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Slough’s councillors agreed to increase Slough’s council tax by 4.99% for 2008/09, at a meeting of the council on 21st February 2008.

The rise in Slough council tax is needed to help ‘balance the books’ due to a below inflation increase in funding provided by central government.

After allowing for £2.259 million of adjustments to funding in respect of grants which were previously given or to fund for new burdens, the council has received the minimum funding allocation possible under a system that is primarily based on Office for National Statistics’ mid-year population estimates.

The council continues to argue that these population statistics are flawed.

The proposals will increase the average local Band D council tax to £1,075.57 for 2008/9 from £1,024.41 in 2007/8, an increase of less than £1 per week.

When the police and fire authority requirements are included, the cost for a property in Band D will be £1,272.87.

Cllr Geoff Howard, Commissioner for Slough Resources, said: “The proposed rise in council tax is needed to help manage our below inflation increase in funding from the government, because of flawed population statistics. To continue providing essential services to Slough residents, we need to raise council tax to contribute towards the shortfall in funding.

“The recent announcement of the three year funding settlement has still not taken into consideration our increased population, so we will continue to make representations to the government on this issue.”

Slough Borough Council

The Mayor of Slough will be unveiling a special foundation stone this Friday to celebrate the start of building work of the new Wexham Extra Care Facility for elderly residents in the town.

Slough Borough Council and Hanover Housing Association are currently constructing the supported living complex as part of the council’s older people re-provision programme.

This brand new facility is one of two Extra Care facilities for the older residents of Slough.

Mike Boyle, interim director for cultural and community services at Slough Borough Council, said: “The laying of the stone foundation is a significant moment for the new Extra Care residential home, as it will mark the start of something new and exciting.

“The facility will be great for the town’s older people and we look forward to it opening.”

Commissioner for social care, Cllr Derek Cryer, added: “The new Extra Care flats will be very modern and up-to-date and will give each resident a real sense of independence, whilst being with others.

“We have a duty of care to provide for our elderly in Slough and these new projects and buildings will provide facilities for the 21st century.”

Slough Borough Council

Detectives investigating an incident of a sexual nature in Slough, involving a teenager and a man posing as a police officer, are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

The incident happened shortly after 6.15pm on Wednesday (20/2) in a wooded area known as The Milly, off Littlebrook Avenue, Slough.

A 14-year-old boy was with his friend in Littlebrook Avenue when they were approached by a man who claimed to be a police officer.

Following a short conversation, the man asked the victim’s friend to go home and told the victim to accompany him to a nearby wooded area where the incident occurred.

It is believed that a police siren, heard in the vicinity, resulted in the offender fleeing the scene.

The 14-year-old boy was not harmed, though left shaken by the incident.

Slough Det Con Richard Jarvis, investigating the incident, said: "Fortunately the victim was not physically harmed, however the offender made some very inappropriate sexual comments towards him during the incident.

"The fact that the offender posed as a police officer whilst committing the crime is also disgraceful and indeed worrying. He was not wearing police uniform though told the boys that he was carrying out some inquiries.

"We believe that the man appeared from a large white van which was parked by an alleyway at Littlebrook Avenue."

He is described as black, possibly light-coloured skin, around 17-years-old, with black curly hair. He wore a grey Nike hooded top and bottoms.

If you have information, please contact Det Con Jarvis via the 24 hour police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505. Those who do not wish to speak to police or leave their name should call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

A Slough woman has been given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £125 costs after being found guilty of a public order offence.

Champa Samarawickrama, aged 49, of Sherborne Close, Poyle, was found guilty on 25 January of section four public order – causing harassment, alarm and distress with the intent to cause the fear of unlawful violence. She was sentenced at Bracknell Magistrates’ Court last week (19/2).

The sentence relates to an incident which occurred on the afternoon of Friday 22 June 2007, when Samarawickrama shouted verbal abuse and made an offensive gesture at a woman outside Pippins School, Colnbrook, Slough.

SloughPC Keith Steward, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Colnbrook, said: “The offence took place outside a school and this conviction is a good lesson to those who think that it is ok to behave in this way in the vicinity of young children.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Neighbourhood policing will be launched in the Foxborough area of Slough next week.

The new style of Slough community policing will be introduced to residents at an open meeting on Tuesday 26 February at the Christ the Worker Church Hall in Parlaunt Road, Langley, starting at 7pm.

Insp Andy Boomer, neighbourhood inspector for Slough East, will be introducing members of the Foxborough policing team. Representatives of our partner agencies, including Slough Borough Council, will also be on hand to speak to residents.

Slough Insp Boomer said: “The meeting will start with an explanation of what neighbourhood policing is all about and we will then ask the audience to tell us the most important things they would like the partners to do to improve the quality of life in Foxborough.

“Finally, we will be asking people to be part of the Foxborough neighbourhood action group (NAG). It will be this group that steers neighbourhood policing and progresses the top 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 Foxborough, Slough comprises:

Insp Andy Boomer
Sgt Damon Wilson
PC Tracey Fenton-Smyth (Neighbourhood Specialist Officer)
PCSO Vivian Bailey

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

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Young people from Slough, New Zealand and Wales have come together with a creative play about their cultural landscapes and identity, after each writing a third of the script.

Slough Young People’s Centre worked with the two partner locations, alongside professional artists, writers, filmmakers and designers to produce ‘Strangers’.

The play allows the audience to join the group and take a trip across the globe to experience true and compelling characters, situations and places.

The inspiration for the play comes from exploring ideas around identity, journeys and arrivals and whether it is the place that makes the person, or the people who make the place.

Audiences can expect to witness an eclectic and original performance, combining live and pre-recorded original music and film with an international twist, which is suitable for the whole family.

Kristiina Paul, arts development officer for Slough Young People’s Centre, said: “This is such an exciting project, which we are all thrilled to be a part of.

