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As the New Year sales descend upon us, Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team is offering residents some useful advice.

Your basic consumer rights apply equally to goods bought in a sale. However, additional customer 'goodwill' policies operated by some stores, such as an automatic refund or exchange if you change your mind, may not apply to sales goods.

Keith Eaglestone, head of Slough trading standards, said: “Some sales goods can be reduced because of slight defects. Our advice is check carefully. This is because the seller is not obliged to give you your money back if you are complaining about faults pointed out prior to purchase.”

The Sales of Goods Act states goods must be:

* 'Of satisfactory quality', which means a standard that a reasonable person would regard as acceptable, bearing in mind the way they were described, what they cost and any other relevant circumstances

* 'Fit for their purpose', which includes any particular purpose mentioned by you to the seller. For example, if you buy a computer game and say to the trader you want to play it on a particular console, it must be compatible

* 'As described' on the package, display sign or by the seller - for example, a jumper described as cashmere mustn't be acrylic

If goods aren't of satisfactory quality, fit for their purpose or as described, you have a right to return them and get your money back. There is no set time limit. However, the quicker you report the problem, the easier it will be to obtain a refund.

Instead of a refund you may be offered a credit note, vouchers or the repair of the goods. You are not obliged to accept any of these if you’ve returned the item within a reasonable time.

Usually it is the person who bought the goods who should take them back. Of course, this is not always practical when it comes to presents. However, in practice it is normally proof of purchase – such as a receipt – that retailers will insist on seeing.

While you have the same rights even if you lose the receipt, it is useful evidence of where and when you bought the goods, although credit or debit card statements can also be used as proof of purchase.

The law says it is up to the seller to deal with complaints about defective goods. However, you may have additional rights under a manufacturer’s guarantee.

You are usually required to send off details such as your name and address and date of purchase to validate the guarantee.

If you receive a gift voucher, remember, they are only valid for a certain time, typically 12 months from the date of purchase.

Confronting the hurly burly of the High Street sales season is not to everyone’s taste. If you buy goods or services from a catalogue, on the internet or by any other form of ‘distance selling’, generally speaking, you additionally have the right to:

* Clear information before placing an order

* Written information about a purchase, including a description of the goods, the price and any delivery charges

* A cancellation period during which an order can be cancelled without any reason and a full refund made. This typically lasts for up to seven clear working days after receipt of the goods

If you have brought goods on a credit card and the item is more than £100 – but not greater than £30,000 – both the supplier and the credit provider have the same liability to you if the goods are faulty or they were misrepresented.

This means if the supplier goes bankrupt before you receive the goods, you can make the same claim against the credit provider that you would have brought against the supplier.

Be wary of offers that seem ‘too good to be true’ – they probably are! Misleading advertisements may:

* Include false promises about what products can do

* Conceal or leave out important facts

* Create a false impression in some way

Ask questions and try to see the goods before you buy. Do consider whether you’ll be able to easily contact the seller if there is a problem. Don’t rush into a purchase you might regret.

If a product is not to your satisfaction, go back to the seller with proof of purchase. Try not to get annoyed and be sure of your facts.

If you are not satisfied, write a letter of complaint to the company’s head office, consumer complaints department or chairman. Persevere, as you may need to send a follow-up letter. If this fails, contact Consumer Direct, a nationwide network of consumer experts, on 08454 040506. Calls are charged at local rate.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s recycling team is urging residents to make their first New Years resolution a green one - by recycling their real Christmas tree and cards.

The festive period uses eight million Christmas trees in the UK; that’s 12,000 tonnes of additional rubbish, nearly six times the weight of the London Eye.

Too many Christmas trees also end up in landfill, which is not only bad for the environment but costs residents a lot of money in disposal.

In Slough it’s easy for residents to recycle their real Christmas tree. All they need to do is call 0800 6346301 until 11th January to book a collection date. The tree can then be left (without decorations) at the edge of the property for collection on the booked day.

Residents can also take trees directly to Chalvey recycling centre or to Wexham plant nursery for recycling.

