There are a number of planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon in the last week - all of which can be viewed here -

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

There are roles available at Slough Children's Services Trust and in some borough schools, all of which can be viewed here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

Slough Borough Council is ensuring children don’t go hungry over the Easter holidays by issuing free school meal vouchers to those eligible.

Children who receive free school meals or early year’s pupil premium can receive the vouchers. These will be given out via their school or early years setting, which can then claim back the cost from the council.

The vouchers of £15 a week per child will help cover the extra expense of feeding children, who receive free school meals, during the break. They are redeemable in a large variety of supermarkets and small shops including Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and McColl’s.

Michael Jarrett, Associate Director, Children and Families, said: “Times are tough right now for families, with many people’s employment hit hard by Covid. This extra support for families has proved invaluable during the winter months and I’m so pleased to see it continued to cover the Easter break.

“The easy to use vouchers are redeemable at so many places around Slough; it’s a really beneficial scheme for eligible families who see increased costs during the school holidays. The council is delighted it can help those most in need.”

The Winter Grant Scheme, funded by the Department for Education (DfE), was originally rolled out to cover the Christmas break and February half term, but recognising that costs spiral for families on low incomes during a break from school, these vouchers help to address that issue.

As well as voucher support, free virtual holiday clubs will also run during the Easter break.

The council is organising a variety of sessions, including healthy food and activities, for children who receive benefits-related free school meals. Eligible children can choose to attend and there will also be paying spaces available for other children to join if they don’t qualify for a free place.

The DfE has provided the grant funding to coordinate the free provision.

Find out more about holiday clubs at www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk - search Slough HAF Programme.

Residents who are over 50 can now book their vaccination jab themselves directly. Really easy to do online or on the phone by calling 119. Don't wait - book it up and get protected sooner.

School holidays can be particularly difficult for some families because of increased costs, such as food and childcare, and reduced incomes.

For some children that can lead to a holiday experience gap - with children from some families less likely to access organised out-of-school activities; more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health; and more likely to experience social isolation.

Free holiday clubs help with this issue and evidence suggests they can have a positive impact on children and young people and they work best when they provide consistent and easily accessible activities, for more than just breakfast or lunch, and when they involve children (and parents) in food preparation.

In Slough there are approximately 5,000 children eligible for free school meals. This year the Department for Education will be providing grant funding to coordinate free holiday provision - including healthy food and activities - for children who receive benefits-related free school meals. It will be optional for eligible children to attend this provision.

The holiday clubs will also be available to any children not eligible for free school meals, who can pay to attend.

Slough Borough Council is working with a range of providers (private, voluntary, independent, and charities) to offer places where children will be able to eat more healthily over the school holidays;

be more active and be safe and have fun.

Michael Jarrett, Associate Director, Children and Families, said: “This programme will be an amazing opportunity for all our children (not just those eligible for free school meals) during the school holidays to learn more about health and nutrition, eat well and get active with their peers. It will provide a safe place for them to play, enjoy and learn and reduce social isolation. Whilst delivered virtually through the Easter break we are hopeful that services will resume to face to face for the summer holiday programme which will cover four weeks.”

For more information visit: www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk and search holiday club.

Reminder letters will be sent out this week to those residents who forgot or couldn't fill in Census 2021 on Sunday. It is still possible, and a legal requirement, to fill it in by the end of April.

Below is a series of dates for people to get assistance, if they require it, to fill in the survey. For dates marked with an asterisk there will be help available in Urdu, Punjabi, Pahori, Hindi and Pashto.

This week the Office for National Statistics will also be deploying household teams in the borough to encourage those who have yet to fill in Census 2021 to do so. They will be fully Covid compliant and wearing PPE as well as displaying a Census photo ID and a lanyard.

If a resident is concerned whether the person knocking on their door is genuine they can contact the ONS direct.

But remember -

• Census officers will carry an ID card with their photograph and

name

• Census officers will work through the day to make contact

with residents but will not call before 9am or after 8pm

• Census officers will never ask for money or bank details

• Census officers will never need to enter someone’s home

• Census officers will have census leaflets and paper

questionnaires with them

• If the householder is still concerned contact for further advice

0800 141 2021

Slough resident Jon Taylor had spent the last 20 years working as a nightclub general manager, but once Covid hit and the nightclubs closed, things changed.

He found himself looking for a role in which he could use the skills he had acquired during his long career in hospitality.

Jon has cared on and off for his father who has Parkinson’s and terminal cancer and when he saw a vacancy for a Community Care Worker he knew he could help to make a difference to clients’ lives.

He said: “Coming out of my comfort zone has helped me to see we can help people in ways that I couldn’t see before. Not only physically, but by being there for someone when they need it the most. It’s about accepting different environments and providing dignity, choice and respect to people at all times.

“There aren’t many male care workers out there, but it’s a good job that can lead to further opportunities if that’s what you’re looking for.

“For me it’s important to ensure that the people I care for feel relaxed, happy and comfortable, while keeping as much of their independence as possible.”

Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, a spotlight has been shone on the amazing work of social care staff throughout our communities.