“Everybody involved has poured their heart and soul into this and it is definitely worth it. I’m sure that the audiences will be captivated and also discover that we are all people with a story to share.”

Commissioner for young people’s services, Cllr Sean Wright, said: “It is fantastic that young performers from Slough have been involved in such an ambitious project.

“It’s important that everybody is given the chance to learn about different places and cultures and by being part of something like this is a great opportunity. I hope that many residents in the borough go along and see the play.”

Strangers will be performed at the West Wing, Stoke Rd, Slough at 7.30pm on 29th February and 1st March. The tickets, £5 all seats, are available for purchase from the West Wing box office on 01753 823710.

Slough Borough Council

People 1st (Slough) are offering its residents the chance to show off their photographic skills and win a fantastic prize in their ‘Blank Canvas’ competition.

Slough Borough Council’s housing organisation is inviting children of tenants and leaseholders to send in their favourite photos and tell them what the best thing about the neighbourhood is.

Slough Applicants up to 18 years of age can submit up to four photos, which can be in print, digital or taken by mobile phone and must be of home, favourite places, friends and neighbours, fun and games and hobbies and interests.

The top Slough pictures will be displayed at a special exhibition event at the West Wing, attended by the mayor, where the winners will be invited with their families to receive their prize. They will then be displayed in the People 1st (Slough) reception and venues across the borough.

Any people photographed must have given their permission to have their photos taken and being entered into the competition.

All entry forms must be submitted by Wednesday 30th April, which can be obtained from MyCouncil at Landmark Place, High Street, Slough or by telephoning 01753 474027.

Prizes will be awarded under the following categories:

Up to 13 years old

* £150 photographic package including digital camera, printer, paper and memory card
* £100 MP3 player
* £25 photographic gift voucher

Ages 13 – 18

* £250 photographic package including digital camera, photo frame and memory card
* £100 digital camera
* £25 photographic gift voucher

Images taken with a mobile phone

* £150 mobile phone
* £100 MP3 player
* £25 photographic gift voucher

Robert Quaye, community participation manager for People 1st (Slough), said: “This is an exciting competition for our residents to take part in.

“It will give them a great opportunity to show off the best of their neighbourhood, whilst being in with a chance of winning a prize.”

Commissioner for Slough housing, Cllr Tony Haines, said: “I think this competition is a wonderful idea and allows people to really show off their skills.

“I hope that many residents take part so that we all get to see the best that Slough has to offer.”

Terms and Conditions:

* All participants entering the competition transfer the copyright of their work to People 1st (Slough) who reserve the right to reproduce the images in their publicity material
* The winning photos will be displayed in some of People 1st (Slough) venues and reception
* People 1st (Slough) will make every effort to take excellent care of all the works received. However, they cannot be held liable for any loss or damage to works submitted
* All people photographed must have given their permission to have their photos taken and entered into the competition

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team is warning residents to be vigilant of cold callers after an elderly couple were duped out of £250 for ‘council work’ to their trees.

Mr and Mrs Peters, aged 86 and 85 years old respectively, were subject to a cold call last week from, who they thought, were Slough council officers.

A smartly dressed man knocked on the Peters front door to inform them that he had carried out work in the area and noticed their fir tree needed cutting as it looked as though it could fall at any time.

The rogue con artists were driving in an unmarked white van and said they were working for Slough Borough Council and negotiated a price of £250 to trim the branches, lop the top and clear away the debris.

Two younger men then turned up to do the work but would not accept a cheque and insisted on driving Mrs Peters to a garage cash point to obtain the payment.

They then said that their lorry had broken down on the motorway and they would be back the next day to collect the debris.

Needless to say no one turned up.

Mrs Peters then called Slough Accord who said no one from their department had been doing any work in the area, but agreed to go out and move the trimmings from the Peters drive way.

Angela Satterly, principal technical enforcement officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “This was a terrible scam to happen to two elderly people who generally believed these con artists worked for the council.

“It is extremely worrying to hear that the men posed as council officers but that they insisted on driving Mrs Peters to a cash point for the money.

“I would urge all residents to be on their guard when people knock on their door. Think to yourself, am I expecting anybody? Check for ID with a photograph on it and if you are still unsure, then call the council.”

Commissioner for public protection, Cllr John Edward, said: “I find this type of crime especially disturbing.

“These criminals are duping the most vulnerable members of our community and what I find truly heart-wrenching is that these men persuaded Mrs Peters to get in their car and drive to a cash point for the money.

“I cannot stress enough that residents must verify who people are before letting them into their homes or allowing them to do any work for them.

“If residents feel at all uncomfortable, they should contact the Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team at 01753 875255.”

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

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

If anyone has any concerns please contact Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team on 01753 875255.

Slough Borough Council

Electrical equipment and other items belonging to a school in Slough will be property marked with SmartWater™ solution today (19/2).

Slough Neighbourhood specialist officer (NSO) PC Cerrig Shardlow and PCSO Pietro Mingolla, together with school liaison officer PC Jim Jenkin, will be attending St Joseph’s School, in Shaggy Calf Lane, to property mark items including computers, laptops and other high-value items.

The initiative was the idea of Pietro, a former pupil of St Joseph’s, who has been working closely with the school in his role as PCSO for Wexham Lea.

PC Jim Jenkin said: “Today’s operation is to help safeguard the school’s property in the event of it going missing. When we recover property marked with SmartWater, we know immediately whether the goods are stolen, and can quickly find out who they really belong to.

“We can also easily identify offenders who have stolen items marked with SmartWater, as when detainees enter one of our custody suites in Berkshire East, they pass under a UV scanner, where any traces of the solution on their body or clothing show up straight away.”

He added: “The sophisticated solution has been used by many police forces throughout the country and has proved to be a very effective deterrent, resulting in reductions in burglary of between 48 and 100 per cent.