All collected Christmas trees will be chipped and recycled into compost. The compost created is then used on local farms and is sometimes brought back to Slough for use by local residents.

Sarah Bryan, community recycling officer, for Slough Borough Council, said: “There are three great reasons to recycle your Christmas tree this New Year. All trees are made into compost which minimises the need to use peat-based compost, saving our natural peat habitats.

“Additionally, if you recycle your tree it does not go into landfills which create methane gas, a cause of climate change. Controlled composting significantly reduces production of methane gas. Finally, composting green waste will cut landfill costs for Slough residents.”

Commissioner for public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “As we run out of space in landfill it is becoming increasingly undesirable and expensive for all of us to throw away anything that can be recycled.

“Having your tree collected to be made into compost helps the environment that we live in and means it can be reused well into the New Year.”

Don’t forget to recycle your Christmas cards too. They can be placed into your black recycling box to be collected along with your glass, cardboard and tin. Alternatively, recycle your cards at WHSmith, Tesco, TK Maxx and Marks and Spencer in the special recycling bins in store throughout January. Recycling your cards through this scheme helps the Woodland Trust to fund the planting of trees in the UK. Last year over 22,000 trees were planted as a result of recycled cards.

Slough Borough Council

Four men have today (21/12) been found guilty of conspiracy to supply cannabis after a trial lasting more than five weeks.

Phillip James, 45, from Capper Avenue, Gainsborough, was found guilty of conspiracy to import and conspiracy to supply a class C drug. Sanjit Singh Rajput, 39, from Ousley Road, Wraysbury, Majinder Singh Sarai, 26, of St Paul’s Avenue, Slough, and Gary Simonson, 43, of Maypole Avenue, West Drayton, were all found guilty of conspiracy to supply a class C drug.

The result comes after a lengthy and complex surveillance operation by the Organised Crime Group (OCG) and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

On 29 November 2006, Simonson and another man (who has been found innocent of any involvement) drove a van from Slough to Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, followed by surveillance officers. They then drove back to Slough to a yard in Lake Avenue.

Police raided the Slough address and found Singh Rajput, Razaq and Singh Sarai with the van. After a search of the van, more than 100 kilograms of cannabis, with a street value of £600,000, was seized after being found in packed into fridges. Simonson was arrested nearby.

After the arrests and continuing investigations, another search was carried out on 4 April 2007 at Normamby Business Park, Scunthorpe, and James was arrested. A further £3 million worth of cannabis was discovered hidden inside disposable barbeques.

The four men all pleaded not guilty to the charges, but a jury at Reading Crown Court found them guilty today. James was sentenced to a total of 11 years, Singh Rajput and Singh Sarai to seven years each and Simonson to six years.

Det Con Simon Osamoh, of the OCG, said: “This was a long and complex investigation which resulted in the removal of over £3.5 million of cannabis from the streets of Thames Valley and the conviction of the men who sought to distribute it.

”The investigation involved a lot of hard work from many different officers and departments and the HMRC and I am very pleased that these men are going to spend a considerable amount of time in prison.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Three Slough Polish men have been jailed for false imprisonment and making threats to kill.

Marcin Bukowski, 31, Jaroslaw Topolski, 36, and Tomasz Jastrebski, 21, all of Burlington Avenue, Slough, were sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday 11 December.

Bukowski received three-and-a-half years; Topolski was jailed for two-and-a-half years and Jastrebski for two years.

The charges related to an incident that happened on 8 March 2007. A man, who does not wish to be identified, had refused to continue working with the three men in what he believed to be acts of deception against Polish nationals. He was lured into a garage in Slough on the pretext of helping to fix a car. Once he was inside, the door was shut and the three men burst in.

They tied the victim’s hands together with cable and forced his head inside a toolbox. The men beat the toolbox with baseball bats and sticks, and also threatened him with these weapons. He was eventually released after an hour-and-a-half on condition that he returned to work with the group within a week. Over the next few days, he received a number of threatening text messages and finally contacted the police.

