Bracknell

There are a wide range of activities being run for children in the Easter holidays by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

At Bracknell Leisure Centre there are tweeny tumblers, lifeguard and other swimming courses, teen cycling and balance sessions, trampolining, gymnastics, multi-sports and fun sessions - among others.

The ever popular Chelsea FC's soccer schools will be back. They are open to children aged five to 14 and includes lunch.

For the more daring, the Karting Kapers activity is returning, for children aged four-to-five and six-to-nine-years-old. Participants can drive battery powered karts on a indoor track.

Edgbarrow Sports Centre is running its Foxy's Fun Camp for children aged three-to-six-years-old and Club 7-11 for older children. Children can attend all day or just the morning or afternoon sessions.

There are also have-a-go sessions for children to try a specific sport and learn about it in greater depth. They are in trampolining, archery and gymnastics and can be treated as a separate activity or added on at the end of the day.

For more details call Bracknell Leisure Centre on 01344 454203, Edgbarrow Sports Centre on 01344 776211 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Meanwhile, Bracknell Council's Countryside Rangers are holding three events to teach children about the natural world.

On Tuesday, April 3, at 2pm, there is a Natural Art session in Westmorland Park in Warfield, which includes making plaster casts and collages from natural and locally sourced materials.

On Thursday, April 12, at 2pm, Wizards and Fairies is taking place at Hayley Green Wood, in Westmorland Park, where children can venture into a woodland glade and make magic wands, willow wings and whizzing broomsticks.

Finally, on Saturday, April 14, learn about the wildlife of Ambarrow Court, Sandhurst, in a carriage drawn by the Council's shire horses, Bracken and Bramble.

Pre-booking is essential for the events organised by the rangers, for more details call 01344 354400 or 354441.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: 'The Council runs a superb range of activities to keep young people entertained throughout the school holidays.

'Whether it is being active at our leisure centres or finding out more about the natural world, it is guaranteed fun for Easter.'

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Monday 2nd April - Friday 6th April. 11.00am - 1pm, 2.00pm - 4pm daily

Half-term fun in Bracknell Town Centre: Parents and children alike can get creative this Easter with a little help from the popular Makendoo workshops, held twice daily, on the first floor of Princess Square. Open to all, these activities arranged by Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP) provide fun for the whole family. There's lots to choose from, including making and decorating Easter themed cards, eggs, bonnets, Easter chicks or bunnies.

You can 'Makendoo' as many times as you like, so for hassle-free entertainment for the kids this half- term, bring them to Bracknell.

Plus pick up an entry form from Makendoo for the Bracknell Easter Treasure Hunt - every entry wins an Easter treat, and correct entries go into a prize draw to win one of three full sizes Easter eggs!

A responsible adult must supervise children at all times.

Bracknell Regeneration Partnership

The 2007 Bracknell Flowers Your Gardens gardening competition has been launched by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

The competition, generously sponsored by Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP), will be open for entries from Friday, March 30, with a range of categories to suit all gardeners and prizes to turn your fingers green.

By taking part in the competition, residents are also supporting Bracknell Flowers, Bracknell's entry into the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom competition. Bracknell Forest has been a regional winner in this competition for four years in a row now and last year received special commendation for its community involvement.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: 'Last year's Your Gardens competition saw some extremely strong entries including many focussing on water conservation. For me this demonstrated that whatever the weather, our gardens can still be extremely successful.'

Steve McKenna, Landscape Manager, said: 'This competition aims to recognise the efforts that residents have made to enhance the local area. All entrants are invited to an awards ceremony in September to celebrate the hard work they have put in and they have the satisfaction of knowing that their gardens are supporting the Britain in Bloom entry too.'

Helen Barnett, BRP Marketing Manager, said: 'We are delighted to be sponsoring Your Gardens again this year as it contributes to the vibrant atmosphere of the borough. Bracknell is proud of its blooms and this summer we can look forward to more brilliant floral displays in the town centre and of course in your own gardens.'

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Building work to bring The Bracknell Pines Pre-School and The Pines School Foundation Stage closer started earlier this month.

Walls separating the pre-school, based in the Hanworth Community Centre, and the Bracknell school, which already includes a nursery and reception class, have been knocked down as part of The Pines Community Project which will eventually create an all encompassing educational, family and community hub.

Improvements to the school over the next few months will mean it will provide an even higher quality indoor and outdoor learning environment for pupils and young children and will also be a centre for families and the wider community.

And for the first time since the school opened in the 1970s there will be a visible walkway linking the pre-school and the main school building.

There will also be a family room, which is being designed by local parents called The Rock, based on the site to serve people living in Hanworth.

To make sure the right facilities are on offer once work is completed, a study was undertaken with the school, pre-school and wider community so the right support, advice and help is available at the centre to complement the health drop-in and children's information service already based at The Pines.

The ideas are being considered at the moment while building work is on-going at the school and pre-school.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children’s Services and Libraries, said: "This building work marks an important stage in The Pines Community Project, which will eventually create a very useful facility for families and parents living in the Hanworth area."

Kathleen Nugent, Headteacher of The Pines, said: "This is a huge step forward for the school, pre-school and the whole Pines community. We're all looking forward to working much more closely together and providing an even better learning environment for all the children."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "Creating strong links between the pre-school and main school is extremely important in helping pupils develop and learn. The joining of the two buildings will help ensure that these links remain strong.

"The Pines will also be a major benefit to the community as it will mean parents living in the area can use the family facilities to get the help and advice they need under one roof."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, added: "This development will bring together key services in one place making it easier for parents and carers to get the help and support that they and their children need.

"It will also ensure that educational, health and voluntary sector professionals get work together to create the best possible care, support and education for the children and families in Hanworth."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Direct bus services between Bracknell town centre and Wexham Park Hospital are more than tripling thanks to a joint scheme between Bracknell Forest Borough Council and bus operator First.

From May, Bracknell bus service 53 will run every hour on weekdays - meaning there will be 13 journeys a day instead of the current four. A Saturday service is also being introduced which will run every two hours.

The route will run from Bracknell bus station to Wexham Park Hospital via Winkfield, Jeallots Hill and Maidenhead.

