The harrowing task of Specialist Group International divers who find people who have drowned in rivers, canals and lakes is recounted here. The school holidays are starting and the weather improving. Don't swim in the Jubilee River.

More here (warning-distressing content) -

https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=22420

Both carriageways of the M4 motorway will be closed in each direction between junctions 6, Slough, and 8/9, Maidenhead, over the next two weekends 17-20 July and 24-27 July. Closures begin at 8pm each Friday and are scheduled until 6am on the following Monday morning.

The closures have been instigated by Highways England as part of the smart motorway installation. The diversion will be south of the motorway along the A332 and the A308.

Planning applications are submitted every week. Find out what has been requested, and approved, in the last seven days here -

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

If you are travelling further a field this weekend be aware there is a full closure of the westbound carriageway of the M4 between junctions 8/9, Maidenhead, and 10, Wokingham and Bracknell, this weekend for Highways England smart motorway work. The stretch will be closed from 8pm tonight (Friday) until 6am on Monday.

New roles are available within the council. Maybe there is something for you. Click here

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

Chalvey HWRC is open to Slough residents only and there is no booking system. There may be slight delays as we are limiting the number of vehicles on site to assist with social distancing. No need to fly-tip. Opening times and more information about how we want to keep staff and residents safe is here https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/waste-and-recycling-sites.aspx

We are sorry to announce that this little puppy has had to be euthanised due to the severity of his condition.

We are really very sad about it, but two vets decided the congenital problems the puppy was suffering from was leading to intense daily pain and that any surgery to rectify his leg deformities would not lead to any quality of life.

While at first glance he appeared healthy, x-rays and tests carried out revealed his problems were substantial and far reaching.

This was a decision taken by veterinary professionals.

The council had a foster family lined up and was in touch with lots of charities who could have provided a home and we were willing to do that if it was best for the puppy. Our priority at all times was what was best for the puppy.

Thank you again for your offers of help, homing and funding. It has been genuinely heart-warming to know there are so many good people out there.

The investigation into the ownership and the previous health of this puppy is complex and continuing.

Residents are being reminded to check a worker’s credentials before allowing them through the front door after reports of distraction burglaries.

No one should enter a resident’s home, even if they are expected, without having identification and it being verified with the relevant organisation.

In one incident, a resident was targeted by a man pretending to be a council worker who, when challenged by the homeowner for his identification, pretended to have left it in a vehicle.

A genuine worker visiting residents will not mind being asked if they are legitimate and will wait while checks are carried out. To check if the caller is from Slough Borough Council, call our contact centre on 01753 475111. Residents who use Careline can also make contact through their red button for assistance to check whether a caller is genuine.

Those who knock on the door and are not genuine will hurry and fluster the resident and make excuses for the lack of their ID.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “I am horrified there are despicable people out there who could say they are from the council when all they want to do was get into a resident’s home to steal from them.

“Residents have been used to weeks and weeks of peace and quiet with very few strangers and workers knocking on their door. As we are slowly released from lockdown we just need to be reminded about crime prevention measures so residents don’t become victims.

“Unfortunately, residents have to be cautious about anyone knocking on their door whether arranged or not, and know there are people out there who are not as honest as we want them to be.”

Other crime prevention measures to be reminded of include:-

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

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

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

*be cautious giving details online

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

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

*beware of anyone claiming to be from generic entities like the water or electric board as there is no such thing

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

On Tuesday, 14 July, there is a virtual conference on the Day of Memory arranged by Karma Nirvana for those lost due to honour based abuse and forced marriage. Sign up below to hear from speakers including

Dr Jasvinder Sanghera CBE - Founder of Karma Nirvana

Natasha Rattu - Executive Director of Karma Nirvana

Nazir Afzal OBE

Payzee Mahmod - Sister of Banaz Mahmod

Caroline Goode - Investigating officer in the Banaz Investigation

Melissa Harrigan - Friend of Shafilea Ahmed

Geraint Jones - Investigating officer in the Shafilea Investigation

Dame Vera Baird QC - Victims Commissioner.

Register your place at https://events.streamgo.co.uk/KN-DOM/register, to allocate your seat at the event.

The Jubilee River is not the only body of water which poses the danger of death from cold water shock described in the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service poster below.

The summer holidays are coming and getting into any river, quarry or the sea could kill. More about how cold water can lead to tragedy here -

https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=22372

Hairdressers and barbers could offer a lifeline to sufferers of domestic abuse who confide in them during a haircut, with a new and free council webinar.

The chat between the person holding the scissors or clippers and a client is sacrosanct and ranges from the frippery of holidays and nights out to very personal discussions around money and family life.

