Who keeps their jewellery, money and other precious items in their bedroom - where you feel it's safest? 🙋

Burglars know where these valuable items are too.

They go straight to the bedroom to rifle through clothes drawers and bedside tables.

Large amounts of valuable jewellery and money should be kept in a safe bolted to the floor or a safety deposit box.

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

Think you know what a burglar looks like?

These days some professional burglars who target the borough drive high performance cars and can be working in teams. Operating in the day and under the cover of the darker early evenings, they look like anyone else.

They are unlikely to be carrying bags of swag or carrying TVs.

Expensive, small items like jewellery and money are targeted as it's easy to transport.

If something doesn't look right, or someone is behaving suspiciously, report it to Thames Valley Police on 101 or via their online service https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/.

In the run up to the clocks going back an hour at the end of the month the council will be sharing crime prevention tips in partnership with Thames Valley Police. These are intended to assist with protecting yourself, elderly friends, relatives and property as the nights get darker.

On average this year, there has been a burglary every other day in the borough. When the clocks go back the number increases dramatically.

Each day the council will post some simple and quick tips and reminders which could prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.

With many workers starting to return to the workplace after over a year working from home, remember to close and lock windows and doors.

Opportunistic thieves love an open invitation - and an empty property - especially in the dark before residents even get home from work.

Both carriageways of the the M4 motorway will be closed between junctions 6, Slough, and 8/9, Maidenhead, from 9pm until 6am the following morning on Monday 11, Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 October.

The westbound carriageway between the same junctions is closed from 9pm on Wednesday 13 October until 6am the following morning.

The full weekend closure is between 4b, M25, and 3, Hayes, from 4am on Saturday 16 until 6am Monday 18 October.

All work is for Highways England smart motorway project.

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

The council is set to discuss a consultation into how Slough library services will look in the future.

The council prides itself on its fantastic libraries across the borough where more than 600,000 visits are made by residents in a typical year, to borrow more than half a million books.

However, changes need to be made to the provision to ensure that library services are affordable and deliver value for money, are accessible and meet local needs and support and promote good use of technology.

The consultation will last for 12 weeks and will launch on 28 October, if Cabinet give the go-ahead.

During the consultation residents will be asked to give their views on the key issues the council should consider when designing the borough’s future library service.

There are five proposed options, listed below, which residents will be invited to comment on.

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.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “With work underway to address our immediate financial issues, Cabinet is now looking at the council’s medium term financial strategy to make sure all services can operate within a tighter financial envelope, ensuring the council’s sustainability going forward.

“We’re really proud to have provided a generous library offer over the years in Slough, which has seen us invest in new buildings like The Curve, and the council Cabinet’s preferred model for future library services is to retain our library buildings – but we want to know your views and priorities as we weigh up various options against each other.

“Therefore, we really want residents to engage with this consultation and let us know what you want from our library service so we can draw on your views as we shape these services for the future.”

When the consultation launches, there will be an online survey, drop-in sessions at libraries and online sessions for residents to share their views.

The Cabinet meeting is on Monday 18 October. More information on the consultation can be found in the Cabinet papers at https://democracy.slough.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=109&MId=6746 and www.slough.gov.uk/libraryconsultation

There are teaching assistant roles available, roles at Slough Children First and Osborne Property Services Ltd. Take a look here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

There are several Slough specific resources for residents who would like more information about mental health this World Mental Health Day.

This year the focus on World Mental Health Day, on Sunday 10 October, is mental health in an unequal world on a local and global level.

One of the key reasons for inequality is the stigma and discrimination towards those with mental health issues which can create a barrier to accessing help.

Such stigma has led to 9 out of ten people with mental health problems stating it has negatively impacted either their education, work, or personal lives, or all of them.

In Slough there is work happening and resources available to prompt and make conversations around mental health normal, like people would ask about someone’s physical health.

Cllr Pantelic, lead member for Social Care and Public Health, said: “There are excellent resources here to support people who feel their mental health is suffering.

“The challenges of the pandemic continue to affect us all this year, so it’s important for everyone to seek help and advice when they need it and not suffer in silence.”

Slough Public Health has partnered with Slough CVS and Wellbeing Prescribing to create information designed to support and help residents who are facing issues. They are available at www.publichealthslough.co.uk/campaigns/health-at-home

Slough CVS also provides support and activities to build people’s confidence. This is through face-to-face activities and meeting other people to break down the fear of reintroducing social situations back into their lives and therefore helps with the feelings of loneliness.