Passengers will still be able to travel to the hospital via Slough - those services are unchanged - but the improvements to the 53 service will mean more people can reach the hospital without the need to change buses.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and the Environment, said: These positive changes will make a huge difference to the accessibility of Wexham Park Hospital for patients and their visitors.

This is a result of partnership working between the Council and First which demonstrates a real commitment to improve accessibility to key services for people in the borough.”

Roger Cook, Transport Development Manager, said: Bracknell Forest residents can have great difficulty in getting to Wexham Park Hospital - particulary if they have to use the bus - because of the distance involved. Therefore we are delighted that it has been possible to make these improvements.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has awarded a £500 grant to help establish a creative arts programme for disabled people at South Hill Park Arts Centre.

The grant was made to InnerSense, a local Bracknell charity which was established in 2006, to help the development of disabled people through creative arts.

Each week, professional artists, dancers, actors and musicians will use multi-sensory techniques, including visual, audio and touch, to engage and stimulate their audience.

It is hoped the audience will come from the borough’s care homes, day centres, schools for pupils with special educational needs, and disabled residents.

The work will be closely monitored and the results sent to other arts and disability organisations.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "We are delighted to support a creative arts project with such potential to enhance the lives of our disabled residents.

"I am optimistic that the arts programme will be both enjoyable and beneficial and will add to our knowledge and skills and that what we learn from such a course will be of benefit to similar schemes elsewhere.”

Further information contact Lynne Dick, Community Arts Development Officer, on 01344 351753.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Cllr Iain McCracken and Martin Thorburn from MDRC clear gum from the town centreAn innovative new system is being used by Bracknell Forest Borough Council to clear chewing gum from Bracknell town centre.

The new technology uses steam to destroy old gum, while a combination of high temperature and a vegetable-based cleaning solution kills bacteria and neutralises odours. A surface washer then removes stains and cleans the pavement. The work is being carried out by MDRC using the Miraclean system.

Previous attempts to clear Bracknell chewing gum used high pressure water jets, which can damage the block paving in the town centre and cause the surface to become unstable. Additionally, the large amounts of water used was not environmentally friendly and it required the removed chewing gum to be swept up.

Work using the new machine is due to be completed by the end of March, areas where chewing gum is more commonly found - for example outside fast food restaurants - will have a surface treatment applied which will make future removal of gum easier.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "The Council works hard to maintain Bracknell Forest as a pleasant place which can be enjoyed by both residents and visitors.

"Chewing gum on pavements is a national problem which is an unhygienic stain on society. I hope the effort made to clear our town centre from gum encourages people to throw it in a bin, rather on the ground."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A local woodland at Avebury in Great Hollands, Bracknell has been given a spring clean by Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s visual environment team.

Litter has been cleared, old signs removed, path edges tided up and undergrowth was removed to create an open and welcoming woodland with a diverse range of species.

The team will return later this year to tidy more ground near the footbridge which crosses Mill Lane.

The visual environment team works across Bracknell Forest tidying up some of the borough’s woodland and countryside areas. Over the past few months, they have also tidied the Bullbrook watercourse.

Helen Tranter, Head of Culture and Visual Environment, said: "This team makes a real difference to our communities by tackling small areas which really matter to residents.

"Now people living in Great Hollands can enjoy the Avebury woodland to its full potential.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said "It is great to see the results of the hard work that the team do on local environment projects."

This work contributes to making our borough a clean, green and safe place for us all to live and enjoy. With the approach of spring, the Avebury woodland is looking really splendid."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Fitness fans can get a spring in their step this April thanks to a special offer on the platinum package at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

The package offers access to Bracknell BodyWorks gym, BodyBeats exercise classes, the Forest Spa, swimming pools and includes a BodyWorks blood pressure check, health questionnaire and induction if necessary. There are also special membership rates available at the Council’s other sports centres, including in Sandhurst and Edgbarrow and the Downshire Golf Complex.

There is a five-day free trial so customers can try the centre's facilities, and there is no joining fee or contract if they sign up to one of the platinum membership packages.

There are also a wide range of BodyBeats exercise classes available for adults of all abilities, from circuits to BodyBalance sessions and indoor cycling to aerobics. Classes are available throughout the week - morning, afternoon and evening.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "With summer hopefully just around the corner, Bracknell Leisure Centre is a perfect place to get fit for your holidays.

"The platinum package is great value and gives you the freedom to find a programme which works for you."

For more details, visit the centre in Bagshot Road, Bracknell, call 01344 454203, or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Residents are being warned about bogus callers after Bracknell Forest Borough Council received reports of people posing as council officers in the area.

The suspected conmen are asking to enter people's homes and count the number of bedrooms they have.

Bracknell Council wants to advise all residents that it is not carrying out any random visits to homes and all officers carry official identification.

Residents should always check the identification of anyone who comes to their home claiming to be from the Council. They can also call the Council to double check if they are suspicious that the person is not who they say they are.

Ian Boswell, Bracknell Council's Safer Communities Manager said: "All residents should be vigilant about who they let into their homes. Make sure you check for identification and only let anyone in when you are sure about who they are."

All Council tradesman and other Council workers carry official identification. Any resident unsure when they are approached on their doorstep should call the Council on 01344 352000 for verification.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's website www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk has been ranked as one of the best in the country, according to a survey carried out by independent researchers.

The websites of all 467 councils in the UK were visited in November and December last year to see how well they responded to the needs of customers.

Results of the research has been published in the Better Connected 2007 report by public sector IT professionals organisation, Socitm Insight.

It found Bracknell Council provides access to a wide range of services directly to residents via its website including school admissions submissions, reporting faulty street lights and abandoned vehicles, bookings for leisure centre facilities, applying for jobs online and viewing planning applications.

The report also praises the Council for its new LocalView service which "lists an abundance of different types of services and amenities and enables you to see information about any residence, including local councillors, refuse collection days, nearest schools etc."

It also recognises the fact that the website has achieved a Crystal Mark Award from the Plain English Campaign.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive member responsible for Bracknell corporate services, said: "We want to make sure residents can access our services in a way that suits them. This may mean by making a phone call or visiting a Council office. But increasingly residents prefer to do business with the Council on the internet.

