Drivers are being urged to give cyclists more room when they pass on the road or face being pulled over by the police.

The council is working with Thames Valley Police to remind motorists that cyclists should be given a wide berth to keep them safe.

Cyclists are mums, dads, sons and daughters, and share the road with all the other vehicles but remain some of the most vulnerable.

There have been 43 collisions reported to the police in the borough in the last 12 months.

To emphasise the need for motorists to give cyclists room there will be an operation in the borough where a police officer will be riding a bicycle.

If a car is deemed to have passed too closely the driver will be reported to a waiting officer who will ask the driver to stop.

The driver will be invited to an immediate safety education workshop at the roadside focusing on a safer relationship between motorists and cyclists.

If the motorist chooses not to participate they could receive a £100 fine and three penalty points on their driving licence for careless driving.

Driving licences will also be checked as well as whether the car has insurance and tax during the operation. Those suspected of drink or drug driving will also be dealt with appropriately.

The joint operations roads policing unit for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary is running the Close Pass education campaign and has already visited Newbury, Wokingham and Basingstoke this spring.

Police Constable Liz Johnson, road safety officer for the joint operations policing unit, said: “A close pass not only presents a danger to the cyclist, but is also intimidating.

"As the Highway Code states, overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so, and drivers should allow vulnerable road users as much room as they would when overtaking a slow moving car.

“Giving enough space is particularly important as sometimes there can be obstacles in the road such as potholes and drain covers, which may mean cyclists have to move to avoid them.

"A driver deemed to be driving dangerously close can be prosecuted and taken to court.

"Ultimately, we want all road users to share the roads together, we are about making the roads safer for all and making sure we all get to our destinations safely.”

PC Johnson added drivers need to give at least 1.5m, or approximately the width of an adult’s outstretched arms, when passing. They also have to consider obstacles in the road like bollards and whether they can safely get back into their lane.

Cyclists range from serious riders to those going to the shops, school or commuting to work. More people are encouraged to cycle or use alternative transport than the car and there could be more cyclists on the road.

Riders also have their part to play by being bright and being seen which could include front and rear lights and high vis clothing. Riders are discouraged from wearing earphones as it blocks out one of the five senses.

Cllr Rob Anderson, lead member for sustainable transport and the environmental, said:

“Vehicle’s driving past cyclists can cause different levels of aerodynamic drag which can push cyclists towards the gullies where there is more likely to be debris and drainage grids.

“Hitting something there could have serious consequences where a cyclist is thrown from their bike and possibly into the line of traffic.

“More people are encouraged to use a bike to get about, not just for the impact on the environment, but it can be more convenient and good for the rider’s health.

“Cyclists have a right to feel safe on the road and that means drivers giving them enough room when passing.”

The job roles available at the council, in the borough's schools, at Aik Saath as a Violence Reduction Officer, and as a community investment manager for Osborne Property Services, can all be viewed here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

Do you recognise these men or this van?

The council is requesting help with an investigation into the flytipping of mattresses which were dumped in a bin shed.

Two men were captured on CCTV on the afternoon the mattresses were left and may hold vital information about who was responsible.

The waste was left in the bin shed of flats in Seymour Road, Chalvey, on Monday 26 April.

A caged van was also captured by CCTV cameras in the area with what appeared to be a business name professionally liveried on its doors.

It also stated the business was “Fully Licensed Rubbish Cleaners” however, the business cannot be traced.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, lead member for planning and regulation, said: “These are really good clear images of men who may be able to help us find who illegally left these mattresses for the council to clear up on behalf of residents.

“A van was also seen in the area and anyone who knows who this van belongs please let us know.

“Fly tipping causes significant annoyance and disturbance to our residents, some of whom may be unwittingly using such people to get rid of waste without knowing they are not who they claim to be.

“If you are hiring someone to take away your waste, please make sure they are a reputable waste removal company, who is willing to demonstrate they have a waste removal licence.”

Residents are responsible for employing licensed waste removal companies and can be prosecuted and fined up to £400 if their waste is found flytipped.

Before hiring any company or individual to remove waste, check their details with the Environment Agency to assess whether they are a registered waste carrier.

Alternatively, waste can be taken to Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre. More information about what is accepted is here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling/household-waste-recycling-centres/2

Anyone with any information can contact the Resilience and Enforcement team by emailing ResilienceandEnforcementTeam@slough.gov.uk or call with information on 01753 875570.

Hand car washes in Slough will become the first in the country to sign up to a new government initiative - the Responsible Car Wash Scheme.

Car washes which pay employees a fair wage, have the correct planning permissions and insurances, and pay business rates among other criteria, will be accredited as part of the scheme.

Customers wanting their car cleaned and valeted are being urged to use accredited premises so they have a clear conscience when handing over cash.

Workers at hand car washes are at risk of exploitation with low wages as well as poor and unhygienic working conditions.

Some operate from unsuitable locations which could lead to pollution with discharge ending up in water courses.

The scheme aims to raise standards in hand car wash businesses across Slough, as well as create a level playing field, to create fair washes for businesses, their employees, and to protect the environment and the consumer.

The Responsible Car Wash Scheme is an initiative by the Home Office in conjunction with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. Businesses complying with labour, environmental and planning laws will be able to display accreditation indicating they are a trusted provider.

Premises in the borough are this week being visited by staff from the scheme, the council’s trading standards and planning officers and Thames Valley Police.

The council and scheme partnership is offering an initial period of membership for free to encourage those who obey the rules to get on board. In the future the cost to the business will be £250.

Councillor Mohammed Nazir, lead member for housing and community safety, said: “A car wash and valet which costs just a few pounds may feel good for our pockets but this could be funding a business not acting in the best interests of their employees or within the law.

“Cars cost a lot of money and spending just a few more pounds at a car wash is worth it.

“It means it has been assessed as operating to good standards, helping other businesses in the borough compete on a level playing field as well as making sure workers are being paid fairly.”

Councillor Pavitar K. Mann, lead member for planning and regulation, said: “The old adage is if it’s too good to be true then maybe it is.

“Not only does this scheme give equity to employees but also businesses, separating those which are doing their best to adhere to the law and the others which undercut and potentially attract more trade.”

Teresa Sayers, managing director of the Responsible Car Wash Scheme, said: “With car washes now reopening after lockdown, risks are resurfacing with regards to violation of labour, employment, health and safety and environmental regulations.

“The scheme aims to ensure compliance, improve standards, and give consumers confidence they are choosing a fair car wash, by accrediting businesses that adhere to a Code of Practice.

