We are pleased to announce the launch of an important resource for Slough residents.

Health at Home is a bespoke online resource with guidance and advice on how people can look after themselves whilst spending time in isolation or extended periods of time at home.

This new page includes a range of services and resources including:

- Online, telephone and text “Stop Smoking” services

- Specific Coronavirus related Mental Health support and information

- Downloadable hints and tips of how to stay active at home, including bespoke advice for Early Years, Schools, Adults and those working from home

- Nutritional advice and meal preparation guidance

- Access to online testing for Sexual Health services

- Signing up to do befriending and one off tasks for older adults through our GoodGym programme

Over the coming weeks we will be growing this resource to have an even more holistic and enhanced offer to support the health of Slough residents during this difficult time.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It’s really important that residents continue to look after their health whilst they are spending time at home. For all of us, this means standing up and moving often, looking after our mental health and preparing healthy meals. Looking after our own health and wellbeing has never been so important”.

For more information visit www.publichealthslough.co.uk/campaigns/health-at-home

More council services have been affected by the continuing public health crisis of Covid-19 and updated government directives.

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

The latest government advice is for everybody who is not deemed as vulnerable to stay at home and only go out for essentials like food and medicine, once a day for exercise and to stay in household units when out, and not to congregate in groups of two or more people.

If residents see gatherings of more than two people who are not in the same household the police have new powers to disperse groups and can be contacted on 101.

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

• Jobcentre Plus is closed. Residents can access support online at www.dwp.gov.uk where telephone services are also listed (or for UC customers, through your account). Telephone: 0800 055 6688. Textphone: 0800 023 4888. The Universal Credit helpline is 0800 328 5644

• All weddings are cancelled until 14 April and no new bookings will be taken

• All other ceremonies including baptisms and citizenships cancelled until 14 April except funerals.

• All playgrounds and green gyms shut. Allotments and parks still open but residents are not permitted to congregate and to stay in their household units.

• All member surgeries are cancelled. Residents can contact their councillor by finding them here - http://www.slough.gov.uk/council/councillors-committees-and-meetings/

• All Libraries – The Curve, Cippenham, Britwell and Langley are closed and no overdue fines will be issued until the end of May. This date could be extended if required.

• Licensing Service - general information for existing licence holders is that those expected to expire at the end of March, April and May have been automatically extended for three months to June, July and August respectively. Face to face appointments and scheduled meetings have been cancelled and applications may be submitted. For more specific information for alcohol and private hire and taxi licensing go to http://www.slough.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/coronavirus-and-licensing.aspx

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

The council, along with the police, has been given powers to legally enforce the government directive for cafes and restaurants to close their seating areas. This does not affect eateries which have adapted to become takeaways and are not serving food to the public on their premises.

The same law also requires other businesses were people can socialise to close with immediate effect such as cinemas, betting shops, indoor leisure centres and bingo halls.

If anyone has any information about establishments remaining open please email foodandsafety@slough.gov.uk and the council will investigate.

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 council has taken significant steps in the battle against the coronavirus public health emergency.

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.

For more information about this partnership http://slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=21914

The council, along with the police, has also been given powers to legally enforce the government directive for cafes and restaurants to close their seating areas. This does not affect eateries who have adapted to become takeaways and are not serving food to the public on their premises.

The same law also requires other businesses were people can socialise to close with immediate effect such as cinemas, betting shops, indoor leisure centres and bingo halls.

Even if the premises are not legally required to close we would advise those businesses and their patrons to consider the effect on the wider society.

If anyone has any information about establishments remaining open please email foodandsafety@slough.gov.uk and the council will investigate.

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

These are in addition to other cancellations and suspensions announced last week and include

• Closure of MyCoucil in Slough, High Street

• Closure of Landmark Place, off Slough High Street

• Closure of libraries including The Curve, Cippenham, Langley and Britwell. The Curve will only be open to residents accessing the registrar service based there. If registering a baby please only contact the registrar if baby is born in Slough. Any babies born out of Slough please contact the district of birth for registration.

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

The borough’s parks are not closed. Parks, play areas, green gyms and allotments are open, as is Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre, in White Hart Road, and we are reminding residents of the need for social distancing of being two metres away from others including members of staff.

To make it easier for the elderly and vulnerable to access supermarkets and other services opening exclusively for those groups earlier in the day the council has scrapped the current limits placed on concessionary bus passes. Holders will now be able to use their bus passes before 9.30am. More about the three month long scheme can be read here https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=21881

Slough Borough Council has joined forces with Slough Council for Voluntary Service, SCVS, to coordinate an army of volunteers to help people in the borough.

The coordinated approach will enable the most vulnerable in the community to access assistance and advice. It will also provide a centralised place for people wanting to help by volunteering.

Bringing the services together with the assistance of the council, will allow more people to get involved in an organised and constructive way, as well as help more people.

Community, voluntary, faith, charities, the council as well as other public sector partners will be operating as one.

The collaboration will be supporting organisations such as food banks to ensure they have sufficient volunteers and supplies, to ensure transport is in place to get supplies, including food and medicines, to most vulnerable and providing a single point for the Slough community to ask questions and get answers.

People who require help can ask directly and others can nominate neighbours, friends or family members for assistance.

The process will allow volunteers to be matched with the most appropriate service as well as being given safety advice.

If people want to help but are unable to give their time there is the option to donate funds on the website which will go directly to helping people in the borough.

The current government advice is for the most vulnerable members of the community, those over 70, those over 60 with an underlying health condition, and anyone showing symptoms of the virus to self isolate. The rest of the community is being advised to stay at home and practice social distancing.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “We have a fantastic community in Slough who wants to help others when life becomes challenging.

“We believe this coordinated approach between Slough Borough Council and all the excellent volunteer groups will make sure resources are being directed where they are most needed.

“If you require help and assistance visit the website sloughcvs.org or call 07933 716 914.”

Services are temporarily changing as a result of government advice of avoiding unnecessary social contact in the continuing public health Covid-19 crisis.

Slough Borough Council and its staff are prioritising and protecting services for the most vulnerable with the unfortunate consequence of some events being cancelled or postponed.

The changes to some services and cancellation to events are in addition to the closures already announced this week.

Changes to services from Friday 20 March until further notice

• The following children's centres are closed, Yew Tree Road, Vicarage Way, Elliman Avenue, Wrexham Road, St Andrew’s Way, Orchard Avenue. Childcare for the children of key workers and vulnerable children will be moved to Penn Rd Children's Centre. The remaining centres at Monksfield Way, Chalvey Grove and Romsey Close centres will act as information points.

• All events are either cancelled or postponed if they were being held at any Slough Community buildings. Hirers have been contacted with more information and their booking fee and deposits will be fully refunded.

• Adult Social Care - The Pines and Phoenix day services are cancelled and clients will be supported in other ways.

• Appointments are still going ahead at the Register Office at The Curve but if people coming for an appointment are self-isolating or feeling unwell to ask someone else to attend the appointment on their behalf. The appointments must be booked in advance by phone on 01753 787600 as there is no longer and online booking facility.

All other public buildings including The Curve and MyCouncil, remain open but with reduced opening hours

For coronavirus related school closures and arrangements for children of key workers and those with additional needs, parents will hear directly from their child's school. More information about key workers can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

During this time of crisis and uncertainty there are a lot of good people doing good work. However, criminals are taking advantage and more than 100 crimes have been reported to Action Fraud since the beginning of February. Nationwide people have lost almost £1million which has centred around the purchasing of protective masks, clothing and hand sanitiser which was never delivered.

To make it easier for the elderly and vulnerable to access supermarkets and other services opening exclusively for those groups earlier in the day the council has scrapped the current limits placed on concessionary bus passes. Holders will now be able to use their bus passes before 9.30am. More about the three month long scheme can be read here https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=21881

The situation is constantly being monitored and the council will continue to provide a responsible and proportionate response to the situation facing residents in the borough.

More services will be changing as a result of government advice of avoiding unnecessary social contact in the continuing public health Covid-19 crisis.

Slough Borough Council and its staff are prioritising and protecting services for the most vulnerable with the unfortunate consequence of some events being cancelled or postponed.

In addition the decision has been made to scrap the current limits placed on concessionary bus passes to enable people to take advantage of supermarkets and other services opening specifically for more vulnerable members of the community. Holders will now be able to use their bus passes before 9.30am. More about the three month long scheme can be read here https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=21881

The changes to some services and cancellation to events are in addition to the closures already announced this week.

Events which have been cancelled include

• KBT Great British Spring Clean litter pick in Langley on Saturday 21 March, Colnbrook (Westfield) and Saturday 28 March, and in Colnbrook Village on Saturday 4 April.

• Autism Awareness Week activities at The Curve Slough (including the Autism Berkshire Conference) between 30 March - 5 April are postponed to a later date. Please follow Autism Slough Facebook page.

Changes to services from Friday 20 March until further notice

• Local access points are closed in Britwell, Cippenham and Langley.

• The Call Centre will now be operating between 9am-5pm.

• Landmark Place/MyCouncil will be operating 9am-5pm.

• Landmark Place/MyCouncil will be closed on Saturdays.

• The Bus Pass and Blue Badge service face to face interaction is suspended. Blue Badges can be applied for online, and if further evidence needs submitting please email: BlueBadgeTeam@slough.gov.uk.

• The Registration Service will continue to operate to record births, deaths and marriages. However, their assistance with the European Settlement Scheme is suspended until further notice.

• Funerals – we are making some changes and have been in touch with funeral directors.

• Weddings – there are some changes to protect staff, brides and grooms, and all wedding parties are being contacted directly by the service.

