Bracknell

Bracknell's MP is demanding urgent talks over the shock closure of the Bracknell Harmans Water community centre.

As the storm of protest among Bracknell residents grows over the loss of their social club and community centre, Tory MP Andrew McKay is warning the building will become a neighbourhood blight unless action is taken.

Speaking exclusively to the News, he said: "Harmans Water is a very attractive and much sought-after residential area. The centre could rapidly become an eyesore unless urgent action is taken."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is to launch talks about the future of the site to ensure it does not fall into a dilapidated state.

There will be a public meeting for residents to have their say on what they would like to happen to the site in Ralph's Ride.

The Bracknell building fell foul of the new Disability Discrimination Act.

With two flights of stairs and a building which could not provide a lift - coupled with a rapidly decreasing use and the club facing mounting financial constraints - the centre was forced to shut.

Bracknell Councillor Shelagh Pile is keen to see the club move with the times while remaining a valuable part of the community.

Cllr Pile commented: "We are obviously looking everywhere at the moment, although nothing has been decided. It will depend on the outcome of the public meeting and what the residents want, as it is their club so we need to find out what they want.

"Personally, I would like to see a new community centre as we do need some-where like that for people and groups to meet. If it was on the ground floor I am sure we would get more people in, as it was used a lot."

Bracknell MP Mr McKay wants a complete review of the site. He said: "Inevitably it was a sad day that the community centre and club had to close, particularly as many local residents use it and it has had good numbers in past times there.

"I think we have to look to the future, and as a focal point in Harman's Water it needs revitalising.

"I am in urgent discussions with the council as to what is viable. In a perfect world it would be the complete redevelopment of the site, which would be in the best interests of the residents and also offer very good facilities locally."

This move is also supported by the community association. Its secretary, Barry Brown, said: "I would like to see a new club which could be accessible to all members of the community regardless of their ability or disability - somewhere where all the community can enjoy the facilities.

"If it would be possible to have a new club on the same site that would be great.

There are the local businesses and residents to be considered, but there has been a community centre on that site for more than 30 years."

ic Berkshire ~ Bracknell

Council wardens will take over the issuing of tickets to illegally-parked drivers in Bracknell Forest from April.

Bracknell borough will have three uniformed attendants to enforce parking and loading restrictions, a job now done by the police.

In a bid to head off its critics, the council pledges there will be no link between the number of tickets issued and pay or incentives for the attendants. And there will be no targets for the number of notices to be issued.

The council claimed this week that the scheme will be self-funding. Parking fines will stay the same, at £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days. There will also be an appeals process.

The move from police to local government enforcement is happening across the country in response to parking offences being decriminalised by the Government.

In Bracknell Forest an awareness campaign called Park Right will publicise the changes through leaflets, posters and letters to businesses and community groups.

Assistant director for environment and leisure John Freer said the police enforcement was run from Windsor and there had not been the resources for full coverage of the borough.

The new scheme would also take pressure off neighbourhood police teams, which would be able to focus on community safety and anti-social behaviour issues.

Mr Freer said: "Illegal, inconsiderate and dangerous parking has been raised as a great concern by residents across the borough, in particular in many of the recent neighbourhood forums.

"A more effective scheme will improve road safety and traffic flow, give a fairer distribution of available parking spaces and will also provide a more pleasant environment for all."

"The scheme aims to be fair and reasonable to everyone and we also expect that it will help prepare the council for some of the challenges associated with the town centre redevelopment."

ic Berkshire ~ Bracknell

Simon Carmichael aged 15 from Easthampstead Park School in Bracknell has been elected Member of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP) for Bracknell Forest, it was announced this week (January 25).

He beat off competition from four other candidates to win the Bracknell election. Daniel Opoku Akyeam Pong, 15, from Brakenhale School and last year's MYP came second in the race for the top job. He will act as Simon's deputy this year.

Students from Bracknell Forest secondary schools and Bracknell & Wokingham College went to the polls last week (January 16-20) and votes were counted over the weekend.

Several schools in the borough took part with some 1333 votes cast. Simon won with 422 votes.

Simon's victory was announced as part of the Bracknell Forest Youth Forum Citizenship Day which included a series of workshops focusing on team building, young peoples views and concerns about life in Bracknell Forest, the Children and Young Peoples Plan and the meaning of citizenship.

His first engagement as MYP was to meet dignitaries including Cllr Mrs Jacqui Ryder, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Children's Services and Tony Eccleston, Director of Education, Children's Services & Libraries.

With the support of his deputy and the Youth Forum, Simon will represent Bracknell Forest as one of 400 members of the UKYP which was set up to give young people the opportunity to influence adult decision makers.

Throughout the year they will take part in meetings and activities to promote greater involvement of young people in all aspects of the democratic process, making sure their views are sought and used to best effect.

They will also meet up with Bracknell borough councillors to discuss a wide range of issues and attend regional and national meetings of the UKYP.

Bracknell Cllr Dr Barnard, said: "Well done to Simon on winning this election and seeing off a field of strong candidates.