Local authorities and adult social care providers have worked together to ensure that despite all the challenges, there is a really strong local workforce to help those most in need to stay safe.

There are always great opportunities in the adult social care sector, whether for young people starting out in their careers or for those with valuable transferrable skills and experience from other industries who are wanting to make a positive career change.

Unlike other sectors that have been hit by the pandemic, there continue to be lots of job opportunities within adult social care in Berkshire. These include supporting older people who may be frail or have dementia, or people with learning disabilities or mental health problems. These job opportunities are in different settings, including supporting people in residential care or to remain living in their own homes. Some of these positions offer very flexible hours and suit people who may not want to work nine-to-five.

Sally Kitson, Strategy and Partnership Manager, Adult Social Care, said: “Working in adult social care really is a career that makes a difference to other people’s lives. It’s been highlighted throughout this pandemic how important carers are to our community and residents, and what a rewarding and flexible career it can be.”

Visit Berkshire Opportunities at www.berkshireopportunities.co.uk a website delivered by Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, to find out about live job vacancies, apprenticeships, Further Education and Post 16 courses and training opportunities, as well as local career path options, including adult social care opportunities.

Berkshire Opportunities is a free service helping local job seekers, students and residents to make informed career decisions, and it was designed to deal with challenges brought about by the Covid pandemic.

For more information on careers support and guidance please visit https://www.adviza.org.uk/ or https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

Slough Borough Council is working in partnership with other local councils, Jobcentre and Berkshire Opportunities on the Career to make a difference campaign.

Both carriageways of the M4 between junctions 6, Slough, and 5, Langley, will be closed from 5.30am on Saturday 27 March until 6am on Monday 29 March. The closure is for Highways England Smart motorway project.

The eastbound carriageway of the M4 between junctions 6, Slough, and junction 5, Langley, will be closed from 9pm on Friday 26 March until the full carriageway closure the following morning.

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed between junction 5, Langley, to 4b with the M25, between 9pm and 6am the following morning tonight Monday 22 and each night until Thursday 25 March.

The westbound carriageway of the M4 between junctions 4b, with the M25, and 5 Langley will be closed from 9pm on Friday 26 March and 6am the following morning.

The clocks spring forward this weekend and it's a timely reminder to assess home security.

With warmer weather on the way remember to close and lock windows and doors when going out.

Sheds and garages can become a target in the spring and summer with the top five items stolen being bikes, mowers, sports equipment, power and garden tools.

Lots of good advice and tips here - https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/.

It's also a good time to test smoke alarm batteries to keep your family safe. Take a look at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service's smoke alarm tips here - https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your.../safety-at-home/smoke-alarms/.

There are a number of planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon in the last week. They can all be viewed here -

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

An underused piece of land in Langley is set to become a nature haven as trees and flowers are to be planted and walkway created to explore it.

The beautified area will be created as part of the Slough Urban Forest which has been created from Urban Tree Challenge Fund where thousands of trees have been planted in the borough.

This was made possible after securing £500,000 from the Forestry Commission more than a year ago which was match funded by the council creating a £1million fund.

Many trees have already been planted in 31 locations across 13 wards which will reach a total of 9,051 over four years. The borough was just one of 13 local authorities to awarded funds.

The forest planting will be the catalyst to fund and develop the Hawker Hill field and recreation area in front of Linden House, where the council working with housing association Abri, and behind Foxborough Primary School.

As part of the initiative the land will be cleared of rubbish and fly-tipping and a boardwalk path created through the woodland and a wildflower labyrinth as well as a number of trees.

There is also the potential for multi-generational playground equipment and a clearer path around the field.

As part of the development there is the possibility of installing a memorial to mark the historical significance of Hawker Hill.

Residents who have any knowledge to share about the connection of Hawker Hill and Langley which might be fitting for the memorial to mark the historical context, are being asked to get in touch.

Cllr Rob Anderson, lead member for sustainable transport and the environment, said: “Taking an area which has seen better days and turning it into a place where people can spend time is a great way to get maximum benefit from the Urban Forest.

“This is not only going to look better but the benefits from planting these trees will be felt for generations to come.

“If we can get a memorial and people sharing their knowledge of the area that is even better.”

The trees due to be planted across the borough 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 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.

The main aim of the forest is to improve air quality, improve carbon capture, provide education and training opportunities and increase biodiversity.

To share history any memories of Hawker Hill for a memorial please email utcf@slough.gov.uk

Taxi and private hire drivers will get the chance to test electric vehicles to encourage them to switch after the council received funding from the government.

Over the next two years some drivers will be able to have a trial period testing an electric vehicle, be given incentives to change to an electric vehicle, and be the centre of an awareness campaign of the benefits.

The increase in the number of electric vehicles on the road replacing high mileage taxis and private hire vehicles, could also have a positive impact on air quality too.

The council has been awarded £370,035 from the Defra Air Quality Grant Fund towards an electric taxi and private hire vehicle demonstration project.

The project is linked to the £157,500 already awarded by the Office for Zero Emission’s Ultra Low Emission Taxi Infrastructure Scheme to install seven rapid electric vehicle charge points in the borough for taxi priority use. They will be installed in the 2021/22 financial year.