• All adult learning courses provided by East Berkshire Community Learning and Skills Services have been cancelled as of Friday 20 March.

• Libraries regular activities programme will be cancelled from Monday 23 March. Libraries remain open as normal.

All other public buildings including The Curve and MyCouncil, remain open.

The government announced all schools were to close from the end of day bell on Friday 20 March until further notice. There are reductions in year groups going into each individual schools and suggest parents check with their own school.

Keep up to date here -

https://www.slough.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/covid-19-effects-on-council-services-and-schools.aspx.

The situation is constantly being monitored and the council will continue to provide a responsible and proportionate response to the situation facing residents in the borough.

The hours concessionary bus passes can be used has been increased to help holders during the corona virus public health emergency.

The passes can now be used before 9.30am so holders can access supermarkets and services opening in the early morning during a sustained period of social distancing.

From tomorrow 20 March 2020 and for a period of three months, Slough concessionary bus pass holders will be able to use public transport for free 24 hours a day.

The move is just one which the council is putting in place to assist residents, some being the most vulnerable, as the Government asks people who are not showing any tell tale signs of Covid-19 to reduce the amount of time in public. In addition, people aged over 70, or those with underlying health conditions are being told to avoid public situations as much as possible.

Josie Wragg, Chief Executive, said an adjustment to the bus pass scheme to allow use before 9.30am would benefit residents in the borough.

She said: “For the next three months during a time when we are being advised this deadly virus will peak, people with bus passes will be able to access public transport without limitation.

“Supermarkets and other shops are offering exclusive times when groups who are more vulnerable, and who have been told that social isolation will be beneficial, can shop without coming in contact with the general population.

“We are supporting these measures by providing the means of transport to get to these locations.”

The following message is a joint statement from the leader of the council Cllr James Swindlehurst and Chief Executive Josie Wragg.

We know many of us will be understandably worried about the current coronavirus pandemic that is dominating our daily lives right now.

We can assure you that we continue to provide all our essential services as normal – although some council events have been postponed, or cancelled, so we can focus on meeting the challenge of coronavirus.

New national guidance means everyone should be minimising their social contact, reducing unnecessary travel and staying at home if you, or anyone in your household, has any symptoms. Please follow the daily guidance coming from the government and take extra care if you are over 70, if you are pregnant or have underlying health conditions: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

It is now clear that the coronavirus pandemic is set to challenge us all in ways we have never experienced before. With all the uncertainty one thing is for sure, we will need to work together and help each other wherever and whenever we can.

As a council, we are taking every step to prepare for the expected increase in confirmed cases of the virus and we will ensure that the vital services that you rely on from the council will continue during this difficult time.

Our services, including social care, waste and children’s services, have well developed plans that will ensure our most vulnerable residents get the support they need in the coming weeks and months.

Our primary aim is to ensure that everyone who needs it is supported – especially the most vulnerable. Our top priority is to ensure that no one is left behind.

Some of you may need extra support at this time, and it is important that everyone is aware of what additional support you can apply for and know where to find it.

Our website lists all the support available for residents who may be experiencing hardship:

• If you know people who are struggling the council can offer Local Welfare Assistance.

• Discretionary Housing Payments may be available to top-up housing-related benefit for a limited time to cover housing costs such as rent.

• If residents are experiencing exceptional hardship they may be able to claim a discretionary reduction in Council Tax.

• You have the right to pay your council tax over 12 months instead of 10 months, you must advise the council in advance.

• We have the Council tax support scheme in place for residents on low income

We have also been notified by the Government that money will be provided to councils to support vulnerable residents. We will provide further information on this when we know more.

Whatever happens Slough’s response will be defined by kindness and tried and tested plans. With this in mind, our commitment is to keep you updated at all times.

For more information about what the council is doing regarding the corona virus can be found at http://www.slough.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/coronavirus.aspx.

Slough Borough Council has made the difficult decision to suspend some services after government advice for people to avoid unnecessary social contact.

The Venue at The Curve will be closed from today to help protect the public in the current public health emergency.

The registration service will continue to operate to record births, deaths and marriages however, their assistance with the European Settlement Scheme is suspended until further notice.

All other public buildings, including The Curve and MyCouncil, will remain open.

The situation is constantly being monitored and the council will continue to provide a responsible and proportionate response to the situation facing residents in the borough.

The council is also in discussion with our leisure strategy partners Everyone Active and housing partners Osborne Property Services Ltd about services and we will update residents about any changes if and when they happen.

Josie Wragg, Chief Executive, said the council has plans in place to deal with such situations and will continue to work hard to provide as many services it can to residents.

She said: “We are working in unprecedented circumstances.

“We are constantly reviewing what services we are providing and how that sits with the Government and medical advice.

“However, we are in a good position to keep services running and continue to support residents in the borough.

“The council is working hard to maintain provision in the critical services as the situation progresses so those who need our services and those who are vulnerable, are helped.

“We have made the difficult decision to suspend theatre provision at The Curve and one of the registrar’s offerings and hope the residents of Slough will work with us to ensure people stay safe.”

Public Health England and Slough Borough Council statement on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Slough

Specialists from Public Health England (PHE) are working with Slough Borough Council and NHS colleagues following confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Alison Barnett, Centre Director for Public Health England South East, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19. These cases are four residents of Slough. Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case. This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, lead member for health and social care, said: “I’d like to reassure people we are working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Slough are protected.

“If you have not been contacted by Public Health England as a close contact of the confirmed cases you do not need to take any action at this time.”

Health and local authorities are appealing for people to follow national Government guidance to prevent further spread of the illness and limit the numbers affected.

This guidance includes taking basic hygiene precautions as the best way of significantly reducing the chances of spreading any virus: sneeze or cough into a tissue, bin it, wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face unless you’ve just washed your hands.

Current evidence indicates that most cases appear to be mild, with patients experiencing flu-like symptoms. Older residents or those with weakened immune systems or long-term conditions may experience more severe symptoms.

Councillor Pantelic added: “These are the same simple steps we all should be taking to avoid other illnesses such as flu which is also prevalent during the winter and it is important residents help protect themselves and others.

“If you have recently travelled to an affected area or been in contact with someone who has, and you think you have symptoms associated with the coronavirus, you should not go to A&E or your doctor but self-isolate yourself at home and ring NHS 111 which has an online coronavirus service that can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do.”

The symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:

• a cough

• a high temperature

• shortness of breath

Self-isolation means you should:

• stay at home

• not go to work, school or public places

• not use public transport or taxis

• ask friends, family members or delivery services to do errands for you

• try to avoid visitors to your home – it's OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food

You may need to do this for up to 14 days to help reduce the possible spread of infection. For more information on the symptoms and steps to take, go to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

For the latest advice on travellers returning from affected areas, plus guidance to schools and care homes, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Details on testing are published daily at 2pm and includes a breakdown of negative and positive tests https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public

Students at Haybrook College have experienced the world of work to broaden their aspirations and career opportunities.

The council’s property, maintenance and investment partners Osborne Property Services, was among the companies and organisations which presented and organised activities for the students.

For the Osborne activity students were given roles needed in the building of property from the architect and project manager to the site manager and builders.

The design and planning roles were the only ones allowed to view a construction made of blocks. They were given varying amounts of time in relation to their role and were then expected to relay the information to their colleagues who had not seen but were expected to build a replica of it.

Claire Giacobbe, Osborne’s community investment manager, said there was a variety of ways in which the students allowed to view the construction communicated to their ‘blind’ colleagues.

“The students used different tactics to relay the information back to their colleagues who had not seen what they were being expected to build,” she said.

“Some used drawings while others worked out which blocks and how many of them they needed.

“The students were animated, engaged and enjoyed this mini project which meant they really had to use instinctive tactics due to the time pressure they were under.

“They had to really listen to each other and work collaboratively as a team, to make sure they created the correct design.

““All of these are attributes needed for the workplace.”

As part of Osborne’s social remit in the borough it is committed to helping young people acquire the skills needed to be members of a workforce, whether in apprenticeships, work experience or helping people gain the skills needed for work experience.

Haybrook College supports the education and personal development of young people with complex social and emotional needs from Slough and surrounding areas.

A spokesman for Haybrook College said: “I would like to personally thank you for giving up your day to support our Industry Insight Day.

“Feedback from students and staff was very positive and we look forward to working with you again in the future.”

Help shape the future for carers in the borough. Drop into @TheCurveSlough between 11.30am and 2pm on Wednesday 25 March and Thursday 26 March to tell us your thoughts.

From Monday 11 May the council will no longer be taking cash at any of its offices.

At present, MyCouncil on the High Street takes cash payments for a number of council services, including council tax, rents, business rates and taxi licensing.

But from Monday 11 May, residents will have to pay by card – online, at a kiosk or via the telephone payment line – or by direct debit.

The move is part of the transformation of the council; an on-going programme which is improving and modernising council systems, processes and interactions with residents, placing resources where they are most needed and making it easier for people to access the services they need.

Joe Carter, director of transformation, said: “In these modern times, where many people don’t even carry cash on a daily basis, having people needing to come into town and into our offices, only on weekdays and between certain hours to pay bills is ridiculously old-fashioned.

“Slough has the youngest average population in the whole country and very few people don’t have a phone these days. With the alternative payment methods residents and businesses will be able to pay 24 hours a day, seven days a week, choosing a time convenient for them.”

He added: “We understand some people don’t wish to use direct debit for numerous reasons, but paying online or by phone is quick and easy and will save people a large amount of time.

“We obviously continue to need people’s money; we just don’t want their cash.”

