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After a successful summer Slough library’s ‘Saturday Sofa Club’ returns to offer more free advice for people who want to quit smoking.

As well as information about giving up cigarettes, Slough people will be able to find out about the alcohol and drug support services available.

Health activists are on hand at the library, until the 24th November, to talk confidentially about any issues surrounding drugs, alcohol or smoking.

People can either pop in to speak to an adviser or book for a longer appointment. The club is open from 10am to 3pm every Saturday.

Tracy Briggs, family librarian for Slough Borough Council, said: “I think last time the club was so popular because it was informal and the advisors were really supportive.

“It can be daunting talking about any health issues, but with the club people can just pop in and get the advice they want.”

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for Slough leisure, cultural and community services, said: “We are working hard to make Slough a healthy and happy place.

“Initiatives like this are crucial in giving people the help they need to kick the habit and talk about health issues in a relaxed environment.

She added: “As an ex-smoker, I realise how difficult it can be to give up. Now that the smoking ban has come into force, more people are thinking about quitting and I hope the scheme is as successful as the last Saturday Club was.”

For more information, please contact Tracy Briggs on 01753 787526.

Slough Borough Council

Teenagers from Manor Park ran rings around Slough police officers last night (24/10) at a community football match.

The talented youngsters beat officers from the Slough North neighbourhood policing team 19-16 in a fast-paced game.

Held between 6pm and 7pm at the indoor sports hall at Herschel Grammar School, the five-a-side football game was the first of its kind in Manor Park.

Slough Neighbourhood Sergeant Liam Nairn, who acted as referee, said: “The match was played in a friendly atmosphere, with a good turnout of supporters from both sides.

“I would like to thank Herschel Grammar School for letting us use their facilities, as well as all those who took part in the game.

“We organised it to help bring about closer contact between neighbourhood officers and local people. The youngsters enjoyed themselves and we hope to have more matches in future, possibly once a month.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Two public meetings are being held to launch neighbourhood policing in Haymill, Slough.

The new style of Slough community policing will be introduced to residents at an open meeting on Monday 29 October at the Red Bricks Community Centre in Pevensey Road, starting at 7pm.

There will be a second open meeting at 7pm on Wednesday 7 November at the Haymill Community Centre in Burnham Lane, Slough.

Sgt Tony Welch, Slough neighbourhood sergeant for Haymill, said: “I will be introducing members of the Haymill policing team, including neighbourhood specialist officer PC Jay Newell and newly appointed Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Sahadia Javed and Anita-Marie Kennedy.

“Representatives of our partner agencies, People 1st housing and Slough Borough Council, will also be on hand to speak to residents.

“The meetings will start with a presentation on what neighbourhood policing is all about, followed by questions. We will then invite the audience to write down the three most important things they would like the partners to do to improve the quality of life in Haymill.

“Finally, we will be asking people to volunteer or think about being part of the Haymill neighbourhood action group (NAG). It will be this group that steers neighbourhood policing and decides the three priorities based on feedback provided by residents at the open meetings.

“We hope that as many people as possible will come along to meet their neighbourhood policing team and find out about how they can get involved in this new initiative.”

The neighbourhood policing team for Haymill comprises:

Insp Jon Goosey
Sgt Tony Welch
PC Jay Knewell (Neighbourhood Specialist Officer)
PCSO Sahadia Javed
PCSO Anita-Marie Kennedy

All the officers can be contacted via the single non-emergency number: 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Last week saw the launch of the Berkshire STEP Awards at Maidenhead Town Hall. STEP stands for School Travel Excellence Programme and is an initiative which has been developed in partnership by the six Berkshire unitary authorities. STEP rewards local Slough schools for their sustainable travel achievements through an annual award scheme.

STEP was launched on Wednesday 17 October with the event attended by over 50 Berkshire nursery, primary, secondary and Special Educational Needs schools

The scheme has been set up to reward schools for their continuous achievement and sustained effort in the area of School Travel Plans. The Department of Transport has set all English local authorities the target for all their schools to have developed a fully approved Travel Plan by 2010. By encouraging pupils to travel to school by modes other than being driven, School Travel Plans reduce the congestion caused by the school run on local roads, improve road safety and benefit pupils’ health and the environment. The STEPs programme gives another incentive to all schools to get their Travel Plan up and running!

School travel advisor for Slough Borough Council, Jennie File said “We were aware of the huge success that other local authorities have had with their excellence programmes for School Travel Plans and we thought is was about time that the schools in Berkshire had something that rewarded all their hard work.”

Logo for Berkshire STEPThe event saw speakers from OFSTED, Living Streets (the organisation behind Work to School Weeks) and Bright Kids. The region’s school travel advisors presented practical advice on how to develop a Travel Plan, the benefits they can deliver and how to get involved in the STEP awards. The climax to the event was the unveiling of the new STEPs logo. The winning designer was from West Berkshire won a brand new bicycle for her artistic talents, courtesy of AW Cycles, Reading.

