Our support for #WhiteRibbonDay on 25 Nov to end gender based violence continued with 16 days of action highlighting various forms of abuse and most importantly how people in abusive relationships and their friends, employers and family, can get help. There is hope.

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

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

Unexpected challenges this year are due to pressures from lockdowns, job & financial insecurity and relationship tension. But it's never acceptable to take it out on family. Changes can be made and help is out there through Respect on 0808 802 4040 or respectphoneline.org.uk

There was a great response to the Cycas Hospitality Moxy Hotels vacancies with 180 people getting through the second stage of the interview process. Good luck! The council is still helping to recruit temporary staff to help with the Office for National Statistics Census coming in March next year. More here -

https://www.slough.gov.uk/general-vacancies

Twelve brand new homes will soon be rented out to families on the housing register after the council redeveloped a large working man’s club into much needed social housing.

The spacious three-bedroomed properties have been built to a high standard to accommodate six member families.

Four properties comprise of two storey homes in a cul-de-sac with private gardens and parking, and the other eight homes are three-storey town houses with parking for two cars.

The stylish properties have been built on land where the large Britwell Ex Servicemen’s club stood in Wentworth Avenue, Britwell.

As part of the new development a modern club has been built with floor to ceiling doors which open out into a large garden. A kitchen, beer cellar, office and toilets have been included for the patrons of the new club house.

The homes are ready to move in to and so will now be matched with people on the housing register.

The town houses comprise of a large kitchen diner with patio doors leading to the garden, a toilet, and an office or play room on the ground floor. On the first floor is a living area, bedroom and family bathroom and another two bedrooms and bathroom are on the top floor.

All 12 new homes each has a spacious garden, a shed with a floor mounted bike locks for extra security and plenty of storage.

The homes are part of the council’s strategy to turn disused and small sites across the borough, such as old garages, run down properties, and parcels of land, into attractive homes for people needing social housing.

Cllr James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “These beautiful homes will not only provide families with much needed accommodation but they are well built and have a really lovely, green outlook.”

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “These are well appointed homes which will serve families now and in the future.”

The homes were delivered as part of a fourth phase of building by partners Slough Urban Renewal, SUR, the property partnership between the council and Morgan Sindall. The new homes have been built by Stepnell Limited and managed by Nikki Grewal from the council’s regeneration delivery team.

Paul Aubrey, SUR project manager, said: “This is good example of working together with the council to deliver positive outcomes for the borough’s residents. SUR is delighted to have been able to deliver over 90 new homes in the last three years across the small sites portfolio.”

Qualifying families will be contacted by the housing team and given the opportunity to view the properties in the next few weeks.

Domestic violence is not acceptable in any language. Help is available.

A man who frequently intimidated and abused Slough workers and visitors has been banned from setting foot in the town centre.

Temba Mukiwa has been served a Criminal Behaviour Order for his offensive antics.

He is not permitted to enter a designated area of the town centre, drink alcohol in the street or cause fear alarm or distress to anyone, anywhere in the borough.

Justices of the Peace sitting at Slough Magistrates’ Court imposed the harshest measures at their disposal during the sentencing hearing of Mr Mukiwa for breaching a community protection notice which prevented him from drinking in the town centre.

If he is spotted breaching any prohibition of the new order, which lasts for five years, he can be immediately arrested.

Mr Mukiwa’s antics include intimidating street drinkers to buy alcohol for him from shops which have been prevented from serving him. In the last two months there have been five complaints regarding graphic songs about what he wanted to do to women working in shops as well as banging waste bins like drums.

The council’s neighbourhood enforcement team, led by Richard Palacio, worked with the business community and police to gather evidence and put a strong case together to demonstrate measures already in place were being regularly breached.

The 44-year-old’s behaviour had not been improving and financial penalties were not affective due to his immigration status and lack of entitlements.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member of planning and regulation, said: “This man has been making the lives of people who work and visit the town centre a misery with his behaviour.

“This is not acceptable to the council or our residents and our officers have worked extremely hard to gather all the information for magistrates to impose the Criminal Behaviour Order.

“This should act as a warning to any other resident intent on causing a persistent nuisance that we will not hesitate to take action.”

Magistrates convicted Mr Mukiwa in his absence on 16 October for breaching the community protection notice after being found with alcohol in a prohibited area in December 2019.

He was sentenced on Monday 30 November and given a 12 month conditional discharge and a victim surcharge of £21 which was served by one day detention in court, as well as the restrictions placed under the Criminal Behaviour Order.

Costs of £2877 were requested by the council for prosecuting the case but no costs order was made by the court due to Mr Mukiwa’s lack of means.

The court heard he has criminal convictions in the UK and his home country of Zimbabwe and faced further offences which are currently going through in the criminal justice system. He is also on immigration bail.

Mr Mukiwa has rejected any assistance the council has offered for him to get help for his drinking issues and was offered temporary accommodation at the beginning of the pandemic.

If Mr Mukiwa is seen in the town centre, or is seen drinking or causing harassment alarm or distress anywhere in the borough the police should be called on 999.

Picture of Temba Mukiwa courtesy of Thames Valley Police.

There is something family and friends can do if they have a loved one experiencing domestic abuse. You could be the vital lifeline they need.

Changes to the experimental bus and cycle lanes along the A4 Bath Road come into effect from Friday 4 December.

The lane restrictions will now be between 7am and 10am and again in the afternoon between 3pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday.

This replaces the 24 hours restrictions implemented in July between Cippenham Lane and Sussex Place as part of the government’s scheme to encourage people to travel actively and sustainably whilst supporting social distancing measures for pedestrians and cyclists.

The peak time only restrictions will allow buses to operate reliably and quickly along the borough’s arterial route and create a safer space for cyclists.

The changes will also build on the improvement in air quality but allow car drivers to access the lanes outside of peak times.

During the restricted period the bus and cycle lane can be shared with motorcyclists, taxis, Slough licensed private hire vehicles and Neuron Mobility rental scooters.

As the scheme progresses it is envisaged zero emission vehicles displaying approved ‘green’ number plates will also be allowed to use the bus and cycle lanes, once the government has released the scheme.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for sustainable transport and environmental services, said: “We have reviewed the data we have gathered over the five months of the experiment so far and taken into consideration feedback which has come in from residents.

“We can now move into the next phase of the experimental scheme and trial the new lanes in a similar mode to the existing bus lanes in the town.”

“We want to build on the benefits of better air quality, more reliable bus journeys and a safer space for cyclists and e-scooter rental riders.”

The changes were passed by the cabinet earlier this month.

The experimental 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 changes are welcomed for six months until Friday 4 June 2021 and will only be taken into account if they are received after the scheme commences.

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

More information on the scheme can be seen on the consultation hub page at slough.citizenspace.com and the technical information is available online under public notices here https://www.slough.gov.uk/consultations-petitions/temporary-a4-bus-lane-scheme.

Paper copies are available by emailing tfs@slough.gov.uk

Those suffering from domestic violence seek refuge where they can. Sometimes it is at their workplace. Employers can play an important part in offering help and assistance.

Unable to speak but in serious danger? Call 999 and listen for the prompts from the call handler. More information ⤵️

All the planning applications which have been decided upon and submitted in the past week can be viewed here -

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

There have been unexpected challenges this year due to the pandemic with pressures from lockdowns, job and financial insecurity which can all lead to relationship tension. But it's never acceptable to take it out on family members. If feeling on the edge there is help to take a step back. Changes can be made.

Help is out there through Respect on 0808 802 4040 or https://respectphoneline.org.uk/

We are assisting the Office for National Statistics recruit temporary roles to help collect information for the once a decade Census in 2021. Take a look here for all our current vacancies -

https://www.slough.gov.uk/general-vacancies

The keys to the newly built Chalvey Community Hub have been handed over by the construction company to the council before it opens in the New Year.

The hub is part of a new development on Chalvey High Street which includes a new primary school.

Run by the council, the hub will provide some services in the heart of the Chalvey community including appointment based face-to-face meetings.

Meeting rooms will be available for use by ward councillors as well as training rooms, a kitchen and IT facilities for the community and voluntary sector. There is also work space for council employees.

There is also space for Chalvey Nursey School, which opened earlier this month, with its own secure entrance and play area, which is a bright, modern and spacious facility for young children. Chalvey Nursery School is a mainstream nursery offering 60 places per session to the local community.

Tony Madden, the council’s principal asset manager, and Leo Yousef, the council’s buildings and projects manager, have worked on the project and both said the new facilities look fantastic and will be appreciated by the local community.

Cllr Sabia Akram, deputy leader and cabinet member for governance and customer services, said: “This will be a great community asset where we can deliver services on the doorstep for residents of Chalvey.

“Not only that, but the space is versatile and can be used by community groups, ward councillors and the children at the nursey will have a wonderful light, bright, brand new space to start their learning journey.”

Cllr James Swindlehurst, leader of the council and lead for regeneration and strategy, said: “The new Chalvey Hub, early years centre, and academy school are the latest steps in the Chalvey Regeneration Programme, which the council and its partners have been working to deliver for a number of years now.

“It is part of a series of projects that have included the Old Town Hall’s conversion into a primary school, new homes on the former petrol station site in Chalvey Road East and at the former Cross Keys Pub site, the redevelopment of the Ice Arena, new council homes at Turton Way and on the site of Tower and Ashbourne Houses - and which will shortly culminate in the complete redevelopment of the former Montem Leisure Centre site.

“It’s great to see these projects moving to a successful conclusion.”

Is your partner controlling aspects of your everyday life such as where you can go, who you can see, what you can wear and who you talk to? You might be suffering controlling and coercive behaviour. More information about how to get help here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/crime-safety/domestic-abuse-1?documentId=440&categoryId=20006

The council has been made aware of scammers targeting businesses entitled to Covid-19 assistance due to the second lockdown.

The clues which can give a scammers email away as being a fraud and for business owners to watch out for, include -

1 - unfamiliar/ long sender email address

2- spelling and grammatical errors

3- offering random amount of the 'grant'

4 - asking for bank account details

The legitimate grants which can be applied for are detailed on the council website slough.gov.uk.

We are supporting White Ribbon Day today and 16 days of action shining a light on domestic violence. We will be highlighting what controlling and coercive behaviour is, what domestic violence is from physical to financial and how women, and men, can reach out and get help. More here https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/day

A full M4 closure is a bit further afield this weekend with both carriageways between 8/9 Maidenhead to 10 Wokingham and Bracknell closed from 8pm Friday 27 until 6am on Monday 30 November.

Closures affecting Slough include at junction 7, Slough west, the westbound entry and exit slip road are shut entirely until Friday evening.

In addition, junction 6 westbound exit slip road will be closed tonight, Tuesday 24 November, from 9am until 6am.

The westbound exit slip road of junction 5 will also be closed each night this week including Friday 27 November, from 9pm to 6pm.

There are a number of planning applications submitted and determined over the past week and all can be viewed here -

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

Just a few days left to apply for a variety of Cycas Hospitality roles at the new Moxy Hotel in the town centre. There are also Office for National Statistics roles for the upcoming census. Look at the roles here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/jobs/general-vacancies.aspx

The M4 is closed in both directions from 8pm Friday 20 Nov until Monday 23 Nov between juncs 6, Slough, and 8/9, Maidenhead, for resurfacing work.

The experimental bus and cycle lanes will be suspended for the duration of the M4 closure allowing motorists to use boths lanes.

Carers Rights Day, on Thursday 26 November, is a national campaign that brings organisations together to help carers in their local community know their rights and find out how to get the support they are entitled to. At least 1 in 9 working people offers unpaid care or support for someone who is older, disabled or seriously ill – in Slough that’s 11,500 unpaid carers.

This year, Slough Carers Support, funded by Slough Borough Council has organised two free virtual events.

In the morning, Tom Conlin will be delivering a Power of Attorney training session to gain peace of mind for you and your family that your affairs will be looked after when you are no longer able to do so yourself. Book at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/power-of-attorney-training-for-slough-carers-tickets-126954685883

Later on, join Kinder, from Slough Carers Support for a Virtual Coffee Afternoon from 2pm for an informal chat over a cuppa, including an opportunity to ask questions about the current support for carers. Book at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/slough-carers-support-coffee-morning-tickets-128595742327

On Friday 27th November, Special Voices (a group of parents/carers of children and young people with additional needs) will be hosting a virtual information day via Zoom, with guest speakers including Kinder Bassi from Slough Carers Support. Look out on social media for more details and how to book.

Through the Carers UK digital offer, unpaid carers in Slough can access useful online resources including a carers forum and specially tailored apps, guides and training courses such as:

o Jointly – a mobile app to help make caring easier, less stressful and more organised for people who share caring responsibilities

o About Me – an e-learning course to build resilience

o Upfront Guide to Caring – an assessment tool which provides tailored information and advice to carers and a short action plan

o Thinking Ahead – financial planning resource developed with the Money Advice Service

o Learning for Living – course designed to help carers identify transferable skills gained through caring.

To get started, visit carersdigital.org and use the access code DGTL4366 to create a free account.

Alan Sinclair, Executive Director of People (Adults) said: “We know many of our residents experience challenges juggling their work and caring responsibilities, particularly given the additional responsibilities and pressures faced because of Covid-19. We recognise the role of carers is critical but without the right support, it can have an impact on individual’s health, job, finances and social life. Slough Borough Council values carers and is working to support unpaid carers across our borough. Alongside this the council, East Berkshire CCG and Slough Children’s Services Trust are finalising a joint plan which outlines our commitment and approach to supporting carers over the next 12 months.”

A gang leader turned actor, inspirational speaker and mentor is hoping to inspire another young man as we highlight his work on International Men’s Day.

Ace Ruele believes as a man who has lived and survived a gang lifestyle and paid the consequences before turning his life around, he offers a unique insight for young men starting out in life.

He shares his story in schools in the hope he can create a spark in young people’s heads to motivate them and give them the belief they can change their path.

The council is working with statutory partners, voluntary sector and people who work with young people like Ace in a bid to combat violent and knife crime in the borough.

The work of the council’s Violence Task Force is also trying to change the perceptions young people have of knife carrying and other offer alternative life paths which are open to them.

International Men’s Day is celebrated in 60 countries around the world and was created to make a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys, promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity.

Ace is now the head of his own motion capture company which creates the movement images for people, animals and creatures to be turned into digital animations in computer games and films. He also spearheads a practical effects company building equipment for the motion capture industry. Ace helped create the animals in Legend of Tarzan and on other Marvel productions among others which is a far cry from his teenager years.

During his inspirational mentoring and talks Ace tells young people how he knew from an early age he wanted to be a dancer but he realised as a teenager he became a target for violent robberies where “my kindness was mistaken for weakness”.

Ace said: “The environment where you live is also a factor, what you are surrounded with on a day to day basis. I started my own gang. Got involved with drugs, crime, robberies which ended up with being give an eight year sentence and serving four-and-a-half years in prison between 19 and just before I turned 24.”

“When I came out I studied. I learned about psychology, neurology, anything I could, spirituality, to learn about myself and what I cold do to change.”

Now as a father of four he feels young people respond to him more because he has experienced the factors, the pressures, the environmental and internal feelings which lead him to form a gang.

He said: “Equally also working in huge films for Marvel and video games makes young people listen.

“It’s about planting the seed. The seed can be just that something can be different. It doesn’t have to see fruition immediately, of lives being changed straightaway, just the seed that things can be different and there is something else out, that there are possibilities.”

“Things can change when the mentality changes and then consistency of action to support that change means something else is achievable.

“I think the most important factor about the perception we have of ourselves and of life, is if we believe we have a purpose for living it is going to determine where we go in life.

“It’s also about reframing and asking questions which could change behaviour. For example I can ask a young person involved in violence who they love in this world the most, and usually it is their mum, and I ask if they love them so much why is their behaviour hurting their most loved one the most.

“I can also ask what do they think someone is thinking when they are dying on the floor, that they are the most significant person among their friends or something else about their family?

“I also had the realisation there were people 100 times worse off who still made their lives better.

Whether they are refugees from another country and come here with nothing, whether it’s because of the colour of their skin, the lack or money, a relationship with a parent and they can achieve something, so can I.

“For me it’s not just about the message but who delivers it which can have a huge difference in another person’s life.”

Ace, from north west London, is realising his childhood ambitions and exceeding them with his own businesses as well as working with the Metropolitan Police and councils to offer a different perspective for young people.

Alan Sinclair, who sits on the Violence Task Force and is the council’s director for adult services and communities, said: “Young men have options. They may not think they have and seem destined to go down a certain path but there is more. Ace is living proof of that.

“It’s so important to remember this and celebrate International Men’s Day.”

For further information, support, and help if you are concerned 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, or for emergencies outside these hours call the Emergency Duty Team on 01344 786543. You can also visit 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 Con 0800 1111, calls are free and won't show on a phone bill. Help is also available through an online chat or via email; visit https://www.childline.org.uk for more information.

Pictures show Ace Ruele as in his motion capture suit and with Marvel producer Nate Moore and Ezra Miller who played The Flash in the film adaptions.

Ace Ruele has a website here aceruele.com

More on International Men’s Day here https://internationalmensday.com/

A prolific fly-tipper dumped mattresses, builder's rubble and other waste around Slough and South Buckinghamshire for over a year, a court heard.

Mohammed Afzal admitted nine counts of illegally dumping of waste behind homes, near footpaths and beauty spots, and two further counts of waste licence infringements, when he appeared at Reading Crown Court.

On two occasions Mr Afzal fly-tipped just a few yards away from Chalvey household waste and recycling centre in Slough, where it would have cost a small fee to dispose of the rubbish safely and legally.

Mr Afzal, 65, of The Crescent, Slough, used four different vehicles to commit the offences.

He appeared via videolink from where he is being held in custody, at Reading Crown Court on Thursday 5 November and admitted nine counts of fly tipping following a spate of fly tipping incidents between May 2019 and June 2020 which left building waste and assorted other materials dumped at -

• 27 May 2019 at Spackmans Way, Slough

• 16 June 2019, also at Spackmans Way, Slough

• 28 July 2019 at The Myrke, Datchet,

• 3 December 2019 at Uxbridge Road, Slough

• 11 February 2020 at The Greenway, Tylers Green, Bucks

• 12 March 2020 at Allerds Road, Burnham, Bucks

• 31 March 2020 at St Pauls Avenue, Slough

• 10 June 2020 at Walton Lane, Burnham, Bucks

• 14 June 2020 at Lake Avenue, Slough.

Mr Afzal also admitted using a false waste transfer note on 4 July 2019 and failing to produce a waste carrier licence when requested on 13 August 2019.

Her Honour Judge Kirsty Real was told the offences were being prosecuted jointly by Slough Borough Council and Buckinghamshire Council.

Prosecutor Nicholas Ham, told the court the councils were going to ask for the usual costs related to the clearance of the sites and costs of bringing the case against the prolific offender.

He added: "More unusually, the sentencing judge will be asked to consider the forfeiture of the vehicles seized and the defendant to be disqualified from driving."

Judge Real remanded Afzal in custody until sentencing in December for pre-sentence reports to be prepared where all sentencing options were open.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation at Slough Borough Council, said: "This man has been not only a thorough nuisance, but a fly-tipper who has picked up rubbish and dumped it wherever he liked leaving Slough Borough Council and Buckinghamshire Council staff to clear it up.

"Fly tipping is not just a visual a mess but it can be an environmental issue.

"People who offer to take waste away for a fee need a licence from the relevant authority to do so. Residents can be accountable if fly tipping is traced back to them."

Bill Chapple OBE, Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet member for environment and climate change, said : "This is an excellent example of how joint enforcement operations against waste criminals can produce results, and I'm pleased we've been able to work with colleagues at Slough Borough Council to bring this prolific offender to court.

"In terms of waste crime, this is the worst kind of offender - repeated fly tipping for financial gain with complete disregard for both the environment and the rest of society.

"We now await sentencing, when justice will be served."

Planning what Slough will look like as well as how it will function to cater for more residents and businesses, is at the centre of the Spatial Strategy consultation which is now live.

The consultation is open until Monday 11 January, 2021, for residents to comment on suggestions about how housing needs will be met, where businesses will go and what the town centre could look.

After assessing the community responses to the spatial strategy, the results will be used to underpin the Local Plan concepts which will shape Slough until 2036.

This important consultation with Slough residents looks different to other planning consultations due to Covid-19 and the restrictions on people congregating in lockdowns and regional restrictions.

As a result the council has created a leaflet and sent it to every home to show residents the plans and state how to have a say.

All the information is also at slough.citizenspace.com where comments and opinions can be left.

Responses must be received before 5pm on the final day of the consultation.

The plan tackles big issues like how to deal with the shortfall of around 5,000 homes in the borough whilst protecting family homes and suburbs, how to create employment, the future of the town centre and how to minimise the impact of new development and protecting the gap between the borough and greater London.

The strategy will also address how the town can sustain this growth, provide the appropriate levels of infrastructure and deliver housing growth in the parts of Slough that can best support it while protecting the character, nature and identity of the suburbs.

It is a perfect opportunity for residents to speak up and have a say on their future.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “The council’s Spatial Strategy will define the future roles of neighbourhoods and localities within Slough and how they relate to each other together.

“It is one of the building blocks to preparing an effective Local Plan which will project how Slough will develop from now until 2036, shaping the town as a prosperous, confident, dynamic, attractive, metropolitan place where people are proud to work, rest, play and stay.”

Cllr James Swindlehurst, council leader, said: “The centre of Slough will be an attractive, vibrant hub providing high quality offices, retail and leisure, landmark buildings and cultural opportunities for our diverse communities, Slough will be an “economic powerhouse” with a large skilled resident workforce and a reputation as an excellent place to do business. This will encourage established and new companies to invest and grow in the borough, creating yet more economic opportunities for our residents.

“Slough is already a well connected town and our aim is to further develop this over the life of the 15-year plan, with sustainable and accessible transport solutions delivered to meet the pressures of today. Accessibility will be improved through the development of convenient pedestrian, cycle and bus networks to reduce reliance on private vehicles and improve our natural environment.”

Residents can comment until Monday 11 January, 2021, online here slough.citizenspace.com.

Running parallel with the proposed spatial strategy is a Sustainability Appraisal which assesses how the proposed plan could be relevant economically, socially and environmentally.

Residents can also email comments to spatialstrategy@slough.gov.uk with the subject line Spatial Strategy Consultation; or by post to Slough Borough Council, Spatial Strategy Consultation, Planning Policy, Observatory House, 25 Windsor Road, SL1 2EL.

The full consultation document can be viewed online by searching for The Emerging Local Plan for Slough at www.slough.gov.uk.

The M4 will be closed in both directions from 8pm Friday 20 November until Monday 23 November between junctions 6, Slough, and 8/9, Maidenhead, for major re-surfacing work. The clearly signed diversions will be in place utilising the A308M, A308, A332 and the A355.

In addition, the junction 7 westbound entry and exit slip roads are close 24/7 until Monday 23 November 2020.

***Slip road closures***

The westbound exit slip road at junc 5, Langley, will be closed by Highways England every night this week (Monday-Friday). The eastbound entry at junc 6, Slough, will be closed overnight Tues, Wed and Thurs with the westbound entry close on Friday night.

It’s National Consumer Week. This Christmas shopping season is likely to see a big rise in online shopping due to COVID-19. Do you know how your consumer rights differ when buying goods from online marketplaces? Know what to do if you buy online and something goes wrong? #NCW20 #SafeShopper Take a look at this video which explains your rights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA75JeXrcu0

Here is the weekly list of planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon. Take a look -

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

A road next to a school which has been the scene of poor parent parking will be almost car free at the beginning and end of each day.¬¬

Barriers are being placed at either end of Moat Drive for an hour each morning and afternoon during a seven-week long School Street trial at Wexham Court Primary School.

The barriers will be manned by marshals and motorists who use the road to take and pick up their children from school have been asked to either walk, bike or get to school in another way.

Navroop Mehat, headteacher at Wexham Court Primary, Church Lane, Wexham, has worked with the council’s sustainable transport team Better by to take part in the first trial in the borough. The aim is to encourage children and their parents and carers to make their trip to and from school differently.

The trial began on Monday 9 November and will run until the school breaks up for the Christmas.

Moat Drive will be closed to school and through traffic at its junctions with Knolton Way and Hillersdon between 8am and 9am and again as school finishes between 3pm and 4pm.

However, the road will not be vehicle free with children, parents and carers will be urged to be mindful the few residents’ cars, bicycles and scooters using the road.

Residents of Moat Drive will still be able to come and go as they please through the manned barriers and will be in receipt of permits to do so.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for sustainable transport and the environment, said: “This is a really exciting pilot with the school to address the problem of too many cars in this road at peak hours.

“We have seen similar schemes work in other places and the result will be a safer, healthier and more pleasant environment for everyone around the school.

If parents need to drive their children to school they are being encouraged to use the designated car park in Church Lane.

School Streets have been successfully set up in Europe and London and are beginning to be trialled in different areas of the UK.

The trial is a first in Slough and may be extended to other schools if it is successful.

The Moxy and Residence Inn are opening in the New Year and Cycas Hospitality is recruiting for roles throughout the operation. Experience is not required and the recruitment process is a little different! Take a look at those roles and other jobs on offer here -

http://www.slough.gov.uk/jobs/general-vacancies.aspx

A man who parked in a disabled bay to nip into the pub while waiting to pick up his partner, has been fined by magistrates for misusing a blue disability badge.

Richard Harcup’s partner was the genuine holder of the blue badge but was playing bingo and as he waited for a phone call to go and pick them up he used the blue disability badge to park in the bay illegally and pop into a pub for a drink.

Justices of the Peace sitting at Reading Magistrates’ Court convicted Mr Harcup in his absence of wrongfully using a disabled person’s badge in order to park in disability parking bay when the badge holder was not present.

He was fined £220 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £350 and a victim surcharge of £32.

The 56-year-old, of Rochford Gardens, Wexham Lea, was spotted during a proactive blue badge audit to combat misuse of the disability badges in the borough on 5 December last year. He parked in the disabled bay High Street West, central Slough.

Officers form the corporate fraud team alongside civil enforcement (parking) officers were checking people were legitimately using blue badges in the audit.

Those flouting the rules were issued with a Penalty Charge Notice and had the blue badge seized before being requested to attend an interview under caution. Those who did attend were given a caution by way of sanction.

Mr Harcup did initially attend the formal interview process but did not attend to receive a caution and the decision was taken to prosecute under section 117 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The case was heard at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 6 November.

After the blue badge was initially seized from Mr Harcup’s partner it has been returned due to its genuine need.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “People who have been issued a blue badge are in need of the disabled parking bays to be nearer shops.

“They are not for people who want to conveniently park while waiting for their partner.

“If the blue badge holder is not the driver they have to be with the driver for the use of the blue badge to be legal.

“They are not a free pass to park anywhere at any time for those helping the owner of the blue badge.

“The teams intend to conduct further blue badge audits in the future to ensure the benefits of holding a disability blue badge are not being abused by people who don’t qualify.”

During the operation on 5 December last year a total of 43 badges were checked with 38 being used correctly, one badge was found to be expired and four were being misused and confiscated.

Ends

Pet bird and poultry owners are being told to keep their animals under strict rules after outbreaks of avian flu have been reported across England and Wales.

The department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Defra, has immediately imposed the restrictions around the keeping and management of all birds kept inside homes as well as outside.

The rules have been introduced as England and Wales were declared an avian influenza prevention zone until further notice after confirmed cases in Kent, Chester and Chester West, and Herefordshire.

Bird and poultry owners are now required to be able to demonstrate measures they are taking if requested by a trading standards inspector and can be prosecuted if not adhered to.

Defra states a keeper of any bird must take practicable steps to avoid the transfer of virus, and where poultry is kept vehicle movements should be kept to a minimum and records of the transfer of ownership kept of eggs and birds.

Russell Denney-Clarke, Interim Trading Standards Manager said: “This advice is for all bird owners and is affective immediately.

“Racing, breeding, show birds and pets are all affected and the rules are to prevent the virus spreading to other birds and other areas.

“There are many people now who keep rescue chickens as garden pets for example and they will be affected by this announcement.”

The full advice can be found here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/934684/ai-prevention-zone-201111.pdf

Further advice can be obtained by contacting Trading Standards via the Citizen’s Advice Consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

We are pleased to announce the re-launch of an important resource for Slough residents. The ‘Health at Home’ platform is a bespoke online resource with guidance and advice on how people can look after themselves whilst spending time in isolation due to the new coronavirus restrictions.

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

- Online, telephone and text “Stop Smoking” services #Quit4COVID

- Specific Coronavirus related Mental Health support and information

- Downloadable hints and tips of how to stay active at home, including bespoke advice for Early Years, Schools, Adults and those working from home #Fight2FitCOVID

- Nutritional advice, meal preparation guidance and a free virtual weight management service

- Access to online testing for Sexual Health services

- Signing up to do one off tasks for vulnerable groups through our GoodGym programme

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It’s really important that residents continue to look after their health whilst they are spending time at home during this second lockdown. For all of us, this means standing up and moving often, looking after our mental health and preparing healthy meals. Looking after our own health and wellbeing continues to be so important”.

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

Slough Borough Council has announced the launch of a Covid-19 Dashboard designed to provide residents with comprehensive guidance on the national lockdown restrictions that will remain in place until Wednesday 2 December. Created to meet the needs of the local community, the website, www.berkshirepublichealth.co.uk, went live today and is the first of its kind in the UK.

On the ‘My Local Area’ section of the website, users can enter their full postcode for information on the rules and regulations to follow under this national lockdown. The site also provides a wealth of local information, including real-time data on Covid-19 across Berkshire, making it easily accessible to the county’s population of nearly one million residents. Using the dashboard’s interactive map, residents can search for results in their area and compare them with statistics for the rest of the county, the South East region and England as a whole.

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We know residents are concerned about how to protect themselves and everyone in their household, and understandably they want easy access to what is and isn’t allowed during this latest lockdown. The new Covid-19 Dashboard is a great one-stop-shop for all the information people need on lockdown restrictions, plus local statistics relating to the virus.”

As well as critical national lockdown information, the site provides users with specific data on Covid-19 for each of Berkshire’s six local authority areas, including:

• Daily new case numbers and total cases

• Daily number of cases in graph format since the start of the pandemic in March

• Daily new cases for England and total cases for England since records began

• Weekly death rate and location (care home, at home, hospital, etc.)

• Data for 111 and 999 calls triaged for people with suspected Covid-19 symptoms plus the number of daily online assessments

Tessa Lindfield, Strategic Director of Public Health for East Berkshire, added: “This innovative website is a go-to resource for all the latest lockdown information. It also allows our communities to see what’s really happening in their area – how many positive cases there are each day or week, how many deaths and where these are sadly happening.

“We urge residents to visit www.berkshirepublichealth.co.uk to read the government guidance on what they can and cannot do. Remember the importance of hands, face, and space, observe social distancing and be sure that if you do have to go out, you’re not bringing Covid-19 back into your home.

“We want to keep our communities safe and well. Together, we can break the Covid chain by following the guidance and by isolating when required. We believe this new website will help us all to stick to the rules.”

Remember, remember safety this November and make it a Happy Diwali. Garden displays will be popular this Saturday due to the lockdown and the restrictions around households mixing. There is safety advice times when fireworks are permitted to be set off below. Fireworks should not be set off near roads and are not permitted in any Slough park. More information here -

slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=22633

****Advanced warning****

The M4 motorway will be closed in both directions between junctions 6 Slough/Windsor and 8/9 Maidenhead from 8pm on Friday 20 November and 6am on Monday 23 November.

This is for carriageway surfacing work as part of Highways England Smart motorway project.

A bit further afield, between Friday 13 November and Monday 16 November both carriageways of the M4 will be closed between junctions 11 Reading and 12 Theale.

More information here - https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/south-east/m4-junctions-3-12-smart-motorway/

Due to the ongoing serious IT problems the council is currently unable to process any Local Welfare Applications.

If you are in need of emergency food assistance today please call the contact centre on 01753 475111.

We will be honouring all free school meal applications received until 4.45pm today, Friday 6 November. Please do not worry if we have not contacted you yet.

We expect there to be a delay in response for all Local Welfare and free school meal applications and apologise in advance for the inconvenience caused.

Due to the ongoing serious IT problem the council is experiencing, we are currently having problems with the Coronavirus support line.

Residents can still register online at www.sloughcvs.org/covid-19 or call 01753 944198 and press 1 to receive a call back from the team as soon as possible.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

The council is currently experiencing a serious IT problem affecting services.

In the first instance please see if the information or service you need is on the website, which is not affected by the issue, at www.slough.gov.uk.

If you feel you need to speak to someone the contact centre will be logging calls which will be dealt with once the issue is resolved. The contact centre number is 01753 475111.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“In just four short weeks I lost my wife, my children lost their mother, and our lives have been changed forever all because of Covid-19”.

On the eve of the second lockdown, that is the heart-breaking reality for Khizran Sadiq whose wife Shabnum, a serving Slough Borough Councillor, died in April.

“This is a real illness with serious consequences and the people of Slough need to take it seriously,” Mr Sadiq said.

The 41-year-old said he and Cllr Sadiq left the UK almost two weeks before the UK March lockdown was instigated for a family wedding in Pakistan.

He said: “We were joking about it in the airport. There was a sign saying Covid-19 and she was telling me it was another name for coronavirus. Everything about it was new and was happening in other countries. We were just learning about it really.

“But within just days of us being there she was breathless and ill and after going to a local hospital she was moved to a main one.

“The last time I spoke to her was on the phone on the morning of 11 March when she told me she was bored and could I bring her laptop in that afternoon, then by time I got to the hospital that afternoon she was in a critical condition on a ventilator.

“She was on a ventilator for 25 days - she never came off.”

Mr Sadiq also contracted the virus and was put in a room next to his wife. He was fully aware of all the medical procedures and interventions she had before she died and could do nothing but watch.

“Our lives have been forever changed in just a month,” Mr Sadiq said.

“From a life where she worked so hard with long hours with British Airways and then in her role on the council and responsibilities to her ward residents, to being a mother and a wife doing so much in the house, it is all gone.

“For the first two months we just didn’t know what to do. We are only now just getting there.”

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

He said even as the family, including her 21-year-old daughter and 14-year-old quadruplets, still grieve he has had people speak to him and tell him symptoms are mild and they are not worried about it and they will carry on regardless without taking precautions.

“People need to take this illness seriously – it has terrible consequences – I and my children are living with them every day,” he said.

Cllr Sadiq’s father has also been hospitalised in Slough with the virus.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet lead for health and wellbeing, thanked Mr Sadiq for sharing his story to hopefully get others to understand the dangers of the virus.

She said: “It is truly terrible to see how one family has been forever changed because of this virus. We miss Shabnam at the council.

“This pain and sorrow is being replicated in other families in Slough and we have to work together to stop the virus spreading to more families.

“This is why the public health messages are in place to try to prevent people contracting the virus it the first place

“Wearing a mask in enclosed spaces, unless you’re exempt, and washing hands regularly are easy things to do. While not mixing with other families and your friends is hard it helps to make sure everyone is safe.”

The lockdown begins just after midnight on Thursday 5 November.

Households are not to meet others inside homes or in private gardens. There are exemptions for people in support bubbles.

Households can go out for exercise and one person from a household can meet with one person from another household outside, in total two people, in public spaces and playgrounds.

Pubs and restaurants and non essential shops will be closed.

Educational establishments will remain open and grassroots sports have been cancelled.

More about the lockdown requirements here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

Watch this fascinating time-lapse footage of the demolition of Tower House during the summer by partners John F Hunt Regeneration. All the recyclable materials were taken from the building before the external structure of the 10-storey block was taken down floor by floor. Planning permission was approved last year for 193 new homes on the site in Chalvey for Slough families, a central green space and play area for children. https://vimeo.com/471108043

Domestic abuse is not just between partners. Parents and carers can suffer at the hands of their children including financial, verbal and physical abuse, imitation, coercive and controlling behaviour. There is help available @Hestia1970 and by reaching out things can get better.

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

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

The clocks have gone back and the nights are getting darker earlier which is a good time for residents to reassess their home security.

National figures show burglary often goes up across the country after the clocks go back in the winter.

A winter review of home security for residents should start with identifying why criminals or distraction burglars target certain homes.

This can include disability aids on the outside of homes, a visible key safe, overgrown gardens or anything else which can indicate a vulnerable or elderly person might live there.

Deterrents could include considering visible burglar alarms, security lighting, CCTV and CCTV doorbells.

Unexpected visitors should not be let into homes without identification being independently verified to prevent distraction burglaries which can ¬happen any time of the day. ¬

Professional callers will not use generic company names like “the water board” and will not harass or fluster a resident who wants to check the validity of a visit.

Other simple preventative measures residents can take include locking uPVC doors with the key at night, not just lifting up the handle, which does not prevent entry to a determined thief, shutting windows and securing shed and garage doors. Those who have a burglar alarm should set it at night as well as when leaving the house.

Other deterrents include putting lights on timer switches when not at home, keeping car keys away from the front door to prevent thieves reaching through the letterbox, or using a Faraday bag to block the signal of keyless car entry systems.

If residents have sentimental jewellery or large quantities of cash keep it in a secure, bolted down safe, or in a bank. Bedrooms are the first place thieves look for hidden jewellery however hidden someone thinks it is.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “We don’t want anyone to be scared, we want people and their possessions to be safe by taking some reasonable precautions which make your home less desirable or easy to burglars.

“These measures may seem simple but we forget to implement them which is the weakness criminals are looking for.

“In addition, if you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours or family members have a talk with them and remind them of these measures which could prevent them from becoming a victim of crime.”

Other crime prevention measures to be reminded of include:-

*shutting windows when not in a room accessible to people walking by

*locking front doors with a key when out of the house or asleep

*not leaving boxes from new purchases on display outside the house

*be cautious giving details online

*don’t answer unexpected emails or texts especially those offering refunds or rebates

*mark and take pictures of expensive property like laptops, jewellery and bicycles

*beware of anyone claiming to be from generic entities like the water or electric board as there is no such thing. Some companies like Thames Water operate a doorstep password scheme for any customer. More information here - https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/extra-care/bogus-callers

This is also a good time to check smoke alarms and consider a fire evacuation plan: https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/fire-safety-advice-and-brochures/

For more information about crime prevention measures please visit http://www.slough.gov.uk/crime-prevention-and-emergencies/crime-prevention-advice.aspx or Thames Valley Police here https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/.

There are a number of roles available at the council including teaching and volunteer vacancies. Take a look here -

http://www.slough.gov.uk/jobs/school-vacancies.aspx

Chalvey Can – Play Snap Win challenge launched!

Sport England Lottery funded project Chalvey Can has launched its new family challenge called Play Snap Win with the aim of getting Chalvey families trying activities and moving more together. The challenge runs through October to December and challenges include a ride or scoot along the Jubilee River and Frisbee piggy in the middle.

The winner of the Summer Challenge was drawn this week, as each family which completed the challenge was entered into the prize draw to win a brand new bike!

Abdifatar Hassan, won the Giant hybrid bike complete with helmet and lock and collected his prize this week from Sarah Nicholls, Active Communities Behaviour Change Officer, when they met at Chalvey Recreation Ground.

Abdifatar said “I still can’t believe I have won this amazing bike, thank you so much. We took part in the challenge as we wanted to spend time together us a family while still having fun, sitting home watching tv was boring and we saw this opportunity which sounded great. It’s showed us lots of ways of exercising while having fun and giving a positive mind-set towards exercising. One activity we will continue with and we really loved was doing was the trails, exploring the parks and outdoor games specially table tennis.”

Abdifatar’s mum Ibada Dhagey said: “I am so happy that I took part in this program, and we were happily shocked that Abdifatar won! I got lots of benefits from taking part and I am looking forward to participating in the upcoming events and Play Snap Win family challenge”

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Well done to Abdifatar and his family for completing the Chalvey Can Summer Family Challenge and winning this fantastic bike in the prize draw! If you live in Chalvey it’s time to get involved in this exciting project, to get Chalvey families moving more together.

There is another family challenge to take part in, with weekly prizes to be won and during the pandemic the team is now offering all Chalvey families 30 minutes exercise sessions in a park under the rule of 6, with one of our family activity mentors, so find out more on www.slough.gov.uk/Chalveycan .”

If you’re a family living in Chalvey, we need you! We value your thoughts and feedback and will use this to make Chalvey Can fit you better. You can now book 30 minute sessions with one of our family activity mentors for free. You tell us which activities you’d like to try and we’ll bring the session to you at a time that suits you, in an outdoor space, under the rule of 6.

If you’re not sure what you want to do or you feel you need a bit more support, physical activity counselling sessions are also available for you and your family.

Already a member: get in touch through one of the options below and let us know how we can best support you and your family with activities.

Want to join: membership and activities are free! Options to get started are below:

• Fill in the mini membership form on the back of your Play Snap Win sheet, email it to us at chalveycan@slough.gov.uk

• Call us on 01753 875177

• Drop us a message on Facebook or Instagram @chalvey.can and we’ll get back to you

.

Residents are being reminded to take safety seriously if planning a back garden fireworks display this year.

Fireworks are on sale between now and until 14 November which incorporates the celebrations of Bonfire Night and Diwali.

The council is also making residents aware of the possibility of fireworks being let off over three weekends due to Bonfire Night falling between two weekends, and to take precautions for their animals.

Many charity and organised displays have been cancelled this year due to coronavirus concerns and the sales of smaller sets for garden displays are expected to increase.

Safety is paramount and fireworks should only be purchased from licensed shops and must display the CE quality mark. Distance guidelines on the box should be observed for the safety of people and property as well as not lighting fireworks with a naked flame or while being held.

Sparklers should only be given to children aged five years and over while they are wearing gloves and supervised at all times. When the sparklers fizzle out the white-hot sticks should be disposed of in a bucket of cold water.

Fireworks are permitted to be set off up until midnight on 5 November, Bonfire Night, and until 1am on 14 November, Diwali. Every other night fireworks are only permitted to be let off until 11pm.

If fireworks are let off after these cut off times it is a police matter and residents can contact Thames Valley Police on the non-emergency number, 101.

Residents are also reminded to look for animals which have made their homes in piles of wood intended to be set alight as bonfires as part of celebrations.

Fireworks and bonfires are not permitted in any of the council’s open spaces and parks.

People are also reminded of the need to adhere to the Tier two Covid-19 restrictions during celebrations which includes not mixing households indoors and only mixing with a total of six people outside. The total of six includes children of any age and even when outside, households should maintain social distancing.

Russell Denney-Clarke, interim trading standards manager, said: “If people feel they have to have fireworks this year there is lots of safety advice residents need to take into consideration.

“When people go to organised displays they forget how much safety and care goes into them and as many have been cancelled, these safety guidelines need to be followed by residents in their own gardens.

“Ultimately, fireworks are tubes of explosives which can cause property damage, serious or life changing injuries and even death, when not given the respect they deserve.

“Please also be mindful of others and residents with pets, not only those indoors like dogs and cats, but horses in fields and wildlife all of which can be terrified of the loud bangs and flashes of light.”

The RSCPA has lots of advice and tips on how to calm pets during firework season here - https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks.

Fireworks are legal in the UK.