Bracknell

The Look Out Discovery Centre in Bracknell is currently preparing for its amazing new show I Wanna Be A Bug!

The Bracknell show is aimed at the whole family and is even more interactive and fun than the hugely popular Spy Science show. It will have its volunteers spinning webs, performing the Mexican wave and becoming cool bugs!

I Wanna Be A Bug runs at weekends and in Bracknell Forest school holidays from May 8 until July 25 - including half term, with performances at 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3.15pm.

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

The exhibits are themed in five brilliant zones: sound and communication, light and colour, forces and movement, body and perception and woodland and water.

In the surrounding 2,600 acres of Crown Estate woodland, there are many trails and walks. The new Discovery Trail work sheets are now available to help you on your way.

The Look Out also has an exciting children's play area, a picnic area, coffee shop and gift shop. Mountain bike hire is also available - please check times with the centre.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "I Wanna Be A Bug sounds good fun for all the family and I cannot think of any better place here in the borough than The Look Out to learn about the natural world while having fun at the same time."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

An innovative drugs and alcohol awareness performance project commissioned by Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Drug and Alcohol Action Team and starring local young people is visiting secondary schools across Bracknell borough.

The Bracknell project, called Wasted, is visiting three schools between April 25-28, before a show at South Hill Park Arts Centre for parents, community leaders and the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Clr Jacqui Ryder.

It aims to be relevant to young people, while addressing issues which are important to them and their lives. It is hoped messages around drink and drug awareness will then be spread among Bracknell schools and communities through peer education.

It has been created by Realty Community Theatre Company, Bracknell Forest Borough Council, secondary schools in the borough, the Safer Communities Partnership and South Hill Park Arts Centre.

Bracknell Clr Peter North, Executive Member for Emergency Services and Community Safety, said: "This is an exciting project which I hope will catch the imagination of young people in Bracknell Forest.

"The real benefit of the show is it teaches how to educate and support other young people about the dangers of alcohol and drugs."

Jamie Harden, Realty director, said: "Realty were very excited when the Council commissioned this fantastic pilot project.

"When we had the idea we knew this would be a powerful and special experience for the talented young performers involved and a truly beneficial event for their whole community to engage with.

"This project highlights the impressive potential the arts can contribute to culture, communities and education."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Police are appealing for information following a fire at a ground floor flat in Bracknell.

The incident, which is being treated as arson, happened in Merryhill Road, Bracknell, at around 8.30pm on Monday (24/4).

The flat was unoccupied at the time of the fire, which caused extensive structural damage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Paul Hunt at Bracknell Police Station 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

Sixteen Bracknell Forest Borough Council school students joined other young people from across east Berkshire, employers and teachers for a special ceremony last Friday (24th April) to recognise their achievement in the extended work experience programme.

The event took place at the Open Learning Centre, at Brakenhale School, Bracknell and students from The Brakenhale School, Ranelagh School, Sandhurst School, Easthampstead Park School and Garth Hill College as well as representatives from Connexions and local employers from South Hill Park Nursery, Toni & Guy and Fox Hill Primary school were there.

The extended work experience programme is managed by South East Berkshire Education Business Partnership and is funded by the European Social Fund. The programme means that students, aged around 16-years-old, spend up to two days a week with a local employer, for between three and six months, in addition to the normal one week for work experience.

The Rt Hon Andrew MacKay, MP for Bracknell, was at the event and presented the students and employers with their certificates and congratulated them on their efforts.

Some of the Bracknell students, participating in the extended work experience programme, have gone onto find permanent employment and others will move onto higher education.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The Midweek is backing the Bracknell BIN It! campaign of our sister paper, the Bracknell News, to over-turn Bracknell Forest Council's decision to axe traditional weekly collections of domestic rubbish.

Bracknell borough council plans to only collect your refuse on alternate weeks - the week in between will be used for collections of recyclable materials.

Bracknell Councillors claim that unless more refuse is recycled and less is dumped in landfill sites they will be "fined" by the Government - and council taxes will rise.

What they don't say is that across the country where ABC - Alternate Bin

Collections - has been introduced, there has been public outrage.In many towns it has proved a costly disaster.

One of the pioneering "green" boroughs in London - Sutton - simply dumped it because the system was so unpopular.

There is not a scrap of evidence to suggest it will be any more successful in Bracknell Forest.

Indeed, already it has met with an overwhelming tide of opposition among residents - the very people who pay the council tax bills and will soon have overflowing bins of rotting and smelly refuse on their doorsteps.