For more information of what activities are out there visit https://sloughcvs.org/wellbeing-prescribing/

The new “Thriving Community Project” has activities to participate in, in person or online to improve mental health and wellbeing, visit here -

https://sloughcvs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Thriving-Communities-Project.jpg

For more Mental Health information visit Mental Health Foundation here - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

Every Mind Matters offers a range of resources to help spot the signs of common mental health concerns, offers practical self-care tips, guidance and, importantly, explains when to seek further support. It also has a free NHS-approved online tool the Every Mind Matters Your Mind Plan. http://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Both carriageways will be closed between junctions 5, Langley, and 4b, the M25, overnight from9pm on Monday 4, Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 October until 6am the following morning

The full weekend closure from 8pm on Friday 8 until 6am on Monday 11 October, is further afield between junctions 4b, M25, and 3, Hayes.

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

Volunteers will be meeting this Sunday morning (3rd October) for the monthly clean-up along parts of the Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal.

This month is slightly different as one work party will be litter-picking, and a second work party will be attending to the two pollinator patches and planting new flowers.

The Friends of Slough Canal organise themselves through a group on Facebook -- follow the links for more information.

FoSC FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/191327457654862

Tidy-up: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=4533176480100589&set=gm.4288295267958040

A number of roles are available with partners Slough Children First, Osborne Property Services and in local schools. Take a look here -

https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

January saw the launch of the Early Years health and wellbeing accreditation. It was created by the children and families team, in partnership with Public Health. The aim of the initiative is to help improve the health and wellbeing of children and their families. Early years settings across the borough have been invited to sign up for the accreditation, which supports them to promote and establish the health improvement messages and practices that should form the foundation of their childcare provision.

The rollout was a positive one, despite the challenges of being in the midst of a pandemic, with settings realising the need for such an initiative in Slough. So far, 34 settings have signed up for the accreditation and have begun work that requires assessments in the four areas of: health and wellbeing, nutrition and oral health, physical activity, and emotional and mental wellbeing.

Settings are required to provide evidence that shows how they are helping to tackle health inequalities and enabling families to have a better health outcome. A panel of health professionals evaluate submitted evidence, and the setting is graded with their achieved level of accreditation. Levels of accreditation range from bronze to platinum, with the setting receiving a framed certificate of award, and finally an engraved plaque for achieving platinum.

The accreditation not only highlights areas for improvement but allows providers to showcase the great work they are doing in the local area. Three of our settings have now reached the stage of accreditation and were recently presented with their certificates by Cllr Natasa Pantelic and Cllr Christine Hulme.

Debbie Haden, local childminder and owner of Debbies Dinkies, said: “We've thoroughly enjoyed making progress through the kitemark accreditation, it has made us more aware of how important and beneficial health and wellbeing is for Early Years children. Which also enables the children to make the best possible start in life.”

Aakanksha H Gushani, nursery manager at Bright World Nursery, said: “At Bright World Nursery, we are committed to contributing towards healthy outcomes for young children. We are excited to have achieved our gold award, and to be able to showcase the quality of our provision. This initiative has helped us to promote and establish the best health improvement messages and practices for our children and families.”

Lin Meade, Early Years Professional, Monksfield Way Children’s Centre, said: “Taking part in the kitemark has been a rewarding experience for the whole team. It has helped us to recognise the support we as Children’s Centres already give to the families that use our services, as well as identifying areas we can further develop. We look forward to continuing to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes of each child and family that we come into contact with.”

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for social care and public health, said: “We're delighted to be presenting these awards today, and would like to thank all the providers for their continued hard work. It’s been a pleasure meeting the children and staff of these three wonderful settings. We hope other settings will continue to sign up for this accreditation.”

Councillor Christine Hulme, cabinet member for children’s services, lifelong learning & skills, said: “We are so proud of our early year’s workforce in Slough and these kitemark awards continue to allow our practitioners, childminders, nursery staff and teachers to give the best start to our youngest residents.”

There is no weekend closure.

The eastbound entry slip road at junction 5, Langley, is closed overnight between 9pm and 6am the following morning tonight Monday, 27 September, Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 September.

Both carriageways are closed from 9pm on Thursday 30 September between junctions 5, Langley, and 4b, the M25, until 6am the following morning.

All closures for Highways England smart motorway project.

The opening hours at Chalvey HWRC will change to the winter times from Friday 1 October.

Opening times will be from 9am to 5pm each day and closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Last entry is 15 minutes before closing time.

For more information, what items can be accepted, and opening times and guidance on commercial waste, visit - https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling/household-waste-recycling-centres

The list of planning applications submitted and decided upon in the last week, can all be found here -

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

Day 5 of #RecycleWeek 2021.

Shops are now accepting more and more product packaging not commonly accepted in red recycling bins, for it to be recycled.

Tesco and Co-op stores are able to accept soft plastics such as those which cover bread and rolls, frozen food bags, crisps and salad packaging.

Boots UK and Superdrug accept plastic empty make-up containers.

Batteries and small electronic items can also be recycled at specific electronic stores.