“With Home Office backing and an independent evaluation, this has the impetus it needs to work on a nationwide level.”

The pilot will be independently evaluated by Nottingham Trent University which has also helped create the scheme criteria.

It is envisaged the scheme will be rolled out to the rest of the country if successful and the licence will become mandatory.

Ian Clark, professor of work and employment at Nottingham and Trent University, said: “Our research into hand car washes has shown widespread non-compliance which has far reaching implications for workers and the environment.

“The government recognises that an accreditation scheme designed to promote compliance and drive up standards for hand car washes can play a role in preventing exploitation of workers and water pollution in this sector.

“Our role is to explore the efficacy of the RCWS trial and test this as a workable system to implement mandatory licensing on a national level.”

More information about the scheme is here – https://rcws.org.uk/

Residents in Colnbrook with Poyle have the chance to make a difference by having their say on plans for their neighbourhood.

A new survey is being sent to residents as part of the council’s plans to develop strong, healthy and attractive neighbourhoods.

Some of the topics include what residents value in the area, what community services they would like to see and how they currently use the High Street.

Working with partners, the council is asking residents how Covid has had an impact on them and what they can do to improve their health and wellbeing.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “These are exciting times planning for the future and we want to work with residents, as we have done with our plans for a new community hub in the village, in building a better future for Colnbrook.

“We have a real chance to look at the community services we run in Colnbrook depending on what residents and businesses say they want and need. This is a great opportunity to share their ‘wish list’ for the area.

“I would urge everyone who receives the survey to fill it in and tell us what changes they would like to see in Colnbrook as the results will help us identify areas of concern and areas for improvement.”

The council is working in partnership with Colnbrook with Poyle Parish Council, Public Health Slough, Thames Valley Police, East Berkshire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) health partners and One Slough to create strong neighbourhoods.

Colnbrook is the latest area in the Strong Neighbourhoods programme, following on from the success in Chalvey in 2019.

Councillor Andrea Escott, from Colnbrook with Poyle Parish Council, said: “I’ve been pleased to be invited to work alongside Slough Borough Council, the CCG and police to develop this survey. This constitutes the culmination of 18 months of meetings, giving us an opportunity to reintroduce health services to Colnbrook, along with other projects Parish Councillors are working on, and have funding for, such as our recreation ground and preserving the conservation area of Colnbrook.

“Residents’ views are incredibly important and are the final piece of the project. We hope everyone will find the time to complete this survey; online, by phone or by post. We can then bring projects to life with what residents really want to see in our community.”

Surveys should have already been dropping through residents’ doors.

Colnbrook with Poyle residents can also complete the survey online at

www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Colnbrook, via the QR code below, or by calling Rebecca Curley (Community Development Officer) on 07523 936077, to complete answers over the phone.

The closing date is 6 June.

Businesses are encouraged to see if they are eligible for a grant which could help them diversify.

The individual business grants, of up to £10,000, or up to £50,000 for organisations helping other businesses, are designed to help those planning to introduce new ideas or changes to improve their business.

This could result in new products or services, new or improved business processes, changes in the way products are marketed, or the introduction of new technology.

The business innovation grant fund, of up to £1million, is part of the way the council is continuing to support businesses through the pandemic period. The funding is coming from the government’s Business Rates Grants discretionary fund (Additional Restrictions Grant).

The scheme is targeted at existing Slough based businesses which don’t have a turnover exceeding £600,000 and with fewer than 250 staff.

Organisations in Slough which offer support to other businesses can also apply, with applications judged by a council led panel.

Councillor Balvinder S Bains, cabinet member for inclusive growth and skills, said: “Businesses have had a huge amount of uncertainty over these past months. They might now be considering changes to their business to capture a different market, or to slightly change their offering.

“Anything we can do to offer them some support is great news. I would really encourage any eligible businesses, or organisations which support other Slough businesses, to consider making an application. Make sure to create a good business case to really show off what you could do with the grant funding.”

For all applications, there must be a deliverable and well considered business plan submitted.

Before submitting the 2,500 word innovation grant application statement, businesses need to read the statement guidance at www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates/7

Full details for individual businesses are at www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates/5 and for organisations which support businesses at www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates/6

If additional support is needed to complete the application, email bratesinnovation@slough.gov.uk.

The closing date for applications is 21 May. Applications will be considered on a first come first served basis.

A woman whose garden was turned into an illegal scrap metal yard has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds by magistrates.

Mirela Nicolae’s garden was full of metal fridges, bed frames, bathroom furniture, prams and engines parts which were being broken into component parts before the valuable metal was sold to scrap yards in the capital.

An investigation into flytipping led council officers to Ms Nicolae’s home in Canterbury Avenue just half a mile away from where the rubbish had been dumped.

A visit to the property found it was being used as an unauthorised and unlicensed waste transfer station where scrap metal was broken up. Ms Nicolae’s van was then used to take the materials to scrap metal centres in London.

The van was seized after a warrant was issued on 28 November 2019 under the Environment Act 1995.

The 56-year-old left the country the next day however proceedings continued in her absence and a warrant issued for her arrest which was executed when she re-entered the UK.

Ms Nicolae appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 7 May and admitted two charges of dealing scrap metal without a licence contrary to the Scrap Metal Dealer’s Act 2013 on 28 November 2019, and failing to provide waste documents contrary to the Environmental Protection Act 1990 on 6 December 2019.

She was fined a total of £1,120 and ordered to pay council prosecution costs of £2,000 and a victim surcharge of £122.

Councillor Pavitar K. Mann, lead member for planning and regulation, said the controls around how waste is treated was to protect residents as well as the environment from potential pollutants from unofficial waste transfer stations.

She said: “Licences are there to make businesses responsible for their day to day activity.

“And a home garden is not a suitable place to run such a business from.

“Flytipping and illegal sites like this one was, leave all residents paying for the removal of other people’s rubbish.”

The deadline is fast approaching for EU resettlement applications - only 50 days to go until the cut off date of 30 June 2021.

The process is FREE.

All EU, EEA and Swiss citizens should apply to continue to work, study, and access free healthcare and benefits in the UK from July 1, 2021.

More information and apply here -

https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed between junctions 6, Slough, and 8/9, Maidenhead, from 8pm on Friday 14 May until 6am on Monday 17 May.

The eastbound carriageway between junctions 6, Slough, and 5, Langley, will be closed from 9pm until 6am the following morning on Monday 10, Tuesday 11, and Wednesday 12.