The first annual STEPs awards will take place in October 2008 with all schools in Berkshire, which have an approved Travel Plan in place, able to enter. STEPs packs will be sent out to all schools before Christmas which will contain details on how to enter and the awards that will be available. In the meantime if your school is interested in entering or would like more information on School Travel Plans please contact Jennie File on 01372 756558.

Slough Borough Council

The next phase of neighbourhood policing in Slough is due to go live next week in Kedermister.

The new style of community policing will be introduced to residents at a launch meeting at Merrymakers Hall in Meadow Road, Langley, Slough on Thursday 1 November, starting at 7pm.

Slough Insp Andy Boomer said: “Through neighbourhood policing we will be working with local people to identify the issues which affect the community’s sense of security, and then working together to tackle those issues. This process will be achieved via neighbourhood forums and neighbourhood action groups (NAGs).

“Neighbourhood policing is a partnership initiative, as many of the problems identified may not be purely policing issues. For example, people may be concerned about anti-social behaviour and graffiti, both of which are dealt with jointly by the local authority and the police. Hopefully, by all working together we can make people feel safer, more secure and involved in what happens in their neighbourhood.

“The launch meeting for residents starts at 7pm. We hope that as many people as possible will come along to meet their neighbourhood policing team and find out about how they can get involved in this new initiative.”

The neighbourhood policing team for Kedermister comprises:

Insp Andy Boomer
Sgt Damon Wilson
PC Andy Fleming (Neighbourhood Specialist Officer)
PCSO Greg Edmond

All the officers can be contacted via the single non-emergency number: 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council has announced its two winners of the Cleaner, safer, greener Slough competition after they pledged to make a difference to the town and its environment.

Thomas Dias and Marian Edwards were part of 1,049 pledges Slough residents made to make at least one small change to their everyday lifestyle, helping the council make a big difference to our local and global environment.

Thomas vowed to replace old light bulbs with energy saving ones and Marian made a pledge to take litter home, insulate her home and report flytipping, amongst others.

Both winners will be awarded vouchers on Friday, October 26th at the Town Hall, after their names were picked from a hat.

Thomas has won £50 worth of Wexham Nursery vouchers and Marian has won £150 vouchers for Stow’s cycle store.

Both will be presented with their prizes by Denise Alder, strategic director of the green and built environment and Cllr Sean Wright, commissioner for Slough community safety.

The council asked residents to make a pledge in June at the Big Green Day Out, with the top five pledges being: taking litter home with them / replacing old light bulbs with energy saving ones / using less and re-use old carrier bags / recycling more of the right things more often and not drop chewing gum on the pavement.

Cllr Sean Wright, commissioner for community safety, said: “Well done to both Thomas and Marian for making their pledges and helping the council make Slough an even better place to live.

“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.

Denise Alder, director of the green and built environment for Slough Borough Council, said: “Thomas and Marian should be very proud of themselves for making a pledge.

“They are two of many residents who are backing our cleaner, safer, greener campaign and making one simple change to their lives which 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.

Slough Borough Council regrets to announce the death of George Brooker, a former councillor and mayor of the town.

George was elected mayor in 1977 and became affectionately known as Jubilee George. He was made an MBE in 2006.

George served nine years as a member of Slough Borough Council and started at the council in May 1967 to May 1973, representing the central south ward and serving as a member for the Langley ward from 1976 to 1979.

In addition to this, George was the foundation chairman of Slough Age Concern, Slough and District Mental Health Association, first Chairman of the British Heart Foundation in Slough and for 12 years was responsible for the Alexandra Day Rose collection in Slough.

He was also the Foundation Chairman of the Stoke Park Trust/Slough Sports Association for Disabled and was the driving force in raising the money to build the Slough Sports Centre for the Disabled.

The Town Hall flag is flying at half-mast as a mark of respect until the funeral, which is still to be confirmed.

Councillor Richard Stokes, leader of Slough Borough Council, said: “On behalf of the council and the residents of Slough, I wish to offer my condolences to George’s family.

“As a former first citizen of our town, George Brooker served with honour and dedication. His contribution to Slough was substantial, and he will be missed by many.”

Mayor of Slough, Cllr Rashad Butt, added: “My thoughts are with George’s family and I know he will be sorely missed.

“He contributed so much to this town and will not be forgotten.”

Slough Borough Council

Statement from Slough Borough Council following newspaper reports regarding the Firework Spectacular.

Councillor Dexter Smith, commissioner for planning at Slough Borough Council, said: “We all have a responsibility to look after our environment and reduce our carbon footprint, so we took the decision not to have a bonfire.

“Slough Borough Council launched its Cleaner, Safer, Greener Slough campaign to encourage residents to do what they can to improve the local and global environment.

“We want to lead by example and it would have been hypocritical for us to have organised a huge bonfire which carries on burning long after visitors have left the event.

