Online appointment booking form

Customers can now book in-person appointments via a new online form, saving them time in the call centre queue.

The face-to-face appointments are available for residents who need to do something which cannot be done online or over the phone.

There are two types of appointments available.

A reception appointment (30 minutes) if you need to hand in a form or supporting documents for:

• council tax

• housing benefits

• council tax support

• a housing application

• school admissions

• another service.

An advisor appointment (1 hour) if you need in-depth advice or help regarding:

• housing benefits

• council tax support

• council tax

• rent accounts.

Councillor Martin Carter, lead member for customer services and corporate support, said: “Being able to book these appointments online is a great thing. A quick visit to hand over documents to the right person can speed up claims and get things moving.

“There are so many online services which you can use on our website. You can create self-serve accounts where you can keep track of, and make payments to, your council tax and rent accounts, check progress on your school admissions applications, report issues such as missed bins, fly-tipping, faulty streetlights and more, as well as pay council invoices or parking fines.

“A good first port of call for those looking for advice is to search our website as they are likely to find an answer there, or an online form they can use, reducing the need to call the contact centre which is often so busy it causes frustrations if you can’t get through. Why not try the website first to see if you can find your answer?”

The in-person appointments can be booked four weeks in advance at Chalvey, Britwell, Langley and Cippenham community access points.

Reception appointments are available:

• Monday – Wednesday, 9am-1pm

• Thursday, 10am-1pm

• Friday, 9am-1pm

Advisor appointments are available:

• Monday – Thursday, 2-5pm

• Friday, 2-4.45pm

Appointments are subject to availability and for the specified reasons. Translation services can be requested for those who do not have English as their first language.

All other issues should be dealt with using the website or the call centre.

To book an appointment, visit https://www.slough.gov.uk/directory-record/7400/book-an-appointment

A reminder, to please wear a face mask during the appointments to protect yourself and others. Do not attend the appointment if you have tested positive for Covid in the last 14 days, have any symptoms or are self-isolating.

Our local plan consultation is running until 17 December. Have your say at https://slough.citizenspace.com/planning-policy/green_belt_sites_for_family_housing/?fbclid=IwAR1aTLUHT7eHFCfRkg-dkQMFQag-FuWLSPY2adzRbQk3upmwl1AVY1r-Z7w

Our next library consultation session is on Zoom on Wednesday, from 6.30-7.30pm. Please register in advance at https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/consultation-on-proposed-changes-to-slough-library-service-tickets-176961254877 and watch our consultation video for more info- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT592bFZfjQ

The planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon in the last week, are all listed here - http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

* The portal will be unavailable 10-14 December -https://www.slough.gov.uk/planning-building-control

Don’t live life in fear of physical, financial, sexual or emotional abuse. You have the resilience and the strength to make a change. Don’t suffer alone.

There is hope and there is help 24 hours a day. #WhiteRibbonDay #WhiteRibbon #AllMenCan #MakethePromise #16Days

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Slough welcomes commissioners

Slough Borough Council is set to welcome two government commissioners following an announcement from the Department of Levelling up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) today (1 December).

The commissioners have been put in place following a review by DLUHC into the governance and finances of the council which found major problems stretching back several years.

The commissioners will be overseeing and assisting with the council’s recovery and renewal plan which lays out the work undertaken so far, and the work needed to create a sustainable council providing the right services to residents at the right time.

The commissioners will be led by Max Caller who will be lead commissioner, supported Margaret Lee who will be the finance commissioner.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: "The council remains in a very challenging position financially.

“We have worked over the summer to identify savings, reducing large budget gaps in both the current year and for 2022/3.

“We are now addressing the recommendations from the two government-commissioned reports and preparing a new Medium Term Financial Strategy – which will inevitably involve further difficult decisions.

“The council is in constructive discussions with government to conclude how much of our financial repair can be funded through capitalisation (sales of capital assets), with SBC having requested a significant sum.

.

“I look forward to welcoming the commissioners to Slough and working with them until the issues in the review reports have been fully resolved by us all.

“Together we can continue to make major strides at pace in righting the wrongs of our past and putting the council on a sustainable financial footing, improving our governance and making the right decisions for our residents and town.”

Max Caller CBE led the Best Value Inspections at Northamptonshire and Liverpool and was a Commissioner at Tower Hamlets. Max is a former Chief Executive of the London Boroughs of Hackney and Barnet and the former Chair of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

Margaret Lee recently retired from Essex County Council where she held the post of Executive Director for Corporate and Customer Services. As well as holding senior finance roles, including that of the Statutory S151, she was responsible for other support services such as legal and assurance services, procurement and the transformation support team. She is the finance lead on the Improvement and Assurance Panel for the London Borough of Croydon.

The commissioners are expected to visit Slough for the first time on Thursday (2 December).

First winter funding grants issued

Residents who are eligible for help through the Household Support Fund (HSF) are being contacted.

The HSF is a Department for Work and Pensions initiative to support those most vulnerable this winter to pay for essentials like food and utility bills.

The council has begun contacting those who are eligible, via letter, email or SMS, including families with children in receipt of Free School Meals, care leavers and families with children in early years.

Those contacted will be told the amount of the award, the purpose for which the award should be used and the method of payment. The council will be awarding food vouchers, vouchers for essential goods (where there are mitigating circumstances) and assistance with fuel payments.

People in receipt of Council Tax Support will have the money credited onto their account during December and can check their account online.

Those in temporary accommodation within Houses of Multiple Occupation will see the payment appear on their quarterly rent statement in January.

Cllr Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “I’m delighted Slough is receiving this money to help families, particularly those with children. The majority of the £1,177,691.53 the council has been given will be distributed by us to people we know are eligible.

“A smaller proportion has been kept aside for anyone in need who applies directly to us. We hope the funding will help take a little bit of pressure off individuals and families this winter.”