The eastbound carriageway between junctions 5, Langley, and 4b, the M25, will be closed on Thursday 13 May from 9pm until 6am the following morning.

The eastbound entry slip road at junction 6, Slough, will be closed 24/7 from 8pm Monday 10 May until 6am on Friday 14 May.

The eastbound entry slip road at junction 5, Langley, will be closed from 9pm on Thursday 13 May until 6am the following morning.

The latest planning applications submitted and decided upon can be viewed here -

http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

New cameras have been installed to deter drivers from using the A4 bus and cycle lanes during operational times.

The bus lanes were implemented as a result of a government’s scheme to encourage people to travel actively and sustainably whilst supporting social distancing measures during and after pandemic lockdowns.

The bus and cycle lanes restrictions are between Monday to Friday, 7am and 10am and again in the afternoon between 3pm and 7pm.

During the restricted period the bus and cycle lanes can be shared with motorcyclists, taxis, Slough licensed private hire vehicles and Neuron Mobility rental e-scooters along the route between Cippenham Lane and Sussex Place.

Those motorists found in the bus lanes during prohibited hours within the first two weeks of the new cameras becoming operational will receive a warning letter in the post informing them that they have contravened the bus lane restriction.

After the first two weeks the registered car owner of vehicles seen using the lanes during the enforcement hours will receive a Penalty Charge Notice through the post featuring a picture of the car in the bus lane.

Motorists will be fined £60 with the opportunity of reducing it to £30 if it is paid within 14 days.

Anyone who wishes to contest the Penalty Charge Notice must submit a representation in writing by following the instructions on the notice.

The cameras will go live on Monday 10 May with warning notices issued in the first two weeks. Penalty Charge Notices will be issued from Monday 24 May.

The bus and cycle lanes implementation was funded by the government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund and introduced under experimental traffic regulation orders which can run for up to 18 months.

Views on the traffic measure can be submitted at the consultation here slough.citizenspace.com. The consultation has been extended until 31 August.

Feedback will be taken into account when the decision is taken as to the final scheme.

More information on the scheme and the technical information is available online under public notices here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/consultations-petitions/temporary-a4-bus-lane-scheme.

There are a number of roles available at the council, Slough Children First, and an important role as a Violence Reduction Navigator with Aik Saath among the opportunities this week. Take a look here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

A van believed to have been used in fly tipping has been seized by the council after being spotted parked up at the side of a road.

Rubbish was dumped in front of a set of garages and it had to be removed immediately due to it causing an obstruction.

Images were captured by concerned members of the public and a Ford Transit van was the vehicle used to take it to the destination in the Chatfield/Greenside area on Tuesday 27 April this year.

The DVLA had no registered keeper linked to the vehicle making it very difficult to trace it or owner.

Yesterday (Thursday) a council officer out in the borough on other business drove past a van in Northborough Road, Slough, and recognised it as the potential vehicle involved.

After conducting further checks the van was seized under section 34b of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and it was not reclaimed as it was placed on a low loader and taken away.

The rightful owner of the van may make a claim of entitlement by Friday 21 May and be able to supply proof of identity and the registration documents.

The van’s registration is HY06 UFH.

On receipt of the claim the council will determine the entitlement of the claimant. If no claim is made the van can be sold or destroyed.

Any claim should be made to:

Resilience and Enforcement Team

Slough Borough Council

Observatory House

25 Windsor Road

Slough

SL1 2EL

Or email resilienceandenforcement@slough.gov.uk

The legal bit -

On 6th May 2021 at 10:45 Slough Borough Council seized a Ford Transit with the registration HY06UFH from Northborough Road in Slough.

The vehicle has been seized under Section 34B of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as Slough Borough Council being the Enforcement Authority has reason to believe that:

i. The vehicle has been used to deposit controlled waste on land other than in accordance with an Environmental Permit contrary to Section 33(1)(a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990

ii. The Vehicle has been used to transport controlled waste and the driver of the vehicle is not registered as a waste carrier contrary to section 1 of the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989

iii. The vehicle has been used in the commission of an offence consisting of a failure to comply with duties imposed by Section 34(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990

Any person wishing to make a claim of entitlement to the vehicle must do so by 21st May 2021. All claims of entitlement must be accompanied by the following information:

a) The claimants name; address and proof of identity i.e. passport/ drivers licence/photo identity card

b) Where the claimant purports to be the registered keeper; the registration document

c) Where the claimant is an agent making a claim on behalf of their principal; proof of authority to act on their behalf

On receipt of a claim, The Council will determine the entitlement of the claimant.

IMPORTANT: if no claim is made in respect of the vehicle within the time stipulated or if a claimant who brought a claim is determined as not entitled, the vehicle can be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of in accordance with Regulation 21 of the Control of Waste (Dealing with seized property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015.

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed between junctions 6, Slough, and 8/9, Maidenhead, from 8pm on Friday 7 May until 6am on Monday 10 May.

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed between junctions 5, Langley, and 4b, the M25, from 9pm tonight, Thursday 6 May, and will reopen by 6am tomorrow morning.

The eastbound exit slip road of junction 7, Slough west, will be closed tonight, Thursday 6 May, from 9pm until 6am tomorrow morning.

All closures for Highways England smart motorway project.

The contact centre is experiencing high call volumes which is expected to continue into next week. As a result there could be lengthy waiting times.

If you leave a callback a customer advisor will call back - there is no need to call again.

Alternatively, sign up for a council tax self-serve account to view and manage your council tax bill online. Using the self service option will also mean residents can get notifications of any bills and view them online as well as setting up Direct Debit details and report a change of address.

Housing benefit claims can also be viewed and checked online as well as current awards for housing benefit and council tax support. Next and previous payment details can be viewed, details of any overpayments and notification of changes to awards.

For more information please visit the council tax benefits and and housing pages on our website www.slough.gov.uk.

Millions of viewers have tuned into police drama Line of Duty and the Terry Boyle cuckooing storyline which has happened, and could still be happening, in Slough.

Terry was one of the organised crime gang’s unknowing victims whose home had been used to store items and who was set up for a high profile murder.

We even see Terry being coerced by gang member Ryan Pilkington as he is about to be questioned for murder telling him: “You know I’m still your best mate Terry. Everything is going to be fine. As long as you keep your mouth shut.”