“We didn’t have a bonfire last year and everyone still enjoyed the night with 15,000 people turning up to thoroughly enjoy the firework display and other activities.

“There is absolutely no truth in the suggestion that we made this decision to avoid offending any members of our community.

“This year’s event will be a fantastic fireworks display and other entertainment for all our residents to enjoy and celebrate the night.”

The council has also spoken to a fireworks expert who said Slough's firework display is the same estimated carbon footprint equivalent of a tank of petrol.

Fireworks only carry a small percentage of carbon, where as a bonfire’s carbon rate is much higher due to the fact it is all wood and burns for longer.

Slough Borough Council

After August’s successful clean up of Templewood in Chalvey, Slough Borough Council is calling on residents to swing into action to sweep up two areas in Colnbrook.

Slough council’s community safety team will be taking part in the clean up, along with help from Colnbrook and Poyle parish councillors and Colnbrook’s neighbourhood action group.

Residents who turn up to help will have the chance to win a prize for being the best litter collector. The two people who gather the most rubbish in each area will win £40 worth of vouchers.

Slough Accord has kindly offered to take away all the rubbish collected on the day.

Anne Farmer, project officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “Rubbish and litter in the area stop residents from fully enjoying their surroundings.

“I would urge people to come along, roll up their sleeves and help to make their neighbourhood a better place to live.”

Commissioner for public protection, Slough Cllr John Edwards, said: “The Templewood clean-up a few months ago went really well. Everyone who turned up had a lot of fun together.

“The actions of local people can make a huge difference in the appearance of their neighbourhood.

“Part of the cleaner, safer, greener campaign is about encouraging people to have pride in the area and work together to keep it clean for everybody, but on the other hand it becomes increasingly difficult if others drop litter or dump rubbish and make the place untidy.

“These clean up days are a great idea, not only to help improve the environment, but to bring people from the community together working on a common interest.”

Slough Residents who would like to get involved should come to one of the two meeting points; Westfield Community Hall, Severn Crescent or Colnbrook Village Hall, Vicarage Road at 10am on Saturday. For more information, contact Anne Farmer on 01753 477355.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council, Thames Valley Police and People 1st (Slough) held a Chalvey week of action at Spackman’s Way and Brammas Close last week with great success.

Last Monday, October 8, was the start of the Slough action campaign which focused on helping to reduce and prevent crime, as well as a general clean-up of the area.

The probation service painted garage doors, community wardens and police community support officers (PCSOs) helped to remove fly-posting and graffiti and People 1st (Slough) offered local residents the opportunity to dispose of unwanted goods, by placing skips at Brammas Close and Spackman’s Way.

Vehicle crime prevention packs were also distributed to local residents, creating awareness on the importance of not leaving valuables on display in their cars.

Nora Smith, community safety project officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “We organised these various activities in response to concerns that had been brought to us through the Chalvey Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) and Chalvey Forum.

“The community clean-up was suggested as a really good way of helping people get rid of all sorts of unwanted items which otherwise would have been difficult to dispose of.“

Mario Muir, estate services manager with People 1st added: “Through this joint approach we have been able to make a visible difference to the area.

“The response we received from local residents to the different activities organised was extremely positive.”

Commissioner for community safety, Sean Wright, said: “These days are extremely important for residents and all agencies involved.

“Keeping an area clean and tidy also helps to keep crime down – both of which are big priorities for us.

“Events like this are not always organised because an area is particularly dangerous or because rubbish is a problem, but because residents want advice on how to keep their communities safer and a nice place to live.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is asking residents to have their say on options for a new Town Hall.

Artist's impression of what a new Town Hall could look like on the Bath Road siteThe original Town Hall was built in the 1930s with new Town Hall buildings added in the 1970s.

A recent survey revealed that the council would need to invest £2million over the next five years to maintain the building in its current state – without improvements or modernisation.

Slough Councillors have therefore agreed that the most economical and efficient option is to provide a new Town Hall, by selling the land that the current Town Hall sits on, and leasing a Town Hall office building on the same site, or in the town centre, and they want residents’ views on what would be the best location.

Along with this, the council will be asking residents whether they think the core of the old Town Hall building – the main Bath Road entrance and council chamber - should be retained.

To have their say, residents are being invited to a series of roadshows at MyCouncil on the High Street and the old Town Hall (Bath Road entrance):

* Thursday 18 October, 10am to 12pm (MyCouncil)
* Thursday 25 October, 12 to 2pm (MyCouncil)
* Wednesday 31 October, 5 to 7pm (Town Hall)
* Tuesday 6 November, 5 to 7pm (Town Hall)

Residents who attend the Slough Town Hall sessions are asked to enter the building via the Bath Road entrance, as the public entrance will be closed. A tour of the Town Hall will also be available during these sessions.

If residents can’t make a public roadshow, they can have their say online by seeing the new Town Hall web pages, emailing newtownhall@slough.gov.uk or by picking up a consultation leaflet in any council venue and returning the questionnaire by freepost.