The entire project is designed to assist the borough’s taxi and private drivers to make the transition to Ultra Low Emission Vehicles by 2025. This will then comply with the Slough vehicle licensing emission standards.

Fifty drivers will have the opportunity to use electric vehicles for up to 90 days to experience driving them in a professional capacity.

Other ways drivers will be encouraged to switch includes providing grants to new and existing electric car users towards operating costs to offset the initial higher outlay compared to traditional fuel vehicles.

There will also be a significant amount of work carried out to examine routes and the mileage of 25 licensed vehicles and compare it to costs and emissions of electric vehicles. The results will be shared with those drivers and also anonymised and shared with the borough’s taxi and private hire community to demonstrate the real benefits of switching to zero emission vehicles.

Cllr Rob Anderson, lead member for sustainable transport and the environment, said: “We are particularly pleased to have won this grant which will compliment our existing project and provide additional much needed support to our local taxi and private hire drivers.

“We will use this funding to demonstrate the feasibility, viability and affordability of owning an electric vehicle along with the availability of new electric charging infrastructure.

“Through these initiatives during the 22-month long programme, drivers will be able to get real world experience of running an electric vehicles with all the advantages and benefits before committing to full ownership.

“Not only do we expect there to be advantages to drivers using these cars but also massive advantages to the air quality all over the borough.”

The project is part of the council’s Low Emission Strategy programme aimed to improve air quality and health outcomes across the borough by reducing vehicle emissions through the accelerated uptake of cleaner fuels and technologies.

The government is accelerating the shift to Zero Emission Vehicles and has brought forward the ban on sale of new cars and vans exclusively powered by petrol and diesel to 2030, 10 years earlier than originally planned.

The council’s Low Emission Strategy programme will help to prepare residents and businesses ready for the 2030 deadline.

There are roles available at Slough Children's Services Trust and in some schools. All the vacancies here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

A new community initiative is searching for more enthusiastic people to join them.

The recently launched Chalvey Community Partnership includes a group of community representatives who are dedicated to making things happen for Chalvey, as well as the council, Thames Valley Police, East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group, community groups and various other partners.

The aims and objectives of the group are to work in the interest of the community of Chalvey, focusing on key issues ranging from health and wellbeing, to housing and regeneration and community safety.

Mohammed Ahmed, Chairperson of Chalvey Community Partnership, said: “I am excited to be working with passionate individuals and groups who are committed to making a real change in Chalvey. We hope to work to develop a safer, stronger, and more resilient community through working together and taking ownership.”

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The strength of a community is in its people. This is a fantastic group which offers local people a real chance to be heard and to make suggestions to improve things now and in the future.”

As part of the launch, a competition is running for young people to design a logo for the group and win some prizes. There are two groups for the competition ages 4 plus and 11 plus, the logo will need to have either the words Chalvey Community Partnership or CCP in it – colours and design can be as creative as you want! Please email chalveycommunitypartnership@gmail.com for a logo competition submission form. The closing date for the competition is 2 April, with the winner and runners up selected by the committee.

The partnership is looking for new members to join or for any volunteers who may be interested in contributing in anyway. You can sign up at chalveycommunitypartnership@gmail.com

Don’t forget to follow on social media to get the latest news, information or to keep in touch – visit the Facebook page - Chalvey Community Partnership or Instagram @chalveycp and Twitter @ChalveyCP.

The trial of e-scooters in the borough expands today (Thurs) to include Langley, Wexham and Britwell.

The year long e-scooter trial launched in October in specific areas of the borough and in just five months 10,000 people have signed up to ride. Collectively the riders have covered 100,000km.

Run by partners and e-scooter experts Neuron Mobility Ltd, an additional 200 distinctive orange vehicles will be brought into the borough linking more areas with each other, public transport hubs and the town centre.

As the country continues to come out of lockdown and residents are given the option to return to work or be able to get out and about more, the e-scooters can offer a safe, socially distanced and zero emissions transport option.

Slough riders who have been surveyed revealed 60 per cent of trips taken were combined with public transport and 40 per cent of trips had directly replaced a car journey.

During the pandemic lockdowns Neuron has issued hundreds of free passes to NHS and emergency workers in the borough as well as council social care workers.

The care team regularly clean and sanitise the e-scooters and the on-vehicle helmets with hospital grade disinfectant to protect users as well as providing regular in-app reminders for riders to wash their hands.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for sustainable transport and the environment, said: “We are delighted so many people have taken the opportunity to use this zero emission form of transport.

“So much so it is viable for the scheme to expand into more communities giving more residents another way to get around.

“As the country takes steps to come out of lockdown there is a chance to do things differently than before – maybe using an e-scooter instead of the car could be one of them.”

Zachary Wang, CEO of Neuron Mobility, said: “After a successful five month trial period so far, we are delighted to be expanding our riding area in and around Slough, to provide more residents with a safe socially-distanced transport option.

“We have been proud to support the council with their Covid-19 response effort, and by expanding our fleet and riding area, we hope to continue to support the community.

“Safety is our top priority, it dictates our e-scooter design and also the way we operate them. Our e-scooters are packed with cutting-edge safety features and our safety course and riding guidelines have been co-developed with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the UK’s leading accident prevention charity.”