To look up which shops and stores accept certain recyclable materials, as well as on street recycling units, visit - https://www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling

There are a number of roles available at Slough Children First and the council's housing maintenance and repairs partners, Osborne Property Services, which require candidates. Take a look here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

For posts prior to 10th September 2021 (especially those by Slough Borough Council, @SloughBC) please visit the Local Loop for Burnham.

(By a strange quirk of the recent location database upgrade, Slough residents were all transposed to Burnham! Enquiries are continuing to see if this problem can be resolved.)

https://www.scooploop.com/loops/burnham

A homeowner who built a first-floor extension without permission has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds by magistrates for planning breaches.

Terence Hunt had the large extension to the dormer bungalow built and the council’s planning department advised it breached planning control and it was unlikely to receive planning permission.

He was also advised the extension should either be completely removed and the property be reverted back to being lawful, or an attempt be made to gain planning permission retrospectively.

A planning application for the work in Iona Crescent, Cippenham, was submitted

and refused in September 2018.

The planning decision report stated: “The proposed development, by reason of the siting, size, design and bulk is considered to be visually intrusive and over dominant, out of keeping with the original dwelling and the immediately adjoining dwellings which would be detrimental to the character and visual amenities of the surrounding area.”

A planning enforcement notice under section 171A of The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 was served the following month when no attempt was made to remove the extension.

It required Mr Hunt to fully demolish the unauthorised extension, reinstate the house as it was previously and remove all the materials, rubbish and machinery to comply with the planning enforcement notice within three months.

However, Mr Hunt appealed against the planning enforcement notice to the Planning Inspectorate which was dismissed and the enforcement notice upheld. The judgement required the enforcement notice to be complied with by May 2020.

A visit in September 2020 revealed the notice had not been complied with and legal proceedings began.

Mr Hunt appeared before Justices of the Peace at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 27 August and admitted two counts of failing to comply with the planning enforcement notice contrary to Section 179(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

He was fined £6,000, ordered to pay costs of £1,535 towards the council prosecution, and a victim surcharge of £190.

In their sentencing remarks the magistrates said: “The council has spent lots of hours on this case and lots of warnings on an extension that shouldn’t be there.

“It’s your fault that this case is here, so you will pay the costs.”

Mr Hunt in mitigation said he accepted his failure to adhere to the planning authority’s instructions and advice regarding the first-floor rear extension citing financial constraints. He added he would work with the council to ensure the building is compliant.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for housing, highways, planning and place, said: “Repeated evasion of planning permissions and enforcement notices does not mean an unlawful development will be allowed to stay.

“This has cost the resident dear and council staff will continue to monitor what is being developed in the borough.

“The council relies on information on potential planning breaches coming from residents and urges residents to contact us if they suspect a breach has occurred.”

The homeowner is still required to comply with the statutory notice to demolish the unauthorised extension and failure to do so could result in further prosecution proceedings.

The council provides green bins on an 'opt in' basis where garden waste can be deposited and collected from homes every fortnight.

This is turned into high quality compost.

Garden excess can also be taken to Chalvey HWRC.

For more information and to apply for a green bin, visit - https://www.slough.gov.uk/household-waste-collection/garden-waste

Compost can be created at home with a compost bin where some of household waste like vacuum contents, fire ash and paper can be mixed with food waste like tea bags, coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peelings.

For more information about home composting visit - https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling/home-composting

It's day 3 of #RecycleWeek 2021

Almost a third of textiles end up in the bin in the UK.

Reusing older clothes by upcycling them, or turning them into other usable items, as well as buying fewer items or ones which will last longer, are all ways to reduce waste. For more ideas visit -https://www.loveyourclothes.org.uk/

Items which have had their day can be taken to Chalvey HWRC and placed in the recycling containers, or the ones which are located around the borough which can be found here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-waste.../recycle-bring-banks

There is also a collect from the doorstep service on a Monday by the council's partner TRAID. Contact TRAID on 0208 733 2580 (select option 1) to book a free collection or visit https://www.traid.org.uk/clothes.../book-a-collection/

More information here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-waste.../clothing-collections

We have our own Local Loop now.

Day two of #RecycleWeek 2021.

Some items can be taken to Chalvey HWRC to be recycled even if they do not belong in the household red recycling bins.

There are recycling bins at Chalvey HWRC where other items can be placed and will be recycled.

This includes batteries, wood, foil and textiles.

The cartons bin can also now accept Pringle style containers which have metal ends.

The full list of items is here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling/household-waste-recycling-centres/4

Each day there will be helpful tips on how and what to recycle in the borough.

Recycling begins at home.

Each household has a red bin specifically to place specified items in for recycling.

They are -

*Clean cardboard food boxes and egg cartons, toilet or kitchen rolls

*Drink cans and food tins -please rinse

*Glass jars and bottles - no lids

*Paper, magazines, newspapers, catalogues and phone directories.