Cllr Geoff Howard, commissioner for Slough resources, said: “We have always set out to consult with residents, staff and stakeholders as we want to find out what would be the best option for all these groups.

“We also want to understand how residents feel about where the Town Hall should be located and what value they put on the original Town Hall building.”

Around 1,400 staff are currently based in council offices in the town, including MyCouncil in the High Street, where the public go to access council services.

The number of services provided from MyCouncil will continue to expand in the future, so that it will be the first point of public entry for all council services.

The main function of a new Slough Town Hall, as well as containing back office and support staff, will be to provide facilities for council meetings and committees. The public will continue to be able to attend these meetings to see decisions being made.

The consultation ends on November 9th.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council would like to find out which place in the borough fills residents with the most pride and for them to vote for it in the ‘Pride of Place’ poll.

There are ten places to choose from such as Herschel Park and the Horlicks Building.

To vote, simply visit the Pride of Place website. The poll is easy, fun and a great way to get to know your local area in more detail.

The Pride of Place poll is part of the Government’s ‘Connect to your council’ campaign which aims to encourage citizens across England to access their local authority services online anytime, anywhere.

Residents can now use Slough Borough Council’s website to find out anything from planning information to applying for school places.

Ruth Bagley, chief executive for Slough Borough Council, said: “Slough has many interesting places and buildings to visit and the town should be proud of them.

“Many peoples’ perception of Slough is that it is an industrial town, but we have many open, green places which people can enjoy and some very historic buildings.

“It will be interesting to see which of the ten places will be Slough’s favourite.”

Commissioner for leisure, cultural and community services, Cllr Julia Long, added: “Slough is rich in history and has many beautiful places to visit.

“The buildings we have here are integral to Slough and make it the town it is today. I do hope people will vote for their favourite, though it may be hard to choose as there are so many.”

The Pride of Place poll is part of a nation-wide initiative, and can be accessed until 30 November 2007 after which the results will be released.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s Home Improvement Agency (SHIA) has won a prestigious Best Partners Initiative award for their excellence in keeping residents safe.

Clive Anderson presented the team with the ‘security excellence’ award for their Homesafe Slough Scheme, established last November in partnership with Thames Valley Police, Age Concern Slough (the installer) and Response Electronics (alarm manufacturer).

The scheme ensures that residents, who are elderly, disabled and/or vulnerable, have security systems in place at their homes to keep them safe and secure.

HIA, a national not-for-profit organisation, assists these residents by improving, maintaining or adapting their properties.

Crime figures for 2005/06 indicated that robbery and burglary offences in the Slough area were twice the national average and cost each victim approximately £3,268.

Residents whose homes do not have additional security measures, such as alarm systems, are more likely to become victims of such crimes.

Keith Ford, housing renewal manager for Slough Borough Council’s HIA, said: “This relatively new scheme offers our clients the installation of burglar alarms completely free of charge.

“We are absolutely over the moon to have won the award. We have put in a great deal of hard work to get the scheme up and running and to make sure our residents who need our help are safe in their own homes.”

Commissioner for housing, Cllr Tony Haines, added: “Well done to the SHIA team. Again they have been rewarded for their hard work and dedication to Slough’s residents.

“Since the scheme stared last December, more than 500 alarms have been installed and the feedback from service users has been extremely positive and is a clear endorsement of the success of this partnership initiative.”

Councillor Chrissie Small, who has recently had an alarm fitted, along with a fire blanket, smoke alarm and door chain, cannot praise the SHIA team, along with Age Concern, enough.

She said: “SHIA is one of Slough’s biggest assets in the town. We should be screaming from the roof tops about having them in Slough and all the fantastic work they do.

“The three men, from Age Concern, who came to install my alarms were superb and I cannot praise them and SHIA enough.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s community safety team will be holding a crime and safety surgery in Britwell on Tuesday, October 16, along with representatives from People 1st (Slough) and Thames Valley Police.

The surgery, held at the Slough MyCouncil office in Wentworth Avenue from 12pm to 2pm, will be a chance for all the organisations and residents to discuss any crime or safety related issues in and around Britwell.

It is open to all Britwell residents who have any concerns and there is no need to book.

The event is part of the national ‘Not in my neighbourhood’ week campaign, to encourage residents to work with the above agencies in their area to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and to bring communities together.

Commissioner for Slough public protection, Cllr John Edwards, said: “Anyone who has any concerns in Britwell about crime and safety measures should go along to this event and discuss their worries.

“It is paramount that we all work together to make our neighbourhoods and communities a better place to live and surgery’s like this help to highlight any worries residents may have.”

Anne Farmer, project officer for community safety at Slough Borough Council, added: “We really hope that many of Britwell residents turn up on the day to discuss any worries they might have or to gain more information on how to stay safe.

“It is so important that we all work together to make our communities a better, safer place to live and it is also part of the councils, greener, safer, cleaner campaign.”