"I wish him every success in his year as MYP and I am sure the experience of Daniel, his deputy, will be most valuable.

"We are committed to listening to and involving young people in decision making and helping them to develop an even stronger voice.

"Simon and all his colleagues in the Youth Forum can rely on the Council and the Partnership for support in the coming months."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council leads the Bracknell Forest Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) which includes the Council, schools, Bracknell Forest Primary Care Trust, Thames Valley Police, the Probation Service, Connexions and voluntary sector organisations.

Tony Eccleston said: "I should like to congratulate Simon on his win and wish him good luck for his year in office.

"His role is a crucial one and along with the Youth Forum he will play an important part in further developing the involvement of young people in the work of the Council and the Strategic Partnership."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Lydney ............................39 Bracknell ........................10

Bracknell's latest setback summed up their season as they crashed to another depressing defeat at Lydney last weekend.

The Lily Hill Park men played well in patches; scored the first try of the game to take an early 7-0 lead; shipped 19 points in a crazy 10-minute spell; but were still in contention at the break despite trailing 22-10.

However, Bracknell were then limited to a courageous defensive effort in the second half as they struggled to spark anything in attack in the second 40 minutes.

Their heroic defensive efforts in the second half deserved much praise but Lydney were still able to plunder three more tries and 17 unanswered points as Bracknell slumped to a 15th defeat in 16 games.

Coach Jamie Turner tried to put a brave face on the defeat afterwards but admitted his side had offered little as an attacking force in the second half.

He said: "It was a scrappy first half but we started okay and scored the first try. We were leading 10-3 and there wasn't much to choose between the two sides but then we had a mad 10 minute spell in which we conceded three tries and suddenly we were chasing the game again.

"In the second half we defended well but just couldn't create anything. We were very dis-jointed after the break as there wasn't enough creativity and we weren't able to retain possession.

"We finally cracked for a couple of tries before the end which was disappointing but I couldn't really fault the defensive effort."

It had all started so brightly for the Bracknell in the first half as they took an early 5-0 lead after new American flanker Tommy Dolan took advantage of some indecision in the Lydney defence to power over.

Sebastian Berti slotted the conversion to give Bracknell a 7-0 lead and although Lydney slotted a penalty shortly afterwards following some indiscipline in the loose, the Chilean fly-half quickly restored the visitors' seven-point lead with a fine drop goal.

Bracknell were good value for their 10-3 lead as the game entered the final 10 minutes of the first half but as has happened so many times this season they seemed to switch off and were ruthlessly made to pay for their lack of concentration.

Lydney took full advantage of some sloppy Bracknell defending to run in three quick tries before the break, with a couple of successful conversions helping them establish a 22-10 lead.

Those 19 unanswered points in a devastating 10 minute spell shattered Bracknell who, after being the better side for the opening 30 minutes, suddenly found themselves 12 points down as the result of a few sloppy moments.

To their credit, Bracknell dug deep in the second half and managed to work some good field position early on.

They forced a penalty and kicked to the corner in an attempt to establish a plat-form for a forward drive, but the casual kick failed to find touch and Lydney were able to relieve the pressure with ease.

Despite that missed opportunity Bracknell continued to compete but repeatedly found themselves forced back as poor decision making and a lack of concentration under-mined their efforts.

Bracknell were finally made to pay for some casual defence on the halfway line as Lydney turned the ball over and after a spell of sustained pressure scored a fourth try to finally take the game beyond the visitors.

Lydney took total charge from then on and it became little more than a defensive exercise for the Bracknell players. They resisted bravely for long periods but were finally undone when Berti elected to run from within his own goal area.

His belated attempt to clear the ball over the advancing home back line failed and Lydney found themselves with another easy seven points on the board to the obvious delight of the partisan home crowd.

Lydney ran in a sixth try in the closing stages of the game to give the scoreline a slightly unflattering look, but although they battled onto the end Bracknell could have few complaints about the result as they were undone by a lack of creativity and some poor decision making.

ic Berkshire ~ Bracknell

Experts working with Bracknell children and young people made sure they were up-to-date with the latest thinking at the Safeguarding Children and Young People Conference on January 13.

The conference brought together representatives from a number of agencies including Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Education, Children's Services and Libraries department, Social Services and Housing department, Thames Valley Police, health services, Probation Service and voluntary and community groups.

Alex Walters, Vice-chairperson of the Bracknell Forest Area Child Protection Committee and Assistant Director of Education, Children's Services and Libraries, welcomed 120 delegates to the conference held at Easthampstead Baptist Church in Bracknell.

Tony Eccleston, Bracknell Director of Education, Children's Services and Libraries, gave the keynote address on safeguarding the wellbeing of children and young people through the establishment of new Local Safeguarding Children Board from April 2006.

A series of workshops followed focusing on issues including pre-birth assessments, communicating with children with disabilities and safetguarding children from sexual exploitation.

Delegates were able to share ideas, discuss issues and make sure they were up-to-date on the latest developments.