"I am not surprised but I am delighted at the independent national recognition of the work that has gone into our website and the service it provides to our residents."

Web Services Manager Colin Stenning added: "We have made a real effort over the last year to refocus the website and its online services on the needs of residents. They can do business with the Council at a time that suits them, not the Council."

In the last year, the number of people visiting Bracknell Council's website has increased by 236,083 to 904,259.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Renowned children's author and illustrator Ian Beck will be visiting Ascot Heath and Bracknell libraries on Wednesday, April 4.

Ian Beck, who is known for his bestselling children's picture books, including versions of Peter and the Wolf and The Little Mermaid will be visiting Ascot Heath Library at 10.30am and Bracknell Library at 2.00pm.

During his visit he will entertain children aged between four and seven-years-old and sign copies of his books.

Ian was born in Hove, Sussex, in 1947, and studied illustration and graphic design at the Brighton College of Art where he graduated in 1968 and then became a freelance illustrator.

His work frequently appears in magazines and adverts and has also included the cover for Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album.

Ian has had many exhibitions of his work, and regularly gives talks and lectures on the creation and development of his books.

Ruth Burgess, Head of Bracknell Libraries and Information, said: "We are delighted to welcome Ian Beck to Ascot Heath and Bracknell libraries.

"I am looking forward to this visit as Ian is not only a great writer, but a wonderful illustrator!"

Tickets for Ian's visit to Ascot Heath Library in Fernbank Road and Bracknell Library in Town Square cost £1 each and are on sale now from the host libraries.

Visit the Council's website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries for more information about the library services and forthcoming events.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Renowned children's author and illustrator Ian Beck will be visiting Ascot Heath and Bracknell libraries on Wednesday, April 4.

Ian Beck, who is known for his bestselling children's picture books, including versions of Peter and the Wolf and The Little Mermaid will be visiting Ascot Heath Library at 10.30am and Bracknell Library at 2.00pm.

During his visit he will entertain children aged between four and seven-years-old and sign copies of his books.

Ian was born in Hove, Sussex, in 1947, and studied illustration and graphic design at the Brighton College of Art where he graduated in 1968 and then became a freelance illustrator.

His work frequently appears in magazines and adverts and has also included the cover for Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album.

Ian has had many exhibitions of his work, and regularly gives talks and lectures on the creation and development of his books.

Ruth Burgess, Head of Bracknell Libraries and Information, said: "We are delighted to welcome Ian Beck to Ascot Heath and Bracknell libraries.

"I am looking forward to this visit as Ian is not only a great writer, but a wonderful illustrator!"

Tickets for Ian's visit to Ascot Heath Library in Fernbank Road and Bracknell Library in Town Square cost £1 each and are on sale now from the host libraries.

Visit the Council's website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries for more information about the library services and forthcoming events.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

It was a night of glitz, glamour and recognition for more than 100 of borough's young stars at the Bracknell Awards For TeenAgers (BAFTAs) on Wednesday.

The annual BAFTAs, run by Bracknell Forest Borough Council, were held at the Coppid Beech Hotel in Binfield where teenagers were invited to party the night away while being recognised for their successes.

The awards aim to recognise the achievements and good work of the Bracknell borough's young people aged between 13 and 19-years-old. This year certificates were handed out to teenagers who had completed first aid courses, babysitting courses, a Duke of Edinburgh Award at silver and bronze level.

Teenagers who had achieved National Keystone Awards or Youth Achievement Awards were also recognised as were a group of youngsters who had helped design and create the Council's new young person's website www.xpresionz.co.uk, which was launched at the BAFTAs.

Everyone was welcomed to the awards ceremony by the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Clifton Thompson, who also presented awards alongside Martin Gocke, Assistant Director of Education, Children's Services and Libraries at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Children's Services, Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure, John Nike OBE, Dave Seward, Chief Executive of Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People, Simon Whitmore from the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and Janet Hughes from Connexions Berkshire.

Entertainment was provided by a band called Caliber during the awards ceremony while DJ Rory continued the party late into the evening with many of the teenagers taking to the dancefloor to celebrate their success.

Martin Gocke, Assistant Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "So many young people in Bracknell Forest take the time, trouble and effort to work really hard on projects and courses outside of school or college and the BAFTAs are a great way or recognising that.

"All the teenagers who attended had a great time receiving their certificates and awards and then carried on the celebration into the evening."

Cllr Thompson added: "I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of our young people who have worked really hard to gain some wonderful achievements.

"The BAFTAs are a great way of recognising what good work young people in the borough do and continue to do in their spare time. It's not often that teenagers get the recognition they deserve for completely worthy courses and giving up their spare time to complete projects so I was very pleased to meet more than 100 of Bracknell Forest's young people on Wednesday evening who had done just that.

"I wish all of them every success in the future and would like to thank everyone who helped organise such a worthy and enjoyable evening."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Crown Wood Primary School in Bracknell is an improving school that provides a satisfactory education for its pupils according to inspectors.

An Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) inspection team made a two-day visit to the school on January 30 and 31 to assess the school and their findings have now been published.

The inspectors give the Opladen Way school a grade three, satisfactory rating overall but also highlight the Bracknell school’s strengths which they say include:

Significant strengths in pastoral care;

Pupil’s personal development and wellbeing are good;

All staff work hard to ensure that pupils are safe and happy in school;

Behaviour is good and pupils form positive relationships;

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good;

By Year 6 they are responsible, mature young people who work hard, undertake responsibilities continuously and are caring for each other;

Achievement has improved over the last two years and is satisfactory throughout the Bracknell school;

Teaching and learning are satisfactory with some significant strengths;

The school provides a satisfactory curriculum;

Good leadership and clear direction from the headteacher and the senior management team, and good teamwork from staff, have supported and built upon the good pastoral care in the school, and have raised academic standards.

In common with all Ofsted reports the inspectors identify areas for improvement. At Crown Wood Primary School, Bracknell these are to continue improving the amount of good teaching, further improve links between subjects and to refine targets set for pupils so they are better matched to individuals’ needs.

Headteacher Susan Bartlett said: "We are very proud of our children, their enthusiasm and energy and are pleased that Ofsted has recognised the strengths and successes of our school. These have been achieved through the dedication and hard work of all our staff.

"We shall continue to work with our pupils, parents and governors to provide the best learning opportunities for our children."

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children’s Services and Libraries said: "This is an encouraging report for a school that continues to improve. The headteacher and her staff deserve credit for the hard work they are doing to keep on raising standards.

"We shall continue to support the school to support them every step of the way."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "Crown Wood is a steadily improving school and I am pleased the inspectors have recognised this in their report.

"Well done to the headteacher and her staff on reaching this important milestone on the road to even higher standards."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A new website for Bracknell young people was launched this week with the aim of offering advice and services to young people across the borough.

The website www.xpresionz.co.uk offers practical help and advice for young people aged 11 to 19 years old.

The website has been designed and written for young people, by young people with the support of Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

The design of the site is fresh and modern with easy to find content.

Advice already on the Bracknell website ranges from coping with bereavement and bullying to dealing with entering employment and budgeting. It is hoped that young people will want to develop its content over time to keep it fresh, useful, informative and up-to-date.

The Council’s Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership plan is for young people to: Stay safe, be healthy, enjoy and achieve, get involved and have a good future.

This plan was drawn up by the adults in Bracknell Forest after listening and talking with lots of children, young people, families and adults.

The Council plans to make sure that:

* Young people come first and get a say;
* Everyone can join in;
* Young people get respect and support;
* The people who help children and young people work together;
* Everyone’s views are listened to;
* Everyone is treated equally;
* Young people have the money and stuff that they need.

The website is an effective way for the Council to implement this plan and to communicate with young people.

Martin Gocke, Assistant Director of Bracknell Children, Young People and Families, said of the new website: “It is often thought that young people ‘do not have a care in the world’, but this is rarely the case! Modern teenage life can be tough and we hope we can offer some useful advice to young people via this website.”

Gareth Barnard, Cllr responsible for Bracknell children's servcies, shares Martin’s view: “There is so much pressure on young people nowadays, whether it is from their schools, families or peers.

"So much is asked of them that they often do not know where to turn to for help. We believe that this website is a great way to communicate with young people throughout the borough.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Young people make a major contribution to life in the borough and are an asset to the local community according to a report published by Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Lifelong Learning and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Over the last year the panel has been reviewing youth services in Bracknell Forest. It looked at how the borough’s 6,500 children and young people aged between 11 and 17 engage in positive community and voluntary activities.

The panel consulted widely including Bracknell Forest Youth Forum, Brakenhale School Council, Sandhurst School Council, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Thames Valley Police and Council’s own Education, Children's Services and Libraries department.

Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, Chairman of Lifelong Learning and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny, said: "Our objective was to raise the profile of our young people and recognise their strengths and contribution to our community.

"I was pleasantly surprised at the range and depth of their activities and commitment to others. All too often our perception of young people is not positive.

"The panel met with articulate and enthusiastic young people who told of their extensive community and voluntary work.

She said: "This ranged from helping brothers and sisters, helping at school with additional responsibilities, organising activities and events at youth clubs, charity events, and helping elderly neighbours with shopping and other domestic chores.

"What this report confirms is that we have a population of young people that we can be proud of. Evidence presented to us showed that it is only a very small percentage of young people who cause problems.

She added: "We are rightly proud of all the facilities we provide for our young people. We should also be proud and grateful to all our youth workers and adult volunteers who work hard to support all our young people in their activities."

Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, said: "This report makes the important point that there are many young people in our borough ready and willing to make a positive contribution.

"It also underlines the great range of activities already available to young people in our borough.

"We will do everything possible to involve young people in the decisions we make and to ensure the range of opportunities open to them continues to grow."

The report also details many of the improvements the young people would like to see in services and the new Bracknell town centre. They would like a no-alcohol club or youth café in the town centre as well as improved transport.

Their report will be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Commission later this month. The Commission may then decide to make recommendations to the Council's Executive.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's libraries are valued hubs for the community according to a new report.

The Council's Lifelong Learning and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Panel carried out a review of library provision across the borough and the report on their findings was discussed last night (March 1).

As part of the research the panel visited every library in the Bracknell area and carried out a survey of library users.

The panel found huge affection for the library service among those who use it with some residents visiting their library every week.

The Bookstart project, encourages parents to use the library with their children from birth, hopefully building a love of reading, was highlighted as a real benefit that users felt should be continued.

Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, Chairman of the Bracknell Lifelong Learning and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Panel said: "We found that local people really value our libraries.

"Overall library usage is up particularly in Crowthorne with its excellent new facilities. Recent remodelling of library services has extended the hours available.

She said: "Many people do not realise just what goes on in our libraries and the wide range of services they offer. This report highlights the excellent reading groups, book clubs, theme displays, and computer services that are available.

"It also highlights the excellent work done by our staff in providing what is a very well regarded and valued service to residents.

She added: "The report seeks to provide even more encouragement to teenagers and young people to see reading in a positive light and to enjoy it.

"To make life easier for library users, particularly our younger users, the service now offers the chance to return loan material to any library in the borough regardless of where it was borrowed."

The panel also suggests a loan material drop-off facility to allow users to return things outside Bracknell library opening hours.

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "I welcome this report which offers an additional insight into just how much local people value our library services.

"We are always keen to take feedback from customers and I should like to thank members of the panel for their contribution and suggestions for the future."

The Lifelong Learning and Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Panel is made up of councillors and non-Council representatives.

Their report will be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Commission. The Commission may then decide to make recommendations to the Council's Executive.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

There will be some hair-raising capers and whacky stunts going on in Bracknell town centre to raise cash for Comic Relief this week.

Members of Bracknell Day Services, a centre for people with learning disabilities run by Bracknell Forest Borough Council, will be hosting a day full of fun, entertainment and hair-raising stunts at the bandstand in Bracknell town centre.

To raise money for the charity event there will be a sponsored Channel row - where Bracknell day centre members, members of staff and the general public will be asked to row as much as they can in order to reach a total of 25 miles - the distance of the English Channel.

International and British rowing champion Mark Hunter will be also lending a helping hand to reach the target when he stops by about 1.30pm.

A sponsored wax ,hair cut and head shave will see staff from the Council's community care team lose their hair. Since mid February staff at the Council have been pledging money to see several members of staff lose their hair.

If £1,000 is raised Derek McCarthy, Manager of Bracknell Waymead Short Term Care, will have his chest and legs waxed in public. If £1,500 is raised Zoë Johnstone, Locality Manager, will have her flowing blonde locks chopped and if £2,000 is raised Mark Sanders, Development Manager, will have his head shaved.

There will also be music and other entertainment to keep the people of Bracknell motivated to donate to such a worthy cause.

Bracknell Day Services also arranged a quiz night and car wash to raise extra cash for their fundraising total.

Other members of staff will also be doing there bit for Comic Relief throughout the week. James Tough, Child Care Practioner at the Family Tree Nursery will be sitting in a bath of tomato soup for two hours on Thursday, March 15, from 12.30pm. Children from the nursery will be supporting James and selling red noses on the day.

Staff cakes sales, with delicious home-made treats, will also be raising cash for Comic Relief on Friday morning at the Brakenhale Open Learning Centre and in Time Square.

Glyn Jones, Assistant Director of Community Care, said: "Members of Bracknell Day Services have put a lot of effort into organising a special one-off fundraising event for Comic Relief.

"It isn't an easy task to put a day like this together and so I really hope that residents and shoppers in Bracknell town centre support them in reaching a really good fund-raising total. All money will go to Comic Relief to help people around the world who are not fortunate enough to have the opportunities that we all take for granted."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, added: "Comic Relief is a great way of raising money for charity and I'm pleased that members of Bracknell Day Services have seized the opportunity to create a fun-filled way of encouraging people to donate to this worthy cause.

"I hope that when people see them dressed in red with their red noses on and collecting tin in hand that they dig deep in their pockets and give generously."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The ballot of tenants and leaseholders on the proposal to transfer the Council’s housing to Bracknell Forest Homes, a new local not-for-profit housing association, starts today (Tuesday March 13).

The Bracknell Council’s Executive agreed to proceed with the ballot of all secure and introductory tenants at a meeting last Thursday (March 8). The decision was based on the recent extensive consultation of tenants and leaseholders on the details of the transfer proposal which were set out in the Offer document.

Each secure and introductory tenant and each leaseholder will receive a postal ballot paper from Electoral Reform Services (ERS). ERS is an independent organisation. The responses of individual tenants will be confidential. No one at the Council or Bracknell Forest Homes will know how anyone has voted.

The ballot will last 28 days. Tenants must return their ballot paper in the reply paid envelope to reach ERS by 12:00 noon on April 10 in order for their vote to be counted.

Bracknell Council will seek approval from the Secretary of State for the Communities and Local Government to proceed with the transfer only if a majority of those tenants who take part in the ballot vote in favour of the transfer.

Linda Wells, Project Director, said: “We’ve carried out an extensive consultation and tried to reach every tenant. We wanted to make sure they understood how they will be affected if they vote “yes” or “no” to the transfer. Now it’s time for tenants to make their decision.

“I strongly urge all tenants to use their vote.”

Tenants took part in surveys, workshops and roadshows which helped the Council develop the Offer document. Councillors, staff and union representatives were also closely involved in helping develop the best possible transfer proposal.

The Offer document was sent to all Bracknell tenants in February and they were invited to give their comments, which were considered by the Council’s Executive on March 8. At the same time Council staff visited almost 95% of all tenants at home to check that they received their Offer document and answer any questions.

If transfer goes ahead the Offer document would be the subject of a legally binding agreement between Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Homes. The Offer document sets out clearly what would be delivered to tenants if they vote “yes” and the transfer goes ahead. It includes a £61 million programme of improvements to homes planned for the first five years. The Council projects it could spend only £18 million on improvements over the same period.

Existing Council housing, repairs and maintenance, and sheltered scheme staff would move across to Bracknell Forest Homes if the transfer goes ahead.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, said: “We have worked hard with tenants and leaseholders, staff and unions and I thank them for their help in developing the offer.

"We firmly believe that transfer is the best option - tenants would get more for their rent money and it would lead to major improvements in the quality of homes and the surrounding areas – so both tenants and the wider community would benefit.

“If tenants vote “yes” and transfer goes ahead there would be significant benefits but if they vote “no” to the transfer proposal as things stand the Council will be forced to make significant cuts to the housing service.”

Throughout the consultation process Bracknell Council has said that tenants will decide whether or not the transfer proposal will go forward, but it also wants to know the views of its leaseholders. Therefore, a consultative ballot of leaseholders will be held at the same time as the tenants’ ballot. If secure and introductory tenants vote in favour of the transfer the results of the leaseholders’ ballot will also be passed to the Secretary of State

If tenants or leaseholders have any questions or concerns they can call the Council’s freephone on 0800 692 3000 or DWA, independent tenant advisors, on freephone 0800 085 5492.

The Council advises caution about any information tenants and leaseholders receive which is not from the Council or DWA, as it could be factually incorrect. Everything the Council sends is rigorously vetted and approved by the Government and external legal advisors. It is also checked by DWA.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

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

The closure of the flat in Mount Lane, Bullbrook, on Thursday 8 March was the result of close co-operation between Bracknell police officers, the Community Safety Team at Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Southern Housing Group.

An order to close down the property was granted at Bracknell Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning (8/3), where PC Jon Morris, neighbourhood officer for Bullbrook, gave evidence.

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 Graham Smith and PC Morris, Bracknell neighbourhood officers, to bring about the closure of the premises, said: “The flat in Mount Lane was being used for dealing Class A drugs, and was directly linked to dealers coming to Bracknell from the London area. People using the property were causing alarm and distress to neighbours, including excessive noise, comings and goings at all hours and threatening behaviour.

“On two occasions, we have carried out search warrants at the flat and recovered substantial amounts of heroin and crack cocaine.”

No-one was in the flat in Mount Lane when police arrived to close it down, and no arrests were made at the time, although two people had been arrested previously after a search warrant at the address.

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.”

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, said: “Once again our local policing and community safety teams have worked very well together. Their success has brought relief to the residents who were suffering in this area.

"Bracknell remains a target for drug dealers. London is awash with drugs by comparison to our area. We know we are a target market for drugs dealers and I would ask anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it. My grateful thanks to all those who helped on this occasion, a job well done, yet again.”

Jillian Hunt, DAAT Coordinator at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, added: "This is yet another step in the right direction for stamping out drug dealing in Bracknell Forest. We don't have a huge problem in the borough but this third crack house closure proves that we will not tolerate the small level of drug dealing that does go on.

"Help and advice is available locally for anyone who has a drug or alcohol addiction and I would urge anyone who is concerned about an addiction to seek help from us immediately."

Guy Collar, South Region Director for Southern Housing Group, which owns the flat, said: “Southern Housing Group is pleased to be able to help the police in these matters and will continue to work in close partnership to ensure the safety of our residents.

"We will now be seeking a County Court possession order to obtain an eviction and repossess the property."

Insp Bowden added: “This is the third crack house we have closed in Bracknell. The decision to use this legislation is an important part of the coordinated response to drug-fuelled criminality in the Bracknell area.

“Activities such as those that took place in Mount Lane will not be tolerated. I want to get the message across that anyone who lets people into their property for the purpose of dealing drugs will face legal action and the closure of their premises.

“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.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

The views and ideas of Bracknell residents, carers and community groups about how social services for older people in Bracknell Forest should modernise and improve over the next five years will be discussed on Tuesday (March, 13) during a meeting of the Executive.

Older people in Bracknell borough were asked to submit ideas on how services should shape up over the next few years during the Growing Older, Making Choices consultation in January - where carers, service providers, and community group representatives were also asked for their input at two public meetings.

The views of older people were also taken into account by telephone interviews and focus group meetings in November and December 2006 while delegates at the Voice of Experience Conference in November were also asked for their opinions.

Suggestions and comments received during the Bracknell consultation included: ensuring older people maintained their independence and were given choices on their support; supporting friendships and a sense of community; giving out better information about what was available; having a single contact number or helpline; valuing carers; and encouraging people to get out and about in the community.

The Executive will consider the responses, which are included in the Commissioning Strategy for Older People's Health and Social Care 2007 to 2012, on Tuesday and will look at approving the strategy.

If it is approved the strategy will be used to guide the modernisation and development of support for older people in the next five years and will become publicly available after it is published - so residents will be able to see what the Council aims to achieve for older people's services in the near future.

Bracknell Council is looking at improving social services for older people by taking on board views from residents - a recommendation put forward by the Commission for Social Care Inspectors (CSCI) in its inspection of social care services for older people report last autumn - so a greater understanding of what services are needed now and in the foreseeable future can be gained.

Ian Davey, Director of Bracknell Social Services and Housing, said: "I'm very grateful to everyone who took part in the Growing Older, Making Choices consultation - all views expressed by residents, community groups, carers and service providers were carefully considered and taken into account when we wrote the commissioning strategy.

"If the strategy is approved by the Executive on Tuesday it will give us a very helpful blueprint for how our services should modernise and develop according to what our residents and community want."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, added: "We needed to make sure the support and services we offer older people are really the services they want to be receiving and are not being provided for the sake of meeting some distant policy, which is why we undertook this consultation.

"The ideas put forward are extremely valuable in making sure we meet the needs and expectations of the community. Importantly these ideas will now be used to help shape future care and support services for older people living in the borough."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest residents will be making a big splash at Bracknell Leisure Centre on Saturday, March 24, when they take part in the annual Swimathon.

The swimmers will be raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Swimathon Foundation. The foundation provides money for charities and not-for-profit organisations which work to benefit the health and well-being of people who live around participating swimming pools.

Bracknell Volunteers will be setting their own choice of distance ranging from five kilometres – which requires six weeks of training; two-and-a-half kilometres for intermediate swimmers and one-and-a-half kilometres for occasional swimmers.

If participants want to team up with colleagues, friends and family, the five kilometre challenge can be completed in a team of up to five people; or just take part in the Simply Swim challenge – where you can cover any distance at any pool at any time.

Jessica Taylor, community fundraiser for Berkshire Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: “The atmosphere at the event is going to be explosive. It’s going to be amazing to see everybody in our community coming together for this healthy active challenge, achieving personal goals and raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care to help other people.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: “The clock is counting down on this event and this really is your last chance to enter this superb fundraising event and raise money for some worthy charities.

"This event has always been well supported by Bracknell Forest residents who recognise the dual benefits of supporting so great causes while taking healthy exercise.”

The Swimathon is taking place across 600 swimming pools nationwide, over four days - March 22 to 25. Registration is open until 11.45pm on Tuesday, March 20.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Walk-in Bracknell wheelie bin reveals the truth behind our rubbish

A giant walk-in wheelie bin has been built at The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell to teach children about the impact our rubbish has on the environment.

The inside of the 3.5metre Bracknell bin has been decorated like a supermarket aisle where children can go shopping with hand-held scanners to find the most environmentally friendly products.

It means children can see the final destination of the waste generated by a typical lunch - for example fruit, drink, sandwiches, sweets and a comic.

The giant bin - painted blue to match the recycling bins introduced in Bracknell Forest last year - also shows the different stages of the recycling process and what waste can be turned into.

It is designed to help children make informed choices about recycling and climate change using fun, science and education. It has been funded via Bracknell Council's waste performance efficiency grant from Defra.

Blue wheelie bins were introduced in time for the switch to Alternate Bin Collection in October last year. Since the Council started collecting waste for landfill one week and recycling and garden waste the following week, residents have consistently been recycling 40 per cent of their rubbish.

Vincent Paliczka, Director of Bracknell Environment and Leisure, said: "Recycling has been a real success story in Bracknell Forest and I would like to thank residents for sending less waste to landfill than ever before.

”By adding the giant wheelie bin to one of the borough’s most popular attractions, I hope it will encourage children to be aware of the impact throwing away recyclable rubbish has on our environment.”

For more details on The Look Out, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be or for details on waste and recycling in Bracknell Forest visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/abc

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Leisure Centre’s gymnastics club for seven-to-11 year olds has qualified for the national finals of a team competition.