There will also be an event held at Tesco’s in the town centre on Thursday, 18th October in the car park and will also include the drugs and alcohol action team (DAAT), as well as Thames Valley Police, People 1st (Slough) and the council’s health improvement team.

It will be held from 10am to 4pm.

Slough Borough Council

Slough is getting ready to celebrate Black History Month in style as musicians and performers are set to descend on the West Wing.

‘The Get Up, Stand Up’ show brings together a number of Slough artists and groups who will be showing their talents in everything from hip hop to martial arts.

The Slough event, on the Sunday 21 October, will be hosted by Robert McKewly, from Channel 4’s sitcom ‘Desmonds’. As well as music and story telling, their will be a photographic exhibition and stalls selling a range of fantastic treats.

Ranjit Atwal, west wing’s audience development officer, said: “The line up for the day looks fantastic. With all the artists coming from our town I think we have a lot to be proud of.

“It goes to show that having a diverse community produces so many talented people.”

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for Slough leisure, cultural and community services, said: “This event is a good time to reflect and celebrate on the positive impact black culture has had, not just in Slough but the country as a whole.

“We have benefited so much from the contribution of all our residents, helping to make our town a happy place to be.”

The music performers are:

* Mystic Life Band (reggae)
* Honey (soul)
* Suga N Spice (dance)
* Joker Starr (hip hop)
* Tizzi Kanoucie (acoustic/ r&b)
* Soulogic (soul)
* Errol Fenton (soul)
* Kurt Collins (r&b)
* Cajj (r&b)
* All Things Nice (dance)
* Motivation (dance)

The other performers are:

* Lennox Carty (spoken word)
* Barney Bees Dance Group Fujau Academy (martial arts)
Shirine Ruan (spoken word)

The event starts at 5.30pm and is due to finish at 8.30pm. Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for children and £15 for a family ticket. For more information, or tickets, contact the West Wing box office on 01753 823710.

Slough Borough Council

Forget Santa Claus coming to town this year; Slough Borough Council is bringing the X-Factor to the borough instead in the form of Shayne Ward.

This year’s Christmas light switch on will take place on Thursday 15th November in the town square, in partnership with the Queensmere and Observatory shopping centres.

Shayne, whose first album went platinum within two weeks, will perform on stage to his adoring fans and to the delight of all the sponsors and supporters of this exciting event.

Susan Duncan, Slough Borough Council events manager, said she was absolutely delighted the event had attracted Shayne.

She said: “I am really excited that Shayne is coming to town and switching on the Christmas lights and entertaining the residents. The crowd will go mad when he comes out on stage.”

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, Slough’s shopping centre manager, said: “Its official; Slough has the X-factor.

“X-factor mania is sweeping the country and we wanted to make sure that Slough did not miss out, especially as Shayne already has the makings of another number one hit in the charts.”

To warm up the crowds, there will be a performance of West Wing’s pantomime, Aladdin and bands performing on stage and to get Christmas going with a bang, fireworks will light up the sky and a snow machine will create the perfect winter scene.

Commissioner for leisure, cultural and community services, Cllr Julia Long, added: “We are very excited to have such a big star coming to Slough and switching on the Christmas lights.

“The annual event always attracts thousands of people and this year will be no exception.

“I hope everyone who goes enjoys themselves and the late night shopping.”

For further information, please contact events at the council on 01753 875571.

Slough Borough Council

The Safer Slough Partnership, (Slough Borough Council and Thames Valley Police) will be hosting a special vehicle crime roadshow this Saturday, October 13 from 10am to 4pm.

Community safety project officers and crime prevention advisors will be on hand to offer advice to Slough residents about vehicle crime at B&Q’s car park on the Bath Road.

There will be a number of freebies available, including a vehicle crime prevention pack, detailing how the public can protect themselves from becoming a victim of theft.

John Edwards, commissioner for public protection, said: “This roadshow is a great idea and will help many people understand how they can protect their property and stay safe.

“Vehicle crime is a problem all over the UK, but if we can warn and advise residents on what to do, then we can try and crack down on the thefts.

“Thames Valley Police is one of the council’s key partners, and we are always happy to work together with them on crime prevention matters.”

Nora Smith, community safety project officer at Slough Borough Council, said: “We want to make sure that as many people as possible are aware of vehicle crime.

“We organised the day to offer practical advice and support to members of the public and show them how they can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of vehicle crime’.

Annie Tewkesbury, crime reduction advisor with Thames Valley Police, added: “We have held similar events in the past, which have proved very popular with members of the public as well as educational and fun”.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is asking residents to recycle their garden waste, by signing up to the green bin scheme.

Photo of the green bins being delivered across the townThe council has taken delivery of new green bins after receiving a £300,000 waste performance and efficiency grant from the government.

Throughout this month, 2,500 green bins will be delivered to Slough residents who are currently on the waiting list, leaving some extra bins for new people who want to sign up to the scheme.

