Bracknell

A new Bracknell neighbourhood initiative to support local people to tackle issues in their community was officially launched on top of the 3M tower in Bracknell last Thursday (18th May).

The launch involved painting out the graffiti from the roof structure before the hatch to the top of the tower was welded up.

The new initiative is called Take Pride, Make a Difference, and aims to encourage local Bracknell Forest residents to literally make a difference to their community by doing something about it, whether it is organising litter picks, or monitoring traffic for its speed or cleaning up grafitti.

The 3M tower launch included Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Chief Inspector Rob Povey, Local Area Commander of Thames Valley Police and Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Public Protection and Services.

The tower project was the work of volunteers. Comer Homes, the owner of the old 3M building, provided security, clear access to the building and resealed the building after the painting was complete. The Police and Borough Council donated volunteers to help with the painting, whilst the equipment and paint was donated by Municipal and District Repair Company (MDRC).

Take Pride is a joint scheme between Bracknell Borough Council and Thames Valley Police. Any local group can sign up to arrange an event or individuals can register to take part in any of the events taking place.

Issues brought up at the local Neighbourhood Forum meetings will be the focus of the Take Pride volunteers' work and volunteers will be recruited at the meetings.

The Police and Bracknell Council will support any local initiatives by helping with publicity and the recruitment of additional volunteers, providing equipment such as litter pickers, bin bags, graffiti removing kits and devices to measure the speed of motorists and by offering advice and training on how to use the equipment and organise the event.

Cllr Peter North said: "What has come out of meeting residents through the Neighbourhood Forum meetings is that they all have concerns local to their area. In some areas it has to do with speeding traffic and in others people are concerned about the amount of litter around. Take Pride is about engaging the local community and with the help of the Council and the Police getting people to organise their own initiatives which will tackle problems relevant to their local area."

Chief Inspector Rob Povey said: "We can provide the resources people need to set up community based events in their area. We would encourage people to come forward and volunteer to help their local communities, as we believe that they can make a real difference."

For more information about Take Pride or to sign up as a volunteer call Bracknell Forest Borough Council on: 01344 35 2000 or log onto www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/takepride

Alternatively, go along to your Neighbourhood Forum meeting. To find out when these are happening log onto www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council