“St Joseph’s School has been very supportive of this crime reduction initiative, which we are carrying out during half-term to minimise disruption to the pupils and staff.”

SmartWater contains a non-hazardous, coded combination of chemicals. The clear liquid is simply painted onto the items to be protected. Each brush stroke contains a chemical trace similar to, but more robust than DNA.

When dry, SmartWater is virtually invisible in normal lighting conditions, but it glows a bright fluorescent yellow under ultraviolet (UV) light. It is almost impossible to remove, and even the slightest trace can be analysed in the forensic laboratory and used as evidence.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council’s libraries will be hosting exciting food activities for children during half term.

Parents and children over five are welcome to go along and join in the fun, with a story and activity session about enjoying fruit and vegetables, food tasting and crafts.

Funky Foods aims to educate children on the benefits of healthy eating, whilst being a social event where they can interact with others.

Slough Children’s librarian, Antonia Gray, said: “This is a great opportunity for children to learn about different types of food.

“The activities are tasty and fun, so we’re sure that everyone will really enjoy themselves.”

Commissioner for Slough leisure, cultural and community services, Cllr Julia Long, added: “It’s important children are taught about different types of food and understand the benefits of eating fresh fruit and vegetables.

“Carrying out activities like this shows children that healthy food can be exciting, which they can learn in an interactive environment.”

Funky Foods will be taking place at:

Britwell Library - Tuesday 19th February, 10.30 to 11.30am
Langley Library - Tuesday 19th February, 2.15 to 3.15pm
Slough Library - Wednesday 20th February, 10.30 to 11.30am
Cippenham Library - Thursday 21st February, 10.30 to 11.30am

For more information, please contact Slough Library on 01753 787524

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is working in partnership with Thames Valley Police to offer support for victims of domestic violence this Valentine’s Day.

February 14 is traditionally a day for couples to express their love for each other and celebrate their relationship, but for many women and men in Slough, it is another day of fear and abuse.

Nationally, one in four women and one in six men will suffer domestic abuse in their lifetime. Many incidents of domestic abuse go unreported, with the victim too scared to seek help or support, or are unaware of support agencies.

Last year 3,093 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to police in Slough, but it is estimated that this figure only accounts for about a third of incidents that actually occur.

The council’s Slough Healthy Activities Programme (SHAPE), in conjunction with the Slough Domestic Violence Forum, provides funding for several projects run by East Berkshire Women’s Aid and Kinara Asian Women’s Service. Both agencies provide outreach, drop in and refuge accommodation for women and children affected by domestic abuse.

Abusive men living in Berkshire East, wishing to change their behaviour can access the Changing Ways programme.

Commissioner for public protection, Slough Cllr John Edwards, said: “This is a difficult issue to tackle effectively, but the council, along with Thames Valley Police are committed to doing so.

“It must be made absolutely clear that we do not condone or will remain silent about violence and abuse.”

Sophie Crowe, domestic violence co-ordinator for Berkshire East, said “Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day will be just another day of violence and fear for many people living in abusive relationships.

“It is important that we reach out to anyone, regardless of whether they are men or women, suffering abuse at the hands of a loved one so they can seek help and support from local agencies.”

For support, please contact East Berkshire Women’s Aid on 01753 549865 or Kinara Asian Women’s Service on 01753 573330. For men wishing to access support, please call Victim Support on 01344 411 411.

Any man wishing to change his behaviour can call John Roberts on 07818 054563 to discuss Changing Ways.

You can find a full list of specialist domestic abuse services that serve Slough, elsewhere on this website.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s cabinet councillors have made the decision to sell the existing Town Hall site and regenerate it with new housing, helping to revitalise this area of the borough.

Financial, logistical and planning information put forward to Slough councillors at the meeting revealed that keeping the core of the old Town Hall on the site, and have it worked into plans for a housing development, could potentially devalue the land by more than £2million.

Because of this significant difference in value, councillors agreed that there were no grounds to justify retaining the Town Hall building on the site.

The cabinet believes this money could be put to better use in regenerating and improving facilities around the town.

At the end of last year, the council carried out a consultation exercise to find out resident, business and council staff views on where a new Slough Town Hall should be located, and whether the core of the old Town Hall building should be retained.

The majority of people voted for a new town centre based Town Hall (57 per cent) and nearly half of respondents (47 per cent) said that the Town Hall core should be kept.

Council officers are now looking into options for a town centre based Town Hall.

A series of consultation events are being carried out next week by the council’s planning consultants, Drivers Jonas, to show residents and businesses an outline of what the current Town Hall site could look like when it is developed. The events will be taking place on:

* Wednesday 20th February from 10am to 4pm in the Town Hall reception (Ledgers Rd Entrance)
* Wednesday 20th February from 5pm to 7pm in the old Town Hall (Bath Road entrance)
* Thursday 21st February from 10am to 4pm in the MyCouncil entrance foyer.

On both days, Drivers Jonas will be present to answer questions between 10am and 12pm and 2pm and 4pm. They will also be at the evening session at the old Town hall on 20th February. If the public attends outside of these times they will be able to see the plans and pick up a questionnaire to give their views and send back to the council.

In light of Cabinet's decision, it will still be necessary to ensure that the loss of the Town Hall core is fully justified in planning terms. As part of the planning application submission, evidence will be submitted to support the commercial and architectural case for the removal of the Town hall core.

Cllr Geoff Howard, commissioner for Slough resources, said: “There was a clear divide between the people who wanted the Town Hall core kept, and the people who didn’t or were indifferent.

“Obviously without a resounding ‘yes’ on keeping the building, we had to weigh up the financial implications if we did keep it, especially as most people wanted the town hall moved to the town centre.

“Furthermore, there is a fiduciary duty on the council to get fair value for the site and if we did receive £2million pounds less than the market value it would probably get called in by the Secretary of State.

“The sale would likely be overturned, which would be expensive for the council, and this makes retaining the core of the town hall a questionable decision, especially in light of an independent architect’s assessment that the building had no real architectural value.

