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Slough libraries are kick starting April with special craft sessions and stories about the kite festival and Spring.

Step into Spring at the libraryThe free event is for anyone aged five and over who would like to go along to their local library and join in the fun.

The sessions will be held at –

* Langley Library on Tuesday April 8 from 2.15pm to 3.15pm
* Cippenham Library on Thursday April 8 from 10.30am to 11.30am
* Britwell Library on Tuesday April 15 from 10.30am to 11.30am
* Slough Library on Wednesday April 16 from 10.30am to 11.30am

Sabiha Malik, senior library assistant for Slough Borough Council, said: “I am really looking forward to seeing the children come to the library and learn all about spring and what it has to offer.

“There will be lots of fun with stories about kites and plenty of colours to stimulate the young children’s imagination.”

For further information, please call Slough library on 01753 787524.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough’s Young Enterprise Company Programme students will be gearing up on Thursday,March 27 to win awards for their innovative businesses in a special area competition, held at Herschel Grammar School.

The Slough young people, who have run their own legal companies whilst still at school, will be judged on three elements for the competition.

Firstly, all student companies have submitted a company report which has already been marked and carries the most marks for this competition.

On the evening, the young people will be assessed according to their five minute company presentation and combined with scores from the judge’s interviews at their company trade stand, a winner will be decided.

There are seven finalists who will present on the evening.

The awards for the evening will be -

* Best Presentation 2008
* Award for Innovation with Technology
* Young Enterprise North East Berkshire Runners Up 2008
* Young Enterprise North East Berkshire Tenon Award for Best Student Company and Winners 2008

The winning business will be eligible to compete in the county final, to be held at Bearwood College, Wokingham on Thursday May 15, with the chance to progress to the regional and national levels.

Jenny Scully, Slough Young Enterprise Coordinator, said: “I have been extremely impressed by the young people and their innovative plans for their companies.

“It is so important in today’s climate to encourage and teach young people about business and about what it takes to run your own.

“I’m looking forward to the evening and seeing what the students have lined up.”

Commissioner for education and children’s services, Cllr David Munkley, added: “I’m looking forward to judging the businesses and seeing what the young people have in store for us.

“Last year the young enterprise scheme was excellent, and I am sure it will be the same this year.

“It is vital that young people learn all about business and what it is like in the work place. So far, I have been very impressed by them. Good luck to them all.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council has received £7.8 million from the Housing Corporation to build 140 new affordable homes in the borough over the next three years.

The Corporation is a Government agency which funds new affordable housing and regulates housing associations in England and it was announced this month that there was an £8.4 billion programme for local authorities in the country, with the South East getting a £1.2billion share.

Of the 140 new properties for Slough, 93 of these will be larger family homes, i.e. houses with three or more bedrooms. These will help to meet the demand currently on the council’s housing register.

Some of the new homes will be built on the sites of old garages in areas such as Langley, Manor Park and Chalvey. In addition, further homes will be built with properties for sale on larger developments in Cippenham.

Jeremy Walter, strategic housing manager, Slough Borough Council, said: “The funding is fantastic news.

“The new homes will make a real difference to Slough as 80 per cent will be for affordable rented housing and the vast majority will provide much needed larger family accommodation.

“We’re very pleased with the level of funding awarded to Slough and will be working hard to develop further bids, as the Housing Corporation has for the first time offered opportunities for further funding during their three year programme.”

Commissioner for Slough housing, Cllr Tony Haines, added: “This is great news for Slough and residents wanting family homes.

“It should go a long way in bridging the gap between the smaller homes we have on offer here and the larger family houses.”

This is the largest investment programme in the housing corporation's history as the £8.4 billion new affordable housing programme (NAHP) 2008/11 will provide at least 155,000 homes in the next three years, almost double the number compared to 2006/08.

More than 100,000 of these will be for affordable rent, and more than 50,000 for affordable sale through the Government's HomeBuy initiatives.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s trading standards will be cracking down on shops in the borough selling novelty or non-child resistant lighters after an EU ban was upheld this month.

Novelty lighters are now illegal to buy in the UK.

On March 11, the Commission Decision, adopted by EU Member States, banned the sale of lighters that are a danger to children and therefore cannot be sold to any customers in the UK and the rest of the EU.

