This week there are new and interesting roles open for the right candidates in the housing and health and social care departments. They might work for you. Job vacancies here -

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

Butterflies, foxes and ducks are just a few members of Slough’s hidden wildlife captured on ground breaking motion cameras powered by green technology.

Three motion sensor cameras, powered by plant microbial fuel cells, were placed in parks in the borough in the summer.

In a European first, the borough is the first place where the cameras are being used outside of trials by green tech pioneers Plant-e of the Netherlands in a second ground breaking partnership project with the council.

In the first few weeks the cameras have already powered up and captured a variety of fauna as they fly or pass by.

The cameras have been installed to reveal and monitor exactly what wildlife is in the parks during the day and night and are powered by bioelectricity created by the chemical reaction between plant roots and bacteria in the soil. Ongoing landscape works, such as the Slough Digital Urban Forest, can be evaluated using this system ensuring there is inherent value for money, while at the same time increasing levels of biodiversity across the borough.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “The cameras have already proved to be extremely successful and we have captured evidence of our expanding biodiversity in a digital format.

“The council can now provide more evidence when bidding for external funding streams related to natural capital and biodiversity expansion.

“The environmental plan has taken on an exciting hue and now has embedded within it, the uniqueness that the Slough environment is becoming synonymous with.”

With such projects the intention is to start a monitoring network covering Slough Canal using a digital platform to introduce citizen science in to the borough. The development approach work is being carried out with the University of Lancaster.

Along side this, thousands of trees are to be planted this autumn in the second phase of planting as part of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund.

Funding was secured from the Forestry Commission at the beginning of the year to plant 9,051 trees at 31 locations across 13 wards and planting began. The council match funded the amount and the money will be used to plant and cultivate the trees over the next four years.

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

Many trees were planted this spring with more about to be planted in a further 26 sites across the borough adding to those already in Godolphin Recreation Ground, Farnham Lane, Scafell Park, Harvey Park and Faraday Recreation Ground.

The scheme is being further expanded in the Wexham Lea ward at Mirador Road, The Cherries and Wexham Road as well as in Langley Kedermister ward due to councillor funding.

Cllrs Haqeeq Dar and Harjinder S.Gahir from Wexham Lea and Cllrs Preston Brooker, Michael Holledge and Harpreet K.Cheema in Langley Kedermister ward have allocated Community Investment Fund, or CIF, money for the additional trees in their wards.

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

We are proud to be supporting this year’s @999Day. A huge thank you to the two million 999 personnel for always being there, working on the front line, behind the scenes and volunteering in our police forces, fire and ambulance services, the NHS and search and rescue services. #999Day

The council is assessing how it might better use smart technology to enable residents to remain independent at home as well as in the community.

We want to understand how residents use technology in their lives from staying in touch with family and friends to accessing medical and council services.

We also want to know the barriers to using technology such as smart watches, tablets and home devices, like user knowledge, costs or reliance on other people.

This information is important to assess whether we currently offer enough services via this technology or can improve this offering to benefit people now who want it as well as considering future needs.

The name of these services is being referred to as Technology Enabled Care (TEC). It may be known by you as Assistive Technology or Telecare.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SloughTEC2020

The Slough Co-Production Network is looking for volunteers to work in partnership with Slough Borough Council and East Berkshire CCG (health) to support the design of services for local people. The network is independent and able to offer objective advice about a range of projects that will hopefully benefit everyone in the community.

The Co-production Network is evolving and aspires to be relevant, inclusive, and effective in engaging with Slough's communities. We are committed to working positively together as part of a team to improve the way services are designed in Slough.

We really believe we can make a difference and would like more members of the community to come forward and join us to be part of this important work. More, and how to get involved, here - http://www.slough.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/co-production.aspx

The M4 will be closed Westbound ONLY between junctions 4b (M25) and 5 (Langley) from the evening of Friday 11 September until the morning of Monday 14 September 2020. This is for carriageway work around the new Old Slade Lane bridge.

https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/south-east/m4-junctions-3-12-smart-motorway/#:~:text=Planned%20closures%20for%20July%20and%20August&text=and%208%2F9-,The%20M4%20will%20be%20closed%20in%20both%20directions%20between%20junctions,A308%2C%20A332%20and%20the%20A355.

The latest planning applications and planning decisions are here to view -

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

The council will provide an emergency minibus service for pupils who have been unable to get home on their usual school transport due to social distancing measures.

The minibuses will operate for the first two weeks of term as people adjust to getting back into the school routine.

Some buses on school routes home are instigating social distancing measures which could lead to reduced capacity.

There will be four minibuses and drivers on standby each afternoon until 18 September as a response to children going back to school after the coronavirus pandemic.

Parents and pupils are being asked to plan ahead and download the relevant bus company’s app before practising using it with their children for the most up to date information for journeys to and from school.

Pupils are also encouraged to walk when they can and to communicate at all times with parents or carers.

However, children who have been unable to get on to their bus homeward bound are being advised to return to their school if they have been unable to get on board another after 30-45 minutes. The school will be able to arrange the emergency minibus to collect them from the school.

The stranded pupil will only be collected from the school. They will not be collected from any bus stop and will not be taken directly home but to their usual bus stop.

The minibuses will be able to use the borough’s bus lanes.

Cllr. Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “The council has been in contact with bus operators as the time has come for children to go back to school.

“There are so many variables but we are trying to remain as flexible as possible so that we can respond as needed so parents and children know that they will get home from school.”

As part of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic hand sanitisers have also been installed at 50 bus stops in the borough and at Slough bus station.

More information is being regularly updated on our webpage dedicated to school travel in the wake of the coronavirus public health emergency - http://www.slough.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/coronavirus-travel-guidance-for-schools.aspx.

Parents and pupils can do their bit to get to and from school safely by taking a few precautions whether walking, on a bike, scooter or the bus. Download the app for the bus company used to keep up to date. Most importantly plan ahead. More about getting to and from school here -

http://www.slough.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/coronavirus-travel-guidance-for-schools.aspx

There are a number of roles at the council which need filling. Take a look -

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

The M4 will be closed eastbound ONLY between junctions 5 (Langley) and 4b (M25) from the evening of Friday 4 to the morning of Monday 7 September 2020. This is for carriageway work around the new Old Slade Lane bridge. More information here -

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

The owners of an elderly dog found abandoned next to the Jubilee River in the pouring rain are being sought by the council.

