Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has appointed David Watkins as the new Assistant Director of Performance and Resources, Education, Children's Services and Libraries Department.

David, who previously worked at Surrey County Council, will fill the position left by Sandy Adamson.

During his 18 years at Surrey County Council, David held senior positions within Children & Young People social services and latterly in Corporate Services.

David has represented Surrey County Council on the Association of Directors of Social Services Standards & Performance committee.

He has also worked on organisational reviews of Social Services, Children and Young People directorates as well as a significant number of efficiency and productivity reviews, leading on corporate services amongst others.

David began his career as a music teacher and has continued to both conduct and play the cello and brass instruments until recently.

David said: "I am delighted to be joining the Borough at such a challenging time.

"The agenda in respect of both Borough wide developments and the challenges facing Education, Children's Services and Libraries, makes Bracknell Forest an exciting place to work."

Tony Eccleston, Director Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "David brings a wealth of experience which I am sure will benefit Education, Children's Services and Libraries.

"I am sure we've made an excellent appointment and he will play a key role in taking the department forward."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Police officers will be tackling Easthampstead residents this Thursday (26/4) – on the football pitch.

PC Phil Appleby, neighbourhood police officer for Easthampstead, has organised a football match between officers and PCSOs from the Bracknell neighbourhood policing team and a group of youngsters from Rainforest Walk.

“The match is being held to build community spirit,” said Richard. “Previous football matches organised between police officers and young people in Slough, as well as the ‘Kick out racism’ football tournament in Maidenhead in 2005, have had a very positive impact on relationships between police and the community.

“We’re hoping that this match will have a similar effect, and that plenty of families, friends, neighbours and colleagues will come along on Thursday to support both teams.”

The match is being held at 4pm on 26 April on the Astroturf pitch at Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot Road.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Leisure Centre's gymnastics club for seven-to-11 year olds have been crowned British champions following success at the National British Team Gym Championships in Gloucestershire on Saturday (April 21).

The Bracknell Falcons Primary Mixed Team Gymnastics Squad competed superbly in the four required elements of floor, trampette, tumble and vault, and wowed audiences with their high level of skill.

The team were competing as south of England champions and were challenging teams from across the country. They train at the leisure centre three times a week and are coached by Stuart Woods and Michelle Rudge.

In the first event, the team performed a dazzling display of backflips, somersaults and twisting somersaults at high speed on the tumble track. Team members had to show a forward tumble, a backward tumble and a tumble of the gymnasts' choice.

The Bracknell competitors then boosted their overall score with an outstanding trampette routine featuring somersaults with twists which really impressed the judges.

However, it was the floor routine where the 14 gymnasts brought home the gold. The leaps, spins, balances and acrobatics in synchronisation looked second to none.

Leisure centre manager Phil Dodds said: "I am thrilled the Falcons have won this competition and proves we have some real gymnastic talent here in Bracknell Forest.

"I would like to congratulate the team and cannot wait for them to represent the borough again next year as they defend this prestigious title."

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

After a spate of burglaries in Crown Wood and The Warren, police in Bracknell have joined up with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service to advise residents how to protect their homes from burglars, while ensuring they can escape in the event of a fire.

Acting Chief Inspector Simon Bowden, Bracknell Area Commander, said: “One of the most common points of entry we’re seeing is through the letterbox. With a lot of new UPVC doors you can rack up the handle on the inside so the door can’t be opened from the outside – but it can still be opened from the inside. So burglars put their hands or an implement through the letterbox and pull the handle down. What people should be doing is double-locking the door with a key.”

He added: “Don’t leave purses, wallets, handbags or car keys where burglars can easily see them, such as the hallway, kitchen worktop or on a rack near the front or back door. Keep them out of sight so it’s difficult for burglars to find them quickly.”

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service advises Bracknell home-owners to lock their exterior doors and windows at night, keep the keys where they are easy to get and make sure everyone in the family knows where they are. Shut interior doors at night and keep stairways and passageways clear of obstructions. Planning your escape route is also important and a working smoke detector is a lifesaver.

Bracknell Burglars also gain access through open windows. Open only upstairs windows that cannot be accessed by burglars – for example via a garage roof.

Visit www.rbfrs.co.uk/fs_localfiresafety.asp or call 0118 932 2152 for further home fire safety advice. For more advice on home security, contact Bracknell police area’s crime reduction advisers Everett Bentley on 01344 823483 and John Oblein on 01344 823482, or visit www.crimereduction.gov.uk

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Harmans Water Primary School, Bracknell is a good school with many outstanding features say inspectors from the Office for Standard's in Education (Ofsted).

