Bracknell

A Bracknell man was on 29/7, sentenced to 16 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of perjury in relation to speeding offences in the Thames Valley and Surrey.

Adam Blake, aged 25, of Froxfield Down, Bracknell, was charged at Banbury police station earlier this month with two offences of perjury.

The offences relate to the alleged false nomination of drivers on Notices of Intended Prosecution following speeding offences in Bracknell in January and Bagshot, Surrey in March of this year.

In both cases Blake nominated his grandfather as the driver at the time of the offence. Investigations by Thames Valley Police’s Fixed Penalty Enquiry Section showed that it was in fact Blake driving.

At Banbury Magistrate’s Court this morning, Blake was handed two sentences of 16 weeks in prison to run concurrently in addition to three penalty points on his driving licence for each offence of speeding, which has led to him receiving a six-month suspension from driving.

PC Pat Knight, of the Fixed Penalty Support Unit Enquiry Section, said: “Mr Blake had nine penalty points on his driving licence at the time of the first speeding offence. He saw the opportunity to continue habitually speeding by coercing an elderly relative into helping him.

“Thames Valley Police is dedicated to reducing road casualties and we will take a robust approach to catch those who habitually speed and put their own and others’ lives at risk by doing so.

“Other drivers who try to evade fines and attempt to flout the law can expect to be prosecuted and lose their licence and their liberty, as has happened in this case.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Ofsted inspectors were impressed with Bracknell New Scotland Hill Primary School when they visited recently.

The Bracknell Forest Council run school was rated as a ‘good’ with several ‘outstanding’ features after inspectors visited between June 30 and July 1.

In a letter to Bracknell pupils Jacqueline Marshall lead Ofsted inspector, said: We were pleased to hear you like school a great deal and that your teachers plan many interesting things for you to do and become involved with….We agree that there are lots of interesting clubs and activities and understand why you enjoy all your learning so much.”

The report also found that:

* Bracknell New Scotland Hill Primary School has raised standards in the level of care, guidance and support to excellent since the last inspection;

* pupils achieve and progress well because teaching is good;

* the trend in pupils’ attainment in core subjects at both Key Stage 1 and 2 has continued to be above average;

* pupils achieve especially well in their personal and social development; and

* children enter the early years Foundation Stage with levels of skills and understanding that are generally above those expected for their age.

The majority of parents and carers questioned about the Bracknell school expressed satisfaction with it. Typical comments included: The school is extremely friendly and positive, they treat children well and try to make learning as fun as possible;” Their concern for his well being and education, and that of the other children around him, is outstanding;” Totally happy with this school.”

As with all reports, the inspectors identified areas which the school needs to improve. The area which New Scotland Hill Primary School needs to improve on is mathematics, and work has already started to improve marking methods and to develop links between subjects.

Bracknell Headteacher Pat Kerton said: "We are delighted with our recent inspection report which showed that the school has made significant progress across the board. The response from parents was brilliant, with 100 per cent agreeing that their children enjoy school, that the school keeps their children safe and that the school makes sure their child is well prepared for the future.

"Thanks should be extended to all teachers, governors, pupils and parents for all their hard work and effort throughout the year."

The school has also received several external awards including Healthy School Status, the Activemark, Rights Respecting Schools level one and a Arts Mark, silver level.

Cllr Alan Kendall, executive member for education at Bracknell Forest Council, said: "The council strives to ensure that all Bracknell Forest schools are good schools.

"Congratulations to Pat and the whole school community on this fantastic result – keep up the good work."

Bracknell Forest Council

Police are appealing for witnesses after number plates were stolen of a car in Bracknell, and later used during criminal activity.

Sometime after 4pm on 20 July, number plates belonging to a Bracknell Silver Fiat Punto were stolen from outside an address in Crossfell, Wildridings.

At approximately 8.50pm that day (20/7), a silver Peugeot displaying the same Bracknell registration plates – AJ06 KLP – made off without making a payment from a petrol station forecourt along the A33, towards Basingstoke.

Bracknell PC Alec Phillips, officer investigating, said: “The number plates are likely to have been stolen off the Punto whilst it was still light outside. The car was parked at the far side of a car park at the end of Crossfell, which is at the end of a block of flats. It is therefore likely that someone may have either witnessed the offence or seen someone acting suspiciously in the area.”

PC Phillips can be contacted via the 24 hour police enquiry centre number on 0845 8 505 505. Those who do not wish to speak to police or leave their name should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Family fun has never been so incredible in Bracknell Forest and what’s more, parents feeling the financial pinch can provide their youngsters with a jam-packed school holiday full of entertainment – as many activities cost under £5.

Whether it’s Bracknell games, activities or sporting events you’re bound to find it in the borough, which is offering everything from pond dipping to slime busting and from canine capers to bat searching. A full guide to a low cost summer is below – let the fun begin.