Bukowski, Topolski and Jastrebski were arrested, charged and were remanded in custody in April this year to await trial.

Slough Det Sgt Steve Fowler, who led the investigation into the incident, said: “The sentences send out a strong message that police and the courts take offences of this nature very seriously. We will continue to do our utmost to bring the perpetrators to justice, and would appeal to the Polish community to come forward with any information that could assist us in doing so.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery in Langley.

At about 7.50pm yesterday (17/12), a 36-year-old man was walking in Memorial Park recreation ground, off Langley Road, when he was approached a youth who asked him for the time. Shortly afterwards, the youth threatened him with a knife and demanded his mobile phone. When he refused to hand over the phone, a second youth appeared. They both punched and kicked the man before running off empty-handed.

The first man is white, the second is black. Both are aged in their mid-teens and were wearing beanie hats.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information which may assist police with their enquiries, is urged to contact Jill Martindale of Slough Priority Crime Team via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

To mark the start of the festive season, Slough Young People’s Centre (SYPC) will be showcasing its young people’s achievements at their annual Christmas Cabaret.

The show will be held on Thursday 20th December 2007 at SYPC, 323 High Street, Slough and the doors open at 7pm and tickets cost £1.

The centre uses this event to mark the successes and achievements of its young people who study on the Afterhours Arts Academy courses.

The evening will boast performances from some of Slough’s most talented young people, in the fields of acting, dancing, and singing including video performances from young resident film makers.

There will also be a chance to win a mystery prize in the Christmas raffle.

Kristiina Paul, arts development officer, said: “Every year we put on a cabaret to show off the talents of those young people who come to the centre, and every year it is fantastic.

“I hope many people can come along and help us enjoy the event and the run up to Christmas.”

Cllr Sean Wright, commissioner for young people, added: “The young people at the centre work very hard and it will be a fantastic opportunity to see them perform.

“Good luck for the night.”

Slough Young Peoples centre is home to the Afterhours Arts Academy which runs evening courses for young people in Slough aged 16 to 25.

The Afterhours Arts Academy currently run creative courses such as graphic design, web design, belly dancing, music technology, video production, drama and keyboard classes.

Most courses are accredited with either OCN or NCFE qualification.

If you would like to find out more about the courses at SYPC or would like to enrol on the Afterhours Arts Academy please call 01753 539300.

Slough Borough Council

Three people appeared before Slough Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (11/12) charged with drug offences.

Twenty-five-year old Joseph Cole of Cippenham Lane; 27-year-old Donna Merryweather of Station Road, and 22-year-old Barry Keen of Windermere Way, Slough were charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis following the execution of a drugs warrant at an address in Station Road on Monday (10/12).

Officers discovered class A and C drugs and drug-taking paraphernalia at the address.

Cole, Merryweather and Keen are due to appear before Slough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (19/12).

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Dodgy, disappointing and dangerous – these are the products that Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team is aiming to stop local residents buying this Christmas.

And to help them in their campaign they have a special SLOUGH warning:

S – Sales
Beware of especially cheap items in the run up to Christmas. If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Also be careful when buying from shops or stalls that may not be there after Christmas as there will be no chance of refunds or exchanges.

L – Lights and decorations
Christmas lights and decorations can be dangerous in the hands of young children. Make sure all Christmas lights conform to British safety standards and keep them out of the way of young hands.

O – 0 percent interest
Zero per cent interest on credit cards sounds great but some store cards charge up to 35 percent. Make sure you can afford any repayments before agreeing to have that card – and beware of hidden charges buried in the small print.

U – Under age sales
Don’t be caught buying goods if you are not old enough – trading standards officers will be checking shops to make sure they are not selling age restricted goods for example cigarettes, lottery tickets or fireworks to children.

G – Gifts
Make sure your gifts are safe and toys are suitable for the age of the child. Check toys for British Standards lion marks – a symbol of safety and quality.

H – Happy New Year
Trading standards officers will be on hand from January 2, 2008 to offer advice to anyone who has found their carefully chosen Christmas present has turned into a Christmas crisis. The team can help with problems from returning unwanted presents to faulty gifts.