An information and awareness campaign for residents will be running between now and when the cash services cease.

Footbridges which provide a vital link spanning the M4 motorway in Langley will get essential repairs after a successful bid for government funds.

The bridges are used by pedestrians and cyclists as they move between Langley and Colnbrook, on either side of the busy M4 junction 5.

There is a total of 110 metres of bridge leading to a subway under the six lanes of the M4.

The decades old structure needs essential repairs to the crumbling bearings situated between where the decking of the walkway meets the pillars which anchors the structure to the ground.

In total 14 sets of bearings will be replaced and the railings on the walkway will also be updated and replaced.

The council has been awarded £345,000 towards the £493,000 cost of the project by the Department of Transport.

The award, announced on Friday, was a slice of £93.4 million pounds made available by the government to repair roads, drainage system and bridges up and down the country.

A submission was submitted and was judged against hundreds of other plans from local authorities.

It was just one of 32 projects given fund by the Department of Transport.

The work will start within the year and each section of the bridge will be lifted up and the current rubber and steel bearings removed and replaced with new ones.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “Without this funding and work the bridge may not be able to be used in the future, preventing people from using what is a vital link connecting the north and south of the borough.

“The repair work will increase the longevity of the bridge for up to another 30 years.”

“The bid was secured whilst being pitted against many other laudable schemes so it is a credit to the highways team.”

An initiative that advocates volunteering alongside getting fit has won a top award.

GoodGym Slough members combine physical activity and volunteering from litter picking to feeding the homeless in the borough.

Supported by Slough Public Health, the scheme won the Physical Activity for Health award at the 8th Get Berkshire Active awards held at the Hilton Hotel, Reading, last Friday.

The programme has been running for 18 months and has created a community of runners that combine getting fit with doing good. Members stop off on their runs to do physical tasks for community organisations and to support isolated older people with one-off tasks they cannot do on their own.

GoodGym has already completed over 1,300 good deeds which also includes 29 coach runs to relieve the burden of loneliness of older isolated adults, and seven mission runs to help older adults with one off tasks.

The judges were impressed with the initiative stating: “Since Good Gym Slough began in 2018, 1,300 deeds have been carried out by 109 participants aged 18-85 from all backgrounds. These supported 20 groups and other socially isolated older people. Over 6,000km were covered on runs or walks and nearly 1,000 hours have been spent on community tasks such as gardening, litter picking, leaflet dropping, and painting.”

Runners meet weekly at Salt Hill Activity Centre, in Salt Hill Park, on Mondays at 6.30pm. They can store personal items in the lockers at Salt Hill Activity Centre before heading off on their run to volunteer.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I am extremely proud that our GoodGym running community, which combines exercise with good deeds for the community has won the “Physical Activity for Health” ward at the Get Berkshire Active annual awards.

“GoodGym Slough is only 18 months old and award winning already. Thank you to all the runners that volunteer their time each week to help others.”

GoodGym is always looking for new members who can benefit from increasing their physical activity as well as helping their own community and it is free to join.

The benefits include -

• Joining a running group and run once a week whilst volunteering as part of your running group session.

• Joining a friend, colleague, or family member to run to an isolated older adult to help them with a one off task.

• Running on your own to an isolated older adult on a regular or semi-regular basis to befriend them and help remove the burden of loneliness.

For more information visit www.goodgym.org/slough.

The next Britwell bicycle club is happening tonight, Monday, from 6pm.

The partnership brings young people together to work on their bicycles at the club.

Community volunteers will be joined by a Thames Valley Police PCSO to be trained in bike mechanic maintenance.

Vinay Vyas, a council community project officer, PCSO Pawel Pietras and Alan Jones of the Britwell Youth and Community project have all been successfully trained and have become accredited as bicycle mechanics. Training was given by experts from Cycle Experience and provided by the council’s sustainable transport team Better by.

Thames Valley Police provided funding that allowed the club to purchase much needed spare parts and some tools.

Britwell Youth and Community Project manager Paula Murphy and Alan have set up as a hub of cycling activity. Concentrating on bike maintenance and bike recycling, Alan and Paula have continued to provide local young people with the opportunity to meet while also learning how to maintain their own bikes.

It also encourages as many young people as possible to use cycling as a way of travelling around the borough and to allow young people interested in cycling an opportunity to meet.

A man caught breaching an order to prevent anti social behaviour has been told to pay more than £1,500 pounds by magistrates.

Marcel Bujor was spotted by community wardens loitering among a large group of people after being previously spoken to about his behaviour.

He walked away from the wardens after refusing to identify himself but was given a fixed penalty notice of £75 after being identified. However, he did not pay or communicate with the council and a criminal case was pursued through the courts.

Justices of the Peace sitting at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 21 February, fined Bujor £660, ordered him to pay £789.90 costs and a victim surcharge of £66, totalling £1,515.90, for failing to comply with the order.

A Public Spaces Protection Order has been in force in Chalvey since December 2018 after numerous reports of anti social behaviour. It remains in place until December 2021.

The Public Spaces Protection Order allows community wardens to ask people to move on if they believe there is a likelihood of nuisance, intimidation, harassment, alarm, distress or any other anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “Residents in the borough have to right to go about their business without the possibility of groups causing anti social behaviour.

“The Public Spaces Protection Order is in place in Chalvey after a series of incidents and the council can act to disperse people before anything untoward occurs.

“This prosecution shows that we will we take breaches of the order seriously and continue to prosecute offenders.”

Mr Bujor, of The Crescent, Chalvey, had been spoken to by Chalvey Community Wardens on previous occasions and was aware the order was in place. However, he was recorded on body worn camera on the evening of 22 June, 2019, loitering in a group for 10 minutes at the junction of Chalvey Road West junction with Alexandra Road.

Mr Bujor was issued with a fixed penalty notice on 24 July, 2019, for failing to comply with the requirements of a Public Spaces Protection Order under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. He was offered the opportunity of discharging criminal liability for this offence by payment of £100 to be paid within 14 days, which is discounted to £75 if paid within 10 days of the notice.

No payment was made despite a reminder being issued in August 2019 and he was informed the council could decide to prosecute him for the offence of failing to comply with a Public Spaces Protection Order.

He did not appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court and the prosecution went ahead and he was convicted in his absence of failing to comply with the Public Spaces Protection Order.

Residents with long term health conditions can now be prescribed 12 month free access to Slough Cycle Hire by their doctor.

The collaboration between the council’s Public Health team and the sustainable transport team Better by, will see the bikes being used as part of their treatment package by their GP or health professional.

Once the referral is made to Slough in Motion the patient will get a 12-month long free pass to use the bicycles at 17 conveniently cycle stations across he borough.

Slough Cycle Hire bicycles can then be used to make journeys around the borough, or a leisure ride around a nearby park, while clocking up activity minutes which could help patients with their condition.

The bikes are available 24 hours a day all year round and are easy to ride, have no exposed chain and are easy to lock up making them a perfect activity tool. The normal cost of a year long pass is £60.

After a successful eight month pilot, the service is now available in all GP practices across Slough, as well as through a range of other healthcare professionals in the borough, including the National Diabetes Prevention Programme, Midwifery and Physiotherapy at Wexham Park Hospital, and the Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust stroke recovery clinic.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “As a council we recognise that Slough has relatively high levels of physical inactivity, with 34.2 per cent of the population reporting to be physically inactive, this compares to 19 percent in the South East.

“The borough also has 66.8 percent of its residents who are overweight or obese, compared to 60.3 percent in the South East.

“We hope this service will provide residents with convenient and tailored opportunities to get more active, to support their own health and to help reduce health inequalities.”

Slough in Motion is a partnership programme created by the Public Health team alongside the council’s Active Slough team, Everyone Active, the East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group and the council’s Better By sustainable transport team.

For more information head to https://www.publichealthslough.co.uk/campaigns/slough-in-motion/

Thousands of trees will be planted this year after £500,000 pounds of funding was secured by the council from the Forestry Commission.

The total number of trees to be planted at 31 locations across 13 wards will be 9,051 as part of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund launched by the government department. The borough was just one of 13 local authorities to awarded funds.

The match funding bid was submitted to the Forestry Commission in the summer and after confirmation it was successful the trees have been chosen and will be planted in the borough during optimum planting conditions from this spring. The money will also be used to cultivated the trees over the next four years.

The trees due to be planted include birch, oak, spruce, pine, rowan, beech, and hawthorn and will be of different ages from whips of under a metre tall and feather standards, of almost two metres, to standard trees up to three metres tall.

The first five areas where planting will take place are Godolphin Recreation Ground, Farnham Lane, Scafell Park, Harvey Park and Faraday Recreation Ground.

The project will lead to collaborations with community groups and residents with planting days along with climate change workshops and digital monitoring of what will be known as Urban Forest sectors. Some will be used as a leisure base for activities such as yoga and health walking while others will be used by school children as part of their education syllabus.

Councillor Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “Our aim is to provide an Urban Forest which is high in specification, functional in its structure, diverse in its character and easily accessible for residents.

“The tree planting across the majority of wards across the borough will have a positive affect on air quality and have a positive affect on personal health and wellbeing among other benefits to the environment.

“Not only will the trees create a lovey physical environment but we will be able to see first-hand

how the Urban Forest contributes positively to carbon sequestration in the borough.”

The bid had to compete with other council areas and prove the trees would be situated in urban areas, be of large and small specimens and would have the greatest environmental and social benefits.

The Forestry Commission aims to facilitate the planting of a million trees by 2022 in urban areas offering a range of benefits, including temperature moderation, flood risk mitigation and improved wellbeing – particularly when in close proximity to large populations.