“We felt that such a sum of money was a huge amount to lose, particularly when this money could be put to good use on improving facilities, public buildings and open space for the benefit of all residents.

“I would urge residents to come along to the consultation sessions to look at what the site could look like when it is developed and give their views.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s cabinet commissioners have agreed to spend £100,000 on surveying the extent of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in the borough.

An HMO is an entire house or flat which is let to three or more tenants who form two or more households and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.

At present, the Slough council is aware that there has been an increase in HMOs, but does not have an accurate figure on the full extent of the situation. The council has a duty of care to ensure that all residents in the borough, whether they are in council or privately owned properties, live in safe and habitable conditions.

Under the Housing Act 2004, only HMOs of three or more storeys, with five or more people sharing facilities, have to be licensed. The council however, believes there are many two storey HMO properties in the town that need to be inspected to ensure they are safe.

The last survey of housing conditions in privately owned homes was last carried out in 1998, and a survey of HMOs in 1997 under previous housing legislation.

A new survey of conditions is therefore needed to ensure the council can demonstrate its commitment to improving housing conditions in the private sector, and the way it sets policies and priorities is based on up-to-date information.

Denise Alder, director of the green and built environment, said: “Obviously we are aware of an increase in HMOs in Slough, but we need to carry out a survey to understand how many properties need inspecting and what finances are needed to do this.”

Cllr Tony Haines, commissioner for housing, said: “HMOs, if they comply to the right standards, are a great way for groups of people, such as students, or people starting on the career ladder, to live together relatively cheaply.

“However, there are many landlords out there who take advantage of people who are in need of accommodation quickly, or new people to the country, and offer very poor and unsafe living conditions.

“We need to target these properties in the proposed survey to understand the extent of the situation in Slough and ensure that all residents in these properties have a decent quality of life.”

If funding for these surveys is approved, the initial findings could be available in October 2008.

Slough Borough Council

The redevelopment of a former block of Slough flats will be officially opened by the Mayor to reveal stunning new homes.

The scheme, commissioned by Slough Borough Council and funded by the Housing Corporation, was developed by Home Group, who purchased the site at Lincoln Way, Cippenham.

The previous building, a three storey block of flats built in the 1960’s, was an eyesore and was built to much poorer standards than homes today. The block had been vandalised and was a source of nuisance to neighbours.

The flats have now been replaced with fourteen properties in a curved terrace, consisting of three, four and five bedroom homes for council tenants to rent and one and two bedroom flats available for shared ownership to first time buyers.

They are built to high environmental standards and have achieved a rating of ‘very good’ under the government’s EcoHomes scheme.

Jeremy Walter, housing strategy development manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “The new homes are great for Slough and go a long way in helping with the shortages of homes for residents in need of appropriate housing.

“As a council, we are committed to providing affordable and pleasant homes and by working effectively in partnership with schemes such as this, is a very successful way of achieving our goal.”

Commissioner for housing, Cllr Tony Haines, added: “We want to congratulate Home Group for what is an excellent scheme.

“Small infill projects like this make a real difference to existing neighbourhoods as well as meeting the needs of over crowded households on the waiting list.

“This is such an attractive building and demonstrates what can be achieved through our partnership with Housing Associations. I’m sure everyone who lives here will be delighted with their new home and we wish them well.”

The new properties have already been allocated to six lucky families from the council’s housing list. One of the new tenants is Mr and Mrs Harper, who will be greeted by the Mayor at the official opening.

Mrs Harper said of her new home: “We are thrilled to be living here and I can’t quite believe how much space we have.

“We had been waiting for ages to move from our small two bedroom flat. As a family with two active boys and a daughter, we were getting on top of each other. To have a house and garden is fantastic.”

Home Group is currently redeveloping five other redundant garage sites in Slough, which will also provide affordable homes for rent for families.

Slough Borough Council

During half term, young people from Slough Borough Council’s Haymill youth club will be visiting all of the youth centres in town to raise awareness of the dangers of drug use and where young people can go to get help and support.

Tackling drugs together Using fun and educational resources from the Talk to Frank campaign, the peer mentors will be promoting health awareness and the harms associated with drug and alcohol misuse.

Tony Rawlings, senior Slough youth worker at Haymill, said: “At Haymill we’ve had lots of discussions about the health and social risks of becoming involved in drug and alcohol misuse.

“The idea of using young people from the youth centre to promote the message to their friends and peers gives it far greater impact.”

Commissioner for Slough young people, Cllr Sean Wright, added: “What better way of getting a serious message across to young people than asking their peers to speak to them.

“It will be more likely that the youth in the town will listen about drugs and alcohol misuse from someone their own age and take the matter seriously.”

Please contact your local youth centre for further information.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s Energycare team will be promoting efficiencies for home energy and insulation at the Queensmere on Saturday, February 16th, from 10am to 4pm to give residents advice on how to have a more eco-friendly home.

As well as this, other Slough council services will also be there such as the home improvement agency who help private residents with aid and adaptations to their home, community recycling, trading standards, community wardens, drugs awareness and homebuy, which helps people get on the property ladder in the borough.

The Energycare scheme, which is a partnership between the council, Energy Services and the Mark Insulation Group, offers discounted cavity wall and loft insulation to residents and is open to all private households.

Since it started, 1,764 households have had either loft or cavity wall insulation which equals 1,521 cavities filled and 977 lofts - saving a total of 2118 tonnes of CO2.

All householders aged over 70 are eligible for free insulation.

795 households have signed up to the scheme and helping to save the equivalent of six jumbo Boeing 747’s or 143 adult elephants in carbon emissions.

So far, 677 cavity wall insulations and 505 loft insulation have been carried out, saving approximately one tonne of carbon for each loft and three-quarters of a tonne for each cavity.