Open for the first time today (Monday 6 July) since the pandemic lockdown, those working in salons may discover some of their clients confide in them about the behaviour they have endured. Clients may act differently or have the tell-tale signs of abuse with bruises or red marks on the head, neck and shoulders.

In the UK one in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse. Two women are murdered each week, and three take their own lives.

Slough Borough Council is offering specialist training to hairdressers and barbers to spot the signs of domestic abuse and what to do next.

Not only can clients confide in the person doing their hair but the confidential advice about how to access help with either local or national charities is trusted.

The webinar training lasts just 50 minutes and could lead to a client getting the help they need and deserve.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “This training can potentially save lives.

“Men and women relax once having their hair done and often confide in their hairdressers about their relationship issues.

“Some hairdressers have actually seen marks on clients shoulders and necks and would like to feel more confident in asking about domestic abuse and how to help.”

The free webinars will take place on Monday 27 July at 2pm and 7pm.

The webinars are for hairdressers, barbers and stylists working in the Slough area can be booked by emailing details to corletta.rolle@slough.gov.uk. Participants will receive a training certificate.

The owner of an abandoned puppy with deformed legs is being sought by the council.

The little black and white male Dachshund cross (pictured), aged approximately six months old, was discovered by a shocked resident sitting near their home.

Because of the deformity in the puppy’s front legs, it was obvious he could not have walked to where he was found from a nearby property or be lost on a walk at any park. Therefore he had been deliberately taken to the location and dumped.

In the days since being collected by the member of the council’s stray dog service, no-one has called to ask about a lost pet which matched the puppy’s description.

The animal was taken to a vet for a check up after being found on the evening of Monday 29 June in the Lynch Hill Lane area of Britwell, Slough.

The vet found the puppy was healthy, apart from the deformity, and had been well-looked after by someone before being suddenly left at the side of the road. He did not have a microchip which would identify the owner or breeder.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “To abandon any animal is just wrong. To abandon one which is vulnerable because it has had a problem since birth, is just horrific.

“Now the puppy is safe and being cared for but we really would like information so the owners cannot do this again to another poor animal.”

The council is appealing for anyone with any information about the owners, or who saw something between 2pm and 7pm on Monday 29 June, to get in contact Ian Blake on 07917092909 or email ian.blake@slough.gov.uk in complete confidence.

Bringing up children can be enjoyable and rewarding but it also has its challenges. At times like these, such as during the current pandemic, it is good to get outside advice and support.

If you live in the Frimley Health and Care area (which covers East Berkshire, Surrey Heath and North East Hampshire and Farnham), you can access four free online parenting guides.

These include top tips from childcare, education and NHS health experts:-

• Understanding your pregnancy, labour, birth and your baby

• Understanding your baby

• Understanding your child 0 to 19 years

• Understanding your teenager’s brain

The online guides contain advice relevant to expectant parents, parents, grandparents and carers of children of all ages including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The guides are also available in different languages.

Access to the guides is unlimited with no expiry date, so you can return as and when you need and want to. Each guide has between 5 to 11 sessions which last roughly 20 minutes each, there are also activities that can be carried out between courses.

Registration is quick and easy visit www.inourplace.co.uk Apply the access code PARENTING Please note that access codes are not case sensitive.

You may also find the following Q&As helpful – www.eastberkshireccg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FAQs-2.docx

The guides are provided by the Solihull Approach and made available locally by Frimley Local Maternity System which is part of the Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care System (ICS), a partnership of NHS, health services, local authorities, voluntary sector and local people working to improve health and care services.

Michael Jarrett, Service Lead, Early Years and Prevention said: “We know that being a parent is one of the best jobs in the world but we also acknowledge that it can, at times, also be quite challenging. With this in mind, we have developed a parenting strategy for Slough www.slough.gov.uk/council/strategies-plans-and-policies/parenting-in-slough-strategy.aspx which sets out a range of support programmes for families. This on-line offer as part of the Solihull Programme has been developed as an on-line resource, and the feedback from families who have already accessed it is very positive.

As a council we recognise that support needs to be available when you need it, in an accessible form and hope that you will take up this on-line offer.”

Feedback from people who have previously used the guides includes:

“The Solihull Approach course I did made it clear parents don’t need lessons: daily life throws us enough of those. What we need is the space to step back and observe our children. We need some structured guidance to help us reflect on all the factors that make them behave the way they do; some developmental, some circumstantial.”

“It’s an absolutely brilliant course. And is a fantastic way to educate us all to pause and stop and try to see what’s behind the behaviour rather than responding to the behaviour. Applies to work colleagues/ friends/ acquaintances as well as kids! Win win win.”

Take a look at the planning applications which have been lodged in the last week and those approved here

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

See if there is anything that suits your skill set here

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

Residents are being warned about the vulnerabilities of keyless cars which are being currently targeted by thieves.