For those who wish to take a walk on the wild side this holiday, but cannot afford to travel to exotic countries, the Wild Ones series of adventures is the perfect Bracknell family adventure. Wild Ones sessions include:

- A Bracknell pond safari on Thursday, July 29, which will showcase underwater bloodsuckers and three-tailed creatures at Popes Meadow between 10am and noon. The event is suitable for all ages and is free.

- Wild about play will help children swing, climb and spin until their heart’s content on Wednesday, August 4 between 10am and noon. The session is free and open to all ages.

- Bracknell Bug busting will take place on Tuesday, August 10, between 2pm and 4pm at Lily Hill Park. Children will be able to explore the bugs beneath their feet.

To book your place on any of these events please call 01344 354411.

Other activities on offer this summer include some howling good fun at Lily Hill Park during the Paws in Park event. Pampered pooches will be taking part in some canine capers at the free event with all dogs on leads welcome. The event runs from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, July 31.

If sporting action is more your thing then why not have a go at mini tennis, trampolining, tweeny tumblers and much more. There will be no time for dull moments at the Bracknell Leisure Centre, with budget activities galore – check out www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Why not spoil your children to a day out at one of the Bracknell borough’s most popular leisure attractions – The Look Out Discovery Centre. There you will find one of the UK’s most favourite hands-on science and nature exhibitions with more than 90 fun-filled exhibits which are suitable for all the family, including plenty to do for toddlers.

Over the summer holidays the centre will be going gooey during The Slime Show, which looks at glorious gloop from a scientific angle. Can it really be possible to cut liquid with a pair of scissors? Learn about potty putty and find out more about mucus, slugs and snails. Show times are at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3.15pm from July 24 until September 5*. There is a small additional charge in addition to the charge for the hands-on science and nature exhibition.

A tropical paradise will also be available for those wanting to make a splash at Coral Reef – Bracknell’s own water world. Water slides, rapids, erupting volcanoes, squirting snakes and bubbling spas will be open from 10.30am on weekdays and 9am at weekends.

And don’t forget to watch out for Coral Reef’s summer special offer for local residents – half price use of the pool after 5pm on week nights – the offer is only available with the leaflet being distributed door-to-door.

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell culture, corporate services and public protection, said: "Bracknell Forest is bursting with activities this summer holiday to help keep boredom at bay. Whether it’s slime-busting, bug hunting or splashing out at Coral Reef there’s bound to be something for everyone. What’s more, many of the events are free or a minimal charge so there’s no reason why summer will be credit crunched in Bracknell Forest.

Bracknell Forest Council

A man has been charged with arson recklessly endangering life following a fire at a block of flats in Bracknell.

Thomas Benjamin Axton, aged 32, of Aysgarth, Bracknell, was charged yesterday afternoon (20/7) and is due to appear before Slough Magistrates’ Court today (21/7).

The fire occurred at a block of flats in Holbeck, Great Hollands, Bracknell at about 7.50pm on Monday (19/7). One flat was extensively damaged and several residents were evacuated. No injuries were reported.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

The building blocks for new affordable homes in Bracknell Forest have been put in place thanks to a new partnership which has just launched.

Bracknell Forest Council has joined with four housing organisations and partnerships to deliver new affordable properties in the borough so more families have the chance to live in an affordable home either to rent or buy.

As well as Bracknell Forest Council, the partnership consists of:

•Thames Valley Housing with Bracknell Forest Homes

•Sovereign Housing with Ability Housing

•Radian

•One Housing

The group will work to a protocol whereby over 300 new affordable homes will be delivered within the borough over the next three years. The housing objectives of the council are to be met in addressing local housing needs through low cost home ownership and rented accommodation.

Simon Hendey, chief officer for Bracknell housing, said: "By working together we are able to deliver new affordable homes for families in the borough over the next three years – which is a great leap forward for families needing a home but who can’t necessarily afford to purchase one of their own."

Cllr Dale Birch, executive member for adult social care, health and housing, said: "We are on track to meet our affordable housing target for this year and the partnership will make greater strides into providing the affordable housing the borough needs. Many of the housing partners have many years of experience which we will be able to capitalise on and so I look forward to working closely with everyone involved over the next three years."

Bracknell Forest Council

A neighbourhood officer from Bracknell is appealing for the public’s help in putting a stop to anti-social users of mini motos and off-road motorbikes who ride their vehicles on footpaths.

PC Michael Foot, Bracknell Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Birch Hill and Hanworth, is investigating two incidents that were reported on Sunday evening (18/7).

At about 6pm, a mother was walking with her young children in Evedon, Birch Hill, Bracknell when two motorbikes came towards the family on the footpath and almost collided with them. One of the bikes had two people on it. At 7.43pm, Bracknell police received a call from a resident in Donnybrook, Birch Hill, reporting an orange off-road bike being driven on walkways at the rear of the houses.