That’s nearly half-a-million pounds worth of work which the customers have paid half, resulting in residents investing a quarter-of-a-million pounds improving their homes and the environment.

Energy services have a team of home assessors based in Slough, offering private householders a free survey and quotation with no obligation.

Linzi Bagshaw, energy conservation officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “This Saturday will be a good opportunity for those residents who would like to save money and energy in their home.

“They will also be able to find out about the other important services the council offers and speak to officers about anything from loft insulations, to handyman help around the home for the elderly or vulnerable.

“There will also be someone from the Homebuy scheme which helps people to get on the property ladder by either buying a place outright or being able to part buy, part rent back.

“With all this information under one roof, I really hope to see lots of people there.”

Commissioner for public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “Everyday we either read or see television programmes about looking after our environment and what we can do to help.

“This event stretches right across the board in terms of the advice and information the council offers to help residents look after their homes and save money at the same time.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is offering businesses in the area a chance to set themselves apart from the competition, by joining their trading standards approved scheme.

The Buy with Confidence scheme aims to provide residents with a list of approved and legitimate businesses and traders who give good customer service and perform a high-quality job.

Companies applying to the scheme are vetted to ensure that they don’t have a history of causing consumer misdemeanours.

For businesses that work in and around people’s homes, staff and unsupervised subcontractors must pass the Criminal Record Bureau checks, which are repeated every three years.

Once approved, they are listed on the council’s Buy with Confidence website, will receive a certificate of membership and are able to use the scheme’s logo on their stationary and advertising.

Fakhra Zaman, Buy with Confidence co-ordinator for Slough Borough Council, said: “The trader’s list provides residents with the safe knowledge that they are using a reputable company.

“It benefits both the business and consumer and will help to reduce the number of complaints we receive about poor services.”

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for public protection, added: “This is a very useful scheme for our businesses and residents.

“It makes it much easier to choose a trader and buy from them with confidence, knowing they will not rip off their customers, whilst also helping traders to show residents they are reliable.”

To find out more, you can view the Buy with Confidence pages found elsewhere within this site or call 01753 875255.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is encouraging residents to join the garden waste recycling scheme.

The Slough green bins, launched in 2006, are already being used by more than 16,500 residents, with over 2,300 tonnes collected for composting through the scheme last year alone.

Collections have just resumed this year after the Christmas period and the council is calling on more residents to sign up to receive their green bin, which will be emptied fortnightly and taken for composting.

The following garden waste can be put into the green bins:

* Grass and hedge cuttings
* Small plants and shrubs
* Small branches
* Twigs and bark
* Leaves and weeds
* Flowers

Garden waste that has been disposed of in refuse bins can be damaging to the environment. When taken to the landfill site, it is squashed down under other rubbish and decomposes without air, creating methane - a powerful global warming gas.

Sarah Bryan, community recycling officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “Recycling is an extremely important issue and more and more residents are now taking part.

“We are all aware of climate change and the damaging effects on the environment, so we are asking for those who currently do not recycle their garden waste, to compost at home or use the green waste collection scheme as everyone can make a difference.

“It’s really easy to sign up and the green bins are completely free, so please get in contact and we will be happy to help.”

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for public protection, said: “We are pleased with the results so far of the amount already recycled.

“The cleaner, safer, greener campaign is helping to educate residents about the benefits of recycling and there is more that can be done to put it into practice. I know that many residents want to help tackle environmental issues, but for whatever reason, some haven’t yet done so.

“The free recycling bins offered by the council are a really great way of making those small, but effective changes in our households.”

To join the free garden waste collection scheme, please call 01753 875255 or email greenwaste@slough.gov.uk.

Slough Borough Council

More than 6,700 tenants currently renting their homes from Slough Borough Council look set to see a hefty increase in their weekly rent thanks to a rise imposed by the government.

The hike of 6.22 per cent will almost entirely go towards the government leaving the council and People 1st desperately short of cash for the many services it provides to residents.

Of the £26 million pounds that Slough council will collect this year, the government will get a third (£8.6m) back, meaning that tenants could be paying the government up to £25 a week.

At the same time, because of the way that the government calculates how much money it thinks Slough Borough Council, along with its Arms Length Management Organisation, People 1st, needs to provide housing services means funding will be cut by £800,000.

Both organisations will try to minimise the impact of these cuts on services to tenants and there will be no impact on the delivery of the decent homes work programme but it could mean that other, non essential work could be reduced, due to lack of funds.

Neil Aves, assistant director of housing for Slough Borough Council, said: “This has come as a real blow to the council and will affect many people and parts of the organisations.

“Which ever way we try to look at it, the cuts on services to tenants will have a major impact and I know many other local authorities are in a similar or worse position.

“For the 54 per cent of our tenants who receive housing benefit, their rent will continue to be covered so they will not feel the pain of having to pay more money, but others who may be on low incomes will. If the proposed increases do cause genuine hardship for tenants I would suggest that they contact the rent accounts team in People 1st before they get into difficulties and rent arrears.”

Sue Morris, Chair of People 1st (Slough), said: “The government have placed us in a very difficult position this time round and have only given us three weeks notice of the amount of money they will be taking from the council. Normally we are given several months to set the rents and balance the budgets but this year we have precious little time with which to plan our response.

“By not providing for inflation the real cost to the service is well over £1,000,000. The council and People 1st are trying everything they can to limit the impact for tenants but you can’t cut that kind of money and promise that tenants won’t notice.

“We are developing options which will propose a range of savings and will work with tenants to make sure our plans for improvements and excellent services are not derailed. However, we are likely to have to make hard decisions about the extent of some of our work, impacting on some ‘non-essential’ works such as decorating.”

Commissioner for Slough housing, Cllr Tony Haines, said: “Every year the government puts up the rent way above the rate of inflation but this time the hike is astronomical. Our rents are going to support housing services in other poor parts of the country while our own service is crippled.