Green bins can be used to recycle all sorts of garden waste including lawn mowings, hedge trimmings, weeds, small branches, cut flowers and leaves.

The garden waste is then recycled into compost at a large plant outside Reading.

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for Slough public protection, said: “This council has made a commitment to improving the environment in Slough, which is why we are investing even more money in the green waste scheme.

“Recycling garden waste not only saves space in landfill, it helps to slow climate change as well.

“When organic material, such as garden waste, is placed in landfill it decomposes without air. This produces methane, a powerful global warming gas.

“By composting your garden waste, either at home or as part of the garden waste collection scheme, you are helping to do your bit to fight climate change.”

Sarah Bryan, Slough Borough Council’s recycling officer, said: “We want residents to join in the effort and help to make Slough cleaner, safer and greener.

“By signing up to the green waste scheme, you will be joining the 13,500 other residents who have all made a pledge to make Slough greener.”

Sign up to be part of our next green bin roll out by calling 01753 875255 or emailing greenwaste@slough.gov.uk.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s firework spectacular is back with a bang this year in Upton Court Park and advance tickets are now on sale for Saturday 3 November.

Fantastic fireworks at Upton Court ParkThe crowd will be treated to a superb display of multi-coloured, dramatic fireworks, Up and Beyond trapeze artists, an Asian Elvis Presley tribute and local up and coming singer, Natalie J.

There will also be food from around the world and a beer tent for thirsty revellers.

Corporate events manager at Slough Borough Council, Susan Duncan, said: “Every year our firework displays just get better, and this year is no exception.

“So many people from Slough and the surrounding areas turn up to see the display and thoroughly enjoy it.

“And as usual, we are offering the chance to buy tickets beforehand at a reduced rate, so hurry and buy your tickets for the evening”.

Commissioner for Slough leisure, cultural and community services, Cllr Julia Long, added:

“It is very important to the council that we organise events for the town which bring everyone together to enjoy themselves. This year we have already had two super events with Dance in the Square and the Canal Festival.

“I know the annual fireworks display is always enjoyed by lots of people, and personally it is one of my favourites. The fireworks are some of the best I have ever seen.

“I am looking forward to the evening this year and I hope I will see many of you there.”

Advanced tickets are on sale now and are priced £4 for adults and £2 for senior citizens and children UNTIL 31ST OCTOBER.

Tickets can be bought at: MyCouncil, Slough High Street, Slough Library, the Town Hall and Asian Star Radio Station at the Centre on Farnham Road.

On the night, tickets will cost £6 for adults and £3 for both senior citizens and children. Parking is free and the gates open at 5.30pm.

Slough Borough Council

To celebrate ten years of success, Slough Young People’s Centre (SYPC), together with The Enterprise Centre, will be hosting their Big Birthday Bash on the 10th October, from 1pm to 4pm.

Since 1997, SYPC has provided information, advice, guidance, and free creative courses for 16 to 25 year olds across Slough and have had more than 65,000 attendances.

Its partner, the Enterprise Centre, provides employment advice, including help with CV writing and interview skills.

The Big Birthday Bash will see representatives from many local, regional and national organisations coming together, along with the young people who use the centre, to celebrate the fantastic work that has originated from SYPC.

The event will include performances from the centre’s Afterhours Arts Academy and a variety of workshops that will demonstrate some of the methods used by SYPC to engage young people in creativity.

Sascha White, project manger at SYPC, said: “We have reached a really important mile stone within SYPC’s history and it’s fantastic that the centre has supported so many of Slough’s young people in all sorts of projects.

“It is so important to have somewhere that the town’s young people can come to and learn new skills and gain confidence in their abilities.

“SYPC is a true success and the birthday celebrations will mark this brilliant anniversary perfectly.”

Commissioner for Slough young people’s services, Cllr Sean Wright, added: “I’d like to wish SYPC a very happy birthday after ten fantastic years, and to thank them for the grand job they have done over that time in working for the town’s young people.

“Our youth centres play a key role in achieving the council’s aim of delivering positive changes to the lives of young people, and SYPC has provided a haven for many of the town’s youngsters to learn skills, meet new people, and gain the confidence to carry on with higher education.

“My heartiest congratulations to everyone involved with the centre, and I hope the next ten years are every bit as successful.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council has started construction work to revitalise the High Street, as part of the Art at the Centre scheme.

Accord Operations Ltd, will be carrying out the major street enhancement which will include a new park design for Yew Tree Open Space.

Slough Yew Tree Open Space will now be closed to the public until the park reopens in early 2009.The site has been safely secured by hoarding and has been cleared, except for trees requiring protection. The new park will contain many new semi-mature trees on its completion as well as interesting new seating and planters. The High Street improvements will be completed in phases during 2007 and 2008.

The space will be used initially to accommodate temporary buildings, plant storage and some materials, before work starts on improving the park, and the site will be used during working hours between Monday and Friday.