The Forestry Commission launched the challenge as part of the global climate emergency.

The Akaya Lounge on Slough High Street might have difficulty playing music at deafening levels tonight after council officers seized their speakers.

Following continued breaches of a noise abatement notice, including two breaches witnessed by council experts, today (7 February), council officers applied and received a warrant to seize all noise making equipment from the premises.

The noise abatement notice was served on Christmas Eve at 3am following repeated complaints from local residents about loud and intrusive music coming from Akaya, a recently opened Shisha lounge.

The lounge has a DJ booth where music makers can bring their own equipment but integral speakers throughout the venue.

All the speakers were seized this afternoon and will now be stored to be used in any future prosecution.

Councillor Pavitar K Mann, lead member for planning and regulatory services, said: “Residents in this area have been suffering since Akaya opened with loud music playing at all times of the night.

“Today, when the number of breaches of the noise notice become clear, and there was no improvement in the situation, we decided enough was enough.

“Hopefully tonight the local residents can have a more peaceful night.”

She added: “This should serve as a warning to any business that continues to cause a noise nuisance to residents; we can and will take action.”

The council’s Community Mental Health Team attended an event at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, 4 February, by the Positive Practice in Mental Health Collaborative (PPiMHC), to launch its National All Age Crisis Care Pathway report. The report highlights the best examples of crisis care across all age groups from across the country.

Representatives included Geoff Dennis, Head of Mental Health Slough, Natasha Berthollier, Psychologist, Susanna Yeoman, Divisional Director of Mental Health East Berkshire, Caroline, Coproduction lead for ETS, and Peer Mentors Tony and Leanne.

Enabling Town Slough is the name for Mental Health Services in Slough and includes Slough Borough Council, Slough Public Health, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and other partners.

The report highlights the very best examples of crisis care across all age groups, from children through to older adults in England. It highlights the importance of equal and inclusive access, person-centred care, and getting the right help at the right time in the right way. It focuses on the importance of voluntary bodies and partner organisations in the community, working together alongside traditional mental health services.

ETS featured in the report as an exemplar of inclusive, person-centred and asset based positive practice in mental health, particularly around suicide prevention services which support people with severe mental health difficulties. This was after ETS won two awards at the National Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards in October 2019; for Addressing Inequalities in Mental Health and the Crisis Care Pathway project.

The event was extremely well supported by representatives from across the country and included Slough MP Tan Desi and Cllr Natasa Pantelic, Slough Borough Council cabinet member for health and wellbeing, NHS England, NHS trusts, clinical commissioning groups, police forces, voluntary sectors organisations, front-line charities and service user groups.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Slough Borough Council, said: “I was really proud to join Slough Council staff in Parliament for the launch of the National All Age Crisis Care Pathways report, featuring our suicide prevention services which support people with severe mental health difficulties. This builds on the national award we recently received and shows how we have some inspiring practice here in Slough, which we are always willing to share.”

One of the ETS representatives said: “It was an amazing event, in an amazing place. That the report be launched from the centre of Government is, in itself, an indication of how important these issues are. The value of input from previous mental health service-users in the design, creation and delivery of these services is finally being recognised in more areas across England. The practices used by ETS, which have enabled me to get my life back, have achieved national recognition.”

Ends

Note to editors: Photo 1(L-R): Dr Rex Haigh, Consultant medical psychotherapist ,Berkshire NHS Foundation, Tony Mallah, Peer Mentor, ETS, Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Slough Borough Council, Geoff Dennis, Head of Mental Health Slough, Natasha Berthollier, Psychologist, Caroline, Coproduction lead for ETS, and Susanna Yeoman, Divisional Director of Mental Health East Berkshire.

The council will be able to deliver its sustainable transport project for another year after a cash injection of £500,000 from the government.

The money has been granted to Transport for Slough which intends to use the grant to encourage residents and visitors to the borough to travel more sustainably.

The sustainable transport team Better by works closely with schools, businesses, faith and cycle groups in the borough, to encourage and support children and adults to use other modes of transport from the car.

The additional funding will allow the project to continue its aims to increase the amount of exercise residents get as well as reducing the number of cars on the road and consequently C02 emissions.

The programme began in 2016 with £1.5 million pounds of funding from the Department of Transport’s Access Fund for Sustainable Travel. The additional money has been granted from the same fund.

To secure the extension into a fourth year of funding the team had to submit a bid which had to prove there had been positive results being achieved in the borough.

Projects already run by the team include the cycle hire scheme for residents, which also has a corporate element for commuters, cycle leader training, working with schools to create walking buses, spending time at school holiday camps with a variety of bicycles, numerous school events with stunt riders, bike safety and repair pubic events and bike security marking.

The team have also trained up advocates who help residents with disabilities to use public transport which opens up access to leisure facilities, training and jobs.

The initiative additionally helps to boost the local economy by enhancing access to jobs, skills, training and education and improve the health and wellbeing of Slough residents.

Misha Byrne, senior transport planner, said: “This cash injection gives the sustainable transport team the security to carry on with vital projects in the borough which we know will make all residents lives better.

“The team has worked hard over the past three years to change behaviours and the positive results happening in the borough has resulted in more funding to continue this work.”

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “Changing people’s habits is a hard job, but trying to get people out of their cars and using bikes, public transport or walking, has a positive impact on the borough as a whole.

“The extra money granted will continue the good work by the Better by team.”

The council is on the hunt for photos of Slough and its residents during WWII to form part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of VE Day in May.

On the weekend of 9 and 10 May 2020, Slough High Street and Town Square will be host to a range of activities; all to celebrate VE Day 75 years on.

A 1940s tank and jeeps, along with fun fair games of the time, bunting, children’s activities, a ‘ration book’ trail and more are all part of the celebrations but the council wants a banner filled with photos of Slough during the war to take pride of place.

So now residents are being asked to search photo albums or boxes in the loft to find those photos of themselves, their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends or just the town as a whole from WWII to help create the banner.

Councillor Balvinder S Bains, leader member for inclusive growth and skills, said: “We are proud to be taking part in national celebrations on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, but we are more proud of the contribution Slough, and its residents of the time, made to the war effort which led to that victory.

“Even if you are a resident now but weren’t then and you or your family contributed to the Allied effort in WWII please send us your photos so we can honour those who made that victory possible.”

Anyone with photos should email them to communications@slough.gov.uk or if you have photographs as a print that need to be made digital to take part, call events on 01753 875194 to arrange assistance.

Can anyone recommend professional carpet cleaners to come to Eton Wick area?

Landlords and tenants have been in contact with the council after an early morning investigation into the safety of 10 rented properties without landlord licences.

In the week since the dawn operation 23 applications have been made by landlords for a licence on their properties in the borough.

Tenants concerned their rented homes were not licenced have also come forward to request information from the housing regulation department after reading about the investigation.

The owner and the agent of the homes investigated have also made contact with the housing regulation department.

Officers from Slough Borough Council knocked on the doors of the 10 properties simultaneously at 5am to examine the living conditions in the houses on Alexandra Road, Chalvey, on Wednesday 22 January, as the landlord had not obtained any licences.

A landlord licence has been a legal requirement since new legislation came into effect on 1 June, 2019, for all HMOs in the borough and all rental properties in a selective area covering parts of Chalvey.

Gas and electrical issues were discovered in the unlicensed homes and serious problems were rectified immediately before permanent remedies were advised to the landlord.

During the investigation two properties were found to be undeclared houses in multiple occupation (HMO) and another had issue with design of a kitchen in an enclosed space.

Rhian Richards, Housing Regluation Manager, said: “We have issued all the paperwork we needed to in relation to the emergency works carried out at the properties in Alexandra Road and are currently carrying out further investigations.”

If any tenant in a rented property in Slough is concerned their home doesn’t have a landlord licence they should contact the housing regulation team on 01753 475111 option 3 or email privatesectorhousing1@slough.gov.uk

A man who has moved into one of the council’s newly built homes says it has transformed his life.

Ben uses a wheelchair after losing both legs and has spent several years in a cramped home unable to manoeuvre around.

The 44-year-old, his wife and teenage son, have recently moved into a spacious bungalow in Brook Path, Cippenham, one of three which have modifications for people with disabilities. Among the modifications are a kitchen sink and worktop that can be adjusted to a suitable height for all members of the family.

“It means I have to do the washing up now,” joked Ben, the former power engineer.

The three bungalows are among 25 homes which have been added to the council stock in 2019, designed and delivered through Slough Urban Renewal, SUR, as part of the council’s property partnership with Morgan Sindall Investments Limited.

At five other locations in the borough, Moreton Way, Cippenham, Tamarisk Way, Chalvey, Mansel Close, Wexham and Fox Road and Trewlaney Avenue, Langley, 17 three-bedroomed homes and five two-bedroomed homes have also been built.

Other adaptations at the Brook Path bungalows include a wet room, wider door frames and ramps to the front door and the garden.

Ben said: “I’ve come from a place where I couldn’t get next to my son’s bed to comfort him if he was ill.

“If I was in the kitchen no one else could get in so cooking was difficult.”

“I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve tipped the chair up having to wheel backwards out of the bedroom, or clipped a door frame, and then hit my head. Now there is room for me to turn around and leave a room.

“Now there is a lot of space, wide doors, ramps, two bathrooms, and the potential for more adaptations to be made if necessary or space for carers to help if required, which is really forward thinking by the council. There won’t be many better homes in the country than this.”

“The impact on the family as a whole has been brilliant. Life is inevitably focused around me, but now there is a family bathroom as well as my own bathroom which has brought a bit of normality for my family.

