop their reputation as a super place to eat.”

“Not only will it promote healthier eating for residents, but it should also boost business as so many people these days are becoming more aware of the importance of a healthy diet.

“Many would like the option to have healthier meals and add their own salt and sugar, rather than having it added without their knowledge.

“We are not suggesting that eateries cook completely differently than they normally do, just cut back on certain ingredients and allow customers to make their own choice.”

Slough Borough Council

Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, will be the guest of honour at Langley Grammar School, Slough on September 28 to officially open the new state-of-the-art sixth form centre.

During her visit, the Princess Royal will meet the Mayor of Slough, Rashad Butt, before being treated to a tour of the school and entertainment from its students.

She will firstly visit the sports centre and be introduced to the schools assistant head, Paul Adams, who will take her on a guided tour of the sports hall.

All the children and teachers will line the Princess Royal’s route as she walks around the building and she will have the chance to watch students playing netball and tennis on the sports courts.

Parlaunt Park Primary School’s choir will be on hand singing in the courtyard, and pupils will have a chance to talk to Her Royal Highness.

Once in the new sixth form building, which cost £2.75 million to build, a fanfare will play and the Princess Royal will meet the schools head boy and girl, Peter Knowles and Chandni Nakum.

They will show her around the classrooms and common room, before she is seated in the lecture theatre for the unveiling of a special plaque to officially open the centre.

Commissioner for education and children’s services, Slough Cllr David Munkley, added: “The Princess Royal’s visit is very exciting, both for the pupils and for everyone involved in the design and construction of the new sixth form centre.

“All the students and teachers have been working hard to make sure the day will be full of fun and entertainment.

“I personally am very proud of the achievements of Slough’s young people and schools, and I have no doubt that the Princess Royal will be very impressed by the students and teachers that she meets.”

Head teacher for Langley Grammar, Hilda Clarke, said of the pending royal visit: “We are very honoured to have the Princess Royal take the time to come and open our fantastic new sixth form centre.

“The children are all excited about the visit and I can’t wait for everyone to see the new building. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

Slough Borough Council

People 1st (Slough)’s rent recovery team are offering help and advice to those tenants who are finding paying their rent difficult, and are urging them not to suffer in silence.

Slough Tenants who do not pay their rent, run the risk of losing their home and the recovery team have already had the unfortunate task of carrying out 14 evictions since April 2007.

People 1st Slough recognises that some tenants have problems with debt management and want to do all they can to support anyone who may be struggling to pay their rent.

Therefore, they are currently holding special surgeries where an experienced rent recovery officer can assist and advise them.

They can also refer tenants to an independent supporting agency, such as Debt and Welfare Advice, Citizen Advice Bureau, REAP Resettlement Agency, Age Concern or Shelter.

The dates and venues of the surgeries are:

* Britwell Talk Shop on Mondays from 10am to 12 noon, every four weeks: 8th October, 5th November and 3rd December 2007.
* Cippenham Library on Fridays from 10am to 12 noon, every four weeks: 12th October, 9th November and 7th December 2007.
* Chalvey, Common room, Brook House, corner of Spackmans Way and High Street Chalvey on Fridays from 10am to 12 noon, every four weeks: 28th September, 26th October, 23rd November and 21st December 2007

Commissioner for Slough housing, Cllr Tony Haines, added: “It can be very difficult for some tenants to pay their rent as well as other bills, so these surgeries could be just the key to helping them balance the books.

“People 1st aren’t here to judge anyone and genuinely want to help those who are struggling to pay their rent. It’s not fun being evicted and we want to stop this happening to as many people as possible.”

Juliet James-Lionel, head of housing for People 1st (Slough), said: “We know many tenants struggle to pay rent because they have so many other bills to pay.

“Some tenants feel that making occasional payments to everyone chasing them is enough, but often it isn’t.

“We really want people to work with us as they will be surprised at how much our team are able to help and tenants will gain a new understanding of the best approach to paying their debts.”