Keith Eaglestone, head of Slough trading standards, said: “We want everyone to have a happy festive season and are offering this advice to ensure local residents get the most out of Christmas.

“We will be checking shops and goods over Christmas and during the New Year sales and are happy to help with any consumer problems people might have. The offices will only be closed on December 25, 26 and January 1.”

For advice on toy safety, returning gifts, under age sales or any other trading standards issue contact the team on 01753 875255 or e-mail on tradingstandards@slough.gov.uk.

Slough Borough Council

Slough libraries will be celebrating winter and the New Year with some fun and festive activities for all children aged five and over this month.

Children have fun in winterThe special events will include stories and craft sessions about snow, winter and the New Year, with children making their very own snowflakes and calendars.

The events will be held at:

* Cippenham Library on Thursday 20th December 10:30am to 11:30am
* Slough Library on Friday 21st December 2:30pm to 3:30pm
* Langley Library on Thursday 27th December 10:30am to 11:30am
* Britwell Library on Thursday 27th December 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Gaby Koenig, children’s librarian for Slough Borough Council, said: “This time of year is so exciting for small children and we thought it would be fun to tell stories and create some winter crafts for them to take home.

“It would be lovely to see as many children there as possible.”

Commissioner for cultural and community services, Cllr Julia Long, added: “What’s more fun than children enjoying tales at this special time of year.

“I do hope many will join in the fun and get into the festive spirit.”

For more information, please call Slough Library on 01753 787524.

Slough Borough Council

The Slough Christmas season and festivities will soon be in full swing and in the rush up to the Christmas shopping, meal planning is among the top priorities of the ‘to do’ list.

Slough Borough Council would like to give residents some tips on how to store and prepare food over the merry season in a healthy and safe way.

Managing food safety must be a priority during the Christmas season as large quantities of food is purchased, stored, prepared and eaten.

To make sure all goes well:

* Plan ahead and be realistic. Only cook the amount of food needed
* Ensure that the turkey is not bigger than needed - the bigger the bird, the longer the defrosting and cooking time
* Traditional turkeys - the best and safest methods to defrost is in the fridge, allowing ten to 12 hours per kilo, or at room temperature (allowing two hours per kilo). Ensure that the turkey is thoroughly defrosted before cooking
* Cut into a thick part of the turkey and check that the meat is not pink and the juices are clear
* Wash hands before preparing food, after using the toilet, after smoking, after handling raw foods and after handling pets
* Keep cold food cold - refrigerators should be set so that the food is kept at or below 8°C. Keep food out of the refrigerator for the shortest time possible
* Don’t overstock refrigerators. Temptation to overstock refrigerators means that they can’t work as efficiently to keep the food cool. Remember the shops are only closed for 24 hours. If you are short on space put the wine and beer on ice or in a cool place
* Store raw meat at the bottom of the fridge in a covered container where it can’t drip onto other foods and away from ready to eat foods
* Cook all food thoroughly - ensure it is piping hot throughout
* Only reheat once if using meat in curries or pies, and ensure that the dish is piping hot all the way through
* Use leftovers within two days or freeze them

Sheilagh Costello, environmental health officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “If you are eating out over Christmas, why not look out for restaurants in Slough with the Safe Food Award, as they have been assessed as having a good standard of hygiene.

Slough Borough Council

Housing benefit law is changing and the government will be bringing in new rules from April 7, 2008 which will give responsibility for payment of rent to the private tenant, rather than direct to the landlord.

Slough Borough Council will be advising tenants and landlords of the changes over the next four months before the Local Housing Allowance scheme (LHA) is introduced.

The LHA is the latest way of claiming housing benefit for tenants renting private accommodation, which will see them receive the money towards their rent from the council to give to their landlord.

The idea behind the new scheme is to help people become more responsible for their money and for them to start dealing with finances.

It also affects tenants already in receipt of housing benefit who move into privately rented accommodation after April 2008.