The drenched 13-year-old black Labrador with a greying muzzle was found by a member of the public on the footpath next to the river on Friday evening. He was wearing a brown collar with a chain lead attached.

The poor animal had no use of his back legs due to a long term injury and could not have walked to the spot or wandered there, so was deliberately carried to the area dumped all alone.

The Labrador was found near the Jubilee River Riverside Centre, just off the A332 roundabout, and the council is appealing to anyone who saw someone carrying a black dog or acting suspiciously in the car park on Friday, sometime between 11am and 5pm, to make contact.

A member of the public called the council’s Stray Dog Collection service and stayed with the dog until an officer arrived to collect him.

He was taken straight to an out of hours veterinary clinic where he was dried and examined. A microchip was discovered but the details of addresses in the Keel Drive and Hull Close area of Slough are believed to be out of date.

Ian Blake, neighbourhood manager of resilience and enforcement, said the vet diagnosed a pre-existing spinal injury, not believed to have occurred recently, leading to the dog having no use of its back legs and therefore unable to walk.

He said: “The dog was effectively paralysed at the rear. The examining vet determined the dog had not been injured the day he was found in any way and he could not have walked to the location which is some way from the nearest residential housing.

“We are very thankful to the member of the public who found him and stayed with him until we arrived – an act of kindness for the animal.”

After a full examination of the dog and further consultation the professional opinion was for the dog to be euthanised on welfare grounds due to the severity of the spinal injury and likely degeneration of the dog’s condition in the future.

Cllr. Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “Thank you to the member of the public who found this poor animal and decided not to walk by but call us. They gave the dog comfort in what were, unknown to them, the final hours of his life after going through the horrible experience of being abandoned.

“Owning an animal means looking after it through the cute stages of being a puppy and young dog to looking after them when they are in the twilight of their lives and may need medical care.

“It is just so sad the owner could not see fit to take it to a vet themselves and give him a dignified end.”

The council is appealing to anyone who knew the dog or where he lived, or saw anything unusual on Friday near the Riverside centre or on the footpath, to contact Ian Blake on 07917092909 or email ResilienceandEnforcementTeam@slough.gov.uk in the strictest confidence.

Planning applications submitted and decided upon in the past week range from changes to commercial properties as well some homes in the borough. Take a look here -

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

Work to demolish an empty tower block has got underway to make way for much needed, good quality social housing.

It will take five weeks for Tower House, in Chalvey, to be reduced to its component parts.

All the recyclable elements have been stripped from the 10 floor block before the empty shell is reduced to rubble and taken away from the site.

The work to Tower House is being carried out by John F Hunt Regeneration and is to be completed by October.

Since being empty the block has been used by the county’s emergency services to undertake disaster scenario training.

The area near The Crescent has been hoarded off and the entire site is earmarked for a new affordable homes development.

Planning permission was approved in autumn last year and there will be 193 new homes for families, a central green space and play area for children.

The plans for the new housing also includes features designed to mitigate anti-social behaviour which affected the lives of residents in the tower blocks.

Councillor Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing, said: “The plans for this area are really exciting.

“Two dated and obsolete blocks of flats will be turned into almost 200 good quality homes for people on the Slough housing register.”

Steve Forster, managing director of John F Hunt Regeneration’s Industrial Division, said: “The Tower House project is progressing extremely well and remains on programme for its scheduled finish, enabling the next stage of works to commence on time, benefitting all those involved in the Chalvey area redevelopment”

We are asking for residents in the surrounding area for their patience while this work is carried out and the demolition company is using techniques to reduce the amount of disruption in the area.

An Office of National Statistics Community Advisor role is among the jobs available at the council. They will engage with the community to get people to complete the 2021 census questionnaire. For this role and more take a look here -

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

Slough Ice Arena and gym reopened to the public on Monday 24 August. The first day was fully booked with many familiar faces back at the facility. To make sure the reopening was as safe as possible, there has been a change to the layout and operations of the arena to ensure social distancing is maintained. Information on these measures can be found at: https://www.everyoneactive.com/reopeningmeasures/

A booking system has also been introduced which requires both gym and skating customers to book a session prior to attending, so the number of people in these areas at one time can be managed. You can book a session using the Everyone Active app. Information about how to use the app, and a step-by-step guide on how to make a booking can be found at: https://www.everyoneactive.com/mobile-app/

For customers on the learn to skate programme, a timescale is currently being worked on for lessons to resume, and customers will be contacted directly once a date has been decided.

Alison Hibbert, Leisure Services Manager, Slough Borough Council said: “It’s great to be able to welcome the public back to the Ice Arena. Our teams have been working hard behind the scenes to make sure that all possible procedures are in place to ensure the safety of customers and colleagues. This is a much loved and very popular facility and it’s been fantastic to see people back getting active both in the gym and on the ice.”

Last year Slough Borough Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and Bracknell Forest Council made the decision to jointly commission a single Local Healthwatch Service across East Berkshire when the current individual local authority contracts expired.

This created the opportunity to work collaboratively to develop and agree a common specification and run a single procurement process across these three local authority areas within the geographical footprint of the Frimley Integrated Care System (ICS). This will help to reduce duplication of resources and share valuable intelligence about health and social care between the three boroughs. The new service will be aligned with the NHS East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) boundaries.

The three local authorities are pleased to announce that having successfully concluded a competitive tender process; the new contract has been awarded to Help & Care. The successful provider currently provides the Healthwatch service in Slough.

Help & Care will maintain local boards and a full-time member of staff within each of the three areas, so keeping a local focus for each borough. This new approach will help strengthen collaboration within East Berkshire, as well as build and develop relationships with local communities, focusing on neighbourhoods and engagement with a diverse range of local people. The three areas will still keep their separate identities as Healthwatch Bracknell Forest, Healthwatch Slough and Healthwatch Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead and retain individual work plans representing the demographical health needs of their distinctive local communities.