In Slough, there are 5,507 children receiving free school meals. These families will receive £15 per week for a total of five weeks, over the Christmas period and in February and March, to help pay for essentials.

The HSF award is for an urgent, one-off provision to prevent serious risk to the health, wellbeing or safety of Slough’s most vulnerable and financially excluded residents.

Residents who are aren’t contacted by the council as being eligible can apply directly for assistance. The grants will be issued on a first come, first served basis, providing the criteria is met.

Applications are limited to one application per household. Applicants can apply on behalf of someone else, however, the funding must be provided to a bank account in the name of the person for whom the application is being made.

The council cannot commit to further funding applications once all available funding has been allocated.

The grant funding will end on 31 March 2022, or once all the funding has been allocated.

Find out more and apply at https://www.slough.gov.uk/benefits-support/household-support-fund

Our consultation about the proposed release of some Green Belt land for family housing runs until 17 December. Have your say at https://slough.citizenspace.com/planning-policy/green_belt_sites_for_family_housing/

Library consultation – one month in

The council’s consultation into the future provision of library services is running until 20 January.

In the first four weeks of the consultation, there have been more than 1,600 responses, the majority of whom are library users.

We are consulting with Slough residents to help us understand how our library services are used (or why they are not) and what services residents want us to continue to offer in the future.

It is really important we use the budget we have to deliver library services that people really want and need.

One of the questions in the consultation survey is asking both library and non-library users to prioritise their preferences from a list of five options.

Reduce the money available to spend on buying publications (both hard copy and eResources).

Keep all the main library buildings open but reduce the opening and staffed hours at Langley and Cippenham and reduce the staffed hours at The Curve and Britwell libraries.

Keep all library buildings but reduce the hours they are open, the hours they are staffed, and the space dedicated to the library. Attract other users to rent space in the building (co-location).

Move all library services out of the current main library buildings and re-locate services to be delivered from a range of other locations across the borough.

Close both Langley and Cippenham library buildings but maintain the staffing and opening hours at The Curve library and at Britwell library.

To spread the word about the consultation and encourage people to fill in the survey, the library team are having talks at community events and meetings and also hosting drop-ins at Slough’s libraries and online.

The council has also created a video to give a brief overview of the consultation and the options. To view the video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT592bFZfjQ

Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “We are really pleased with the response rate in the first month, but we want even more people to have their say. The best way to have any impact is to play your part and have your say when the option is given to you.

“The video is a great way to see a summary of the consultation and how to find out more and fill in the consultation. It’s worth a watch and I would encourage everyone who hasn’t yet filled in the survey to please do so. We want to know what options you prefer.”

One of the questions being asked is about online services and some responses show people didn’t realise you could access library services online. There is a range of e-Books, magazines and newspapers available with a library membership.

The consultation is open until 20 January so there is still time to make your views known.

The following library drop-in sessions are planned, where you can ask the library team questions, share comments, and get help to fill in the online survey.

Saturday 11 December, 12noon-3pm – Cippenham Library

Thursday 16 December, 11am-2pm – Langley Library

Friday 7 January, 11am-2pm – Britwell Library

Monday 10 January, 1.30-4.30pm – The Curve

The next online session is on:

Wednesday 8 December, 6.30-7.30pm – Zoom

To register for the online session, read the consultation pack and find the link to the survey, visit www.slough.gov.uk/libraryconsultation

Any queries can be sent to libraryconsultation@slough.gov.uk

Friends and family can be a lifeline for those living with domestic abuse. Worried a family member or friend is being abused?

Let them know you’ve noticed something is wrong.
Listen, and reassure them that the abuse is not their fault.
Help them report the abuse to the police. Provide information on organisations that offer help.

#WhiteRibbonDay #WhiteRibbon #AllMenCan #MakethePromise #16Days

The Britwell and Northborough Strong, Healthy and Attractive Neighbourhoods survey has been extended until 30 December.

Residents are invited to have their say on key issues, concerns and areas for opportunity and improvement.

Fill in the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Britwell

Paper copies can be collected and returned to Britwell Library, Wentworth Avenue and the Children’s Centre, Monksfield Way.

Our consultation about green belt and housing is open until 17 December. Read more and have your say at https://slough.citizenspace.com/planning-policy/green_belt_sites_for_family_housing/

A4 safe active travel surveys launched – have your say!

The council has launched two surveys for residents and those working in Slough to have their say about how safe active travel on the A4 is achieved. Congestion can lead to wider issues relating to road safety, worsening air quality and lower levels of fitness. By encouraging safe, active travel, it’s possible to move some way to reducing these negative impacts.

The online surveys are running until Wednesday 22 December.

The first survey is focused on active travel, specifically on an A4 cycle route. The council is currently assessing existing cycling and walking facilities along the A4 between Huntercombe Lane and Uxbridge Road, and looking at how the route could be changed to accommodate all levels of cycling ability, while also making walking improvements where possible. This is an opportunity to let the council know your views on your active travel journeys in Slough, and then tell them about cycling and walking issues along the A4. Or if you don’t currently cycle or walk in Slough, why you don’t. To complete the survey go to: https://a4cycleroute.commonplace.is/

The second survey focuses on the council’s A4 Safer Roads scheme and you can have your say about road safety on the A4. As part of the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund (which has just won a prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for the “fine example of collaboration” and the “outstanding achievement” of the overall programme) the council was awarded close to £1.7 million, which will be dedicated to making the A4 safer for those living, working and travelling in the area. To complete the survey go to: https://a4saferroads.commonplace.is/

Completing these surveys will help the council locate and shape any improvements using local knowledge. Both schemes are fully grant funded by the Department for Transport, and running public surveys is a requirement of the funding.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for sustainable transport and the environment, said: “We hope as many residents as possible will complete the surveys and help us plan future improvements for the A4. As a council local knowledge is always incredibly important to us when planning transport schemes, and we look forward to hearing residents’ views and views from those who work in Slough.”

Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) back for Christmas period

This festive season, free holiday clubs are back for those children who are entitled to free school meals, for four-hour sessions over four days. Providing lots of fun and healthy meals over the Christmas break with a choice of dates between 20 and 31 December.

School holidays can be particularly difficult for some families because of increased costs, such as food and childcare, and reduced incomes. As of the most recent list on 29 October, the number of children entitled to free school meals in the borough was 5,507. The holiday clubs are also available to any children not eligible for free school meals, who can pay to attend. The HAF programme is funded by the Department for Education.

The holiday clubs were extremely popular when they first ran this summer, and many of the providers (private, voluntary, independent, and charities) are back again to offer a festive programme.

Our providers for the Winter programme are: Get Active, Art Classes, Slough Music Service, Antz Kidz, Kidz Enterprise Ltd, TreeTops Holiday Club, Sports Collective, Aik Saath, and Fit for Sports, Sports Inc and ComputerXplorers. See our webpage for activities offered by each provider as this information is being updated daily: https://www.slough.gov.uk/HAF

The theme for the holiday clubs is festive fun, and the service is always looking for new providers to get involved. If you are a private, voluntary, independent, or charity organisation that works with children and are interested in becoming part of the programme please email: HAF@slough.gov.uk

Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “I’m so pleased that the Holiday Activity and Food programme is back for the Christmas holidays. It was a great success story in the summer break, providing free healthy meals and fun activities for children who are in receipt of free school meals.

“There are some great activities lined up for the winter programme which runs for your choice of four four-hour sessions over four days from 20 to 31 December, including sessions of boxing, rugby, or computer-coding or haircare, arts and crafts

or cooking for teens.

“These sessions are available across lots of different holiday clubs this Christmas break depending on your child’s interests. Of course, children who aren’t entitled to free school meals can pay to attend and join in the exciting activities offered.”

For more information visit: https://www.slough.gov.uk/HAF or please call Slough Family Information Service on 01753 476589.

Right to buy scam sisters sentenced

Two sisters have been convicted of dishonestly making a false representation on an application under the Right to Buy scheme contrary to s1 & 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.

On 26 September 2019, Slough Borough Council received an application to purchase 148 Granville Avenue, Slough, SL2 1JT under the Right to Buy (RTB) Scheme.

The applicants were the council tenant, Nasra Ban, and her sister Fatimah Zahra, who was not a tenant, but was sharing the Right to Buy (RTB) on the basis that she was eligible to do so because she had lived in the property as her only/main home for at least the preceding 12 months.

The property was subsequently valued at £314,000 and a Landlord’s Offer Notice was sent to them on 2 December 2019. The notice stated they were eligible under the scheme for a discount of £82,800. This meant the purchase price would be £231,200.

The council’s Corporate Fraud Team review all applications received under the RTB Scheme as an additional counter fraud measure. They complete the necessary anti-money laundering (AML) due diligence checks (to ensure that all funds used to finance the purchase have been legitimately obtained) and to recover any housing related debt that remains outstanding prior to completion of the purchase. During this review the sisters were asked to provide proof of residency and funds. Nasra Ban provided bank statements on 10 February 2020 pertaining to herself and Fatima Zahra, which raised concerns. A subsequent investigation revealed that Fatima Zahra had in fact been living with her husband in Rochdale and working at a Dental Practice in Oldham.

The investigation also revealed that the bank statements relating to Fatimah Zahra, which had been supplied as proof of residency in Slough had been doctored. A total of 104 transactions had been fraudulently changed on the bank statements, to make it appear as though they occurred in the Slough area, instead of the Rochdale/Oldham area.

On 3 September at Reading Magistrates Court, Nasra Ban and Fatimah Zahra both pleaded guilty to dishonestly making a false representation on an application under the RTB scheme contrary to s1 & 2 of the Fraud Act 2006. Fatimah Zahra also pleaded guilty to two offences of making and/or supplying articles for use in fraud, contrary to s.7 of the Fraud Act 2006. Due to the serious nature of the offending, the case was committed to the Crown Court for sentencing.

The sisters were sentenced by HHJ Real on 15 November at Reading Crown Court (sitting at Reading Magistrates Court). They were represented by Mr. Nawaz QC who addressed the court in mitigation on their behalf, stating that neither sister had been a leading force in the fraud, having been pressured to make the application by their brother, Raza Ban who it was intended, would pursue the RTB application with the council to completion, including provision of the falsified bank statements.

HHJ Real reduced their sentences to give full credit for their early guilty pleas and although she concluded that custodial sentences were justified, she suspended them on the basis that neither sister were the leading force behind the fraud. Fatima Zahra received 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months (same sentence concurrent for the other two offences) Nasra Ban received 10 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months. Both also must do 15 days rehabilitation through the probation service. They were also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,956 each at £500 each per month to begin within 28 days.

Cllr Beni Bains, cabinet member for regulation and public protection, said: “We hope this is a warning to anyone else who may be thinking of attempting this type of fraud. Our many checks are put in place to stop people taking advantage of the system and making sure that Right to Buy discount is only received by those eligible. A great result was achieved in this case, thank you to all the council officers involved.”

If you're looking to develop job skills, join in with Slough Central's training and recruitment programme, using online workshops over the next two weeks. The free programme is designed for anyone looking for work or a change in career. Reserve a place using the details below.

Commitment to improving services for special needs children

Slough Borough Council, Frimley CCG and Slough Children First have renewed their commitment to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) following the release of an Ofsted and CQC report into local services.

The report, released today (17 November), is highly critical of some of the SEND services in Slough stating an official Written Statement of Action (WSOA) is required following an inspection earlier this year.

Some of the main criticisms include a lack of joined-up working between the organisations, lack of collaboration with parents and families of SEND children, parents and carers not feeling understood, welcomed or helped, some schools not being welcoming of SEND children, high staff turnover, social care needs not being met and long waiting times to see an occupational therapist or receive an educational health and care plan (EHCP).

