Bracknell

To help get 2007 off to a great start, the Crowthorne & Sandhurst and Bracknell branches of the National Childbirth Trust are joining forces to hold a pamper evening on Saturday 20th January 2007 at Brownlow Memorial Hall in Warfield, Bracknell and we'd love you to join us!

The "Heads Shoulders Nails and Toes" event will be open to anyone and everyone (particularly stressed mums, dads and grandparents!) not just NCT members, across the Bracknell region with local beauty therapists and holistic practitioners on hand to provide treatments to help relieve aching limbs and revitalise body and mind for the new year!

There will be a wide range of treatments available including Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Reflexology (particularly for pregnant women), Aromatherapy massages, manicures, pedicures and mini makeovers! There'll even be a chocolate fountain, so you can forget your new year's resolutions for the night! The ticket price of £7 will include a glass of wine, canapes and a goodie bag laden with lovely treats from local companies. Local crafts people will also be manning gift stalls throughout the evening to be browsed around between treatments.

Tickets are available NOW from, Jo Langdon (Crowthorne & Sandhurst) on 01276 31803 or Eryl Pearcey (Bracknell) on 01344 643221 or by emailing advertising@bracknell-nct.org.uk. All treatments can be booked in advance.

But don't hang about - we're expecting tickets to sell out quickly!

Bracknell National Childbirth Trust

Don't leave anything in your cars was the message that was sent out earlier this month to everyone living, working and visiting Bracknell Forest.

The Bracknell Forest Safer Communities Strategic Partnership joined with Crimestoppers to launch a campaign to catch criminals who break into cars and to prevent motorists from becoming victims over the festive period on Thursday, December 14.

As part of the initiative thousands of leaflets have already been distributed to homes in car-crime hotspots throughout the borough warning drivers to take all electronic equipment including Sat Navs, MP3 players, stereos and mobile phones with them when they park.

High-value electronic goods are known to attract opportunist thieves and with statistics showing 412 vehicles were reported broken in to between April and November, residents are being warned to take every precaution to stop them becoming a victim.

Car-crime hotspots in Bracknell borough are wide spread although statistics show more thefts from cars happened in Easthampstead and Wildridings, Priestwood and Garth, Warfield, Bullbrook, Martins Heron, The Warren and Harmans Water, Great Hollands and Birch Hill and Hanworth between April and November.

Fewer car-crimes were reported in Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Binfield, Winkfield and Owlsmoor although they were not completely crime free.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of leaving all vehicles empty, whether they are parked outside residents homes, at work or in a car park, so the risk of becoming victim is reduced.

It also aims to get people to call Crimestoppers anonymously if they are offered any goods they believe could be stolen so that criminals can be tracked down by the police.

To drive home the message members of the partnership including representatives of Bracknell Council's Safer Communities team, police crime reduction advisors and fire service representatives joined with members of Thames Valley Crimestoppers at a launch earlier this month.

Daphne Obang, Director of Social Services and Housing and Chairman of the Bracknell Forest Safer Communities Strategic Partnership, said: "Opportunist thieves are always on the look-out for high-value goods left in cars and so it is vital all drivers make sure they do not leave anything in their vehicles when they park.

"With electronic goods topping Christmas lists this year it is more likely that drivers could leave something of value in their cars without realising it could attract a passing thief.

"The best way to avoid becoming a potential victim of car crime is to make sure you take everything with you when you park up."

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, added: "The Police, Crimestoppers and the Council all work hard to prevent, reduce and detect crime - but there is only so much they can do. One thing we can all do to help them, and ourselves, is try to remember to leave our cars clear of anything that might attract thieves in the first place.

"We have all heard of a clean desk policy. What we need is a clear car policy, clear of any items or valuables that might increase our chances of becoming a victim of car crime. It only takes a moment when you lock up to check what you have left on view."

Maggie Cannon, Area Manager for Crimestoppers in the Thames Valley, said: "In order to stop vehicles being broken into we need to know who is committing the crime. The Crimestoppers element of the campaign will encourage people to give specific details which will then be passed on to the police for action.

"The main message is 'Car thieves want our valuables, don't make it easy for them'."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Seasons greetings and Christmas cheer came early to Dennis Pilcher House when 33 schoolchildren sang their hearts out at an exclusive carol concert.

Youngsters from Harmans Water Primary School delighted residents of Dennis Pilcher House and Rowley Close on Wednesday, December 13 when they sang a selection of carols and seasonal songs.

The children were watched by residents of the Council-run sheltered home as well as 12 staff and Harmans Water borough councillor and Bracknell Town Mayor Cllr Shelagh Pile.

Christine Stacey, Scheme Manager of Dennis Pilcher House and Rowley Close, said: "We were really overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of all the pupils and staff who came to visit us. The carols were brilliant and everyone really enjoyed listening to them sing their hearts out.

"I'd like to thank all the children and staff at the school for making it such an enjoyable morning."