Alan Sinclair, Slough Borough Council’s Director of Adults & Communities, said: “We are really pleased to be working alongside our colleagues from Bracknell Forest Council and RBWM in awarding the contract to Help & Care. Healthwatch provides a critical voice for people who use health and social care services, which is an extremely important service for our residents.”

Mark Sharman, Chief Executive of Help & Care, said; "We're delighted to be appointed as the providers of Healthwatch Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead and Healthwatch Bracknell Forest, alongside our current work in Healthwatch Slough. We look forward to working with residents and healthcare providers across East Berkshire as well as current boards and volunteers.”

The new Healthwatch East Berkshire service delivered by Help & Care will commence on Monday 4 January 2021. The contract will run for three years with the option to extend for a further two years.

The future of zero emissions public transport has been showcased to the council.

BYD UK is based just over the Slough border in Iver and is at the centre of the electric bus industry with 300 electric vehicles already running on the UK roads.

Council, supplier and operator representatives from the Thames Valley were there to consider the value of using zero emissions vehicles. Reading Buses, which operates some bus routes in the borough, organised the meeting.

Slough’s highway engineers and Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and the environment, represented the borough with the view of how the zero emissions vehicles can be utilised in the borough.

Cllr Anderson said: “Vehicles like these can be a big step along the journey to getting the town to zero carbon before the government deadline of 2050.

“We have to keep moving forward and looking for ways to improve the air quality in Slough.

“This was an example of quality public transport, not only are they electric but they are equipped with passenger information screens Wi-Fi, wireless charging, table seating and all the passenger comforts you could want.

“It was great to see first hand the sheer quality of these vehicles and hope we will see bus companies using them more and more.”

BYD produce a range of electric vehicles in addition to their buses that they will soon be introducing into the UK.

BYD Managing Director Frank Thorpe said: “It was a pleasure to display our vehicles to progressive organisations such as Reading Buses and Slough Borough Council. We very much hope to work with them in the very near future.”

The borough’s CCTV service has remained in an elite national club after its latest inspection for excellence.

Slough retained its place for a second year as only one of 100 local authorities in England and Wales to be awarded a British Standard.

For the rigorous inspection by the Security Systems and Alarm Board, SSAIB, the team had to meet high standards and demonstrate the management and operation of the CCTV service is compliant with the law, has robust policies and procedures in place, and has vetted, well-trained and dedicated staff operating the cameras.

The team also had to demonstrate the privacy of the public was protected and at the core of all operations, as well as being transparent and open to close scrutiny.

Based just outside the town centre, the team works closely with Thames Valley Police everyday and their CCTV work is often used in prosecutions as evidence in court due to its quality.

The number of cameras connected to the CCTV system continues to increase with more areas of the town being covered as well as the addition of high definition cameras.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “With the cameras we are better able to protect the public and are able to deliver high definition evidential images to the police.

“There are many examples of where Slough CCTV evidence has been pivotal in proving an individual committed an offence but equally importantly, to demonstrate they are innocent as the case may be.

“Slough’s CCTV operators are on duty 24 hours a day, every day, working hard to protect the residents and visitors to Slough.”

There are a number of examples of the team’s work but many of them cannot be made public due to cases still going through the legal system. However, the team were pivotal in providing evidence regarding the man who vandalised the WW1 Tommy soldier sculpture in the town centre last year. CCTV operators viewed material and managed to capture the moment the statue was vandalised, where the attacker had been before and after the incident. The vandal was given a four week prison sentence by magistrates for damaging the statue despite the fact he had no memory of the vandalism but admitted it was him in the CCTV footage.

In the last year Slough CCTV service has produced 485 evidential DVDs for the police, 44 for insurance companies and supported 357 arrests among the 1860 incidents where CCTV has been involved.

Peter Webster, CCTV and Careline Centre Manager, said: “This accreditation is important to us and we have worked hard to achieve it for a second year.

“It demonstrates how we manage and operate the borough’s CCTV service lawfully. Evidence captured by our cameras and used by our police partners in investigations and prosecutions cannot be discredited in a court of law by reason of failure to observe the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, which is a critically important aspect of operating public space CCTV services.

“It also demonstrates to the public that we have shown to be operating in their best interests.”

As a result of the British Standard BS:7958 accreditation the CCTV service has also been bestowed the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s own Code of Practice achievement award for a second year.

Have a look at the planning applications submitted in the last week and those which have been decided upon here -

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

Slough’s GCSE students collected their results this morning, as schools opened early across the Borough.

Councillor Martin Carter, cabinet member for children and schools, said: “Well done to all of our GCSE students on your excellent results today, as you move on to the next stage in your education, we wish you the very best of luck in whatever you have chosen to do next. This has been an unusual set of circumstances to finish Year 11 in, and speaking for the whole council we are very proud of you all.

“We have excellent teachers and support staff in our school community who have worked tirelessly throughout the coronavirus pandemic, in a very difficult situation, to educate, support and guide their students. Thank you very much for all of your endless hard work throughout this challenging time.

“Making sure that Slough’s students enjoy the very best education remains one of the council’s top priorities. We are very lucky to have such a committed and talented school community to work in partnership with to continue to achieve this.”

Four brand new homes will soon be rented out to families on the housing register after the council turning a disused garage block into much needed social housing.

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

Comprising of a large lounge diner, kitchen and toilet on the ground floor and two large bedrooms and a family bathroom on the first floor as well as plenty of storage space, the houses are ready to move straight in to.

Each garden, which is accessible via French windows off the lounge diner, has a lawn and a shed with a secure bike stand, as well as secure rear access.

The attractive semi-detached homes in Turton Way, Chalvey, also have allocated parking as well as additional off-street parking for the general public.

The homes are part of the council’s strategy to turn disused 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: “This is an excellent example of making the most effective use of a small parcel of land owned by the council into much needed housing in the borough helping Slough people who urgently require it.

“All these sites were first identified in our Chalvey Regeneration Plan which set out our aim to improve the built environment within Chalvey. The disused filling station on Chalvey Road East has been transformed into a residential development and new homes have been provided on the former Cross Keys pub site alongside these excellent new homes in Turton Way.