A few pieces of kit is all that is needed to silently get into a vehicle even if the key card is on the bedside table when its owner is fast asleep.

The “relay attack” method is when two or more criminals work together using an electronic device that emits radio waves to intercept the signal between the high end vehicle on the drive or road and the key fob. One criminal will stand beside the vehicle with one device and another will try to detect the key fob with another device by scanning windows or other openings, such as your letterbox. Once a signal is found, the car can be started and the thieves can drive it away within seconds – without the owner even realising.

Motorists can thwart thieves by keeping the keys as far away from the front of the house as possible or use a security pouch which prevents the signal being picked up by the thieves scanners.

Burglars can take advantage of UPVC front doors which have only been secured by pulling up the handle from the inside.

By using the key to lock the door as well, especially at night, will mean the house is secure from burglars looking for an easy and quiet way into a home.

A family should also have a fire escape plan where everyone knows where the key is kept in the event of an emergency. For more information take a look at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue for how to make a household escape plan https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/safety-at-home/making-an-escape-plan/

Slough Libraries and Culture are calling for children to sign up to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge 2020 and join the Silly Squad for a summer of fun.

The challenge is a national programme, delivered by The Reading Agency, in partnership with public libraries, publishers and schools. This year it has gone digital. Children age 4 and over are encouraged to keep reading throughout the summer by signing up online at sillysquad.org.uk and setting themselves a target number of books to enjoy, earning rewards along the way to help them achieve it. They can track their progress through the challenge, recording details of the books they have read via the website. Along the way, children will discover lots of awesome books to read, play games, earn points and unlock virtual badges and there’s a certificate to reward them on completion. This year, the challenge started in June and runs to 19 September.

Each year it has a different theme and this year it’s Silly Squad - celebrating light-hearted, funny books. Laura Ellen Anderson, the award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, has created bespoke illustrations for the Silly Squad of comical animal characters that children will get to know on their reading journey, like Brian the Pony and Izzie the Octopus. Children are encouraged to read library books. This year, books from home and school will count too. Slough Libraries offer a great range of children’s eBooks and audiobooks that can be downloaded via Borrowbox with your library membership.

This year, we are delighted to announce that the challenge in Slough will be supported by local Berkshire writers Coral Rumble www.coralrumble.co.uk Kate Poels www.katepoels.co.uk and Violet Lake www.misslake-poetryworkshop.com as Summer Reading Challenge Ambassadors, who will use their talents to encourage and inspire children to participate.

Alison Beer, Children, Young People and Outreach Manager for Slough Libraries and Culture said: “Silly Squad is a fun, free programme that encourages children to discover the joys and benefits of reading for pleasure. This year’s funny book theme is perfect to keep children happy all summer long and Slough Libraries have teamed up with Public Health Slough and the Slough Healthy Smiles team to promote key messages encouraging children to clean their teeth and show off their healthy smile. We’re delighted that the challenge is able to continue in a digital format this year, and excited to present an inspiring range of themed online activities to support it.”

Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency said: "We're hugely excited to share our new digital Summer Reading Challenge with families across the country this year. The new digital offering will ensure that families and libraries can still take part in the Challenge and help us realise our mission of tacking life's big challenges through the proven power of reading. We are working closely with partners to distribute physical reading materials to those who cannot access digital and working with our library partners to deliver a blended digital and physical model when they reopen. In these difficult times it's more important than ever that families find ways to have fun and be silly together, while ensuring that children receive the support they need to maintain and build their literacy skills and remain connected with their peers."

Families are invited to join in our online programme of events and get silly with Slough Libraries via our social media channels. There will be clubs, challenges and crafts along with plenty of inspiration to help children find their next great read, plus tips and advice for parents. Find out more about our online activities at www.slough.gov.uk/libraries You can also follow us on our social media pages to find out how to take part.

A recent survey commissioned by The Reading Agency showed that 45% of young people are reading more during lockdown, so why not turn this in to something even more exciting with the added addition of online fun and incentives.

Last year over 3600 children in Slough took part in The Summer Reading Challenge. It is the biggest children’s reading for pleasure programme in the UK. Will you be part of the challenge this year?

A huge "thank you" to Heathrow which has donated 10 laptops to the One Slough collaboration with Slough CVS to support individuals and families struggling through the pandemic as a result of no, or limited, access to the internet via a laptop including young carers.

Our very own @mikethehyype featured in the second episode of BBC2 The Choir - Song for Britain and the concluding part is next Tuesday. More here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=22363

Hestia, an organisation which helps people who suffer from domestic abuse in Slough, has been chosen as the charity of the year for a second time by the council’s housing partner.