During the afternoon a theatre company called Spaniel in the Works highlighted many of the themes discussed earlier in the day in a thought-provoking drama about a young person who experiences domestic abuse in his home.

Tony Eccleston said: "We organised this conference to share good practice between representatives of all the agencies that play a part in safeguarding the welfare of children and young people, and to prepare for the establishment of a Safeguarding Board.

"It's a fast-moving, ever-changing area so the conference was an opportunity to strengthen the links between our organisations, to share our knowledge and understanding. As recent events have shown, safeguarding children and young people is of the highest priority to parents, carers and professionals alike."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Homes in Bracknell Forest have turned up the heat in a recent progamme of improvements carried out by the Warm Front scheme.

The Eaga Partnership recently reported that homes in Bracknell Forest benefited from over £11,173 of spending on heating and insulation improvements in December - provided free to residents using the Warm Front scheme.

The Warm Front scheme helps people in Bracknell borough who receive income related benefits to claim for heating improvements to their home, including loft and cavity wall insulation. Warm Front is funded by the government to make homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient.

The scheme is run by the Eaga Partnership, a not-for-profit organisation that invests in housing to update heating on homes. Bracknell Forest Borough Council works with the Eaga Partnership to make sure homes locally are well heated.

Cllr Bob Edger, former Bracknell Tenants and Leaseholders Champion, said: "It is vital that our residents have modern heating and insulation in their homes and that's why schemes such as Warm Front exist to ensure everyone has access to household improvements to which they might be entitled.

"The increasing prices of gas and the cold winter weather makes insulation measures all the more essential and I urge all those who feel they might benefit from this initiative to get in touch with officers on the contact numbers shown to get more information and advice."

The Bracknell Council promotes the scheme locally and is running a roadshow on February 7 at Warfield Community Centre to give information about ways of heating the home and energy efficiency. The roadshow will be open between 2.30pm and 7pm.

Typically over 50% of heat can be lost from homes without adequate insulation - the Warm Front scheme enables people to retain the warmth in their homes, reducing fuel bills and helping the environment at the same time.

For information on the scheme, contact Warm Front on 0800 316 2814; they can also arrange for a benefit entitlement check if you are not currently claiming benefits.

More information is available by calling the energy team at Bracknell Forest Borough Council on 01344 352536

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Detectives investigating an assault in Bracknell where a man sustained serious facial injuries have made two arrests.

Officers investigating the incident, which happened near to Oplanden Way in Crown Wood, Bracknell shortly after 8pm on 12 January, arrested two men in their thirties on Thursday (19/1).

Both men have been bailed until the 20 February pending further police inquiries.

Although police have spoken to a number of people in the area since the attack on the victim, they are appealing for anyone who has not yet come forward to do so immediately. In particular, they are keen to hear from a dog-walker who was seen in the area.

Detective Sergeant Mark Spencer from Bracknell CID said: “Following the attack the victim tried to attract the attention of a woman walking a dog. At the time he would have been bleeding quite heavily from his injuries and we would very much like to speak to her as she may hold vital information to assist with our investigation.”

Detective Sergeant Spencer can be contacted via the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre 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

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is consulting social services users on the criteria for fairer charging for some of the borough's non residential adult services.

The consultation is to find out from people who use Bracknell borough's adult care how the Council can make charges fair and reasonable for services including Home Support, Direct Payments and Supporting People which all help people with learning or physical needs to continue to live independently.

The fairer charging policy is part of government guidance to keep social services across the country consistent and means all councils have to assess charging on an individual basis, so individuals pay an amount they can afford.

The consultation is looking at minimum and maximum payments for services, hourly rates, how individual assessments are made and why the fairer charging policy is being reviewed.

The consultation has now begun with an internet site and information distributed to Bracknell people who use a variety of social services. All service users were sent a personal letter and a response form to indicate if and how they would like to be involved in the consultation.

A series of meetings and presentations are to be held where service users can have their say and let the Council know their comments on fairer charging. Service users can book to attend these sessions and more meetings will be scheduled if there is demand.

* Tuesday February 7, 2 to 4pm, Sandhurst Town Council
* Thursday February 9, 10am to 12noon, Recital Room, South Hill Park
* Wednesday February 15, 7 to 9pm, Council Chamber, Easthampstead House

Presentations will also be made to those who use Bracknell Council's day centres later this month (February) so everyone can have a say.

Daphne Obang, Bracknell Director of Social Services and Housing, said: "It is important as many people who use these services as possible participate in the consultation so we can hear their comments on how charges can be made with the input of service users and how services can be delivered in the future. There are various ways people can be involved in the consultation so we look forward to hearing peoples' views."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, said: "We have not reviewed our policy in this area for some time and we need to be sure it properly reflects a fair, consistent, and open approach that's relevant to our user community today. Our priority is to always have high quality, sustainable care services for the people of Bracknell Forest. The new fairer charging policy will help continue this commitment now and in the future."