Bin It! is your opportunity to tell the council that ABC must be immediately dropped and not introduced.

The real answer to getting more waste recycled is not to collect it less often.

It needs to be collected as often as possible.

Instead of axing part of its service, Bracknell council should make an additional collection - remove general domestic refuse once a week AND collect recyclable materials.

If you feel strongly about retaining this vital service, join our campaign.

Don't leave it to someone else - make sure YOUR name is on our petition.

Even better, get your family, friends, neighbours, workmates and everyone else you know to sign up.

There is still time to halt the council's proposals and keep the weekly collection of YOUR bins.

With your support, together we can Bin It!

To sign the online petition click here

To vote online, click here

ic Berkshire ~ Bracknell

Two voluntary groups from Bracknell Forest joined another 15 groups from across Berkshire that have been recognised for their work in the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2006.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council Mayor, Cllr Mrs Jacqui Ryder, and the Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Philip Wroughton, co-hosted a reception at Easthampstead Park Conference Centre recently. It was aimed at recognising and thanking voluntary groups within the six unitaries of Berkshire for their commitment to the community.

All groups had been nominated by members of the public who had either benefited from their work or had seen the positive effect of their work in the Bracknell community.

The Lord Lieutenant and the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Lady Elizabeth Godsal MBE, presented certificates to each group and thanked them for providing support and help in many different ways.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is given annually and recognises and rewards excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups throughout the country. The Queen announced the first award in 2002 to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee.

Across Berkshire, 17 voluntary groups have been put forward to the national competition and the results will be announced in June.

Bracknell Cllr Mrs Ryder said: “As a firm supporter of voluntary work I am pleased that this award was introduced in 2002 as it recognises the wonderful work volunteers do in our community. I am proud to have been representing Bracknell Forest in co-hosting this very important event. I wish all the voluntary groups from Berkshire the best of luck in the national competition."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Two people have been arrested following last week’s incident in Bracknell where a 30-year-old man was shot in the leg.

The pair, a man in his 40s and a 13-year-old boy, were arrested from their home address in Bracknell late on Friday 21 April, following a pre-planned police operation.

Both were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. They have since been released on police bail to return to Maidenhead police station later next month.

In the meantime, Bracknell officers continue to appeal for anyone with information who has not yet come forward to do so immediately.

The victim was walking along Jiggs Lane South on Tuesday night (18/4) when he felt a sudden pain in his left leg. He had sustained a single shot for which he underwent surgery and is now recovering at home.

If you were in the area at the time of the incident and have information that may assist police with their investigation, then please call Det Insp Petford at Bracknell police station 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

It's time to dive into action and make the most of May half term.

Bracknell Leisure Centre is running a host of swimming courses throughout the week to keep the kids entertained. The centre has three pools and lots of courses for keen swimmers to enjoy.

Tots to teens can join a range of swimming classes aimed at all abilities. The learner pool offers classes for four-to-seven-year-olds who are taking their first dip. Over 16s who want to train to save lives can join the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course in the competition pool.

Anyone wishing to keep fit is welcome to make the most of the public swim and early bird sessions.

Bracknell Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "Swimming is a really important skill so it is good to encourage young people to take it up as a hobby from a young age.

"The well being of our residents is always upper most in our minds and swimming is an excellent form of non-stress exercise for the whole body so we encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of the great swimming pools we have in Bracknell Forest."

To find out more about swimming sessions and classes visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Executive has agreed a policy to investigate how to ensure the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) is protected from residential impacts which could arise from new housing development in the borough.

The SPA is internationally designated to protect ground-nesting birds, and has led to concerns about the potential impact of added pressures on the land for recreation. There have been calls for severe restrictions on building in and around the Thames Basin heathland to prevent damage to the habitats.

Bracknell Council is keen to ensure there is a robust process in place which would allow it to determine planning applications knowing the SPA is not at risk. Further, the process will also need to ensure that while protecting the SPA is a priority, this should not be done to the detriment of other important environmental features of the borough.

To achieve this Bracknell Council intends looking at a range of measures including identifying alternative open spaces in the borough which residents could use instead of the heathlands and working with partners to find an effective way forward.

Cllr Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Planning and Transportation, said: "Maintaining the SPA is very important for the protection of these vulnerable bird species.