When someone goes into a home and threatens those living there with violence or gives gifts so they can stay and conduct illegal activity – it is called cuckooing. It is named after the bird which lays its eggs in the nests of other birds.

Cuckooing happens in Slough and some residents have already sought help this year after being manipulated into having their address used by criminals and then threatened when they wanted it to stop.

The residents most likely to be cuckooed are usually vulnerable and can have learning difficulties like Terry Boyle, but are more likely to have a dependency on drugs or alcohol, or are elderly.

Initially visitors are friendly and buy alcohol or drugs for the residents and may use their home as a place where people take drugs, store and sell drugs, stolen goods or weapons.

However, when the hosts change their minds and want the visitors to leave they are told they owe money or favours and become trapped in a cycle of threats, fear and crime.

Neighbours can to be on the lookout for such vulnerable neighbours whose homes have suddenly become popular with groups of people coming and going at all times of the day and night.

Superintendent Gavin Wong, Slough’s local policing commander and joint chair of the Safer Slough Partnership, said there is help for people who fear the residents coming into their home and controlling them.

He said: “You should not feel frightened and unsafe in your own home.

“Have you seen Terry on Line on Duty and thought – is that happening to me?”

“You may have got into a situation where drugs are being stored or dealt from your home, or people you don’t know are coming and going without your consent.

“It doesn’t have to stay that way.

“Help is out there.”

Call Thames Valley Police on 999, or call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700

Victims First Specialist Service, are also skilled at working with people who have been exploited, and can be called on 01844 487987 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

The bin collection dates are slightly different next week due to the Bank holiday weekend ⤵️

Vacancies available at the council and Slough Children First can be viewed here https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

The council’s parks team has planted two wildflower meadows which include bee corridors (which are planting schemes that link up different areas) so bees and other pollinators can travel easily from one area to another.

In Upton Court Park a new larger wildflower meadow has been sown adjacent to the new playground, that’s extended the previous meadow and resown it with a perennial/annual mix including poppy and cornflower.

In Salt Hill Park the Community Orchard has been planted, and a wildflower meadow sown around it, by the stream. The Orchard contains a fantastic mix of fruit trees and nut trees. Cherries, apples, pears, plums, greengages, hazelnut and walnut trees have all been planted already. Residents will be encouraged to pick the fruit and nuts to enjoy at home later in the summer and into the autumn.

The aim is to have wildflower meadows in most of the boroughs parks over time, to help and encourage bees, butterflies and hoverflies. Meadows also provide bees with somewhere to live as they burrow in the ground.

Ian Judd, parks officer, said: “These exciting projects will encourage biodiversity in our parks as well as providing beautiful areas for people to enjoy. Our parks have been enjoyed more than ever during Covid for exercise, and we are always aiming to improve and enrich them. I’m looking forward to the Community Orchard fruit being enjoyed in the summer by residents and can’t wait to see what recipes they come up with.

“Residents may have already seen that crocuses have been the first to flower and they will be followed by flowering cherries and apple trees. The wildflower meadows will start to bloom in June/July through to November. There’s a lot to see! As you have been throughout Covid, please continue to enjoy our beautiful parks safely, within current Covid regulations.”

There are NO full motorway closures on the M4 this Bank Holiday weekend.

Slip Road closures

The eastbound exit slip road at junction 5, Langley, will be closed tonight, Tuesday 27, and tomorrow, Wednesday 28 April, from 9pm and reopening by 6am the following morning.

A couple who left their neighbours frightened and intimidated due to months of abuse following a dispute over a boundary wall, has lost an appeal against Community Protection Notices which were issued.

Sajid Shah and his wife Farhana Shah became upset over building work to their neighbour’s house next to their council property in October 2018.

The pair repeatedly verbally abused their neighbours in Court Crescent, Slough, and tried to interfere in the building work and received a written warning from the council and Thames Valley Police about their behaviour in July 2019.

Their anti-social behaviour included Mr Shah assaulting his neighbour who received treatment in hospital for injuries.

The warning letter did not stop their anti-social behaviour and in September 2019 each was served a Community Protection Notice.

It stated their conduct had been unreasonable towards their neighbours through verbal abuse, threats of violence, and interfering with visitors to the property conducting lawful building work.

It stated the abuse had resulted in their neighbours being caused alarm, harassment and distress to them and the visitors to their home and they were intimidated, frightened and offended.

The notice required each to immediately stop all contact, including verbal and other communications, all threats of violence and all interference to the lawful building work.

Mr and Mrs Shah were entitled to appeal notices and did so although there as a delay due to the pandemic.

The hearing was held at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 14 and 15 April where the appeal was dismissed and Mr and Mrs Shah were ordered to pay £8,778 costs to the council for defending the case.

The magistrates heard evidence from the victim, the council’s neighbourhood tenancy team leader and Mr and Mrs Shah.

The council’s legal representative Alex Williams told magistrates: “Mr Shah was obsessed and angered by the boundary wall issue, and had verbally abused and physically assaulted his neighbour as a result.

“Mrs Shah had also verbally abused their neighbour and tried to interfere with the building work.”

Mr and Mrs Shah remain council tenants and their conduct is being closely monitored.

Liz Jones, group manger localities and neighbourhoods, said: “The council will not hesitate to act when tenants act unreasonably in their neighbourhoods.

“Working with the police there are powers available under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act.

“Recipients of such notices are legally able to appeal however, there could be costs incurred when appealing without good cause.

“People who are in receipt of such notices could also lose their entitlement to the council property.”

The latest planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon in the past week, can all be viewed here -

http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

There are roles available at the council and at Slough Children First. Take a look here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

New regulations surrounding the safety of the electrics in private rented properties have come into effect.

Tenants and landlords need to be aware of the new responsibility to make sure rented properties are electrically safe when rented out.

New tenants should request a copy of the electrical installation condition report, which is valid for five years, when they move in to a new home.

Existing tenants should be provided with a copy of the report within 28 days of request and they should make reasonable provision for it to be carried out.

The report, known as an EICR, must also be produced if requested by the council under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

A qualified and competent electrician will be required to test and inspect the fixed electrical installations in a property for the report including the wiring, plug sockets, light fittings, fuse boxes, electric showers and extractor fans.

The inspection will find out if any of the electrical installations are overloaded, if there are any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards, defective work or lack or earthing.

If any issues are discovered the landlord has 28 days to rectify the issues.

Free standing electrical items do not come under the inspection but landlords could provide yearly portable appliance tests, PAT tests, for items like fridges and freezers, kettles and toasters. This is not a legal requirement.