“With the new school and community hub soon to open and plans for the total regeneration of the former Montem Leisure Centre site soon to be submitted, residents can be assured of our commitment to continue to improve Chalvey.”

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “Four families, probably with young children, will have really good quality and secure homes to move into and hopefully be happy in. They are spacious and attractive and are a credit to the small sites project.”

The homes were built by the council in conjunction with property development partners Slough Urban Renewal, SUR, 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.”

There has only been a small delay in the completion of the houses due to the coronavirus pandemic. The construction team were able to continue onsite throughout the spring and summer to complete the works whilst adhering to social distancing and safety guidelines.

Appropriate families will be contacted by the housing team and given the opportunity to view the properties in the next few weeks with plans for the homes to all be filled by the end of September.

Slough Borough Council has launched a Sport England Lottery funded project for Chalvey families to try activities together. If you live in Chalvey and your family want to try badminton, street dance, cycling, scavenger hunts and much more, then this project is for you!

The Chalvey Can Family Challenge launched at the end of July. If you are looking for easy ideas to get the whole family moving, either download a challenge sheet or register with us for your paper copy and win prizes for completing challenges together! Challenges include the Herschel park Xplorer trail and the new Salt Hill park trail. You get a welcome gift when you register with us as well as spot prizes every week and prizes include a brand new bike!

We all know that family life can be a challenge and sometimes we need support to change – you’re not alone, 1:1 support is available through this project. We can work together to build family movement into your life. You may be referred to us for 1:1 support, or if you’d like to know more and find out if you qualify, please call us on 01753 875177.

Chalvey Can activity sessions will be launching in the autumn, so if you are ready to move a little bit more and have just been waiting for the opportunity, then these sessions are for you! They are suitable for beginners and all ages with easy to follow directions at every session.

Sarah Nicholls, Active Communities Behaviour Change Officer, said: “We know that moving more helps us to remain healthier for longer, helps with concentration and focus and makes us feel happier. We have so many opportunities for Chalvey families to find the activities they like and lots of support to get you started with moving a little bit more. Call us today for your free membership and welcome gift!”

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.

To register for the Family Challenge or for more information

• Website: www.slough.gov.uk/Chalveycan

• Email: chalveycan@slough.gov.uk

• Phone: 01753 875177 between 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Dozens of expensive bicycles have been recovered from a makeshift encampment after an investigation into stolen bikes.

The bicycles were discovered alongside tents, rubbish and charity donations in the underpass of the A322 at Royal Windsor Way, near the Jubilee River.

Three people were also found living in the encampment, which included a makeshift property, complete with windows, with no toilet facilities, electricity or running water.

The encampment was discovered as part of a proactive campaign between the council and Thames Valley Police to stymie the trade in stolen bikes. The site was discovered after a visit by the police, Eton College security and the council’s resilience and enforcement team officers.

The accommodation and waste was removed by the council’s environmental waste team which cleared the site and removed more than nine tonnes of rubbish. It included mattresses, drug paraphernalia, human faeces, out of date food and large quantities of clothes and children’s toys which appeared to have been taken from outside of charity shops or clothing banks.

Dozens of high-value bicycles, which were believed to have been stolen, were also found at the site as well as bicycle parts which were being used to make hybrid machines.

Thames Valley Police will now attempt to reunite the bikes with their rightful owners.

The people living at the site were given help and advice by the housing team at the council after the site was cleared.

Ian Blake, neighbourhood manager, resilience and enforcement, said: “Once we realised the scale of the encampment and what was happening there, we had to go in and remove it.

“There was so much waste there and the conditions were not hygienic to live in and was causing a nuisance.

He added a second separate site had been cleared just weeks before in Church Street, Slough, where bicycles were changing hands as well as items intended for charity shops and clothing bands.

He added: “It was clear to officers during these operations items generously donated to those in need were ending up being misused.

“Residents who want to donate to charity are asked not to leave any items on the doorsteps of shops and make sure they are placed correctly in clothing bins.”

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “Not only were the areas being occupied not suitable for living in without any basic facilities, but sites where stolen bikes and charity donations were discovered.

“This is a great example of the council teams working together with the police and outside agencies to quickly identify and resolve an issue.”

Cyclists are also reminded to get their bicycles security marked and registered so if their property is stolen police will be able to reunite them with their rightful owners.

The site was cleared on 4 August.

There have been several planning applications submitted for consideration and decisions made on others over the past week which can be viewed here -

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

Our A-level pupils received their results earlier whilst socially distancing, as schools across the Borough opened early this morning.

Councillor Martin Carter, cabinet member for children and schools, said: “In this extremely unusual set of circumstances, our A-level students have received their results after two years of hard work. We couldn’t be prouder of our young people and their achievements today.

“As our young people move onto the next step in their lives whatever that may be, we as a council wish them every success for their futures.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank our hardworking and dedicated community of school staff and support services; they have been fantastic during this pandemic, in a difficult set of circumstances, often having to move very quickly as the situation developed. Their guidance, teaching and support shows through in the achievements of our A level students today.”

There are a variety of roles waiting for the right person at the council including a landscape and ground maintenance supervisor and a crossing patroller. More here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/jobs/general-vacancies.aspx

The council will be holding a series of online consultations for residents regarding the next stage of road improvement works in Langley High Street.

It was announced in July improvements were going ahead after the council secured more than £2.35million of funding.

The work will include creating a signal controlled junction at a known pinch point and will include provision for cyclists and pedestrians.

The measures are being introduced to mitigate the expected increase in the volume of traffic with the Network Rail closure of the popular commuter route of Hollow Hill Lane for the Western Rail extension, at a date yet to be determined, but before 2027.

Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnerhsip (LEP) awarded a total of £2.357million from its Local Growth Fund to the council, which will also contribute £1million of funding to this section of the works. This is part of a current total of £5mill of investment into the Langley road system.

There will be five online consultation sessions where different options to the High Street changes will be outlined by traffic engineers.

There will also be the possibility to ask questions in the sessions which have a limited capacity.