"However, this policy is about finding a practical way forward to allow beneficial development while still protecting these special habitats and others in the borough."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest residents can get their views heard at the forthcoming Neighbourhood Forum meetings which take place from 3rd May.

This will be the second round of Bracknell neighbourhood forum meetings to take place in the borough. Last autumn residents raised a number of local concerns, including anti-social behaviour, speeding, parking, environmental issues and the nuisance use of motorcycles. This round of meetings gives local people the opportunity to find out what has happened since then and to say if they think things have improved.

The Forums are a partnership between Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Thames Valley Police, as well as other agencies responsible for delivering services to local people.

This round of meetings kick off in Birch Hill and Hanworth, Bracknell at 7.30pm on Wednesday 3rd May at Birch Hill Primary School. On Thursday 4th May the Forum will move to Winkfield, Cranbourne and North Ascot and the meeting will be held at 7.30pm in Ascot Heath Infant School.

Bracknell Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Emergency Services and Community Safety at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: “These meetings give us the opportunity to identify, prioritise and solve issues in local neighbourhoods. We will be interested to find out if issues raised at the last round of neighbourhood forums have improved and what further feedback we have on these.

“I look forward to meeting as many people as I can during these meetings and to help them to address things affecting them at a local level.”

Insp Andy Harris, responsible for policing the South of Bracknell, said: “Neighbourhood Forums are an important chance for members of the community to tell the Police, Council and other partners what is affecting their quality of life. Every neighbourhood in Bracknell has one scheduled, so I would encourage people to come and have their say.

"There'll also be an opportunity to hear how local people can help in solving local problems such as speeding".

The neighbourhood forums will be running across Bracknell until the end of June. For more details of when meetings are taking place in your area log onto: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums or look out for the posters being distributed.

If you would like to speak to a member of your neighbourhood policing team, please contact 0845 8 505 505.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

For the first time in Bracknell, police and their partners have today closed a “crack house” using the new Anti-Social Behaviour Act of 2003.

The closure of the Bracknell property in Deepfield Road, Bullbrook, was the result of close co-operation between Bracknell police officers, the Community Safety Team and the Housing Department at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, along with other partners.

An order to close down the property was granted at Bracknell Magistrates’ Court today (19/4), where PC Jon Morris, neighbourhood officer for Bullbrook, gave evidence.

On Thursday 13th April, following two weeks of planning and assessment, Supt. Mike Ismay, silver commander for Operation Falcon*, authorised the issuing of a closure notice, which led to today’s (19/4) court hearing.

The closure notice was issued to the tenant of 22 Deepfield Road, Bracknell at around 2pm yesterday (18/4) by Neighbourhood Inspector Simon Bowden and PC Morris.

The property will now remain boarded up for three months and anyone caught inside, or attempting to get in, will be arrested. Police can return to court and get an extension of the closure order for a further three months if necessary.

Insp Simon Bowden, who has worked closely with Sgt Shelly Squire and PC Morris, Bracknell neighbourhood officers, to bring about the closure of the flat, said: “Deepfield Road is a quiet residential street, but in the three years since this tenant moved into No. 22, there has been a general doubling in the crime rate compared with the previous three years.

“In particular, there has been a marked increase in acquisitive crime in the road, with domestic burglaries up from three to 11, and non-dwelling burglaries (e.g. sheds and garages) up from one to five. Thefts from motor vehicles have risen from one to five and street robberies from one to 11.

“Whilst there is no direct evidence to link the tenant with these offences, we can say that the house has drawn people who commit crime into the area. Where these crimes have been solved, the offenders are known to frequent or associate with the occupants of No. 22.”

In addition to a rise in crime, neighbours in the road have experienced disruption from visitors to and activity at the flat at all times of day and night.

Following today’s news, Ian Boswell, community safety manager for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: “Any initiative that increases public safety and reduces the fear of crime is welcomed, and will be actively supported by Bracknell Forest Borough Council in any way possible.

“The Bracknell Forest Safer Communities Partnership has made provisions for people with drug problems to access services locally. Help and information is available from ‘New Hope’ – Bracknell’s drug advice and information centre based in The Broadway, Bracknell. People should not wait until their lives are taken over by drugs or drug dealers before seeking help.”

Linda Wells, assistant director for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: “The council will not tolerate any of its properties being used for illegal purposes. We want all our residents to feel that they can live in a safe & pleasant environment & will ensure that we always involve the police in any investigation of alleged illegal activity. In cases such as this one, we also follow up the closure order with possession proceedings which means that any tenant allowing their home to be used for illegal purposes will face eviction.