If you live in council accommodation or other social housing, LHA will not affect you.

Sunita Sharma, policy and quality development officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “This is a national scheme and the council is working hard to ensure that information is made available to tenants and landlords in the run up to April.

“It will help many people become used to putting their rent money aside in time for it to be paid, so when they do return back to work, they are in a better position to manage their finances.”

Commissioner for housing, Slough Cllr Tony Haines, added: “The LHA scheme will be a great advantage to people receiving housing benefit as it will give them the responsibility that most people have when paying bills.

“At the moment, the council sends the money directly to the landlord, but this will make private tenants become aware of how to pay for bills on their own and not to be so dependent on the council to sort it out.”

Over the next few weeks, leaflets will be sent out from the council to existing private tenants and landlords explaining in more detail the new LHA scheme.

Please look out for more details at MyCouncil on the High Street in Slough, in Britwell and in Cippenham library.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is offering council tenants the chance to down size their homes and receive money in doing so to help with the council’s shortage of family homes.

Some of the houses in Slough borough are now occupied by couples after their children have grown up and left and the council is offering them the chance to down size and receive money for each bedroom they give up, plus moving expenses.

This only applies to tenants living in a council or housing association property who have spare bedrooms and are prepared to move to a smaller home in an area of their choice.

Tenants who agree to this will be paid £1,000 for each bedroom and £500 towards removal costs.

Lou McKay, housing initiatives officer for Slough Borough Council, said: "This new scheme will help the council gain more family homes in the borough which are very much needed.

"This incentive scheme should encourage people who want to down size to a property more suitable for their needs, in an area of their choice, ultimately giving us back properties to rent to other families."

Commissioner for Slough housing, Cllr Tony Haines, added: "This is a great initiative where both parties benefit. The council will receive much sort after family homes and the tenants who move will be given a home in an area they like, plus some money to help with the move.

"It is vitally important that we have homes for families in the borough. If anyone is interested in the scheme, then please call us and let us know."

For more information, please call 01753 875543 or 875592 and ask for an application form.

The council reserves the right to refuse your request subject to demand and availability of funding.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s adult social care service has been given three stars for its performance, making an overall rating of excellence.

The Commissioner for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), awarded the service ‘good’ in delivering outcomes and ‘excellent’ (the highest grade any service can receive) in capacity for improvement, which includes leadership and commissioning and use of resources.

Some of the key points made in the report were –

* Almost all people using the Slough council’s services and their carers are helped to understand how to stay healthy
* There is a comprehensive range of activities to improve people’s quality of life and independence
* The council has demonstrated that people using services are not only encouraged to participate but when consulted their views are listened to and if appropriate acted upon
* Volunteering opportunities are not only an available option, but span a wide range of social care and welfare activities
* Slough has provided sound well-researched evidence to support its commitment to improving the quality of life of its service users. There are well-targeted initiatives and partnership working across all care groups
* Slough has demonstrated that it will not tolerate poor standards of care or abuse of older people
* Few older people or adults are admitted to residential or nursing home care
* A very high proportion of people receive a statement of their needs and a growing number are in receipt of Direct Payments

Mike Boyle, interim director of community and cultural care services at Slough Borough Council, said: “We are pleased and proud that adult social care staff has once again achieved the top rating of three stars from CSCI.

“I would like to express my thanks and congratulations to all adult social care staff, especially those on the front line who provide such a valuable and essential service to vulnerable adults and their families in the borough.”

Commissioner for Slough social care and social inclusion, Cllr Derek Cryer, added: “What a fantastic result for the social care services teams.

“They do a wonderful job and I am so pleased that many residents who use the service are happy. The report just shows how seriously the council and its people take social care.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s Opening Doors Project is offering Berkshire women a chance to get back into work and raise their aspirations.

The Slough project, which is funded by the ESF, helps women get back into work after taking a break as either a carer or a mother, and offers free courses and advice to get them into the work place.

Set up in April 2006, the project is based in Slough at the Thomas Gray Centre, with an enterprise team who design and deliver fun and free workshops and offer free life and career coaching to increase women’s personal awareness and self confidence.