The expansion to the trial has been approved by the Department of Transport and the e-scooters can only be used on roads, in bus lanes, and in on road cycle lanes.

They are not permitted to be used on pavements.

Riders have to be aged over 18 years old and hold a provisional or full driving licence to be permitted to rent an e-scooter.

Failure to adhere to these rules may result in a criminal prosecution and points on the rider’s driving licence.

Rule breakers should be reported to the Neuron’s 24/7 customer service centre with the exact time, location and licence plate number.

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.

Residents are being advised to be aware of potential dangers hidden in beauty products which could cause nasty infections because they have not been used during the pandemic lockdowns.

This month sees a full calendar year since the beginning of the pandemic where the movement of people was restricted and many people were told to stay safe at home and not go to into their offices.

The pathway out of lockdown has been revealed and as residents look to get back to some normality, bacteria could be lurking and active ingredients degenerated in products which have been opened and unused.

Products are required by law to have a symbol on them which indicates the period of time a product should be used up in, once opened.

The symbol is a tub with an open lid and has the number of months within which the product should be used - much like a best before date on some food products.

The period of time is linked to the potency of the active ingredients in the product which might not work as well after the period.

The most dangerous of which can be sun lotion’s ingredients which may not give the protection expected and could lead to sunburn.

Make-up applicators used in products such as mascara could harbour bacteria leading to eye infections and bacteria from fingers dipped in lotions and then not used can multiply and cause irritation is used.

Russell Denney-Clarke, interim trading standards manager, said: “There are open used products lurking in the bottom of make-up bags and in cosmetic or bathroom cupboards which can become breeding grounds for bacteria.

“When using products again after a long period or after the expiry of the product, the bacteria can lead to irritation of skin and eye infections.

“But the most concerning is sun lotion where children and adults need protection from the sun. This could be compromised which can lead to lifelong skin damage and other serious consequences.

“Just be aware of the symbols on everyday products and understand what they mean to get the best out of them.

“If you are not sure how long the product hasn’t been used, don’t risk it and bin it.

“If it still has the dregs at the bottom, empty it into the bin, rinse the packaging see if the packaging can be recycled.

“Any unopened cosmetic products can still be safe even after a number of years hidden in the back of the cupboard. Just be aware if you have dipped your fingers in or dabbed an application brush or wand on your face, then there is a possibility of infection.”

The Census Support Centre at the Pakistan Welfare Association is now making appointments to help people fill in the once in a decade survey.

It is open Monday to Friday 10.30am and 2.30pm and between 11am and 4pm at the weekends.

Book an appointment by calling 01753 821003

In addition the Office for National Statistics helpdesk has added 572 extra lines for support and can be called on 0800 141 2021

.
For further language support call 0800 587204

.
Requests for paper copies of the form 0800 8766276 however, residents will need to have the digital code that has been posted to them.

Last week we shared the heartbreaking reality of a mother whose son was stabbed to death which can be read here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/article/56/mother-s-heartbreaking-knife-crime-message.

Like Mohammed, the majority of Slough's young people do not carry a knife nor do they want to.

This week we are going to share the murals created by the towns young people via Aik Saath and the Slough Violence Task Force.

#dropit #peace #knifefree

Sunday is Census 2021 day a once in a decade survey.

It is important to fill it in for a number of reasons including how healthcare provision is determined.

Letters with a unique 16-digit code for your household should have arrived, or will imminently.

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed between junctions 7, Slough west, and 6, Slough, from 8pm on Friday 19 March until 6am on Monday 22 March.

The eastbound exit slip road and the westbound entry slip road at junction 6, Slough, continue to be closed 24/7 until Monday 22 March.

The eastbound entry slip road at junction 7, Slough west, will be closed overnight on Tuesday 16 March from 9pm until 6am.

All closures are linked to Highways England Smart motorway project.

There is help out there to change behaviours. Is this the time you take it?

There are a number of planning applications which have been decided upon and submitted in the past week. They can all be found here -

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

There are a number of roles at the Slough Children's Services Trust and at some schools which can be viewed here -

https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

There are a number of sessions put on by the Office for National Statistics to help people who need it, to fill in the census. Those dates and time with a asterix means help will be available for Urdu, Punjabi and Pahari, Hindu and Pashto.

A grieving mother’s tears, sobs, and cries as she recalls the moment she saw her son dying on the pavement transcends any language.

Shabnum Ashraq said she was in denial as she watched police and paramedics surround her 18-year-old son trying to save his life after he had been stabbed in the back.

She pleaded with them to put his clothes back on believing he was getting cold after being injured in a car accident not comprehending what was actually happening.

But the realisation her cherished son had been stabbed to death just yards from their front door flooded into her reality the following day and continues to affect her family’s everyday lives.

Mrs Ashraq has bravely taken the decision to talk about her son’s murder to try persuade other young people not to be tempted to carry a knife on behalf of the Slough Violence Taskforce. This is despite it still being an extremely emotional time for the family, just a year after the killing.

Speaking through an Urdu interpreter, the 44-year-old said: “The ultimate aim of speaking up is to change things.

“Mohammed was a unique child. He was helpful, not just to me but to his grandmother, his father and siblings, in the kitchen and other area of our everyday lives.

“He was studying for his A Levels and he wanted to go on and study further to become and aeronautical engineer.

“The last time we spoke was in the kitchen I was with him and his siblings and he had just won a boxing bout. He had a medal and we were congratulating him about it.

“The doorbell rang and he went out. I had an uneasy feeling about it, an instinct, and I began to pray and recite verses form the Qur'an.”

Moments later there was a knock at their family’s front door telling them Mohammed was hurt. His sister was the first on the scene as emergency services tried to save her brother.

He was taken to hospital after being stabbed with a large hunting-style knife on January 4 last year but died a short time later.

Mohammed Hussain, of Benjamin Lane, Slough, was convicted of murder and jailed for life with a minimum of 19 years after a trial at Reading Crown Court last summer. He was 18 years old at the time.

A second teenager was acquitted of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter after a two trials which concluded in November last year.

Mrs Ashraq and her family had to move away from the home they shared with Mohammed shortly after the traumatic events in Benjamin Lane. They were unable to live with the horror which unfolded nearby and with the perpetrators family also living very close.

Serious health problems have compounded losing Mohammed and Mrs Ashraq said her life, his father's, grandmother's and siblings would never be the same.

Mrs Ashraq said: “Knives such as the one used on Mohammed should not be allowed to be brought into the country.

“We are aggrieved the second boy was not convicted and we still don’t understand why.

“But we feel justice has been done with the person who stabbed Mohammed.

“These young people must look at the sentence this person got and realise this is what could happen – the end of a good person’s life and their own.”

Mrs Ashraq’s painful story is being highlighted by the Slough Violence Taskforce, which was established in October 2019 to coordinate partners including the local authority, police, health services, schools, and the voluntary sector. This ensures a focused, evidence based response to serious violence within the borough.

The taskforce works to identify gaps in services and to support and develop interventions that tackle the root causes of violence. It works with partners to build upon resources which already exist, enabling long term sustainability of solutions. Working with partners supports engagement with communities to understand social and environmental problems. The taskforce then supports the design of interventions to support those communities.

For further information, support, and help if there are concerns about a child or young person in Slough in relation to knife crime, violence or exploitation, please contact Slough Children's Services Trust on 01753 875362, Monday to Friday, between 9am-5pm. For emergencies outside these hours call the Emergency Duty Team on 01344 786543. There is also more information here https://www.scstrust.co.uk/referral.

Help is also available from the Family Information Service on 01753 476589 and via the website by visiting www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk/.

If you are a child or young person, whatever your worry, non-judgemental help is available from Childline on 0800 1111. Calls are free and won't show on a phone bill. Help is also available through online chat or via email. Visit https://www.childline.org.uk for more information.

If in immediate danger please call the police on 999.

Safe Spaces are open in Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and Well pharmacies as well as many independent pharmacies across the UK. If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, you can use Safe Spaces to call a helpline, support service or loved one. More info and a really useful safe space locator tool here - uksaysnomore.org/safespaces

A headteacher is encouraging her pupils and their parents to walk, cycle or scoot to and from school as it becomes the borough’s second primary to take part in the School Streets initiative.

Two roads in the immediate vicinity of Pippins Primary School and Pre-School , in Colnbrook, will be closed for an hour at the beginning and end of the school day. The closures will allow children to travel to and from school more safely as well as encouraging active travel.

Tracy Ball, Pippins Primary School headteacher, has been working with the council’s sustainable transport Better by team to implement the changes. The school has regularly had parents recounting near misses between children and cars, which she hopes will stop with the School Streets initiative.

Mrs Ball said: “I hope parents and carers will take the opportunity to walk, cycle or scooter to school not only giving them time to talk with the children but to get active as well.

“I think it will also give me the time to be the headteacher in the morning and welcome the children to school and talk to parents rather than keeping an eye out for what vehicles are doing and whether there is going to be an accident.

“We also hope the messages we get from the school’s neighbours who complain of cars parking inappropriately will stop as well.”

A barrier manned by trained marshalls will be placed at the entrance to Raymond Close keeping it and The Hawthorns car free for an hour each morning and afternoon, only during term time.

Residents of both roads will be able to come and go as they please and will have been issued permits to allow access.

Schools Streets at Pippins began this week as children were permitted to return to school after the coronavirus lockdown. The additional space was anticipated to assist with the continued social distancing required.

Navroop Mehat, headteacher at Wexham Court Primary, Church Lane, Wexham, has first hand experience of the benefits of the School Streets scheme having taken part in the first trial in the borough late last year.

She said: “Since the road closure, the morning drop off is delightful. We all love being on the gates, the parents and children feel safe. In fact, they run up the road to get into school. It is just so lovely. My time is now spent, welcoming the pupils into school and responding to any parents, as it should be.

“During the pick up at the end of the day, we have an organised system, where children and families can safely distance and walk home. They use the actual road to do this, which means they do not need to mix with anybody who is queuing. Our families and children feel safe! They have said this so many times. It is calm, parents and pupils are calm, because they now walk to school rather than a drive by with children jumping out into road with moving cars.”

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for sustainable transport and the environment, said: “This was a really exciting pilot last year and now we have more schools taking part which is great news.

“The Schools Streets initiative is about making the roads safer for children as they get to school and for those children getting more active at the same time. This not only has positive effect on their health and wellbeing but has been proven to benefit their concentration, and therefore learning, in the classroom.”

In addition, the reduction of traffic around could improve the quality of air around the schools taking part in the initiative.

***Advanced warning***

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed between junction 7, Slough west and 6, Slough, from 8pm Friday 12 March until 6am Monday 15 MArch.

The eastbound exit slip road ad the westbound entry slip road at junction 6, Slough, will be closed 24/7 until 22 March.

Diversions will be sign posted.

All closures are for Highways England Smart motorway work.

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

Census 2021 letters are arriving.

The Office for National Statistics is sending out letters to every household with individual access codes so the once-a-decade survey can be filled in online. It's the first digital census.

More here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/.../45/census-2021-for-slough

Bus timetables are changing from Monday as students return to school after the lockdown.

Routes returning to a Monday to Friday timetable include -

*Thames Valley Buses routes 2, 5, 10/10A/10S, 15, and 459

*Green Line from Reading Buses, route 703

*Redline route 335

*TfL route 81.

Please check before travel with your bus operator.

There are a number of roles available in the borough's schools and in the Slough Children's Services Trust which all can he seen here

-
https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

Don't miss out!

Time is running out to put in a claim for one of government grants open to the retail, hospitality and leisure industry businesses affected by the lockdowns from November 2020 to date.

Most of the borough’s businesses which qualify have already applied and secured their grant.

The council does not want any qualifying business to lose out as the deadline of 31 March approaches.

There could be as many as 300 business which are yet to apply, despite being contacted and reminded of their legal right to claim.

We are urging retail, hospitality and leisure business owners to look at their emails even though their business is closed.

They should have received an email which contains a link to the application pages on the council website.

The council is also attempting to contact 150 businesses by phone to encourage owners to make applications.

At no point will the business be asked to pay any money to access the grant and the link to the relevant application forms can be independently found on the Slough Borough Council website.

The deadline for all grants from November to 15 February 2021 is 31 March.

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For grants relating to the lockdown relating to 15 February to 31 March 2021 the deadline to apply is 31 May, 2021.

However, if you have already applied for a related grant in lockdown’s from November onwards you will automatically receive the newest tranche of money.

For more information about all the grants visit https://www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates/1

UK SAYS NO MORE is a campaign delivered by council partner Hestia to raise awareness and end domestic abuse and sexual violence across the UK. The week deliberately coincides with International Women's Day this year on Monday 8th March and we need your help!

In honour of the week, get ready to fundraise through a virtual fun run! Whether you love a carefree jog in your local green space, or a powerful sprint on the treadmill, this one's for you. Lace up your trainers and get active to eliminate domestic abuse. You have the whole week to complete your run on the route, day and time that works best for you.

For more information and to sign up visit https://www.hestia.org/event/no-more-week-2021

The Mayor of Slough, Cllr Preston Brooker, was today given his first dose of the Coronavirus vaccine at the Salt Hill Park vaccination centre.

Cllr Brooker said he was immensely grateful to the staff and the volunteers at the centre who made the process quick and painless.

He said: “I would encourage everyone to go and get the vaccine when they receive their call up. It is the best way to make themselves and loved ones around them safe.”

***Travel warning***

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed this weekend between junctions 5, Langley, and 6, Slough, from 8pm on Friday 5 until 6am on Monday 8 March 2021. A diversion will be in place utilising the A355 and the A4.

The eastbound exit slip road and the westbound entry slip road at junction 6, Slough, will be closed 24/7 until Monday 22 March 2021.

The M4 will be closed in both directions overnight between junctions 5, Langley, and 6, Slough, tonight Monday 1, Tuesday 2 and Thursday 4 March 2021. Clearly signed diversions will be in place utilising the A355 and the A4.

All work is for Highways England smart motorway work.

There are a number of planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon in the past week. All can be viewed here -

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

We carry our lives around with us on our mobile phones and they can be one of our most expensive possessions.

Some would be completely lost without their personal devices.

And sometimes we use them when out and about and forget how valuable it actually is and who else might want to get their hands on our electrical devices.

Thieves can be watching and waiting for that momentary lapse in concentration when we are distracted by what is on the phone and they will literally snatch it out of our hands.

* Be discreet when using the phone

* Pay attention to your surroundings as well as what is on the phone

*Be aware of putting the phone down in shops or places to eat, pop in in a pocket or you bag until you are finished.

Make is harder for thieves to make you and your possessions a target.

There are a number of roles available at Slough Children's Services Trust and roles with Office for National Statistics for the upcoming Census2021. Take a look here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

Official mail drops have started telling residents about the Office for National Statistics Census 2021.

Creating a snapshot of society on one day (21 March), once every 10 years, Census 2021 will help shape our future and will reveal the past to future generations.

This will be the first census primarily completed online.

More information at census.gov.uk

We have been made aware of several scams circulating where residents could be contacted by phone, letter or email purporting to offer council tax refunds.

Fraudsters are taking advantage of the time of year when residents will be receiving information about the upcoming year's council tax requirements.

Please be cautious of any communication which claims to be from the government as it does not oversee council taxes.

Tell tell signs of a scam are spelling mistakes, a long unfamiliar senders email, and asking for bank details.

Be cautious.

A restaurant and takeaway has been fined by magistrates for food hygiene breaches after an investigation was launched when a customer reported becoming ill from eating their food.

Damasecene, on the High Street, Slough, was fined for having unsafe food available to be served when visited by inspectors.

Food and safety team inspectors also found other high risk food was kept at the wrong temperatures allowing dangerous bacteria to grow. There was also inadequate cleaning of preparation equipment and utensils.

The council was contacted by a resident who became unwell and suspected the Damascene meal was the cause.

The food and safety team visited the restaurant and took samples of food for examination. The team found bulk quantities of cooked rice which was not cooled down correctly and was not kept at the right temperature allowing potentially harmful bacteria to grow. There was also evidence of cross contamination between raw and cooked food.

The restaurant was given zero out of five stars in a visit on 15 August 2019, due to the poor findings which were also found on a repeat visit a month later. As a result two Hygiene Improvement Notices were served in September 2019.

Samples of food from the restaurant were sent to Public Health England which stated they were indicative of some major food safety failings and presented a significant public health risk.

Derar Belel, who owns Damas Rose Limited which trades as Damascene, admitted a total of 17 food hygiene breaches from 15 August and 17 September 2019, during a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 12 February.

Magistrates fined Damas Rose Ltd £4,000, ordered it to pay £5,000 towards the council’s costs and a £181 victim surcharge. Mr Belel was fined £175 and ordered to pay a £32 victim surcharge.

The court heard Mr Belel had commissioned a food consultant to advise the business and employees on best practice. This was observed during an inspection in November 2019, leading to the decision both Hygiene Improvement Notices had been complied with.

Mr Belel had also completed The Safer Food Better Business Catering pack and all food handlers were trained in the Safe Methods.

Magistrates said they were pleased the business had made significant improvements but could not ignore the fact customers could have been made unwell as a result of the unsafe food found by council inspectors.

Mr Belel told the court mistakes had been made and he and the restaurant had worked hard to improve their food hygiene rating which is now four out of five stars. He said it had lost 60 per cent of its business due to the pandemic.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “Residents need to be confident the food they purchase from the borough’s food premises is safe.

“On this occasion unsafe food was found for sale and standards were not satisfactory at the business.

“The food and safety team are there to offer advice and help for businesses who want to check they are carrying out safe and correct procedures. Business owners have a legal and moral responsibility to comply with the law.

“We would encourage all businesses to follow the advice and recommendations they are given by the food and safety team. This will help them be the best they can and prevent customers becoming ill and any subsequent legal proceedings.

“We hope other food establishments are aware of the consequences for not complying with food hygiene standards.”

Time is running out to put in a claim for one of government grants open to the retail, hospitality and leisure industry businesses affected by the lockdowns from November 2020 to date.

Most of the borough’s businesses which qualify have already applied and secured their grant.

The council does not want any qualifying business to lose out as the deadline of 31 March approaches.

There could be as many as 300 business which are yet to apply, despite being contacted and reminded of their legal right to claim.

We are urging retail, hospitality and leisure business owners to look at their emails even though their business is closed.

They should have received an email which contains a link to the application pages on the council website.

The council is also attempting to contact 150 businesses by phone to encourage owners to make applications.

At no point will the business be asked to pay any money to access the grant and the link to the relevant application forms can be independently found on the Slough Borough Council website.

The deadline for all grants from November to 15 February 2021 is 31 March.

********

For grants relating to the lockdown relating to 15 February to 31 March 2021 the deadline to apply is 31 May, 2021.

However, if you have already applied for a related grant in lockdown’s from November onwards you will automatically receive the newest tranche of money.

For more information about all the grants visit https://www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates/1

London's new ultra low emissions zone bus requirements has led to the Redline Buses 583 service being replaced by two separate services from Monday 1 March.

The new 83 will run between Hedgerley, Harrow Market, Langley, Slough, Wexham Park Hospital and George Green, between Monday to Saturday and will be run by Redline Buses.

Carousel buses will run the 583 linking Richings Park/Iver Heath, Iver & Uxbridge Monday to Friday.

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed overnight from 9pm between junctions 5, Langley, and 6, Slough, on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 February 2021. Clearly signed diversions will be in place utilising the A355 and the A4.

The eastbound entry slip road at junction 7 will be closed overnight from 9pm on Monday 22, Tuesday, 23 and Wednesday 24 February 2021

The eastbound exit slip road at junction 7, will be closed overnight from 9pm on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 February 2021.

There are a number planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon in the last week. They can all be viewed here -

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

A landlord who built unlawful extensions to a family home and squeezed up to 14 people into the rooms has forfeited the rent he was paid in a planning enforcement prosecution.

