Eight of the boroughs children’s centres are reopening from next Tuesday 2 June for three and four–year-olds in receipt of a funded place of 15 or 30 hrs, following government guidance. All centres apart from Penn Rd Children’s Centre (which has provided childcare for keyworkers) have been shut for 10 weeks due to the Coronavirus lockdown. Only Chalvey Grove and Wexham Children’s Centres will remain closed, and provision has been made for these children to attend other centres .

In the last week, all of the eligible families have been contacted, and many safeguarding measures have been put in place to protect the children and staff. Our early years teams have corresponded with families about how the centres will operate and be organised differently. The centres will operate in ‘bubbles’ which are small groups of children with the same key staff to minimise cross- infection.

Other safeguards will include a one way in, one way out system, staggered drop-off and collection times, hand sanitising on entry , more outside play, and no soft toys. There is also a rigorous cleaning regime in place and all centres have been prepared over and above the government guidelines. All staff from all centres are having detailed training on Monday 1 June on the new operating systems, and deep cleaning regimes.

Staff at the centres will continue to build on and adapt the new ways of working to keep everyone as safe as possible, whilst following developing government guidance.

Michael Jarrett, service lead, early years and prevention, said: “The early years teams have worked incredibly hard to change the way the centres operate to be able to open safely. Whilst we are only opening to three and four-year-olds at the moment we will be watching national guidance to see when we can take in other children. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to reopen these centres.”

There are a number of roles within the council which we are looking to fill, from school crossing patrollers and planning officers to occupational therapists and library and culture assistants. Take a look here https://www.slough.gov.uk/jobs/general-vacancies.aspx

Businesses are being urged to carry out vital safety processes to their water systems to avoid increasing the risk of Legionnaires’ disease as they reopen following the COVID-19 lockdown.

With hot and cold water systems out of action for several weeks, the chances of bacteria forming which can cause Legionnaires’ disease – a potentially fatal type of pneumonia – are much greater when businesses close for long periods.

This is combined with the potential for an increased number of people to be susceptible to Legionnaires’ disease due to a compromised respiratory system during or after infection with COVID-19.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, which has published new guidance on Legionella for businesses reopening following the COVID-19 lockdown, says it is vital that additional controls are put into place before any water systems are used again.

Supported by the Local Government Association (LGA), CIEH’s new guidance highlights key risk factors, legal requirements, and sets out advice to businesses on ensuring their water supply is safe and ready to use.

In addition, CIEH has produced an on-demand webinar that provides an overview of the current situation and offers practical advice on how best to prevent Legionella outbreaks in closed buildings.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “"Businesses in the borough must take heed of the government guidance before using hot and cold water systems again, as restrictions ease and they move to open.

Water systems may have become stagnant over the last 9 weeks, leading to bacteria forming which can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a life-threatening illness. Please put the controls into place mentioned in the guidance before using your businesses water systems.”

Debbie Wood, CIEH Executive Director for Membership and External Affairs, said: “With a number of businesses either tentatively reopening or planning to do so over the next few weeks, it is vital that a second possible public health risk is avoided.

The perfect conditions have been created for the spread of Legionella in water systems. Before opening, it is essential that businesses properly consider these public health implications and take appropriate action by following our guidance.”

Residents at home during lockdown who may have seen families crammed into overcrowded homes are being encouraged to contact the housing regulations team.

The team would like to hear from residents who have noticed properties which have multiple families living in them.

All houses of multiple occupation, know as HMOs, represent 3,000 properties in the borough and require the landlord to have a council issued licence. While many responsible landlords have been granted the licence, some have not even applied.

The team has been working behind the scenes during the coronavirus public health crisis and as precautionary measures are being relaxed, the team will have more scope to get back out in the borough and investigate landlords managing unregulated homes.

Licences were brought in last year to raise the standards and safety of properties for some of the most vulnerable tenants and reduce anti-social behaviour sometimes associated with such properties.

Landlords are reminded they are legally required to have a licence for all HMOs in the borough and all rental properties in selective areas require licences.

Evidence has to be provided to prove the rental property is safe and has a valid gas safe certificate. Landlords are also required to provide contact details so tenants can get problems fixed and for neighbours to address any concerns with the house in their neighbourhood.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “During the lockdown with people at home during the day, they may have spotted a property where several families live in poor conditions.

“These are the people we want to help by getting their landlords to obtain licences which means there have been basic checks made to assess the standard is acceptable.

“In addition, unregulated homes can be at the centre of anti-social behaviour in neighbourhoods.”

In the Additional Licence scheme each HMO property of up to six rooms attracts a £450 licence fee plus a £300 enforcement fee. There is an additional charge of £30 per extra room after the initial six.

Under the landlord licence scheme any rental property within the designated area covering parts of Chalvey and Central wards, the Selective Licensing Scheme, will be subject to a charge £200 plus the £300 enforcement fee.

Licences can be applied for here http://www.slough.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/property-licensing.aspx and there is a map which shows which roads are included in the Selective Licensing Scheme.

Residents can report any suspected unlicensed property to the housing regulation team by emailing privatesectorhousing1@slough.gov.uk. Those reporting important intelligence to the council are encouraged to leave their name and contact details, but are under no obligation to do so.

The lockdown has brought the advantage of discovering new places to explore within the local area. Taking a stroll alongside the Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal has become an enjoyable activity for many more residents recently. It’s packed with wildlife and a great place to visit for those who haven’t explored that area before. However over the last few weeks the peace, beauty and wildlife of this area have been disrupted.

There have been at least four separate dumps of fly-tipping including clothes and toys, metal waste, beer cans and general household waste, as well as rubbish being thrown in the water. Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre reopened three weeks ago and we would encourage all our residents to think carefully before fly-tipping. If you are caught you can be fined up to £50,000 and/or sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. If a vehicle is used to fly-tip waste both the driver and the owner can be prosecuted and the vehicle can be seized.

As well as rubbish becoming an issue, shockingly on Friday 22 May on the Langley stretch of the canal, in the late afternoon sometime between 4.55pm and 6pm, a cygnet that hatched only two weeks earlier was shot by an air rifle. This was the only cygnet born to swans that had laid seven eggs. This horrendous crime has been reported to the police, anyone with any information please call 101 (the non emergency number) and mention this reference number : URN1757/22/05/2020

Unbelievably on Tuesday 26 May a duck was also found shot dead by a resident near to where the cygnet was shot dead just days before. This has also been reported to the police.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I am appalled to hear that there has been regular fly-tipping next to the canal in Langley, please dispose of your rubbish responsibly or you could incur a fine and a prison sentence. I’m also absolutely horrified that a two week old cygnet and a duck were killed with an air rifle. This is sickening. I urge anyone with any information on these incidents to report it to the police on 101 using reference no: URN1757/22/05/2020. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Swan Support who are a fantastic charity, for dealing with these incidents and all the work they do in the area for swans and other waterfowl. The canal is a lovely area for all our residents to enjoy, and we will fight to protect it.”

The environment of the tow path is a great place to explore and may be somewhere you haven’t visited before, even if you have lived in the borough for some time. Especially during this warmer weather it’s a great place for an evening stroll – check it out and share your images with us on Twitter @SloughCouncil or Facebook on @sloughcouncil

All photos by resident Michal Tawroginski.

Changes to the publicity requirements for certain planning applications have been introduced through the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure, Listed Buildings and Environmental Impact Assessment) (England) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 to give local planning authorities greater flexibility in how the publicise certain planning applications and to support timely decision-making, and avoid delays to development as a result of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, while maintaining public participation in decision-making process.