Osborne Property Services Ltd has spent a year building relationships and providing assistance to Hestia and has decided more can be achieved for all members of a family in the borough affected by domestic abuse.

The council’s property, maintenance and investment partner, has directly affected the lives of parents and children over the last year with initiatives such as collecting stationery for children going back to school and Christmas presents during the festive period.

Some families were given a special tour around Windsor Castle as well as receiving a decorated Christmas tree donated by the Royal Collections Trust.

Claire Giacobbe, Osborne’s community investment manager, said one of the initiatives was Gift with Love toy and voucher donation where Slough businesses as well as individuals donated toys, items and vouchers.

In addition, an Osborne apprentice and operative helped one family move home while others had their employment prospects improved by gaining work experience and guidance through pre-employment skills.

One family said of the Windsor Castle visit: “It was really an amazing day. We had lots of fun. Thank you, Claire and Osborne, for giving us this opportunity. Thank you for being there for us and for a surprise treat of lunch.”

Another family said: “Thank you, Claire and Osborne. Believe me without your help I couldn’t have done it. The day you helped me was my son’s 4th birthday and it was the best present he had moving into a new and safe home.”

Claire said of choosing Hestia of a second year: “Building on our initial year of support we can now focus on supporting Hestia’s new programmes such as The Bright Sky app.

“The app is free to download on iOS and Android and provides support for those experiencing abuse and also information for people worried and friends, colleagues or loved ones.

“The Everyone's Business, or EB, programme supports employers like Osborne to better support their staff around domestic abuse by providing bespoke tools to recognise the signs and play an active role in prevention.”

For any businesses or residents who would like to help please contact Osborne through Claire.Giacobbe@osborne.co.uk.

Without any notification what so ever Bus lane has appeared on the Bath Road between Kwik Fit and Tuns Lane. Why? The Traffic has been flowing relatively well wvwe since the duel carriage way was made with 2 lanes and the smart traffic lights have been introduced. Do we seriously require a bus lane and congestion in one lane. this is absurd. I hope i am not the only person feeling this way as i 7se this road every day.

•Mandatory MOT tests for car, motorcycle and van owners in England, Scotland and Wales to be reintroduced from 1 August to keep roads safe Department for Transport has stated

•Drivers encouraged to book a test in advance to ensure vehicles are in a roadworthy condition

•Vehicle owners with an MOT due date before 1 August will still receive a 6-month exemption

Mandatory MOT testing is to be reintroduced from 1 August 2020 as COVID-19 restrictions are slowly lifted.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, drivers were granted a 6-month exemption from MOT testing in March to help slow the spread of the virus. However, as restrictions are eased when safe to do so, all drivers whose car, motorcycle or van is due for an MOT test from 1 August will be required to get a test certificate to continue driving their vehicle.

MOT tests are important for road safety and ensure that vehicle parts, including tyres, seatbelts, brakes, lights and exhausts, are in proper working order.

Drivers with an MOT due date before 1 August will still receive a 6-month exemption from testing. However, all vehicles must continue to be properly maintained and kept in a roadworthy condition, and people are able to voluntarily get their MOT sooner should they wish, even if they are exempt from the legal requirement. Motorists can be prosecuted for driving an unsafe vehicle.

It is vital that drivers still take their vehicle to be checked if they notice something is wrong in the same way that they usually would.

If drivers are vulnerable or self-isolating they should contact their local garage as many are offering pick-up and drop-off services, so drivers can get their car checked without having to visit a garage.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has also issued guidance to all MOT testers about safely conducting tests in line with the latest government advice.

Here is a list of planning applications which have been submitted and approved in the last week -

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

The M4 will be closed in both directions between junctions 5, Langley, and 4b, the M25 from 8pm tonight, 26 Friday, to the morning of Monday 29 June 2020. The diversion route for motorway traffic during this weekend will use the local and motorway road network. This is to build the new Old Slade Lane bridge near junction 4b as part of Highways England smart motorway project.

There are new opportunities with vacancies in the council helping some of the most vulnerable in the borough. Take a look here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/jobs/general-vacancies.aspx

Slough Cycle Hire will be back and ready to ride from next week.

The borough wide cycle scheme was suspended at the end of March as part of the response to the coronavirus public health crisis.

As lockdown measures are reduced and people are getting back to work, the public use bikes will be available from Monday 29 June.

The government advises people who can work at home to continue to do so however, those who cannot are encouraged to go back to work. Exercise can also be taken multiple times a day.

The Slough Cycle Hire scheme, which is supported by the council’s sustainable transport team Better by, has been brought back to encourage active travel and offer exercise to those who do not own a bicycle.

Slough Cycle Hire provides a healthy and cost-effective way to get around the borough while ensuring you keep a safe distance from other people.