Jagtar Phagura created five bedrooms in extensions built without planning permission and filled them with renters as part of a house in multiple occupation, a HMO.

A judge has ordered the 64-year-old to forfeit the rents he earned, more than £109,000, within three months or spend 18 months in jail. He was also ordered to pay a £18,000 fine.

The confiscation hearing at Reading Crown Court was told Mr Phagura was the landlord and owner of a property in Mirador Crescent, Upton Lea, which was purchased as a three bedroomed home covering two floors.

In 2015 the property was extended to the side and rear, as well as a loft conversion, without the relevant planning permissions creating a further five bedrooms over three floors.

Each of the eight rooms could be rented out by single people or couples and in some cases just a bed was rented to tenants. In some rooms there were three beds and 14 people were found living in the end of terrace property.

The owner failed to act after receiving correspondence from the council’s planning enforcement team. Subsequently, a Planning Enforcement Notice was issued in August 2015 which required the unauthorised building work be demolished within three months.

However, Mr Phagura did not comply with the statutory notice and continued to collect rent from people living in the rooms in the unlawful extensions at the property.

Mr Phagura was prosecuted by the council and he admitted failing to comply with the planning enforcement notice contrary to Section 179(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 at Reading Magistrates’ Court in November 2019.

As of September 2020 retrospective planning permission was granted for two of the previous five rooms in the extended part of the house.

The council’s corporate fraud team pursued Mr Phagura for the profits he made from renting out the five bedrooms in the unlawful extensions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

He appeared at Reading Crown Court on Thursday 11 February and the judge authorised a Confiscation Order of £109,273.16 , calculated as rent he earned from the five rooms in the unlawful addition.

Mr Phagura, of Hewett Lane, Hook, Hants., was also ordered to pay a £18,000 fine and the council’s costs of £13,150.

The judge gave him three months to pay or spend 18 months in jail. He will still have to pay back to proceeds even if he does go to jail.

Councillor Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “There is no room in the borough for landlords who do not have the correct planning permissions and make money from unlawful developments.

“We welcome the judges ruling and it indicates to others we will take similar matters extremely seriously.”

***M4 closure warning***

Both carriageways of the M4, between junctions 5, Langley, and 4b where it meets the M25, will be closed this weekend from 8pm on Friday 19 February and 6am on Monday 22 February.

Overnight closures

The eastbound carriageway of the M4 between junctions 6, Slough, and 5, Langley, will be closed between 9pm and 6am each night this week, starting tonight Monday 15 February and up to and including Thursday 18 February.

There are a number of planning applications which have been registered and decided upon in the last week and they can all be viewed here -

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

A chicken takeaway where congealed fat was found in a drain gully, raw and cooked food were stored together and mould was growing around sinks, has been fined by magistrates for food hygiene regulation breaches.

Fat and encrusted food debris was found on the cooker, in the filter system, on preparation surfaces and on storage shelves at Peri Peri Original, the High Street, Slough.

Health and hygiene regulations were also breached by having heavily contaminated raw meat marinades spilled on food containers as well as the fridge handle ingrained with old food.

Inspectors found the area used for washing up was surrounded by dirty walls, the sink was covered in mould and dirt with only had cold water supplying it, as well as a broken window nearby. There was also only cold water for the staff sink where employees washed their hands and they had nothing to dry them with.

Staff were observed not changing aprons between preparing raw and cooked food, and food was stored and refrigerated incorrectly leading to the possibility of cross contamination.

The council’s Food and Safety Team first raised concerns about the cleanliness and lack of food safety controls to Bilal Sarfraz who was running the premises in July 2019 during a routine food hygiene visit.

Justices of the Peace sitting at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 22 January heard the council team made a follow up visit in October 2019 and no significant changes had been made to clean or make things safer. As a result Food Hygiene Notices were served on H&A Food Chain Ltd, which owned the business, and Mr Sarfraz who was in charge of its day to day operation. All were complied with within six weeks.

Mr Sarfraz admitted a total of 15 food and hygiene breaches from 22 July and 31 October 2019 during the court appearance. He also admitted nine food and hygiene offences from 31 October 2019 on behalf of the company H&A Food Chain Ltd.

Mr Sarfraz was sentenced to a 12 month long community order, required to undertake 120 hours of unpaid work and given 15 days of rehabilitation activity. He was ordered to pay £1000 towards the council’s costs and a victim surcharge of £90.

H&A Food Chain Ltd was ordered to pay a £8,000 fine and costs of £8,000.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation said: “These were serious food hygiene breaches which could have lead to serious illness of one of their customers who chose to order food from the takeaway.

“There are simple basic hygiene standards for businesses involved in food preparation and this company fell far below what is expected.

“Not to have hot water or drying facilities for staff to wash their hands is rudimentary; to store food items like chicken and rice at the right temperature when they are high risk foods requires basic food knowledge.

“Then to have the preparation area very dirty with old food, broken floor surfaces, windows and doors which did not keep pests out, just all add up to failing which we are pleased magistrates took extremely seriously.

“Food businesses need to know our food and safety team will work with businesses to get their premises up to high standards residents should expect.”

The takeaway has subsequently closed.