Service users can also request home visits by telephoning 01344 352000. Written representation can be made to Fairer Charging, Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1JD, or by email.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

SSSSHHHHH! Don't tell anyone, but there is a new fun Spy Science Show at The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre!

Children will be most excited to learn how to write and send secret messages and learn camouflage tips. Bracknell Parents be warned: children will learn secrets on how to hear through solid walls!

The show lasts approximately 40 minutes and show times are at 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3.15pm. The show runs at weekends and throughout Bracknell school holidays.

The Spy Science show runs from January 14 to May 7, 2006

The Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell is home to an exciting, fun, hands-on, interactive science and nature exhibition. There are over 70 exhibits, bright and appealing to all ages.

In the surrounding 2,600 acres of Crown Estate woodland, there are many trails and walks. The Look Out also has an exciting and recently improved children's play area, a picnic area, coffee shop and gift shop. Mountain bike hire and orienteering are also available. (Please check times with the centre for bike hire).

The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre is open daily from 10am - 5pm. The cost of the show is £1.50 per person in addition to the admission to the hands on science exhibition. Prices for the exhibition are as follows: Adults - £4.95. Children and concessions - £3.30. Family saver - £13.20 (family - 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children). These prices are valid up to 31st March 2006.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Trading Standards Officers from Bracknell Forest Borough Council are warning residents to be wary of official looking parcel delivery cards, which are designed to trick recipients into a £9 premium rate phone call.

The Bracknell cards, which bear the logo PDS Parcel Delivery Services, look like a card any reputable company might issue about claiming delivery of a parcel.

In this Bracknell case, however, the claim is that the company is awaiting instruction to arrange delivery of a digital camera and ask the recipient to call the telephone number to obtain a Security Confirmation Code.

Information is given that the number is a premium rate line charged at £1.50 a minute for up to 5 minutes and 50 seconds, in very small print at the bottom of the card. These cards claim to come from Wrexham.

However, Studio Telecom (the company behind this scam) is based in Belize and was fined £20,000 by the UK regulator for premium rate telephone services, ICSTIS last June after complaints about a similar 'promotion'.

John Nash, Bracknell Senior Trading Standards Officer, said: "We are advising residents to be sure they check the details before phoning any premium rate number.

"This is simply another scam to lure people into phoning a high-cost number in the expectation of something for nothing."

For more information about ICSTIS (the premium rate services regulator), including information about current investigations and previous adjudications, visit www.icstis.org.uk.

Their press office can be contacted by the media at pressoffice@icstis.org.uk or on either 020 7940 7408 or 020 7940 7464.

The Bracknell Council's Trading Standards web pages at http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/tradingstandards provide information about general consumer advice and information.

For advice on any consumer issue people in Bracknell can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Residents of Bracknell Forest are being invited to consider becoming a foster carer in a recruitment drive by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

The Bracknell Council's Family Placement Team is putting on a series of open evenings to help local people find out more about becoming a foster carer.

The team will be at Bracknell Family Centre, Warfield Road, Bracknell from 7 to 9pm on the following dates:

* Thursday January 19
* Thursday April 20
* Thursday July 13

Foster carers provide a secure, stable and loving homes for children in need for periods of time when their families are in crisis. Placements can be long-term, short-term, part-time or full-time commitment depending on how much time you have to spare.

There is a shortage of foster carers across the country which sometimes means children are moved from home to home or have to to live further away from family and friends.

Juliette Thomas, Team Manager for Family Placement, said: "We are working hard to recruit foster carers in Bracknell Forest as shortages are particularly acute here in the south east.

“Bracknell Forest operates an equal opportunities policy and we would welcome enquiries from anyone regardless of age, gender, marital or employment status, ethnic background or sexual orientation.

"As long as you have the get up and go to provide a home for and support children or young people.”

For more information about becoming a foster carer or the open evenings call 01344 351582, email: fostering@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/fosteringandadoption

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's planning team visited Bracknell Town Centre on Monday with the first of the roadshows to discuss Bracknell Forest's future.

Bracknell Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Planning was also there to talk to residents about the plans that are proposed for the area for the next twenty years.

The roadshow tours towns and villages in the Bracknell borough to talk to people about the proposed plans for housing, employment, roads, shops and community facilities.

It follows the publication of two major planning documents which will effect planning in the Bracknell borough until 2026.

Cllr Mrs Ballin said: "We are talking to residents and discussing the draft plans, which will affect all aspects of life for everyone living in Bracknell Forest over the next twenty years and beyond."

Bev Hindle, Head of Bracknell Planning and Transport Policy, said: "We have had some interesting conversations today, updating residents on where we are with the draft plans since they gave us their views and comments in the summer.

"We are also gathering some useful comments and answering any questions that they have about plans for the borough."

This is the second of three opportunities that residents will have to give their feedback on the draft plans which cover:

- The long term overall planning strategy for the borough, including broad locations for future development;

- A document which will identify specific sites for major development.