From the 1st June 2020, Slough Borough Council will:

• Display a site notice at each property for an application for planning permission is made, giving details of the planning application and the website where details about the application can be found.

• Place a public notice in a local newspaper, if that is a requirement for the type of planning application.

• Publish a weekly list of registered planning applications on our website, www.slough.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control.

• Use social media such as Facebook and Twitter to provide a link to a weekly list of registered planning applications.

• Inform local parish councils, neighbourhood and community groups by email.

• Cease sending letters to the neighbours of properties for which an application for planning permission is made.

If you have any queries, please contact us at planning@slough.gov.uk

E. Sargent and Sons Funeral Directors and the Slough Covid-19 Mutual Aid group are working together to distribute ‘thinking of you’ cards and pots of flowers to people in the community who have lost someone.

They are inviting children aged 14 and under to send in designs for the cards and asking residents and businesses to contribute plants, pots, compost to help with the project.

For more information contact sloughmutualaid@gmail.com or call Nick on 07566 810505 (for the art competition) or Julie on 07956 132035 (to help with plants and pots).

Fraudsters are targeting Slough residents with a council tax email scam.

The council has been contacted by residents who have received emails purporting to be from the government claiming they were due a council tax rebate.

The residents affected did the right thing and independently contacted the council for verification and could be warned the email was a scam and should not be responded to.

Fake emails can hold clues they are sent by a fraudster trying to steal money from the recipient.

The first clue can be in the address from where the email has been sent like from a hotmail account. In addition, fraudsters try and use the branding from a genuine account but the font may change in the email or there are spelling mistakes.

The general advice about any email, text, and unsolicited communication offering money to the addressee, is it should be viewed with extreme caution and no personal information should be shared.

It is also always a good idea to independently verify any such communications with who they are purporting to be.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “The old adage is if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.

“There are unscrupulous people out there who will use any hook to get people to part with their hard earned money.

“In the current situation when so many people have restricted finances due to the public health crisis, the offer of a rebate to steal money is just cruel.

“Please view any emails like this with extreme caution and do not part with any personal information.”

If a resident receives a scam email it can be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or to report@phishing.gov.uk, and for advice call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

If a resident is in immediate danger contact the police on 999 and contact the bank if you think you have been scammed.

Family and friends can play a pivotal role in helping people in an abusive or a coercive and controlling relationship get the help they need. Listen and reassure them the abuse is not their fault, help them report it to the police and provide information and contact details of local organisations that can offer advice and assist them.

Menthol cigarettes and tobacco products cannot be legally sold from tomorrow, Wednesday 20 May.

The end of the minty flavoured cigarettes means any shop will be breaking the law if they continue to stock and sell the products.

The council’s trading standards team is warning shops found stocking and selling menthol tobacco products from tomorrow could face prosecutions and fines.

It could also be the perfect time for smokers to give up and the council has a variety of resources to help people kick the habit.

The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 created a managed exit from the market of menthol cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco products with characterising flavours like vanilla, fruit, spice, menthol. The legislation does not affect the sale of menthol cigarettes papers, cigars and cigarillos or e-liquids for vaping.

The ban on menthol cigarettes is the latest step in the government’s tobacco control strategy designed to reduce youth uptake of smoking and to encourage and support quitting amongst all smokers.

Menthol products are considered a mild gateway into long term smoking as it covers up the taste of tobacco making it more palatable and attractive.

Research shows menthol smokers on average smoke more than those smoking a non-flavoured alternative, there is a higher level of nicotine dependence and some perceive them to be less harmful than non-menthol cigarettes. In countries where menthol products have been banned there has been a reduction in uptake among children and young people.

The chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, who is leading the medical advice during the coronavirus public health crisis, has stated smokers could be at an increased risk of complications from the virus and encouraged those who smoke to consider giving up.

The council’s public health team offers significant support for anyone who lives, works or studies in Slough and wants to quit smoking.

There is the chance to get free online or telephone personal support and there is the addition of a stop smoking app called Quit with Bella. During the coronavirus pandemic, the service is offering tailored support through remote consultations online or by phone.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “The announcement that menthol products were being banned was made four years ago so this will not come as a surprise to responsible shop owners.

“Slough’s trading standards team is advising retailers, who have not already done so, to remove all menthol cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco from tomorrow.

“There maybe the temptation to sell the last few packets of leftover menthol products but any found on retail premises could be seized and it could result in legal action.”

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I know from friends and family who have given up smoking that it can be a tough process but it’s worth it to be healthy for you and your family and to have good health in later life.

“At this critical time during the Covid-19 outbreak, the chief medical officer has warned that smokers are at increased risk of complications if they contract the virus.

“There is support in place if you need it on the Wellbeing Slough website www.healthandwellbeingslough.co.uk, by calling 0800 0614734, texting ‘quit’ to 66777 or use the Quit with Bella app.”

Any retailers with any questions can contact Slough trading standards via the website www.slough.gov.uk/business/trading-standards or call us on 01753 475111 and choose the regulatory services option.

***Advanced warning***

The M4 motorway will be closed in both directions between junctions 6, Slough and 8/9, Maidenhead between Friday 29 May and Monday 1 June and again from Friday 5 June until Monday 8 June, for work on the New Thames Bridge at Bray as part of the Highways England smart motorway project.

Please take care this weekend and observe social distancing guidance staying two metres apart from anyone who is not in your household - even when on a bike. #SocialDistancing #StaySafe

Keyworkers come in all shapes and sizes and we are asking residents to respect them all.

The most recognisable keyworkers during the coronavirus public health crisis have been NHS and health care workers as well as the emergency services. However, council staff have been working throughout the crisis and are also classified as vital keyworkers to keep services running.

As well as the staff working behind the scenes assessing business grants, addressing increased need in adult social care and providing critical services, the council has staff out and about on the borough’s streets everyday.

They are classified as keyworkers and have been working each day to provide the same level of waste, recycling and green bin collection, as before the crisis, tending to parks, verges, fixing potholes and cleaning..

Residents are asked to adhere to the government guidelines when encountering council staff and stay a minimum of two metres away.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “Unfortunately, some of out staff feel members of the public have got too close to them and made them feel unsafe.

“We are grateful to our workforce which has continued to provide significant services during this public health crisis.

“Council workers have performed a sterling job and have the right to carry it out without encountering abuse or being put in danger. Therefore we ask residents to observe social distancing and allow them continue to work in safety. Please help them to help you.”

The council fully supports an initiative for taxis and private hire vehicles to install a plastic screen separating the driver from passengers to protect all residents travelling now and in the future.

For the safety of the taxi and private hire workforce and the passengers paying for a ride, polycarbonate clear screens are being recommended by licensed vehicle governing bodies. The council has decided this will not incur any additional testing and checks as part of the licensing process.

With lockdown continuing and the after affects expected to change long term behaviours, coupled with limited public transport, it is predicted there will be a rise in taxi use and screens in taxis can provide a basic level of protection for everyone in a vehicle.

A spokesman for National Private Hire and Taxi Association, the NPHTA, said: “We believe the installation of a protection screen between the front and back compartment of the vehicle, of similar standards to that seen in a purpose built hackney carriage combined with the wearing of PPE facemasks, and observing the extensive cleaning protocols, offers the best possible form of protection. This approach will also boost the public’s confidence in making use of those services again.

“It is hoped that eventually, the general public will be transportable by taxi and private hire vehicles once again in a more normal fashion and volume. The only way this can happen is by boosting the confidence they have in entering and using all types of licensed vehicles; we must be seen to do anything within our power to achieve this.”

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “Covid-19 is not a short term pandemic and the council has taken the decision screens are a benefit if added to a vehicle.