Bracknell Cllr Shelagh Pile added: "It was lovely to see all the children singing so proudly in front of a really delighted audience."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The luxurious lavatories at The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre are still flushed with success after achieving a four star rating in the Loo of the Year Awards.

It is the 12th consecutive year the centre has been on the award’s roll of honour.

The Bracknell toilets were assessed during unannounced visits by official Loo of the Year Award inspectors. A number of criteria were judged including signage and decoration, fixtures and fittings, and overall standards of cleanliness and management.

The Look Out toilets are fitted with guards on the doors so visitors do not catch their fingers and as people walk into the ladies toilets a puff of perfume is sprayed to keep a fresh and clean smell. There are also excellent baby changing facilities.

The Loo of the Year Awards have been identifying the best in Britain since 1987 and are recognised as the standard-setter for the provision of away from home facilities for staff, customers and visitors.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "Retaining our four star toilets for the 12th year is a great achievement.

"It reflects the importance staff at The Look Out place on making sure every aspect of the centre is top quality.”

The Look Out Discovery Centre is open from 10am - 5pm. As well as the hands-on science exhibition, there is a children’s adventure play area, free car parking, gift shop and coffee shop. Based in 2,600 acres of Crown Estate woodland, there is plenty of space for walks, cycling and orienteering.

For further information, please call The Look Out Discovery Centre on 01344 354400, or visit our website on www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Friends and family who are unable to travel to the Easthampstead Park, Bracknell Cemetery and Crematorium now have the ability to watch funeral services online.

A digital camera fixed unobtrusively at the rear of the main chapel can broadcast services via the internet to computers across the world, which can be accessed through a secure password-protected website.

Mourners in Australia and New Zealand have already been able to observe services from Easthampstead Park, and it could also benefit people who may be housebound or unable to travel within the UK. The service has already received positive reviews from people who have already watched the services.

It costs £60, and there is unlimited access for families and friends to watch online for a week after the service. CD and DVD recordings can also be purchased if requested. The camera can see the catafalque, minister or officiant and the majority of those in the congregation.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: This new service allows friends and family who are unable to attend a funeral the chance to pay their last respects.

With more and more people moving to other parts of the country and around the world, the ability to show funerals online enhances the range of services available at Easthampstead Park.”

For more information on Easthampstead Park cemetery and crematorium, visit the Easthampstead Park web pages or call 01344 420314.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

More than 150 members of Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s staff will be at work or on call to maintain essential services over Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The vast majority of Bracknell Christmas workers come from the Social Services and Housing department, where 111 staff will be ensuring vital care services continue. People in the Council’s long term and respite care homes, and residents dependent on social services support in their own homes, will continue to receive care throughout Christmas and New Year. There are also on call social workers to react to emergencies.

Bracknell Council’s 24-hour Forestcare emergency response team will also work throughout the Christmas period. They provide the response to sheltered housing and community alarms held by residents across Bracknell Forest, Maidenhead and district, Wokingham and Reading. They will also help any of the council's tenants if something has gone wrong at home, for example if there is no running water or the heating breaks down.

The Council's leisure facilities will have security and maintenance personnel working throughout the Christmas and New Year period, and highways will react to adverse weather or any major incidents

Staff and contractors will be working at Downshire Golf Complex or the Bracknell Longshot Lane civic amenity site which are both open on Boxing Day.

Additionally, the Council’s emergency response officers will maintain on call cover throughout the festive and New Year period to react to any major incidents.

Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "I would like to thank all the Council officers who will be working or on call over the Christmas period.

"While many of us are enjoying the festivities at home with our friends and families, staff from our Social Services and Housing department will be making sure people who rely on our care can have the best Christmas possible.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Downside Resource Centre, Bracknell was decked out with tinsel, turkey and Christmas cheer when more than 70 clients took part in the annual festive party last week.

The Bracknell Wildridings based day centre was bursting with festivities on Thursday afternoon when Christmas came early full of delicious festive goodies, games and music.

Clients enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner as part of a three-course meal and were served by members of staff who were all in fancy dress.

Jane Brown, Manager of Downside Resource Centre, said: "It was a fantastic afternoon - everyone really got into the Christmas spirit.

"We hold a Christmas party every year and it seems to be getting more and more popular. I think many of the clients had a little giggle at all the staff dressed up in different outfits."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, said: "Our day centres provide some great entertainment for residents and the Christmas parties are always a big success.

"Our staff pull out all the stops to make sure clients have an enjoyable time and it was nice to see the Downside staff even went the extra mile by dressing up in all manner of costumes."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Older residents can now tell Bracknell Forest Borough Council what care and support services they'd like to see provided to make their lives better.

The views of older Bracknell residents and people nearing retirement age will be a crucial part of how the Council develops and modernises care services and support over the next five years.