Slough Borough Council

People 1st (Slough) has raised strong concerns over the amount of fly tipping in certain areas of Slough as the dumped rubbish is being used by arsonists to create fires.

The unknown Slough residents dumping their unwanted waste, such as sofas and chairs, are giving arsonists opportunities to wreak havoc and potentially cause serious harm to residents nearby.

People 1st (Slough) is also concerned for the welfare of its tenants and would like to ask for their cooperation in helping to combat this very serious matter.

Not only is it a problem for residents and People 1st staff, but for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service who have to attend the scene.

People 1st (Slough) has put together an action plan to target the number of local concerns including waste disposal and deliberate fire setting.

A local resident meeting has been arranged with stakeholders and partners; Interserve, environmental services and community safety officers from Slough Borough Council, neighbourhood policing teams, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and tenants.

The meeting will focus on deterring anti-social acts, community reassurance and confidential reporting.

There will also be a week of action planned with partners commencing on 8th October to reaffirm the dangers of not keeping communal areas clear. If any tenant is found fly tipping, which is an illegal offence, they may find themselves evicted, given a fixed penalty notice and/or given a criminal record.

Mario Muir, estate services manager for People 1st (Slough), said: "Fly tipping is a real two-fold problem. Not only is it unsightly and damaging to the wider local community, it’s also the type of crime that communities can take a tough stance against.

"People 1st (Slough) is committed in tackling this anti-social and dangerous behaviour, along with our partners and residents.

"Anyone caught fly tipping or setting fire to items that have been dumped will be dealt with according to the law. It is not acceptable and everyone needs to be vigilant in keeping an eye out for either perpetrator."

Matt Bond, arson and anti-social behaviour co-ordinator at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Leaving furniture and rubbish lying around can be a real fire risk, as it provides an easy target for arsonists.

"The good news is that by working together to keep communal areas clear and reporting fly tipping, residents can easily reduce the risk.

"Working in partnership with People 1st is part of our ongoing commitment to creating safer communities and driving down deliberate fires."

Commissioner for public protection, John Edwards, said: "As part of our drive to keep Slough a safe and pleasant place to live you can be sure that we will take firm action against fly-tippers. Local residents have made it quite clear that they are fed up with this kind of nuisance and have no time for people who dump waste illegally.

"We will be sitting down with local residents and all the relevant agencies so that we can all work together to tackle this problem.

"This kind of partnership approach has been very successful in dealing with other anti-social behaviour issues in the past."

Slough Borough Council

Heathrow’s Meet the Buyers, now one of the biggest supplier and buyer matchmaking schemes in the UK, is back with a chance for local businesses in Slough to take advantage from the multi-million pound spend in and around Heathrow airport.

Now in its tenth year, the event has built an enviable reputation for encouraging Slough companies of all sizes to enter into business partnerships and to talk to more than 70 key local buyers.

This year’s event will take place at the Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 November.

The programme stems from a commitment by both BAA Heathrow and Slough Borough Council to create business opportunities in the borough that continue to boost the local economy.

This year, Slough Borough Council and its partners Business Link Berkshire and Slough Business Community Partnership, have supported a number of pre-Meet the Buyers workshops.

Commissioner for economic inclusion, Cllr Derek Cryer, said: “We want Slough to remain a thriving business centre, and Heathrow offers some great opportunities to local enterprises and residents.

“Meet the Buyers is a great chance for Slough’s businesses to find out more about how they can work with key players in the airport’s market.

“Slough’s economy is booming, and we want to make sure that as many local people as possible are able to share the benefits from the town’s good prospects.”

Shabnam Ali, learning and economic development officer, said: “Over the last nine years, Meet the Buyers has generated £65 million in local trade with many Slough businesses linking up with the retail, airline and construction businesses and other service providers at Heathrow.”

The scheme grew out of an inaugural event in 1997 aimed at giving Slough’s small and medium sized companies the chance to sell their goods, products and services to the 80 major businesses based in and around the airport.

Companies interested in details of the event or for free information and sales workshops prior to the event, please contact Victoria Weaver on victoria@business-business.co.uk or 0207 700 0008.

Slough Borough Council

In the midst of party political conferences Slough’s young people will be joining in the democratic debate during a series of events taking place to mark Local Democracy Week.

Manor Park Slough Young People’s Centre will play host to a number of activities which will highlight the role local government plays in people’s everyday lives.

On Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th October Slough councillors and MP’s will be invited to the centre, to join in a range of activities with the young people. However it won’t all be fun and games as the young people plan to put the politicians under the spotlight in a ‘hot seat’ question session.

As well as the political grilling, members of the Surrey youth parliament will be on hand to talk about their work. People can test their political knowledge in the democracy quiz, or try their luck in a giant democracy snakes and ladders game.

Samena Mehmood, operations manager at the Haymill centre, said: “The support for the event from our young people has been really encouraging, it goes to show the interest they have in these issues.