“It has taken a lot of stress off us as a family. I can help cook with my wife or son in the kitchen at the same time.”

Ben said he had been watching the building work progress after being told about the property and has suffered in the past with depression.

He said: “A year or so ago I was struggling to get up in the mornings and get on with life but now this year, this place has brought me a new lease of life, I get up and make every day a good as a day it can be.”

Cllr James Swindlehurst, council leader, said: “These thoughtfully designed, specially adapted bungalows for independent living show our commitment to providing high quality homes for all our residents and are a marked improvement on the cold, damp, single skinned pre-fab bungalows that previously occupied the site.

“I’m delighted Ben and his family have now settled into their new home, and almost as pleased that my casework from this area will see a significant reduction!”

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing, said: “Our manifesto promised an extra £4 million to deliver much need repairs, modernisation and structural improvements to our housing and I am delighted to see that money be put to such good use in delivering these fantastic properties that will allow more of our residents to live independent lives.

“These properties are not just houses that have been built, they are homes to people which can change their lives.

“I’d like to say thank you to Ben for sharing his story as is shows just what it means to our residents.”

Andy Howell, General Manager, at Slough Urban Renewal, said: “The small sites initiative, which aims to bring smaller sites, such as old garages and infill sites, into use for new council homes is proving hugely successful across Slough.

“Through this initiative we are delivering over 120 new council homes and we have witnessed some really heart-warming stories, of how they have quite literally transformed people’s lives.”

Building homes in partnership with SUR will continue throughout 2020 and 2021.

An investigation was launched this morning into the safety of residents in 10 rented properties operating without landlord licences.

Officers from Slough Borough Council knocked on the doors of the 10 properties simultaneously at 5am to examine the living conditions in the houses on Alexandra Road, Chalvey.

All the terraced homes are owned by the same people who have not obtained a Landlord Licence which they are required to do since new legislation came into affect on 1 June, 2019.

The landlords were obliged to obtain licences under both HMO and selective licencing as Chalvey is a selective area.

All the properties were inspected by housing enforcement officers and the tenants interviewed. Gas and electrical engineers were also on standby if safety issues were found.

Of the 10 properties, the majority were found to have problems with gas or electric supplies, two properties were found to be undeclared houses in multiple occupation (HMO), another had issue with design of a kitchen in an enclosed space and another has been deemed unsafe to live in and emergency work has to take place this morning.

Ian Blake, resilience and enforcement manager, said: “The focus of this operation was the safety of the tenants living in these properties.

“Without a landlord licence there is no guarantee a home is safe and, as we have found this morning, there could be multiple problems meaning tenants, in this case including children, are being put at risk.

“The landlord of these houses has not been fulfilling his duty to his tenants and now could be taken to court and substantially fined.”

He added: “Landlords who think they can get away without a licence and housing tenants in substandard properties should beware; it could be their doors we are knocking on next.”

Neighbouring homes will be informed of the inspections and encouraged to talk to officers if they have any concerns.

If any tenant in a rented property in Slough is concerned their home doesn’t have a landlord licence they should contact the housing regulation team on 01753 475111 option 3 or email privatesectorhousing1@slough.gov.uk

The operation was supported by Thames Valley Police.

Landlord Licensing

Slough Borough Council instituted landlord licensing from 1 June 2019 after extensive consultation to tackle poor quality rented accommodation in the borough.

In the Additional Licence scheme each HMO property of up to six rooms will attract a £450 licence. There will be an additional charge of £30 per extra room after the initial six.

Applications for the Selective Licensing Scheme, for all rental properties within a designated area, will be subject to a charge of just £200.

Each property in both schemes is subject to an additional enforcement fee of £300 per property.

All licences last for five years.

Tenants whose landlord does not have a licence when they should, are legally entitled to claim back any rent paid from 1 June 2019 until the licence is granted.

Licences can be applied for here and there is a map online which shows which roads are included in the selective licensing scheme.

Part of the High Street in Datchet will be closed next week as Thames Water replace a water pipe under the level crossing.

The road between the junctions with Manor Lane and The Avenue will be closed from midnight on Monday, January 20 until 11.59 on Friday, January 24.

The road surface was damaged towards the end of last year after a new pothole appeared just weeks after the previous one was repaired.

[...]

A spokesman from Thames Water said: “We’re sorry to anyone who might be affected by the road closure, which is to allow our engineers to carry out important work to replace a water pipe.“The replacement pipe will strengthen the network in Datchet and allow us to continue providing safe drinking water to homes and businesses in the area.”

https://www.windsorexpress.co.uk/news/datchet/154659/datchet-high-street-to-close-for-a-week-for-water-mains-repairs.html

Slough Borough Council regrets to announce the death of Mervyn Jones, a former councillor and Mayor of the town.

Mervyn passed away on Monday (13 January) aged 94.

Mervyn a Slough Borough Councillor from 1971 to 1983 serving as a councillor for Stoke North Ward and then Upton Ward.

During his time on the council he served on most of the committees and was the founder Mayor of the Annual Sports Awards which ran from 1980 until 2010.

Mervyn is survived by his wife of 71 years, Frances and their daughter Theresa, grandson and two great grandchildren.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Mayor of Slough Mervyn Jones.

“Although I didn’t know Mervyn personally, I was aware of his passion for sport and his belief in the ability of sport to transform lives which led to him being the founder Mayor of the Annual Sports Awards.

“My thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time, particularly Frances his wife of 71 years.”

The flag at St Martins Place is flying as half mast as a sign of respect.

Slough Borough Council is issuing advice to residents following a cold weather alert from the Met office.

A level two alert, indicating there is a 70 per cent probability of cold weather, freezing fog patches and widespread overnight frosts from Monday 20 January and Tuesday 21 January,

It is expected to be cold throughout the nights which will be offset by generally fine daytime conditions with sunny spells.

Cold weather can be bad for people’s health, with the over 65s, low income families and people living with a disability or a medical condition most at risk.

Due to the forecast for cold weather the council is opening its night shelter provision to include its SWEP service, from today Friday 17 January until the morning of Monday 20 January.

Anyone who thinks they may need shelter during this time is asked to register in advance. This can be done in person at MyCouncil (Landmark Place, High Street) until 4pm today, Friday.

The housing needs team will then find a suitable placement for the person.

To make sure rough sleepers know when the service is open, the main agencies who come into contact with homeless people – council staff, the police, SHOC, and others – get told when the cold weather plan is activated.

A special helpline called StreetLink is available for rough sleepers and members of the public who wish to report someone sleeping rough.

The helpline number is 0300 500 0914, or visit www.streetlink.org.uk

The council will be monitoring the forecast and extending the opening period if needed.

The council’s public health team has also issued some advice about keeping warm and well this winter and to help you look after yourself and others.

• Keep warm – heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). You may prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer. Keep your bedroom window closed on a winter’s night. Breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.

• Don’t delay in getting treatment for minor winter ailments like colds or sore throats - visit your local pharmacist for advice on treatment before it gets worse so you can recover more quickly.

• Layer your clothing whether you are indoors or outside - wrap a scarf around your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air.

• Wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside.

• When you’re indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Get up, stretch your legs and make yourself a warm drink.

• Put several layers of clothing on children; make sure their head, neck and hands are covered. If they then get warm, they can take one layer off at a time. Dress babies and young children in one more layer than an adult would wear.

• In drier winter air everyone loses more water through their breath. Keep drinking and try warm drinks and soup for extra appeal.

• Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep your body warm so have plenty of hot food and drinks and stock up on tinned and frozen foods so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy.

• Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep heat generated inside your rooms.

If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, advice can be obtained from www.nhs.uk/winterhealth, NHS 111 or your local pharmacist.

More information here http://www.slough.gov.uk/housing/emergency-accommodation-in-severe-weather.aspx

UPDATE:Food Safety Team officers visited Slough Store and Halal Meat, High Street, on Friday 17 January following a written request from the manager. The premises has been allowed to re-open as it no longer posed an imminent risk to public health. Improvements have been made at the premises, including extensive cleaning, disposal of some food, proofing and pest control visits and baiting. Advice has been given to the business on preventing a recurrence.

The council is required to still attend Slough Magistrates' Court on Monday 20 January to seek endorsement of the Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice into an Order.

More here http://slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=21595
A grocery store with a butchers, has been immediately shut down after an infestation of mice was discovered.

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The council’s Food Safety Team made a visit to Slough Store and Halal Meat, and found the infestation on Wednesday 15 January. It was assessed as an imminent risk to public health.

The owners of the shop, at 267 High Street, were immediately served with a Food Hygiene Prohibition Notice and told to close its doors to customers.

A notice has been placed on the front door of the premises explaining the closure to customers.

The food safety team will present evidence at Slough Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 20 January, to seek confirmation of the council’s actions and to obtain a Food Hygiene Prohibition Order.

The premises will remain closed until the health risk condition is assessed as no longer existing and then officers will lift the order.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “Prohibitions are made only in the most serious of cases.

“It is disappointing that the food business operator, did not close the premises themselves when they realised the infestation was out of control, and therefore could have put their customers health at risk.

“The Food and Safety team are working to support the business to eradicate the health risk as soon as possible.”

Throughout the spring and summer of 2019 the Public Health team and the Leisure team embarked on an ambitious research study of the Slough population. The study was an in-depth, community led research project to involve Slough residents in a local conversation on health. The primary focus was what residents believe they can do to keep physically and mentally well and prevent poor health in themselves and their loved ones. The project aimed to draw on the understanding of residents’ health beliefs, their levels of health literacy and behavioural insights, and is the result of 9 focus groups and a face to face survey with a representative sample of 1,600 residents from across Slough.