The Ofsted inspection team visited the Bracknell Forest Borough Council school in January and their report gives it a grade two, good school rating.

The report says: "This is a good school that offers pupils a caring atmosphere in which they achieve well. The good teaching, stimulating curriculum and high levels of care enable pupils to make good progress. English standards are above average due to the improvements in provision made by the school.

"Harmans Water Primary School's work on the creative curriculum has had a positive impact on pupil's attitudes to learning and their enjoyment."

The inspector's key findings in summary are:

* Learning and teaching at the school are good
* This is a good school that offers pupils a caring atmosphere in which they achieve well
* The good teaching, stimulating curriculum and high levels of care enable pupils to make good progress, socially and academically
* English standards are above average due to the improvements in provision made by the school
* Good provision in the Foundation Stage gives the children a positive start to their learning
* The school's creative curriculum has had a positive impact on pupils' attitudes to learning and their enjoyment
* Since the last inspection, the school has been successful in identifying and improving aspects of the education it providesPupils are outstanding in the way they take up the very many opportunities for physical activity
* The Headteacher has a clear vision for the school which is supported by a committed staff team and well organised governing body

As in all Ofsted reports the inspectors make recommendations for improvement which, at Harmans Water Primary School, Bracknell are further improving the measurement of pupil's and monitoring of targets.

Michael Harris, Headteacher at Harmans Water Primary School, said: "We are delighted that the inspectors recognised the huge improvements the committed staff team has achieved since the last Ofsted inspection.

"The inspectors recognised that many of our pupils did not enter school at a national level but that we enabled them to make good progress over their time in our school.

"The recommendations for improvement are areas which we had already identified in our School Self Evaluation document and had already begun to work on, including helping pupils to make faster progress in mathematics by matching work more closely to their ability.

"The whole of our school community can be proud of what it is achieving through working together as a team, dedicated to providing children with a caring but challenging place to work and learn."

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "The inspectors have highlighted improvement in the school since the last Ofsted report.

"The school is providing high quality education and I am pleased the inspection team has recognised this. Well done to the Headteacher and his staff on this success."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Golf enthusiasts are encouraged to put their skills to the test and sign up for the Mayor's annual charity golf day which will be held as an exclusive day at the Downshire Golf Complex.

The event will take place on Thursday 10th May and will be held in aid of the Mayor's chosen charity Age Concern Bracknell Forest.

After the evening reception and dinner, there will be a charity raffle where you can win some great prizes which have been donated again this year by Bentalls.

Bracknell Cllr Clifton Thompson says: "I am looking forward to this year's charity golf day as they are always a great success.

"Over £4,000 was raised at the last golf day and I hope we can do as well this year for Age Concern."

Teams of four will compete in the event which is open to anyone.

The cost per team is £200 which includes a bacon roll and coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf, two course dinner, prizes for the winning team and a raffle.

If you are interested in taking part please contact Sue Brunt at the Mayor's office on 01344 352103.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A man will appeared in court in connection with an incident at a convenience store in Bracknell.

Richard Bacon, 32, of Wordsworth, Great Hollands, Bracknell, was arrested on Saturday (14/4) and charged with robbery the following day. He will appear at Slough Magistrates’ Court today (16/4).

The charge relates to an incident at the Co-op Balfour convenience store in Bywood, Hanworth, at about 6.35am on Friday (13/4), in which cash was allegedly stolen from a safe.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Police are appealing for information and witnesses following an assault which took place in Bracknell on Saturday (14/04).

The incident happened at about 2.45pm on London Road, the A329, near the Running Horse roundabout, heading towards Bracknell town centre. A woman driving a beige Mercedes and a man driving a dark blue saloon pulled up opposite the BP petrol station.

The man got out of his car and punched the woman’s car, denting the driver’s side door and smashing the driver’s side window. The man then drove off.

The woman, who is in her 30s and was alone in the car, received cuts to her arm and hip.

The man was wearing a dark blue football kit. There was a small child aged about two or three sitting in the front passenger seat of his car.

Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact Bracknell PC Joshua Pitts via 0845 8 505 505.

Alternatively, if you do not want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Tenants have voted in favour of the Council’s proposal to transfer the borough’s housing stock to a new local landlord called Bracknell Forest Homes.

The four week postal ballot closed today (April 10) with 76% voting in favour of the transfer to the new landlord. Just over 70% of tenants voted.

Bracknell Forest Homes is the new, local housing association set up with the help of the Council. It plans to make £61 million worth of improvements to homes in the first five years and be able to meet the Bracknell Forest Standard tenants have said they want.