There will also be the offer of a free month of cycle hire from 20 July after receiving money from the government to encourage active travel. Just register and log onto Slough Cycle Hire and use the discount code ‘summer’.

During lockdown all the bikes have been serviced and along with the docking stations, have been jet washed and sanitised.

Cyclists are advised to use gloves when riding or apply anti-bacterial gel before using the bikes as well as washing their hands immediately afterwards.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “With riders taking the right precautions Slough Cycle hire could be a great way to commute or exercise in the borough while adhering to social distancing guidance.”

There is a total of 17 stations where bikes can be hired from and dropped off. Riders can easily register to use the bike at www.cycleslough.com.

The sign up service means residents and commuters can register and enter payment card details before being sent a bike access code. Riders will then be able to start their journey within minutes of logging onto the website.

Pay as you go riders pay £1 for trips lasting up to an hour. For more regular users, there are weekly, monthly and annual tariffs and incur a flat fee and includes unlimited hour long use of the bikes with the small charge of 50p for every 30 minutes thereafter.

The locations of Cycle Slough bike stations are:

Slough train station

Burnham train station

Leigh Road in the centre of Slough trading estate

O2 Telefonica, Bath Road

Yarmouth Road junction with Buckingham Avenue

Harrow Market, Langley

Trelawney Avenue Shops, Langley

Sutton Lane junction with the A4

Bath Road Shopping Centre

Chalvey High Street

Britwell, Kennedy Park shops.

Page House, 39 Windsor Rd, Slough

204 Stoke Rd, Slough

24 Wexham Rd

The Curve

Alderbury Road, Langley

Wexham Park Hospital, Opecks Close

Visit www.cycleslough.com where there is all the information about how to use the bikes.

For further information email info@cycleslough.com or use the contact form on the website.

It's set to be a scorcher over the next few days but cooling off in the Jubilee River is not a good idea. The water will be freezing even with the hot weather and drowning could be quick and easy due to cold water shock.
There are also hidden dangers of debris on the riverbed and bacteria which could leave you with an upset stomach. Just not worth the risk for one last swim.

Sonia Scaife can recall every moment of the harrowing 20 hours she knew her son Michael was missing feared drowned in the Jubilee River.

From the moment at the supermarket checkout when a police officer told her he was missing and the blood curdling scream from telling her daughter, to his friend hugging her and apologising for not being able to save him and sitting on a bridge for four hours above a buoy which indicated where his body was found.

Michael was aged just 20 years old when he and some friends decided to go into the Jubilee River. But one of his friends got into trouble when in the water and Michael saved him and got him to the riverbank before succumbing to the dangers of the cold water himself.

“He died being a hero,” said Sonia, of Langley, who with husband Mark have dedicated the last five years since Michael’s death into educating others about water safety.

“We will never know how many people Michael’s story may save just by changing their minds about going into open bodies of water like the Jubilee River.

“A colleague at the school where I work told me about a year after Michael’s death he was saving lives. Her son had told friends who wanted to go for a swim in a river, about his mum’s friend whose son died and they didn’t go in.

“It made me feel happy in a way, it was comforting, that something positive had come out of Michael’s story.”

The Scaife family is supporting the council’s campaign to warn children and adults about the dangers of the Jubilee River – particularly in hot weather.

The mother-of-four said she would not wish the family’s ordeal on anyone and urged people to stay out of unsupervised water, including the sea.

Michael was a trainee shop manager who was about to become a mentor with The Prince’s Trust when he spent the day with friends on August 2015.

Sonia said: “The first we knew anything was wrong was when we were going through a supermarket checkout after doing the weekly shop. I answered the phone to an unknown number thinking it was one of my childminding parents, but it was a police officer telling me Michael was missing.

“We went to the river near The Myrke and as we arrived Michael’s friends were being taken away by the emergency services. His friend said ‘That’s Michael’s mum’ and came over and hugged me and said ‘sorry, I couldn’t save him’.

“Mark, my brothers, and other family members then spent the night walking along the riverbanks shouting his name hoping he had been swept downstream and had managed to get out and was on the bank somewhere. We were up again at first light doing the same.

“Eventually, I went and sat on the bridge, which is now named after Michael. His body was located under the bridge, about fifteen minutes after his sister arrived on the Saturday afternoon, and they placed a buoy there until the specialist divers could arrive and recover him. I stayed there until that happened.”

She also recalled the horrific moment she told her daughter Charlotte, who is just over a year younger than Michael, he was missing and said she will never forget the scream she let out, or telling her mother-in-law her grandson was gone.

Michael’s dad Mark continues to raise money for water safety initiatives and is currently in the middle of walking to the 21 Vanarama National League South away grounds, starting and ending his journey at Slough Town FC’s home ground, Arbour Park. All the money will be donated to the RNLI’s water education programme. To support Mark click here www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-scaife2.