“However, licence holders must have them professionally installed and the screens must be of the right quality so residents have confidence using licensed vehicles.

“Drivers are reminded to deep clean vehicles regularly and as this is not an airborne virus but one transmitted by droplets from coughs and sneezes..

“I appreciate that there are costs involved for the drivers, but the safety of the drivers and passengers is paramount.”

The council recommends drivers contact their insurer prior to any installation and all installations are carried out by trained professionals with verified polycarbonate units which can cost up to £500.

Thames Valley Business Local Enterprise Partnership is working with the National Careers Service to create the Berkshire Redundancy and Redeployment Service in order to match those recently made redundant with new work in sectors experiencing a surge in employment demand.

This service will connect employers who have urgent vacancies with individuals across Berkshire who are available to start work – while also listening to employers who have to make redundancies to see if there are opportunities for their staff arising in the region.

Alison Webster, CEO of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP said, “In response to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we are working closely with our partners such as the National Careers Service and the Berkshire Business Growth Hub to support businesses and their employees. Together we are able to provide a valuable rapid response service which will match redundancy situations to redeployment where possible and create additional support for individuals through employment services where further employability or skills help is required.

More here - http://www.adviza.org.uk/services/national-careers-service/regional-redeployment-service/

Lockdown can push people to the edge. Worries about finances, relationships, parenting and anxiety about the current situation and the future in general are all real. However, abuse is never acceptable. If anyone feels they are on the brink, or starting to take out their frustrations on their partner and, or their children, it is not a lost cause - get help. Call Respect on 0808 8024040.

It's the Bank Holiday weekend and the sun will be shining with temperatures rising to the mid 20s but still take care near any kind of water. Keep an eye on children in paddling pools in the garden and near ponds and streams during essential exercise. It just takes a few seconds for a child to drown while when a carer is distracted. Slough's Jubilee River is a deep man-made watercourse and the freezing water temperatures where even the strongest swimmers can get into difficulty within minutes from cold water shock and easily drown.

Enjoy the warm weather and take care around water. Thank you East Berkshire CCG for the film here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlcz2q7TaJA

The council can now accept payment online from businesses which require a licence or permit.

From private hire licence to hackney cab drivers, tattooists to beauty practitioners, scrap metal dealers to organisers of temporary events, all can now pay online.

There are 27 separate licences which the council oversees to make sure businesses are adhering to legal requirements for each of the industries.

The self service element of the website can now lead through to a licensing section where each area requiring a licence has its own category in a dropdown box.

When a payment is made the licencing team will receive a receipt and the payee is given the choice of having an electronic copy of the screen receipt sent to their email address.

Alan Sinclair, director of adults and community, said: “The council has made it much easier for businesses to pay their legally required licence fees through an online portal.

“This means businesses can remain up to date online.”

For more information about licences http://www.slough.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/

Businesses and shops permitted to remain open during the coronavirus lockdown are being reminded of their health and safety responsibilities to their staff and customers.

Businesses need to prioritise safety by taking a series of measures which include limiting the number of people on the premises at any one time, asking people with symptoms not to enter and reminding both staff and customers to keep two metres away from others, wherever possible.

To help businesses work out what the next steps are, the council’s food and safety team has produced a checklist of some of the key controls a business can introduce.

These include checking the health status of their staff, providing handwashing facilities and increasing scope and frequency of cleaning routines. The checklist can be accessed under the title ‘guidance and business check list’ at www.slough.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/coronavirus-guidance-for-businesses.aspx.

Owners of businesses which have temporarily closed still have a responsibility for their premises and need to undertake regular checks to make sure they remain safe and pest free.

Ann Stewart, from the food and safety team, said businesses where food remains on the premises need to make sure it is stored correctly, any fridges and freezers continue to operate properly and all waste is properly disposed off and collected.

Business owners whose premises are empty also have to ward off the potentially deadly legionella bacteria as it has a chance to grow to unsafe levels in unused water systems. There is information available on the steps businesses can take which includes regular flushing of hot and cold water systems here :- https://www.escmid.org/fileadmin/src/media/PDFs/3Research_Projects/ESGLI/COVId_buidling_water_system_guidance_27_3_20_v4_DS.pdf

Alan Sinclair, director of adult and community services, said: “Whether businesses remain open or closed due to the coronavirus crisis owners have responsibilities.

“Businesses with staff and customers on the premises have a daily challenge to keep everyone adhering to social distancing guidelines and provide a safe environment to work and shop.

“However, business owners who have had to close their premises still need to regularly check on them as well as their stock, and be prepared for when lockdown restrictions are eased.”

For more information and the checklist visit www.slough.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/coronavirus-guidance-for-businesses.aspx. The food and safety team can also be contacted for advice by email on Food.Safety@slough.gov.uk.

For more business help, information and FAQs about grants visit www.slough.gov.uk/business/finance-funding-and-grants/coronavirus-and-business-rates.aspx.

Help is out there for those suffering domestic violence even if they can't talk. Call 999 if in immediate danger, wait for the operator to ask questions and cough or tap the handset. Press 55, WHEN PROMPTED, for more assistance from the police. This is part of the Independent Office of Police Conduct campaign to help those suffering #domesticabuse

Whirlpool announces recall of another 21 washing machine models, approx 55,000 Hotpoint & Indesit models, as the door lock has been identified as a fire hazard. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute urges customers to check their appliance here https://washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.co.uk or contact the Whirlpool customer service team on 0800 316 1442.

To join the whatsapp group for the club. click on this link

https://chat.whatsapp.com/CRSu3pSPE3qFPMO0h5pPel

Members of the public are being asked to help identify the owners of a dog who did not stop to pick up its mess left in the middle of a pavement.

A woman had a large Alsatian-type dog on a lead and was walking with a man when the dog stopped to do its business.

The woman was pulled back by the immobile dog and waited until it had finished before just turning around and walking away. She made no attempt to pick up and animal’s waste and left the faeces on the footpath.

This incident happened on Friday 17 April at 12.53pm as the pair walked in a northerly direction along Burnham Lane, Slough.

We are appealing for information about the identities of either the man or the woman as part of our investigation.

A Fixed Penalty Notice of £75 - £50 if paid within 14 days - can be issued to dog owners, or walkers, who fail to clear up their dog’s mess as part of the Dog’s (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. Failure to pay the penalty could lead to the case being heard at Magistrates’ Court where a maximum fine of £2,500 fine may be ordered.

Richard West, interim director of place and development, said: “Allowing your dog to foul on the pavements, verges alongside public roads, and in the parks of the borough and not clearing it up, is revolting.

“The council has placed bins throughout the borough for the convenience of dog walkers to use.

“However, if you cannot find a bin you must still clear up and take it home with you to dispose of with your normal household waste.

“Please do not hang poop scoop bags on trees or throw them into bushes either.”

Many of the borough’s responsible dog owners take the following advice of taking an adequate amount of poop scoop bags on walks and worm their pet regularly.

Areas where people notice regular fouling can be reported online here www.slough.gov.uk/pests-pollution-and-food-hygiene/dog-fouling.aspx. Anyone who witnesses someone failing to clear up after their dog should report it to the council with details of the walker or owner.

The Dog’s (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 states a dog must not be allowed to foul on any land open to public access, as not only is this unlawful but it may cause a nuisance and be a risk to public health.

Anyone with any information about the people with the dog in the images from Burnham Lane, please call the 24 hour ASB Hotline 01753 875298 quoting reference number SR234410.

Slough Borough Council is waiting to help businesses at this difficult time.

We’ve already paid out more than £5 million worth of grants and we are waiting for more applications.

Don’t be shy, please apply!