However other areas are singled out for praise including SEND services in Early Years, the mental health transformation programme, the support received from the SEND information, advice and support service (SENDIASS) and the ‘valiant efforts’ of individual members of staff.

Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for education and children, who took on the portfolio in May, said: “Reading that there are too few opportunities for SEND children to experience social parts of childhood like their peers is heart-breaking, but nowhere near as tough as it must be for the children themselves and their families.

“We have been working since I took over the portfolio on better joining up all our services and this is noted in the report, but unfortunately the work is too new to have had any real impact before Ofsted and CQC visited.

“We need to improve and fast, not just because it is what our SEND children need, but because it is what they deserve.”

In May 2021, a rapid improvement plan was put into place across the council, children’s services and health with the following objectives:

To secure effective joint leadership oversight and accountability

To secure an effective approach to using funding including through aligned and joint commissioning

To address pressing gaps in assessment and provision

To develop an effective approach to capturing the views of representative groups of children and young people with SEND and their families across the area and enabling co-production.

To ensure that the local offer (online information) is co-produced, up to date, informative and easy to navigate and sustainable.

Tony Hunter, recently appointed Chair of Slough Children First, said “In our new status as a council owned company, committed to even closer collaboration, we at Slough Children First will give every possible support to the council in its clear determination to develop and improve - at speed - services for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

“We are pleased the contribution of our social workers in helping families has been recognised; this gives a strong foundation for intense work across partners to improve the quality of children and families needing this range of services.”

Tracy Faraday-Drake, managing director of the NHS Frimley Clinical Commissioning Group in Slough said: “‘We are determined to provide the children and young people across Slough who have special educational needs and disabilities the services they need in a timely way, so they have every opportunity to flourish.

“This inspection has shone a light on some of our most vulnerable children and we are working together with the borough council and with our other partners to drive the transformation of these vital services.”

The full report can be found at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/44/80553

Have your say on our proposed release of green belt land for family housing consultation. You have until 17 December to respond, read more at https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/article/136/consultation-on-proposed-release-of-green-belt-sites-for-family-housing and respond at https://slough.citizenspace.com

Household Support Fund

Vulnerable families will be given a helping hand this winter with grants available through the Household Support Fund (HSF).

Last night (Monday), Cabinet agreed to administer the scheme, where the council has been given £1,177,691.53 from the Department for Work and Pensions’ £500m HSF fund.

The money given through the fund is to help families and individuals who may struggle to pay for basic living costs this winter, including:

• food

• energy

• water bills

• essentials linked to the above, e.g. sanitary products, warm clothing, soap, blankets, boiler service or repair

• purchase of equipment, including fridges, freezers and ovens.

Half of the council’s funding will go to families with children in receipt of Free School Meals, care leavers and families with children in early years.

Currently there are 5,507 children receiving free school meals, whose families will receive £15 per week for a total of five weeks, over the Christmas period and in February and March, to help pay for essentials.

Families with children or care leavers known to Social Care may be eligible for a level of discretionary support via their social worker or Personal Advisor, and those with children eligible for the Early Years pupil premium will be eligible for a £50 payment.

The other priority group for the HSF funding is households in receipt of Council

Tax Support and those in temporary accommodation within Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO), to help with the cost of utility bills.

These groups will receive £40 per household and in the majority of these cases the payment would be made to the household’s council tax account, in lieu of a cash payment, or rent account, where the person lives in accommodation that is managed by the council and has utility charges included.

Cllr James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “We are appreciative to the DWP for giving us this funding to help vulnerable local residents. We know the winter period can be a struggle and with rising costs everywhere, we hope this will help residents in a small way.”

The council will be making direct contact with those identified as being eligible for these payments.

To ensure other residents are not disadvantaged, some of the funding will be set aside for applicants who come directly to the council for assistance.

The grants will be issued on a first come, first served basis, providing the criteria is met.

The council cannot commit to further funding applications once all available funding has been allocated. The grant funding will end on 31 March 2022.

A new drop-in Tai Chi session from @sportinmind - starts tomorrow at Arbour Park.

Partnership working tackles illegal use of vehicles

A multi-agency operation to combat crime and anti-social behaviour took place in Slough yesterday (Thursday).

Slough Borough Council teamed up with the Thames Valley Police Neighbourhood Policing Team, Road Policing Unit, and the Home Office, for Operation Caesium, to clamp down on vehicles being used illegally.

This included carrying waste without a licence, unsafe or non-roadworthy vehicles, driving offences, fly tipping and unpaid parking fines.

The operation was based in St Martins Place, Montem Lane and over the course of the day more than 100 people were stopped and spoken to.

The agencies:

took several vehicles off the road for insurance offences

issued three fixed penalty notices for driving offences

collected £5,542 in unpaid parking fines

a Private hire vehicle operator was reported for not displaying plates correctly.

Councillor Beni Bains, lead member for regulation and public protection, said: “This was a great display of partnership working. Every driver has a responsibility to be safe and legal on the road.

“This operation was a chance to catch offenders but also to educate people on the proper use of their vehicles and the importance of checking they use a registered waste carrier.”

Kurt Henney, from the council’s resilience and enforcement team, said: “With the challenging environment we find ourselves in, partnership working is now more important than ever so we can work closely with other agencies to help make our streets safer and greener to live on.

“Residents can also help up combat environmental crime by checking that the person taking their waste has the authority to carry waste. You can check a waste carrier’s licence on the Environment Agency website and ensure they give you a receipt for the waste and where it will be disposed of.”

You can search for registered waste carriers at https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers

A reminder that electoral canvassers will be door knocking on homes which didn't respond to the annual canvass, until 29 November. They all have ID badges confirming who they are and their role as a canvasser.

Online library consultation session - tomorrow at 6.30pm. Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/consultation-on-proposed-changes-to-slough-library-service-tickets-176961254877 and a joining link will be sent. Read more about the consultation at www.slough.gov.uk/libraryconsultation

Sign up until 5.30pm on Tuesday 9 November.