Insp Bowden said: “The decision to use this legislation is an important part of the co-ordinated response to drug-fuelled criminality in the Bracknell area.

“Activities such as those that took place in Deepfield Road frighten law-abiding citizens, and will not be tolerated. I want people in our communities to know that we are listening to their concerns and are working with our partners to put a stop to drug-related crime and disorder.

“We will continue to use all the powers given to us by current legislation to improve the quality of life for the community in Bracknell.

“The public can help us by providing information about people and premises involved in crime. Call us on 0845 8 505 505, or if you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

*Falcon is a campaign to stamp out class A drug dealers, reduce drug driven crime and disorder, and to enhance treatment opportunities for addicts in Berkshire East.

The triple-edged campaign was launched by police and their partners last month.

Falcon is the BCU’s new long-term initiative, aimed at improving the quality of life for residents across the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Slough, and Bracknell Forest.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Babies and their parents from across Bracknell Forest are invited to a special tea party where they can learn about the benefits of using real nappies.

The Bracknell tea party - part of Real Nappy Week - will give parents the chance to see a variety of real nappies, talk to parents who already use them, and talk to suppliers.

There will also be the opportunity for parents to collect an application form to obtain £30 cashback to contribute towards the cost of real nappies, and a free prize draw to win three Wonderoo pocket nappies, which have been kindly donated by Babykind nappies.

The tea party is taking place at Bracknell Leisure Centre on Wednesday, April 26, from 1-3pm.

Real Nappy Week is now in its 10th year, and promotes the use of cloth nappies to give parents a greater choice than just using the disposable variety.

• Why real nappies?

A wide range is now available from the simple traditional terry cotton nappies, to modern shaped and fitted styles. Organic, unbleached, velcro or popper fastening and all-in-one nappies give a wider variety of choice without the need for pins. As they are made from natural fibres they may feel more comfortable next to a baby's skin.

• Better for your pocket

Home laundered nappies could save parents around £500 on the cost of keeping a baby in nappies and could be used for a second child. The average spend on disposable nappies is £791.70 over two-and-a-half years.

• Better for our environment

About 8 million nappies end up in polluting landfill sites everyday, and resulting methane emissions can contribute towards global warming.

Every tonne of rubbish we send to landfill incurs an additional tax - which is added to the collection, transport and disposal costs. Landfill tax continues to increase each year and space at these sites is becoming very scarce. If strict quotas are exceeded Bracknell Council will be fined for landfilling too much waste which will increase the council tax.

Parents who choose washable nappies can minimise their environmental impact by washing them at 60 degrees in an A rated washing machine, line drying, and not using fabric softener.

Bracknell Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Public and Environmental Services, said: "The tea party is a great way to find out more about using real nappies. As well as being better value, they are good for the environment and help to reduce landfill."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Festive family fun includes live entertainers, Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Farmyard!

An increased intake of chocolate over the Easter holidays is sure to leave your youngsters with lots of energy, so bring them into Bracknell town centre where you’ll discover a host of activities laid on by the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership for all the family to enjoy.

From Monday 10th April to Friday 14th in Princess Square, Bracknell the ever-popular Makendoo children’s craft workshop has an Easter theme where children can make colourful masks, bonnets, painted eggs and bunny ears to take home. Or if they fancy being a bunny, chick or even an Easter egg, they can visit the free face painters– also in Princess Square.

And on Thursday 13th April, Charles Square, Bracknell will be transformed into an exciting and interactive Spring farmyard with real Easter chicks and rabbits - plus ducks, geese, guinea pigs, sheep, hawks, owls, pygmy goats, kune kune pigs and even a miniature pony all making an appearance!

And around town, there will be lots of other activities and treats to keep youngsters entertained including an Easter Egg hunt, a colouring competition and an old-fashioned humbug sweetie stall.

Plus watch out for the giant Bracknell Easter Bunny, a scarecrow saw-violin player and a magician with a real bunny rabbit, all in the Easter theme! Plus the 2-TEN FM Black Thunders, host the special Bracknell Crack the Egg Easter competition with lots of chances to win fantastic prizes over the Easter break - including a massive £1,500 of Thomas Cook Worldwide Travel vouchers to put toward a dream family holiday.

The Bracknell Regeneration Partnership is ensuring Bracknell has a festive feel with bright and cheery Easter decorations including colourful eggs, ribbons and bows. Tired out children can even travel in fun Boobaloo carts, available to hire from Princess Square.