The outcomes were framed around some of the key health inequalities that exist in Slough which include the high rates of childhood obesity, areas of low immunisations, poor child oral health, areas of poor mental health and sexual health, and low rates of physical activity.

Highlights from the research include:

- When asked to spontaneously describe ways to stay healthy, by far the most common responses of the 1,605 survey participants were having a balanced diet (80%) and undertaking some form of physical activity or exercise (73%).

- Around six in ten residents (59%) claimed to eat a meal prepared from scratch at least once per day, 42% suggested they have a takeaway less than once a week and 38% indicted they never eat a ready meal.

- 90% of residents would like to eat more healthily.

- 72% of residents agreed that they have at least an annual dental check-up and 90% of those with school aged children claimed the same for their children.

- 56% of residents have used at least one of the borough’s leisure facilities in the past.

- 76% of residents agreed that they find exercise enjoyable.

- 17% of residents are physically inactive (less than 30minutes a week).

The main objective of the project was to gain important information for the long term work of the council in improving the public’s health, as well as contributing towards the “health in all areas” approach, to benefit and inform the wider council.

The data and information collected on physical activity, and our prevailing rates of inactivity, will be used to inform the leisure strategy for the next 5-10 years, as well as elements of the parks and open spaces strategy and the play strategy. The leisure team will also use the outcomes to inform future investment into further programmes like the outdoor gyms, and targeted physical activity projects.

Over the coming months we will be working with various departments across the council, and partners from across Slough to ensure that the learning of the project is embedded in work programmes, are being used to inform strategies and being used to create and develop specifications for services.

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “The results from this in-depth research will help the council improve long term public health, as well as produce the leisure strategy for the next 5-10 years. Many programmes and projects to improve our residents’ overall physical and mental health will be developed based on the results of this study. A big thank you to all our residents who took part in this community-led research project, and we look forward to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals.”

For more information, to view the full report or the individual ward profiles, head to https://www.publichealthslough.co.uk/campaigns/health-beliefs/

Construction of fourteen homes has started on a former car park site.

The one and two bedroom homes will be built on the corner of Herschel Street and Alpha Street North in Slough town centre.

Every inch of the ground footprint is being used for much needed social housing homes in the borough which will be managed by James Elliman Homes.

The flats have been designed and will be delivered through Slough Urban Renewal, SUR, the council’s property partnership with Morgan Sindall Investments Limited.

As a result of the build a small section of Herschel Street, between Hencroft Street North and Alpha Street North, will be closed to cars and pedestrians until 2021.

Slough councillors and officers have had a sneak peak of what the hotel rooms in the new Moxy Hotel will look like during a special tour.

The tour of the new town centre hotel site – at the old library site in the heart of Slough – gave councillors and officers the chance to try out the new facilities and even lie on the new bed before the room is handed over to Marriott.

Two new hotels, 64 apartments and 4,100sqft of restaurant and retail space are being constructed on the site.

The hotels, which are being developed and owned by the council are being delivered via Slough Urban Renewal (SUR), a joint venture between Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd. When complete they will be operated by Cycas under two Marriott Hotel brands; Moxy and Residence Inn.

The Moxy room, which offers a well-proportioned bedroom and stylish ensuite will act as a benchmark unit for the hotel. Created off-site as a pod and then transported to the development, the ensuite is now in situ and ready to be put through its paces.

The hotel room has been subject to a detailed review by a dedicated team from the wider Marriott group. The team has critiqued every inch of the design, making sure that every detail has been considered and that the room delivers in the style stakes, while remaining practical and functional.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council and lead member for regeneration said: “I was impressed at the quality of finish in the Moxy hotel rooms and to see that no stone has been left unturned in delivering a fantastic hotel experience for guests.

“This development demonstrates the council’s commitment to the regeneration of the town centre.

“The two hotels, apartments for local people, the branded restaurant and bar and commercial space on the ground floor of the block will bring vitality and good facilities to the western end of the High Street as well as providing much needed new high quality hotel accommodation.”

Paul Aubrey, Development Manager at SUR said: “It is really exciting to see the hotel begin to take shape. While we still have a way to go until the hotels will be open to the public, elements such as the mock up room really start to bring everything to life. The attention to detail that goes into the design of the hotel rooms is impressive - from the location of sockets to the interior finish, everything is under scrutiny.

“Once complete, the Moxy hotel, along with the Residence Inn will provide much needed hotel accommodation for the town. These hotels should prove a destination in their own right. Between the two, they should appeal to all, from tourists looking for a base within easy reach of the capital to business travellers working both in the town and beyond.”

The hotels are expected to be complete in the spring next year.

Can anyone recommend a high quality cabinet maker that doesn't charge the earth? I've been staggered by some of the quotes I've received.

Thirty-six premises that prepare and serve food across Slough have been awarded a five star food hygiene rating – the highest possible rating – in the latest round of inspections.

The ratings are a snapshot of the standards of food hygiene found at the time of inspection by the council’s food safety team. It is the responsibility of the business to comply with food hygiene law at all times.

This includes:

•handling of food

•how food is stored

•how food is prepared

•cleanliness of facilities

•how food safety is managed

At the inspection officers will also check the following three elements:

•how hygienically the food is handled – how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored

•the physical condition of the business –including cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, pest control and other facilities

•how the business manages ways of keeping food safe, looking at processes, training and systems to ensure good hygiene is maintained

The officer can then assess the level of confidence in standards being maintained in the future.

The hygiene standards are then rated on a scale. Five is top of the scale, this means the hygiene standards are very good and fully comply with the law. Zero is at the bottom of the scale, meaning urgent improvement is necessary. A food hygiene sticker with the rating can be displayed in the premises and linked to their website.

The 36 join a more than 300 food establishments in the borough that already have a hygiene rating of five.

Cllr Pavitar K Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “I am pleased that so many premises have been awarded with a food hygiene rating of five.

“We know that food hygiene standards are important to our residents. Food hygiene standards are assessed by the council’s food and safety team in conjunction with the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, to show how hygienic and safe premises that serve food are.

“The ratings can help give the public confidence about the places they choose to buy and consume cooked food from, knowing that they have been inspected and they are complying with food hygiene law.

“I congratulate those premises that have received a rating of five and urge any other businesses who wish to improve their ratings to make full use of the specialist advice and guidance available to them.”

The 36 private and public premises in Slough borough to have achieved a rating of five in November and December 2019 are as follows:

Khana Shana

Peri Chicken, Bath Road

SKVP

Marish Primary School

Subway, Buckingham Ave

Pioneer Educational Trust , Grove Academy

Slough & Eton CoE College Canteen

Waterfall Elior (Taylor Shaw|) at St Marys CE Primary School

Zaike Kasafar

Windsor Care Centre

Ticco Foods

Harvester, Langley

Reach Ltd, Lower Cippenham Lane

Priestley Bakers Ltd

BP Connect, Brands Hill

Holy Family RC School, Langley

Foxborough Primary School

Caterlink Ltd, East Berkshire College, Langley

Lynch Hill Primary School

Restaurant Associates at Reckitt Benckiser

James Elliman Academy

Favourites Dessert Lounge

Zorbas

Sodexho Food Services at Masterfoods

BP Rontec, Colnbrook by-pass

The Long Barn

Oratory Day Nursery

Costa Coffee, Liverpool Road

Budgens Stores, Harrow Market

Subway, Langley

Baxter Storey Ltd at Travelport

Toad Hall Nursery

Wexham Bowls Club

Western House Primary School

Baxter Storey at UCB

George Golden Pie

One premises remained at a zero rating following an inspection, Sabar Brothers Meats Ltd, Upton Lea Parade, Slough.

Ratings for all food premises can be checked at http://ratings.food.gov.uk/

Free guidance for food businesses is available at https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance and further advice is available at http://www.slough.gov.uk/business/environmental-health/food-hygiene-and-safety.aspx.

Public Health England (PHE) South East is urging people to check they are up-to-date with two doses of MMR vaccine following two confirmed cases of measles in Berkshire. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, especially in people with immune problems, pregnant women, and in babies younger than one year. It is extremely infectious, can strike anyone and sadly in some instances can have very serious long term and life changing consequences.

The best form of protection against measles is the MMR vaccination. It is really important that anyone who hasn’t already had two doses of the MMR vaccine contacts their GP surgery for an appointment to get vaccinated. If you’re unsure whether you or your children have had two MMRs, first check your child’s Red Book or contact your GP. You do not need additional MMR vaccines if you and your children have all had two doses.

Thanks to vaccinations like the MMR, measles is not as common in the UK as it once was, but in recent years we have seen more cases emerging, especially among groups and communities where MMR vaccination rates are not as high.

Symptoms typically include:

• high fever (temperature of 39°C or higher)

• sore, red, watery eyes

• coughing

• aching and feeling generally unwell

• a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears 2-4 days after the initial symptoms.

If you suspect you or your child may have measles, you should contact a GP as soon as possible. It’s best to phone before you visit as your GP surgery may need to make arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. If you think you could have measles, it’s really important to stay away from places where you could come into contact with lots of people – so do not go to work or school, visit hospital or attend social gatherings until at least four days after the onset of the rash.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I am concerned that Slough has the lowest vaccination rates for the MMR in Berkshire, so the potential for measles to spread is higher than elsewhere. There were two confirmed cases in Berkshire just before Christmas – one in Bracknell and one in Wokingham. I urge residents to contact their GP for an appointment to get vaccinated, if they haven’t already had two doses of the MMR vaccine. If you are unsure about how many doses you’ve had, please contact your GP.”