Residents can also go to resident advisors at MyCouncil in Slough High Street and Britwell Talk Shop in Wentworth Avenue.

They can also contact the rent recovery team on 01753 875491/2 or email rentrecovery@people1stslough.co.uk.

Slough Borough Council

People 1st would like to commend two Slough members of staff for their immense bravery in apprehending a burglar who targeted an elderly resident in Cippenham in June.

Simon Brien and Salim Hamadiche were carrying out their daily Slough caretaking duties when they noticed a suspicious person in the hallways of the flats they were working in. When they asked the stranger who he was visiting, the man made a quick exit.

Unbeknown to the two estate services officers, the man had tried to force his way into an elderly lady’s home minutes before.

The resident was clearly concerned by the attempted burglary, but felt reassured once she knew that Simon and Salim were in the area. Moments later, however, the burglar, Thomas Doherty, returned and this time gained access to another resident’s home.

But Simon and Salim were quick to react when the tenant notified them that the perpetrator has broken into her home and stolen her handbag. The two community wardens caught the intruder, who was later arrested when police arrived.

Thomas Doherty pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and was sentenced to three years in prison at Reading Crown Court last Thursday (13/9).

Commissioner for public protection, Slough Cllr John Edwards, said: “I cannot commend Simon and Salim enough for their selfless actions in catching the burglar.

“It never ceases to amaze me how some people can commit these kinds of crimes without a thought for their victims who are often left shaken and scared in their own homes.

“I am extremely relieved that both men had the sense to question the burglar in the first place and were there in time to catch him.”

Andrew Billany, chief executive for People 1st (Slough), said: “All credit to Simon and Salim. Their actions illustrate the valuable work of our estate services team and how they help to maintain safe neighbourhoods and strong communities”.

Det Sgt Paul Quinton, the priority crime team for Thames Valley Police, said: “We would like to thank Simon and Salim for their quick thinking. Without them, it may have taken more time to find the man and arrest him.

“Doherty’s sentence reflects the fact that burglary is one of Thames Valley Police’s crime priorities.

“I would advise all elderly residents not to open the door unless you are 100 per cent sure about the person on the other side of it. Use a substantial door chain, and if you don’t have one then don’t open the door at all. If you are concerned then call the police on 999."

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council would like to say a big thank you to residents who have made a pledge for a cleaner, safer, greener Slough.

To date, 1,049 pledges have been made by Slough residents who have vowed to make at least one small change to their everyday lifestyle, helping us make a big difference to our local and global environment.

The council has been asking Slough residents to make a pledge as part of its cleaner, safer, greener Slough campaign, and has been talking to residents about the benefits of being environmentally friendly at a series of road shows throughout the town.

The top five things that residents have pledged to do are:

* Take litter home with them
* Replace old light bulbs with energy saving ones
* Use less and re-use old carrier bags
* Recycle more of the right things more often
* Not drop chewing gum on the pavement

All residents who have made a pledge have been entered into a prize draw to win £150 of Stows Cycles vouchers, or £50 of gardening vouchers to spend at Wexham Nursery.

If you haven’t made a pledge, there’s still time to enter. Log onto the cleaner safer greener page on the Slough Borough website and enter online. The winning resident will be drawn on October 1.

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for public protection, said: “This is a fantastic response to the campaign. 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, and we have already taken big steps towards tackling anti-social behaviour, increasing recycling, and keeping the streets cleaner.

“Although we do our best, the council can’t do everything. Individuals have a key role to play in helping to make Slough an even better place to live, and I’d like to publicly thank the residents who have pledged to do their bit.

“If you haven’t already signed up, please join us by promising to take some small actions that will help make a big difference.”

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. “

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.

Slough Borough Council

To mark the launch of a new photographic book celebrating Slough’s allotments, the West Wing is staging a special exhibition on September 20, with images from the publication.

The month long Slough display features photographs taken from the recently released Hidden Gems book. It aims to show how allotments have grown in popularity over recent years and celebrates peoples’ enthusiasm for them.