And on Saturday 15th April, free mini chocolate eggs are also being handed out by the Explore church to help brighten up shoppers’ days.

With all the Easter entertainment as well as Bentalls, your favourite high street stores, over 40 independent retailers and plenty of car parking which is free on Sundays AND on Bank Holiday Monday, there’s so much more to discover in Bracknell. Whether you need to do some shopping, catch up with friends over a coffee or simply want to keep the little ones entertained.

“Since the clocks have gone forward, it already feels like Summer is on its way with longer, lighter evenings. And we wanted to make sure that families could really celebrate the advent of Spring and the Easter holiday by spending some fun time together in Bracknell town centre. They can wear bunny ears, hunt for hidden Easter eggs, say boo to a goose or simply stop for a drink and enjoy the Easter atmosphere. We really hope everyone discovers something new in the town,“ comments Helen Barnett, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership.

The Bracknell Easter Extravaganza fun begins at 10am. For more information on the day and to be sure you don’t miss any of the fun, visit the town centre information booth situated in Charles Square.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Council held a conference on Domestic Violence at the Grange, Bracknell, on Tuesday April 11.

The aim of this multi-agency Bracknell event was to gather interested groups and individuals, share best practice and identify ideas for better working. The results of the conference will inform the Domestic Violence Strategy that Bracknell Council is drafting for publication.

Daphne Obang, Bracknell Director, Social Services and Housing and Chair of the Safer Communities Strategic Partnership said: "Today has been an extremely successful event. We have received a lot of valuable information and views from the participants and speakers, which we will incorporate into our Domestic Violence Strategy. The strategy will help to improve services and support to victims of domestic violence."

Speakers in the morning session included: Ian Boswell, Safer Communities Manager, Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Eleanor Pitt, Director, Berkshire Woman's Aid, Detective Sargeant Don Savage, Thames Valley Police, Daphne Obang, Director of Social Services and Housing, Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

Detective Sargeant Don Savage presented a case study which led to discussions on issues of risk, child protection and agency roles.

The afternoon session included a drama workshop, run by Realeyes, the Theatre Group and workshops to discuss reporting, information sharing and the effects of domestic violence on children, victims, perpetrators and the Criminal Justice System.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council Mayor, Cllr Mrs Jacqui Ryder, had a smashing time when she dropped into the Children's House Nursery in Binfield at the end of last week to judge an Easter bonnet competition.

All of the children, aged between three months and five-years-old, took part in the competition to design an Easter bonnet. There were three grand prizes of an Easter egg and six runner-up prizes of smaller Easter eggs.

Children at the nursery always celebrate Easter by designing traditional bonnets and then hosting a competition and they also have a tradition Easter tea of Simnel cake and hot cross buns.

Bracknell Cllr Mrs Jacqui Ryder, said: "I had a wonderful time judging this competition and it was so difficult to choose a winner as all of the children had put a lot of thought and effort into creating their hats. It was a delight to join them for the activities and to take part in the fun."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A consultation about major changes to health services in the Bracknell area has been condemned as a "done deal" by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

Bracknell Borough Council, together with councils in Slough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, has opposed plans to merge the three Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in these areas into a single organisation for the whole of East Berkshire.

However, last week the Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority decided to support these plans, despite the concerns raised by both councils and local residents.

Today (Monday) the Leader of Bracknell Council, Cllr Paul Bettison, the Executive Member with responsibilities for health, Cllr Dale Birch, the Chairman of the Bracknell Health Scrutiny Panel, Cllr Ian Leake, and the Bracknell Chairman of the Social Care and Housing Scrutiny Panel, Cllr Bob Edger agreed to condemn the decision and take the fight to the Secretary of State.

Cllr Birch said: "The people of Bracknell Forest were not given any real choice, this was already a done deal. There was never an option to retain the status quo and the whole consultation has been a complete charade as far as I can see. We have been betrayed by a health authority bent on balancing books rather than delivering real care locally.

"The three areas in East Berkshire all have very different needs and we are extremely concerned that the plans will see our local services deteriorating.

"We raised some serious issues and I am disgusted these have not been answered during the consultation or in response to representations we have made on behalf of our residents. So much for the new government white paper on health saying it wants better co-ordination between councils and PCTs, when the first thing they do after it is published is to remove our local PCT.