Cllr Dale Birch, Bracknell Deputy Leader and Executive Member responsible for housing, said: “The ‘Yes’ vote means tenants have recognised the significant benefits that can be had with Bracknell Forest Homes as their landlord. They have secured their own future, the future of many jobs in the borough, and many community improvements.

“Over the past nine months we have worked in partnership with tenants, staff and union representatives to deliver the best possible offer which will see the borough’s housing improved and maintained in the long term.”

Cllr Mrs Anne Shillcock, Leader of the opposition group, said: “We have worked in partnership with tenants to develop the best possible offer, which can now be delivered. The transfer means current tenants will have their homes and the housing service improved but it will also help future tenants because more affordable housing can now be built.”

Timothy Wheadon, Bracknell Council’s Chief Executive, said: “This proposal has had support because people understand that Bracknell Forest Homes will have much more money to spend on homes and services than the Council would. Now significant improvements can be made to tenants’ homes and the housing service in the borough. I believe this is a very positive step.

“On behalf of the Council I would like to thank all the tenants who voted in the ballot. I would also like to thank the staff and tenant representatives who worked so hard to ensure that tenants knew the facts and understood the choice before them.”

Bracknell Forest Homes will be run by a management board of 12, including four tenant representatives, four council nominees and four independent people.

Chair of Bracknell Forest Homes’ Board, Dermot McRoberts, said: “On behalf of all of my colleagues on the Shadow Board, I would like to thank the tenants for the confidence they have put in the new housing association. I can assure each tenant that we are determined to deliver the best possible housing service for Bracknell Forest. We now have a real opportunity to work together with tenants and the Council to create a better future."

At the same time as the tenant ballot, a consultative leaseholder ballot was also run. Over 37% of leaseholders voted and 66% supported the move.

It is expected the Council will confirm that it will seek approval from the Secretary of State at the Communities and Local Government to proceed with the transfer.

Once is has the go-ahead from Government, the transfer is expected to take between nine and 12 months.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Renowned children's author and illustrator Ian Beck visited 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, visited Ascot Heath Library at 10.30am and Bracknell Library at 2.00pm.

During his visit he entertained children aged between four and seven-years-old and signed copies of his books.

Ian projected huge images from his book, Peter and the Wolf, onto the wall in the community centre and narrated the story to his fascinated audience.

The children were asked to look for the hidden pictures in the story and howl whenever they spotted the wolf.

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 Libraries and Information, said: "We were delighted to welcome Ian Beck to Ascot Heath and Bracknell libraries.

"Ian makes old stories so lively and fun. He put on a great show and really involved and entertained the children!"

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

The candidates standing for election to Bracknell Forest Borough Council on May 3 are now published.

They will be fighting for one of the 42 seats available on Bracknell Council, with responsibility for important local services such as street cleaning, planning, social care, education, leisure facilities and libraries.

Residents who want to have a say in this year's elections are being warned that they need to register before April 18 to receive a vote.

Bracknell Forest is split into 18 ward areas in which local people will vote for their representative. There are either two or three elected councillors for each ward, depending on the number of residents living in the area.

The current make up of the Council is: 33 Conservative; 6 Labour; 2 Independent; 1 Liberal Democrat.

Those who have already registered to vote will have now received their polling card as they were delivered in the borough over the Easter weekend. The polling card contains all the information needed to take part in the ballot.

Ann Moore, Bracknell Council's Head of Democratic and Registration Services, said: "If you don’t register to vote in the local elections then you won’t have a say on the issues that affect you.

“Make sure you fill in a registration if you are not already registered and return it the Council by 18 April to secure your vote, and your voice, at election time.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a burglary at a house in Binfield, near Bracknell.

Two silver Samsung LCD televisions worth GBP 1,800 in total were stolen while the owners were on holiday.

The Bracknell burglary happened sometime between 4pm on Monday 26 March and 9.15am on Wednesday 28 March.

Police officers investigating at the detached house in Pitch Place discovered that the burglar or burglars entered via the rear of the property.

A neighbour saw a suspicious vehicle in the cul-de-sac at about 5.30am on Wednesday. The vehicle is a Ford Transit type vehicle with OXY as the last three letters on the number plate.

Anyone who saw a suspicious vehicle or person in the area, or has any information is asked to contact Holly Whitwham, in the Bracknell Priority Crime Team, on 0845 8 505 505 ext 732 2136.

If you don't want to speak to police and don't want to leave your name, contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

You can also give information to the police in person by visiting any police station. To find out the opening times and location of your local station please call 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

The Bracknell Forest Family Placement Team has launched an appeal for members of the African community to come forward and become foster carers.