Failure to get the electrical installation condition report could lead to landlords being fined up to £30,000.

If a tenancy started on or after 1 June, 2020 a report should have been conducted by the landlord and tenants have the right to request and be given it within 28 days.

Tenancies starting before 1 June 2020 required landlords to have undertaken the inspection by 1 April 2021.

However, if the property has been built or rewired in the last five years, a landlord can give tenants an electrical installation certificate (EIC) instead and will not have to arrange another safety check.

There is no requirement for resident landlords with lodgers to carry out this electrical safety check and the new laws do not cover social housing.

The electrical installation condition report is a legal requirement and is in addition to the landlord licences required for certain properties and houses of multiple occupations in the borough.

More about the landlord licences can be found here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/licences-permits/property-licensing-1/2

If a property has not got the correct electrical documentation the landlord can be reported to the council here https://www.slough.gov.uk/xfp/form/191

Work is starting this week on essential repairs to footbridges which provide a vital link spanning the M4 motorway in Langley.

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

This will require the deck of the walkway lifted and the new bearings installed. The deck will then be lowered back into position.

There could be delays and inconvenience to residents during the 16 weeks of work carried out by contractors Freyssinet Limited.

Temporary lane closures at junction 5, Langley, will also be required for the duration of the project.

There will be closures of the bridge however these will be overnight and limited to four full night closures on dates yet to be confirmed.

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

The work could increase the longevity of the bridge for up to 30 years and make it safe for pedestrians, cyclists and road users.

The interchange is of vital importance to the local economy and community on a strategic route to areas such as Heathrow Airport.

We apologise in advance for any delays that may be caused by our works.

Should you have any questions email tfs@slough.gov.uk.

*M4 motorway closures

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed from 8pm on Friday 23 April until 6am on Monday 26 April between junctions 6 Slough and 8/9 Maidenhead.

*Slip road closures

Junction 6 - Slough

The eastbound entry slip road will be closed 24/7 from 8pm on Tuesday 20 April until 6am Friday 23 April.

The westbound exit slip road will be closed each night between 9pm and 6am on Monday 19, Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21, and Thursday 22 April.

Junction 7 west Slough

The eastbound exit slip road will be closed from 9pm until 6am on Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 April.

The westbound entry slip road will be closed overnight on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 April.

There is just two weeks remaining to get online and complete the Census 2021 survey.
Details are anonymised for 100 years and the information can help plan the next ten years.
Send it off today!

The planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon in the past week can all be viewed here - http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

A council manager who was rostered on to work or off sick but was actually working as an occupational therapist with other care agencies, has been given a suspended prison sentence for fraud.

Gurjinder Bhogal was claiming a full time wage from the council in her role managing a team of occupational therapists helping residents being discharged home, short time rehabilitation to help people avoid going into hospital, as well as end of life care.

However, although telling bosses she was working or off unwell the 41-year-old was working for at least four other care agencies as an occupational therapist.

Ms Bhogal appeared before Reading Crown Court on Friday 9 April after admitting four counts of fraud by abuse of position between September 2018 and March 2020, contrary to section 4 of The Fraud Act 2006.

Judge Edward Burgess QC handed Ms Bhogal an eight month prison sentence suspended for 18 months. She was ordered to complete 25 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements and ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to the council. There were no costs awarded.

Judge Burgess sentencing Ms Bhogal said: “Your role bore considerable responsibility to co- workers and patients. You were not able to discharge your duties. Potential consequences could have been far reaching and severe. You benefitted financially yourself.”

Ms Bhogal, who is a qualified occupational therapist, was employed by the council as a practice manager within the Rehabilitation, Recovery and Reablement team, or RRR team.

The court was told her responsibilities included managing day to day running of the service, representing the department at internal and external meetings, providing supervision both formal and ad hoc to team members and monitoring the quality of the service by ensuring compliance with Care Quality Commission.

Other members of the team picked up her work and no residents were impacted by her actions.

In light of her criminal conviction a report will be submitted to her professional body to consider her fitness to practice.

Ms Bhogal, of Aspects Court, Slough, resigned from the council in August 2020.

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed between junctions 5, Langley, and 4b, the M25, from 8pm on Saturday 17 April until 6am on Monday 19 April.

The work is for Highways England Smart motorway work.

There is a opportunity to make a real difference in the borough in the role of Community Investment Manager with Osborne Property Services. The vacancy, among others, can be viewed here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

A small town centre car park has been turned into 14 new homes for Slough people.

The 12 car parking spaces at the former Alpha Street North car park are now six one bedroom and eight two bedroom apartments.

The homes have been delivered by Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) who handed the development back to the council this month ready for tenants to move straight into.

All the apartments will be social housing and managed by James Elliman Homes Ltd on the council’s behalf. They will be allocated to qualifying residents on the housing waiting list which will help to meet the need for more affordable homes in the borough.

The homes have all been completed to a high standard and include carefully designed open plan kitchen and living spaces, well specified bathroom suites and flooring throughout. Many of the apartments also include a balcony.

Works began on site in December 2019 and construction continued safely with revised workplace measures during the coronavirus pandemic.

Stephen Gibson, the council’s executive director for place, said: “This project is in the heart of the town and near all the facilities it offers now and the exciting plans for the future.

“They are really well thought through properties which will be happy homes for Slough people.

“The small sites project is turning underutilised pockets of land into somewhere Slough residents can live.”

Paul Aubrey, project manager at Slough Urban Renewal (SUR), said: “This is a fantastic development that has been delivered to a high standard.

“It will provide welcome housing for the town and more specifically, for Slough residents.

“The homes here enjoy a central location and are well placed to enjoy all that this town has to offer – from its vast array of new sports and leisure facilities to its great transport connections and the continued regeneration, which is already underway.”

The Alpha Street apartments, built by LifeBuild, is part of the council’s wider small sites initiative, which aims to bring sites such as old garages and run down properties into use for new homes.

Slough Urban Renewal is a 50:50 joint venture between Slough Borough Council and Muse Developments. Its purpose is to deliver ambitious objectives to transform the borough of Slough for all residents.

The homes have been built as the affordable homes requirement linked to the Novus Apartments on the High Street.

Novus Apartments is a collection of 64 studio suites and one and two bedroom apartments located on the former library site in Slough town centre. The homes at Novus Apartments are now available for private sale, with prices starting from £199,950. The sales suite is open Thursday – Monday, 10am – 5pm. There are three, show apartments to view, with viewings by appointment only. Help to Buy is available. For more information visit www.novusapartments.co.uk.