"In a typically arrogant disregard for the needs of the people of Bracknell Forest the health authority tells us the Secretary of State for Health is going to take until October 6 to make up their mind about the recommendations. When do they actually intend to tell us what the new PCT will look like? When will they show us where the cuts will fall? How can we hold them accountable when they have neither form nor identity for the next seven months?”

Bracknell Council is concerned that a single organisation would not be able to recognise the contrasting health needs of Bracknell Forest compared to Slough or the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Cllr Birch added: "It's ludicrous that the Strategic Health Authority said the new arrangements would improve co-ordination between the PCTs and councils - we have been making giant steps in Bracknell Forest to work with our PCT and now all this could be lost, consumed by a larger organisation which will not be specifically focused on the needs of our residents.

“We will be making the strongest possible representations to the Government to reverse this disgraceful recommendation and I am confident that Cllr Leake and his Health Scrutiny Panel will not let this go unchallenged.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A consultation about major changes to health services in the Bracknell area has been condemned as a "done deal" by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

Bracknell Borough Council, together with councils in Slough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, has opposed plans to merge the three Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in these areas into a single organisation for the whole of East Berkshire.

However, last week the Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority decided to support these plans, despite the concerns raised by both councils and local residents.

Today (Monday) the Leader of Bracknell Council, Cllr Paul Bettison, the Executive Member with responsibilities for health, Cllr Dale Birch, the Chairman of the Bracknell Health Scrutiny Panel, Cllr Ian Leake, and the Bracknell Chairman of the Social Care and Housing Scrutiny Panel, Cllr Bob Edger agreed to condemn the decision and take the fight to the Secretary of State.

Cllr Birch said: "The people of Bracknell Forest were not given any real choice, this was already a done deal. There was never an option to retain the status quo and the whole consultation has been a complete charade as far as I can see. We have been betrayed by a health authority bent on balancing books rather than delivering real care locally.

"The three areas in East Berkshire all have very different needs and we are extremely concerned that the plans will see our local services deteriorating.

"We raised some serious issues and I am disgusted these have not been answered during the consultation or in response to representations we have made on behalf of our residents. So much for the new government white paper on health saying it wants better co-ordination between councils and PCTs, when the first thing they do after it is published is to remove our local PCT.

"In a typically arrogant disregard for the needs of the people of Bracknell Forest the health authority tells us the Secretary of State for Health is going to take until October 6 to make up their mind about the recommendations. When do they actually intend to tell us what the new PCT will look like? When will they show us where the cuts will fall? How can we hold them accountable when they have neither form nor identity for the next seven months?”

Bracknell Council is concerned that a single organisation would not be able to recognise the contrasting health needs of Bracknell Forest compared to Slough or the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Cllr Birch added: "It's ludicrous that the Strategic Health Authority said the new arrangements would improve co-ordination between the PCTs and councils - we have been making giant steps in Bracknell Forest to work with our PCT and now all this could be lost, consumed by a larger organisation which will not be specifically focused on the needs of our residents.

“We will be making the strongest possible representations to the Government to reverse this disgraceful recommendation and I am confident that Cllr Leake and his Health Scrutiny Panel will not let this go unchallenged.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has appointed Alison Sanders as the new Director of Corporate and Customer Services.

Alison, previously Assistant Director for Education, Children's Services and Libraries at Bracknell Council will fill the position previously held by Gill Steward when she left in January to join Hackney Borough Council. She will start her new role within the next couple of months.

Alison was chosen for the position as she stood out as the outstanding candidate during the interview.

Alison has been at Bracknell Forest Borough Council since 1998 when she joined after the dissolution of Berkshire County Council. Her main tasks were to help set up the education department and strategy, support and resources branch from scratch. At the County Council Alison's last job was as head of customer services where she was responsible for supporting and advising governing bodies as well as organising all training for school staff and governors.

She said: "I have really enjoyed working in the Education, Children's Services and Libraries department and I will miss everybody there. They are a great team. These opportunities for career change are quite rare and I am delighted to have been successful for the post of Director of Corporate and Customer Services. I am really looking forward to working with colleagues in my new department."

Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "Alison knows Bracknell Forest very well and demonstrated real vision, enthusiasm and commitment to the borough. I am sure we've made an excellent appointment and she will play a key role in taking the organisation forward."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "I look forward to working with Alison and I know she will do an excellent job in heading up the Corporate and Customer Services department."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest residents are paying the lowest council tax in any unitary authority in mainland UK, for the fourth year running.