Bracknell PC Foot said: “The young mother in the first incident is pregnant. She is fuming about these reckless riders and her children are now having nightmares. I can see the potential for an accident happening soon, especially with schools breaking up for summer any day now, meaning even more people out on footpaths.

“These bike riders are dangerous and don’t care for anyone else. Most of the bikes are unregistered so they don’t have number plates on them.

“If you know who the bike riders are, or where the bikes are kept, I would urge you to call me on 0845 8 505 505 so that I can take action before someone gets seriously injured.”

If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, you can pass on information anonymously via the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Council has successfully met the Achieving Level of the Equality Framework which helps local authorities improve their performance on equality and diversity.

Outside reviewers spent two days at Bracknell council, on July 1 and 2, in interviews and group sessions with managers, employees, councillors and partners.

The reviewers praised the council’s excellent work in meeting the needs of specific communities, including people with disabilities and the Nepali community, its efforts to build community cohesion and its strong culture of partnership working and engagement with the community and voluntary sector.

Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of the Bracknell council, said: "I want to express my thanks to all our staff for working so hard to provide fair and accessible services and ensuring everyone in the borough has the opportunity to thrive.

"Equalities is an ethos, it is the way that we do things here, and it is fundamental to providing excellent customer services. Gaining the Achieving Level of the Framework is not the end goal, we must continue to make improvements to the way we provide services to our diverse community, but it does mark a significant step in our journey of improvement."

Bracknell Forest Council

There’s no excuse for Bracknell young people to complain of boredom during the summer holidays in Birch Hill and Hanworth this year. A range of free activities has been organised by community organisations, police and partner agencies to keep youngsters enjoyably occupied.

The Bracknell Partner and Youth (PAY) scheme, for children aged 12 to 15, offers five activities over the summer. Youngsters can join the neighbourhood policing team for a speed enforcement session; help the South Hill Park Restoration Project to set up an orienteering course for visitors to the grounds; have fun building dens in South Hill Park woods with the Bracknell Forest Rangers, and help the Friends of South Hill Park Grounds make a tree trail in the park. The fifth activity is the Big Tidy Up at South Hill Park grounds, run by the Birch Hill and Hanworth Community Liaison Group.

Youngsters who complete at least three Bracknell activities will win a free half day of adventure activities at Oakwood Youth Challenge, sponsored by the Birch Hill and Hanworth Neighbourhood Action Group. There are only 25 places available on the PAY scheme, so if you are interested please call Pat Kennewell on 07746 456236.

As well as Bracknell community projects, there will be free football coaching sessions at the Birch Hill Astroturf pitch from 2pm to 5pm every Wednesday and Friday between 28 July and 20 August. Open to boys and girls aged 10 to 13 and 14 to 18, the FA Star Challenge sessions will be led by professional coach Wayne Barham. The programme is supported by Thames Valley Police and Bracknell Forest Council Youth Service. For further information please contact Liz Hales on 07770 276690.

Local Bracknell youngsters from 11 years upwards can always find something to do at the popular youth club in Birch Hill Community Centre, which is open from 7pm to 9pm every other Friday, all year round. The club is run by volunteers and has received generous donations from local businesses, so there are plenty of activities such as computer games, table tennis and football, all free of charge.

Bracknell Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Hilary Hyslop said: “There is a lot for children to do in Bracknell – swimming, bowling, cinemas and so on – but they all cost money. Engaging with young people is one of our neighbourhood priorities, and we felt there was a need for more free activities. Many different groups have worked together to organise these schemes. We hope the youngsters will enjoy themselves and also gain a greater sense of involvement in their community.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

An exciting new Bracknell youth centre in the heart of Great Hollands is one step closer to opening after the council’s planning team gave the application the thumbs up.

The Bracknell youth centre will be located in the Great Hollands’ neighbourhood centre and will offer a variety of programmes for young people throughout the day and evening.

The new youth centre already has a name – The Zone – and a logo, which were both designed and created by the young people who will be using it.

And designs for the layout of the centre – which will be a place for Bracknell 13-19 year-olds from Great Hollands, Birch Hill and Jennett’s Park – have been suggested following a weekend away in conjunction with Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People (BACYP).

Debbie Coleman, Great Hollands area youth worker, said: Plans are well underway for the new youth centre, and we have been working closely with the local community to make sure we give the centre users what they want.

We took a group of 11 young people away on a residential weekend recently and we asked them what they wanted from their youth workers and what they wanted to gain from having a new youth centre in Great Hollands. We also used the weekend to work out the types of activities that they would like to see at The Zone."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for Bracknell children and young people, said: This is a really exciting project which will provide a place for the young people of Great Hollands which has been designed by them.

"It will be a place to meet in the heart of the community offering many diverse activities and support."

Bracknell Forest Council