The Bracknell fostering team wants to hear from men and women from Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe who could provide temporary homes to children from similar ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

In Bracknell Forest, the number of children of African heritage is small but a smaller percentage of carers are of black or Asian backgrounds.

Commenting on the difficulty of recruiting in this area, Sandra McGinley, Head of Service said: "Reading and Slough Boroughs find it easier to recruit carers as they have larger and more diverse populations.

"In Bracknell Forest the last Census showed a very small population from different ethnic backgrounds which makes for a much smaller pool of people to target with our message."

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Children's Services said, "It can take up to six months to approve a foster carer. We already have looked after children who could get more out of being cared for by a family of the same ethnic and cultural origin so we have decided to step up our campaign to recruit more carers from different cultural backgrounds."

Anyone can apply to be a foster carer. There are flexible fostering options to suit you, your family and your lifestyle whether you are single, married or living with a partner.

It does not matter if you have children of your own, if you work or if you receive benefits. You can be disabled, retired, male, female, from any cultural background, or of any sexual orientation.

Contact the Bracknell Forest Family Placement Team on 01344 351582 or go online to www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/fostering. Alternatively, drop into our Open Event on 3 May at the Family and Adolescent Support Centre, 7 Portman Close, Bracknell RG12 1NE from 7 to 9pm.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a fire at a derelict building in Bracknell during the early hours of this morning (4/4).

An officer on patrol discovered the fire shortly before 2am at the 3M building, The Broadway, Bracknell.

Officers attended and a cordon was put in place which included a temporary road closure of The Ring.

The fire, which is believed to have started on the second floor and spread to the fifth floor, was quickly bought under control by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and a search of the building commenced. No-one was found inside the building.

Early investigations indicate that the fire was started deliberately by people who got in through an insecure window.

On Sunday 1 April, three youths were arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage with intent to endanger life, following an incident at the same Bracknell building. A number of calls were received into the police control room after youths were seen throwing materials from the building around 5pm.

The teenagers were arrested and interviewed but later released without charge. This incident remains under investigation.

Ch Insp Simon Bowden, deputy LPA commander for Bracknell, said: “We are keeping an open mind as to whether the incidents are linked.

“In the past three days Thames Valley Police and Berkshire Fire and Rescue resources have spent a significant amount of time dealing with these two incidents.

“The selfishness and thoughtless actions of the perpetrators have not only placed them at risk, but also posed a serious risk to the public and emergency services.

“Police are working closely with the owners of the building, a development company, to ensure similar incidents do not recur. Someone will know who set this fire because they will brag about it, I will not tolerate foolish and mindless damage, especially when it places other people at risk of serious harm.

“If you have any information I ask that you make a stand and show you will not tolerate it either. Please contact the police or Crimestoppers with any information.”

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the 24-hour police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Representatives from the borough's voluntary organisations, businesses and members of the Council joined the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest Cllr Clifton Thompson at the annual civic reception on Friday (March 30).

Other guests included the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Philip Wroughton, Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay, Windsor MP Adam Afriyie, local businessman John Nike, other local mayors, and Council staff.

The prestigious black-tie event was held at the Licensed Victuallers' School in Ascot and is an annual celebration where the borough's first citizen gives thanks to everyone who has supported his term in office.

In his after dinner speech Cllr Thompson reflected on the year and events which will shape the borough for years to come. He referred to the granting of outline planning permission for the redevelopment of Bracknell town centre, the introduction of alternate bin collections, signing the multi-million pound RE3 contract, obtaining funding to rebuild Garth Hill College and the start of building of new housing developments at Peacock Farm, Staff College, and the Met Office.

He commented that the borough was going from strength to strength and described it as a good and safe place to be with a thriving business community.

Cllr Thompson thanked the Bracknell Deputy Mayor Cllr Gill Birch, the Mayor's Chaplain Canon Brian Meardo and his secretary and chauffeur for their support during his mayoral year.

He said: "During my year in office, I attended many events and have been impressed by the work in the borough to help others - often by unpaid volunteers - and by the support of the business community. The civic reception is a way of saying thank you.

"I would also like to thank everyone who has supported my chosen charity, Age Concern Bracknell Forest, and helped by raising or donating money.

"My wife Sue and I have had a wonderful year in office, and we are both extremely proud and privileged to have served the community in this way."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A man who repeatedly breached the terms of an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) banning him from Bracknell town centre has been sentenced to 19 months in prison.