The online consultations will be held on Wednesday 19 August from 12pm until 1pm, Thursday 20 August starting from 11am until 12pm and Friday 21 August from 2pm until 3pm.

There will also be two online meetings the following week on Monday 24 August from 10am until 11am and Tuesday 25 August from 12pm until 1pm.

The code for each meeting is the same as is http://bluejeans.com/125698521/6598. Bluejeans can be launched in a browser or by downloading an app.

We have changed the way this consultation is held due to the continuing challenges of the pandemic.

Results will be shared on the website and will be determined by this informal consultation.

If anyone is unable to attend but would like further information please contact tfs@slough.gov.uk.

The road improvements on the High Street will add to those already completed at Langley Railway Station and Harrow Market to be able to manage traffic, and possible congestion, from the Hollow Hill Lane closure, efficiently.

The High Street junction with Meadfield Road is set to become controlled by signals and from that junction to Elmhurst Road, the road is set to be widened and accommodate two lanes of traffic in both directions. There will also be provision for cyclists.

The majority of the widening work will use land already available to the council. Representatives are also in close contact with the Trustees of Langley Memorial Park to discuss utilising some of the perimeter of the park to implement the scheme. The park will be redesigned to accommodate more trees and be made accessible for more people to use.

The council needs your help.

The 7,035 leaseholders and tenants will be soon sent a survey which will help shape the future of the housing services in the borough.

Overseen by an independent organisation, M·E·L Research will carry out this survey in line with the Market Research Society Code of Conduct. It asks a variety of questions about how tenants and leaseholders feel about housing services as well as their own personal experiences. All answers will remain confidential.

If tenants and leaseholders complete the form they will also be put into a draw to win one of three £50 shopping vouchers.

It can be completed online or if the paper survey is filled in, it can be returned freepost.

This year the council’s Resident Board has taken ownership of the satisfaction survey after its first successful year in operation.

Nigel Pacey, the independent chair of the Resident Board said: “We want to hear what residents and leaseholders think about the services received.

“We’re inviting you to say what you think about the services you receive and what Housing Services is getting right and where they need to get better.

“We’d be grateful if you could spare a few minutes to complete the survey.”

Questions will include how easy it is to contact and work with housing services and the property and maintenance partners, Osborne Property Services Limited. Other areas being asked about include how the coronavirus public heath emergency affected services and what the priorities are for tenants and leaseholders.

The survey, which will take approximately 10 minutes to complete, will start to be sent out to residents electronically this week. Paper surveys will be sent out next week.

All responses have to be submitted to the council by Friday 18 September.

The results will be shared with tenants and leaseholders through the Housing Highlights magazine and will be used to improve and adapt housing services.

The latest planning applications and decisions are available to view here - www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

The first stage of the annual canvass will begin next week.

Residents will get a letter, text or email to find out if there have been any changes to who is eligible to be registered to vote at the address.

This year, as part of new legislation, the council has undertaken a national data match with records held by the Department for Work and Pensions, the DWP.

If all the household data matches with the DWP records the resident will received a letter, text or email.

If residents receive a letter with the correct information on they do not have to respond. If changes need to be made the resident needs to act and respond with the correct details.

Residents who receive an email or text will be asked to either confirm the information held on the electoral register is correct or update it if the information is incorrect.

Where at least one member of the household did not match with DWP records a form will be sent out in September. Householders will need to response to that communication whether the details have changed or not.

To register to vote go online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Residents have to be eligible and be

• Aged 16 or over (a person may register at 16, but may not vote until they are 18)

• A British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen who has leave to enter and remain in the UK or does not require such leave.

• A citizen of the Republic of Ireland or other European Union (EU) member states.

Residents are required to provide the full name, address and date of birth of each person in the household and whether they want to appear on the open register or not.

People who have recently moved home are reminded to update their details at their current address.

There are 55,000 properties in Slough and information about how to confirm, update or register on the electoral register will happen over the next few months.

Each year the council is required by law to contact every household to find out if there have been any changes to who is eligible to be registered to vote at that address. This is required to make updates to the electoral register.

The electoral register is used to ensure residents can vote in elections. The next elections will take place in May 2021 when there will be a local election, to elect councillors to Slough Borough Council, and the Police and Crime Commissioner election. The planned election this year was abandoned due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The register is also important for people who want to obtain credit or a mortgage as credit reference agencies use the register to confirm details.

Josie Wragg, Slough’s Electoral Registration Officer, said: “This is one thing residents should not put off.

“It takes just a few minutes to either confirm the details held on the electoral register are correct which means you are able to vote for local councillors in your area; or to register you are living at a new address.

“During this year’s annual canvass we will be doing things a little bit differently due to the ongoing public health situation, in that we will be contacting people via letter, email or the phone over the next few months.”

More information about registering to vote visit our website: www.slough.gov.uk/council/voting-and-elections/annual-canvass-2020.aspx

The council’s public health team has extended its work with Active Movement, Slough primary schools and Slough early years to launch four new ‘interactive park walks’

Working closely with Active Slough and the council’s parks team, the new interactive park walks use “QR codes” to educate residents about their local park, the benefits of reducing sedentary behaviour and the lifetime benefits of being more active. Each park has a starting point which explains the route and the health benefits of doing the walk, including number of steps and number of calories.

This ambitious initiative comes as a direct result of the success of the Active Movement programme which is taking place across 44 different setting in Slough, and has contributed towards an increase in physical activity, increase in strength and reduction of waist circumference of children. This extension of the programme into local parks will allow schools and early year’s settings the flexibility of using the QR codes for educational purposes throughout the year.

These interactive walks have been officially launched in Salt Hill Park, Kennedy Park, Upton Lea Recreation Ground and Upton Court Park.

From now until the end of the month, residents will have the chance of winning a prize by answering 6 questions that are embedded in the QR codes on each of the walks. There is a prize draw for a Slough primary school and a Slough early years setting, as well over 100 pedometers for residents that are selected from the draw.

Residents are reminded of the current rules in regard to COVID-19. Please ensure you follow social distance of 2 metres and don’t meet with more than 6 people from different households whilst doing the walk.