To find out what people want to see provided Bracknell Council has started a borough wide consultation called Growing Older, Making Choices, asking for ideas about what residents would like to see changed, improved or kept the same.

The consultation is part of the Social Services and Housing department's Commissioning Strategy for Older People - which aims to get people from all over the borough as well as health, voluntary, community care and senior citizens groups involved in shaping care and support services.

It also will aim to reach residents of a black or ethnic minority background - to see what their aspirations are.

Some residents have already been asked for their input via a survey while others were asked at the Voice of Experience Conference in November. But there is still the opportunity for people to tell the Council directly what they'd like to see changed or improved when the wider consultation starts in January.

Daphne Obang, Director of Bracknell Social Services and Housing, said: "Getting the views of residents who use or may use our services in the future is extremely important in shaping and developing what care and support is on offer.

"We want to make sure that we are providing services not only that people need but actually want and this is a crucial part of that process."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, added: "As people grow older it is more likely they may need to use some of the services the Council provides. We need to make sure that what we are providing is what older people really want and is not being provided just to meet some distant dictat.

"The views of older residents will be extremely important in helping us develop our health and care services in the future and I urge anyone who hasn't put their ideas forward to have their say when the consultation starts in January.

"We are committed to providing a modern care and support service for all our residents and this consultation will greatly assist us in fully understanding the needs of our community."

Residents can request telephone or home interviews from Bracknell council officers to put their views across by calling (01344) 352000.

A Growing Older, Making Choices feedback form is also available to fill in online at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/growingolder

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Leisure Centre is celebrating its 40th anniversary by offering a 40 per cent discount on some of its most popular activities.

In the remaining weekends of December Bracknell visitors can take part in discounted table tennis, swimming, badminton and squash - subject to availability.

The centre opened at the end of 1966 - the year England won the world cup - to serve residents in Bracknell new town, charging an entrance fee of 6d; and 40 years later it sees more than 750,000 people coming through its doors every year.

The site was given by the Bracknell Development Corporation to Easthampstead Rural District Council in 1959. An outdoor grandstand and changing rooms opened in September 1963.

The centre cost the rural district council £132,885 to build - more than the expected cost of £120,000 - and despite questions over whether it would be finished in time, it opened its doors in November as planned.

The original centre had just two halls and changing rooms. It was used for everything from wrestling and karate courses to teenage dances and discos. It even hosted concerts by acts including Slade and Genesis.

Today’s Bracknell Leisure Centre has seen a number of extensions, and now provides three halls, an exercise studio, gym, three indoor swimming pools, spa, four squash courts, eight badminton courts, a crèche, retail outlets and function rooms.

The centre’s halls are now used for everything from exhibitions, conferences and live shows to the Comedy Christmas Dinners and school holiday activities.

The centre was officially opened by Denis Howell MP - the then minister for sport - on Saturday, September 9, 1967, who was accompanied by Cllr Kathleen Dancy - chairman of Easthampstead Rural District Council - which has since evolved into Bracknell Forest Borough Council. Mr Howell hailed it as ‘years ahead of its time’.

Centre Manager Phil Dodds said: "If Bracknell Leisure Centre was years ahead of its time in the 1960s it has certainly kept up with the pace and is still providing superb facilities for Bracknell Forest residents.

"It is one of the south east’s top leisure centres offering an impressive range of facilities. There really is something for everyone.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "One of the Centre’s main strengths over the years has been its ability to flex and respond to the changing requirements our community. Forty years on it remains in the premier league of leisure provision here in the South East.

"I recommend everyone to come along to the centre and see what services it can offer to you."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Nearly a quarter of Bracknell Forest’s adults currently take part in the recommended amount of exercise every week - making the borough’s residents some of the most physically active in the country - according to new figures.

The Sport England Active People survey, carried out by Ipsos Mori, interviewed 1,000 people in every local authority in the country to find out the national picture of participation in sport and active recreation.

The survey showed that 24 per cent of Bracknell Forest’s adult population currently reach Sport England’s recommended three half-hour sessions per week of exercise. The figure is above the national average and compares favourably to other councils in the south east.

Increasing levels of physical activity is a core objective for Sport England, and the specific aim of the survey was to provide reliable data based on a representative sample of the population.

Bracknell Council is keen to increase the number of people taking part in sport and regular exercise in the borough, and wants to meet Sport England’s target of a one per cent increase in participation every year. It already runs six leisure facilities and works in partnership with voluntary sports clubs and schools to encourage residents to lead active lifestyles.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "Health and well-being forms an important part of our work at the Council, and clearly the more people taking part in physical activity the better. We all know that taking part in physical activity is better for an individual’s health, their families, the community and the health service.

"Although our residents are relatively good, the Council is committed to providing quality opportunities to allow more people to lead active lives.