Any Slough business or charity with premises which has received Small Business Rates Relief on 11 March 2020 could be

eligible for a grant of £10,000.

Any Slough based Retail, Hospitality or Leisure business (eg somewhere visited by members of the public) with business premises in Slough and the Business Rates bill shows a Retail Discount could be eligible for a grant of £10,000 OR £25,000.

Business advisors are available at the Berkshire Growth Hub to confidentially discuss eligibility criteria for grants as well as discuss the support available to businesses. Please complete the coronavirus enquiry form here www.berkshirebusinesshub.co.uk/coronavirus-advice-enquiry
and one of the team will be in contact. The Berkshire Growth Hub’s services are free and confidential.

It is currently a very busy time for the team which is doing its best to process every application as quickly as possible so please be patient. However, for urgent enquiries regarding business rates in relation to the grant please email brates@slough.gov.uk and put the word GRANTS in the subject line of the email.”

Please read the FAQs or make and application by visiting the Slough Borough Council website www.slough.gov.uk/business/finance-funding-and-grants/coronavirus-and-business-rates.aspx

The borough’s residents may be in lockdown as part of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic but criminals are still out there.

Residents are being reminded that criminals do not follow lockdown guidance and can still strike when people go out for essential food shopping, exercise or helping vulnerable people. Shutting windows and securing doors are the best ways to prevent opportunistic thieves from striking.

Lockdown is also the perfect opportunity to reassess home security measures and identify areas which may need improving, as well as property protection such as getting work tools and bikes security marked. Residents are also warned not to advertise new purchases when restrictions are relaxed by visibly placing boxes and wrapping on show outside the property.

Criminals are also prowling online to scam people and businesses out of money, offering goods and services that do not exist, or to obtain personal details. These scammers can knock on the door, or contact people by phone, email, text, or on social media.

Alan Sinclair, director of adults and communities, said: “The country is fighting the coronavirus public health emergency by staying at home but criminals will still strike.

“They are out there on the streets of Slough looking for opportunities and still operating. We have had reports of property being grabbed through open windows.

“There are also scammers who are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police on the phone and online. They spend hours researching their victim hoping they will let their guard down for just a moment when they can act.

“We are reminding people to conduct the basics like making sure windows are closed but also use up to date security software online.”

The council’s trading standards department has given the following advice if residents or businesses are approached unexpectedly.

• Stop - Take a moment to think before parting with money or personal information. Confirm requests are genuine by using a known number or email, or one found independently, to contact an organisation. Businesses need to be careful of urgent payment requests, a change in supplier bank details, or requests to provide financial information.

• Challenge - Could it be fake? It is ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic their victim. Do not click on links and attachments in unexpected or suspicious texts or emails. The police or a bank will never ask people to withdraw or transfer money to a different account or probe for a PIN. Businesses should verify all payments and supplier details directly with the company on a known phone number or email.

• Protect - Contact the bank immediately if residents have fallen victim to a scam and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

• Report – Pass on suspicious texts by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad.

Detailed advice can be found through a variety of organisations.

Counter fraud advice is available online, including from Scamsmart, CIFAS, TakeFive, Citizens Advice, Trading Standards and the National Cyber Security Centre.

There is bespoke advice about COVID-19 fraud on the Action Fraud website. Reporting to Action Fraud can be done online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040 and follow Action Fraud on Twitter.

To report offers of financial assistance from HMRC contact phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.

There is also a tool for reporting phishing e-mails at report@phishing.gov.uk where you can forward suspicious mails.

There is also a lot of useful information about home security on the Thames Valley Police website - https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/police-forces/thames-valley-police/areas/advice/home-security-guide/

There is a unique opportunity to make permanent changes to the lives of rough sleepers and sofa surfers who have been housed every night in the borough during the coronavirus public health emergency.

The council is asking anyone who has a studio flat, a one bedroomed flat or rooms to rent, to get in touch to potentially provide a permanent address for people when the lockdown ends.

For the past four weeks over 60 rough sleepers and sofa surfers, displaced due to family and friends self-isolating, have had a roof over their heads after the council secured hotel rooms and other accommodation as part of the emergency response.

The residents have had to abide by social distancing rules and adhere to the government’s rules regarding only going out for essential exercise and purchasing food.

One man the housing services team has helped during the coronavirus crisis had lost his hospitality job which had accommodation attached and he had resorted to sleeping in his car.

Another man with an alcohol misuse issue who has been helped has not touched a drink in the past four weeks due to the strict rules about substance abuse whilst in the accommodation provided.

Richard West, interim director of place and development, said: “We have a unique opportunity to help people who have for years lead chaotic lives and whose first priority has not necessarily been a room for the night or to engage with our teams.

“Now they are indoors we are reaching some of our clients and they are making real achievements and changes to their lives which could lead to real improvements to their circumstances.

“We are committed to not only supporting them through to the end of this crisis, but when the lockdown ends and the situation starts returning to normality, hopefully helping people into accommodation which could transform their futures.

“If any landlord has any empty rooms then we are urging them to contact us to discuss how it could work.”

The housing team have been working tirelessly with huge support form partners in the voluntary sector including the London and Slough Run, Slough Homeless Our Concern and Slough Outreach.

For more information of our requirements, or if you have a property which may be suitable, please contact Stuart Adnitt, Outreach Team Leader, on 01753 476732.

A gas canister crushed in a waste collection lorry sounded like a bomb had gone off when it exploded.

Police descended on the lorry and residents came out of their homes after what was believed to be a helium balloon canister was placed in a kerbside recycling bin and emptied into the lorry on Friday.

After several bins had been loaded the compactor mechanism was activated to compress the waste to make room for more, as per normal, and the pressurised canister exploded.

The noise from the explosion brought householders in Wellesley Road, central ward, into the street to find out what had happened and a patrolling police car two streets away heard the noise and came to investigate.

The shocked and shaken waste operatives on the round were luckily uninjured by the explosion which they described as “sounding like a bomb had gone off”. The lorry had to be examined by engineers to see if any damage had been caused to the internal hydraulics system.

Weekly waste and recycling rounds, and the fortnightly green waste bin collection, are still operating to the normal timetable during the coronavirus public health crisis.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said operatives are out on the streets of the borough on a daily basis as keyworkers and some lovely messages have been left on bins thanking our staff for their continued service during this emergency.

“However, their lives were put in danger by someone placing a gas canister in their bin against council guidelines.

“On this occasion, it was lucky that none of our operatives were injured by the blast and the lorry was not seriously damaged.

“Sometimes gas canisters are mistakenly placed in the bins when they should be taken to Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre and we remind residents of the responsible way to dispose of them safely.

“The HWRC is currently closed to prevent unnecessary journeys during the lockdown, so we ask residents to keep items like gas canisters at home until it reopens.”

The gas canister was placed in a bin in the central area however, it is impossible to work out from which household the bin came from.

The advice is to keep household waste at home until the lockdown is relaxed and Chalvey HWRC is reopened to safely dispose of additional waste including gas canisters.

For more information about what can go in the black, red and green waste bins please refer to our website here - http://www.slough.gov.uk/recycling.

This is a picture of a gas canister disposed of incorrectly earlier this year.

Slough Borough Council has reopened the cemetery grounds but is calling on residents to be sensitive to others whilst social distancing continues.

The Slough Cemetery and Crematorium, Stoke Road, was closed to the public – other than those attending crematorium services or burials – in March after the government announced it wanted all crematorium grounds closed.

Now this advice has been clarified, with cemeteries being allowed to reopen.

The council has taken steps to ensure people wanting to visit the cemetery to visit deceased family members can do so, without straying into the grounds of the crematorium which shares the same site.

However to ensure everyone’s safety, some regulations have been put into place.

Visitors to the cemetery are now required to:

• enter the site through the gates off Lismore Park, and not through the main gates to the crematorium off Stoke Road

• park in the layby areas off the paths through the cemetery and not in the crematorium car park

• maintain social distancing at all times – including from council staff maintaining the grounds

• not take part in any gatherings around graves or grave sites – only people from the same household should visit at the same time

• only visit during published cemetery opening hours

• not assist in any works in the grounds including interment

• be respectful of any services taking place

The office and book of remembrance chapel remain closed.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “Our staff were distraught when they had to close the cemetery, knowing bereaved families would like to visit and pay their respects.

“Please be reassured, while the cemetery has been closed to the public, we have continued to care for those interred at the Slough cemetery as if they were our own family.

“Please feel free to visit your departed loved ones once again – but please, to ensure your safety and ours, follow the new guidelines.”

For other advice on services, cremations and burials at Slough Cemetery and Crematorium during the coronavirus update please see slough.gov.uk/coronavirus

Bulky waste, like sofas, armchairs, mattresses and wardrobes, can still be collected from outside your home during the lockdown. Maximum of 7 items at £5 each with a minimum charge of £15.

To arrange a bulky waste collection, and pay prior to collection, contact environmental services on 01753 475111 option 4.

There is a free service available for residents where the sole occupant is registered disabled or a pensioner (limited to two bulky waste collections per year per household).

Example of item units:

Table plus four chairs is five items .

Three piece suite is three items.

Bed base and mattress is two items.

Wardrobe is one item (bundle as one if dismantled or broken).

On the day of collection items should be placed outside the property.

For more information about bulky items permissible for collection visit slough.gov.uk/recycling.

Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre is currently closed.

Slough Borough Council is calling on local Muslim communities to follow the advice of the Muslim Council of Britain during Ramadan.

Ramadan, which is expected to start on Thursday, (23 April), is the most holy month of the year for Muslims and includes a total fast between sunset and sunrise each day.

With COVID-19 restrictions in place across the country, The Muslim Council of Britain has released advice and information on how to continue the traditions and community spirit of Ramadan without breaching the government regulations.

The advice includes top tips for Ramadan at home, including home and virtual iftars and is available online or in a downloadable PDF here: https://mcb.org.uk/resources/ramadan/

There are also sections on keeping healthy during Ramadan, how to cope at home throughout, whether people are working, studying or just staying indoors and advice for Mosques and prayer facilities.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “We know how important Ramadan is to our local communities and Muslims across the world and how different this year is from all others that have come before it.

“We want to encourage our Muslim communities to heed the advice of the Muslim Council of Britain, undertake Ramadan, prayers and iftars in safety, in your own homes with your own households and only meet up virtually online rather than in person.

“We know our communities are sensible and understanding so please encourage each other to adhere to the regulations and keep each other safe and protect key workers.”

She added: “I would like to wish all our Muslim communities Ramadan Mubarak and may this holy time bring you peace and good health.”

Message from the leader of the council, James Swindlehurst and chief executive, Josie Wragg

Following the recent announcement by the government about the current coronavirus restrictions remaining in place for at least the next three weeks, we first want to thank all of our residents who are following the government guidelines, staying at home and only going out for essential reasons.

We know how hard the current restrictions are on everyone but we also know it is the best way we can all play our part in preventing the spread of the virus and protect all those who are providing critical services and keeping the town running.

Our thanks also have to go to our staff, so many of whom are living up to our motto of serving with honour, putting themselves at higher risk to continue to provide the services we all rely on; our adult and children’s social care staff, schools, our registrars, housing, the benefits teams ensuring residents in need get the money their deserve, our bin men who are out every day covering their rounds without fail and all the staff working behind the scenes so these frontline services can continue.

Since the lockdown started our teams have collected more than half a million bins, are looking after around 350 children of key workers and those with special needs in our children’s centres and schools and given out hundreds of pounds of hardship grants.

All the details of help available from us are on our website, so please check www.slough.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest.

We have had many emails thanking our teams and have received many messages of good wishes as well as seeing lots of rainbow pictures and pictures thanking carers which is really raising the spirits of our staff who are out and about.

But we aren’t doing this alone.

We have teamed up with Slough Council for Voluntary Services (SCVS) to provide a one Slough approach to helping the most vulnerable among us. The ingenuity, power and energy shown by the town’s volunteers has been second to none with more than 300 signing up within a week of our call for assistance.

More than 1,500 residents have benefited from the support on offer from this group; people who, without this support could have been without food, care or human contact.

These volunteers and the staff who are supporting them are genuinely helping save lives and we can never thank them enough for giving up their time for others.

If this crisis has taught us anything, it is that by bringing the public, voluntary and private sector together we have a strength none of us has on our own.

If we could bottle that strength we would be set forever; so it down to all of us, all partners, not to lose the momentum, the relationships and the connections, born in a crisis, as life begins to get back to normal.

While we all mourn those we have lost and have hope for those who may fall ill before this is over, we are, all of us, becoming stronger together, even whilst we are apart from each other.

We wish all of you well. Stay safe. If you can stay home, please do. Protect those who most need it.

James and Josie

The council is urging residents who are lighting bonfires in their garden to reconsider for the sake of the entire community during the coronavirus public health crisis.

Bonfires continue to be lit against advice leading to a significant increase in reports to the council about unnecessary burning. This is causing a nuisance and has potential health consequences, especially to those battling coronavirus.

As a result, neighbourhood enforcement officers could now visit residents burning waste after a complaint and will consider serving abatement notices.

There are a number of reasons why bonfires create a greater health and safety risk during this public health emergency and the council is advising residents to hold onto their waste until the lockdown is relaxed.

The main risk is the smoke and toxic fumes created by any bonfire which could significantly affect neighbours who are suffering from, or convalescing from, the deadly virus.

Coronavirus specifically attacks the lungs, reducing capacity for the oxygen necessary for the body to function and therefore any additional element which makes it harder to breathe is threatening to someone’s health.

Those who are isolating or shielding others are also inconvenienced and left stressed with the smell from a bonfire in their homes and being forced to close windows and doors.

In addition, the warm spring weather has left gardens dry creating a fire risk where bonfires can easily get out of control and spread to fences, sheds, and homes. Bonfires are also not without personal risk of people getting burns and therefore bonfire accidents can put additional pressure on NHS services.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “We are urging residents to think twice about lighting a fire in their gardens as this horrid illness particularly affects the lungs, and smoke from a bonfire can aggravate it.

“People who have spent their time usefully clearing out garages, attics and sheds, or tidying gardens can keep their waste until Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre reopens.

“Our advice is to store waste and use our green bin service, until it can be taken to Chalvey HWRC.”

The council’s doorstep collections continue as per the normal schedule with weekly waste and recycling collections and fortnightly green collections of garden waste. Green bins can be ordered and will be delivered during this period by contacting us on 01753 475111 and choosing option 4.

If residents have a neighbour causing a nuisance by having a bonfire please contact us on 01753 475111 with as many details as possible.

The contact centre will be open again this weekend between 10am - 3pm Saturday and Sunday.

Call 01753 475111 and then

1 - adult and child social care

2 - council tax and housing

3 - homelessness

7 - general queries

Please leave the lines free for those who need our help.

The contact centre is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

The council’s in-house rapper Mike the Hyype has urged people to stay at home in his own inimitable style.

The waste operative has composed a rap to reinforce the message for residents to adhere to the government’s guidelines during the lockdown due to the coronavirus public health crisis.

The majority of residents are adhering to guidance around avoiding contact with other households whether outside at parks or visiting others, and avoiding unnecessary travel.

However, a small minority remain stubbornly unable to self isolate despite the numerous messages to only go out the house for essential food shopping, assist vulnerable people, essential work or exercise.

Mike the Hyype, known by his colleagues as Mike Livingston, is among dozens of operatives providing the critical service of collecting waste and recycling each week and green waste fortnightly.

Mike said: “While out and about on our rounds we are seeing lots of posters supporting the great job the NHS are doing as they work trying to save people from coronavirus. There are also rainbows in the windows of homes which cheers everybody up.

“There are still people who need reminding to stay home to save lives and I’ve been coming up with the rap during the rounds.

“I wanted to support, and try and protect, NHS workers by reminding people to stay at home to save lives and not put undue pressure on the health service.”

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “Mike the Hyype has come up with his own way of communicating such and important message during these unprecedented times.

“Mike is a member of our staff who is out in the borough everyday performing a critical task with his colleagues and we thank them for that. He is also helping spread such an important message for everyone.”

Mike the Hyype’s talent surfaced in the winter when he and colleague, youth advisor Karl Drummond, who is also Reggae producer ‘Fresharda’, teamed up with Stevoss from the Britwell Youth & Community Project who also leads ‘Love Music Hate Violence’, to create a musical masterpiece to encourage Slough residents to recycle correctly. The tune was accompanied with a video made by Daniya Kayani.

The full version of Mike the Hyype’s rap can be seen here https://youtu.be/XJ1e5o0kT_s.

Slough’s parks and green spaces remain open for essential exercise however play parks and green gyms within them have been closed.

The council’s services which have been affected by the current fight against the coronavirus, and information about assistance for residents and businesses, can be found here www.slough.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Chalvey HWRC, White Hart Road, is closed until further notice and for more information about waste services, including how to order a green bin for garden waste, go to www.slough.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling.

Ends

Slough Borough Council is calling on residents to share their memories, thoughts and feelings following the death of Councillor Shabnum Sadiq.

Councillor Sadiq was on a trip to Pakistan when she fell ill with COVID-19 and died on Monday (6 April), following complications from the virus.

The council has now set up an official memories page for Councillor Sadiq where people can share photos, memories and messages for Shabnum’s family and friends.

The page can be found here: https://www.memories.net/page/3508/shabnum-sadiq

The council is also calling on residents to show their respect for Councillor Sadiq and her family by placing a light in the front window of their homes at 8pm on Saturday evening (11 April) for 30 minutes.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “We were overwhelmed by the flood of thoughts, messages and memories of Councillor Sadiq which people have shared on social media; this demonstrates how well loved and well respected she was not only in Slough but across the country and the political spectrum.

“In these times when we cannot grieve together in person, we wanted to create somewhere where people could grieve together online, share their memories, share their thoughts and feelings; but most of all where Shabnum’s family could see how loved and respected she was by so many people.”

He added: We are also asking residents to show their respect for Shabnum and their support for her family by placing a light in a front window for 30 minutes on Saturday evening at 8pm. We hope the family will see the lights shining and be comforted by our thoughts and prayers.”

Residents are asked not to place lit candles in their windows because of the potential fire risk.

Phone lines will be open over the Easter weekend between 10am and 3pm each day.

Call 01753 475111 and then

1 - adult and child social care

2 - council tax and housing

3 - homelessness

7 - general queries

Please leave the lines open for those who genuinely need our help.

Slough Borough Council regrets to announce the death of former councillor Derek Cryer.

Councillor Cryer, 83, died of cancer on 31 March 2020, at his home in Langley.

Councillor Cryer was first elected as a councillor for Langley Ward from 1967 until 1973, including being deputy mayor for the municipal year 1972/73.

He was re-elected in the year 2000 for Langley St. Mary’s Ward and served as leader of the Conservative group from 2002 to 2004 and again from 2008 to 2009 before retiring in 2010.

Between 2004 and 2008, Councillor Cryer was also a cabinet member, as part of a joint administration, serving as commissioner for social services and social care and was a key part of the creation of the extra-care housing in Wexham.

Leader of the council, councillor James Swindlehurst, said: “I served for eight years on the council with Derek and had tremendous respect for him as a principled and honourable councillor who came from a generation which understood the values of public service and decency.

“Although we often disagreed in political terms when motions came to council or on the direction of policy, Derek cared deeply about our town and our disagreements always ended in the council chamber with his cordial nature being back the moment the meeting was over.

“Councillor Cryer had already had a significant time in local politics when he served in the 1970s and his willingness to come back and serve again when he had plenty to do in his retirement was something I particularly admired.

“Derek was the epitome of a gentleman, always well-mannered, always polite, and always respectful. He will be missed and my thoughts and those of the council are with his wife Eleanor and all his family and friends.”

Chalvey HWRC is to close with immediate effect to help with the public health coronavirus crisis.

The decision has been taken to close the White Hart Road household waste and recycling centre to prevent households making unnecessary trips out of their homes. A trip to get rid of garden or attic waste is not deemed an essential journey.

It was the only waste site which remained open in the Thames Valley area and among 37 per cent of sites which remained open nationally. The individual recycling bays were closed with all waste being disposed of at four separate bays so social distancing could be observed.

In recent days however, people have been travelling from all over the borough as well as from outside our boundaries from places including High Wycombe, Hayes, Beaconsfield, Aylesbury and Bracknell to dispose of waste. This has created traffic queues and contributed to unnecessary journeys. Some were arriving with as little as a few bags of grass clippings.

Residents with unexpected time on their hands who are clearing out attics, garages, sheds, wardrobes or doing odd jobs around their home and garden, will now be required to keep this waste at home until the public health crisis is over and the site reopens.

Our refuse, recycling and green bin collection rounds are still operating normally. Green bins for garden waste can be ordered by calling 01753 475 111 option 4, and are emptied on a fortnightly basis.

The bulk waste collection service, for up to five household items, will be resuming for residents and can be booked by calling 01753 475111, option 4.

The waste transfer station for the disposal of commercial waste from businesses involved in providing critical services will remain open. Only card payments will be accepted.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “It is with regret that we need to close Chalvey HWRC.

“We had kept it open for essential use only but regrettably many people from both within the borough and from neighbouring boroughs have been making non essential journeys putting themselves and our operatives at avoidable risk.

“There are still weekly collection services for refuse and recycling and fortnightly collection of green bins, so if people use the bins correctly all their waste should fit into their allocated bins.”

We also want to remind people that household and DIY waste should not be burned in their gardens due to the toxic smoke which can be emitted. Residents could also fall foul of nuisance regulations. Please be aware of how actions in the garden may affect the neighbourhood who are also self isolating. Green waste should go into green bins. There is more information about bonfires http://www.slough.gov.uk/pests-pollution-and-food-hygiene/smoke-control-area.aspx.

We are also warning residents about the penalties for fly-tipping waste in the borough. The maximum fine is £50,000 and/or a sentence of up to six months imprisonment. If a vehicle is used to fly-tip waste both the driver and the owner can be prosecuted and the vehicle can be seized. Even if a resident who hires a trader to remove waste the resident could be liable for prosecution if the waste is subsequently found fly-tipped. More information about fly-tipping can be found here http://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/fly-tipping.aspx.

Slough Borough Council regrets to announce the death of serving councillor, Shabnum Sadiq.

Councillor Sadiq was on a trip to Pakistan when she fell ill with COVID-19 and died today (Monday 6 April), following complications from the virus.

Councillor Sadiq was elected to Wexham Lea ward in May 2016 and served on various council committees and was, for a time, lead member for education and children’s services.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “This is very shocking for all of us and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

“Shabnum was a dedicated councillor and despite only being in her first term, she had made a contribution far beyond the years she’d spent in the council chamber.

“We worked together closely and personally I will miss her very deeply. This is a significant loss for the council and the town, but is nothing compared to the loss her family, close friends and community are feeling right now.

“This has brought home to us that not only is this virus something we have to deal with as a town, but also personally; through our work, through our actions and through our grief for those it has taken.

“Behind every statistic about this virus is a family ripped apart and there is no starker example of that, to us in the council, than to lose one our colleagues.

“May she rest in peace and her family find comfort in the love she had for them all.”

Councillor Sadiq is survived by her husband and five children.

The flags at Observatory House and St Martins Place are flying at half mast as a sign of respect.

Residents experiencing any kind of domestic abuse during the lockdown due to the coronavirus public health crisis can still get help.

Homes may not be a safe haven for some and the government has reiterated the restrictions around leaving home should not prevent people seeking help for domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse takes many guises from physical and verbal abuse, stripping people of self-worth to controlling and coercive behaviour such as preventing partners from contacting family and friends, as well as restricting access to phones, money and food.

Anyone wanting to talk about their situation and get advice or help leaving an abusive situation can still do so even during the lockdown.

National and Slough based agencies are still manning the phones and can help. If a resident feels in immediate danger they should call Thames Valley Police on 999.

Rachel Axtell, domestic abuse partnership coordinator, said: “Coercive and controlling behaviour can be hard to identify and detect by the people living in those circumstances.

“With the lockdown, people are living more closely than ever before and these behaviours may reveal themselves.

“Partners should not withhold food or drink, determine what can be said, worn or who an individual can be friends with. Also they should not stop a person from contacting their family or limit access to a phone.

“This virus does not stop people from getting help. In fact, the government has given special dispensation for those escaping controlling relationships.”

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “These are extraordinary times but coronavirus should not be the reason you don’t get help. There are people still working at organisations who can help and nobody suffering at the hands of a partner should wait to get help.”

The organisations which can help are Slough based Hestia Slough Domestic Service – 01753 477352, Thames Valley based Victims First Hub – 0300 1234 148, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247, Galop – 0800 999 5428 – for Lesbian Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people, Karma Nirvana – 0800 5999 247 for help with so called honour based violence and forced marriage. National Women’s Aid offer a number of ways to get help on their website womensaid.org.uk.

The council is appealing for donations of spare supplies of Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, to help protect workers and residents who are in constant essential contact during the coronavirus public health crisis.

With strain on the supply chain to get the equipment necessary for visiting vulnerable people in their own Slough homes, we now have to appeal to the public and businesses for any supplies.

Workers who are required to change the PPE between visits include social workers, carers and staff visiting vulnerable families and children.

In particular the council is looking for

• Glasses/goggles

• Gloves – single use, disposable

• Face Masks – N95, FFP2, FFP3

• Aprons – single use, disposable

• Hand gel antibacterial – at least 60 per cent alcohol

In particular we are appealing for any businesses not currently operating that have supplies to get in touch. All items have to reach certain HSE requirements so please don’t be upset if we cannot accept some items.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “We would like to assure residents this request for equipment is down to the accessibility of equipment and not because of a lack of funding.

“There is a huge pressure on the availability of this equipment at the moment and we are protecting residents as well as our employees.

“If there are any small businesses that can assist us at this time please get in touch.”

Anyone who has any equipment please email ASC.Commissioning@slough.gov.uk with the details and we will get back to you.

A huge "thank you" to everyone who has volunteered to help the OneSlough effort to help vulnerable people via @sloughcvs. Applications are being processed and so we can get volunteers up and running asap we have paused recruitment. Watch out for more volunteering opportunities.

Here is the new dedicated number for people who may need help from our coordinated response with Slough CVS to the coronavirus public health emergency.

If you, a family member, or someone you are concerned about needs assistance call the One Slough number 01753 944198.

The line will be staffed between Monday and Friday from 9am to 4pm and at the weekend from 10am to 3pm. Alternatively, residents can still register on-line at sloughcvs.org.

Ketan Gandhi, of Slough Borough Council, said: “We are working with Slough CVS, the local voluntary sector and businesses to provide a coordinated approach to ensure that we provide essential services to people who need it.”

The call centre is for residents who are isolated and lonely or need essentials, such as a hot cooked meal or food supplies. This includes residents who are at high risk including people over 70 years old or with underlying health conditions and should be protecting themselves by staying at home."

Ramesh Kukar, of SloughCVS said: “We have extended our wellbeing service and it is thanks to volunteers, such as Lesley Michaelis from Home-Start Slough and council staff, that we have managed to coordinate our efforts and bring this service to Slough residents.”

If you need, or know someone, who needs support in the coming weeks, please do get in touch.

While the NHS is in the forefront of everyone's minds during the public health emergency to fight coronavirus, it is asking for a little more assistance and Hand It Back.

The NHS is reminding people who may have been given equipment to deal with an injury or ailment and it is no longer needed, whether it be crutches or more significant equipment like chairs and beds, to arrange for it to be returned so it can be reused by another patient in need.

By continuing to recycle the equipment it will also help to reduce some of the pressure on suppliers of new equipment, who are also seeing unprecedented demand.

Slough residents are being asked to #bekind to council workers as they continue to work during the coronavirus public health crisis.

Waste, recycling and green bin collections are continuing as normal, as well as street cleaning, grounds maintenance, emergency road maintenance and clearance. These services have been deemed as critical for residents.

We would also appreciate it if residents could practice social distancing when they see our members of staff working.

Other changes to our services are in addition to or supersedes those announced over the past two weeks.

• Enforcement of parking restrictions has been relaxed across the borough

• Dangerous and obstructive parking which blocks traffic or emergency services for example will still be enforced. Call 01753 825428, between 10am and 4pm from Monday to Saturday, for a parking warden to be dispatched

• Any NHS worker who has received a ticket over the past two week should appeal any PCN with proof of their role and PCN number by emailing parkingappeals@slough.gov.uk

• The planning team are currently only taking applications via the planning portal https://www.planningportal.co.uk/apply or email on planning@slough.gov.uk

• For a planning query email and a planning officer will come back to you

• Application timeframes will not be able to be met and extensions to be agreed

• No site visits will be undertaken and applicants may be asked to provide more images or site plans than usual

• The Registration Service will be closed to visitors, except in very exceptional circumstance and by prior appointment, until further notice

• Death certification will be issued electronically

• With sadness the Slough Cemetery and Crematorium grounds have been closed with immediate effect due to government instruction. It will only be accessible for funerals

• The service will not be accepting any further appointments for birth registration and is unable to state when normal service will be resumed

Council services can still be accessed online at slough.gov.uk or call 01753 475111.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “Please respect the valuable work which all SBC staff are doing in the community.

“This includes our refuse, street cleansing, grounds maintenance and highways operatives who continue to keep services running – please let them get on with their work and keep two metres away from them wherever possible.

“We have taken the decision to relax our parking enforcement across the borough due to the number of people working from home and lower amounts of traffic on the roads.

“However, dangerous and obstructive parking which blocks traffic or emergency service vehicles will still be enforced.

“Staff are having to adapt to an ever changing situation to continue to provide services and deserve to be treated with respect while to help residents.

“We expect residents to also treat the parking attendants with respect and not to abuse those who are keeping the roads clear for all residents and emergency services.”

Slough Council for Voluntary Service, SCVS, is working with the council to coordinate services to reach more people in the borough who need assistance. In addition, it will provide a central point where volunteers willing to help can register their interest.