Sedentary behaviour is one of the precursors to obesity and poses a number of risk factors to health, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Being physically active is also a great way that we can boost our immune system and protect ourselves from infectious disease. It’s also a great way to support a healthy weight, which is increasingly important in the light of COVID-19 where obesity is one of the leading causes of death from the virus.

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “More than a third of children in England are overweight or obese by the time they finish primary school and in Slough 41.0% of year six students are overweight or obese.

“Low levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour also lead to a reduction in academic performance, concentration and behaviour in children, so it is increasingly important to get children active at the earliest age possible.”

Dr Mike Loosemore MBE, co-founder of Active Movement, added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to extend the impact of the programme into Slough parks and the wider Slough community”

For more information, please email publichealthslough@slough.gov.uk or visit www.publichealthslough.co.uk/campaigns/active-park-walks

With the weather forecast predicting scorching temperatures on Thursday through to Sunday, Slough’s public health team are offering top tips on keeping cool.

A level 3 heatwave warning has been issued by the Met Office from midday on Thursday 6 August through until 9am on Sunday 9 August, meaning daytime and night time temperatures will be high. The hottest day this week, is set to be Friday, when highs in to the low to mid-30s Celsius are possible.

Though most people can enjoy the warm weather, heatwave conditions can be dangerous for the very young, older people and those with chronic health conditions.

As well as issuing top tips the council’s public health team are advising residents to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and seek medical advice from NHS 111 if someone is feeling unwell or showing concerning symptoms. A list of symptoms and advice on what to do can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

Many of those who are at risk of harm from heat are also at greater risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 and may need to spend more time at home than they would usually. Others may need to stay at home because they are self-isolating or recovering from the infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and during extended periods of time at home, it’s especially important that you know what actions to take to keep yourself and others safe from high temperatures.

And some tips for coping in hot weather:

• Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) or drinks high in sugar.

• Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.

• Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat.

• Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it's safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.

• Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).

• Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.

• Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool.

• Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.

• Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.

• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

• Use hand sanitiser as part of your hygiene routine when soap & water are unavailable.

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for those particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.

“If anyone knows someone who might be at special risk, please make sure they know what to do.

“We want everyone to be as safe as possible in these conditions, so advise everyone to stay out of the sun as much as possible, keep their homes cool during the day and also ensure lots of fluids are drunk.”

There are approximately 175 businesses in Slough which could qualify for the government’s Covid-19 financial assistance but have not claimed for it.

The council is trying to reach these companies before the end of the month when access to the business grants end.

Each of the businesses could be entitled to £10,000 as part of the government’s business survival package in response to the coronavirus public health crisis.

Of the funds allocated to Slough businesses, 93 per cent has been distributed by the council.

Businesses which may qualify and have not submitted an application, have also not responded to various methods of contact by the team administering the grants. This has included at least two letters, telephoning and messages via social media as well as utilising partner organisations to initiate contact, including the Berkshire Business Growth Hub.

Any qualifying business has until 28 August for the grant to be paid after the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund will cease on that day.

Jackie Adams, workstream lead for revenues and benefits, said the businesses who are entitled to the government money and have not yet applied are the ones who may need it the most as they could be smaller outfits.

She said: “Time is running out for businesses to get grants they are entitled to.

“Since March our small team has overseen the administration of 1,173 grants to businesses in Slough totalling more than £16.7 million.

“These grants have been vital to our local economy by helping ensure the survival of small businesses including shops, cafes, hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities.

“We are in the final stages of this programme and the vast majority of eligible businesses have now claimed grants.

“If you think that you are eligible, but have not yet been in touch with us about this, please do so as soon as possible.

“Subject to checks businesses will receive the grant payment within 10 days of contacting us.”

There is more information about the grant here https://www.slough.gov.uk/business/finance-funding-and-grants/coronavirus-and-business-rates.aspx

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The M4 motorway will be closed for the next two weekends for the Highways England smart motorway project. There will then be a respite until September.

From Friday 7 August until Monday 10 August both carriageways between junctions 5, Langley, and 6, Slough, will be closed.

From Friday 14 until Monday 17 August both carriageways between 6, Slough, and 8/9 Maidenhead, will be closed.

The list of planning applications which have been submitted and approved in the past week can be viewed here -

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

Claim a week of free cycling with cycleslough.com.

Riders who are already members, and new cyclists, can claim a week of free cycling just by tapping "summer" into the promotional code box when signing up.

There are cycle hubs all around the borough.

We recommend using hand sanitiser before and after riding and to wash hands as soon as possible after riding.

The free cycling is part of the Active Travel Funds secured from the Government for emergency measures as the country's lockdown eases.

Residents will still be available to get assistance from the council and key partners after the shield pause deadline passes on Friday 31 July.

Residents with serious medical conditions were advised to shield by their GPs at the beginning of lockdown in March, meaning they were advised not to leave their homes.

The government has advised shielding will be paused as of Saturday 1 August.

The #OneSlough initiative was launched in March as a collaboration between Slough Borough Council and Slough CVS to provide help to those in the borough who needed it. It has continued everyday throughout the pandemic.

The council and Slough CVS continue to work together and with key local community groups and organisations, to provide a coordinated effort across the borough organising volunteers and a response to those who still require it.

Those who continue to shield will therefore be able to get help and support with deliveries of food and medication as well as assistance with other areas of their life.

Those who have been shielding, have been needing assistance and wish to continue to receive assistance, should ring 01753 944198.

Residents who are not shielding, but are vulnerable and self-isolating, and would like assistance, should call 01753 475 111 and from the main menu press options 1 and then 3.

Family, friends and neighbours who are concerned about a vulnerable person, or someone who has become vulnerable during the pandemic, should also call 01753 475111 and from the main menu press options 1 and then 3.

Phone calls will also be made to some vulnerable members of the community as the council and key partners maintain contact to assess their situation.

Alan Sinclair, director of adults and communities, said: “We have helped thousands of people in the borough over the last four months.

“That help does not just stop because the pause button has been pressed on the shielding process.

“We will continue to supply help to those who need it whether that is making sure they have groceries and their medication, to help with medical appointments.

“However, for this help to happen those who are shielding and want continued assistance will need to call 01753 944198.”

The sun is shining bright, there's not a cloud in the sky and temperatures are set to hit the highs on the thermometer today and tomorrow.

However hot and sticky you get, cooling off in the Jubilee River is not a great idea.

Not only will it be freezing and could lead to drowning even on the hottest days, but it's full of bacteria and other nasties which can leave you with a dicky tummy. YUK!

Just not worth it.

Slough Borough Council is supporting a new advertising campaign ‘Today is the Day’, which encourages smokers to quit today, as thousands of smokers report quitting across the South East.

The new campaign launched by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) features a heartfelt plea from respiratory doctor Ruth Sharrock for smokers to quit today to protect themselves from smoking related diseases and increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Smoking is the largest cause of preventable death in the borough responsible for over 141 deaths a year [1] and every year a further 365 children take up smoking in Slough. [2]

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, 136,006 smokers in the South East have quit smoking, according to new analysis by ASH and University College London. [3].

Dr Sayra Baig, a GP at Manor Park Medical Centre, Slough said: “The coronavirus pandemic has made us all conscious of the need to protect ourselves, our families and loved ones. If you smoke, now is the time to quit to keep yourself healthy and out of hospital. In my role I see the harms of smoking every day, but it’s never too late to quit and experience health benefits, even if you are already unwell. Quitting smoking is the best thing smokers can do to improve their health so I’m proud to be supporting the Today is the Day campaign.”

The Today is the Day campaign has been funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, and will be directing smokers to effective forms of support to quit on the NHS Smokefree website. The campaign builds on successful campaigns in the North East and Greater Manchester and will target smokers across the South East through a combination of radio, digital audio and online adverts.

Dr Liz Brutus, Service Lead for Public Health in Slough said: “We want to encourage all smokers to give quitting a go, especially during this pandemic. Quitting smoking can rapidly reduce your risk of a range of life threatening illnesses and our dedicated local stop smoking service, Health and Wellbeing Slough can help support you through your quit attempt with expert advice and medications to deal with cravings.”

To access FREE support to quit smoking in Slough, contact Health and Wellbeing Slough on 0800 0614734 or online at www.healthandwellbeingslough.co.uk

Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of ASH said: “Over 136,006 smokers have succeeded in stopping smoking in the South East region since COVID-19 hit us, but that still leaves many thousands more smokers who have not. This campaign is designed to encourage those who’ve not yet succeeded; to wake up and decide today is the day to stop smoking.”

See the radio and digital audio advert here: https://bit.ly/2ZcmGTx

References

[1] Public Health England. Local Tobacco Control Profiles: Smoking related mortality. [Online]. Accessed 8 July 2020.

[2] Methodology: Calculated by the Cancer Intelligence Team at Cancer Research UK, December 2019, using Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use in Young People in England 2016 and 2018 data Figures represent the average number of children per year between 2016 and 2018. Percentage of new smokers was calculated for each single-year age band, and 'smoker' was defined as 'regular', 'occasional' or 'used to smoke'. For example, percentage of new smokers aged 13 in 2018, was calculated by subtracting the percentage of smokers aged 12 in 2017, from the percentage of smokers aged 13 in 2018. This calculation was used for ages 12, 13, 14 and 15; for age 11 all smokers were considered new smokers. 2017 figures were estimated as the average of 2016 and 2018, as no 2017 survey was carried out. Percentage of new smokers in England was applied to UK population estimates to obtain the number of new UK smokers. The 2014-18 trend in estimated number of new child smokers in the UK each year was projected forward to obtain estimates for 2019-21. Breakdown to local level carried out by academics from Imperial College London.

[3] The survey was conducted between 15th April and 20th June 2020. It was an online survey using the YouGov panel with 10251 respondents. For more information on the YouGov Covid Tracker see: https://yougov.co.uk/covid-19. Additional analysis was undertaken by Action on Smoking and Health and University College London using ONS population data mid year 2019 estimates.

We have been made aware of cold callers going door to door in the borough.

The visitor starts by asking the resident to cooperate in a consultation survey on behalf of a well known energy or telecoms brand regarding broadband speeds and line connectivity for example, before going on to try and get the resident to change providers.

Residents are under no obligation to sign up to cold callers and if they do cooperate there is a statutory 14 day cooling off period where contracts can be cancelled.

If you feel there is a scam being perpetrated residents can report it to the Scam Action Line on 0808 250 5050 or the new Citizens Advice Bureaux , CiTA, on 0808 223 1133.

Claim a free £50 voucher to spend on repairing your bicycle by logging on to the Department of Transport portal from 11.45pm tonight.

The Fix Your Bike Voucher Scheme aims to encourage more people in England to embrace cycling particularly while social distancing measures are in place. The scheme will be open to anyone who has an unused cycle in need of a repair. It will help them get it back on the road by providing £50 towards the cost of a service and repair for up to two cycles per household.

Log on and registers for a voucher here after 11.45pm tonight -

https://fixyourbikevoucherscheme.est.org.uk/

Here is a map of the bike shops/mechanics taking part in the scheme where you can take a bike to be fixed: https://fixyourbikevoucherscheme.est.org.uk/Home/Map

There are three planned weekend closures of the M4 in August affecting the Slough sections, for the continuation of the Highways England Smart motorway project.

There is a full closure in each direction between junctions 5, Langley, and 6, Slough, on the weekend of 31 July until 3 August and the following weekend of 7 to 10 August. Closures begin at 8pm each Friday.

The third full closure will be from Friday 14 August until 17 August between junction 6, Slough, to 8/9 Maidenhead.

There have been several planning applications submitted and approved in the past week. Take a look where they are here -

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

The council is set to make a water safety film to warn young people of the dangers of going into open bodies of water.

A motion to create the film was passed last night (July 21) during the full council meeting and received support after being brought forward by Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing.

Cllr Pantelic has been particularly moved by the stories of the families of Michael Scaife and Dajarn Daly both of whom got into difficulty in the Jubilee River and drowned. Both families have worked with the council to warn of the dangers of getting into the river after paying the ultimate price.