It has been illegal to import these lighters into the UK since last March, but the ban of sales was not taken up until a year afterwards to give shops time to sell off stock.

Misuse of cigarette lighters in play by young children causes a significant number of serious fire accidents.

In the UK alone, five children die every year because of playing with lighters, with a further 250 being injured, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Lighters now available for sale are child-resistant and are not designed in a novelty fashion, such as a toy, handbag or a gun. These requirements have been mandatory in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for some ten years.

Child resistant mechanisms are designed to make lighters much harder for children to operate and ultimately less dangerous, however lighters should be kept out of the reach of children as they are dangerous in young hands.

The introduction of child-resistance requirements in the US resulted in a 60 per cent reduction in the number of accidents.

Russell Clarke, technical enforcement officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “Cigarette lighters are a consumer product which is hazardous, because they produce a flame or heat, and contain fuel.

“This new law will help to prevent any dangerous, or even fatal, accidents with children from happening in the UK. We will be checking all the shops and giving them advice on what to do if they have stock left.

“If any residents see novelty or non-child resistance lighters being sold, they should call trading standards on 08454 040506 immediately.”

Commissioner for public protection, Slough Cllr John Edwards, added: “This law is very welcome.

“It will save young children’s lives by making it considerably more difficult for them to operate the lighters.

“Residents should stay vigilant and let the trading standard’s team at the council know if they see any of the banned lighters being sold.

“Furthermore, anyone who still has the old lighters should ensure they do not get into the wrong hands.”

You will recognise compliant lighters as they will have the warning ‘keep away from children’ and ‘ignite lighter away from face and clothing’, written on them.

The lighters must comply with safety requirements of ISO 994:2006 and child resistant requirements of BS EN 138869:2002

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s lifelong learning team will be holding an open day at Britwell’s MyCouncil office on Thursday, March 27 between 10am and 4pm, for residents in the ward to go along and see what services are available to them.

There will be Slough taster sessions and workshops on producing a birthday card, playing music on computers, fun video clips on the internet, creating a CV in 20 minutes and first time internet users – test your level of literacy.

There will also be information on dance and video editing for 16 to 25 year olds, help with online job searches, information on computer courses, as well as information for lone parents and new arrivals to the UK.

For those wishing to enrol on college courses or needing advice on work, learning and training, you can do this at the centre too.

Surestart will also be there, along with Berkshire Next Step and Workers Education Association (WEA).

Philip Wright, head of life long learning for Slough Borough Council, said: “This will be a great opportunity for Britwell residents to come down to their MyCouncil and see what it is all about.

“The day will be fun and relaxed and will provide lot’s of information for many people on a number of subjects. It’s free and I hope to see many people down there.”

For more information, please call 01753 692492.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s environmental health team successfully prosecuted Euro Fried Chicken (Slough) Ltd and its managing director more than £11,000 for contravention of food hygiene regulations.

The case, against the Slough fast food business on Bath Road and managing director, Mr Bashir Mohidin, saw both defendants plead guilty to four offences on 2 November 2006 in contravention with the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006. These related to:

Poor cleanliness and disrepair of the premises
Inadequate waste disposal/storage
Lack of training and supervision of food handlers andFailure to implement a HACCP based food safety system.

The Slough council’s principal technical enforcement officer, Julie Snelling, carried out a routine food hygiene inspection on August 30 2006 and uncovered a number of issues.

These included a lack of general cleanliness throughout the premises, ceiling and wall surfaces in a poor state of repair, equipment in a poor state of repair and cleanliness; inadequate management of food waste and lack of proofing to external doors - presenting a risk of access to pests.

Food handlers were also observed without protective over-clothing and not maintaining a high degree of personal hygiene during food preparation activities, along with inadequate understanding of relevant food hygiene matters by food handlers.

These matters were discussed with Mr Mohidin, who was advised of the necessary work required to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

In a written follow-up report to the manager, the Slough council stated that all outstanding works had to be completed within one month and if any outstanding work after that was, then legal action would be taken.

One month later, a revisit was made only to find that a number of works had still not been completed and several contraventions of the legislation were noted.

A court case at Maidenhead Magistrates followed on 7th March 2008.

Julie Snelling, principal technical enforcement officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “The successful prosecution should send out a clear warning to all those who think it is not important to keep a public food place clean and in proper order that they will not get away with it.