The bridge has also become a Pokemon GO stop, a game Michael loved to play, which educates about the dangers of the water every time the stop is activated.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, thanked the Scaife family for sharing their story in a bid to try and prevent another tragedy and urged parents to talk to children about the dangers of open water.

She said: “We don’t want anyone else to suffer the pain the families who have lost someone in the Jubilee River have. We just want people to stay out of the water.

“It is a man-made river where the sides are very steep and the water is deep and very cold, even on the hottest days, which can lead to people going into cold water shock and trouble, very quickly.”

Three years after Michael’s death two young men died within just weeks of each other in the Jubilee River, 17-year-old Dajarn’s Daly, of Wexham, and 22-year-old Nayeeb Ullah Naizai . The inquests ruled all three men’s death were accidental.

Since the deaths the Environment Agency has placed additional warning signs either side of the river warning people to stay out.

On average more than two people die every day and more than 700 drown every year in the UK and Ireland according to the Royal Life Saving Society UK.

Of the deaths 52 per cent of accidental drownings happen in open water with 80 per cent being male. A third of deaths happen in the summer with the highest proportion of drownings occurring in people who are aged between 20 and 29 years old.

The advice is to stop, think and look for the dangers and always take heed of nearby warning signs. In an emergency others should call 999 and those in the water are encouraged to float on your back or someone should throw in an object which is buoyant. It is also important that safety devices are left in their rightful place along the river bank and not vandalised for when they are actually needed.

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

A level 2 heatwave warning has been issued by the Met Office for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; meaning daytime and night time temperatures will be high.

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: http://nhs.uk/heatwave

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.

• Use hand sanitiser as part of your hygiene routine when soap & water are unavailable - but don’t leave alcohol based hand sanitisers in the car - in hot weather flammable vapours can cause a fire.

• 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 .

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.”

Bath Road is set to have a bus and cycle lane in each direction as part of the government’s initiative to get people to actively travel in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

It will be just one temporary change to support a green restart to local travel with the Department for Transport providing funding and fast tracking measures to support cycling and walking.

The newly adapted bus and cycle lane, work on which will begin this week, will allow social distancing with confident cyclists able to use the direct route through the borough using the dedicated lane.

This will provide more room on shared pavements for pedestrians and less confident cyclists such as children cycling to school.

The lanes will run the length of the main arterial route from the Huntercombe Spur to Uxbridge Road.

A trial is also being considered for electric, or e-scooters, to be able to use the lane depending on changes of government policy about the legality of emerging electric modes of transport. Such modes offer clean, convenient travel that can help ease congestion levels and continue to allow for social distancing.

Supporting the work already undertaken by the council’s sustainable transport team Better by, the government has provided local authorities with funding to encourage people cycle and walk instead of getting back into private cars.

The council has been allocated approximately £180,000 in the first tranche of funding for temporary measures.

The measures are set to address rush hour congestion, improve resident’s health by encouraging exercise and combat air quality which is some areas on Bath Road as seen a fall of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by almost up to 60 percent.

The changes are temporary and the effectiveness will be regularly monitored during the scheme.

A quarter of households in the borough do not have access to a car and public transport will also be an important aspect as the borough gets back to normal.

Other plans set to be implemented in include social distancing measures around schools, road closures to combat rat runs, markings and barriers to assist pedestrians, free month of cycle hire as well as pop up bike surgeries and cycle training.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for Slough to make a step change in the quality of our environment.

“These measures will mean residents of Slough can continue to benefit from the improved Air quality and quieter roads we have seen during the coronavirus crisis that has benefited pedestrians, cyclists and car drivers.

“Although the changes are in the first instance temporary, they will be closely monitored to ensure we can incorporate the most appropriate measures on a more permanent basis.”

This is the list of planning applications which have been submitted and approved in the last week. Take a look.

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

The council’s own music maker Mike the Hyype will be in a new BBC programme The Choir – Singing for Britain with Gareth Malone.

Mike Livingston is one of the council’s waste operatives based at Chalvey HWRC who composed the council’s Recycling Rap, which was released last year to try and get residents to recycle more effectively.

Mike is now among several musicians who have been working during lockdown to create a song alongside Gareth Malone OBE, who rose to fame with the Military Wives’ Choir.

The programme is set to air on Tuesday, 23 June, on BBC2 with the trailer already popping up between programmes.

Mike has had to do most of the filming himself due to social distancing rules, and has only had the help of producers and directors talking in his ear. Final filming was taking place up until last Thursday (11 June).

A member of the production team revealed it was the quickest turnaround for a programme they had ever worked on outside of live broadcasting.