The film will reveal the dangers of cold water shock as well as the futility of vandalising life buoys that could be lifesavers in an emergency situation. It will show no matter who you are or what swimming ability you have, the river remains a constant threat.

The motion was formally moved by Cllr Rajinder Sandhu and seconded by Cllr Natasa Pantelic, was supported cross party in the council chamber.

The motion stated: “This council commends the Slough Safer Partnership ‘Stay out’ campaign which warns children and adults about the dangers of swimming in the Jubilee River and resolve to;

• Work with local partners and families who have lost loved ones to promote water safety for the Jubliee River

• Support the production of a video that educates young people on water safety and to share this with local schools

• Write to Slough’s MP, Tan Dhesi, asking that he continue to raise the issue of water safety in Parliament and lobby the government to expand their water safety education programme.

The motion was also supported by the co-chairs of the Safer Slough Partnership chief executive Josie Wragg and Slough area police commander Superintendent Gavin Wong.

Cllr Pantelic said: “I spoke to Michael Scaife’s mother and what she had to share was heart-breaking.

“We are doing everything we can to promote water safety in the Jubilee River but more needs to be done to educate children and young people in schools.

“This is why a video warning about the dangers of swimming in open water is so important which potentially includes interviews with young people and the matter being raised in Parliament too so there is a national drive to raise awareness and make sure water safety education is taking place.’’

The safety message will be available to schools from Easter next year.

Claim three weeks of free cycling with cycleslough.com.

From Monday riders who are already members, and new cyclists, can claim three weeks of cycling just by tapping "summer" into the promotional code box when signing up.

There are cycle hubs all around the borough.

We recommend using hand sanitiser before and after riding and to wash hands as soon as possible after riding.

The free cycling is part of the Active Travel Funds secured from the Government for emergency measures as the country's lockdown eases.

Most of us think we won't fall victim to a distraction burglar.

But please remind elderly or vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours to not let anyone in their home without checking ID first.

Distraction burglars also use defunct general terms like they are from"the water board" or "electricity board". Please help keep people safe.

More here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=22414

Thames Valley Police Slough are also appealing for doorstep video and help in identifying two black men who forced their way into the home of an elderly woman in Northborough Road on Tuesday morning.

One sat with her downstairs and stole money from her purse while the other went upstairs.

Any information can be passed by contacting 101 and quoting reference 43200217714. If you would prefer to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Cllr Balvinder S Bains, ward councillor for Upton and cabinet member for inclusive growth and skills, has opened the brand new playgrounds in Upton Court Park. The playgrounds are situated at the east end of the park with one play area for younger children and one for older children. The project was scheduled to complete in March but the coronavirus pandemic started, which halted the last part of the build.

The playground for younger children features a wooden sailboat climbing frame, musical elements, swings and springy insects; it feels homely and welcoming, as well as educational and fun. The area for older children has a zip wire, crocodile swing and a pod swing to build fitness and dexterity while still being a great place to enjoy. The parks team has created a modern playground that blends into the countryside feel of the park, with wooden equipment that is still recognisable as having been part of a tree, with its irregular shapes and form.

Cllr Balvinder S Bains, cabinet member for inclusive growth and skills, said: “It’s been my pleasure to help bring these playgrounds at Upton Court Park to life for the children, parents, and grandparents from Upton area and beyond. When the Kings Reach estate was built the need for new play areas for both younger and older children to enjoy became even greater, and this has been a long awaited project.

“A big thank you to the parks team for all of their hard work, particularly as the last parts of the build fell at the beginning of the pandemic. It's been fantastic seeing the playgrounds being enjoyed in the sun today by children of all ages.”

Gerald Pleace, parks and open space manager, said: “It’s been fantastic to see children playing on the equipment here today and having worked on this project from design stage to completion, it’s great to see how much fun our younger residents are having. These playgrounds are an important addition to the park, and I look forward to them being enjoyed for many years to come.”

The next stage of road improvement works for Langley High Street has been given the go ahead after the council secured more than £2million of funding.

The work will include creating a signal controlled junction at a known pinch point and will include provision for cyclists and pedestrians.

The measures are being introduced to mitigate the expected increase in the volume of traffic with Network Rail closure of the popular commuter route of Hollow Hill Lane for the Western Rail extension, at a date yet to be determined, but before 2027.

The Thames Valley Berkshire LEP has awarded a total of £2.357million to the council, which will also contribute £1million in funding. This is part of a total £5mill of investment into the Langley road system.

The road improvements on the High Street will add to those already completed at Langley Railway Station and Harrow Market to be able to manage traffic, and possible congestion, efficiently. The is aim is to keep Langley a lively hub and great place to live, as well as maintaining the ambience of the shopping area.

The High Street junction with Meadfield Road will become controlled by signals and from that junction to Elmhurst Road, the road is set to be widened and accommodate two lanes of traffic in both directions. There will also be provision for cyclists.

The majority of the widening work will use land already available to the council. Representatives are also in close contact with the Trustees of Langley Memorial Park to discuss utilising some of the perimeter of the park to implement the scheme. The park will be redesigned to accommodate more trees and be made accessible for more people to use.

The air quality will be closely monitored in the area with equipment being installed this summer.

There will be a series of virtual consultation events to get feedback on some of the design proposals from the local residents and businesses.

This part of the Langley scheme was passed by the council on Monday night at its cabinet meeting and the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP awarded the latest tranche of funding yesterday/on Wednesday.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and the environment, said the experimental closure of Hollow Hill Road four years ago provided vital data which enabled engineers to plan the proposed changes.

He added the evidence allowed the council to apply for funding which will mitigate the affects on Langley the closure of Hollow Hill Lane will create.

Cllr Anderson said: “It’s always difficult in the short term using experimental orders to make road changes, but the data we gained from this scheme means the short term pain in 2016 means we have secured millions of pounds to fund better transport links in Langley.

“I’m confident that this will not be the last additional funding we secure thanks to using these orders”

The 'good to go' post pandemic quality mark has been launched by Visit Britain to signal when a tourism or hospitality business has worked hard to follow COVID-19 guidelines and is safe to visit. Apply here -

https://goodtogo.visitbritain.com/your-business-good-to-go-england