“It’s another way of taxing tenants and will cause many service cuts and operational changes. Staff at People 1st (Slough) have done so well to get two stars, and the decent homes programme is rolling out across the borough so this news comes as a great slap in the face for them after all their hard work and efforts.

“Last year, £300,000 of savings was imposed resulting in cuts to services including garden maintenance for the elderly, vulnerable or disabled. Once again it could be those discretionary parts of the service which bear the brunt.”

Advice will be available at MyCouncil for any tenant who is worried about the rent rise. There will also be staff there who can advise on debt management.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is closing the door on anti-social behaviour by putting in place special Gating Orders to block access to some alleyways around the town.

Last Wednesday, January 30th, saw the first ever gate put up across an alleyway in Stratfield Road, Wexham, Slough to stop anti-social behaviour that had been on-going for a couple of years.

After receiving complaints from Slough residents, including reports of drug dealing, vandalism and fly-tipping, the council’s community safety and highways teams, along with Thames Valley Police, decided to make a Gating Order under section 129 of the Highways act 1980.

The proposal was to install a gate at either end of the alleyway, which runs from Stratfield Road to Wellington Street. Residents where then consulted, along with businesses and statutory bodies, and the order was confirmed last November and came into operation on January 9th.

The new Orders will help to combat anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime and the scheme has been awarded £45,000 from the capital fund for further projects in the town.

Kam Bhatti, community safety project officer for Slough Borough Council, said “The new gating scheme is a fantastic idea. Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour is a clear priority for the council which will not tolerate such activities.

“Gating is a means of improving the quality of life for residents in Stratfield Road and others in the near future.”

Commissioner for public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “The council staff, along with the police, have done a marvellous job at trying to combat anti-social behaviour.

“They have listened to the residents and started an order that will stop crime and help reduce the fear of crime in areas around Slough.”

PC Dave Stride, from Thames Valley Police, said “We were aware of the many problems at Stratfield Road and held a number of meetings with local residents to see what could be done under current legislation to help improve the situation.

“During those discussions, the idea of a Gating Order was raised and after explaining what would be involved, the community were very receptive to the idea.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s youth service will be marking the start of Contraceptive Awareness Week, February 11th to 17th, by launching a condom distribution scheme.

The idea is in response to requests from young Slough people to provide health services at venues they attend, and follows the success of Chlamydia screenings at a number of youth centres.

The initiative will be available at all of the council’s youth clubs. The ‘Come Card’ system, which entitles young people to 15 free condoms per month, has been operating successfully at Slough Young People’s Centre for many years.

The event will give youth workers the opportunity to discuss sexual health with young people, give them accurate information and encourage them to make positive choices about their health and long term future.

Siân Snagg, young people’s health improvement manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “In Slough we actively promote the ‘delay’ message which encourages young people to think very carefully about the consequences on embarking on a sexual relationship.

“However, over half of teenage conceptions are unplanned and unwanted, ending in abortion, so there is clearly a need for accessible contraception”.

Commissioner for young people’s services, Cllr Sean Wright, added: “Many young people get their sex education from friends; some don’t even get any advice or information at all.

“This is where such a scheme as this will be great for the young people of Slough who can go to their local youth centre and gain proper advice from adults about sexual health and being protected.

“The fact that it was the young people who asked for this service just shows that many of them want to be responsible.”

For more information, please contact your local youth centre.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s housing benefit service is holding an open day on Saturday 16th, at MyCouncil, for private landlords to find out more about the new Local Housing Allowance (LHA) scheme.

LHA is the new way of working out housing benefit for private tenants and is a flat rate allowance based on the size of household and the area in which a person lives.

Slough Housing benefit staff will be on hand to answer any queries landlords may have and will be offering advice and information on issues such as, who it will affect, the rates, why it has been introduced and what to do if the tenant is in rent arrears.

The scheme, which is being introduced on 7th April 2008, aims to offer safeguards to protect the interests of landlords and provide certainty that rent will be paid.

For the tenant, it promotes increased responsibility, allows more choice and helps them to develop the skills to make the transition into work. It will not affect people living in council accommodation or other social housing.

Sunita Sharma, scrutiny officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “We hope that the open day will be of use to many landlords in the borough and encourage them to attend.

“It is important that they fully understand how it will affect them, so the aim is to clarify the scheme thoroughly and provide support where needed.”

Commissioner for housing, Cllr Tony Haines, said: “The open day will be a very good opportunity for landlords to go along and talk about matters that may concern them.

“They need to be fully aware of LHA in case any issues arise with their own tenants.”

The open day will be taking place between 10am to 1pm at MyCouncil, Landmark Place, Slough, High Street.

For more information, please contact MyCouncil on 01753 475111.

Slough Borough Council

Slough’s schools are serving up healthier meals than packed lunches, according to a survey conducted by Slough Borough Council.

A recent study of all primary and special schools in the borough showed that:

* An average of 93 per cent of children eating school meals, rather than packed lunches, were provided with a balanced meal
* An average of 89 per cent of children eating school meals had vegetables
* An average of 46 per cent of children chose fruit at lunchtime

When compared to school meals, only 31 per cent eating packed lunches had a balanced diet, whilst an alarmingly low percentage had a vegetable – at just eight per cent.

The survey was conducted by Slough Borough Council and Berkshire East Primary Care Trust to see how Slough school meals measured up to the new government standards. A total of 7,376 school meals and homemade packed lunches were recorded, specifically noting balanced meals, fruit, vegetables and dairy drinks.

Government legislation on school meals states that healthier products, such as fruit, vegetables, oily fish, bread and drinking water should be on the menu. Confectionery is not allowed, whilst salt, snacks and deep fried foods are restricted.

It was also found that catering staff were very friendly and hard working and the dining rooms well managed to reduce queuing.