Filming mainly took place at Chalvey HWRC with social distancing rules and health and safety regulations adhered to, as well as in Mike’s home.

Mike said: “I really enjoyed the process and am looking forward to people enjoying it next week.

“It was quite surreal from signing up to be involved to having Gareth Malone in my living room!

“Not only was it challenging to being involved in the programme but I was working with equipment and processes that didn’t exist before the pandemic.

“Working with all the equipment and having sound, lighting, directors all talking in your ear while being filmed for a performance was hard work but just amazing.

“It has been an honour to be involved in the programme as a member of Slough Borough Council and hope people who watch it will feel it is a positive, uplifting and spiritual programme and song.

“Taking the positives out of hard situations is what I am all about.”

Mike said he now hopes the participants in the programme and Gareth Malone can actually meet up after lockdown after working together for weeks.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “Well done Mike for taking part in the programme and showing what wonderful, dedicated and talented staff members we have.”

Every year across the UK and Ireland, around 700 people lose their lives in water-related incidents, with most of the incidents being completely avoidable. Slough Borough Council is supporting RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week 12-19 June 2020. Visit https://www.rlss.org.uk/drowning-prevention-week to learn how to keep your loved ones safe around water with the RLSS UK’s free downloadable resources.

Sign up for a free personal development for employment online course for job seekers and those on a low income.

*Exploration of strengths and knowledge experience

*Linking strengths and experiences to employment opportunities

*Developing a personal action plan for employment

*Support with job search, interview skills and CV building

*Individual information, advice and guidance support

*Progression to further learning and into work

From Monday 29 June. Book by calling or emailing Claire Giacobbe on 07799 905178 or email claire.giacobbe@osborne.co.uk

There are hundreds of residents in the borough who could be missing out on extra financial help due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Official figures show that Slough has around 19,000 people furloughed under the Government’s COVID-19 support programme, one of the highest figures in the UK outside of London.

Residents who have been furloughed or now claiming Universal Credit may be entitled to, but have yet to apply for, additional assistance from the council in the form of Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit. The entitlement could make their financial situation more manageable.

Neil Wilcox, director of finance and resources, said: “We want to help.

“There are residents who will now be entitled to additional financial help. We are telling people more help may be available and they really should check.

“This is such an unprecedented situation. There are people who have been furloughed or have to claim Universal Credit, some for the first time in their working lives, who just don’t know there is other financial support available from the council.

“Checking whether they are entitled to additional financial support is really easy and can be done online as well as making an application for support.”

Council Tax Support could lead to a discount for the time where a resident has been furloughed or claimed Universal Credit, which will be taken off the remainder of the year’s bills.

Go to www.slough.gov.uk/benefits-and-money/council-tax-support.aspx where there is a calculator which will assist in working out whether a resident is entitled to extra help before they apply online.

There is more information about Housing Benefits here www.slough.gov.uk/benefits-and-money/housing-benefit.aspx.

Residents are being reminded to deadlock their uPVC front and back doors with their key after an increase in burglaries.
Thieves have been getting easy access to homes where the doors have been secured by just lifting the handle up and not double locked.
Thames Valley Police is urging residents to pay extra attention to their home security as we come out of lockdown and get back to work and activities like shopping.
Front and back uPVC doors can be easily opened from the outside if they are not deadlocked with the key. Simply lifting the handle does not completely secure the door as the internal mechanism of the door can be released from the inside.
Thames Valley Police said burglars have also been known to put their arm through a letterbox or cat flap and use a tool to push the handle and gain entry to homes.
If residents see anything suspicious report it to Thames Valley Police by calling 999 if an emergency. If it is not an emergency call 101 or use the online reporting facility on the Thames Valley Police website.

Deadline to apply for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund (LADGF) to assist businesses facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 pandemic, has been extended to 21 June.

Until 21 June Slough businesses are set to benefit from an additional support fund set up by government to help small businesses who were not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund.

The Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund (LADGF) will be distributed to businesses facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Slough Borough Council like other local authorities across the UK, will distribute grants to the value of £5,000. Local authorities are encouraged to make payments as swiftly as possible to support struggling businesses. It is anticipated that the first payments made under the scheme will be received by businesses early June.

Only businesses that were trading on 11 March 2020 are eligible for this scheme and businesses who have applied for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme are eligible to apply for this scheme as well.

Neil Wilcox, director of finance and resources, said: “The value of the payment to be made to a business is at the discretion of local authorities, which is why we are aiming to pay grants of £5,000 to ensure a greater number of businesses can receive much needed support from this new fund.

“Unfortunately the BEIS allocation to the council for this grant is only £870k which is a lot less than we were hoping for and less than what is really needed to support our local businesses. Therefore we are limited to paying only 174 businesses with a £5,000 grant.”