Can you help the council find out where this sad looking and poorly chocolate Labrador has been living?

The female was found wandering aimlessly around the streets by a concerned member of the public who called the council’s dog warden for collection.

The stray was taken to the vets for a check up and was found to have been living in dirty and unsuitable conditions which have left her with deformed feet, a severe skin irritation and sores.

There were also signs of multiple pregnancies.

She is still being cared for by the vet as her condition is not currently suitable to be transferred to a foster home.

Ian Blake, resilience and enforcement team leader, said the dog was found around 5pm on Common Road, Langley, last Wednesday, 7 April.

He said: “The dog is microchipped but unfortunately the details were very out of date and no current owner could be traced.

“She is still undergoing medical treatment and is too unwell to be put into any foster care.

“In an effort to try and understand what happened to this dog and how she ended up where she did, we are appealing for information to be provided to us in confidence.”

If anyone has any information about where this dog has been or who the most current owners were, please contact Ian Blake, of the resilience and enforcement team, on 07917 092909 or by emailing ian.blake@slough.gov.uk.

Any information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

When the dog is well enough the council will work with a rehoming organisation which will assess potential new owners and their homes and make sure she gets a happy future.

A business owner has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds by magistrates after illegal tobacco was discovered in his shop.

The council’s trading standards team conducted a test purchase and received illegally packaged tobacco from the Brothers Pan Corner Limited shop on Stoke Poges Lane, Slough, in February 2019.

A week later the team returned with Thames Valley Police tobacco sniffer dogs and a haul of was discovered.

In the operation trading standards officers seized 1,200 packs of cigarettes, 1,000 pouches of smokeless tobacco and 60 pouches of hand rolling tobacco.

The director of the business at the time, Mohammed Imran Naseer, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 9 April and admitted 11 charges of being in possession of the illegal tobacco on 8 and 15 February, 2019.

Much of the seized tobacco bore either non-English labelling, non-statutory health warnings or was in non-plain and branded packaging. Criminal offences for these contraventions fall under the Trade Marks Act 1994, Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 and the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015.

Mr Naseer, of High Street, Gloucester, was fined £1,000 by magistrates, ordered to pay £4,000 costs and a victim surcharge of £110.

Dean Cooke, senior trading standards officer, said: “This is a welcome result for the trading standards team.

“Possessing illegal tobacco may appear to be a victimless crime. However, it is the genuine law abiding traders of Slough that suffer, as they are continually being undercut by unscrupulous competitors.

“We can only have a level playing field when all the businesses in the borough meet their legal obligations.

“We hope this will serve as a very real warning to others selling illegal goods in the borough we have a zero tolerance to this kind of behaviour.

“The council will pursue prosecutions and the financial punishments can be considerable.

“We will continue to monitor and act on intelligence regarding illegally imported tobacco being sold to the public.”

The case was delayed considerably from the date of discovery to the court hearing due to the pandemic.

E-scooter users are being warned not to drink and ride as the country comes out of lockdown and hospitality venues open.

Riding an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol is the same as drink driving and could lead to a prison sentence, a driving ban and substantial fine.

Hospitality venues opened this week and with the lighter spring evenings more people will be venturing back out to have dinner or drinks and see friends under the rule of six.

Only residents over the age of 18 years with a driving or a provisional licence are legally able to hire one of the borough’s 450 Neuron Mobility Ltd electric scooters. When signing up the users agree to abide by the Highway Code.

Drink and drug driving rules apply to e-scooter riders and those with more than the permitted level of alcohol in their system will be committing a serious road traffic offence.

If pulled over by Thames Valley Police and breathalysed the legal limit is 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath or 80 millilitres of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

Neuron Mobility has also launched a reaction test in its app from 6pm each day which could help riders reflect on whether they should ride.

In addition, safety ambassadors will be out on the streets to encourage responsible riding. While helmets are not mandatory to wear but highly recommended, an incentive of financial credits has been introduced if a helmet selfie is submitted before starting the journey.

The ambassadors are also available to help any new users with their first rides and are armed with hospital-grade disinfectant to keep e-scooters and helmets clean and germ-free.

Savio DeCruz, the council’s associate director for operations place, said: “E-scooters offer a sustainable zero emissions transport option in the borough between places of work and transport hubs which is fantastic as people gradually return to their lives.

“However, riders have to use them responsibly and are subject to the same laws as traditional vehicle drivers.”

George Symes, Neuron’s expansion manager, said: “Like everyone we’re excited for the lockdown to end and can’t wait for more people to have the opportunity to use our e-scooters.

“We look forward to helping people reconnect with their friends and families but it’s important that we all do everything we can to make sure that e-scooters continue to be used safely.

“We advise all new and existing riders to follow the rules and to ride responsibly. Now is the time to be enjoying new found freedoms rather than risking points on your licence or spending time in A&E.”

The e-scooters are not permitted to be ridden on pavements and must only be used on the road and only one rider per vehicle.

The year long e-scooter trial launched in October in specific areas of the borough and was expanded into Langley, Britwell and Wexham in March.

Rule breakers should be reported to Neuron’s 24/7 customer service centre with the exact time, location and licence plate number by emailing sloughsupport@neuron.sg or calling 01753 981188.

Journeys begin and end with the simple scanning of a QR code. For single trips it costs £1 to unlock the e-scooter and 18 pence per minute thereafter. More frequent users have the option to purchase Neuron passes on a subscription service, available for three days a week at a cost of £15, weekly at £22 and monthly at £36.

The e-scooters have a top speed of 15.5mph for experienced riders and a 9mph top speed for beginners.

Privately-owned electric scooters remain outlawed for use on any public path and road.

The Neuron e-scooter app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play where driving licence details and a payment card will be required before being allowed to ride an e-scooter.

A bus route has been extended to run into the evening and during the day on Sundays for the next three years after the council secured funding from the government.

Additions to the number 12 bus route are being provided by Thames Valley Buses after more than £79,000 was allocated by the Department for Transport.

The route runs from Brunel Way, Slough town centre, to High Street, Burnham, via Manor Park, Slough Trading Estate and Priory Estate.

The daytime Monday to Saturday number 12 bus route is provided by First in Berkshire & the Thames Valley whose tickets will be accepted on the route extension times.

The additional evening service between Monday and Friday leaves the town centre at 7.50pm, and the last bus from Burnham into the town centre leaving at 8.25pm.