The council is consulting on the proposed release of Green Belt sites for family housing in order to deal with the shortage of large homes in Slough.

The council wants to hear your views on the proposal, which forms part of the local plan for Slough, which has identified a shortage of around 5,000 houses in the period up until 2040.

The majority of homes recently built or planned to be built in the borough are flats in places like the town centre – which are only suitable for smaller households.

But Slough needs more family homes consisting of three bedrooms and more – in particular affordable homes, with 10 percent of the 2,000 people on the council housing waiting list needing four or five bedroom properties.

Work on the local plan has identified there are no reasonable options, or combination of options which could accommodate all of Slough’s housing and employment needs within the town and as a result, the council is considering developing some green field sites.

Green field sites have the advantage of offering lower density family housing with a higher proportion of affordable housing compared to what brownfield sites can deliver.

All the proposed sites are classed as urban extensions which is considered one of the most sustainable forms of development due to the nearness of amenities such as shops and public transport.

The sites, listed below, have been given an initial traffic light system as to the appropriateness as potential sites. However, a variety of further assessments need to be completed before final decisions are made.

GREEN – suitable sites

• Wexham Park Hospital School of Nursing site

• Land to the rear of Opal Court Wexham Street

• Land east of Wexham Park Hospital

• Land east of Rochfords Gardens

• Upton Court Farm

AMBER – possible sites

• Land East of Market Lane - part of Northern Extension

• Land south of Blenheim Road - part of Ditton Park Historic Park & Garden

RED – unsuitable sites

• St Anthony’s Field, Farnham Road - gap between Slough and Farnham Roya

• North of Muddy Lane, Stoke Poges Lane - part of playing field

• Bloom Park, Middlegreen Road – part of public open space

Councillor Pavitar K. Mann, lead member for housing, highways, planning and place, said: “We want our families to be able to grow up and prosper in our town and ensure we have family homes for them to move into.

“This public consultation is an important opportunity for the council to receive and take into account your views on potential options for development in the green belt and I would urge local residents and groups, businesses, organisations, landowners and developers to take part is this public consultation.”

It is recognised the development of any site would harm the Green Belt and it will be necessary to demonstrate that there are the necessary “exceptional circumstances” to justify this.

It should be noted the consultation is only about the possible release of land for housing. Any proposals for the use of green belt land for any other purpose will be considered as part of the local plan process.

One of the purposes of the consultation is to help gather evidence about what other constraints there may be to developing the sites.

The consultation begins on 5 November and will close on 17 December.

Have your say
Full details about the proposal and information about how to make comments can be found at https://slough.citizenspace.com/

The deadline for comments is 17 December.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has come into force across Great Britain as of 5pm on 3rd November 2021. This means it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures to protect their birds from avian influenza (bird flu).

The AIPZ means bird keepers across Great Britain must:

• Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry.

• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources;

• Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;

• Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures;

• Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;

• Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas.

• Keep free ranging birds within fenced areas, and that ponds, watercourses and permanent standing water must be fenced off (except in specific circumstances e.g. zoo birds).

See the government press notice for further details - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-latest-situation-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declared-across-great-britain?fbclid=IwAR3ZwdWTclZeOxx_oJGIz4catEzOJJHlKT7OuxLTJjjNmlHAWzgm9ALwqK4

Nominations are open for the Slough Youth Awards, which recognise young people’s achievements.

Now in its sixth year, the awards are supported by the council’s Youth Voice team and Slough Youth Parliament.

The annual ceremony arose from the youth parliament’s manifesto commitment to raise the profile of young people in a positive way, by celebrating their many achievements.

Please acknowledge the achievements and breakthroughs of our resilient and talented youth community by nominating them for an award in one for the following categories.

Young Artist Award

Young Environmentalist Award

Young Inspiration Award

Young Entrepreneur Award

Young Sportsperson Award

Young Volunteer/Voluntary Group of the Year Award

Submissions must be referring to achievements during 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2021 and be for a young person aged 11-19 or up to 25 years old with learning difficulties, disabilities or is a care leaver who lives in Slough.

Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “Slough is full of talented and amazing young people who give their times as volunteers, are part of local groups and who go above and beyond to help the community.

"Our judging panel is looking forward to reading all about the fantastic breakthroughs Slough’s youth have made.”

The awards show will be hosted by members of Slough Youth Parliament and there will be a variety of performances on the night from local artists.

Nominations close on Monday 22 November. Save the date for the awards which will be held on 9 December at 7pm.

Read more about the categories and fill in the nomination form at www.slough.gov.uk/slough-youth-awards/slough-youth-awards-1

The next library drop-in sessions to discuss the consultation are on Thursday at Britwell library from 11am-1pm and The Curve from 1.30-4.30pm. Please come along. Find out more, and fill in the survey, at www.slough.gov.uk/libraryconsultation

The planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon in the last week, are all listed here - http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

70 years ago today on the 31st of October 1951, Zebra crossings came into use for the first time in England and in the UK as the first official zebra crossing started protecting pedestrians in Slough High Street.

Post-war Britain had only 10 percent of its current road traffic, but fatalities were mounting. The typical pedestrian crossing was marked with nothing more than metal studs in the road: easy for pedestrians to see, but difficult for the motorist. By the time a driver felt the bumps under his tyres, it was usually too late to stop or slow down.

The government's Transport Research Laboratory ran visibility experiments on new types of crossings, using model roads at 1/24 scale (a half-inch to the foot). The lab then tested a variety of designs at a thousand locations starting in 1949. Broad black and white stripes had the most visual impact.

The new striped crossings were made the legal standard in Britain and widely introduced in late 1951, starting at Slough. Pedestrian deaths dropped 11 percent in the first year.

Jim Callaghan, Member of Parliament (and later prime minister), visited the lab in 1948 and is sometimes credited with first noting the crossing's resemblance to a zebra. Despite Callaghan's saying in 1951 that he didn't remember doing that, no one else has ever claimed credit, and the name zebra crossing caught on.

A 12-week consultation about how to make library services in Slough fit for the future, has now launched, running from 28 October until 20 January 2022.

The council needs to ensure libraries are affordable and deliver value for money, are accessible and meet local needs and support and promote good use of technology.

It is important to hear your views about the key issues the council should consider when designing the borough’s future library service.

The consultation is open to all Slough residents, and library users from outside the borough. The council welcomes responses both from those who use the library service and those who currently do not.

There are five proposed options that residents are invited to comment on. With all options, there will be one library open every day for residents to access.

Residents can comment on the options, listed below, and suggest alternatives.

• Reduce the money available to spend on buying publications (both hard copy and eResources).

• Keep all the main library buildings open but reduce the opening and staffed hours at Langley and Cippenham and reduce the staffed hours at The Curve and Britwell libraries.

• Keep all library buildings but reduce the hours they are open, the hours they are staffed, and the space dedicated to the library. Attract other users to rent space in the building (co-location).

• Move all library services out of the current main library buildings and re-locate services to be delivered from a range of other locations across the borough.

• Close both Langley and Cippenham library buildings but maintain the staffing and opening hours at The Curve library and at Britwell library.

A comprehensive consultation pack has been produced, explaining in more detail the options and reasonings behind them.

Have your say

• Fill in the survey online at https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/librariesconsultation

• Email libraryconsultation@slough.gov.uk if you have any questions.

• Visit a drop-in session

• Visit an online session

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “We want residents to continue reading and be inspired to, and we need their thoughts on how we can adjust the service to meet our needs now and going forward.

“There has been a huge shift towards online resources in recent times and our libraries need to plan and organise for new innovations and changes like these. We need to ensure our residents’ priorities are where we put our resources, and we need to ensure the service provides good value for money and is sustainable for the future. I therefore urge residents to fill in the consultation to let us know their thoughts and priorities, and what aspects of the service are most important to them.”

Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “We know our libraries are much loved in the community and we are committed to providing a great service. It’s no secret the council must make efficiencies, so we are looking into ways of maintaining this great service, while reducing costs.

“Nothing has been decided yet, we genuinely do want to hear which options residents prefer, or any alternatives they can suggest. I would encourage all residents, whether library members or not, to fill in the survey and have a say on the future of libraries in the borough.”

The library team will be hosting drop-in sessions at each of the council’s four main libraries – The Curve, Britwell, Cippenham and Langley, where residents can ask questions and get help filling in the online survey if they need it.

The dates for the drop-in sessions are:

• Friday 29 October, 11am-1pm – Cippenham

• Friday 29 October, 2.30-5pm – The Curve

• Saturday 30 October, 12noon-3pm – Langley

• Thursday 4 November, 11am-1pm - Britwell

• Thursday 4 November, 1.30-4.30pm – The Curve

• Wednesday 10 November, 11am-1pm – Cippenham

• Monday 15 November, 1.30-4.30pm – Langley

• Tuesday 23 November, 1.30-4.30pm – Britwell

• Saturday 27 November, 12noon-3pm – The Curve

• Saturday 11 December, 12noon-3pm – Cippenham

• Thursday 16 December, 11am-2pm – Langley

• Friday 7 January, 11am-2pm – Britwell

• Monday 10 January, 1.30-4.30pm – The Curve.

There will also be two online sessions for anyone who can’t make it in person. These will be on Zoom on:

• Tuesday 9 November, 6.30-7.30pm

• Wednesday 8 December, 6.30-7.30pm.

The feedback from residents, along with data on demographics and library usage, will be used to make the final decision.

If you cannot access the internet at home or need help to complete the survey, you can visit your local library for access to public computers and staff support. There will also be some paper copies at all libraries and hubs.

Residents are invited to read the full consultation pack before filling in the consultation survey. Visit www.slough.gov.uk/libraryconsultation

Responses will be analysed and an outcomes report will go to Cabinet later in 2022.

Did you know that Datchet holds a beer festival?

I didn't until I saw the banners around the village, yet it's been going since 2009, and it's on next weekend.

It takes place at Datchet Village Hall, which is about ten minutes from the railway station, so rather than the dangers of driving there you can catch the trains via Windsor. (Staggering back up Castle Hill might be a challenge!)

The Saturday evening is already sold out, but there are tickets for the Friday and Saturday afternoon sessions.

They expect to have over 20 local ales and ciders available.

Further details at the SL event here:
https://www.scooploop.com/thread/datchet-beer-festival

Slough Town FC take on Bath City FC at Arbour Park stadium on 26th Oct, in their next Vanarama National League South game.

Supporters aged 18 and under can watch Tuesday evening's home match against

Bath City FC for 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 if accompanied by a paying adult.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the turnstiles.

https://sloughtownfc.net/article/2527/Special-offer-for-Bath-City-match

Last week SBC posted this update about the green bin collection service.

https://www.scooploop.com/thread/winter-break-for-green-bin-collections

This year, green bin collections will be paused between November and March. I can understand this as a cost-saving exercise, and I'd rather this than them start charging for collection, BUT, I realised I have only two more collections THIS YEAR and there's loads of gardening still needs doing!!

So, my title is an exhortation to get outside and make the most of your remaining bin collections!!!

The planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon in the last week, are all listed here - http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

A landlord has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds by a judge for illegally letting out an outbuilding for more than three years.

Paul Vig admitted failing to comply with a Planning Enforcement Notice which prohibited the outbuilding being used as a self-contained residence which he was letting out.

The structure in the garden of a house in Reddington Drive, Langley, had a shower room, a washing machine and white goods which allowed it to be a self-contained property – also known as a ‘bed in a shed’.

A planning enforcement notice was issued for the property in 2015. However, when the 58-year-old applied for a compulsory licence for a house in multiple occupation, or HMO, it was discovered although some of the white goods had been removed, it contained everything needed to be an independent self-contained unit.

Mr Vig and his wife, Maria Vig, appeared at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday 6 October, for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, as they benefitted from letting out the property at £160 per week. Each had admitted a single charge of being in contravention of an enforcement notice contrary to section 179 Town and County Planning Act 1990, between 21 September 2016 and 24 July 2019.

Mr Vig, of Scotlands Drive, Farnham Common, was fined £5,000 for flouting the enforcement notice. The fine was ordered to be paid within six months or he would face a three-month prison sentence. He was also ordered to pay £8,161.67 towards the council’s costs.

Mrs Vig, 40, of Fawsley Close, Colnbrook, was given a six-month conditional discharge with Judge Emma Nott stating she was just a landlord by name on documentation and all responsibilities were undertaken by her then husband. She was ordered to pay the remaining council costs of £4,000.

In her judgement, Judge Nott said: “I am satisfied that Mr Vig knew full well that the continued commercial use of the outbuilding was in breach of the enforcement notice.

“Photographs dated 24 July 2019 show a kitchenette – washing machine, microwave, fridge freezer, washing facilities, cupboards with food and glassware. With or without the kitchen equipment, this is a self-contained unit of accommodation and the tenancy agreements show that this is how it was let.

“As a commercial landlord he has a clear duty to understand and comply with all rules, regulations and notices pertaining to the properties he rents out.

“The offending is aggravated by the length of time over which it was committed, the fact that it was committed for financial gain, the poverty of amenity provided by the property to the tenant of the outbuilding and the adverse effect on the tenant of the main property.”

Councillor Beni Bains, cabinet member for regulation and public protection, said: “Beds in sheds will not be tolerated in the borough.

“They are not suitable accommodation for the resident and they are just designed to make money out of the most vulnerable.

“Planning enforcement will continue to seek out landlords who act in this unlawful way.”

Green bin collections are to be adjusted to when they are used the most.

The service will be paused throughout the winter when less gardening waste is created.

Currently green bins are collected fortnightly all year round except for a short break over the festive period.

Green bins have become a popular additional opt-in service for residents with 28,000 households the recipient of the garden waste bin.

This service, which is limited to one green bin per household, does not incur an additional cost to residents unlike many of the neighbouring local authorities, which also have a hiatus over the winter months.

Green bin collection will stop for the winter from Monday 22 November.

Collections will begin again on Monday 21 March, 2022.

Green waste is waste produced from a resident’s garden including grass cuttings, hedge and shrub trimmings, small branches and twigs, flowers, small plants and weeds.

The green waste is taken to the Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre where it is transferred to composting facilities in Bracknell, to produce high quality compost products.

See what can be put in the green bins, and to apply for a green bin, here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/household-waste-collection/what-goes-in-bins/3.

Green waste can be taken to Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre at any time of the year.

For more information about what goes into waste, recycling and green bins visit - https://www.slough.gov.uk/household-waste-collection/what-goes-in-bins.

I think this is a great idea...

Rather than the American Halloween tradition of 'trick or treat' (demanding sweets from your friends or neighbours), Hackney residents collect foodstuffs for their local foodbank. Last year they collected five tonnes of food!

Perhaps something for your Halloween party to consider for Slough Food Bank?

Read about it here: https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2021/10/12/trick-or-eat-halloween-hackney-foodbank/

The simplest of measures can prevent a car becoming the target for thieves.

Locking car doors and closing windows is the first line of defence from car thieves.

Make sure car keys are nowhere near the front door where thieves can extract them through the letter box, which is called fishing.

Keep keys on a hook away from windows and doors.

For more car prevention advice visit - https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/

Residents are invited to have their say in a consultation about future services in Britwell and Northborough.

The survey, which is live now until 5pm on Tuesday 30 November, is part of the council’s plans to develop strong, healthy and attractive neighbourhoods.

The redeveloped Britwell Community Centre and library is scheduled to be completed early next year. The proposed redevelopment will look to house a new GP and Health Surgery in the new centre allowing a range of services to be delivered from one location.

Some of the topics in the survey include Covid-19 Impact, the health and wellbeing of residents and the local area.

The results will identify key issues, concerns and areas for opportunity and improvement.

Councillor Sabia Akram, lead member for leisure, culture and communities, said: “The people living in these areas day to day know what is most important to them and what services they value. Housing health services alongside our community centre and library makes best use of our building and means residents can do more in one visit.

“I would encourage Britwell and Northborough residents to fill in the short survey to make their views known.”

The council is working in partnership with Britwell Parish Council, Public Health Slough, East Berkshire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) health partners and One Slough to create strong neighbourhoods.

The survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Britwell

Paper copies can be collected and returned to the following locations.

Britwell Library, Wentworth Avenue, SL2 2DH

Children’s Centre, Monksfield Way, SL21QX

For help filling in the survey, please call 07523 935995 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am-4pm. For more information on the Creating Stronger Neighbourhoods initiative, please email community.development@slough.gov.uk or call Aqeel Akram (Community Development Officer) on the number above.

There is no full M4 weekend closure this weekend.

Both carriageways between junctions 5, Langley, and 4b, the M25, will be closed overnight between 9pm and 6am, on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 October.

The eastbound exit slip road is closed at junction 6, Slough, overnight between 9pm an 6am, on Monday 18, Tuesday 19. Wednesday 20, Thursday 21 October.

The latest planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon in the past week, are all listed here -

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

This should be sounding alarm bells for the community, not just in the Slough-Eton-Windsor area, but nationally.

Eton College were ahead of the game in March 2020 when they closed down weeks ahead of government instruction for state schools to do the same.