*Plastic drinks, shampoo, washing up liquid bottles, all clear and colour plastic bottles - remove lids and pump dispensers

Each is then separated for recycling.

Everything else goes into the black waste bin. Even that is recycled into electricity after being incinerated at Lakeside energy from waste site in Colnbrook.

For a more detailed list of what goes into the red recycling and black waste bins bin visit - https://www.slough.gov.uk/household.../what-goes-in-bins/2

Both carriageways of the M4 motorway between junctions 6, Slough, and 8/9, Maidenhead, are closed from 8pm on Friday 24 September and 6am Monday 27 September.

Both carriageways are closed between junctions 5, Langley, and 6, Slough, tonight Monday 20 September from 9pm and reopens at 6am the following morning.

The westbound carriageway between junctions 5, Langley, and 6, Slough, is closed overnight from 9pm on Tuesday 21 September and 6am the next morning.

The eastbound entry slip road at junction 5, Langley, is closed overnight on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 September, between 9pm and 6am the next morning.

All closures for Highways England smart motorway work.

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

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police and Slough Trading Standards, an estate agent has been jailed for three years for defrauding his clients of more than £182,000 in Slough.

Lee Clarke, aged 42, of Park Corner, Windsor, was jailed for three years at Reading Magistrates’ Court today (17/9).

Clarke has also been disqualified from being a Director of any company for six years.

Principal Trading Standards Officer for Slough Borough Council, Peter Adshead said: “This has been a complex and lengthy investigation where many Slough residents were victims of this man and the agency.

“The evidence was meticulously collected by the Trading Standards team and handed over to the police to assist with a successful prosecution. Cooperation with the police continued throughout the investigation.

“We hope this sentence will remind business owners that failure to comply with legislation will be investigated and brought before the courts where necessary. Landlords and tenants expect their money to be legally protected and monies handed over promptly.”

Visit Thames Valley Police here for more -
https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/news/thames-valley/news/2021/september/13-09-2021/estate-agent-jailed-for-defrauding-his-clients-of-more-than-182000---slough/

The council is thrilled to be chosen as one of the Arts Council's priority places for the next three years. It will help bring opportunities for local artists and the community - https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/article/120/slough-chosen-as-arts-council-priority-place-

You can look at the Arts Council Delivery Plan in more detail at https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/download-file/Arts%20Council%20England_Delivery%20Plan_21-24.pdf

There are a number of roles available at Slough Children First and housing maintenance partners Osborne Property Service. All here - https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

Everyday digital skills classes are among those available in our adult learning programme. There are classes for job seekers, people learning the basics, skills for Android users and iPad users & much more. Find out more at https://www.slough.gov.uk/community-learning-skills/enrol-course

Both carriageways of the M4 will be closed between junctions 5, Langley and 6, Slough, from 8pm on Friday 17 September until 6am Monday 20 September.

Both carriageways between junctions 8/9, Maidenhead, and 6, Slough, will be closed from 9pm on Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 September, until 6am the next morning.

The eastbound carriageway will be closed between the same junctions and times on Monday 13 September.

The weekly list of the planning applications which have been submitted and decided upon, can be viewed here - http://www2.slough.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/Wchweeklylist.displayPlanningLists

Work places can be a safe haven for someone suffering domestic abuse. Employers can learn how to spot the signs and help. Free seminar available - sign up here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-domestic-abuse-effects-the-workplace-and-how-businesses-can-help-tickets-170011132875

The council is set to discuss the future of some care services at the next Scrutiny Panel on Monday (13 September) with Cabinet making the final decision on 20 September.

A public consultation was held with service users and the recommendations include closing the following services currently operated by the council:

• Lavender Court

• Respond (short-term breaks service)

• Priors Day Service

• Phoenix Day Service

• The Pines Day Service.

Instead of the day centres, residential service and respite service, the council will be looking at other ways to meet resident’s needs. These may include accessing activities or services run by other providers including local community groups and charities, using personal assistants, using direct payments, or accessing other support networks. This decision affects 107 residents registered to use the services.

This recommendation follows a public consultation which ran from Monday 5 July through to Friday 6 August and asked people with an interest to share their views. Residents were supported in taking part in this consultation with three on-line surveys, and a consultation webpage. Easy read surveys were circulated alongside information about the consultation, to people who use the services. Telephone calls were also made at different stages during the consultation period to all customers and focus groups were established which were supported by advocacy.

Currently the council has significant financial challenges. This process has been undertaken to ensure available resources are used in the most efficient and effective way to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people within our community.

Alan Sinclair, executive director of people (adults), said: “These recommended changes will allow us to offer a more personalised service based on the individual resident’s needs. We understand that this proposal will bring change for people who use these services and their families. Each person who uses these services will benefit from a re-assessment of their needs and will be supported with their own new individual plan. As well as saving over a million pounds of taxpayer’s money, this will allow more flexible and tailored support for people.”