Social photographer, Malcolm Glover, was commissioned to document allotment holders in four out of Slough’s 13 council allotments. Alongside Malcolm, arts development training and development assistant, Gurjeet Kaur, interviewed plot holders to try and find out more about their passion for their allotments.

Gurjeet said: “It was really interesting to meet such a diverse community of people and to find out what it is that brings them to the allotments.

“The book highlights the fact that people from all walks of life are getting involved and that they have a real sense of pride in their plots.”

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for leisure, cultural and community services, said: “I think the hidden gems project is a great idea. It is wonderful to see our community involved and getting their fingers green.”

Alongside the book’s release, the council’s arts development and allotments teams are inviting budding photographers to send in their eye catching pictures of Slough’s green spaces. The winners will not only receive a copy of the book, but will also get their image turned into a postcard.

People can enter the competition by emailing their photos to artsinfo@slough.gov.uk or by sending them to Arts Development Team, Slough Borough Council, 1st Floor Annexe, Wellington House, Slough, SL1 3UQ.

Please label all photographs with your name and address. If you would like your photographs returned, please enclose a self addressed envelope.

The closing date for entries is 13 November 2007 and the exhibition will run until 13 October.

Slough Borough Council

Elderly residents have been invited by Slough Borough Council’s trading standard’s team to a special musical to raise awareness of bogus traders.

The Slough show, Tricksters, will be performed on the 18th September by three professional actors presenting an energetic live story-telling event with music from the 1960’s.

Based on true stories, one of the characters, Sydney, becomes a victim of a rogue tarmac tradesman, while Mary thinks she’s won a holiday of a lifetime.

It was created to raise awareness of misleading prize draw lotteries, premium-rate promotions, psychic mailings and miracle health cures and to encourage people to report scams.

This show is developed through co-operation with Slough Borough Council trading standards, Thames Valley Police and Age Concern.

Keith Eaglestone, trading standards manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “We want to warn elderly residents of bogus traders and companies and offer them simple ways of combating these conmen.

“This show does just that. We did a similar performance last year at Age Concern and it was well received.

“A majority of the audience said they would contact trading standards if they had a problem in the future.”

Commissioner for public safety, Slough Cllr John Edwards, added: “It is vital that our elderly and vulnerable residents in the borough are made aware of scams and bogus traders.

“It’s heartbreaking to hear of the elderly being ripped-off by callous people posing as legitimate traders.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Canal Festival 2007 was a successful event, enjoyed not only by the people of Slough, but also from outside of the borough too. It raised over £850 from people making donations for the activities they took part in, which will go towards the Mayor of Slough’s charities.Enjoying a smooth sail in Slough

On the weekend of 8 and 9 September, Slough was transformed into the countryside next to the Slough Canal in Bloom Park, Middlegreen Road, which hosted approximately 2000 visitors over the weekend. Two boats provided short and long trips for both days, which proved very popular with tickets going as soon as they were available.

Children were delighted as they watched the ferrets antics racing in the tubes to reach the finish line, as well as the pony rides. “One little girl always wanted a pony ride, and because of this event she got her wish,” reported the events manager, Susan Duncan.

There were Slough children’s workshops in the play marquee such as, canal art and circus skills. Other activities included bouncy castle, trampolines, climbing wall, balloon modelling, face painters and Punch and Judy shows. A small funfair and static steam engines were nearby, all attracting audiences.
Happy with his catch!

The Environment Agency based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire was on hand with all kinds of advice and fishing lessons by experienced fishermen. Over 100 children took advantage of this activity, with many coming back for a second go. Matt Hart, technical officer in the fisheries section of the Environment Agency was extremely happy with the amount of children interested in the fishing lessons. He said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the response we had received and are looking forward to next year’s event!”

The Eagle Claw Association from Maidenhead, Berkshire, who have people from the Slough surrounding areas, performed Kung Fu demonstrations and a Lion dance to the amazement of the crowds.

Charities and arts & crafts stalls were positioned in the L shaped marquee filled with something for everyone. One member of the public commented that it would have been nice to have a lot more charities in the Arts and Crafts marquee, reported the events manager. The events team will be looking into attracting more charities for future Canal Festival events.
Spud the Dulux dog always popular with the children

Sunday saw the appearance of Spud, the Dulux dog. The children swarmed around him all waiting to stroke and talk to him said the events manager and added: “This very popular annual event attracted over 2,000 visitors over the 2 days. Sun, straw bales, boat trips, pony rides, ice cream and so much more made this year’s event very enjoyable and as another member of the public said, a truly relaxing day.”

The Slough Canal Festival is sponsored by ICI and supported by Inland Waterways.

If you are a charity organisation and are interested in having a stand in any future Canal Festivals then please contact Susan Duncan on (01753) 875571.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team, along with Thames Valley Police, have been visiting banks and building societies to educate staff about the dangers of vulnerable people being financially exploited by bogus callers.

A special training leaflet has also been sent to bank and building society staff, which will help in highlighting the problem of bogus callers accompanying people to banks and getting them to hand over money from their accounts.

Another leaflet has been produced, for Slough residents, outlining steps people should go through when they get an unknown trader or workman at their door. The ‘are you easily distracted’ booklet warns people to avoid being caught out by workmen who overcharge for services and distraction burglars who try to trick people letting them into their homes.

Before opening your door to a stranger, you should always:

* Ask yourself if you are expecting anyone to call.
* If you have a chain on your door put it on.
* If they have arrived in a vehicle does it have clearly marked company lettering?
* Ask for their identification, if you still have doubts then you can get their office or workplace number from the phone book, to check that they do work for the organisation they say.
* If you are still unsure of their identity, refuse them entry into your home.

Angela Satterly, principal trading standards officer with Slough Borough Council, said: “I hope this campaign will encourage vulnerable and elderly people to feel more confident and safe.

“People should be aware that these bogus callers pretend to represent recognised organisations, such as the water board or utility companies, so people should always be alert when unexpected callers show up.”

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for Slough public protection, said: “I would urge people to be vigilant and for everyone in the community to be on the look out for anyone they think is suspicious.

“If we join together we can stop these people preying on vulnerable people in our community.”

The leaflet will be available at banks, building societies, police enquiry office, the council’s customer service centre and Age Concern shops.

Slough Borough Council

Parents of children leaving primary school in summer 2008 can now apply for secondary school places online through Slough Borough Council’s website.

Instead of filling in a Slough form with up to six preferences of schools for their children, the whole process can be completed over the internet and parents can track the progress of their application and make changes, all without completing another form.

The new Slough scheme relates to applications to all secondary schools both in Slough and other local authorities. Parents wishing to apply for any of the four Slough grammar schools will still need to register to sit the 11+ directly with the schools but the school should also be listed on the online common application form.

Ven Miller, Slough Borough Council’s schools admissions and access manager, said: “Applying online has lots of benefits for parents. You can apply seven days a week at any time of the day, there is no risk of forms being lost in the post and they can change their applications right up to the closing date of midnight on the 19 October 2007, with no problems.

“And if anyone has any difficulties with the online system we are quite happy to take them through the process step by step, either in person or over the phone.”

All Slough primary school parents will be getting the parents’ guide for transferring to a Slough secondary school shortly, and if they require it, a paper application in October.

Parents applying for a place in reception at a primary or infant school will also be able to do it online from January 2008.

Councillor David Munkley, commissioner for education and children services, said: “The aim of the online admissions system is to make it easier for parents to choose schools and make changes to their applications without the endless form-filling.

“With an increasing number of families having internet access and free access available at our libraries, I hope that many parents will be able to take up this online service.”

Anyone wanting more information or help with the service can contact the admissions team on 01753 875728 between 1pm to 4.30pm, e-mail admissionshelpline@slough.gov.uk or log onto the Admissions page.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council has received more than £933,000 of business growth funding after winning a High Court battle with the Government.