The vocational workshops are run in bite-sized introductory courses, ranging from leadership for women and assertiveness, to jewellery making and first aid.

The certified skills courses are on offer are starting up your own business, web design courses and basic food handling curses to start a catering business.

Myra Ahmed, Slough Opening Doors coordinator, said: “The project encourages women to be enterprising and empowers them by helping them take charge of their own future.

“Many women have been out of the workplace due to motherhood or being a carer and this is a great way forward for them to get back out into the world of business.”

Commissioner for social inclusion Cllr Derek Cryer, added: “Opening Doors is a great project for women in the county who would like to get back into work.

“It will give them the opportunity to gain the confidence to either go out and work for a company or build their own enterprise.”

In order to access this comprehensive service, women must reside or work in the Berkshire area.

For further information, please contact Opening Doors on 01753 476614.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council and the Slough Domestic Violence Forum have come together to help end domestic violence during the 16 days of national action to end violence against women.

The council’s forum, part of Slough Healthy Activities Programme (SHAPE) has been selling white ribbons to raise funds for East Berkshire Women’s Aid and Kinara Asian Women’s Service.

The white ribbon is a symbol that one will not commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

East Berkshire Women’s Aid provides refuge for woman and their families, drop-in services and outreach support for victims of domestic violence.

Kinara Asian Women’s Service provides refuge accommodation in a culturally sensitive atmosphere to Asian women who are victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Nationally, one in four women, and one in six men, will suffer domestic violence in their lifetimes. Domestic violence accounts for 16 to 25 per cent of all violent crime.

The Domestic Violence Forum are also using the campaign to re-launch a card of useful numbers for anyone suffering domestic violence and abuse, looking for who to turn to for support. This card will be available in December and distributed to a number of public locations, including GP surgeries, across Slough.

Sophie Crowe, domestic violence co-ordinator for Berkshire East, said: “It is important to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse in Slough so that victims know what local agencies there are to support them and how local agencies will respond to reports of domestic violence. The card of useful numbers is a discreet way of signposting people to relevant support.”

Commissioner for Slough public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “Domestic violence is a crime - it is unacceptable and should not be tolerated regardless of age, disability, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or religion.

“It is extremely important that we make a stand against it and make sure that those who suffer at the hands of others have the support and advice they need to lead a non violent life.”

To report domestic violence to Thames Valley Police, please call 999 in an emergency or 0845 8 505505 in a non emergency.

To speak with someone in confidence call: East Berkshire Women’s Aid on 01753 549865, SAWIN (Slough Asian Women’s Information Network) 0800 923 2852, Kinara Asian Women’s Service (refuge) 01753 573330.

Men suffering domestic violence and abuse may wish to speak to Victim Support in confidence on 01344 411411.

Men, if you are worried about your abusive behaviour, you can choose to stop. Call the Changing Ways East Berkshire and Wokingham Perpetrator Programme on 07818 054563.

Anyone working in Slough who is interested in attending training around domestic violence and abuse, or wanting more information on local initiatives, please contact Sophie Crowe, Domestic Violence Co-ordinator for Berkshire East on 01628 645687.

Slough Borough Council

With effect from 28th January 2008, all Slough people who drive for hire, such as self-employed chauffeurs, must become licensed as a Private Hire driver along with their vehicles.

The new regulation was introduced following a review carried out by the Department for Transport (DFT) which highlighted a loop hole in the law that allowed individuals who drove for a company on a self-employed basis for longer than seven days, not to be licensed.

This has now been amended by section 53 of the Road Traffic Act 2006 which repeals section 75(1) (b) of the LGMP 1976.

An example of who should become licensed are those people who drive cars/mini vans for a company, ferrying staff to and from the office, but are only contracted to the company.

Any Slough drivers who think this change in the law may affect them can contact Slough Borough Council’s licensing office by either calling 01753 875664 or visiting MyCouncil customer services on the High Street to pick up an application pack.

Commissioner for public protection, John Edwards, said: “This new regulation is extremely important so that all people who drive members of the public around are fully licensed to do so.

“It is extremely important that all drivers ensure that both they and their vehicles are licensed before the 28th January 2008.”

Rachael Rumney, licensing officer for Slough Borough Council, added: “This change in the law ensures that all those who provide a means of travel, such as chauffeurs etc, are licensed and therefore checked to the same high standards that apply to licensed Private Hire (mini cabs) and Hackney Carriage Drivers and vehicles in Slough.”

Any individual who comes forward by 11th January 2008 will become licensed under transitional provisions by 28th January 2008. Thereafter, any individuals who did not come forward voluntarily may be liable for prosecution.

Slough Borough Council

Slough plays host to its first ever Skills Summit today. The Summit aims to boost the competitiveness of organisations based in Slough by helping them to attract, retain and develop skilled people.

Called, ‘Local Talent:Global Success, developing tomorrow’s skills for today’s business’, the Slough event will focus on how businesses can continue to compete through the development of the skills of their people and by tapping into the wealth of talent in the Slough population. It also aims to identify skills gaps in the local area and generate ideas for how to close them.

John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, will be giving a keynote speech at the summit, along with presentations from O2 and Wexham Park Hospital on how they have developed the skills of their workforces.

Slough currently boasts more than 80,000 jobs, including some of the most highly paid in the country. However more than 40,000 people commute into the town each day to do those jobs, and 30,000 residents commute out of the town to do lower paid jobs elsewhere.

Mr Denham said: “I applaud this initiative which is precisely the sort of partnership I want to see developed in areas across the country. It will transform the skills landscape in Slough and bring a dynamic approach to boosting skills to enable the area to compete more effectively in the future.

“As a country, we need to ensure that the skills and talents of everyone are developed throughout their lives to build us a world-class workforce and ensure the UK meets the challenges of an increasingly competitive global economy.”

Fiona Mactaggart MP will be launching the Slough conference with her views on why developing local skills is so important. She said: “The people of Slough want to play their part in helping local companies to succeed. Then they will benefit from the prosperity which business success brings.

“That is why we are studying the real needs of local business so that we can develop a distinctive Slough approach to the needs of business and of local people. We aim to help local people to acquire the skills demanded by globally competitive companies.

“This initiative brings together business, training providers and representatives of the community. Together we plan to ensure that people in Slough have access to training so they can play their part in the success of business in the town and so that companies do not suffer the skills shortages which can limit their success.”

The results of a new, major research study into the skills needs of Slough will be presented at the event. The research has been carried out with more than 500 local employers to identify and understand the main challenges local businesses face regarding skills.

Ruth Bagley, chief executive of Slough Borough Council, said: “Helping Slough’s residents by enabling them to improve their skills and encouraging businesses to get involved with training staff, will ensure Slough’s population can share in the wealth of the town.

“Many world class businesses have chosen to make their home in Slough, and we are committed to making Slough a great place to do business.

“I hope this event will raise awareness among businesses based in Slough of the potential pool of talent on their door steps, if they invested in local people.”

Bob Walding, area director for the Learning and Skills Council Thames Valley, said: “One of the main aims of this event is for Slough employers to recognise and commit to workforce development.

"The benefits are numerous and include improved staff retention rates, lower recruitment costs and higher levels of return on investment from increased productivity.

“It will also achieve higher morale from the local workforce from the recognition of the investment in their skills by their employers.”

The Slough Skills Summit has been organised by Fiona Mactaggart MP, Slough Borough Council, SEGRO, Learning and Skills Council, SEEDA, Slough Business Community Partnership, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, Business Link, East Berkshire College, RIM, Thames Valley Enterprise, Thames Valley University, O2, Ipsen, Logicalis, John Crane and Equinix.

Slough Borough Council

Oh yes it is! Oh no, it isn’t! Oh yes it definitely is, it’s panto season! Flying into Slough from Friday 7th December 2007 until Wednesday 2nd January 2008 the West Wing pantomime Aladdin will take you on a magic carpet ride.

Don’t miss this magical Slough fantasy adventure suitable for the whole family. With a great cast, wonderful characters you’ll love to hate, a magical set, live music with well known songs from High School Musical to Bollywood and plenty of audience participation - this promises to be a great event for all the family.

Lucy Bradley, Director of this year’s Slough pantomime “I am thrilled to be returning to the West Wing to direct Aladdin one of my all time favourite stories. Since I was small I’ve been captured by this tale of mysterious caves, all-powerful genies, wishes, exotic princes and enchanted carpets. I can’t wait to bring this fantastical story to life for the West wing’s first professional pantomime and to bring some Arabian magic to Slough this winter.”

Book early to avoid disappointment! Tickets are £9, £7, £28 Family ticket available via the box office on 01753 823710 or in person at the West Wing Arts Centre, Monday to Friday between midday and 5pm.

Slough Borough Council

Slough plays host to its first ever Skills Summit today. The Summit aims to boost the competitiveness of organisations based in Slough by helping them to attract, retain and develop skilled people.

Called, ‘Local Talent:Global Success, developing tomorrow’s skills for today’s business’, the event will focus on how businesses can continue to compete through the development of the skills of their people and by tapping into the wealth of talent in the Slough population. It also aims to identify skills gaps in the local area and generate ideas for how to close them.

John Denham MP, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, will be giving a keynote speech at the summit, along with presentations from O2 and Wexham Park Hospital on how they have developed the skills of their workforces.

Slough currently boasts more than 80,000 jobs, including some of the most highly paid in the country. However more than 40,000 people commute into the town each day to do those jobs, and 30,000 residents commute out of the town to do lower paid jobs elsewhere.

Mr Denham said: “I applaud this initiative which is precisely the sort of partnership I want to see developed in areas across the country. It will transform the skills landscape in Slough and bring a dynamic approach to boosting skills to enable the area to compete more effectively in the future.

“As a country, we need to ensure that the skills and talents of everyone are developed throughout their lives to build us a world-class workforce and ensure the UK meets the challenges of an increasingly competitive global economy.”

Fiona Mactaggart MP will be launching the conference with her views on why developing local skills is so important. She said: “The people of Slough want to play their part in helping local companies to succeed. Then they will benefit from the prosperity which business success brings.

“That is why we are studying the real needs of local business so that we can develop a distinctive Slough approach to the needs of business and of local people. We aim to help local people to acquire the skills demanded by globally competitive companies.

“This initiative brings together business, training providers and representatives of the community. Together we plan to ensure that people in Slough have access to training so they can play their part in the success of business in the town and so that companies do not suffer the skills shortages which can limit their success.”

The results of a new, major research study into the skills needs of Slough will be presented at the event. The research has been carried out with more than 500 local employers to identify and understand the main challenges local businesses face regarding skills.

Ruth Bagley, chief executive of Slough Borough Council, said: “Helping Slough’s residents by enabling them to improve their skills and encouraging businesses to get involved with training staff, will ensure Slough’s population can share in the wealth of the town.

“Many world class businesses have chosen to make their home in Slough, and we are committed to making Slough a great place to do business.

“I hope this event will raise awareness among businesses based in Slough of the potential pool of talent on their door steps, if they invested in local people.”

Bob Walding, area director for the Learning and Skills Council Thames Valley, said: “One of the main aims of this event is for Slough employers to recognise and commit to workforce development.

"The benefits are numerous and include improved staff retention rates, lower recruitment costs and higher levels of return on investment from increased productivity.

“It will also achieve higher morale from the local workforce from the recognition of the investment in their skills by their employers.”

The Slough Skills Summit has been organised by Fiona Mactaggart MP, Slough Borough Council, SEGRO, Learning and Skills Council, SEEDA, Slough Business Community Partnership, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, Business Link, East Berkshire College, RIM, Thames Valley Enterprise, Thames Valley University, O2, Ipsen, Logicalis, John Crane and Equinix.

Slough Borough Council