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “I am pleased our business community can access further funding through this new scheme.

“Micro and small businesses play an important role in growing our local economy by creating jobs and sustaining growth so it is crucial we help them recover during these extraordinary circumstances.

“I would encourage businesses who match the eligibility criteria to come forward and submit an application”.

The government has asked local authorities to prioritise the following types of businesses for grants:

Small and micro businesses, as defined in Section 33 Part 2 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 and the Companies Act 2006.

Businesses with relatively high ongoing fixed property-related costs.

Businesses which can demonstrate that they have suffered a significant fall in income due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Businesses which occupy property, or part of a property, with a rateable value or annual rent or annual mortgage payments below £51,000.

A document setting out the eligibility criteria and an online grant application form is now available on the council’s website so eligible businesses can submit their applications. Assessments and payments will be made throughout the month.

More information and access to the form can be found here: https://www.slough.gov.uk/…/covid-19-local-authority-discre…

Companies that are in administration, are insolvent or where a striking-off notice has been made are not eligible for funding under this scheme.

Only businesses which were trading on 11 March 2020 are eligible for this scheme.

This grant funding is for businesses that are not eligible for other support schemes. Businesses which have received cash grants from any central government COVID-19 related scheme are ineligible for funding from the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.

Businesses who are eligible for the Self-Employed Income support scheme (SEISS) are eligible to apply for this scheme as well.

Businesses who have used the Job Retention Scheme are eligible.

Businesses who have received funding through Retail, Hospitality and Leisure grant, Small Business Grant or Self Employment Income Support Scheme are not eligible.

Grants are subject to tax.

Slough High Street will look a little different from today as more shops have been allowed to reopen.

Shoppers will notice barriers outside some shops and banks as well as directional arrows on the floor to remind people to maintain social distancing while back in the town centre.

Some parking bays will be commandeered to make pavements wider to allow people space to social distance while walking.

Businesses have responsibilities to make sure there are not too many people in their premises at any one time so social distancing can be maintained between customers and also staff.

People may have to queue to get in some shops and should listen to and work with staff who will be directing shoppers and informing them of precautions in place inside.

Some shops deemed to be providing essential services have remained open in Slough during the coronavirus public health crisis and non-essential shops will be opening their doors.

The council has been working with businesses throughout to provide fair and equitable space while people wait to get into shops and offering assistance and advice.

Josie Wragg, chief executive, said: “The opening of non-essential shops will bring people back into the town centre and we would encourage people to shop locally and support out local small businesses and retailers.

“Tracker analysis for Centre of Cities has found Slough is in the top ten in Britain for people returning back to the high street.

“Slough’s success is due to local people using our High Street, both residents and workers. There is still a long way to go but this will be helped by the reopening of non-essential shops from today.

“There have been some measures, like signage, in place in the High Street for businesses which have remained open during the lockdown, but with more shops now allowed to be open there will be more to advise people how to move around.

“Shoppers will be instrumental in the success of rebooting the economy and controlling the virus by maintaining social distance at all times will be key.

“We are also advising that shoppers should come in and out of the town centre and return home as soon as their activity is finished.”

Every week in June Love to Ride is giving away £500 to either a Bikes for Key Workers or Community Coronavirus Support initiative. It will be chosen by a rider who logs a ride and encourages another rider to log a ride. More on lovetoride.net/slough #ChooseCycling #BikeMonth

See what planning applications have been submitted and approved in the last week by clicking here -

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

Face coverings need to be worn on buses and trains from today. More guidance here -
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers?utm_source=b487af84-1c76-4114-b845-78d8c986d031&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate#exemptions-face-coverings

Here are some of the top benefits of deploying an RPA - Robotic Process Automation software in the Banking sector

More Details -
https://blog.datamatics.com/6-benefits-of-deploying-rpa-in-the-banking-sector

There are jobs waiting for the right candidate here- just click

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

FGM has lasting consequences from psychological trauma to problems giving birth. It is not a religious procedure, is illegal to perform in the UK or to send a girl abroad for it. Family and friends who have suspicions can report it through the national helpline on 0800 0283550.

If you or a family member have the symptoms of a stroke or mini-stroke - facial drooping, arm weakness & speech difficulties - call 999. The Stroke Association fears 1,000's of people could be at risk of disability, or even death, unless people recognise the symptoms and act FAST.

See what planning applications have been made in the past week here -

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

Please enjoy Slough parks, which are looking gorgeous at the moment, during the first week of being permitted to meet up outdoors in groups of up to six. Any rubbish created should be put in bins or taken home to dispose of. Keep the parks looking great.

See what planning applications have been submitted in the last week and what has been granted permission by clicking here http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists