Bracknell

Bracknell Forest residents who raise their local concerns at neighbourhood forums are seeing how it can make a real difference to their communities.

The latest round of forums will take place in all of the Bracknell borough's 14 neighbourhoods, starting on October 1.

The forums are organised by neighbourhood action groups, Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Thames Valley Police. They give residents an effective voice and increased influence over what happens where they live.

Issues raised are picked up by the neighbourhood action group, who work with the Council, police and other partners to take action wherever possible.

The forums have been running in Bracknell Forest for two years, and their successes include:

Binfield

The speed limit in Tilehurst Lane is set to be cut from 40mph to 30mph next year after Binfield neighbourhood action group worked with the Council's highways team and the police to collect speed evidence and assess different options.

Priestwood and Garth

The neighbourhood action group asked local Take Pride volunteers to run a local litter pick. The Council supplied the equipment and arranged for the nine sacks of rubbish to be collected.

Crowthorne

Local neighbourhood action group members suggested that a film night was held for teenagers. Local police community support officer Ivana Houska organised the event and arranged sponsorship and donations from businesses.

Sandhurst, Owlsmoor and College Town

SpeedWatch is running in three communities in the south of Bracknell Forest using portable speed indication devices to measure traffic speeds. At a recent session at the Maybrick Road and A34 junction, more than 85 vehicles were found to be breaking the speed limit.

Great Hollands

The recycling banks in Great Hollands Square are being emptied more often, following a request from the local neighbourhood action group.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "Our neighbourhood action groups, of which there are 14 across the borough, are a vital component, a voice if you will, of our community, made up as they are of residents, borough and town or parish councillors, Council officers and the police.

"As an authority we have always listened to our residents concerns and when the Binfield NAG research identified there was a need to reduce the speed limit in Tilehurst Lane we were happy to support the initiative.

"I would like to take this opportunity to invite residents to join their NAG or come to their neighbourhood forums and express their views and concerns."

For more information about neighbourhood forums and action groups, call 01344 352000 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums

Neighbourhood forum dates are:

Binfield neighbourhood forum

Thursday, October 11, 7.30pm - Binfield Primary School.

Birch Hill and Hanworth neighbourhood forum

Wednesday, October 10, 7.30pm - Birch Hill Primary School.

Bullbrook neighbourhood forum

Monday, November 12, 7.30pm - Holly Spring Junior School.

Central Sandhurst and Little Sandhurst neighbourhood forum

Tuesday, October 2, 7.30pm - Sandhurst Town Council.

Crown Wood and Forest Park neighbourhood forum

Monday, October 15, 7.30 pm - Crown Wood Primary School.

Crowthorne neighbourhood forum

Tuesday, November 27, 7.30pm - Crowthorne Parish Hall.

Easthampstead and Wildridings neighbourhood forum

Thursday, November 29, 7.30pm - Easthampstead Baptist Church.

Great Hollands neighbourhood forum

Saturday, November 3, 10am - Great Hollands Primary School.

Martins Heron, The Warren and Harmans Water neighbourhood forum

Monday, October 29, 7.30pm - Martins Heron Community Centre (change from the advertised time).

Owlsmoor and College Town neighbourhood forum

Tuesday, November 13, 7.30pm - Owlsmoor Primary School.

Priestwood and Garth neighbourhood forum

Wednesday, October 17, 7.30pm - Priestwood Community Centre.

Town centre neighbourhood forum

Monday, October 8, 6pm - St Josephs Church Hall.

Warfield neighbourhood forum

Saturday, October 6, 10am - Whitegrove Youth and Community Centre.

Winkfield, Cranbourne and North Ascot neighbourhood forum

Tuesday, October 9, 7.30pm - Ascot Heath Junior School.

Bracknell Forest Borough