According to government figures released this week, homeowners living in the unitary authority of Bracknell Forest pay the lowest band D council tax at £1,154 (including the precepts set by the police, fire services and the parish councils).

The unitary council with the second lowest band D council tax is York at £1,182.

Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: “This year our council tax level was increased by 5%, so we were not capped by the Government, as some other local authorities were. Given that we still have the lowest council tax of any unitary authority in mainland UK it is to everyone's credit that we are still able to maintain our high level of service whilst being financially prudent."

Cllr Paul Bettison, the Leader of Bracknell Council, said: “For four years running we have been able to offer our residents a high quality service, as well being able to keep their council tax low. It is a credit to all the officers and members of the Council that we have been able to maintain this."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A free event is being organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council's trading standards team to alert residents, particularly those who maybe vulnerable, to the perils of doorstep crime.

Tricksters: The Musical follows the plight of George, an ex-soldier, who is conned but with the support of his wife and friend is able to beat the bogus callers.

It combines information, entertainment and a sense of humour to raise awareness and builds the confidence of people who may need to deal with doorstep conmen and distraction burglars.

There will also be free refreshments, a raffle and stalls from Berkshire Fire and Rescue, Age Concern, Forestcare and other organisations.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Public and Environmental Services, said: "Distraction burglaries and doorstep conmen who charge excessive amounts for poor quality work are very upsetting for anyone who is a victim. Often the most vulnerable in our community are those targeted by these criminals.

"This entertaining play will help residents be more aware of these crimes and show them how they can avoid being a victim."

The show will take place on April 24 at the Forest Suite in Bracknell Leisure Centre. Doors open at 9.30am for 10am start. Admission is by ticket only, they are available from Sharon Clarke on 01344 352583.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has given the green light to its local transport plan, and this has now been submitted to the Government for assessment.

At a special meeting on Wednesday night, Bracknell councillors gave the go ahead to the plan which will cover the next five years. The local transport plan sets the context for the development of all forms of transport and how to improve it for the borough's residents.

The plan includes:

• Better access to key services.

• Reducing congestion.

• Improving public transport.

• Improving road safety.

• Ensuring public roads are well maintained.

The plan also had to take into account the proposed regeneration of Bracknell town centre and the substantial transport benefits this will bring, as well as ensuring residents have adequate access to the full range of public services.

Additionally, the plan sets the Bracknell borough some key targets which it must meet over the next five years. These will be monitored annually through the local transport plan annual progress report.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "It is essential we put together the best possible transport plan to ensure we receive adequate funding for all our transport services and for the improvements we want to make."

A draft of the plan was sent to the Department for Transport and the Government Office for the South East and was also subject to a public consultation in Autumn 2005.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest residents can now have the convenience of using a brown wheelie bin for their organic garden waste.

Keen Bracknell gardeners are being given the option of buying a brown wheelie bin, for a one off cost of £30, which will be emptied by the Council once a fortnight. Combined with the current option of using biodegradable sacks for garden waste the new service will mean the end of numerous time-wasting and petrol-consuming trips to the civic amenity site.

The Bracknell wheelie bins also provide a clean and tidy way to store garden waste between collections. However, residents who wish to continue using biodegradable brown sacks can do so. They are already available from shops and some parish and town council offices and cost 30p

Collecting garden waste will mean less waste being sent to landfill sites, which harms the environment, and would avoid rises in landfill taxes as there is no tax on recycling. Landfill taxes, paid through the council tax, will go up over the next few years if more rubbish is not recycled.

Currently, Bracknell Forest residents recycle 28 per cent of their household waste, however, up to 60 per cent of rubbish sent to landfill could be recycled. The Council is encouraging increased recycling of biodegradable garden waste, including leaves, grass cuttings, and hedge and shrub clippings. A survey in 2002 showed 32 per cent of refuse in the summer was garden waste and the new brown bins will divert it from household rubbish.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Public and Environmental Services, said: "We would like to encourage as many people as possible to buy a brown bin or to use the biodegradable bags as this is an easy and effective way to stop additional pressures on the environment and the council tax."

The fortnightly brown bin collection is starting in advance of a proposed Alternate Bin Collection (ABC) scheme, which is due to be launched in October. Recycling and garden waste will be collected one week and residual household waste the following week.

Bracknell Residents will have a choice for recycling collection to continue using recycling boxes or receiving a new blue wheelie bin for cans and plastic bottles and additional boxes for paper and card. These will be free of charge.

There will be plenty of information and guidance for residents about ABC throughout the summer and a dedicated team of officers will be available to visit residents to help them and ensure they are fully prepared when the new scheme is implemented.

This scheme has been used successfully in more than 30 per cent of other councils in the UK to increase recycling rates.

For more information contact the Waste and Recycling Team on 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A jam packed summer term of sport and swimming activities is on offer at Bracknell Leisure Centre from Tuesday, April 18.

Both adults and children can brush up on their swimming skills before the summer holiday with a range of courses ranging from absolute beginners to advanced swimmers.

Also, l'eau robics is back, for a total body workout without stress to the joints, and there are new adult deep water and ante-natal classes.

The Bracknell programme is also offering adult courses which get the energy flowing including yoga, pilates and tai chi, alongside old favourites like gymnastics, trampolining, tap dancing, badminton and squash.

For children there are the ever-popular tumblers sessions, soccer dribbler, gymnastics and trampolining.

And Bracknell Leisure Centre is offering teen cycling, balance, circuits and instructor led sessions in the BodyWorks gym.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "With summer on the way it is the perfect time to start thinking about taking up a sport or improving your existing technique.

"Bracknell Leisure Centre's comprehensive summer programme will provide a healthy, happy summer for all the family."

Places are still available on the courses, for more details call 01344 454203 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Police in Bracknell are warning residents to take extra precautions to secure their homes following a spate of domestic burglaries across the area in recent weeks.

Everett Bentley, crime reduction adviser for Bracknell local police area, said: “Unfortunately, we’ve seen a number of burglaries in which the offenders have poked an implement, probably a piece of wood or wire, through the letter box and used it to pull down the handle of the front door lock.

“The burglars have particularly targeted UPVc front doors, where the letter box is located close to the lock. However, this method only works if the door has not been made fully secure by using a key to operate the deadlock.”

The letterbox burglars usually strike in the early hours of the morning, when residents are asleep. On most occasions, they make so little noise that the burglary is not discovered until the householders wake up and find their property missing.

Small portable items are favoured by the intruders, and Mr Bentley advises residents to put valuables such as handbags, wallets, keys and mobile phones in a safe place, out of sight and out of reach of opportunist burglars.

In the most recent examples of this type of crime, a mobile phone was taken from a house in Great Hollands on 31 March, and a handbag stolen from a house in Crown Wood overnight on 31 March/1 April. Similar burglaries have occurred in Bullbrook, College Town, Priestwood and Garth.

In addition to installing a burglar alarm, another tip from Bracknell’s crime reduction advisers is to fix some bells, chimes or a similar device on the front door, so that it makes a noise when opened, thus alerting the occupants.

Added Mr Bentley: “It’s important to make your house secure by using the deadlock, but always remember to keep the key in a place where you can easily find it, so that you are able to get out of the house in an emergency.”

For more advice on how to protect your home, contact Bracknell police area’s crime reduction advisers Everett Bentley and John Oblein on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Starts Tuesday 2nd May, 6.45pm - 9.00pm. + each following Tuesday evening throughout the summer.

Anyone aged 8 and over is welcome to join us. The course lasts for six weeks and costs £36 in total.

All equipment will be provided.

Bowmen of Warfield, Hill Farm Lane, Binfield, Bracknell, RG42 5NR.

See the website www.bowmenofwarfield.co.uk for more details, or call us on 01344 305535.

Swimathon participants at Bracknell Leisure CentreTwenty swimmers from across Bracknell Forest took part in the Swimathon on Saturday, March 25.

While sponsorship money is still being collected, it is believed the swimmers at Bracknell Leisure Centre have raised hundreds of pounds for children's charity NCH and the Swimathon Foundation.

Participants included a father and son duo and team of four who both swam 5,000 metres; and a father and two daughters who swam a combined 2,500 metres. Individual swimmers swam up to 5,000 metres.

Phil Dodds, manager of Bracknell Leisure Centre, said: "I am pleased so many people took part in the Swimathon and raised money for two good causes."

Bracknell Leisure Centre was one of 500 pools nationwide which took part in Swimathon 2006 - the event's 20th anniversary.

NCH will receive 80 per cent of all sponsorship money, and hopes to raise more than £2million. The charity supports more than 140,000 children and their families every year through nearly 500 projects.

The remaining 20 per cent will be distributed by the Swimathon Foundation which helps small, local charities and not-for-profit organisations which benefit the health and wellbeing of people across the UK.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council