"There are many different ways of getting involved in physical activity and we encourage local residents to visit the borough’s facilities to see what is available. Our excellent sport and leisure centres in Bracknell, Edgbarrow and Sandhurst provide a wide range of activities such as swimming, weight training, keep fit and five-a-side football. However, for residents who prefer more informal recreation then The Look Out is an excellent place to go walking, running or cycling. There are plenty of opportunities to take part in sport and active recreation in Bracknell Forest and I would encourage local residents to get involved now.”

For details about Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s leisure facilities visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be or call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest residents who have a learning disability will be able to take control of their own lifestyle and support if a new scheme is given the go-ahead on Tuesday (December 12).

Members of the Bracknell Council's Executive will consider adopting a scheme called In Control this week to give residents with learning disabilities more freedom to choose how they would like to live their lives.

If it is approved the programme will make it easier for people with a learning disability to determine services they want rather than being told what services they need by Bracknell Council.

It works by each person being allocated a sum of money for their support - which is based on individual needs and circumstances.

People will be supported to develop a plan which says how they wish to use the money to keep them safe and follow the lifestyle of their choice

Checks by the Council will be in place to make sure the money is spent legally and in ways that keep the person safe. There are a number of ways for people to receive the money and arrange their services.

If given the go-ahead by councillors implementation will start in January. It will then gradually be introduced to more than 350 people living in the borough who have a learning disability.

More than 80 other local authorities in the UK have introduced In Control including Wigan Council - which piloted the scheme after mother-of- three Caroline Tomlinson asked for control over her son Joe's support and care.

Mrs Tomlinson, who has already shared her experiences with a group of people with learning difficulties living in the Bracknell borough to outline the benefits, said: "Joe's now living his own life. He's much happier and is doing what he wants to do.

"We were offered help before but it wasn't really the kind of help we wanted. We felt grateful for any kind of help that we got but it wasn't really working for Joe or us as a family.

"With In Control he is able to go to college, he does a voluntary job once a week and he uses a local gym and goes swimming. He's now doing what he wants to do and is fully supported, which works better for all of us."

The system will also have a positive impact on the Council's ability to budget for supporting vulnerable people as it will know how much each person needs each year - rather than commissioning services as and when they are needed.

Daphne Obang, Director of Bracknell Social Services and Housing, said: "In Control will give residents with a learning disability the opportunity to have more freedom choosing the right support package for them.

"It will be tailor-made and crafted by them to reflect their needs, and aspirations so they can live the life they want, just like the rest of us."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, added: "In Control is a way of the Council providing a much more modern service to some of our most vulnerable residents.

"By having their own individual budget for care and support it will give them the freedom to chose how they are supported rather than the Council telling them what they can and cannot have."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Six people have been arrested following an incident in Great Hollands, Bracknell, yesterday afternoon (13/12).

At 4.30pm, police were called to reports of a group of youths fighting outside the shops in Great Hollands Square, Bracknell. During the incident, two youths entered the nearby Great Hollands Health Centre and created a disturbance.

An off-duty police officer who was at the scene intervened to stop the disorder and was assaulted several times with a weapon, believed to be a baseball bat. He sustained facial injuries, including a possible broken nose, as well as bruising to his back and shoulder.

Two 18-year-old men, a 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested yesterday (13/12), and a 23-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested today (14/12) on suspicion of various offences, including assault on a police officer, affray, wounding and public order. All four remain in police custody at this time.

Ch Insp Rob Povey, commander of Bracknell Forest local police area, said: “We will not tolerate incidents of this nature. Apart from the injuries suffered by one of our officers, the disorder caused fear and distress to those who witnessed it.

“A number of officers, including a dog handler, attended the scene within a few minutes. Following the six arrests, our inquiries continue today.

“I would like to reassure residents that we will respond swiftly and robustly to any further incidents. As well as normal uniformed patrols, our neighbourhood officers will be patrolling the area as part of Operation Lascar, the continuing initiative to prevent anti-social behaviour across Bracknell Forest.

“I would appeal to members of the public who have not already spoken to police to come forward with information about yesterday’s incident. You can talk to officers on patrol, or call Det Sgt Sarah Austin on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police and would prefer to remain anonymous, you can provide information in confidence by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A spokesman for Berkshire East Primary Care Trust (PCT) said: “We are shocked and saddened by yesterday’s incident at Great Hollands Health Centre and we are co-operating fully with the police investigation.

“The PCT will be offering appropriate help to the staff and patients affected by the incident, and we are reviewing security at the Health Centre.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Refuse and recycling collections will be changing over the festive period due to the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

At Christmas, Bracknell residents who would normally receive a collection on a Monday should place their refuse or recycling at the kerbside on Saturday, December 23, as there are no collections on Christmas Day. Other residents will have their refuse collected one day late - between Wednesday and Saturday.

All residents will have their refuse or recycling collected one day late after New Year’s Day - between Tuesday and Saturday.

All Bracknell households will receive a clear plastic bag for extra cardboard or wrapping paper which won’t fit in their kerbside box. This can be left at the kerbside with your other recyclables for collection. Please don’t separate recyclables with shopping bags.