The Bracknell Falcons Primary Mixed Team Gymnastics Squad train at the leisure centre three times a week in four disciplines: tumbling, trampette, vault and floor.

At the recent south of England tournament in Milton Keynes, they wowed the judges with their routines, won gold and qualified for the national finals - which are taking place in April. It is a mixed team, who is coached by Stuart Woods and Michelle Rudge and sponsored by Waitrose.

For complete beginners, recreational gymnastics takes place on various days of the week at Bracknell Leisure Centre and is aimed at children aged four-years and over. The sessions help with the basics of good body alignment, general body control and awareness; it also helps endurance, co-ordination, agility and balance.

Team gymnastics is a competitive level of gymnastics for boys and girls developing team floor displays, tumbling, trampette and vault skills. To join the squad, children must be referred by the senior coach.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "I am really proud that children who train at Bracknell Leisure Centre will be representing the borough in the finals of a national gymnastics competition.

"It shows the quality of both the young gymnasts living in Bracknell Forest and the level of coaching which can be provided at the leisure centre.”

For more details on how to get started in gymnastics or in Team Gym at Bracknell Leisure Centre, call 01344 454203, or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has teamed up with other local councils to launch a poster campaign this week in a bid to recruit more foster carers.

Bracknell Forest's Family Placement Team along with their counterparts in Wokingham and Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead unveiled their new latest poster which features a teenage girl asking if you "Miss fighting to get into the bathroom?"

The hard-hitting new posters have already caused a stir in councils as far away as Lancashire, Yorkshire and Wales.

Juliette Thomas, Bracknell Forest Family Placement Team Manager, said: "Our posters use messages and images that challenge perceptions of teenagers as being disruptive.

"We want to highlight the fact that teenage years can be emotional with lots of different experiences happening quickly - from spots and crushes to growing pains, peer pressure and mood swings.

"We also want people to realise that with a stable environment and the right support and guidance, teenagers they can get through their difficulties and grow into well rounded young people."

Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children’s Services, said: "There is a real shortage of foster carers with many young people eager for the support of a caring foster family.

"Teenagers in care often face a particularly troubled time with the many emotional and physical changes of adolescence. This often comes on top of problems at home and at school.

"I hope this poster campaign will help us recruit more foster carers for some really deserving young people."

Anyone can apply to be a foster carer and these days there are flexible fostering options to suit you, your family and your lifestyle.

The Family Placement Team has organised an open event for anyone interested in finding out more about fostering and adoption. This will take place on March 8 at the Family and Adolescent Support Centre, 7 Portman Close, Bracknell from 7 to 9pm.

Call the team on 01344 351582 for more information or visit the web site at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/fostering

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Work on Bracknell Forest’s first children’s centre will get under way this month after plans were given the green light.

Planning permission for The Rowans Children’s Centre, which is the first of six that will be set up in Bracknell Forest, was granted in February and work is now under way on the building works.

Based at the Fox Hill Primary School site in Easthampstead, Bracknell, the centre will bring together services for children aged 0 to 5 under one roof. It will serve the communities of Easthampstead, Wildridings, Crown Wood, Harmans Water, Forest Park and Martins Heron.

It will be home to an early years and childcare team, family outreach worker and local health visitors with facilities for school nurses and other professionals.

Speech and language therapists and other professionals will hold clinics and there will a hall for training courses and group work, a drop-in family room and a training kitchen.

The Rowans is set to open in September and will be followed soon after by The Oaks Children’s Centre at Great Hollands School serving the communities of Great Hollands, Birch Hill and Hanworth. Plans are being finalised and were set to be submitted to the Council this month.

A further four centres serving Bracknell town centre, Sandhurst, Crowthorne and the northern parts of the borough will be offering services by the end of 2008.

Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children’s Services: "Children’s centres will bring together key services in one place making it easier for parents and carers to get the help and support that they and their children need.

"The centres are an important part of our work to bring together our services with those provided by health professionals and the voluntary sector. And I am confident our local communities will take great benefit from them."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Parents can learn about cutting their nappy bills and reducing the waste sent to harmful landfill sites if they attend the annual Real Nappy Week tea party.

The event is taking place at the Forest Suite, Bracknell Leisure Centre, on Wednesday, March 14, from 1pm-3pm. It will give parents the chance to see a wide variety of real nappies, talk to parents who already use them, and order direct from suppliers.

There will also be the opportunity to collect an application form to obtain £30 cashback per child for Bracknell parents to contribute towards the cost of buying real nappies.

Bracknell Real Nappy Week promotes the use of cloth nappies to give parents a greater choice than just using the disposable variety. A wide range is now available from the simple traditional terry cotton nappies, to modern shaped and fitted types, and they are not as inconvinient as people can think.

Organic, unbleached, velcro or popper fastening and all-in-one nappies give a wider variety of choice without need for pins. As they are made from natural fibres they may feel more comfortable next to a baby's skin.

Real nappies can 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.

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, said: "It can take up to 500 years for a disposable nappy to decompose in a landfill site and eight million are thrown away every single day in the UK.

"The tea party is a great way about finding out more about environmentally-friendly non-disposable nappies, which could further reduce the amout of rubbish we throw away.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Stephanie Cole aged 16 from Edgbarrow School in Crowthorne has been elected Member of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP) for Bracknell Forest.

Stephanie saw off stiff competition from ten other Bracknell candidates to win the election.

Her victory was announced a special ceremony on February 19 at the Hilton Hotel in Bracknell.

Shaun Polley, 17, from Bracknell & Wokingham College came second in the race for the top job. He will act as Stephanie's deputy this year.

Students from Bracknell Forest secondary schools and Bracknell & Wokingham College went to the polls between February 5 and 9 with votes counted over the weekend.

Several schools and youth centres in the borough took part with just under 1,900 votes cast. Stephanie won with 411 votes.

Stephanie's first engagement as MYP was to meet dignitaries including Cllr Clifton Thompson, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of the Council, Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Children's Services and Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Corporate Services and Leisure.

With the support of her deputy and the Youth Forum, Stephanie will represent Bracknell Forest as one of 300 members of the UKYP which was set up to give young people the opportunity to influence adult decision makers.