The council believed it had been denied more than £800,000 in business growth money following new businesses locating in the town in 2005.

Slough council took the case to the High Court following the construction of two new businesses in Slough – Tesco Extra on Wellington St, and the Royal Mail sorting office in Colnbrook.

The council collected extra business rates for these businesses and handed them to the government.

Under the Local Area Business Growth Incentive Scheme (LABGI), which was introduced in 2005/6, the council was due to receive a percentage of the extra business rates collected because it had encouraged business growth in the town.

However, Slough council was denied this money as the government concluded that both new businesses were merely an extension of an existing building.

This was despite the fact that Tesco had demolished its old store and re-built the ninth largest Tesco in Europe (including nine small shops inside), and the Royal Mail sorting office being a brand new building on a new site.

Both Tesco and Royal Mail generated additional and substantial amounts of business tax which went straight to the government, with no benefits for Slough.

The High Court judgement which was published on July 31 ordered the funds to be paid to Slough, and said the Department for Communities and Local Government’s (DCLG) case was ‘hopeless’.

Cllr Richard Stokes, leader of Slough Borough Council, said: “We are delighted that we have received more than we expected. This is money that Slough’s residents and businesses should have benefited from and were denied.

“With the old Tesco, we collected £2million in business rates which went straight to the Government. The new store and its nine shops generated £3.9million in business tax (almost double) which again went straight to the government, denying Slough of the business growth money it deserved and rightfully should have had.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s Art at the Centre project will soon be a reality as construction work will begin on revitalising Slough High Street early in October.

The council has appointed construction firm, Accord Operations Limited, to start changing the face of the High Street and create a more inviting place for people to live, work, shop and visit.

The £6million Slough project will create an enhanced shopping area, a safer High Street and create better transport accessibility for all users of the town along with unique lighting, paving, seating and colourful artwork.

Residents have had their input along the way by having their say on potential designs and layouts, which led to the council appointing designers Allen Scott Ltd, consulting engineers Waterman’s Civils and a group of artists in 2005.

Public consultation results showed their designs were preferred by most residents who took part.

The council is keen to minimise any disruption and will phase the construction work to keep the High Street open for business at all times. It will also be limited over the Christmas period to ensure that trading is not affected.

Roger Kirkham, Art at the Centre project manager, said: “It is a fantastic feeling knowing we have reached this point and that work is about to begin. The scheme will completely transform the High Street with many new attractive features.

“This will give a great boost to the town centre and help people enjoy their visits.”

Cllr Dexter Smith, commissioner for Slough planning and transport, said: “This is such an exciting time for Slough. The High Street will be transformed into something very special and unlike any other place in the country.

“We have had some of the best artists working on the project and their ideas have been fantastic.

“I hope the residents and visitors of Slough will be very happy with the results.”

Slough Borough Council

An ambitious plan to build new Slough family homes got under way on Wednesday 5 September with the demolition of an old garage site in Cippenham.

The Slough Borough Council scheme, in cooperation with Home Group, will see the garages knocked down and replaced by housing which will be available to rent by families on low incomes.

All the homes will be built to high environmental standards and will achieve a ‘very good’ eco-homes rating.

The garage sites were identified by the council as areas where affordable housing could be built. In recent years the garages have become areas where residents are concerned about vandalism and other anti social behaviour taking place.

Jeremy Walter, housing strategy manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “Over recent years most of the affordable homes provided by developers have been flats.

“It’s great that through our partnership with Home Group we will be able offer more families the chance of living in a better home.

Cllr Tony Haines, commissioner for Slough housing, said: “With this project we are making a real a commitment to creating better housing for everyone in Slough and providing greater choices over family accommodation.”

Over the next five years the council hopes to build at least 50 family homes on its former garage sites. The rents for the new homes will vary from £106 per week for a three bedroom house to £123 per week for a four bedroom house.

Slough Borough Council

Slough’s trading standards team is clamping down on the sale of child appealing novelty cigarette lighters.

Trading standards officers are working with retailers and members of the public to advise them about the dangers of children getting access to these lighters. New lighters manufactured or imported must not be made appealing to young children and they must also be made child resistant.

A number of differently designed lighters have been discovered by Slough trading standards officers, including ones shaped as a guitar, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a mobile phone, a t– shirt, a can of tuna and a pig character. The lighters were discovered during a number of checks on retailers in the borough over the last couple of months.

More checks of retailers are planned for the future to ensure that by March 2008 only child resistant lighters are stocked and that no child appealing lighters are on sale.

Keith Eaglestone, Slough trading standards manager, said: “These lighters pose a real danger to children and we will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that children are not at risk.

“If anyone knows of any retailers selling these lighters then we urge them to get in contact with the trading standards team.”

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for public protection, said: “I am surprised that such dangerous items could be sold and it is important that we work hard to stop them becoming available to children.

“However I am pleased that many of our local traders have recognised this hazard and removed them from sale straight away.”

Jim Godwin, from the Royal Berkshire Fire Service, said: “We are well aware of the tragedies that can result from children playing with fire.

“If you have these or any similar child appealing lighters at home, we urge you to dispose of them safely now, before any accidents happen.”

If anyone is aware of any premises selling these lighters, has any concerns or requires advice about them, please contact Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team on 01753 875255.

Slough Borough Council

Calling all water lovers, Slough Borough Council’s Canal festival is returning to Bloom Park, Langley on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September.

One of the highlights of the two day Slough event is going to be the display from the fantastic Eagle Claw martial arts group. Not to be outdone though, the lion race and dragon dance will also be performing on the main stage to fire up the imagination.

There are boat trips on both days and pony rides for younger children and everyone will be fascinated by the display of ferret and terrier racing.

People will also be able to try their hand at fishing, thanks to the Slough environment agency, while the more energetic can have a go on the trampoline and climbing wall. Children will have the chance to create their own special piece of canal art at a series of workshops on Saturday.

Entertainment will last all weekend long with a marquee packed full of arts and crafts stalls, along with a refreshment tent. There will be no excuses for not getting into the party rhythm with performances from samba and steel bands.

Susan Duncan, events manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “It’s a great weekend by the water with lots to see and do. We always have at least 30 boats there for people to see and they are always beautifully decorated.

“With boat trips as well, this event celebrates all that is great about being by the canal.”

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for Slough leisure, cultural and community services, said: “People always have fun at this event and I am sure that this year’s festival will be no exception.

“I think it’s a fantastic weekend and a great chance for families to come together.”

The festival is sponsored by ICI and supported by Inland Waterways. Entrance to the festival is free and gates are open from 11am to 5pm on both days.

For more information contact Slough Borough Council’s events team on 01753 875571 or see the Canal Festival page.

The activities over the weekend include:

* Boat trips
* Pony rides
* Trampoline
* Racing terriers (Sunday)
* Kung Fu demonstration
* Lion dance (Saturday)
* Dragon dance (Sunday)
* Sambruka dance group (Saturday)
* Steel band (Sunday)
* Activity and canal painting workshops
* Bouncy castle
* Face painters
* Childrens fun rides
* Arts and craft stalls
* Balloon modelling
* Henna painting
* Face painters
* Childrens fun rides
* Arts and craft stalls
* Balloon modelling
* Henna painting
* Dulux dog appearance (Sunday)
* Steam engines
* Ferrets
* Climbing wall (Saturday)
* Trampoline (Saturday)
* Inland waterways
* Festival marquee

Slough Borough Council

Carers are celebrating the illustrious career of a colleague, who has worked for Slough Borough Council’s for an amazing 34 years.

Shirley Evans, who started work as a Slough Home Carer in 1973, has improved the lives of hundreds of Slough’s elderly residents.

Shirley, 69, has witnessed many changes to her job and not just the people she works with. When she started people still had coal fires which needed keeping, but more recently Shirley is more likely to look after people’s personal wellbeing.

She said: “Time has flown since I first started work, it doesn’t feel that long to me, I think if you enjoy your job it makes all the difference.

“I think what has kept me going is the people I care for, I have met so many interesting characters throughout the years and there has never been a dull moment.

Up till recently Shirley even rode her bike to visit Slough clients and only stopped because she started to travel to homes with a colleague. Shirley’s daughter was that impressed by her mum that she decided to follow in her footsteps and now works in home care management at the council.

Vicky Cooper, head of service for older people and disability, said: “Shirley has been a fantastic carer, she has time for everyone and I think that is why she is liked so much by clients and colleagues alike.

“I would like to thank Shirley for the huge contribution she has made to the community and I wish her a happy retirement.”

Commissioner for social care, Cllr Derek Cryer, said: “I think what Shirley has achieved is amazing and I would like to praise the continued dedication she has showed during her career.

“I think that I speak for everyone in the council in saying that we are very grateful for all her work.”

Shirley hopes to be able to spend more time with her family in the future but feels it wont be easy to say goodbye to the job, she said: “I am looking forward to retiring but I will still miss everyone I have worked with and all the people I have cared for.

“What I am looking forward to the most is spending time with my new great-grand daughter.”

Slough Borough Council

People were getting down to a funky groove at the West Wing last weekend as dance students from Slough displayed their talents alongside other performers and DJs.

The hip hop and street dancing event included a number of different groups performing routines and holding skills workshops.

Slough Creative Academy’s foundation degree student Kevin Condliffe led his own dance company Muddy Icon. Another highlight was a performance from Brazilian influenced group, Capoeria UK.

The music theme ran through the entire day with people who came along having the chance to enter into a competition to win an Ipod.

George Kirkham, director of Slough Creative Academy, feels the event was a perfect way to celebrate the achievements of Slough’s dance students. He said: “I am really proud of all of our performance students, the event was an ideal platform for them to highlight their talents.

“I hope that some of the people who came along will be inspired, and see that dance is something that they can get involved with too.”

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for leisure, cultural and community services, said: “This event was a good reflection of the creative ability our young people have.

“It’s great that we can stage events like this giving people the chance to see something a little different.”

The day was organised by the Britwell Youth Project and the Slough Young People’s Centre.

Slough Borough Council

A Cippenham, Slough pensioner has been left with a broken arm and hip after youths robbed her this afternoon (31/8).

The 85-year-old woman was walking home along Barnfield and had reached the junction with Moreton Way, having just done some shopping at the Somerfield store in Elmshott Lane, when she was approached from behind.

Although the victim is confused about what happened, she has told Slough detectives that two youths grabbed her shoulder and swung her around causing her to fall to the floor. They then stole her shopping bag and rode off on bikes.

The bag, which is black with mauve flowers on the side, contained her purse, keys and a small amount of shopping she had just bought.

The elderly woman was rushed by ambulance to Wexham Park Hospital suffering from a broken hip and arm. Her condition is described as serious but stable and she is likely to have to remain in hospital for some time.

Det Sgt Lisa Everard, from Slough CID, said: “These youths targeted a vulnerable local pensioner. She has been badly injured, and all for what may amount to a few pounds and a bit of shopping.

“We have seized CCTV tapes from the supermarket to establish whether the offenders followed her from the store and would appeal for anyone who saw the woman and the offenders in either Elmshott Lane or Barnfield at about 1.30pm, or knows where the bag is, to contact us.”

The offenders are male, possibly in their late teens, with fair hair and they were on bikes. The victim is white, 5ft, slim with dark golden hair and was wearing a grey suit jacket with a light-coloured blouse and a dark grey knee-length skirt.

Slough Det Sgt Everard added: “The woman was walking home and had just reached the Barnfield junction with Moreton Way. I’m hoping that as this incident happened in a residential area in the middle of the day someone saw something.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Slough CID, via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre, on 0845 8 505 505. Callers who don’t want to talk to police and don’t want to give their name, can call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough