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

The M4 motorway will be closed in both directions this weekend from 8pm on Friday 30 October and 6am on Monday 2 November between junctions 5, Langley, and 7, Slough West. This is for demolition of the old Wood Lane bridge.

The A4 Bath Road experimental bus and cycle lanes will be suspended during this period. Vehicles will be able to use the newly created bus and cycle lane between 7pm on Friday 30 October until 7am on Monday 2 November.

The suspension only applies to these bus lanes.

A free electric bus service has been launched today (Monday) for passengers travelling to and from Slough town centre.

The silvery blue bus will complete an hourly circuit along the A4 Bath Road between Mercian Way, Cippenham, and the Uxbridge Road roundabout.

The single decker bus will run Monday through Saturday and is a zero emissions vehicle on the route number 4a.

The council has partnered with Thames Valley Buses and BYD UK, an electric bus manufacturing specialist based in Iver, to provide this additional, sustainable way to travel in Slough.

The service will use the A4 Bath Road experimental bus and cycle lanes along part of the route during the 13 week trial funded by the council.

The first bus of the day leaves Slough Bus Station at 7.55am and from Mercian Way at 8.22am.

The last bus of the day leaves Slough Bus Station at 5.55pm and from Mercian Way at 6.22pm.

The bus offers residents a fast, reliable and an environmental friendly bus service to and from central Slough whilst also reducing congestion.

The vehicle is fully electric ensuring no fossil fuel emissions and lower carbon emissions than a traditional bus service, contributing to cleaner air and reduced noise along the route.

On board, the bus has comfortable modern seating, tables, air conditioning and USB ports for phone charging.

Masks will need to be worn on the service unless there is a reasonable excuse not to be wearing one as part of the measures to mitigate the coronavirus.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for sustainable transport and environmental services, said: “We hope by funding the service people will hop on and off this bus for the duration of the trial for no cost and we will see if this is a service is viable for the future.

“It is an additional service which will help with capacity and help people socially distance. It will be free, fast and environmentally friendly.”

“This is the first electric bus to use the town’s bus lanes.”

Robert Williams, chief executive officer of Thames Valley Buses, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Slough Borough Council with this fantastic initiative. Using a fully electric bus means there will be zero emissions as the bus runs along its route.

“It’s always been an aim of Thames Valley Buses and our sister company Reading Buses, to be part of the solution in helping to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

“During lockdown we all saw, and breathed in, the benefits of fewer cars on the road and we believe initiatives like this will only help to convince more people to reduce their car usage.

“Another major benefit is customers will be able to try the route for free until December and we hope they will provide feedback by scanning the QR on the leaflets on the bus and filling in an online survey.”

Frank Thorpe, managing director of the electric bus manufacturer BYD UK, said: “We are pleased to be part of a sustainable transport travel solution in Slough which can now be used by members of the public.”

The experimental bus and cycle lane was introduced to help residents socially distance during the ongoing pandemic alongside making road space available for active and sustainable travel.

Keep Halloween safe this year with these top tips.

Remember to -

*Check for CE marks on costume and accessories

*Only buy from trusted places

*Keep costumes away from naked flames and take extra care around lit pumpkins.

More advice here https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/2018/october/rbfrs-encourages-residents-to-stay-safe-when-celebrating/

Each week in October residents are being asked for ideas to create a 20-year vision - Slough 2040.

This fourth week focuses on what is needed for young, working-aged and older people. To contribute add ideas and opinions to the mindmap, click here - https://app.mural.co/t/2040vision1335/m/2040vision1335/1601565875892/c119a651e7a04e77a3b8636fcca2fc9acc02e406

The latest planning applications which have been decided upon and submitted to the council so residents can have their say, are listed here -

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

Take a look at the roles the council needs the right candidate for including this opportunity for an apprenticeship in engineering. More here -

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

Salmonella has been linked to some Aldi and Iceland frozen chicken products. More information below and check which products are affected below - https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-46-2020-update-1

****Advanced notice ******

There will be a three-way traffic light system on Datchet Road and Datchet Meadow from Monday 26 October for two weeks.

The roadworks are to allow Highways England to carry out preparatory work, including removal of kerbs, lighting and related earthworks, for the eventual removal and replacement of Datchet Bridge as part of the M4 Smart Motorway project.

Work estimated to end on Friday 13 November.

This year’s World Mental Health Day, was marked with a virtual event in Slough for the first time. The event was a collaboration between the council and Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, under the umbrella of Enabling Town Slough was held digitally for over three hours with over 50 people presenting.

The focus of the conference was connectedness and mental health professionals and residents affected by mental health came together virtually to commemorate and raise awareness of the national day.

Natasha Berthollier, senior lead for co-production, inclusion and recovery, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We chose the theme of connectedness for this year’s celebration and its importance for our mental health. When we say connectedness, it means connecting to others but also to ourselves, to our own emotions and struggles, to the environment around us, both social and physical, and to our Slough community as a whole.”

Seb Byrne, head of mental health services, Slough Borough Council continued: “Connections are now more important than ever. As we adapt to a world altered by Covid-19, levels of isolation and distress increase – but the need for physical distancing should not impact our connections. Connections with others are vital in ensuring all good mental health and wellbeing.”

Other speakers at the conference were Susanna Yeoman, divisional director for mental health services, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, who focused on the importance of partnership-working in Slough in her speech and also talked about the event being a testament to our collective determination and commitment not to let the pandemic come in a way of connectedness as a community. Alan Sinclair, Slough Borough Council director for adults and communities spoke about the connectedness during the pandemic through #OneSlough response and the importance of our co-production model with peer mentors, evident through the awards mental health services have won over the last year.

Sue Foley, the council’s public health service lead, spoke about how the foundations built before the pandemic allowed for the continued connectedness and to grow stronger through it.

Cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Councillor Natasa Pantelic, said: “Despite this year presenting us with a number of barriers with the way we communicate and stay connected to others, it has been wonderful to see how people have found the ways to adapt. We need to build on these as a community here in Slough and today’s conference has given us the opportunity to connect again.”

Visit www.EnablingTownSlough.org for more information.

Primary and nursery school children in Slough are being encouraged to walk to school as part of an Active School Travel programme. Simple tweaks to daily lives can make pupils, and the people who walk with them, healthier. Parents and carers are being urged to walk, scoot or cycle more and what better way to start than the short journeys to school at the beginning and end of the school day. Being more active uses up calories, can energise children for the school day and being out in the light helps the body produce Vitamin D – all great ways to improve health and the immune system. Designed by Active Movement and the council's sustainable transport team Better by, the Active School Travel programme includes posters and special ‘travel’ card to encourage less sitting and more moving with awards and prizes to be earned by children.

Events are planned at primary and early years setting from now until the New Year. For more information contact Better By at Slough Borough Council or peter@activemovement.co.uk.

Each week in October residents are being asked for ideas to create a 20-year vision- Slough 2040.

This third week focuses on residential areas, transport and the environment. To contribute add ideas and opinions to the mindmap, click here - https://app.mural.co/t/2040vision1335/m/2040vision1335/1601565694336/e2442a5c3a7ee499937f392110a0849590217d23

The latest planning applications submitted and decided upon, can be viewed here - http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

The majority of victims of modern slavery in Slough in the first half of this year have been British it can be revealed ahead of anti-slavery day on Sunday.

Between January and July this year 27 people were identified as being taken advantage of and could potentially be considered as modern day slaves.

The age range of people who were identified to the National Referral Mechanism for assessment, was between 15 and 43 years old and originating from 11 different countries – however, the nationality represented most was British.

The types of exploitation people in Slough were involved in included sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and forced criminality.

Other examples of modern slavery can be linked to involvement in selling drugs and county lines activity. Others may have experienced cuckooing which is when a property is taken over by people using or selling drugs.

Josie Wragg, the council’s chief executive and chair of the Safer Slough Partnership, said: “Sadly people are still being exploited and they are suffering.

“The pandemic may have made it even harder for this serious issue to be detected but it is as serious as ever and people still need our help.

“Police rely on members of the public to remain vigilant and assist in spotting the signs of modern slavery and exploitation.

“Modern slavery is actually much closer then many people think.”

An annual anti-slavery day is used to remind people about the signs of modern slavery and exploitation.

Slough residents can help the fight against modern slavery by paying attention to possible signs in the community like a worker who looks scruffy and malnourished, appears to be living on site or has incorrect clothing or equipment for the job, or a person who has a the lack of belongings and money, are not allowed to speak for themselves or are not in control of their passport or bank accounts.

Other signs can be found at unseenuk.org.

Suspicions can be reported anonymously to the 24/7 Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700 where translation services are also available. Reports can also be made to 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Burglars can silently break into homes in just seconds through UPVC front doors secured by just pulling up the handle. Use the key to lock the door from the inside. More crime safety advice here - https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary/

E-scooters will be seen on the roads from today (Friday) as the zero emissions travel scheme launches.

The distinctive orange rental e-scooters are now allowed on roads and in the bus lanes as an alternative way to travel in Slough.

The town is one of only 13 cities and towns in the country currently taking part in trials approved by the Department of Transport to allow the new electric vehicles to legally be ridden on the roads.

The council is working with world leading electric vehicle company Neuron Mobility which is providing 250 e-scooters to rent and 25 staff to co-ordinate the trial.

The staff will help riders learn how to use the e-scooters and the rules of riding as well as thoroughly cleaning them after use.

The e-scooters can be picked up and parked at 60 conveniently placed stations which are shown on the Neuron app which also shows the no ride zones. Journeys begin and end with the simple scanning of a QR code.

For single trips it will cost £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.

A trip from Slough railway station to Telefonica O2, Slough Trading Estate, could cost as little as £3 and take just 10 minutes whereas a trip to Wexham Park Hospital from the station could take 15 minutes and cost around £3.50.

The e-scooters will have a top speed of 15.5mph for experienced riders and a 9mph top speed for beginners. Each is fitted with a licence plate which can deter misuse.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for sustainable transport and the environment, had a road test today on the e-scooter and was shown how easy the vehicles were to ride.

He said: “Riding a Neuron e-scooter was easy to get the hang of and I can see how practical they can be as an alternative mode of transport.

“Not only can they now be ridden on Slough’s roads as part of the trial but along the bus lanes to make travelling around even easier.

“They are only allowed on the roads with penalties when they are ridden 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.

They will only be permitted to be used on roads during the 12-month trial and riders will be able to use the town’s bus and on-road cycle lanes.

The rental e-scooters will not be allowed to be used on any pavement, even shared pavements where cyclists are permitted, to protect pedestrians.

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

The e-scooters will include world-leading safety features like integrated lockable helmets, voice guidance to educate and alert riders during rides, and sensors which can tell if the e-scooter has been involved in a fall or has been left on its side.

Each is equipped with front and rear lights, which flash when breaking, so can be easily seen.

Third party insurance is included when a resident rents one of the machines.

The scheme is being facilitated by leading e-scooter operator Neuron Mobility and Slough will be the company’s first scheme in the UK. The company is the largest operator in Australia and New Zealand where it successfully operates in nine cities.

Zachary Wang, CEO of Neuron Mobility, said: “We are delighted to have launched in Slough today, it’s a great location and ideally suited to benefit from e-scooters. Our e-scooters are a safe and convenient way to get around particularly for those who wish to practice social distancing. We look forward to continuing our work with Slough Borough Council, and the wider community, to integrate into the town in the best possible way.

“Safety is our top priority, it dictates our e-scooter design and also the way we operate them. Our N3 e-scooters are jam-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 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.

Are you the council's next Civil Engineering Technician?

This apprentice position is for someone with a professional interest in highways engineering, transport management, site surveying, preparing drawings and analysing traffic data.

A candidate with a positive approach to problem solving who is a team player could start their career in the civil engineering profession with the council.

The apprentice will play a pivotal role in the council's ambitious plans aiming to develop the town and improve its infrastructure in order to serve the needs of the community and businesses, making the borough grow as a part of our five-year vision.

Closing date is Thursday 29 October 2020

To find out more about this opportunity as well as other vacancies visit -

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

Slough Borough Council has been awarded £65,508 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure a sustainable arts future, the Culture Secretary has announced.

The council is just one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. Investment of £257 million has been announced as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England.

The funding awarded to Slough Borough Council is to help protect the future viability of The Curve through a number of adaptations to the Venue. This will enable future shows and events to be more adaptable to the challenges of Covid-19.

Changes include upgrading the current bench seating in the Venue to individual seating to enable social distancing, the purchase of camera equipment and improvements in existing fixed camera spot to allow for live streaming from the Venue and purchasing additional performer’s microphones and mobile sound and lighting desks to give more flexibility in how shows are put on.

The team is working hard to make Venue at The Curve as safe and inviting as possible to welcome back audiences over the coming season.

A special version of the well-loved pantomime is planned this December and the team is working with the regular pantomime producer DK proDuKtions. This year’s pantomime is Jack and the Beanstalk.

More here - http://www.slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=22618

Today, parks and green spaces across the country will be raising their Green Flag Award with pride, in a year when millions of people have seen the value of having great quality green spaces on their doorstep. It’s a record-breaking year as more than 2,000 green spaces across the country will get the international quality mark.

Salt Hill Park has had a green flag since 2010 and this is the 10th green flag for Pippins Park and for Herschel Park the 9th year of being in receipt of the award.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Herschel Park, Salt Hill Park and Pippins Park are three of more than 2,000 sites across the country to collect the award for 2020.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I am delighted this is the 11th year we have received Green Flag Awards for some of our parks. Our parks team and volunteers work so hard to maintain our green spaces to such a high standard, especially with the challenges of this year. We know that having award winning spaces really contribute to the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors to our borough.”

Commenting on Sloughs success, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Slough Borough Council has achieved the highest international standards for Herschel Park, Salt Hill Park and Pippins Park demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

The way some people work may have changed but employers can still be a lifeline to those experiencing domestic abuse. Some helpful tips on signs to watch out for and how to deal with employees who confide in their managers, as well as the organisations which offer help and advice below.

Do you know a young person in Slough whose contribution to the community inspires you and deserves recognition? Now’s the time to speak up.

The Slough Youth Awards are returning with their first virtual awards ceremony, taking place from 7 - 8.30pm on Friday 11 December. It will be streamed on YouTube, and viewers can watch, celebrate and support in the comfort of their own homes and enjoy performances showcasing the amazing talent of local young people.

Nominations opened on 25 September for young people aged 11-19 (up to 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities or care leavers) who live in Slough. Groups can also be nominated in certain categories.

Young people can be nominated in one of the following categories: young artist, young environmentalist, young inspiration, young entrepreneur, young sportsperson and young volunteer/voluntary group of the year. A young person can be nominated for more than one achievement/project in different categories, and nominations should focus on a project or achievement that occurred between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020.

Councillor Martin Carter, cabinet member for children and schools, said: “This year has shown us just how many amazing young people we have living in the borough. If you know a young person who deserves a nomination in any of the categories, please make sure you nominate them by 5pm on the 20 November, this is such an important awards ceremony to honour and recognise our young people’s efforts.”

This year’s awards are supported by the council’s young people’s service and Slough Youth Parliament and arose from the youth parliament’s manifesto commitment to raise the profile of young people in a positive way by celebrating their many achievements.

To find out more or to nominate a young person, visit www.slough.gov.uk/SYA. Entry is free and the deadline for nominations is Friday 20 November at 5pm.

For general enquiries, please contact the young people’s service on 01753 875510

or email sloughforyouth@slough.gov.uk

There's a unique online course for residents who may need extra help recognising and honing their skills for the job market in association with Osborne Property Services Ltd and Thrive 365. Next online course starts 2 November so contact the number/email below for a chat.

Each week in October residents are being asked for ideas to create a 20-year vision- Slough 2040.

This second week focuses on education, equality and rights as well as health and wellbeing. To contribute, add ideas and opinions to the mindmap, click here - https://app.mural.co/t/2040vision1335/m/2040vision1335/1601565469862/044061416f43c118bacf1a6322095aeaa7167243

There have been a number of planning applications submitted and decided upon in the last week. All are listed here -

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

Employers could provide vital support for those experiencing domestic abuse. More information below.

Take a look here for the latest job opportunities -

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

A young woman whose cousin was stabbed to death was among young people who created graffiti artwork urging others not to carry knives.

White hoarding surrounding the former Thames Valley University site in the town centre has been transformed with colourful artworks designed by young residents with the slogans #knifefreeSlough, #peace and #dropit.

Twenty-six young volunteers from the youth charity Aik Saath, which stands for together as one, spent ten hours working with artist Alexis Milne to create the unique spray-painted murals.

Among the team was Aida whose 24-year-old cousin Ismail "Izzy" Mohammed died three weeks after being stabbed in the abdomen while at a skate park in the town in July 2017.

Three men were convicted of the murder of the amateur footballer and are serving life sentences.

Aida said taking part in the mural was particularly important to her and her family as they continue to live through the effects from knife crime.

The 18-year-old psychology degree student said: “Knife crime has had a massive impact on me and my family since 2017 I wanted to join in and do something positive.

“The message is just don’t go out with a knife. Not only is the family of the victim affected with the loss of life but the family of the perpetrator as well.

“Carrying a knife can take a life and for those who are caught and imprisoned their lives have been lost too.”

The work was completed as part of a partnership project between the council, Aik Saath and media company Resource Productions, and co-ordinated by Slough Violence Task Force.

Rob Deeks, chief executive officer of Aik Saath, said: “Aik Saath was founded on the idea young people are uniquely situated to reach each other with key messages.

“This campaign is entirely in keeping with this vision with young people leading it every step of the way and it is a privilege to support them to use their creativity to send such important messages to their peers about knife crime.

“The #knifefreeslough social media campaign launched in August stated alternative facts about knife crime including 99 per cent of young people do not carry knives challenging the perception of knife carrying amongst some young people. The social media campaign has already reached almost 3,000 people via Instagram.”

The Slough Violence Taskforce was set up by the council in October last year to coordinate multi-agency partners within the borough, providing a focused, evidence based response to serious violence, including knife crime.

Working with a number of statutory partners, education and voluntary groups, the taskforce is committed to using a variety of techniques from prevention through to intensive intervention in an endeavour to prevent the escalation of violence within the community, and working with people who have found themselves on a path to criminality.

Josie Wragg, council chief executive and chair of the taskforce said: “Not only have the plain white hoardings been transformed into eye-catching art work but it is created by and for the young people of the town.”

Dom Unsworth MBE and chief executive officer of Resource Productions said: “The aim is to engage with young people especially on digital platforms they use every day, getting them to share messages peer to peer, as well as across our amazing network of community partners.”

Aik Saath will be creating more social media content this year including a Tik Tok challenge encouraging anyone carrying a knife to #dropit.

What would residents like Slough to be like in 20 years time? Slough 2040.

The council is currently in the process of creating a 20-year vision for Slough. The Slough 2040 Vision will show what residents want the town to look like in the future.

Each week in October residents will be asked for their ideas on a different set of themes and topics like health and wellbeing, education, transport and the environment, and age specific services.

This, the first week focuses on the town centre, leisure and entertainment and business and the economy.

To contribute, add ideas and opinions to the mindmap. Add post-it notes with text in them by double clicking and then typing in the coloured square. Photos can also be added.

Contribute here - https://app.mural.co/t/2040vision1335/m/2040vision1335/1601563821278/35e956d87d8edce8ce49c52f9a984378ef437f86

***comments on this post are not contributions so remember to click on the link***

The M4 will be closed in both directions from 8pm on Friday 9 Oct until 6am Monday 12 Oct between junc 5, Langley, and 6, Slough. This is for continuing smart motorway construction and work on Riding Court Road bridge near Datchet.

The weekly round up of planning applications, those submitted and decided upon, is ready to view here -

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

It's not just the vacancies on the general jobs page where the council is looking for the right candidates, but click on the side bar for roles in the education and adult social care. https://www.slough.gov.uk/jobs/general-vacancies.aspx

Hackney carriages are now allowed to use the experimental A4 bus and cycle lanes.

The council reached a voluntary agreement with the borough’s licensed Hackney carriage drivers after listening to their feedback and reviewing evidence provided by their industry representatives.

Following representations by the Taxi Federation, council officers have been working on measures to enable Hackney carriage drivers to pick up customers who hail for a cab from within the boundaries of the experimental lanes.

The agreement reached commits the drivers to respecting the rights of cyclists and e-scooter riders using the experimental lanes as well as a number of conditions to ensure everyone’s safety.

These conditions must be adhered to in order to ensure Hackney carriages continue to be permitted to use the A4 bus and cycle lanes.

Councillor Rob Anderson, lead member for sustainable transport and environmental services, said:

“Slough’s taxis are a valuable part of the wider public transport network and I am delighted we have reached this voluntary agreement to enable them to use the experimental bus and cycle lanes along the A4 for the remainder of the trial.”

Cllr James Swindlehurst, council leader, said: “We want to encourage as many residents as possible to use alternative and active means of transport for short journeys within Slough, but we too have to be mindful of the livelihoods of our taxi drivers.

“This agreement will ensure Slough’s licensed Hackney carriage drivers respect the rights and safety of cyclists in Slough while allowing them access to the experimental lanes.”

Harbans Singh Kainth, chair of Slough Taxi Federation, said: “We made representations to the council over the impact of the lanes on metered fares and the ability to be hailed by customers.

“We are grateful the council took the time to listen to us and to have reached an agreement with the council to use the temporary and cycle lanes.”

There will be a series of night road closures of Wellington Street between the HTC roundabout and Uxbridge Road over the next two weeks.

From Monday 5 October up to and including Thursday 8 October, and from Monday 12 October up to and including Thursday 15 October that section of the road will be closed from 8pm until 5am the following morning.

The will be no access to or the ability to exit from Wexham Road, via Wellington Street.

There will be a signposted diversion.

The work is in relation to the new right hand turn onto Wexham Road.

More information about the diversion and work here http://www.slough.gov.uk/parking-travel-and-roads/roadworks.aspx

Free webinar training is being provided by Cycling UK next week giving practical hints and tips for cycling in an urban environment. The course is free and all residents need to do is sign up to complete online training. More here - https://www.cyclinguk.org/cycling-to-work-training.

In the year of the nurse and midwife where the medical profession has taken centre stage, the cabinet member for health and wellbeing in Slough, Cllr Natasa Pantelic, virtually met with local people working in healthcare to hear their experiences of the pandemic and discuss the future.

Cllr Pantelic virtually met with senior staff as well as frontline nurses and midwives, from Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust which operates Wexham Park Hospital in Slough.

Items discussed included how to encourage more of the borough’s young people to consider the medical profession and the pathways into it, public health hygiene, how staff are preparing practically and mentally for the winter months, as well as their response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Pantelic told the professionals: “On behalf of every resident in Slough, I want to say a massive thank you for all of your amazing work over the past months which have no doubt been gruelling.

“I am really keen to explore how the council and other settings could help with getting more young people into the profession and particularly interested to explore different ways in which qualifications can be gained.

“Whether that is raising awareness of the routes into different medical professions, through working with you, or looking at apprenticeships, we want to help Wexham Park Hospital as it is so very important to Slough.”

Professionals at the virtual meeting spoke about how they dealt with the coronavirus pandemic from preparation and demand on the Intensive Care Unit to nurses being deployed to other unfamiliar departments.

The maternity unit operated at its normal capacity as “babies come when they come” with all nurses and midwives finding the hands off approach a challenge.

Nurse Elizabeth said: “The members of this profession are incredibly talented, passionate and compassionate and as a hands-on profession, it was hard to maybe not be so hands on. We had to rely on virtual consultations and be more aware of contact with patients in particular in ICU at a time when they were all alone.

Staff who “performed on adrenaline for four months” are now looking for more psychological, health and well being assistance as preparations are made for the busy winter months ahead.

Infection control nurse Jenny hoped one legacy of the virus will be a renewed observance of hygiene related routines being ingrained in adults and children as they grow up, like washing hands.

Operation department practitioner Colin said he appreciated the conversation being started by the council and welcomed the relationship, support and passion of Cllr Pantelic, which would “go a long way” to help the medical profession.

Lorna Wilkinson, Frimley Health Chief Nurse, thanked Cllr Pantelic for arranging the meeting.

She said: “Slough Borough Council have been key partners in our collective efforts against Covid-19 and we look forward to continue working very closely together in future to support the health of our community.”

Planning applications submitted to and decided by the council during the last seven days are all here - take a look.
http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

The latest vacancies within the council are listed here - http://www.slough.gov.uk/jobs/general-vacancies.aspx

Two online forums will be held next week by North West Quadrant Slough for residents to learn about plans for the former TVU site in the centre of the town. Times and how to get involved here -

https://northwestquadrant.commonplace.is/news

Slough is set to participate in an e-scooter rental trial.

The 12-month long e-scooter rental scheme proposal was submitted and considered by the Department of Transport which has given it the green light. It will go live within the next month.

The distinctive orange scooters will have a top speed of 15.5mph for experienced riders and a 9mph top speed for beginners. They will only be permitted to be used on roads and riders will be able to use the town’s bus and on-road cycle lanes.

The rental e-scooters will not be allowed to be used on any pavement, even shared pavements where cyclists are permitted, to protect pedestrians.

In consultation with the council the company will also create a series of slow zones, no-parking and no-go zones for safety.

Geo-fencing technology and a GPS tracking system will control speed as well as tell riders to get back onto an approved road or route if it detects the e-scooter rider strays.

The scheme is being facilitated by leading e-scooter operator Neuron Mobility and Slough will be the company’s first scheme in the UK. The company is the largest operator in Australia and New Zealand where it successfully operates in eight cities.

The e-scooters will include world-leading safety features like integrated lockable helmets, voice guidance to educate and alert riders during rides, and sensors which can tell if the e-scooter has been involved in a fall or has been left on its side.

Each is equipped with front and rear lights, which flash when breaking, so can be easily seen.

The e-scooters can be rented by people aged 18 years and over who hold a full or provisional driving licence.

The trial is part of the council’s transport initiatives to encourage changes to the way short journeys are made to walking, cycling, and now with the added choice of an e-scooter. Using them means people will be able to get around easily, safely and sustainably while being able to maintain social distancing.

Neuron’s purpose built safety-first e-scooters use geo-fencing technology which controls speed and where the e-scooters can be ridden and parked in different areas.

The e-scooters also carry a 999 emergency button feature which will help the rider notify the emergency services if a fall is detected. They will also be a ‘follow my ride’ function where a rider’s trip can be tracked in real time for added safety and peace of mind.

Neuron will also be deploying a dedicated safety team working around the clock and responsible for educating riders and sanitisation. Hospital grade disinfectant will be used to clean helmets and the e-scooters. Staff will also move the vehicles to where they are needed the most, assist new riders with signing up, and deliver practical tips for safe riding.

Riding rental e-scooters became legal on the UK’s roads on 4 July, 2020. Privately-owned electric scooters remain outlawed for use on any public path and road.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “This is an exciting first for Slough.

“We are leading the way in the use of alternative electric vehicles and the potential benefits of their use in the future.

“The town’s bus lanes, including the current experimental lanes on the A4, will be able to be used by the rental scooters leading to them being an attractive and sustainable way to travel in the borough.”

Zachary Wang, CEO of Neuron Mobility, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a permit to operate in Slough and look forward to partnering with the council to deliver a safe and convenient service to help people move around the town post pandemic.

“Safety is our top priority, it dictates our e-scooter design and also the way we operate them. Our N3 e-scooters are jam-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.”

Rental will be able to be organised via the Neuron app and the charges and more details of the scheme will be published nearer the launch date.

The council’s public health team, working alongside the Slough Early Years service, has launched a new support service called “Slough 2K – Conception to Reception.”

The first 1001 days are critical in a child’s development. Throughout this period of foetal development, infancy and toddlerhood, the brain is growing and developing. Those first 1001 days are critical not only because optimal brain development throughout them gives a baby the best possible start in life, but also because early intervention and development at this age has the biggest benefit to the child’s overall life.

Slough2k looks holistically at a child’s most important time – the first 2000 days from “conception to reception”. This new project includes a comprehensive local offer of the various services and support tools available in Slough to look after the health and wellbeing of children and their parents/carers. It also includes a “Healthy child” booklet that is available online, and in hard copy at each of the Slough children centres.

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “Looking after children’s health at an early age is absolutely vital to ensure they lead a long and healthy life. We’re excited to be able offer a new, interactive resource, which provides residents with everything they need to support them with looking after their child’s health from “conception to reception”.

For more information, please email publichealthslough@slough.gov.uk or visit www.publichealthslough.co.uk/conception-to-reception

A state of the art electric refuse lorry with zero emissions will be doing the rounds this week as the council gets an exclusive look at the latest waste industry technology.

From the outside, the British manufactured and built Dennis Eagle eCollect refuse lorry looks like a conventional vehicle which is seen on the borough’s roads collecting waste and recycling.

However, the clean machine runs entirely on a battery which would only need to be charged every other day to complete rounds in the borough.

It could be perfect for Slough’s residential areas where the vehicle could operate much more quietly, emitting zero emissions and have less of an impact on residents and waste operatives.

The vehicle was showcased to Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, and Richard West, interim director of place and development, as well as staff. Some waste operatives have been trained to use the vehicle and are going to take it out into Chalvey and Cippenham for the rest of the week to work with it.

Cllr Anderson was told that the machine is so quiet gone are the days where residents would listen for the rattle and hum of the refuse lorry before dashing out to put their waste or recycling bin outside their home. In areas where the vehicle has been trialled some residents have been left running down the road in various states of dress trying to catch up with the electric vehicle because they could not hear it arrive.

Slough Borough Council recommends bins should be placed outside a resident’s property by 6am on their designated collection day.

Cllr Anderson was taken for a test drive and said: “It was a very smooth ride, very quiet and very similar to a traditional refuse vehicle, just electric.

“We have the intention to replace all of our fossil fuel vehicles by 2027 at the latest and we are out there already looking at alternatively fuelled vehicles so we are in the right place when vehicles from our existing fleet reach the end of their life and need replacing.

“It will be seen in Chalvey and Cippenham and over the next few days which is a perfect place for the electric vehicle to be tested in tight urban areas, where it will be quieter and healthier for residents and crews alike.”

Nigel Jakubowski, fleet and plant compliance manager, said the council’s current diesel vehicles all currently meet the top environmental standards for such vehicles.

He added: “Lots of councils are really interested in these vehicles with a long waiting list for staff and councillors to get a good look at them. We have been really fortunate to get them working on Slough’s roads as we investigate the suitability of the alternatively fuelled vehicles.”

The M4 will be closed this weekend for further Highways England smart motorway work.

Between Friday 25 to 28 Sept it will be closed in both directions between juncs 7, Slough, and 8/9, Maidenhead.

Closure is from 8pm on Friday and will finished by 6am Monday.

A variety of planning applications have been submitted for changes to homes in the borough. There is also a list of applications decided upon. Here is the complete list -

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

There are a number of vacancies which require the right candidate to apply. All roles here -

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

A free electric bus service is to be launched for passengers travelling to and from Slough town centre.

The council has partnered up with Iver based electric bus specialists BYD UK and Thames Valley Buses for the free to passengers electric bus service.

The three month trial period, which will be funded by the council, will begin in the last week of October and will use the experimental bus and cycle lanes along the A4 to offer residents a fast, reliable and an environmental friendly bus service to and from central Slough.

It will operate on a loop from its starting point at Station Road, near Junction 7 of the M4, through to Slough town centre and onto the Sainsbury’s roundabout at the junction of Yew Tree and Uxbridge Road.

The hourly loop service will also incorporate St Andrew’s Way, Cippenham.

The vehicles will be fully electric ensuring no fossil fuel emissions and lower carbon emissions that a traditional bus service, contributing to cleaner air along the route and reduced noise.

On board, the buses will have comfortable modern seating, air conditioning and USB ports for phone charging during the Monday to Saturday shuttle service.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “The experimental bus and cycle lane was introduced to help residents socially distance during the ongoing pandemic alongside making road space available for active and sustainable travel.

“I am delighted we have provided the funding to now introduce a free, fast and environmentally friendly electric bus service which will operate daily along the length of the temporary lane.

“Residents often quote the price of public transport is one of the key blockers stopping them leaving the car at home and jumping on the bus. So we have taken the blocker away with this trial.

“This free service will provide residents with a speedy, frequent service into central Slough and I look forward to seeing them on the buses.”

Cllr James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “We have not been shy in sharing our plans to increase the amount of sustainable travel in Slough and pledged in our 2019 manifesto to ‘create a public transport corridor for the town centre’.

“This trial actively promotes public transport as fast, free and reliable alternative to private vehicles for short journeys, which we hope will encourage residents to hop on the bus and leave the car at home when needing to travel to and from central Slough.

“This improvement in the town’s public transport offer has been made possible by creating space on our highway network and residents can expect this free bus trial to be the first step on the journey to building a better, cheaper public transport network in Slough.”

The Moxy hotel in the heart of Slough is a step closer to completion with the distinctive vibrant pink sign taking pride of place atop the building.

Work on the development continued during the coronavirus pandemic and now scaffolding and the hoarding are being removed from the old library site revealing the brand new exterior of the Moxy Slough hotel, Residence Inn and apartments.

The focus now turns to fitting the interiors of the high quality apartments and the hotel rooms creating its unique style.

The development is built with investment by the council delivered through Slough Urban Renewal, SUR, a property partnership between Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments.

Cycas Hospitality, a specialist hotel management company, will be operating the two Marriott International hotels with a total of 244 rooms. The Moxy Slough hotel will have 152 short stay rooms while the Residence Inn will have 92 long stay studio rooms and one-bedroomed apartments. Whilst the 64 residential apartments will comprise of studio, one and two bedroom homes.

Philip Steiner has been employed as the general manager of hotels and there will be dozens of employment opportunities for Slough people which will be advertised by Cycas Hospitality in the coming months.

Cllr James Swindlehurst, council leader and cabinet member for regeneration and strategy, said: “When it seemed all life stalled because of the global health emergency builders were allowed to work which saw the Moxy grow.

“It has been hidden behind scaffolding and hoardings which are being removed and the exterior of the building can be seen for the first time. You can’t miss the Moxy with the sign being visible from all around the borough and to people in trains at the station.”

“The internal fittings will now be going in apace which will lead to a unique hotel and residential development in the heart of the town and its move toward completion couldn’t be more timely in terms of the new local jobs which will shortly go out to recruitment.

“The council chose to involve itself with this development knowing it would be a long term asset to the town in terms of creating employment for our residents, adding much needed hotel capacity and delivering a secure revenue stream back to the council.

“The development also includes much needed new housing and we look forward to when the doors are opened to welcome the first customers and residents.”

Martin Dennis, the council’s Project Manager for Regeneration, said: “The new development along with new employment opportunities generated by the Moxy Slough hotel and Residence Inn hotels will ensure Slough continues to be an attractive and vibrant town where people choose to live work and stay.

“This is an incredibly exciting time to be involved in the transformation of Slough town centre and the investment being shown by the council clearly shows projects such as these are the future.

“Further investment in the town will ensure it continues to grow and remain a town we and future generations can be rightly proud of.”

Andy Howell, SUR general manager, said: “It’s fantastic that during these difficult times we have been able to continue with the construction of this mixed use development. Seeing the building revealed is incredibly positive for 2021 when we hope it will provide new homes and a great place to stay.”

The project is currently ahead of schedule and is anticipated to be completed in January 2021.

It's Cycle September.

Ride for fun, fitness or as a form of transport.

Cycling is a good way to socially distance and great for personal health and wellbeing. Every bike trip also frees up space on public transport or the roads.

It is also guaranteed to put a smile on your face and give you fun and freedom!

During Cycle September riders can win prizes for cycling and encouraging others. Everyone can take part, it doesn’t matter if you ride every day or if you haven’t been on a bike in years.

Please take a minute to register at lovetoride.net/slough

It's gas safe week and a timely reminder before the temperature falls and the heating gets turned on, to look after your boiler.

The council and private landlords are legally obliged to service a tenant's boiler every 12 months and is advising homeowners to book an appointment for their boiler once a year.

Checks can lead to economic savings as well as making sure it is safe.

Unsafe appliances can put residents at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions.

It has been revealed this week almost a third of boilers are overdue checks, with lockdown measures delaying these further.

More information here -

https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gassafetyweek?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImabDiaHt6wIVWODtCh0VsQSYEAAYASAAEgIF-PD_BwE

There will be closures of the M4 over the next two weekends for further Highways England smart motorway work.

▪ Friday 18 to Monday 21 September, 2020, between Junctions 5, Langley, and 6, Slough, for the demolition of the old Riding Court Road bridge.

▪ Friday 25 to Monday 28 September, 2020, between Junctions 7, Slough, and 8/9, Maidenhead, for the demolition of the old Ascot Road bridge.

The closures will begin after 8pm on the Fridays and will finish by 6am the following Mondays.

There are a number of planning applications which have been passed and submitted for consideration in the past week. They are available to view here -

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