The public participation takes place between January 16 and February 27, 2006 so that Bracknell residents can comment and inform the next versions before submission to the Secretary of State later in 2006.

The locations and times of the roadshow are shown below:

Bracknell Town Centre

Charles Square, Monday 16th January, 11am-2.30pm

Charles Square, Saturday 25th February, 11am-2.30pm

Binfield

Binfield Parish Car Park (near school), Tuesday 24th January, 12.00-3.30pm

Farley Wood Centre, Turnpike Road, Saturday 18th February, 11am-2.30pm

Crowthorne

Crowthorne Market (Morgan Centre car park), Friday 27th January, 10am - 1pm

Crowthorne Baptist Church, Saturday 4th February, 10am - 1pm

Sandhurst

The Meadows Shopping Centre, Sandhurst, Saturday 28th January, 11am-2.30pm

Sandhurst Library, The Broadway, Thursday 9th February, 10am-1pm

Warfield

Whitegrove Prmary School, Westmorland Drive, Saturday 21st January, 11am-2.30pm

Brownlow Hall, Newell Green, Thursday 16th February, 10am-1pm

Winkfield

Winkfield Parish Council Offices, Saturday 11th February, 11am-2.30pm

Fernbank Road

Ascot Library, Fernbank Road, Thursday 2nd February, 10am-1pm

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The new sports stock for the Bracknell Forest Borough Council school includes balls for different sports, goal posts, cones, plastic rings, bounce and co-ordination equipment, foam mats, hockey sticks and much, much more.

It was all made possible by parents, friends and pupils at the school collecting Active Kids vouchers issued to shoppers at Sainsbury's stores when they spent over a certain amount of money. The school managed to collect more than 95,000 vouchers.

Cllr Mrs Jacqui Ryder, the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, was on hand to help distribute the sports equipment amongst pupils at the school last week and even joined in on a few sports orientated fun and games.

Alan Harding, Headteacher at Birch Hill Primary School, Bracknell said: "We have been so fortunate in collecting so many Active Kids vouchers from Sainsbury's and now it has really paid off. We will have many years of use of all the new equipment and we will be able to introduce a lot of new sports and activities to the children which should be exciting."

Cllr Mrs Ryder said: "Birch Hill School, with the help of parents, families and friends, collected the highest number of vouchers throughout the whole country. This was fantastic, and just goes to prove what can be done when a community, such as Birch Hill, works together on a project.

"The pupils will have many hours of fun making use of all the new stock and it will be even better in the summer when the athletics equipment can be put to use."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The Whitegrove/Quelm Park and Amen Corner areas of Bracknell could be the focus for most of the borough's housing development over the next 20 years.

People there would face the lion's share of Bracknell building, while North Ascot and Winkfield would be protected from major development.

These plans are among proposals the Bracknell borough council is promoting.

However, Bracknell Cllr Robert McLean, who represents Whitegrove/Quelm Park, said: "We have to resist development which detracts from the nature of the area, which is semi-rural. I am against incremental infilling."

Binfield ward councillor Ian Leake, who represents Amen Corner, said: "There is no objection to housing development. The only problem would be the number and type of housing."

The proposals include up to 2,500 homes, a neighbourhood centre and schools on land north of Whitegrove and Quelm Park, with up to 650 homes, a railway halt and a primary school at Amen Corner in Bracknell.

Cllr Mary Ballin said: "Some of our choices are a case of 'do you want to be hung or shot?'. We're having figures thrust upon us. It's a war already.

"The policy of this council is to fight high numbers of houses and we will ask residents to help us win."

If the blueprint worries people in Bracknell, it will come as a relief to those in North Ascot and Winkfield.

Alarm bells had been ringing among those who say the Ascot area has had enough new building.

A recent consultation revealed a developers' wish list, which included potential sites for hundreds of houses at Winkfield Triangle and the Rough, behind New Road, North Ascot. But already around 110 of the 130 sites on the list have been thrown out because they fail to comply with planning rules.

Winkfield Parish Council clerk Annemarie Edwards, warned: "We are very happy the borough plan-ners appear to have listened to the concerns of Winkfield residents.

"We are still in the middle of a long process and residents should not sit back and be complacent."

Sandra Vaughan of the North Ascot Action Group added: "This is excellent news and we are delighted. However, constraints need to be put on development in North Ascot."

ic Berkshire ~ Bracknell

Bracknell people are fuming at the price they are having to pay for catching the bus.

Despite fare hikes of up to 50 per cent for some journeys the Bracknell passengers claim services are still not up to scratch.

Transport company First has launched two flat fares for bus travel in Bracknell town. Prices are now £1.50 for a single and £2.50 for a return.

But the scheme means the price of a ticket for some short return journeys have risen by up-to 47 per cent while some short single Bracknell trips have risen by as much as 36 per cent.

Julia Daniels of Dalcross, Crown Wood, regularly gets the bus from Crown Wood to Birch Hill to see her mother and her return fare has gone up from £1.70 to £2.50.