Christmas trees will be collected with the normal garden waste collection from the kerbside but please don’t let them obstruct the pavement.

The Council will accept excess waste in black sacks at the kerbside with your first landfill collection after Christmas only. It is important that residents continue to recycle as much as reasonably possible.

Additional refuse and recycling can be taken to the Longshot Lane civic amenity site, Bracknell which is open from 8am to 6pm and is only closed on Christmas Day.

New figures show the total recycling in Bracknell Forest in October - the first month of the new alternate bin collection scheme - was a record 40 per cent.

Kerbside collections of cans and plastic and garden waste have more than doubled - compared to October last year - and there has been a substantial increase in the amount of card and paper recycled. The amount of refuse sent to landfill has dropped by 44 per cent from 2,613.5 tonnes to 1,820 tonnes.

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, said: "Everyone has responded superbly to the challenge that faced us all. Recycling rates have gone through the roof and this should ensure that the huge Government fines that we were facing can be avoided.

"I am extremely grateful to everyone who has made this extra effort and in particular to those who have making this effort for so long already and set us all the example to follow.

”I wish you all a great time during the festive season but please watch out for the details of the Bank Holiday collection date changes and do not get caught out by them.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Police are appealing for witnesses to a theft where a purse was snatched from a woman’s hand.

The 77-year old victim had just collected her pension from the Post Office, in Windlesham Road, Priestwood, Bracknell and was walking home along a short-cut through Meadow Vale County Junior School, in Moordale Avenue, when she was attacked.

A man suddenly ran past the victim from behind and snatched the purse from her left hand before running off towards Priestwood Avenue.

The incident happened between 9am and 9.20am on Thursday (7/12) and the purse contained £675 and the victim’s bus pass.

PC Richard Probert, from Bracknell police station, said: “The victim was not physically hurt but she has been visibly shaken by her ordeal and is understandably distraught.

“I would appeal for anyone with any information to contact me urgently.”

Anyone with any information should contact PC Probert, at Bracknell, via 0845 8 505 505.

Alternatively, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Residents are urged to give their views about what Bracknell Forest Borough Council spends on its services in the coming financial year (2007/08).

The Council is publishing an online survey, as well as all its budget proposals in detail, on its website for comment and scrutiny.

Approximately £190 million a year is spent on day-to-day council services, £60 million of this being financed through council tax and charges for services. The council tax in Bracknell Forest is currently the lowest of any comparable area in England.

However, the Council is facing significant pressures on its budget in the coming year, well above the rate of inflation. These include:

# Increasing demand in services for children and adults with learning disabilities - this is a trend across the country;
# Increased demand and costs around supporting older people to live in their homes;
# Increased costs of waste disposal and landfill tax.

At the same time, the grant provided by the Government to the Council in the coming year is less than expected and significantly below the rate of inflation.

Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Council, said: We continue to lobby the Government for a better deal for Bracknell Forest residents.

In the meantime, we have some difficult decisions to make and we want to hear from our residents to make sure we reflect their views when we come to make these decisions.”

In the past the Council has increased council tax up to the Government set limit of 5% and used money available in its reserves to minimise the impact on its services.

If Bracknell Council uses the same approach next year it would need to find savings of around £2.5million (which is 4%) to balance its budget.

Savings of £1.6 million have already been identified, focusing on efficiency savings and taking out back office costs.

Residents can visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk.to view the detailed budget proposals and to take part in the online consultation survey. Copies of the full budget proposals will also be available at Council offices and libraries.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Mayor Cllr Clifton Thompson collects fro Age Concern Bracknell ForestGenerous shoppers dug deep in their pockets on Saturday when the Mayor of the borough of Bracknell Forest held a charity collection day in Sandhurst.

Mayor of Bracknell Forest Cllr Clifton Thompson and Mayoress Mrs Sue Thompson spent the day collecting cash for Age Concern Bracknell Forest outside The Meadows shopping centre alongside other councillors and charity representatives.

To spread Christmas cheer at the annual collection day children from Broadmoor Primary School delighted shoppers with recitals of carols in the morning while pupils from Easthampstead Park School took over in the afternoon.

More than £700 was raised for Cllr Thompson's chosen charity at the collection day which will be used by Age Concern Bracknell Forest to support and help some of the borough's most vulnerable people.

Cllr Thompson, said: "I'm pleased that so many people supported my chosen charity on Saturday. It was lovely to meet lots of people and to see them giving so generously to Age Concern Bracknell Forest.

"The children were delightful to watch and really made the event very festive - I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped out, gave a donation, or performed in the recital because it really was a very successful day."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Motorists doing their Bracknell Christmas shopping will be warned not to give thieves an early Christmas present this yuletide.

Bracknell Forest's Safer Communities Partnership is teaming up with Crimestoppers to make sure that thieves are not given the opportunity to help themselves to valuable presents and personal items left in cars parked in the borough.

The campaign will be launched on Thursday, December 14, as Christmas shopping starts to reach its peak.

The partnership, which includes the Council and police, and Crimestoppers will be spreading the word that absolutely nothing should be left in parked cars this Christmas time or else motorists risk having their vehicle broken into and ransacked by criminals.

High value electrical goods like Sat Navs, mobile phones, MP3 players, and laptops are especially attractive to thieves and so the campaign will strive to tell people to take these items with them when they leave their vehicle.

Thousands of leaflets will be sent to Bracknell households in the next few weeks to drive home the campaign.

It also hopes to encourage people to call Crimestoppers if they have been offered anything they suspect is stolen - information left with the charity can be crucial in stamping out car crime and can be left anonymously.

Ian Boswell, Safer Communities Manger, said: "Christmas is a time when thieves are on the look out for high-value goods left in cars and we want to make sure everyone in Bracknell Forest takes the necessary steps to avoid being a victim of this crime.

"The message is simply that drivers should not leave anything in their cars at all as an opportunist thief could strike at any time."

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, added: "The Police, Crimestoppers and the Council all work hard to prevent, reduce and detect crime - but there is only so much they can do. One thing we can all do to help them, and ourselves, is try to remember to leave our cars clear of anything that might attract thieves in the first place.

"We have all heard of a clean desk policy. What we need is a clear car policy, clear of any items or valuables that might increase our chances of becoming a victim of car crime. It only takes a moment when you lock up to check what you have left on view."

Maggie Cannon, Area Manager for Crimestoppers in the Thames Valley, said: "In order to stop vehicles being broken into we need to know who is committing the crime. The Crimestoppers element of the campaign will encourage people to give specific details which will then be passed on to the police for action.

"The main message is 'Car thieves want our valuables, don't make it easy for them'."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s Environment and Leisure overview and scrutiny panel is taking to the road, to be closer to customers and the services it represents.

Their next meeting, on Monday, December 18, will be held in the Forest Suite at Bracknell Leisure Centre, rather than the Council Chamber at Easthampstead House. The councillors will be taken on a tour of the centre before the meeting.

The agenda includes a review of the department’s work - which includes the leisure centres, planning applications and refuse and recycling collections. Panel members will also discuss the department's draft budget proposals.

Overview and scrutiny panels are designed to hold the Council leadership to account, on behalf of members of the public. Its members do not sit on the Council’s executive.

Cllr John Harrison, chairman of the Bracknell Environment and Leisure overview and scrutiny panel, said: "I am looking forward to taking the panel to the heart of one of our leisure centres.

"Some of the items on the agenda include the operation of leisure services, so I hope some of our customers will come along and see local democracy in action.”

The meeting starts at 7.45pm, members of the public are invited to attend. Copies of the agenda can be found at the leisure centre’s reception and from www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Delicious Christmas puddings have been going down a treat at Heathlands, Bracknell this festive season to raise money for the centre's entertainment programme.

Service users and staff at the Bracknell Forest Borough Council run day centre and residential home have been causing a real stir with the popular puds which have now become an annual Christmas tradition.

The reputation of the tasty puddings reached new heights this year when orders from residents started to pour into the Wildridings-based centre in early September - two months before they were even prepared.

All the money from the sale of the puddings go towards providing extra entertainment for service users of Heathlands like the Caribbean theme party which has been held for the past two summers.

Linda Parsons, Manager of Heathlands, said: "Everyone enjoys making the Christmas puddings and they have become really popular. This year we even had people asking to reserve one in the summer!

"Making the puddings really puts everyone in the festive mood and it is a great way of us making a little bit more money so we can put on some really fantastic entertainment in the summer months."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, added: "The Christmas puddings made by everyone at Heathlands are simply delicious and I'm not surprised staff were taking orders way back in the summer I have ordered mine already.

"I know the staff at Heathlands work very hard to make sure everyone has a great time at Christmas and I thank them and all our care staff across the borough for their commitment and wish them and everyone at Heathlands a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Hundreds of children from Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s primary schools performed their annual Christmas carol concert at the weekend (Sunday December 3) at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

Almost 350 primary-aged children sang Christmas carols and other festive songs accompanied by a youth orchestra made up of students from Berkshire Maestros, formerly Berkshire Young Musicians Trust.

This year around 600 people attended the sell-out concert which was organised by the Council and produced by Mary Sefton, Music Advisory Teacher.

The audience joined in with all the songs which included The First Nowell, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Once in Royal David’s City, You Can't Dodge the Census, No Room at the Inn and White Christmas.

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Education and Libraries welcomed the audience which included Cllr Clifton Thompson, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest and other local councillors.

Cllr Ward said: "For many of us the carol concert marks the start of Christmas in Bracknell Forest and I'd like to say thank you to all the children who took part for their excellent performance.

"Music is an important part of the curriculum in our schools and this concert showed that we have many talented young musicians in Bracknell Forest."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Residents are being warned to take care while using their electric blankets this winter.

In a recent electric blanket test run by Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s trading standards team, 71 blankets were tested, and 40 passed with no faults. Six were found to have minor faults and were repaired free of charge, while 25 blankets were found to have major faults and were condemned. One of the blankets tested was more than 50 years old.

Nationally, there are about 1,000 fires every year which are caused by electric blankets, leading to about 20 deaths and 250 injuries.

Electric blankets should be laid flat, securely tied to the bed, with leads and control switches hanging freely and not scorched or wet or tangled in blankets or sheets.

Additionally, the blankets should be regularly checked to make sure there are no frayed edges or loose electrical connections. They should also be stored according to the manufacturers instructions. Please make sure blankets made to only pre-warm the bed are switched off and unplugged before getting in.

Electric blankets should be tested at least every three years by a qualified electrician. It may be worth asking the manufacturer if they test the blankets and how much it would cost.

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, said: "This message is aimed at saving lives. The recent testing has proven that a lot of people have blankets that are dangerous or need replacing. If in doubt, either don’t use them or get them tested.

”If you know someone who uses an electric blanket, even occasionally, but who may not have seen this message, please talk to them. If you can help them to get their blanket safety checked, we can all sleep a little more safely this winter.”

For consumer advice, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/tradingstandards or call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Trading standards officers in Bracknell Forest are warning residents in the run up to Christmas to be wary of a scam which encourages people to call a premium phone line.

Cards which bear the logo PDS Parcel Delivery Services, are being delivered to Bracknell homes. They have been designed to look like a card a reputable company might issue about claiming delivery of a parcel.

In this case a company is claiming to be awaiting instructions to arrange a delivery and requests the recipient to call the telephone number to obtain a security confirmation code.

The telephone number - 0906 6611911 - is linked to a recorded message which will cost £15.

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

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, said: "This is a despicable con to play on people at any time but at Christmas it is somehow worse still. Don’t phone premium rate telephone numbers unless you are absolutely certain about what you are doing.

"If you get one of these PDS cards through your door, do not call the number shown, just destroy it."

If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655 or ICSTIS via www.icstis.org.uk

For general consumer advice and information, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/tradingstandards or call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The Mayor of Bracknell Forest will be spreading Christmas cheer while asking generous shoppers to dig deep in their pockets for charity at a collection day in Sandhurst next week.

Cllr Clifton Thompson will be hosting a charity collection day at The Meadows on Saturday, December 9, for Age Concern Bracknell Forest.

Bracknell Shoppers will also be treated to a host of musical delights when school children from Cranbourne and Broadmoor primary schools perform a recital in the morning and pupils from Easthampstead Park School perform in the afternoon to get everyone in the festive spirit.

Cllr Thompson, said: "The charity collection day will provide a great opportunity to really boost funds for Age Concern Bracknell Forest.

"Christmas is a time for giving and with that in mind I hope many people think about giving at the charity collection day to this wonderful charity which provides help and support to many of the borough's vulnerable residents."

Nina Wilmott, Chief Officer of Age Concern Bracknell Forest, added: "We rely greatly on the generosity of the public to run services which make a big difference to older people living in Bracknell Forest.

"I hope that everyone who sees Cllr Thompson and his team shaking their charity tins at The Meadows on the collection day gives whatever they can - we would really appreciate any donation."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

LocalView provides relevant Bracknell information for where you live

A new feature on the Bracknell Forest Borough Council website can give you detailed local information on local services at the touch of a button.

By simply entering your house number and address or postcode, Bracknell LocalView can tell you about:

• What day refuse and recycling is collected, and which bin to put out for emptying.

• Who your borough councillors are.

• Details of the nearest leisure facilities.

• Information on other local services and amenities including doctors, cinemas and transport links.

The system, accessible through the council's website under Where You Live, uses sophisticated mapping technology - known as Geographic Information Systems - to find relevant information localised to your road or house.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: LocalView is a one stop shop for Bracknell Forest residents to find out important information tailored exactly to where they live.

To find anything from the local recycling site, to the nearest library, just log on to LocalView and follow the instructions.”

All this and more can be found at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/whereyoulive

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest's adult social care services have made important improvements over the past year but progress needs to be made at a faster pace, according to inspectors.

A report by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) found Bracknell Council was serving some people well with a promising capacity to improve. It awarded the Council a rating of one star out of a possible three.

Inspectors praised a number of the Council's services in the report including dementia care which is supporting more people at home, targeted training for support staff working with residents who have HIV or Aids, intensive home care treatment so older people do not have to go into residential homes and an increase in direct payment take-up.

However they said some areas needed greater improvement and highlighted that the Council's adult social care services were not reaching or actively enough seeking to reach people of a black or ethnic minority background.

Although there has been a marked increase in the take up of Direct Payments, whereby users are enabled to purchase their own packages, inspectors would like to see even greater take up in Bracknell Forest, as evidence the borough is taking a modern approach to services for older people. However, most Council services show an improvement on last year and are offering a better service.

The report said: "Overall the Council has made some sound and important improvement in its performance compared to last year, and the challenge for the Council's leaders is now to accelerate the pace of improvement and modernisation."

Daphne Obang, Director of Bracknell Social Services and Housing, said: "The inspectors recognised a lot of work has gone on in the department over the last year and that we have plans in place to make sure these improvements continue.

"We know we have to make more improvements and as a Council we are committed to modernising adult social care services. We had already identified key issues raised in the report and have plans and strategies in place to deal with many of them."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, added: I am pleased the inspectors found we had made sound and important improvements in providing modern adult social care services this year

"We know we face a challenge to modernise all services given current funding regimes and increases in demand. It is impossible to change these services over-night as they are delivered to some of our most vulnerable residents and their carers. It is important to recognise that we have a dedicated team of staff who work hard to provide a good service to all our residents.

"We are committed to modernising these services even further if that modernisation is in the best interests of our clients and their carers."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

More than 40 members of staff will be presented with awards to celebrate 20 years serving the residents of Bracknell Forest.

In 1986 - the year they starting working for the Berkshire local authorities - Jackie Wilson enjoyed the Christmas number one with Reet Petite, a ‘hand of God’ helped Argentina on the way to winning the Mexico world cup and Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson in Westminster Abbey.

The Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Clifton Thompson, will present the staff with certificates and gifts of their choice, during a special ceremony in the Council Chamber in Easthampstead House on Tuesday, December 5.

Also in attendance will be Chief Executive Timothy Wheadon, Council directors, union representatives and headteachers and governors. The aim of the awards ceremony is to congratulate staff and thank them for their hard work over the years for Bracknell Forest Borough Council or the now disbanded Berkshire County Council.

Tony Madden, Borough Human Resources Manager, said: "Each of these staff members has given a lot to the ongoing work of both this Council and to Berkshire over the last two decades. This ceremony is designed to celebrate that dedication.”

Cllr Thompson said: "These members of staff have shown real commitment over the last 20 years, so I am extremely proud to be able to congratulate them and reward them with certificates for all their efforts."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest's older citizens feel the safest in the borough and worry the least about crime according to a new report.

A survey about the perception of crime and safety in Bracknell Forest, commissioned by the Bracknell Forest Safer Communities Partnership, found over 65s living in the borough felt the safest in their environment and did not feel particularly threatened.

The low-level of crime-related fear among Bracknell Forest's older residents bucks the national trend - which suggests younger residents usually feel the safest walking the streets and living in their own homes.

More than 1,000 residents completed the survey which will eventually seek to reassure all residents that Bracknell Forest is a low crime area and a safe place to live, work and visit.

The survey focused on four specific areas of Bracknell Forest; Harmans Water, Martins Heron and The Warren, Priestwood and Garth, Great Hollands and Little Sandhurst and Wellington to establish what residents fear of crime and safety was.

The survey found older residents worried the least about drug dealers and sellers, being routinely troubled by their neighbours, having their property damaged or vandalised, and children being hurt, attacked or abducted in public places.

They also have a low fear of being physically attacked and insulted or verbally abused.

Overall tenants and single parents worried the most about crime in Bracknell Forest. According to experts this fear is disproportionate to the actual crime rate which has dropped by around 6.8 per cent.

Professor Kevin Stenson from Middlesex University, who co-wrote the report with, Dr Nadia Wager from Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, said: "Younger people feel less safe in Bracknell Forest than older people which is quite different from other places but this may have something to do with the sense of social cohesion that many older people feel in Bracknell Forest."

Dr Wager added: "Older people have the least concern about such matters. Amongst others, however, the actual perception of crime is much, much higher than the reality of crime."

The biggest crime worry among Bracknell Forest residents was drug dealing/ selling with 37 percent of men, 37 per cent of women, 49 per cent of tenants, 31 per cent of older people and 52 per cent of single parents claiming they were worried about it.

Daphne Obang, Director of Social Services and Housing and chair of the partnership, said: "People perceive that the borough is not as safe as it actually is. We do not have a high crime rate in Bracknell Forest at all, yet residents are still very worried about crime.

"This fear is disproportionate to the actual crime rate which shows crime overall in the borough is dropping. We want to reassure everyone that Bracknell Forest is a safe place to live and work and this survey is the first step in achieving that."

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Public Protection and Services, added: "We live in a very safe part of the country but some people have a raised fear of crime or believe the risks to be much higher than they really are. This can affect how people feel and their quality of life.

"We will be working with others to make sure our residents realise just what a safe area they live in and reduce some of the unfounded concerns they have while addressing any real causes for concern."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council