Jo Ricketts, school food advisor for Slough Borough Council, said: “The school meal results are very positive for the town, with 84 per cent of schools meeting the nutritional standards ahead of schedule.

“The outcome of the survey shows how committed schools in the borough are to ensuring children are eating healthier foods.

“The catering staff are doing a great job and working hard to encourage children to have vegetables with their meals. This will no doubt help them to understand about choosing balanced meals and the benefits later on in life.

“However, packed lunch results were a little disappointing. Schools now need the help of parents to ensure a whole school approach to healthy eating.”

Commissioner for education and children’s services, Cllr David Munkley, added: “The results are very reassuring for both the schools and parents.

“It is difficult these days to ensure children are eating the right kinds of foods, but the schools are working very hard to help them make the right decision.”

Slough Borough Council

As part of a new national scheme, Slough Borough Council is able to offer free bus travel across England.

The current bus pass, which allows free local off - peak travel for eligible Slough residents, is going to be extended as part of the new National Bus Concession Scheme.

From 1st April 2008, people aged 60 and over and those who are disabled will be able to take advantage of free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England.

Off-peak hours are 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday and all day weekends and bank holidays.

The scheme aims to provide greater freedom and independence, whilst offering significant savings when visiting friends, vital services and attractions outside the local area.

Everyone who already holds a bus pass will be sent a new one automatically, but the council is also encouraging new applicants.

Tim Wangora, customer service centre team leader, said: “We really welcome this new bus pass scheme as it will help many elderly and disabled residents by providing them with a much greater service.

“If there is anyone who feels that they are eligible for a bus pass, but don’t yet have one, we urge them to get in contact with us.”

Commissioner for Slough transport, Cllr Dexter Smith, added: “I hope our residents will make use of the many benefits this bus pass will bring.

“Some people may have been put off travelling to visit friends and family living in other parts of England because of cost, but this offers a much more economical way of getting there.”

For bus timetables and route information or to apply for a pass, please call Slough Borough Council on 01753 475111.

Slough Borough Council

A Slough woman has been fined for breaching a Noise Abatement Notice given by Slough Borough Council for her barking dogs at Maidenhead Magistrates on January 25th.

Sarah Moss of Horton Road, Slough, was first served the notice on January 5th 2006 as her two barking dogs, kept in her garden, caused a nuisance to neighbouring residents.

The council’s neighbourhood enforcement team continued to receive complaints, and in July 2007, an officer witnessed two breaches of the Notice.

Miss Moss was fined £175, including costs.

Dympna Molloy, head of neighbourhood enforcement for Slough Borough Council, said: “It’s normal and natural for dogs to bark, but when barking happens a lot, or goes on for a long time, it can be annoying and upsetting for neighbours.

“Miss Moss was given the notice but chose to ignore it and unfortunately, has had to pay a fine. Hopefully, she will be able to keep her dogs from barking in the future.”

To help reduce the noise of your dog barking, there are a few simple steps people can take:

* If your dog barks at things outside your yard or garden, don’t let it go outside on its own.
* Keep it away from windows, so it can’t see people or other animals.
* If your dog barks at the same time every day, like when people in the house are going to work or school, try to keep it busy at that time. For example, you could take it for a walk.
* Try to keep your dog calm. If it barks when it’s excited, don’t play with it at anti-social times like very late at night.
* If your dog’s barking and you’re in a flat or a semi, try to keep it away from any walls you share with your neighbours.
* Don’t leave your dog outside if it’s barking to be let in.
* See if you can get a friend or relative to look after your dog when you go out, or take it with you.
* Make sure your dog gets some exercise before you go out. A tired dog barks less.

Commissioner for Slough public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “Dog owners have a responsibility to make sure that their pets are well behaved. It can be difficult at times, but it is made harder when the animals are left outside where everyone in the area can hear it bark.

“Hopefully this situation has been sorted and the owner and her pets will not cause any more distress to their neighbours.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough’s residents have had their say on the future of recycling in the borough, and the good news is that 97 per cent say that recycling is important to them.

In a recent consultation conducted by Slough Borough Council, 750 residents responded to a range of new options for recycling and waste collection in the town.

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

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

What our residents said:

* 76 per cent would prefer a wheeled bin for recycling plastic bottles, to be collected fortnightly
* 91 per cent said the collection of plastic bottles at the kerbside was important to them. A similar number felt they could accommodate an additional wheeled bin for recycling, providing a range of sizes were offered
* 82 per cent would be prepared to separate more material for recycling in the future
* 53 per cent said they would separate food waste for recycling if the service was provided and 81 per cent said that food waste collections should take place weekly

As well as asking about domestic waste and recycling collections, the consultation also asked residents for their views on whether the council should introduce penalty charges for people who don’t recycle. 42 per cent said the council should introduce penalties such as fines for residents who persistently refuse to recycle, however 30 per cent disagreed with this.

Opinions were also mixed about introducing a policy to reduce the size of refuse bins to encourage people to recycle more, with 49 per cent disagreeing and 42 per cent agreeing.

The majority of respondents (64 per cent) said the council should consider introducing a permit scheme for Slough residents at Chalvey Waste and Recycling Centre to monitor and control excessive tipping, illegal tipping of trade waste and tipping by people from outside the local area.

Denise Alder, director of the Slough green and built environment, said: “This consultation has been really useful in finding out what residents’ priorities are for recycling in the borough. I would like to thank all those who took the time to send in their views.

“It is obvious that residents are keen to recycle and want to do more to improve our recycling levels in the future.”

Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for public protection, said: “We are committed to making Slough cleaner, safer and greener, and improving recycling is a top priority for the council.

“We will be now looking at the options in line with what residents have said they want and will come up with a scheme that will maximise recycling across the borough.

“In the meantime, I would like to say to the residents who continue to recycle through the black box and green waste schemes, keep up the good work.”