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

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

Martin Gocke, Assistant Director of Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "Well done to Stephanie on her win and I wish her good luck for her year in office.

"The role of MYP along with the Youth Forum is important and we shall call on them to help us further develop the role young people play in the work we do."

Cllr Paul Bettison, said: "Congratulations to Stephanie on her victory and for seeing off such a strong field of candidates.

"I wish her success in her year as MYP and I am sure the support of Shaun, her deputy, will be most valuable.

"We shall support them both throughout their year and I hope they will play a full part in helping us fulfil our commitment to involving young people in our decision making."

The full list of candidates in the election was:

* Stephanie Cole, 16, Edgbarrow School
* Shaun Polley, 17, Bracknell & Wokingham College
* Joe Toms, 12, Sandhurst School
* Daniella Tovey, 14, Brakenhale School
* David Giles, 16, Edgbarrow School
* Fiona Hardie, 14, Garth Hill College
* Amelia Breadman, 14, Ranelagh CE School
* Sean Kennedy, 15, Easthampstead Park School
* Josie Emma Dyster, 12, Ranelagh CE School
* Hayley Polley, 15, Sandhurst School

For more information about the Council's youth services visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/learning/learn-youth-services.htm

For more information about the UK Youth Parliament visit: www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest trading standards are warning residents to be on their guard after an elderly woman was targeted by a company offering a 'free' security system, which would have actually cost her £199.

The resident was cold called by the company, who falsely claimed to be working with the Bracknell Council. The woman was told she could have a free security system.

In a second phone call a representative offered to visit her home, and she was able to establish there would be an installation charge of £199. Typically, these companies often offer an annual monitoring service - for an additional yearly charge.

Bracknell Trading standards are advising people not to not use unknown companies who cold call as they often charge prices which are not competitive.

If someone does claim to be from the Council and you are suspicious, take down their name and call them back via the main switchboard, which is 01344 352000. If the caller is in person, they will always carry identification if they are from the Council.

Rob Sexton, Head of Bracknell Trading Standards and Services, said: "We’ve had dealings with companies who operate in this way and we are aware they prey on the most vulnerable people in our community using high pressure sales techniques with apparently attractive incentives.

"Although you should have a seven-day cooling off period for a doorstep deal, you may find yourself being hurried into signing and paying for the job."

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, said: "These are con artists plain and simple. They mislead you intentionally in an attempt to sell you cheap goods at inflated prices. Don't get ripped off by these underhand tactics. Warn your friends and neighbours.

If you are in any doubt, call trading standards immediately on 01344 352000 or if outside office hours, tell the salesman to go away and seek professional advice."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Burglaries

Police are appealing for information following two burglaries in Bracknell.

Both occurred on Monday (26/2) in the Priestwood area.

At approximately 5.35pm an elderly woman was at home in Moordale Avenue, Bracknell when a man knocked at the door claiming to be a water company official. He stated that he was investigating a burst water pipe and showed her an ID card before carrying out searches under the kitchen sink and in the bathroom.

While the woman was distracted, a further two men entered the property. She later noticed that items of jewellery and £200 in cash had been stolen.

The first man is white, in his late twenties or early thirties, approx 5ft 7ins and of medium build. He has a round face, short dark hair, and was clean shaven. He was wearing a dark suit and black leather gloves.

One of the other men is white, in his thirties and was wearing casual clothing.

The second burglary occurred in Roundshill, Wokingham Road, Bracknell sometime between 7am and 8.15pm, while the property owner was at work.

Culprits smashed a rear window using a brick, before entering the house and making an untidy search. They stole a laptop computer.

Anyone who has any information should contact PC Josh Pitts about the first incident or PC Tracey Croucher regarding the second. Both officers can be contacted via the police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505.

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

Police ask witness to come forward following Bracknell robbery

Police would like to speak to a man they believe may have witnessed a robbery in Bracknell on Tuesday (27/2).

At around 7.30am, the man was seen using a cash machine outside the Crown Wood shops in Opladen Way, Bracknell. He then waited nearby.

Around the same time, a 58-year-old man drove his red Nissan Almera into the customer parking area nearby.

A man approached the car, opened the driver’s door and shouted demands for the victim to get out. A struggle ensued during which the driver was struck in the mouth, causing minor injuries.

The offender managed to pull some keys from the ignition before running off, but dropped them as he fled. He then got into a black car, possibly a Volkswagen Golf, and drove towards Bracknell Sainsbury’s on Opladen Way.

The robber is white, about 30-years-old, 6ft and of slim build. He has thin face and dark collar-length hair.

Police are particularly keen to speak to the man seen waiting nearby, who also spoke to the victim shortly after the incident.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact PC Holly Whitwham via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not wish to speak to police or leave your name, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Witness appeal after Bracknell tortoise stolen in burglary

Police are appealing for information after a tortoise was stolen during a burglary in Bracknell.

Between 7.45am and 1.40pm on Wednesday (28/2), burglars broke into a house in Bolton Lane, Binfield, and stole various electrical items, including two laptop computers, and the family pet.

One man was arrested yesterday and has been bailed until the end of March pending further enquiries.

Anyone with any information is urged to come forward. Bracknell Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw a white transit van in the area at the time.

Please contact DC Iain Watkinson via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Special visitors dropped by St Michael's CE Primary School, Bracknell last term to present a pupil with a framed copy of her competition-winning work.

The Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Clifton Thompson and Mayoress Mrs Sue Thompson presented Year Six pupil Ellie Bartram with a framed copy of the programme, together with the original artwork, that she designed for the Bracknell Forest School's Carol Concert in December.

Ellie's programme was selected from hundreds of other designs submitted by primary-school aged youngsters to be the competition winner and her design was used as the official programme of the popular annual concert.

The framed programme was presented to Ellie by Bracknell Cllr Thompson during an assembly before half term break at the school in Easthampstead on Friday, February 9.

Cllr Thompson said: "Ellie's design was very creative and I was extremely pleased that I could present her with a framed copy of her work as a keepsake.

"Children from all over Bracknell Forest put a lot of hard work and effort into creating individual designs for the programme competition. They all deserve a big well done for their creativity and imagination."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council