For more information on measles visit NHS Choices: nhs.uk/conditions/measles/

A shiny new bicycle is a common and much loved Christmas present.

But don’t let the memory of unwrapping the metres and metres of Christmas paper and the joy of a new bike be wiped out with it being stolen because nobody thought to purchase a bike lock.

This post Christmas period is the perfect time to buy a good quality lock to keep the new pride and joy as safe as can be when locked up in public.

The council’s sustainable transport team Better by recommend spending around one tenth of the cost, or more, of the bicycle on a lock.

It is also recommended that owners get their bike security marked as it acts as a deterrent to thieves because the bike becomes more difficult to pass on in the unfortunate event of it being stolen.

Security marking also means that if found and secured by Thames Valley Police there is evidence of a registered keeper and the bike can be returned to the rightful owner.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “Bicycles are a great way to enjoy leisure time, use to travel around the borough and commute to work.

“Riding contributes to physical fitness, reduces the number of vehicles on the roads and pollutants.

“There are several measures cyclists can take to make sure they remain the rightful; owner of it and getting a good quality lock, the bike security marked and locking it up in very visible places can contribute to deterring thieves from targeting that new bike.”

Cyclists can register they bikes on www.bikeregister.com and www.immobilise.com with the bike’s frame number for a small fee.

However, look out for free bike marking sessions provided by the Better by team throughout the borough where the bike is registered on a national database and a tamper proof sticker is added to the frame to deter thieves.

There will be a series of security marking sessions, in partnership with BikeRegister announced in the new year as well as sessions with Cycle Experience at Langley Pavilion, Upton Lea Community Centre and the Britwell Centre on February 18, 19 and 20.

Lots of information about winter cycling, free security bike marking sessions throughout the year and other sustainable transport advice is available at www.slough.gov.uk/betterby.

Seems an appropriate time to post a picture of this stained glass window at St Mary's parish church -- the one with a spire in the centre of town.

"The Adoration of the Three Kings" (1962) was designed by Margaret F Pawle at her studio in Bristol. It is the most recent stained glass in the church, although all of the windows inevitably date from the 20th century.

So, wishing everyone on Scooploop a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

An empty tower block has been turned into a disaster scene by the emergency services for training.

Slough Borough Council offered the block called Tower, in Chalvey, to the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service to undertake training in the vacant building.

The Tower block is currently empty as the entire area is earmarked for a new affordable homes development. Subject to planning permission the area could see twice as many homes surrounding a pleasant green space.

Martin O’Keefe, station manager for Slough and Langley Green watches, said the block was turned into scenario where a fire had started on the seventh floor and spread upwards to the ninth floor.

Around 30 firefighters from stations across the county including Slough and Langley, Reading and Maidenhead, were involved in the training.

Firefighters were tasked with finding casualties in the ‘real-time’ exercise while wearing breathing apparatus and blindfolded to simulate the dark smoky conditions of toxic smoke in a real fire. As a result firefighters had to feel there way around the flats with their feet and hands.

As the block was empty firefighters also had the opportunity to use water in the exercise and had to carry hoses up to the ninth floor.

Watch based station manager O’Keefe said: “It is vital to undertake realistic training where our officers have the opportunity to experience a situation in this type of building.”

John Griffiths, service lead housing development and contracts, said offering the empty building to the emergency services was to help protect members of the public in the future and an example of how the council works closely with partners.

He said: “It was an opportunity to assist our partner agencies to become better skilled in scenarios involving high rise buildings in our vacated tower block.

“If that helps improve efficiencies, practice, and improve performance in the event that when these emergency services are needed, they are more than well prepared.

“Ultimately, people will be safer as a result of these training exercises.”

Councillor Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing, said: “We are pleased that our partner agencies can use the empty block to hone their skills and practice in as accurate environments as possible for the future safety of the public.”

Langley Haven Dementia Care Home was nominated for and recently won the ‘Community Involvement Award’ at the Caring UK Awards 2019.

This annual event recognises excellence and achievement in care homes across the country. The award honours the care home and team which can most demonstrate close involvement with the local community, through links with schools, colleges and groups. Langley Haven gives back to the local community through events and other activities, and is a care home which is an important part of the community in which it is situated. The home beat off competition from hundreds of others across the UK.

Langley Haven has links with many and varied organisations, schools and groups. The home’s residents have regular visits from the children of Baptist Nursery and Castle View Primary School; they have also become colleagues with the students from St. Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School for lessons in the classroom. They have also enjoyed joining the Police Cadets for a ‘warming up routine’ at the Cadets’ base.

The residents have also accepted the invitation of the St. Francis Church community for afternoons spent talking with locals and enjoying a cup of tea, and host gatherings with the church community at Langley Haven, playing games.

The residents are also busy with their charity work (helping the homeless people of Slough and Macmillan Cancer Support) and planning events (birthday parties, anniversaries, parties for special days).

The volunteer program at Langley Haven offers those who want to do volunteer work the flexibility to chose how much they want to get involved, and in which part of the residents’ life (for example, to be chaperones during the outings, to help the residents to pass the time doing activities they enjoy, or to offer support in day-to-day activities like eating, drinking or getting ready for a trip).

The students can opt for weekdays or weekends to volunteer, in the morning or after school. The work experience program at Langley Haven offers the chance to learn new skills or develop existing ones (for example, developing the ability to deal in a positive manner with challenging behaviour, learning how to communicate with people who are unable to speak, just to name a few). The success of past collaborations with East Berkshire College and Uxbridge College has made these educational institutions determined to send an increased number of students every year.

Langley Haven also began working with Slough Refugee Support to welcome a group of refugees for work experience. This was the start of ‘A Helping Hand’, a partnership which launched in September. Within this collaboration, Langley Haven offers the refugees the possibility to gain working skills, familiarise themselves with the caring field and improve their English (by talking with the residents and the members of staff). In return, the residents benefit from extra support and interesting activities, and the refugees share information about their countries, traditions, and experiences.

Uddhav Bhatta, Manager, Langley Haven Care Home, said: “We are extremely honoured to win this award, at Langley Haven Care Home, our permanent goal is to offer to our residents a life, not just an existence. We want to help the residents to socialise, and help them continue to do things which bring them pleasure and the feeling of being valued.

“Langley Haven supports its residents to live an active life not only through the activities organised within the Home, but also by assisting them to go out and to play an active role in community life.”

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member health and wellbeing, said: “: “Langley Haven Care Home has shown how integrating with the community has fantastic benefits for not only the residents but the whole community. I couldn’t be more proud of the amazing work done by Uddhav and his team. Well done everyone on your well deserved award.”

The Mayor of Slough Cllr Avtar Kaur Cheema and the Mayoress Cllr Harpreet Cheema visited the children of Marish Primary School to attend two prize-giving assemblies, and take a site tour of the new Special Educational Needs school site.

The prize-giving followed a competition run by the contractor GPF Lewis for the best poster reflecting on the children’s recent site visit. The posters will be displayed on the hoardings of the school site.

The contractor GPF Lewis – Martin Fry (Construction Director) and his team – generously gave gifts of books to the seven runners up and a family ticket to Legoland to the overall winner Olivia Bogdanova.

The extension includes six classrooms, a sensory and therapy room, multipurpose hall, full serving kitchen and outdoor play areas. The project started on site in April and is due for completion in February 2020. This represents a £4m investment in the school as part of Slough Borough Council’s continuing investment in school buildings.

The Mayor of Slough, Cllr Avtar Cheema, said: “I know this project is very special to everyone and that you and your teachers are looking forward to moving into the new classrooms and using the new facilities early next year which includes your new play areas, sensory rooms, and kitchen and dining facilities.

“On behalf of the council, I would like to say thank you to the project team for working hard to deliver such a high quality building. I know the school is very grateful for the generous gift of their new shed from GPF Lewis and for them painting the hall as a gift for everyone.”

Gill Denham, Headteacher at Marish Primary School, said: ““Marish Primary School pupils and staff were thrilled to have the Mayor of Slough, dressed in full regalia, visit and present prizes in a special assembly this week.

“The children were especially impressed that she and the Mayoress, looked so beautiful, Christmassy and in Marish red! We look forward to welcoming them back, when the building is complete.”

A woman who kept cats and dogs in cramped and dirty conditions has lost an appeal against her sentence.

Teresa Reynolds was banned from keeping any animal for eight years and given a community order and unpaid work by magistrates who heard she was supplementing her benefits by breeding the pets.

During a visit to the 56-year-old’s two-bedroomed council home in June 2017, 23 cats and dogs were discovered in terrible conditions by the council’s neighbourhood services team.

In the waste bin outside her home in Long Furlong Drive, Britwell, Slough, were two dead puppies.

The team found 16 dogs stacked up in dirty cages which were too small for them and some were being shared by two animals. These included Pugs, poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Yorkshire terriers, Shih Tzus and Chihuahuas. Dogs were also found in the garden and cats were found kept in an aviary with overflowing litter trays next to contaminated drinking water.

Many of the animals did not have access to fresh water and their hair was matted with urine and faeces the pungent smell of which overwhelmed police officers who went to the home.

The only clean crate found with bedding, food and water inside, contained no animal.

The ainmals were removed from the property and transported to a veterinary hospital, in Maidenhead, where it was noted that several dogs were heavily soiled and two of the female cats were pregnant.

It was believed 250 animals had been handled at Mrs Reynold’s home during a two year period and she was convicted of 11 offences of failing to ensure animal welfare of animals in her care and two counts of benefit fraud.