Anthony Lewington, 34, formerly of Mount Pleasant, Bracknell, was arrested by town centre officers in January 2007 following the shoplifting of goods from Sports World in the Peel Centre, Skimped Hill Lane.

Lewington was charged with one count of theft and three counts of breaching his ASBO. He appeared at Slough Magistrates’ Court on 26 January, where he was remanded in custody, and on 2 February he pleaded guilty to all charges.

On 23 March, Lewington appeared at Reading Crown Court, where he received a sentence of 19 months imprisonment.

The two-year-long ASBO was granted against Lewington at Bracknell Magistrates’ Court in May 2006. The conditions banned him from entering Bracknell town centre, defined as the area bounded by Church Road, the town centre bypass, the A329, Skimped Hill Road and the railway line. He was also banned from entering Sainsburys in Bagshot Road, Bracknell, and from carrying medical needles, syringes or injecting devices, or inciting others to carry them for him.

PC Marius York of Bracknell’s town centre patrol worked closely with partners in the Bracknell Forest Borough Council Community Safety Team, the Drugs Action Team and the business community to find a solution to problems caused by Anthony Lewington, who shoplifts to fund his drug habit.

PC York said: “Our priority is to ensure that the public and local businesses are protected from crime. Despite attempts by a number of agencies to address his behaviour, Lewington has breached the terms of his ASBO and continued to offend.”

Ian Boswell, community safety manager for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: “We are pleased with the action the court has taken in respect to this breach. An ASBO is not intended as a punishment and offers an opportunity for individuals to correct their persistent anti-social behaviour.

“We do not issue them lightly and always seek to use a number of other tools before resorting to an ASBO. Therefore, if one is breached, we would hope that the courts would take robust action as an ASBO recipient is likely to have had a number of chances to curb their behaviour.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has been praised once again for reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the borough’s roads.

In an official response to Bracknell Forest’s first Local Transport Plan, the Government Office for the South East (GOSE) also singled out the Council’s school travel and cycling plans. It also noted very good results in traffic congestion – particularly for beating targets for reducing traffic at both peak time and overall road travel.

One of the key aims of the plan, which ran from 2001-2006, was reducing the number of people seriously injured or killed on the streets, as well as improving travel choice and promoting cycling and walking.

Bracknell Council spent more than £15million during the six years on road maintenance as well as implementing more than 350 schemes to improve all forms of transport and make improvements for the borough's residents.

Key elements of Bracknell transportation work undertaken:

• Maintaining existing roads and bridges.
• Implementing a targeted programme of road safety schemes each year.
• Improving the way traffic control systems operate on major routes to reduce congestion.
• Expanding the footway and cycleway network by 16.5km.
• Ensuring all major new developments have travel plans to minimise their impact.

As a result of the first Bracknell Local Transport Plan:

• 52.9 per cent fewer people are being killed or seriously injured on the borough's streets.
On average 72 people were killed or seriously injured on the borough’s streets every year between 1994-1998, by 2005 this was reduced to 34. The Council is on target to reduce this even further to 28 by 2010.
• There was a 66 per cent reduction in the number of children being killed or seriously injured on Bracknell Forest's roads - already reaching the target for 2010.
On average there were nine children killed or seriously injured on the borough’s roads a year between 1994-98, this was reduced to three by 2005.
• Numbers of cars on the roads based on counts at monitoring sites on main roads has remained level since 1996. It was first measured at 386,000 every day, this increased to 389,000 by 2001 and has been steady at 372,000 since 2005. Traffic in peak time has dropped from 69,000 in 1996 to 65,500 in 2005.
• The number of pedestrians has risen 25 per cent between 2001 and 2006 based on counts at monitoring sites. The number of cyclists has risen by over 35 per cent in the same period.
• Use of trains in Bracknell Forest has increased by 13 per cent.

GOSE’s response encouraged Bracknell Council to build and develop on its partnership working to improve the results for the second Local Transport Plan – which is running until 2010. Its aims include:

• Better access to key services.
• Reducing congestion.
• Improving public transport.
• Improving road safety.
• Ensuring roads and footways are well maintained.

It also takes into account the regeneration of Bracknell town centre and the substantial transport benefits this will bring, including a new bus station and improvements to the railway station forecourt, as well as ensuring residents have adequate access to the full range of public services.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and the Environment, said: “We are pleased the hard work undertaken under the first local transport plan has had such a positive result for the people of Bracknell Forest and the environment.

“We are seeing more use of footpaths, cycleways and public transport, and fewer serious accidents on the roads.

”While these are significant achievements, the Council will be continuing to work hard to achieve our long term targets and improve our transport infrastructure."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council