The partnership will see the establishment of transport links between foodbanks and partners, as well as getting assistance to people who need essential food and medicine deliveries.

Residents can nominate themselves for assistance or a neighbour, friend or family member. For more information go to sloughcvs.org.

Only 10 people will be able to attend funerals in the borough during the continued fight against the public health crisis of the coronavirus.

Immediate family are being urged to attend ceremonies taking place with a maximum of 10 people. Social distancing of two metres between everyone must be practised at the crematorium and cemetery, when attending a funeral or visiting existing memorials, shrines or graves in the borough.

Changes have been made to the registration service as the country is on lockdown for another two weeks.

The service, based at The Curve is still accepting death registrations, however people should make an appointment by phone and only the informant should attend the appointment. Residents who are in self isolation or have been have been in contact with the deceased for seven days prior to the death should not attend the appointment.

The service will not be accepting any further appointments for birth registration and is unable to state when the service will be resumed.

However, residents can now also make a claim for child benefit or universal credit prior to the birth being registered.

Couples whose weddings have been cancelled up until 14 April, and appointments for notice to marry, will be contacted about their circumstances.

The restrictions are in addition to other services which have been cancelled or suspended since the country stepped up the response to fight Covid-19

Council services can still be accessed online at slough.gov.uk or call 01753 475111.

Slough Council for Voluntary Service, SCVS, is working with the council to coordinate services to reach more people in the borough who need assistance. In addition, it will provide a central point where volunteers willing to help can register their interest.

The partnership will see the establishment of transport links between foodbanks and partners, as well as getting assistance to people who need essential food and medicine deliveries.

Residents can nominate themselves for assistance or a neighbour, friend or family member. For more information go to sloughcvs.org.

Residents are being warned to stay at home after irresponsible families were seen using play areas and meeting friends in parks during the coronavirus public health crisis.

Thames Valley Police officers dispersed crowds of people meeting in Salt Hill Park where families were allowing children to use playground and exercise equipment.

Police officers described the scene as “like a bank holiday” as different families and households were socialising and using the skate park and cricket crease.

When asked why they were out of their homes some people’s response was simply “we don’t care”.

However, the council and the rest of the community do care that people are out of their homes unnecessarily and they could then potentially catch COVID-19 and, or infect others, including their loved ones.

Police have the authority to issue unlimited fines to people flouting the law starting at £30.

All play areas, green gyms and leisure areas are closed after a direct order from the government as the country attempts to fight the deadly virus.

The council’s parks are available to allow residents access to gorgeous green spaces during the one time per day they are allowed out of their homes for essential exercise, whether that be a for a walk or run.

The government has told people to stay in their homes unless they are shopping for essential food or medicine, for essential travel to work, essential exercise which should be limited to once a day and essential care for the vulnerable.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “We are dismayed that some residents think they are exempt from the government rulings to stay at home and think they won’t get, or won’t pass on, this illness. They could catch this horrible virus and pass it on to their family and friends.

“Our amazing green parks are open to be used by our residents to take essential exercise but our green gyms and play parks are firmly closed.

“However, if a small minority of people do not respect everyone’s right to stay safe then we will need to close our green parks too.

“Police have been given new powers by the government to disperse and fine people who are flouting these really important COVID-19 rules. We ask residents to respect them for the good of our whole community.”

Residents are being warned about unscrupulous fraudsters who are using the coronavirus public health emergency to make a quick buck.

There is already evidence people up and down the country have collectively lost hundreds of thousands of pounds as conmen prey on insecurities in these turbulent times.

Trading Standards have advised the most common scam is selling coronavirus testing kits and cures by going door to door. These are fake kits and could contain items with unknown substances in them. Other scams include selling hard to obtain products like hand sanitiser at inflated prices.

Residents are being urged to proceed with caution when a someone unexpected turns up at the front door during this time of social isolation.

There are lots of great volunteers, charity and community groups in the borough being coordinated by SloughCVS assisting vulnerable people.

Slough Borough Council and its staff continue prioritising and protect services for the most vulnerable with the unfortunate consequence of some public facing services have been closed.

The following are in addition to other cancellations and suspensions already announced. They are

• The Registration Service will stop registration of births until further notice. Parents with appointments over the next few days to register the births of their baby will be notified that their appointments have been cancelled.

• All marriages have been cancelled and no applications for any marriage will be taken.

• Contacting us by post - we are currently unable to collect correspondence sent via post. Where possible, we ask that you contact us online or call 01753 475111.

• All Children’s Centre services are now being amalgamated into a single information point at Penn Road Children’s Centre. This is the result of the government’s stay at home policy as well as staff going into self isolation at the three remaining open children’s centres in the borough. Penn Road is now the delivery centre for all key worker and vulnerable children’s childcare from across the network of 10 centres. It will also act as the coordination point as the early years hub provision is rolled out to respond to changing any needs across the borough. If any children’s centre which is currently closed is required for any services at any point across the council it will be re-opened immediately.

• At this time Housing Management are only able to offer critical services to Slough Borough Council tenants. All of our contact with you will be over the telephone or by email and it may not be your usual Housing Officer. If you know your Housing Officer’s direct dial number please use this to contact them. If you don’t then please call either the main council switchboard on 01753 475111 or you can contact the team directly on 01753 877382 or 01753 474052. Alternatively you can email one of these team emails:

Northteam2@slough.gov.uk (Britwell, Manor Park and Priory areas)

Eastteam2@slough.gov.uk (Langley, Wexham and Colnbrook areas)

Southteam2@slough.gov.uk (Chalvey or Cippenham areas)

• Social housing repairs - If you want to report a new repair or find out when a repair will be completed please continue to call Osborne on 0800 915 1215. Osborne will be able to complete emergency repairs only. Osborne will still log any other repairs so they can be attended to when government guidance allows.

• Slough Cycle hire has been suspended and bikes will not be able to be used until further notice.

• Council services can still be accessed online at slough.gov.uk or call 01753 475111.

Slough Council for Voluntary Service, SCVS, is working with the council to coordinate services to reach more people in the borough who need assistance. In addition, it will provide a central point where volunteers willing to help can register their interest.

The partnership will see the establishment of transport links between foodbanks and partners, as well as getting assistance to people who need essential food and medicine deliveries.

Residents can nominate themselves for assistance or a neighbour, friend or family member. For more information go to sloughcvs.org.

The Health Secretary has announced that: “It is abundantly clear that smoking makes the impact of coronavirus worse.” As the Government highlights the risks to smokers from COVID-19, Slough Borough Council is joining health professionals in calling on all smokers to #QuitforCovid

Smoking harms the immune system, reducing the bodies’ natural protection against infections, like coronavirus. Smokers are therefore at greater risk of:

• getting acute respiratory infections

• the infection lasting longer

• the infection being more serious than it would be for someone who does not smoke.

People, including children, exposed to second-hand smoke are also at increased risk. It is therefore essential that parents and carers do not smoke in their homes or cars to protect the people around them from harm.

To support, people in Slough can access the local Stop Smoking Service. Specialist advisors are available by phone and online.

• call 0118 449 2026

• text QUIT to 66777

• use the Quit with Bella app: www.quitwithbella.co.uk

• by completing our online referral form directly from www.smokefreelifeberkshire.com

Dr Liz Brutus, Public Health Service Lead, said: “It is vital that we all do what we can to stay safe and healthy during this outbreak. Quitting smoking is one of the best things smokers can do to protect their own health and the health of those around them and minimise the impact of coronavirus. Our Stop Smoking Service will provide our residents with dedicated support and advice to reduce or stop smoking.”

For more information on giving up smoking visit: www.publichealthslough.co.uk/services/service/stop-smoking/