“I am very pleased with the fine, especially as the company have previously been prosecuted for a range of similar offences.”

Commissioner for public protection, Slough Cllr John Edwards, added: “Congratulations to the environmental health team. Cases like this just prove they are doing their job properly and it sends a strong message that breaking food hygiene regulations will not be tolerated.”

The court warned Mr Mohidin to ensure the business was fully compliant with the hygiene regulations.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council’s lone parent project is celebrating its success, after helping more than 100 per cent of its three year target to get lone parents into work in just 18 months.

The project was given a target of 45 lone parents it had to get into sustainable work within three years, but smashed this by helping 47.

It has also encouraged 160 other Slough lone parents to develop in their own way, such as updating their skills and undertaking voluntary work or training. Each person has made a significant effort in looking for work and to changing their life for the better.

To celebrate, a party is being held for all those involved with the project at Baylis House on Thursday 27 March. There will be presentations and a hot buffet, whilst children will be entertained with activities, like puppet making.

Gemma Ford, lone parent support worker for Slough Borough Council, said: “Everyone is so pleased at what the lone parents have managed to achieve.

“With the help and support of our colleagues, partners and external agencies, we have exceeded this target in just a year and a half. We hope that the success will continue for a long time to come.”

Commissioner for Slough social care, social and economic inclusion, Cllr Derek Cryer, said: “I would like to congratulate all the lone parents who have taken the difficult step of moving into employment.

“The team has done a terrific job of providing much needed support to the parents, and this achievement just goes to show how beneficial their work is to the community.”

For more information on the lone parent project, please contact Gemma Ford on 01753 578363 or 07880 785473.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is hosting an information meeting for residents interested in becoming a candidate at local elections.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday 25 March at 7pm, in committee rooms 2 and 3 at the Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough.

Local elections are being held on 1 May 2008 and will cover all of the wards for the Slough area. Anyone interested in standing as a candidate or acting as an agent on behalf of a candidate should attend, as helpful information and advice will be available.

Nomination papers and other associated paperwork will also be available for collection at the meeting.

Melanie Dark-Gale, electoral services manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “This is a really important meeting for anybody interested in becoming a candidate.

“There will be plenty of information available and should really help make everything clear in the candidate’s mind.”

Slough Borough Council.

Slough Langleywood is a ‘good and improving’ school, with a strong emphasis on pupil care, according to a recent report by Ofsted.

The report stated that; ‘This is a very caring school that knows its pupils very well and where they receive outstanding support. It works extremely well with a wide range of partners to promote pupil well-being and enhance the curriculum.’

The headteacher, Paul McAteer along with the interim executive board were commended for raising standards and attendance levels, showing that the school has ‘outstanding capacity to improve further.’

To celebrate its success, the cost for trips during the Slough school’s annual activity week in July will be free.

Headteacher Paul McAteer, said: “We are all really delighted with this report.

“We have known for some time that Langleywood is a good school. Some people have said it seems a shame to be closing it, but I’m sure Langley Academy will pick up the reins from where we leave off.”

Cllr David Munkley, commissioner for Slough education and children’s services, added: “Everyone at Langleywood should feel proud of what they have achieved.

“The school is determined to ensure they are working towards high standards right up until the closure and that is truly commendable.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is delighted to present its brand new business publication, which provides an excellent source of information for companies in the borough.

‘Slough Business Directory 2008/09’ is the first of its kind and offers vital information provided by both the council and key partner agencies, such as transport links, community statistics, local support for businesses and an A to Z of companies.

Slough is one of the top three most productive towns in the UK outside of London and home to a host of international brands, along with many small and medium size enterprises. The directory has been developed to support and encourage all of these local companies.

Rafiq Chohan, head of economic development, said: “We are really pleased with the directory and hope many companies make use of it.

“With so many businesses in the area, it is essential they are provided with an up-to-date and informative publication.”

Commissioner for economic inclusion, Cllr Derek Cryer, said: “We’re all very proud to be presenting this publication for companies in the area.

“Slough has been at the forefront of providing jobs since the 1920’s and has the ability to compete in competitive global markets.

“We are committed to supporting all local businesses and this is an important way of doing it.”

Copies of ‘Slough Business Directory 2008/09’ will be distributed locally. The Slough Business Directory can be found online elsewhere on this website. For further information please call Shabnam Ali at Slough Borough Council on 01753 875849.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is getting tough on business waste as part of its cleaner, safer, greener campaign, and its neighbourhood enforcement team are making sure businesses in the borough are disposing of their waste in the correct way.

Inspections are being carried out to ensure that all Slough commercial premises are using a licensed waste carrier to dispose of their waste. All businesses are required by law to have a ‘trade waste agreement’ for the proper removal of waste, by an approved disposal company.

Evidence of when and where waste was disposed must be retained for two years and companies that handle hazardous wastes need to follow separate legal requirements, including registering with the environment agency.

The initiative aims to reduce fly tipping in the back yards of shops and restaurants, and should help to prevent rat infestations.

The team will be reporting on their findings, which may include naming and shaming of businesses who do not comply with the law. Fixed penalty notices may be issued and prosecutions taken against those who continue to flout the law.

Dympna Molloy, head of neighbourhood enforcement for Slough Borough Council, said: “We are absolutely dedicated to tackling waste offences in the borough.

“The levels of fly tipping at the rear of some shop parades are disgraceful and we are determined to ensure that all businesses meet their legal responsibilities.”

Commissioner for public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “We will simply not tolerate fly tipping in Slough.

“Irresponsible businesses can have such a negative impact on the image of our town, and the reality is that it’s extremely easy for them to follow the rules and really help to protect the streets and environment from rubbish.”

For further information on how to store and dispose of your waste please call public protection services on 01753 875255 or email publichealth@slough.gov.uk.

Slough Borough Council

A new law will be enforced by Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team to protect consumers from aggressive and unfair selling practices in the borough.

The Consumer Protection Regulations (CPR’s), which come into effect on May 26, bans 31 different types of unfair sales practices, such as prize draw scams, aggressive sales techniques and bogus closing down sales.

The CPR’s follow a modern and up-to-date framework, which aims to simplify consumer protection legislation and close any loopholes rogue traders have previously been used to exploit customers.

Keith Eaglestone, trading standards manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “We are very pleased that the CPR’s are coming into practice.

“We strive to ensure consumers are protected from rogue traders, so by having these regulations in place will help us carry out our job.

“All businesses will find the rules easy to follow, so there won’t be any excuse not to use them.”

Commissioner for Slough public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “This is good news for consumers and businesses in the area that do operate fairly and honestly.

“It is important for every consumer to feel comfortable in all transactions they make. By having these easy to follow rules will drive out many rogue traders who have managed to get away with conning consumers in the past.”

Slough Borough Council

Slough Borough Council is getting tough on business waste as part of its cleaner, safer, greener campaign, and its neighbourhood enforcement team are making sure businesses in the borough are disposing of their waste in the correct way.

Inspections are being carried out to ensure that all Slough commercial premises are using a licensed waste carrier to dispose of their waste. All businesses are required by law to have a ‘trade waste agreement’ for the proper removal of waste, by an approved disposal company.

Evidence of when and where waste was disposed must be retained for two years and companies that handle hazardous wastes need to follow separate legal requirements, including registering with the environment agency.

The initiative aims to reduce fly tipping in the back yards of shops and restaurants, and should help to prevent rat infestations.

The team will be reporting on their findings, which may include naming and shaming of businesses who do not comply with the law. Fixed penalty notices may be issued and prosecutions taken against those who continue to flout the law.

Dympna Molloy, head of neighbourhood enforcement for Slough Borough Council, said: “We are absolutely dedicated to tackling waste offences in the borough.

“The levels of fly tipping at the rear of some shop parades are disgraceful and we are determined to ensure that all businesses meet their legal responsibilities.”

Commissioner for public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “We will simply not tolerate fly tipping in Slough.

“Irresponsible businesses can have such a negative impact on the image of our town, and the reality is that it’s extremely easy for them to follow the rules and really help to protect the streets and environment from rubbish.”

For further information on how to store and dispose of your waste please call public protection services on 01753 875255 or email publichealth@slough.gov.uk.

Slough Borough Council

Slough Police are appealing for witnesses following a report of a serious sexual assault which occurred in Langley on Sunday (9/3).

At about 8.30pm, a 15-year-old girl was walking in Hillary Road when she saw three men in their late teens at the junction with Bannister Close. The men followed her into Springate Field, where they assaulted her.

The first man is white with blue eyes, approximately 5ft 6ins and of medium build. He was wearing dark trousers and a black hooded top.

The second man is white, 5ft 5ins, with facial hair on his chin. He was wearing a silver and grey hooded top and blue tracksuit bottoms.

The third man is of medium build and was wearing a light blue tracksuit and white trainers.

Slough Det Insp Steve Armstead, investigating the incident, said: “This has obviously been a very distressing ordeal for the victim and I would like to reassure people that we are doing all we can to trace the men who did this.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information which may assist police with their enquiries, is urged to contact Det Insp Armstead at Slough CID 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, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Police are appealing for witnesses after a robbery in Slough.

Shortly after 10pm on Friday (7/3), a 49-year-old woman was walking in Northampton Avenue, Slough when she was approached from behind, pushed over, and her handbag was stolen.

The woman sustained a black eye but did not require hospital treatment. Her handbag contained a mobile phone and some bank cards.

Jill Martindale, of the Slough Priority Crime Team, said: “Unfortunately the woman did not see who assaulted her and stole her handbag. Therefore, we urge anyone who did see anything suspicious in the area between 10pm and 11pm to contact us as soon as possible so that we can catch whoever is responsible.”

Jill Martindale can be contacted 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, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

A Slough man has been remanded in prison to appear before Aylesbury Crown Court on March 26, charged with thirty-two offences including robbery and aggravated burglary.

Darryl Daniel Swan, aged 29, of Thirlmere Avenue, Slough, was charged by detectives this week following his arrest in the area of Haymill on Saturday 1 March.

He is charged with the following:

• Burglary dwelling and theft in Church Road, Penn, Buckinghamshire, between 26 November and 27 Nov 2007
• Making off without payment in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, on 27 November 2007
• Driving whilst disqualified in High Wycombe on 27 November 2007
• Aggravated vehicle taking in connection with an incident in Windsor Hill, Wooburn Green, Buckinghamshire, on 27 November 2007
• Using a motor vehicle without third party insurance in Buckinghamshire on 27 November 2007
• Breach of bail conditions in connection with an incident in Slough
• Failing to surrender to custody at High Wycombe police station on the 11 February 2008
• Criminal damage to police vehicle in Luton on 18 February 2008
• Dangerous driving in Luton on 18 February 2008
• Driving whilst disqualified in Luton on 18 February 2008
• Using a motor vehicle without third party insurance in Luton on 18 February 2008
• Robbery in connection with an incident involving a taxi driver in Cockernhoe, Hertfordshire, on 18 February 2008
• Aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, on 18 February 2008
• Driving whilst disqualified in Cockernhoe, Hertfordshire, on 18 February 2008
• Using a motor vehicle without third party insurance in Cockernhoe, Hertfordshire on 18 February 2008
• Aggravated burglary at an address in Edgware, Middlesex, on 18 February 2008
• Taking a motor vehicle without consent in Edgware, Middlesex, on 18 February 2008
• Driving whilst disqualified in Edgware, Middlesex, on 18 February 2008
• Using a motor vehicle without insurance in Edgware, Middlesex, on 18 February 2008
• Robbery in connection with the theft of a vehicle in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, on 22 February 2008
• Driving whilst disqualified in Taplow on 22 February 2008
• Using motor vehicle without third party insurance in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, on 22 February 2008
• Aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, on 22 February 2008
• Driving whilst disqualified in Maidenhead on 28 February 2008
• Using a motor vehicle without third party insurance in Maidenhead on 28 February 2008
• Driving whilst disqualified in Slough on 1 March 2008
• Using a motor vehicle without third party insurance in Slough on 1 March 2008
• Aggravated burglary at an address in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, on 25 February 2008
• Aggravated burglary at an address in Slough, Berkshire, on 27 February 2008
• Robbery in connection with an incident at an address in Slough on 27 February 2008
• Criminal damage to a police vehicle in Luton on 18 February 2008
• Aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving in Taplow on 25 February 2008

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Slough Borough Council’s environmental health team are raising awareness of cockroaches to food premises in Slough with a new leaflet entitled ‘Cockroach alert’.

The leaflet is a preventative move to help reduce any infestations happening in the run up to warmer weather and highlights the food safety risks to food businesses and how to keep pests at bay.

The publication provides general information on the creatures, including pictures, how to identify them and the most common types found in Slough, as well as the importance of cleaning, monitoring pest activity and adequate pest control.

The leaflet also offers contact details for both pest control and refuse contractors and guidance of best practice for refuse containers.

Sheilagh Costello, environmental health officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “As the weather starts to warm up, it is essential that food businesses know to look out for cockroaches and what to do if they suspect they may have an infestation.

“All over the country, many establishments are closed down due to cockroaches, and we want to help businesses so that this doesn’t happen and to make sure that the premises are kept clean for customer’s health.

“It’s the council’s duty to ensure all food premises know about food safety at work and is part of its cleaner, safer, greener campaign.”

Commissioner for Slough public protection, Cllr John Edwards, added: “This leaflet is a very good way to get information out to food premises and to raise awareness of pests such as cockroaches.

“It is the businesses responsibility to keep their premises clean and to look out for any possible infestations and to contact us if they have any doubts.”

For further details, please contact the duty environmental health officer at the council on 01753 875255 or foodandsafety@slough.gov.uk.

Slough Borough Council

Slough library is delighted to announce that it will be hosting Slough’s first ever afternoon of plays for Polish children in the town.

The special event will be held in the children’s library and actors will be performing traditional children’s plays in Polish.

Performances will take place on Saturday 8th, between 12pm and 3pm and is free for children of all ages.

Salma Barakat, from Slough library, said: “We are really pleased that these actors will be performing at the library.

“We endeavour to hold events like these, which are aimed at children from all communities in Slough, so this is a fantastic opportunity for parents to bring along their children and enjoy some traditional Polish plays.”

Cllr Julia Long, commissioner for community services, said: “Libraries are a key service in our town, especially for our younger residents.

“Plays are a wonderful way of capturing children’s imagination and I’m sure the children will get much enjoyment from watching them.”

Slough Borough Council

The search for the inaugural winner of the Safer Slough Award has begun.

The Slough Local Area Policing Board wants to hear from anyone who knows someone who has made the town a safer place to live in.

They want to know about people who have set up neighbourhood watch schemes, showed bravery in fighting crime, or just played a major role in reducing disorder in their community.

Slough Policing Board Chair Adrian Gorham said: “There is a great deal of very valuable crime fighting work that takes place every day, but often goes unnoticed.

“This award is designed to bring some of those unsung heroes the recognition they deserve.

“Once the nominations are in, a special panel of members will begin sifting through the entries and we will announce the winners in April.”

There are two awards, both sponsored by O2. One is for under-16s and one for over-16s. Nominees can include crime-fighting professionals and community workers as well as members of the public. Winners will get £100 of shopping vouchers to spend in the Observatory shopping centre in Slough.

The policing board is comprised of members of the community, Slough
Council, Slough Local Police Area Commander Supt Pete Davies and two members of Thames Valley Police Authority – Khan Juna and Balvinder Bains.

The closing date for entries is Friday, March 21. Nominations can be made by texting Slough, space and your nomination to 60600, emailing Linda.Richards@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk or by writing to Mrs Linda Richards, Thames Valley Police Authority, The Farmhouse, Police HQ, Kidlington OX5 2NX.

Thames Valley Police ~ Slough

Aurat Enterprise will be showcasing art work by local Slough women who attended its course, ‘personal success and self esteem through art’, and will show off their personal portraits at the West Wing.

The two week special, from March 3rd to 28th from 10am to 5pm, follows the success of workshops held by Zeljana Schonauer, a qualified community artist, from ZS-Art.

The Slough courses aim to raise self-esteem and identify transferable skills of Black and Minority Ethnic women by involving them in creative processes. The results are a fascinating display of diverse art work from the local women.

The artists learned to use various techniques such as portrait painting, fabric painting, mixed media and appliqué with traditional embroidery and sewing to express their feeling without using too many words.

Seema Kamboj, Project Co-ordinator for Aurat Enterprise, said: “This will be a very good and personal insight in to the local women who have attended our courses and how they perceive themselves to be.

“We have had many positive comments made by our students and how the courses have helped encourage and empower them.”

Commissioner for Slough cultural and community services, Cllr Julia Long, added: “The two week exhibition is very interesting and I would urge anyone to go along and have a look.

“It may even encourage more women to attend the already very successful and enjoyed courses at Aurat Enterprise."

Slough Borough Council