The response to the consultation will be considered as part of the budget setting process for 2008.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s trading standards and Berkshire Fire and Rescue will be doing free child car seat checks at Asda on Wednesday and Thursday, February 20th and 21st.

Keep your child safeThe teams will be in the Slough car park from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.30pm to make sure that child seats are fixed to cars properly and safely.

When the same checks were made last August, more than 50 percent failed the inspections.

Most of the faults were due to loosely fitted seats, seats not fitting the car properly, and incorrect seat belt routing, all of which can be easily amended.

One of the more shocking finds was buckle crunch, where any part of the plastic from the surround of the seat can rest on the car’s seatbelt clip.

There are around a quarter of a million road accidents a year in which someone is injured and around 3,500 people die, including about 30 children aged between 0 and 11.

Every year 450 children are seriously injured.

Emma Richards from Slough Borough Council’s trading standards said: “These free checks that we carry out are extremely important and I cannot stress enough that every parent who has a child seat should come along and have it looked at.

“Many seats are fitted wrongly and this can cause serious injuries to a child if involved in an accident or worse, could result in death.

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

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

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

Slough Borough Council

An owner and a member of staff from a food and wine shop in Slough have been fined a total of £2,160 including costs for selling alcohol to a 15 year old.

Surbir Singh Arora, owner of Euro Food and Wine, was fined £1,080 along with Magdalena Holka and in addition, a licence review of the premises resulted in suspension of the alcohol licence for three weeks.

The prosecutions followed a Slough Borough Council trading standards ‘sting’ operation in May 2007, where an underage volunteer was sold a bottle of Tropical Orange Bacardi Breezer.

Trading standards officer for Slough Borough Council, Dean Cooke, said: “This is a welcome result for the team in response to the work we do.

“It demonstrates that such matters are being taken seriously by the courts and hopefully reminds traders about the consequences of not complying with the law.”

Commissioner for public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “Prosecutions of this kind should really drive home the fact that selling alcohol to underage individuals will simply not be tolerated.

“What retailers need to understand is that no matter how uncomfortable they feel about asking for identification, if they do not do so, there will be prosecutions and hefty fines.”

The council’s trading standards team are currently in the process of providing educational Trader Packs to all sellers of age restricted goods throughout the borough.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s environmental protection team is cleaning up the town by taking action against nuisance parking offenders.

Community wardens will begin by covering the Britwell area over the next few weeks, looking for any perpetrators parking cars for sale and will issue fines of £100.

Nuisance parking is caused by placing cars for sale on the street, selling vehicles on the road to target businesses, and using the road as a mock workshop.

It is unfair for local Slough residents as they may not be able to use the road properly and it can take up valuable car parking spaces.

North environmental protection team leader for Slough Borough Council, John Waite, said: “The team is working hard to tackle a number of environmental issues.

“Nuisance parking is a problem in the borough, so hopefully these fines will act as a deterrent.

“Placing cars on the street in these circumstances is unsightly and unpleasant for local residents. It can also cause damage to the environment if oil is spilled or leaked.”

Commissioner for public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “We simply will not tolerate nuisance parking.

“There is no reason for residents to have to put up with it, so the fines should send out a clear message that it is not acceptable to leave cars on our streets in this manner.”

Slough Borough Council

Inspections carried out by Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team have revealed that no shops in the town are prepared to sell fireworks outside the legally permitted dates.

Since 1st January 2005, it has been an offence for any premises to sell fireworks outside of these specific dates:

* 15th October to 10th November
* 26th to 31st December
* The first day of Chinese New Year and the three days before
* The first day of Diwali and the three days before

The promising news came as Trading Standards South East (TSSE) worked alongside 15 local authorities, including Slough, to find out if retailers were prepared to sell fireworks during the period 12th to 16th November 2007.

Out of the 22 premises in Slough, which are registered to store fireworks, none were prepared to sell them. There is one shop that is licensed to sell fireworks all year around.

The maximum fine for selling anyone fireworks outside the specified times is £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.

Russell Clarke, technical enforcement officer for Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team, said: “This is very good news for Slough and we are continuing to work to ensure retailers comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

“The result of this project goes to show that our policy of 100 per cent inspections of firework retailers and the information available for when you can sell fireworks, has given out a clear message.”

Commissioner for Slough public protection, Cllr John Edwards, said: “This is a very positive result for the retailers involved and they should feel pleased.

“Inspections of this kind are on going and the council is committed to ensuring laws are abided by for the safety of our residents.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s award winning Aurat Enterprise project has been acknowledged as an example of best practice in a recent government publication.

Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has launched a new booklet highlighting case studies of organisations working to empower Muslim women.

‘Empowering Muslim Women: Case Studies’ features Aurat Enterprise as an example of encouraging economic participation for women.

The project was set up in 2004 to promote education and life skills opportunities to women from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. It offers tailored courses to meet their needs, and inspires them to take steps to change their lives.

It has already helped over 720 women, with many pursuing education, training and employment. A mini-bus service and crèche facilities are also provided to help overcome any practical barriers.

An-Nisa, a voluntary organisation which works with the Slough council, has also been included in the booklet. They run a number of activities to support Muslim women and their children in the community.

Head of economic development, diversity and equality, Rafiq Chohan, and Samina Hussain, employment and enterprise manager for Slough Borough Council, were invited to the launch of the publication.

Rafiq Chohan, said: “Aurat Enterprise was started in the community, engages women in the community and is supported by many local partners.

“The work that Samina Hussain and her team have done to help make a difference to the lives of women in our community is remarkable.”

Commissioner for Slough cultural and community services, Cllr Julia Long, added: “The council is committed to helping members of the community achieve their full potential.

“The project is superb and transforms the lives of many women. I am really very proud that it has featured as a case study in the booklet, as it goes to show just what a success it has been, and hopefully will continue to do so.”

To find out more about Aurat Enterprise, please call 01753 476614 or email aurat@slough.gov.uk.

Slough Borough Council