The council’s fraud team became involved when the investigation revealed she had failed to declare the income she was receiving from her trading the animals and had not provided updated information of the income which would have affected the level of her benefits.

She was sentenced by magistrates in Reading in July 2018 and was banned from owning any animal for eight years, ordered to complete a 12 month community order, undertake 120 hours unpaid work and attend 15 days of rehabilitation. She was also ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

During an appeal at Reading Crown Court on 9 December this year, chaired by Judge Angela Morris, the appeal against sentence was denied and was told she would have to complete her sentence.

All animals in this case were surrendered to the council and were given loving and caring homes soon after the original investigation.

Judge Morris said in dismissing the appeal and ordering Ms Reynolds to pay an additional £6,000 in council costs, said: “This has been a vast cost to the public purse in the local authority meeting its obligation to this appeal.”

Cllr Pavitar K Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “This was a legitimate investigation and prosecution by the great work from the to resilience and enforcement team with dozens of animals ultimately needing veterinary treatment and rehoming.

“The animal’s owner has challenged the entire process at first trying to get the animals back from the council’s care, to appealing the sentence which she must now serve in full.

“She is also responsible for the additional council costs during this appeal so that the council is not out of pocket.”

A man who sub-let his one bedroom council home to unsuspecting tenants and actually lived more than 100 miles away, has been sentenced by magistrates.

Michael Roberts was the legitimate tenant of the flat in Mead Close, Langley, and applied to purchase the property under the right to by scheme.

However, concerns were raised that it was not his main home and during an investigation by the council’s corporate fraud team into whether the 34-year-old was entitled to purchase the property. It was then discovered he had illegally rented it out to four people over a three year period.

During a trial at Reading Magistrates’ Court in November the bench heard he was in fact living 140miles away in Nottingham with the mother of his two children and had used that Nottinghamshire address to claim Child Tax Credits.

Between July 2013 and February 2016 he had four separate tenants, two of whom had paid deposits and rent payments directly into his bank account. A third tenant had been shocked to discover that he was in fact a sub-tenant in a council property during a visit by council officers in June 2015 just a week after he had moved in and redecorated. He moved out almost immediately after recovering his deposit from Mr Roberts.

Mr Roberts represented himself during the trial and claimed the rental payments deposited into his bank account were actually commission payments for work.

He was convicted on 25 November of one count of fraud by failing to disclose information he was under a legal duty to disclose between 31 July 2013 and 14 October 2013, contrary to section 3 of the Fraud Act and a second offence of illegally sub-letting the flat between 15/10/2013 and 21/2/2016 contrary to the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013.

Mr Roberts was sentenced on 13 December at the same court to a 12 month community order and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,250 plus a £60 victim surcharge.

Cllr Pavitar K Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “Due to this conviction, Mr Roberts has lost his secure tenancy status, along with his right-to-buy.

“Steps will now be taken to recover the property so that it can be allocated to someone in genuine need who won’t abuse the privilege.

“There is a need for social housing in the borough and this person used it for their own gain at the detriment to those who actually needed it.

“We will always prosecute those who do not act responsibly and what a great job council officers did to investigate this through to a conviction.”

Lyrical wordsmith Mike Livingston is spreading the red bin message with a recycling rap.

The Slough Borough Council recycling collector has composed a rap to easily convey to residents what goes into their red recycling bin.

Mike, known as Mike the Hyype, came up with ‘The Recycling Song’ during the winter’s cold early morning rounds throughout the borough picking up recycling bins and discovering them full of items which cannot be recycled.

Speaking to residents and repeating the same message that JUST Four items can go in the bins and why fast food cartons and black bags among other waste should go in their black bins instead, the rap started whirling round his head.

Converting the music into a track came to fruition after a chance conversation between Mike and the council’s chief executive Josie Wragg. Then with the expert skills of the council’s youth advisor, Karl Drummond, who is a Reggae producer ‘Fresharda’ outside of work, the rap was laid down with the music. DJ/Producer Stevoss who manages Britwell Youth & Community Project’s Recording Studio was also drafted in on the project.

The communications team’s Daniya Kayani then created the video for the rap along with media agency Voss Arts Media LTD.

It debuted at the council’s staff conference where Mike, of Slough, received a rapturous response with staff singing along - complete with an impromptu performance.

The tune is being released in a bid to reach residents who fill their red recycling bins with items like black bags, greasy take away containers, dirty nappies, clothes, plastic toys and fruit and vegetable peelings.

Mike, who has a range of musical influences from UK urban to Jamaican music, and likes to compose raps about anything in his family life, is also known to sing during his rounds.

He said: “On the rounds we meet people who get frustrated when their bins aren’t collected because there is something in them which we can’t take away to be processed.

“But when you take the time to talk to them, and explain why, they listen and understand and the song is just a wider version of trying to inform residents.

“Sometimes if you give a little you get a lot in return.

“What recycling operatives and the council want is for the right recycling to end up in the red bins so more can be reused.”

Karl helped take the lyrics and turn it into a an authentic sound for Mike as well as convey the recycling message.

He said: “We wanted to get the sound and production right so the message resonates with listeners, to get an important message across in a positive and different way to help residents and the council.

“I am also now more conscious of recycling now and what can and cannot go into recycling bins.”

Councillor Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “Our fantastic staff have such wonderful hidden talents and we are so pleased they are happy to share them with us to promote the services they work in.

“This is just another way to connect with residents and get the message across about the recycling that can go in the red bins and then into genuine streams of recycling in the UK.”

The council accepts JUST Four items in the red bin and they are drink and food cans, plastic in the shape of bottles, glass jars and bottles and clean and dry paper and cardboard.

For more information about what can go it go to www.slough.gov.uk/recycling.

Video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR25wtA8q6k

Thank you and well done to the Berkshire School Aged Immunisation Team who vaccinated 119 children on Saturday at the flu jab drop in session! This was delivered alongside 2 health promotional stands at Everyone Active - The Centre and Tesco Extra in Slough.

Thank you to (pictured below) Nicky Smith, Health Inequalities Nurse, Jacqui Shadrache (Health Improvement Officer – Early Years and Prevention) and Louise Yvinec (Oral Health Improvement Practitioner, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Oxfordshire Community Dental Service, Slough Healthy Smiles), and a big thank you to The Centre and Tesco Extra for the use of their premises.

Our winter edition of the Citizen e-magazine is now published! Find out more about our dedicated young people & the Slough Youth Awards, & look ahead to the regeneration of the Horlicks site, with 325 affordable homes for Slough residents. Work will also begin on the former Thames Valley University site to deliver a mixed use scheme! https://citizen.slough.gov.uk/

Two council staff who forged signatures and recorded false information on electoral registration forms have been sentenced by magistrates.

The two had volunteered and trained to be canvassers and knock on the doors of people who had not filled in electoral registration forms. They were tasked with getting the residents to complete the vital information for the council and for residents who would be unable to vote without it.

However, instead of filling out the paper Household Enquiry Forms with the correct information they filled them in with spurious information and forged signatures.

The forms were submitted to the electoral team who realised very quickly something was wrong during a routine sample check where the information did not match that already on the council system. A series of similar looking signatures were also discovered.

As a result more checks were conducted and it was discovered a large number of forms contained false information which had been completed by the employees who had been trusted with the job, rather than the named householder.

Zakhria Dar, 23, of Oatlands Drive, Manor Park, admitted one count of fraud on between 24 September and 1 December, 2018, and was sentenced at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 12 November, 2019. He was a housing officer at the time of the offence and resigned from his role after he was suspended during an investigation.

He was ordered to complete a 12 months community order, 220 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days. He was also ordered to pay £2888.06 in costs and a victim surcharge of £85.

Magistrates told him: “It is worth noting that you were in a position of trust by your employers on matters that pertain to voting which is critical in a democracy.

“You were trusted to be fully compliant instead you took forms and signed them yourself without the rigour of checking who was in the accommodation.

“The impact of these actions could have a terrible affect on the voters in the accommodation should it have changed, and they would have become disenfranchised .

Kam Varaitch, prosecuting Dar, said: “These documents are integral to the electoral system as a whole.”

He said as a result of the incident the council had invested in an electronic registration system where tablets were used to capture the information as well as tracking canvassers whereabouts.

Natalia Glowacka, 26, of Trelawney Avenue, Langley, also admitted one count of fraud between 24 September and 1 December, 2018. At the time she was employed as a council housing officer, but resigned after being suspended during the investigation.

She was sentenced on 12 December and ordered to complete a 12 month community order, 50 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation days. She was also ordered to pay £800 in costs and a victim surcharge of £85.

Josie Wragg, Slough Borough Council’s returning officer, said: “This was a breach of trust not only to their employers but also the people of Slough.

“The voting register is an important legal document which affects a resident’s ability to vote as well as their credit status.

“This is an example of where we take such matters extremely seriously and will not only take internal action but pursue it through the courts.

“I am happy that our internal checking systems are sufficiently robust and this activity was spotted early. In Slough we take any kind of fraud extremely seriously and particularly as it relates to the democratic process.

“The actions of these defendants have resulted in a change in the way we collect information to prevent dishonesty in the future.”

Yes, flowers from Wickes, the store better known for its hard landscaping supplies....

...Wickes, in Farnham Road, Slough , are selling-off their bags of spring bulbs for £1 a pop, and by 'pop' I mean a bag of 3 hyacinths, or 8 tulips, or 15 crocuses, (all originally £3) or a 2.5kg sack of narcissi (was £5)!

Absolute bargains. The bulbs are starting to sprout, but that isn't a problem -- it's not too late to plant them for some spring colour, and the forecast for this week is fairly mild.