She said: "I wouldn't mind a bit of an increase if the service was good, but that's simply not the case.

"This is our only bus service, so people rely on it. I feel it's about time somebody started to do something."

She claimed Bracknell buses are frequently late and sometimes do not turn up at all.

She said: "People can be waiting for their bus for ages, and in this weather it's freezing."

Arthur Rochford, 59, a security officer from Woodmere, Harmans Water said: "The fares have gone up by 40p.

"I get the bus from Brants Bridge to Harmans Water shops and it used to be £1.10 but now it's £1.50.

"I don't mind an increase of 10p, but this is ridiculous."

He added: "I feel sorry for the bus drivers because they get all the abuse, but they're just doing their job."

First's spokesman Andrew Taylor said the new rates had been introduced to fit in with other flat rate programmes in the country.

He said: "There are lots of places which now use the single-fare scheme, Reading for example, and for people making longer journeys the increase is not so much.

"It is the people who make short journeys and don't travel as often who will be affected the most."

He said weekly travel passes were available for £10, which allow passengers unlimited travel on Bracknell's buses, and can be bought from bus drivers.

He added: "Our overall performance is much better now than it was 12 months ago because we have overcome some staffing problems.

"There are, of course, times when buses are late and we do our best to make sure this doesn't happen often."

ic Berkshire ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Police have renewed their efforts to tackle the menace of teenagers riding mini-bikes and off-road motorbikes on Bracknell footpaths and in local woods.

Bracknell Neighbourhood police teams will be holding enforcement days in Bracknell Crown Estate woods and have warned they can issue £80 fines for nuisance behaviour and have the power to confiscate machines.

Over the past 12 months, 29 fine notices have been issued in Bracknell and Sandhurst and there were three bikes seized.

Many people do not realise the machines cannot be ridden on public land, and if taken on the road have to be taxed and registered with DVLA. The rider must be over 16, wear a crash helmet, hold a driving licence and be insured.

Bracknell district council-lor Peter North renewed his calls for parents not to buy their children the machines. He said: "These are not toys, they are extremely dangerous if not used properly.

"There is nowhere in the borough for children to use them legally apart from back gardens."

Sgt Charlie Winter, who is responsible for the neighbourhood Bracknell policing team of Great Hollands, Easthamp-stead and Wildridings plus Birch Hill and Hanworth, said the issue had come up as a priority through neighbourhood forums.

The teams were looking at education through Bracknell schools as well as contacting parents, who in many cases did not realise their children were riding them.

PC Steve McSweeney of the neighbourhood policing team for Birch Hill and Hanworth, said: "The problem seems to be off-road motorbikes and mini-bikes being used on footpaths across the area, which is both dangerous and thoughtless to the welfare of pedestrians.

"Operations are in place to tackle this problem and those who behave in such a way should be warned that we will take action where necessary."

PC Steve Smith of the Sandhurst policing team said: "We have received reports of off-road motorcycling in local woods. The woods have been designated as a site of significant scientific interest which is slowly destroyed by the use of motorbikes over the land."

ic Berkshire ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest residents are being encouraged to keep their 2006 New Year's resolutions to get fit and healthy by joining swimathon 2006, the nation's big swim at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

The swimathon takes place at the Bracknell Council owned leisure centre on Saturday March 25 between 12noon and 5pm.

The swimathon is a sponsored swim to raise money for NCH, the national children's charity. Residents are encouraged to tackle any distance from a few laps to 5,000 metres and the event is for swimmers of all ages and swimming ability.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "If your New Year's resolution was to "get fit" there's no better way than swimming.

By joining swimathon 2006 you can keep that resolve going and help raise money for NCH at the same time.

"I look forward to welcoming you at the pool to sign up and get training for Swimathon 2006!"

Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot Road, is one of 500 pools nationwide taking part and signing people up for swimathon 2006.

This year is the 20th anniversary of swimathon and NCH aims to raise £2 million to further its work and transform the lives of vulnerable children in the local communities.

You can sign up for the big swimathon by clicking here or telephoning 0845 36 700 36 or picking up an entry form from Bracknell Leisure Centre.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Businesses in the Bracknell Forest area are being urged to give their views as part of the Bracknell Council's public consultation on its spending and savings plans for the next financial year.

A special meeting for Bracknell business representatives to be given more detailed information about the budget situation and to feedback has been organised for January 23, as part of the wider public consultation.

The Bracknell Council is facing its biggest budget challenge yet and has put forward proposals to close a £6 million shortfall in the cost of providing services to the borough. The reasons for this situation are:

More people needing services provided for vulnerable Bracknell adults and children.

* Changes to the way Government funds councils which means the Council will receive a lower than inflation rise in its grant next year - a reduction in real terms.
* National increases in the cost of energy supplies such as gas.
* Increased costs for the supply of services such as street cleaning and refuse collection

Bracknell Forest has the lowest council tax of any unitary authority (£876 band D).

The Council has put forward proposals that aim to minimise the impact on frontline services and invest money in areas that local people have said are important.

Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of the Bracknell Council, said: "We will be lobbying the Government to get as good a deal as we can for Bracknell Forest. In the meantime we urge all businesses, as well as our residents, to take part in the public consultation and tell us what is important to them so we can make decisions based on what they want to see happen."

Full details of the budget proposals will be published on the Bracknell Council's website www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk for comments as part of the public consultation.

The meeting for businesses is being held on January 23, 2006, at 5.30pm in the Council Chamber, Easthampstead House, Town Square, Bracknell. Contact Derek Morgan derek.morgan@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or call 01344 352044.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Members of the public are being urged to have their say on how they want Bracknell Forest to grow in the next 20 years.

Bracknell Borough council planners have consulted neighbours and developers on where they would like future expansion to be, not just for housing but also roads, schools, doctors' surgeries and other essential services.

The Bracknell council's ruling executive rubber-stamped two important documents of the borough's Local Development Framework (LDF) on December 20.

Around 130 Bracknell sites for potential development were identified during an autumn consultation with residents and developers.

The council also received 2,000 replies to questionnaires and held a series of 'meet the planners' roadshows.
As a result two sites have been identified for future development - Amen Corner near Binfield and land to the north of Whitegrove/Quelm Park.

Head of Bracknell planning and transport policy Bev Hindle said: "People tend not to like change. We have had to take heed of what the public has told us.

"One is that they are not happy about more housing allocation but there seems to be an acceptance that it's not in our power to decide.

"They realise how homes could benefit their communities and the whole of Bracknell Forest and how they could provide homes for their children and homes their children can afford."

Mr Hindle said it was about Bracknell planning communities for future generations and not having piecemeal development.

Because 3,000 homes are earmarked for the RAF Staff College site Peacock Farm, Peacock Lane, Bracknell and the new Bracknell town centre, planners say no new development will be needed outside urban areas until 2016.

Future development areas are constrained by a large Green Belt area and flood plains in the north of the borough and the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area in the south. This could affect future development because it contains three rare birds.

The LDF could potentially conflict with the South East plan if the deputy prime minister rejects SEERA's housing recommendations.

But planning leader Bracknell Cllr Mary Ballin said the LDF would act as an important defence if the government tried to foist more houses on the borough.

During the executive meeting she said: "This is a war with government. They want to impose huge numbers of houses on us, make no mistake.

"Our residents will keep fighting and they will hope we win."

ic Berkshire ~ Bracknell

Planning goes to Bracknell towns and villages

A roadshow is set to tour Bracknell towns and villages in the borough to talk to people about the future of Bracknell Forest.

The tour, organised by the Bracknell Council, follows the publication of two major planning documents which will effect planning in the borough until 2026.

Bev Hindle, Head of Bracknell Planning and Transport Policy, said: "The aim of the roadshow is to update residents on where we are with the draft plans since they gave us their views and comments in the summer.

"We also hope to get their comments and answer any questions that they have about plans for the borough."

This is the second of three opportunities that Bracknell residents will have to give their feedback on the draft plans which cover:

- The long term overall planning strategy for the borough, including broad locations for future development

- A document which will identify specific sites for major development

The public participation takes place between January 16 and February 27, 2006 so that Bracknell residents can comment and inform the next versions before submission to the Secretary of State later in 2006.

The locations and times of the roadshow are shown below:

Bracknell Town Centre

Charles Square, Monday 16th January, 11am-2.30pm

Charles Square, Saturday 25th February, 11am-2.30pm

Binfield

Binfield Parish Car Park (near school), Tuesday 24th January, 12.00-3.30pm

Farley Wood Centre, Turnpike Road, Saturday 18th February, 11am-2.30pm

Crowthorne

Crowthorne Market (Morgan Centre car park), Friday 27th January, 10am - 1pm

Crowthorne Baptist Church, Saturday 4th February, 10am - 1pm

Sandhurst

The Meadows Shopping Centre, Sandhurst, Saturday 28th January, 11am-2.30pm

Sandhurst Library, The Broadway, Thursday 9th February, 10am-1pm

Warfield

Whitegrove Primary School, Saturday 21st January, 11am-2.30pm

Westmorland Drive, Brownlow Hall, Newell Green, Thursday 16th February, 10am-1pm

Winkfield

Winkfield Parish Council Offices, Saturday 11th February, 11am-2.30pm

Fernbank Road

Ascot Library, Fernbank Road, Thursday 2nd February, 10am-1pm

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Haul from spot-checks at 16 Bracknell premises

Police and sniffer dogs carried out spot-checks in 16 pubs and licensed premises in Bracknell in the run-up to Christmas.
Thames Valley Police teamed up with the Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) from the Bracknell borough council and a dog team from private company Grosvenor International Services to make the visits.

The aim of the three-day crackdown was to disrupt the Bracknell supply and use of illegal drugs, using the dogs to initiate the search of people believed to be in recent possession of drugs.