On Saturdays the new additional bus leaves Slough town centre at 6.40pm and from Burnham back into the town centre at 7.15pm.

On Sundays, and most public holidays, buses now run once per hour from Brunel Way from 9.05am with the last bus leaving at 6.05pm. On the reverse of the route the first bus leaves Burnham at 9.40am and the last one at 6.40pm.

The extended timetable can be found at https://www.courtneybuses.com/new-route-12.

The council is funding the additional service over the next three years using £79,237 provided by the Department for Transport under the “A better deal for bus users” initiative announced in September 2019. Local authorities could bid for additional funding to improve current services or restore lost services where most needed.

Savio DeCruz, associate director for operations place, said: “A review of evening and Sunday bus services in the borough identified route 12 as one which would benefit from extended operating hours.

“First in Berkshire & the Thames Valley operates route 12 during the day from Mondays to Saturdays but there hasn’t been an evening or Sunday service for some years.

“A bid was put in and funds secured specifically for the extension of this service which is now up and running and ready for residents to make use of.”

“Thames Valley Buses are operating the new evening and Sunday service under contract to Slough Borough Council, and are charging the same fares as the daytime operators.”

The extended timetable will be routinely reviewed.

The planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon the last week can be viewed here - http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

The council has successfully secured £340,000 of funding to help with the ongoing financial support for our leisure operator Everyone Active.

The money is being granted by Sport England as part of its National Leisure Recovery Fund, which was launched in December 2020. The council applied for the revenue grant, which has been awarded as part of the £100m eligible to local authorities with outsourced leisure services, in January 2021.

Michael Shepherd, Leisure Development and Client Manager, Slough Borough Council said: “It’s been a challenging time and we are looking towards moving out of lockdown and reopening our fantastic leisure facilities in a safe and responsible way.

“This funding will play a significant part in helping us to do this and we want to extend a big thank you to Sport England for this valuable contribution, and to Luke Routhorn, Everyone Active’s contract manager and the rest of the Everyone Active team for working under tight timescales to provide the information required to secure the funding.

“We are looking forward to welcoming residents back to the facilities they need for leisure and exercise, which are vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle by supporting both physical and mental wellbeing, following what has been, and is currently, an extremely stressful time for us all.”

Luke Routhorn, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We’re very much looking forward to reopening our centres and welcoming back the local community.

“After being closed for three months, the latest step in the Government’s Roadmap is a positive move forward for the leisure industry and gives people of all ages the opportunity to resume activity and exercise in their leisure centre.

“Ensuring our colleagues and customers remain safe continues to be our number one priority and we have carefully considered the strict measurements to ensure we adhere to the guidance. We will be contacting all customers directly over the coming days regarding the centres reopening. We look forward to welcoming everyone back and thank them for their patience.”

“We are so grateful to Sport England and Slough Borough Council for continuing to support us and helping us to secure much-needed funding during these challenging times.”

Residents can find their nearest centre and more information about Everyone Active’s join now pay nothing until May gym membership offer which is available for a limited time only, by visiting https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/

Many two year olds go to an early years setting, some even get a free place. If your financial circumstances have changed due to Covid, your two year old could now be entitled to a free place.

Your child may be entitled to 15 hours per week free early education for 38 weeks per year or 11 hours for 50 weeks if you have a low household income. If you are in receipt of Child Tax & Working Tax Credit and have an annual income under £16,190 before tax, or receive Universal Credit: parents entitled to Universal Credit who have an annual net earned income equivalent to and not exceeding £15,400, you may be eligible.

Nurseries and childminders have adapted their settings to be Covid-secure. Including enhanced cleaning routines, twice weekly testing and smaller group sizes. Ratios for children and practitioners are 1:4 in group settings for 2 year olds and 1:3 in childminder settings and children have key workers to build positive attachments.

Accessing early education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, and supports children’s social and emotional development. Research from Effective Pre-School, Primary and Secondary Education (EPPSE) has shown children who had early years education gained higher English and mathematics GCSE results and were more likely to achieve five or more GCSEs at grades A*C. Children who had experienced high-quality pre-school education are also better at self-regulation and social behaviour.

You could take some time for yourself whilst your child has fun learning, perhaps take an adult learning course, catch up with friends or just have a cuppa! Although parents may have family at home that can provide one to one care for their child, research has shown that there is a huge importance on the home learning environment particularly in the development of early speech, language and communication. However along with the educational benefits of attending a high quality early years setting, children benefit most when they have a balance of the two. Children also do not have to take up the full 15 hours per week.

Michael Jarrett, Associate Director, Children and Families said “The government funded entitlement for 2 year old provision (for eligible families) is a huge commitment in supporting the educational outcomes for children across Slough. Slough’s early years providers including childminders provide high quality early education that supports the educational outcomes for children.

“Many families have already taken up their entitlement and their feedback confirms that their children really enjoy attending early education provision, and parents report that they have time to take up other pursuits including training, part time work or simply time for themselves. Every child that takes up a free place has the potential to achieve higher educational outcomes at the end of their GCSEs, and as a council we want every child to grow up to be happy, healthy and successful and therefore bright futures really do start in early years.”

Speak to your local provider or contact Slough Family Information Service for more information on

01753 476589, or visit https://www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk

Plants could be used as a natural flood prevention method in the borough after the council was granted government funding.

The council will use the grant to further investigate using specific fauna which can soak up significant amounts of water in areas where flooding could occur near the borough’s waterways.

Over the last 13 years there have been seven incidents of ground water flooding and flooding from Salt Hill Stream and Chalvey Ditches.

Natural havens of plants will act like sponges and soak up excess water. The plans also mean wildlife havens will be created encouraging biodiversity and areas for residents to enjoy.

Where the two waterways meet roads plants could be used on the verges to act in the same way.

In some strategic areas there could be underground tanks used to capture excess water which can be reused.

The proposal was put to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, DEFRA, which has initially provided £40,000 to investigate and further the project with the chance to bid for a £8million slice of £150million available for flood prevention. The council was one of 25 to be successful out of 79 local authorities which applied.

The council will be working in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council whose residents to the north of the waterways are liable to flooding, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Environment Agency, National Flood Forum, Thames Water and design, engineering and project management consultants Atkins Global.

The proposal will also incorporate working with community flood forums and residents who have first hand experience and knowledge of localised flooding similar to one based in Colnbrook. This will enable a joint effort to monitor the water levels creating an early flood warning system.