“I think the activities will show them that there are ways they can get involved and have their say in our democracy.”

Cllr David Munkley, deputy leader and commissioner for Slough education and children’s services said: “I think it’s really important for our young people to see how the political system works so that they can learn how to have their say on the issues that affect them.
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“Democratic issues can sometimes be hotly contested topics, so it will be interesting to see what views Slough’s young people come up with.

“The council is committed to delivering a positive change to the lives of young people, and one of the most important ways of doing this is by showing them that their voice counts and that they can make a difference.”

For more information on the events taking place, contact Stacie Armand or Samena Mehmood on 01753 875510.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council, in conjunction with Tetra Pak Ltd, has introduced several new recycling banks for drinking cartons in the borough.

Each year, UK beverage carton manufacturers produce approximately 55,000 tonnes of paper-based cartons for milk and juices.

This equates to around 2.3kg of cartons per household which could be recycled instead of thrown in the rubbish bin.

Now though, Slough residents can recycle their drinking cartons at the banks provided at -

* The Haymill Centre, Burnham Lane
* Murphy’s Bar car park, Parlaunt Road, Langley
* The Centre, (back car park), Off Farnham Road,
* Tesco, Bath Road
* Chalvey Waste and Recycling Centre, Spackmans Way, Chalvey

Once collected, the cartons are taken away to be baled and transported to a recycling mill.

They can be recycled into a number of different products, ranging from plasterboard liner to high-strength paper bags and envelopes.

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for Slough public protection said: “I know how enthusiastic local people are about recycling, and I’m absolutely certain that Slough residents will soon be filling the new recycling banks to the brim with their cartons.

“Since 2004, Slough’s recycling performance has steadily improved but we can still do better, and these banks will help us increase the amount we recycle even more.

“The council already recycles tin, cardboard, paper and glass and these new banks will help to dispose of carton packaging so that it can be re-used constructively.”

Sarah Bryan, community recycling officer for Slough Borough Council, added: “These new banks are such great news for the borough and its residents.

“It can be quite frustrating not being able to recycle milk and juice cartons, but now everyone can take them down the special banks and do their bit to help the environment, not to mention freeing up space in their bins.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying who is responsible for writing graffiti on walls in the area of Stoke Road, Slough.

The Slough graffiti consists of insulting remarks about a local woman and her husband. It is written in black or red spray paint, sometimes in English and sometimes in Punjabi.

Since April 2007, 15 separate pieces of graffiti have appeared in several places, including the walls of shops in Stoke Road, St Pauls Avenue and Montague Road, Slough.

PC Ruth Cant, neighbourhood officer for Baylis and Manor Park, said: “The woman and her husband are naturally very distressed about all this. It has started to affect their daily lives, as they stay up late to see if they can spot anyone, then get up early to drive around checking for new graffiti, which they paint over themselves.

“Whoever is responsible clearly knows the couple, as their names and address are included in the graffiti. However, they have no idea why they are being targeted in this unpleasant way.

“Since some of the graffiti is written in Punjabi, it is likely that the culprit(s) are of Asian origin.

“The couple are so upset by the recurring incidents that they are prepared to offer a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the graffiti.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Ruth Cant 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

From October 1, 2007 it will be illegal to sell cigarettes or knives to anyone under the age of 18.

In July of this year, Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team sent out mail shots to retailers in the borough who sell cigarettes, to advise them of the new legislation.

All Slough premises selling these goods have been visited by trading standards staff and handed a free information pack, which explains the statutory tobacco notice required by law to be displayed, general guidance on the legislative requirements and information on the “No I.D No Sale” policy which the trading standards team supports.

During the visits the officers answered any questions the retailers had in complying with the new legislations.

By the end of October, a questionnaire will be sent out to all Slough premises visited for feedback and to find out whether trading standards can do more to help.

Slough trading standards will continue to provide free proof-of-age cards to all 16 year olds attending Slough schools.

Lina Johnson, senior trading standards officer at Slough Borough Council, said: “The new legislation has been welcomed by trading standards as it will not only deter young people from smoking, but will make it easier for shop owners to distinguish the age of a customer.

“It is all too easy for underaged children to pose as 16 year olds. Increasing the legal age to 18 makes it all the more harder for them to purchase cigarettes and knives.”

“We will continue to work with all the premises’ in the town that sell cigarettes and support them in any way we can.

“We will also continue to monitor the situation by carrying out undercover test purchasing exercises on the sale of age restricted products throughout the rest of the year.”

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for Slough public protection, added: “The new laws, for both smoking and buying knives, stating that young people have to be 18 or over is a much welcomed move.

“As we all know, smoking can cause many illnesses and if we can try and deter as many young people as possible from being able to obtain cigarettes the better, and the same goes for knives.

“All the shops in Slough which sell these items have been thoroughly briefed on the new laws and we will expect them to comply with them.”

Slough Borough Council