The crackdown also reinforced the message – to revellers and licensees – that the use of drugs was not acceptable. Sgt Michelle Kneale, who led the initiative, said: “The operation involved placing trained dogs at the entrance to a licensed premise. Customers entering or leaving the premises were then required to walk slowly past the dog, which would then indicate whether drugs were detected.

“Known as ‘passive’ drugs dogs, these specially trained dogs can detect class A, B and C controlled drugs, together with date rape drugs. They can also detect whether drugs have been present in the person’s clothing recently. Once a person had been identified police officers would then take appropriate action.

“The licensees give their full consent for these types of operations and welcome the initiative.” Some venues were visited more than once in the same night and a number of Class A and Class C drugs were recovered, but no-one was arrested. One person was issued with a street warning for possessing cannabis.

Sgt Kneale added: “I would like to thank all officers involved in this operation, especially those from the Special Constabulary, without whom the operation would have been difficult to run. “Also the members of the Drug and Alcohol Action team in safer communities department for their continued support and funding for this type of operation, and to the licensees for their co-operation and support.” More Bracknell sniffer dog operations are planned for the coming weeks.

Get Bracknell

Experts carry out controlled explosion in Bracknell.

Bomb disposal experts were called to Bracknell last Thursday after a groundsman found a live hand grenade in some bushes.
The grenade was found by a Bracknell Forest Borough Council worker who was working close to Bracknell Travel Inn in Wokingham Road just after 12.10pm. The Bracknell groundsman, who does not want to be named, described finding and picking up a ‘heavy’ device ‘about three quarters of the size of a tennis ball’ and putting it down after he realised that it was a hand grenade.

The police were called at 12.15pm and officers from Thames Valley Police arrived at the scene at 12.35pm and immediately closed off surrounding roads including Downshire Way, Binfield Road, Millenium Way and Bond Way, Bracknell. At one stage police believed customers staying at the Bracknell Travel Inn would have to be evacuated for their own safety, however when the bomb disposal team arrived they confirmed this would not be necessary. The explosive experts arrived at the scene at around 1pm and confirmed the item was a live grenade, which probably originally came from America.

Sergeant Robin Edwards of Bracknell Police was in charge at the scene. He told The Times: “When we arrived we immediately closed all the roads. In a situation like this we have to consider public safety.” The bomb squad leader, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s quite common actually. A few months back we had five shouts for grenades in two weeks. “People keep them in their attics and find them when they clear them out. We even had one kid who took one in for show and tell at school.”

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: “The explosives experts took the hand grenade away to a safe place near the water treatment works in Hazlewood Lane, Binfield, where it was destroyed in a controlled explosion.” The spokesman also said she did not know how the hand grenade got into the grounds of the Bracknell Travel Inn, but added an investigation was taking place.

A spokesman for Whitbread Hotel and Restaurants – which owns Bracknell Travel Inn – said: “We contacted the police as soon as the item was discovered in the bushes near to the hotel building. As the safety of our guests and staff was our greatest priority, we worked closely with the authorities whilst they carried out the necessary procedures to remove the object. “Minimal disruption was caused to both the Premier Travel Inn and [nearby] Brewers Fayre [the Weather Vane] restaurant and the police have informed us that they have safely disposed of the object.”

Anyone with information can call Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Get Bracknell

Three worthy Bracknell causes will be a step closer to realising their dreams, thanks to the Let's Do It community awards sponsored by the Bracknell News and Barclays Bank.

Earlier this year, we offered Bracknell charities and organisations the chance to bag some extra cash to help with a one-off community project.

The quality of entries was very high and representatives from Barclays deliberated for some time before coming to a decision.

A sensory garden for disabled people and a memorial garden for a Bracknell schoolboy who died of cancer were each awarded £1,000.

But the top award of £3,000 went to Beechcroft Court social committee, which wants to build a communal room in the garden for its elderly residents.

The committee's treasurer, Peggy Lawrence, said: "We've raised £1,500 since March, so that's not bad. This money will really help. It's wonderful."

The committee, which serves the residents of Beechcroft Court, Bracknell sheltered housing in Crowthorne Road, Wildridings, can now afford to buy the log cabin-style building and, with a further £5,000 donated by site owners by Hanover Housing Association Charitable Trust also announced this week, it will be able to buy furniture.

Barclays's area director Martin McDowell said: "They will get a lot of use out of it all year round.

"I'm really pleased we were able to help them out. The money has definitely gone to a good cause."

Residents of Ezra, a care home based at Ravenswood Village in Nine Mile Ride, Crowthorne, were given £1,000 towards building a garden to stimulate their senses.

Work has already started on the Ezra garden, but staff want to do more to give its seriously disabled residents a better quality of life.

St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School in Gipsy Lane, Bracknell, has also received £1,000, to help fund a memorial garden for pupil Sean McAuley, eight, who died last December after a year-long battle with adrenal cancer.

Sean's parents Janet and Tony, along with their five-year-old daughter Hannah, opened the garden in July, so the money will be used for its upkeep.

ic Berkshire ~ Bracknell