The project also proposes to expand the current pioneering Mayflower Smart City Platform where biotechnology will be able to inform the council of plant and ground saturation. Electricity created by the chemical reaction between the plants’ roots and water will be able to power devices which inform the council of the saturation levels. This will allow decisions to be made on where more plants or more measures need to go.

Savio De Cruz, associate director of operations place, said: “This is the first stage of an innovative six year project where we want to use nature, plants and trees, among other initiatives, to absorb water to such an extent it will minimise the risk of flooding to homes and businesses.

“While having the primary function of increasing flood risk resilience, many wider benefits will be seen.

“These include carbon reduction and sequestration, increased natural capital, social and health benefits, improvements to water and habitat quality, and flow regimes in watercourses, and contribution to existing local strategies.

“There will be multiple areas along the lengths of both Salt Hill Stream and Chalvey Ditches where this can be implemented which will also promote biodiversity and will be able to be enjoyed by residents.

“Where the streams cross roads plants can be used on verges to achieve similar results.

“In addition, the areas which would be the most affected due to flooding of these two water ways would impact some of the most vulnerable residents in the borough who are the least able to absorb the impact of any damage and displacement due to surface and river flooding.”

Remember, it is not rude to refuse letting a stranger into your home.

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed from 8pm on Friday 9 April until 6am Monday 12 April between junctions 6 Slough and 8/9 Maidenhead. The same section will also be closed overnight on Thursday 8 April from 9pm until 6am the following morning.

The westbound carriageway between junctions 5 Langley and 6 Slough will also be closed overnight from 9pm on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 April. Closure will be lifted by 6am the following morning.

There are a number of planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon in the last week. All can be viewed here - http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

Looking for something fun to do with the kids over the Easter break? There are loads of free online activities for children aged 5-16, running from 6-16 April through the HAF programme.

There is everything from music, arts and crafts, exercise sessions and song writing to question and answer sessions with athletes.

The full timetable is available at https://search3.openobjects.com/mediamanager/slough/services/files/holiday_activities_and_food_programme_easter_2021_timetable.pdf

You can online via Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-link-17181719988

Census 2021 field staff will continue to visit homes over the Easter weekend, even on Bank Holidays, to encourage those who have yet to fill in the survey, to do so.

They will be fully Covid compliant and will display a Census photo ID. They will not-

*go into a home

*ask for money or bank details

*knock before 9am or after 8pm.

Still not sure? Call 0800 141 2021

The support centre at the Pakistani Welfare Association will also be opening Monday to Friday 10.30am until 6pm and 10.30am until 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday including the Easter weekend.

The Easter Holiday means bin collection dates are slightly different which can be viewed here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/household-waste-collection/bank-holiday-collection-dates

From 1 April Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre operates its summer opening hours from 9am and 6pm each day. Last entry 15 minutes prior to closing. What can be brought to the centre and what cannot can be seen here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling/household-waste-recycling-centres/4?documentId=350&categoryId=20002

Getting out into the garden and giving it a spring clean? Why not think about requesting a green bin which is collected fortnightly - more information here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/household-waste-collection/garden-waste

A butchers and food shop has been fined thousands of pounds by magistrates after mouse droppings were found on the premises.

Slough Store and Halal Meat Ltd was closed on the spot during a routine council visit because of the immediate risk to public health.

The mouse droppings were found on the floor in several places, on food shelves and packaging as well as in boxes of fresh vegetables which were destined to be sold to customers.

During a sentencing hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court the company and the director and food business operator, Wajahat Hussain, were fined for allowing the pest infestation and not making sure the food which was sold was safe.

Magistrates were told during the hearing on Friday 26 March a council food safety team inspector visited the High Street store on 15 January last year.

The inspector saw there was an active mouse infestation resulting in actual contamination of food which put the health of the public at risk if they consumed it.

Given the seriousness of the situation, the business was formally closed immediately using a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice. This was converted to a Prohibition Order by Slough Magistrates’ Court on 20 January 2020.

The business re-opened a few days later once the mouse activity had been brought under control and food for sale was no longer at risk of being contaminated.

Mr Hussain and the business each admitted two offences under Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 for failing to ensure food was protected against any contamination liable to render it unfit for human consumption; and failing to ensure adequate procedures were in place to control pests.

Mr Hussain was fined £300 and the business was fined £2,600. In total both were ordered to pay £5000 costs and a victim surcharge of £380.

Andrew Clooney, the council’s regulatory services group manager, said: “Swift action had to taken to shut the butchers and shop due to the immediate risk to shoppers who used the store.

“Food shops have a duty to prevent pest infestations to keep their produce safe so customers can purchase and eat it in full confidence.

“If evidence of pests is found action must be taken to remedy it immediately.”

**Be quick

Department for Transport £50 Fix your Bike vouchers are now available by registering here - https://fixyourbikevoucherscheme.est.org.uk/

How the scheme works

Apply for a voucher of up to £50 on the Fix Your Bike website.

Find a Fix Your Bike Voucher Scheme-registered bike mechanic to repair your bike using the list of participating bike shops and mechanics.

Take your bike and voucher code to your nominated bike repair business, and receive £50 off the cost of the repair. You should be able to book an appointment online or over the phone so you can avoid making unnecessary trips in person, but check this with your chosen repairer.

Enjoy cycling again.

The Fix Your Bike Voucher Scheme has been set up to encourage more people to embrace cycling as a means of travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and beyond. Cycling is an excellent way to travel while maintaining social distancing.

The scheme aims to help increase the number of short journeys made by bike rather than private cars. This shift will have huge benefits for the climate, public health and wellbeing, road, congestion and air quality.

The council will be providing a school bus from Slough town centre to Churchmead School, Datchet, for the summer term from 19 April, after Thames Valley Buses, formerly Courtney Buses, 10A service is withdrawn this weekend.

Owing to the withdrawal of routes 10/10A/10S and 459, Thames Valley Buses is also withdrawing the evening and Sunday service on route 2 from Saturday 10 April.
Green line service provides an alternative route a between Slough on routes 702 and 703.

*Advanced warning

There are NO M4 motorway lane closures over the Easter weekend, from Friday 2 April until Wednesday 5 April.

Junction 6, Slough, eastbound entry slip road will be closed overnight on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 March from 9pm until 6am the following morning.

Junction 4b westbound link road to the M25 will be closed overnight tonight, Monday 29, Tuesday 30, Wednesday 31 March and Thursday 1 April 2021 from 9pm until 6am the following morning.