Cases of Covid are still rocketing in this country, 45,000 last Thursday alone -- that's 45,000 new cases in one day -- with 800 hospitalisations, and 100 deaths, per day. The UK tops the league tables for Covid, and that's not a great place to be. (Why is the government still pretending that all is hunky-dory?)

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/eton-college-covid-lockdown-students-b960669.html

The rise in popularity of video doorbells can make homeowners feel safer.

However, such recording devices are great after a crime has been committed.

Burglars be can be put off by alarms and prevent a resident becoming a victim in the first place.

More Thames Valley Police crime prevention advice here - https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/keep-burglars-out-property/

Violence against women and girls in the borough will be tackled after more than half a million pounds was secured from the government.

The Safer Street Fund of £23.5 million was set up in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard in London, with the aim to make public spaces safer for women and girls.

The successful joint application was made by the council, the Thames Valley office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Aik Saath and Lime, a specialist youth engagement organisation.

Several projects will be made possible by the £513,940 award. It will lead to a ‘whole system’ approach by the partnership which will begin immediately and run until April 2022.

The initiatives will centre on Chalvey, where statistically there is a more of a need to make women and girls safer.

Working closely with the Chalvey Community Partnership the work will address issues and themes identified by residents in the area.

Local information reveals violence against women and girls is committed by men of all ages and was due to a range of factors including cultural attitudes as well as physical factors such as location and environment.

This insight is at the centre of the projects to tackle the safety issues women and girls face.

The whole system approach will be made up of six parts.

• A Street Guardianship team to improve safety through daily street patrols.

• A Design Out Crime project to change streets making them safer, from physical changes like street layout to lighting and surveillance.

• Specialist intervention and community work with members of the Roma community.

• A specialist Youth and Community Worker to work with young people when in or out of school, to challenge signs of sexual harassment and adopt more positive and respectful attitudes towards women and girls.

• Develop a communications campaign with young people to educate peers.

• Create an enhanced Choices programme working with Year 12 students, practitioners, young people and parents. The Choices programme already supports young people to understand themselves and make better choices using interactive, story-driven resources which were co-created by Slough students.

Councillor Beni Bains, cabinet member for regulation and public protection, said: “This money will start to make a big difference in attitudes towards all types of violence towards women from verbal, emotional, intimidation or physical.

“Working with information residents have provided, and knowledgeable partners, means the money will be used in the most effective areas in the most effective way.”

For more information about the national Safer Street Fund visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/police-local-authoritiesgiven-extra-235m-for-safer-streets

In a record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award, as the scheme marks its Silver Jubilee, Herschel, Salt Hill, and Pippins Parks are three of 2,127 celebrating success today.

The award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. Salt Hill Park and Pippins Park have held Green Flag Awards for the past 11 years and for Herschel Park, this year’s flag marks a decade of being in receipt of the award.

After 18 months that have seen our parks and green spaces play a vital role for people through lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely, the news that Herschel, Salt Hill and Pippins Parks have achieved the Green Flag Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that make Slough’s green spaces, great spaces that everyone can enjoy.

Herschel, Salt Hill, and Pippins Parks join parks and green spaces as diverse as the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, Woodhouse Park in Peterlee, and Chiswick Old Cemetery in London.

Sophia Norfolk, principal environment officer & interim parks manager, said: “I am delighted that we have won Green Flag Awards again this year, our parks team work so hard to maintain the amazing green spaces we have around our town, and they continue to be a source of great enjoyment and relaxation for residents young and old. We have such a wide variety of spaces for people to enjoy from the new wetland at Salt Hill Park to the beautiful landscaping at Herschel Park. There really is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Commenting on the news that Herschel, Salt Hill and Pippins Parks have achieved the Green Flag Award standard, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making these three Slough Borough Council parks worthy of Green Flag Awards.

“To meet the requirements demanded by the scheme is testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers who do so much to ensure that Herschel, Salt Hill and Pippins Parks have high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and is a place that supports people to live healthy lives.”

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

A brand new project which will work with 30 lucky residents of East Berkshire to help them launch their dream businesses, is being launched in November. The project, StriveLive, is being delivered by Enterprise CUBE, an experienced team, who have worked to support new businesses across the Berkshire since 2010.

Jenna Moody, building better opportunities compliance officer, Slough Borough Council said: “This is an amazing chance to get fully funded training, support, win prizes and join a group of other start-ups who are all striving to start a business.”

“If you are a resident who is currently unemployed or economically inactive and looking for a chance to make your business dream a reality then this course is for you.”

StriveLive aims to provide the complete start-up incubator experience online, creating the ideal environment for a resident to start a new business. It is run by a small team who have all started and run their own businesses. Connecting 30 resident entrepreneurs, StriveLive offers a start-up community.

It combines weekly live video training sessions with an easy-to-use online learning tool that residents can use in their own time. Residents are also offered lots of one-to one sessions with experienced entrepreneurs, who can offer mentoring and tailored advice to help them launch their businesses.

If that wasn’t enough, thanks to Housing Solutions, there is also the opportunity for residents to win £1,500 of cash prizes to help them launch their businesses at the end of the project! StriveLive launches on 2 November and will run for 7 weeks.

Interested residents should contact Enterprise CUBE or Slough Borough Council for more details. To find out if you are eligible for a free place, get in touch with Jenna Moody at Slough Borough Council email: Jenna.Moody@slough.gov.uk, phone: 07526200906. Or fill out this form on Enterprise CUBE’s website https://www.enterprisecube.org/signupfree/

There are a number of roles available at local schools, Slough Children First and other partners. For more visit -https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

It takes burglars just a few seconds to silently break in via a front door which have not been secured properly.

Protect your home by pulling the handle up on a uPVC front door.

Simply shutting the door won’t prevent burglars. Double-lock the door every single time you leave the house and pull the handle up when going to bed and remove the key.

Modern multi-locking and uPVC doors use a system of hooks and latches which only work if you lift up the handle.

For more crime prevention advice visit - https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/door-window-lock-advice/