Bracknell

More than 35 caterers from across Bracknell Forest have been presented with safe food and catering for health awards.

In a ceremony held earlier this month at South Hill Park Arts Centre by Bracknell Council’s environmental health team, seven caterers won gold in the Berkshire Safe Food Awards. Ten caterers were awarded silver and 22 bronze. The awards were presented by Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection.

There were four caterers who also won the Catering for Health Award, and the traders were given more information on the awards by NHS Public Health Dietician Jacqui Copp.

The awards are open to any catering business in Berkshire, including restaurants, take-aways, canteens, schools, pubs, sandwich shops and mobile caterers. Bracknell Forest's winners were assessed by the Council's environmental health officers during routine inspections without any advance warning.

They were assessed under categories of food hygiene training, their food safety systems, confidence in management and adequacy of their food handling practices and facilities. The Catering for Health Award is assessed jointly with Berkshire East Primary Care Trust and recognises healthy menu choices.

All winners are encouraged to display their certificates in prominent customer view. The awards remain valid until the premises' next routine inspection – in most cases this is between 18 months and two years. However, if standards are found to have fallen, the award can be withdrawn.

David Steeds, Head of Bracknell Environmental Health and Safety, said: "Working with food businesses and Berkshire East PCT to ensure the health of residents and visitors is very important to the Council.

"These awards mean we can recognise the achievement of catering businesses in maintaining excellent standards of hygiene and to encourage further improvement.”

Bracknell Cllr McCracken said: "These awards can reassure residents that the businesses we use every day are offering us safe and healthy food which we can all enjoy.

"I would like to thank and congratulate all these traders for proving in unannounced tests that they are among the best caterers in Berkshire.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Edgbarrow Sports Centre's traditional Bracknell firework night celebrations will be going off with a bang on Sunday, November 4.

Foxy's Firework Spectacular - named after the centre's bushy-tailed mascot - opens at 5pm with the fireworks starting at 6.30pm - with a musical accompaniment.

There will also be a bar, barbecue, sports and games, a bouncy castle and soft play for children.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: Foxy's Firework Spectacular has become a hugely popular event in Crowthorne for all the family to enjoy.

"Why not come down with your friends and family and enjoy some dazzling fireworks."

Tickets bought in advance cost from £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and £17 for families. Full details can be found at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be or call 01344 776211.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Please let me introduce myself: I am the most recent addition to the Bracknell Town Centre Neighbourhood Team. The team now comprises three police constables - PC Indy Pandhal, PC Paul Bowen and PC Mark Boyd - and two Police Community Support Officers – me and PCSO Fran Millen.

I joined the Bracknell team in June 2007 and have now had several months to settle into my new role. I have always worked in a customer-focused environment and this job is no different. PCSOs get to meet many people and being based in the Town Centre, with its constantly changing community of shoppers, I get to meet more than most.

I am now becoming a familiar face around the town as I spend most of my time carrying out high visibility patrols around the busy shopping areas of Bracknell. This means I can act both as a deterrent and as a contact point between the public and the police. So feel free to stop me for a chat or to voice any issues that you wish to bring to the attention of the police. There are now PCSOs working in every area of Bracknell so I can always pass on details to your local PCSO if I am not able to help.

I have recently begun a crime reduction initiative aimed at reducing Bracknell car crime in the Town Centre car parks. This involves working with the car park staff and providing crime reduction advice explaining how to prevent your car from being a target for criminals. The simple message is “Do not leave valuables in your car.” Anything left on display in your vehicle could act as a temptation to thieves. I can reassure you that parking in Bracknell Town Centre is already very safe, but with your help it can be made even safer.

In the coming months the Bracknell Town Centre team will be having a crackdown on cyclists who continue to ignore the “No Cycling” signs around the town. I would like to take this opportunity to remind them that they could face a £30 fine or more alarmingly could cause serious injury to other shoppers.

I look forward to seeing you around the town, or you can contact any of us on the Town Centre team on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

More than 35 caterers from across Bracknell Forest have been presented with safe food and catering for health awards.

In a ceremony held earlier this month at South Hill Park Arts Centre by Bracknell Council’s environmental health team, seven caterers won gold in the Berkshire Safe Food Awards. Ten caterers were awarded silver and 22 bronze. The awards were presented by Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection.

There were four caterers who also won the Catering for Health Award, and the traders were given more information on the awards by NHS Public Health Dietician Jacqui Copp.

The awards are open to any catering business in Berkshire, including restaurants, take-aways, canteens, schools, pubs, sandwich shops and mobile caterers. Bracknell Forest's winners were assessed by the Council's environmental health officers during routine inspections without any advance warning.

They were assessed under categories of food hygiene training, their food safety systems, confidence in management and adequacy of their food handling practices and facilities. The Catering for Health Award is assessed jointly with Berkshire East Primary Care Trust and recognises healthy menu choices.

All winners are encouraged to display their certificates in prominent customer view. The awards remain valid until the premises' next routine inspection – in most cases this is between 18 months and two years. However, if standards are found to have fallen, the award can be withdrawn.

David Steeds, Head of Bracknell Environmental Health and Safety, said: "Working with food businesses and Berkshire East PCT to ensure the health of residents and visitors is very important to the Council.

"These awards mean we can recognise the achievement of catering businesses in maintaining excellent standards of hygiene and to encourage further improvement.”

Cllr McCracken said: "These awards can reassure residents that the businesses we use every day are offering us safe and healthy food which we can all enjoy.

"I would like to thank and congratulate all these traders for proving in unannounced tests that they are among the best caterers in Berkshire.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Schools, community groups and clubs are being invited to perform in Bracknell town centre this Christmas.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council, with the support of Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, is asking young people to come forward for their opportunity to perform 30 minutes of their Christmas show or performance in Princess Square.

The performances will take place every Tuesday and Thursday during the four week run up to Christmas (from the week after the light switch-on, on Thursday 22nd November until Thursday 20th December).

The performance area will be on the first floor of Princess Square and there is space for around six performers. Parents, friends, relatives and shoppers will be able to watch the show for free and enjoy some seasonal entertainment.

There is also the opportunity for one lucky group to have their photo taken during rehearsals and to feature on the front page of the next Town and County, Bracknell Forest resident’s quarterly newspaper. To do this, the Council will need to have the photo by 16th November.

For more information or to nominate your club or group to perform in Princess Square this Christmas please contact Kirsten Shepherd at Bracknell Forest Borough Council on: 01344 352105

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

One of the most respected and influential figures in social care made an unofficial visit to Bracknell Forest to see what support, advice and care services the Council is offering to its residents this month.

Dame Denise Platt, Chair of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), was invited to see what the Bracknell Council’s Social Services department provides to residents benefiting from care and support services on Thursday, October 11.

Chatting to staff and residents at Bracknell Heathlands day centre and residential home and finding out what innovative services are offered by the Council’s dementia team - including home support and the sleep over service- were just some of the highlights Dame Denise, her colleague Olu Olasode, Commissioner at CSCI and Robert Khan, Parliamentary and Public Affairs Manager, observed during the morning

They also heard how the learning disabilities team was offering modernised services to promote independence; help people with disabilities get employment through a national recruitment specialist; and access mainstream leisure and art activities.

A mouth watering lunch served up by the Indian Community Association highlighted to Dame Denise how Bracknell Council is working with Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups in the borough and gave her the chance to ask Social Services staff how BME groups have helped influence future plans for care services.

After meeting with Cllr Paul Bettision, Leader of the Council, Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing and Cllr Anne Shillcock, Leader of the Labour Group, Dame Denise met with staff at the highly acclaimed Bridgewell Centre in Birch Hill where she spoke to people who had used or were using the intermediate care services on offer.

After the tour of some of the services on offer she fed back to senior managers at Bracknell Council on what was working well, how she saw the service modernising and how improvements could be made.

Ian Davey, Director of Social Services and Housing, said: I’m pleased Dame Denise Platt was able to visit the adult social care services we have on offer in Bracknell Forest.

Her observations were extremely useful and have provided us with further ideas on how to continue to build on what services we already offer.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The blueprint for future development in Bracknell Forest is the first in the Thames Valley to have been found to be 'sound' by an independent Government inspector.

The Bracknell policies in the core strategy outline the borough’s approach to accommodating the needs of a growing population while protecting against over-development and maintaining a high quality of life. The main themes of the document include sustainable development, environment, transport and locations of future housing, employment and shopping.

By law, the core strategy has to be independently examined by a Government planning inspector. The examination hearing started in June, where some of the residents who had responded to the strategy’s final consultation were invited to share their views.

The inspector commended the Bracknell Council for its commitment to producing a positive strategy and for its plans for allowing appropriate development which also protects the species living in the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.

The inspector also noted good policies for housing and employment and for the proposals for the Bracknell town centre regeneration. It is only the fifth core strategy in the south east found to be sound by an inspector.

The core strategy is a crucial part of the Local Development Framework, a wide-ranging set of planning documents which run to 2026 which will replace the Bracknell Forest Local Plan.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "The purpose of the core strategy is to have strong policies which will control all aspects of development, protect our environment and the quality of life of our residents.

"It is very satisfying that the strategy has been judged 'sound'; it is part of the new Government planning process, and the consultation with our residents and local parishes has been very valuable."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

It was more than just a discussion on bricks and mortar when more than a hundred delegates with an interest in housing met to shape the strategic housing priorities in Bracknell Forest last week.

Everyone from house builders, housing association representatives, resident association members, and staff from the Government’s Housing Corporation joined with leading members and officers from Bracknell Forest Borough Council on Thursday (October 18) to discuss the future of housing in the borough.

Guest speaker Terry Fuller, who is one of the country’s leading experts in affordable housing within the private sector got the discussion rolling while Alison Bailey, a planning manager at the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA), outlined how Bracknell Forest’s plans would fit in to the vision for the South East.

The Bracknell conference was part of the important consultation phase, which will help shape the Council’s housing strategy. The strategy, once adopted next year, will seek to address a range of housing issues in the public and private sector including meeting the housing, needs of local people, preventing homelessness and ensuring homes meet high eco standards

The strategy will set out the priorities for housing in the borough for five years between 2008 and 2013 and will work in conjunction with a number of other Council strategies including the community cohesion strategy and the Health and Well Being Strategy and will deliver the housing objectives of the Local Development Framework .

The Local Development Framework is a wide ranging set of planning documents, which will run until 2026, and will replace the Bracknell Forest Borough Local Plan. Part of the LDF, called the Core Strategy - which sets out how the borough will tackle sustainable development, environment, transport and locations of future housing, employment and shopping has recently been given the green light by inspectors.

Delegates took part in a range of workshops to thrash out ideas including workshops on health, well-being and the link with housing; improving choice, which discussed choice based lettings; increasing access and improving standards in the private sector; and creating environmentally friendly communities.

A session was also held on developing planning policies for the delivery of housing - and explored issues relating to the location, mix, tenure, density and delivery of new housing in the borough.

Ideas from the day will be used to shape a draft housing strategy and the first stages in preparing detailed planning policies on new housing development- both will be consulted on early next year.

Once adopted by the Bracknell Council, which is likely to be in early spring 2008, the Housing Strategy will provide a solid blueprint for the borough’s housing priorities.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: Providing homes that meet the community’s need is crucial in ensuring the health and wealth of the borough for years to come.

The conference was a big step in shaping plans for the future of housing in Bracknell Forest as there were many professionals and resident representatives on hand to give us an insight into what the local need is. I’d like to thank everyone who took part as their comments and suggestions are invaluable to us as we embark on drafting this major strategy. I would also like to thank those organisations that sponsored the event."

Cllr Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transport, added: Making sure we create sustainable communities for the benefit of all our residents is extremely important.

"This conference was a great opportunity for people with an interest in housing to come together and discuss the future of housing in the borough. This will help us ensure Bracknell Forest continues to be a good place to live and the right quality, quantity and type of homes are built.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Being green and eco-friendly is the new trend, so what better way is there for Bracknell parents to reduce waste than by using real nappies?

Despite the increased publicity, many Bracknell people I speak to think that are-useable nappy means endless folding, pinning and washing. However nothing could be further from the truth!

Nowadays you can get shaped nappies that fasten with Velcro, poppers or a nifty gripper called a Nappi Nippa; and waterproof outers (wraps) are available in a huge range of designs, from plain white to rainbow stripes. A flushable liner in the nappy catches the solids so at change time this is removed and flushed down the toilet. The wet nappies and used wraps then go into a mesh bag inside a nappy bucket. Once the bag is full the whole lot goes into the wash at 40°C or 60°C along with any other washing you might have.

So where do you start? I would recommend that you get 15 to 20 nappies and 5 wraps for a newborn. For an older baby say five months plus I would recommend 12 to 15 nappies and 4 wraps.

What about going out? Take a waterproof bag for the wet nappies and bring them home. Many places do not have nappy disposal facilities anyway, meaning that a disposable nappy would also need to be carried home!

Do they smell? Keeping a lid on your nappy bucket, means that any ammonia smell stays inside. A few drops of antibacterial tea tree or lavender oil on a muslin in the bottom of your nappy bucket will combat odours.

Is the risk of nappy rash higher? An independent university report concluded that the choice of nappy is not a significant factor in the incidence of nappy rash. Frequent changes and plenty of nappy-free time is the best prevention and cure whichever nappy system you choose.

How much does it cost? You can get enough flat nappies and wraps to last from birth to potty for as little as £115, or a sized, shaped system at £300. Compare that with spending at least £6 per week on disposables (over £750 in 2.5 years).

So not only are you saving the planet, you’re saving a tidy £400+!

For free, no obligation advice on real nappies contact Louise Keetley at Nappy Adventures, 18 Woodmancott Close, Bracknell RG12 0XU. 01344 444948

Easthampstead Park School, Bracknell is improving say inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

Ofsted inspectors visited the Bracknell school in September and confirmed major improvements throughout the school. The report says: "This is a satisfactory and improving school with some good aspects.

"The strong leadership of the new headteacher, a newly formed senior management team and the appointment of a wide range of permanent specialist teachers have resulted in better teaching and progress in lessons throughout the school.

"Students and parents comment favourably on the improvements in behaviour, teaching and the support given to students. One parent commented that, 'The school has improved over the past nine months and I am happy that my younger son will be joining his brother at the school next year'."

In summary, the inspectors' key findings were:

- Easthampstead Park is an improving school with some good aspects.
- Students and parents comment favourably on the improvements in behaviour, teaching and the support given to students.
- The senior leadership and local authority have clearly demonstrated that the number of ineffective lessons has fallen dramatically.
- The achievements of students is satisfactory throughout the school and standards are rising.
- Students are supported adequately for their future careers and further education.
- There are many examples of good teaching and learning in the school and these good practices are now being shared and adopted by other teachers.
- A Level grades are improving and the overall achievement is satisfactory. Inspectors say the capacity for the sixth form to further improve is good.

The Ofsted report states that the school no longer requires significant improvement.

As in all Ofsted reports the inspectors make recommendations which will go towards improving all aspects of the school.

Gordon Cunningham, Headteacher of Easthampstead Park School, said: "I am thrilled to be part of the marked improvements that have taken place at Easthampstead Park School over the last year.

"Improvements at the school have resulted from a massive team effort involving staff, students, governors, the Council and local councillors working together to significantly change opportunities for young people for the better.

"I would like to thank all parties involved for the dedication and support that we have received in order to improve so significantly.

"I am so proud to be part of a school which I believe can only go from strength to strength."

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "Under the leadership of Gordon Cunningham and his senior staff Easthampstead Park School has become much more effective over the last year.

"The Council has worked closely with the school to support its improvement plan and will continue to do so.

"I am confident that we shall see the effect over the next year in pupils' results and in the school's standing in the community."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "This Ofsted report is great news for Easthampstead Park School and all of its students.

"Coming away from their notice to improve is a key step forward in the process of making this school the best that it can be.

"Everyone has worked hard to achieve this and we will continue to work closely with the school in the coming months to ensure that process continues.

"The headteacher together with his senior management team are doing an excellent job, and I have the upmost confidence in their ability to take the school forward into the future.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A free Living Well roadshow to help residents enjoy a good quality of life is taking place at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

The Bracknell exhibition is open to everyone living in the borough who may find useful advice and support from a wide variety of Council services and Forestcare, Berkshire Fire and Rescue, Home Start, Keep Mobile, Warm Front, and the Primary Care Trust. It highlights services to help and advise residents in aspects of warmth, income, safety and health.

Displays and stands will provide information on eBracknell nergy saving, assisted waste collection and recycling, healthy eating advice, the Buy With Confidence scheme, the Forestcare Lifeline service, home safety, home library services, safety and security, social services, leisure facilities, and community centre activities.

There will also be a prize draw and free low energy light bulbs given out at the event. It is running from 1.30pm to 4.30pm in the Forest Suite on Tuesday, October 23.

The event is being funded by a new grant recently awarded to Bracknell Forest by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to promote energy efficiency in the community. Only 28 organisations - including three in the south east - have been awarded the grant.

The Council will be encouraging householders to insulate their homes through a range of grants and provide wide-ranging advice for creating environmentally-friendly housing.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Executive Member for the Bracknell Environment, said: "Living Well is an opportunity for everyone to find out how they can improve their quality of life, and will be very valuable for all residents to attend.

"With events like this we will be working hard to help residents make environmental improvements to their homes and lifestyles.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell PC Michael Parker, neighbourhood specialist officer for Great Hollands, is appealing for witnesses to two incidents in Bracknell.

At about 9.15pm on Sunday (14/10), a man in his late thirties was walking down an alley way at the back of Ringwood, Great Hollands, Bracknell when he was approached by a youth. The young man asked for a cigarette and then demanded money.

When the man refused, he was hit by the youth, and also by a second man who joined them. The man sustained a cut to his right temple during the attack. He managed to defend himself but after the youths ran away, the man noticed that his gold neck chain was missing.

The Bracknell two robbers are both white, about 6ft tall, slim and were wearing dark hooded tops.

In a separate incident that took place on Friday (12/10) at about 11.50pm, a 19-year-old man was walking along Rectory Lane, Easthampstead. He was talking on his mobile phone when it was snatched from his hand by a man who ran off towards the town centre.

The thief is white, 5ft 10ins to 6ft, slim and wore dark clothing. The stolen phone is a silver Nokia N95.

Anyone with any information about either of these incidents is asked to contact PC Michael Parker on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

A Bracknell Forest Council tenant has been ordered to reduce the number of pets she looks after at her Great Hollands home after a senior judge branded the 12 dogs and numerous cats living with her were a nuisance to her neighbours and an infringement of her tenancy.

Jane Cracknell from Turnberry was taken to court by Bracknell Forest Borough Council for a breach of housing tenancy conditions and causing a nuisance to her neighbours due to the animals she kept at her Council home.

Bracknell Council received many complaints about the smell and regular noise problems caused by Mrs Cracknell's animals - Environmental Health Officers who investigated the complaints established at times there were over 30 barks a minute from at least 3 dogs - and neighbours said the noise was a regular occurrence.

At Reading County Court last month Mrs Cracknell admitted keeping up to 12 dogs and a number of cats in her three bedroom end-terrace Council house.

Mrs Cracknell denied she was causing a nuisance to her neighbours but admitted her house was not as tidy as she would like and that, together with her late husband, she had been keeping a number of dogs and cats and breeding them for over 20 years.

The Council argued Mrs Cracknell’s actions were a breach of her tenancy agreement and the court refused to accept that because she had been keeping animals for a long time she had a right to continue with her activities.

Mrs Cracknell ,63, was taken to court as a last resort after repeated requests to reduce the number of animals she kept at her Bracknell home. Keeping the large number of pets was a direct breach of Mrs Cracknell's tenancy conditions and so the Council had a duty to take action to protect the rights of her immediate neighbours.

When Mrs Cracknell's home was inspected by a housing and an environmental health officer in January 2007, six dogs and six cats were found at the premises, some rooms were inaccessible and there was an overpowering smell of cat urine.

Three cats were in the downstairs bathroom and a puppy was in a cage in the dining room. Although other cages were found inside the house it was confirmed by officers that the animals were usually kept in cathouses and kennels in the back-garden.

Some of Mrs Cracknell's neighbours wrote letters to the court in support of her animal keeping but the two nearest neighbours told the court how the animals made life intolerable because of the resulting smell and dog barking – actions which violated the terms and conditions of her tenancy with the Council.

Both said how it was sometimes not possible to use their back gardens and one said he could taste the smell” when in his garden and his family often had to keep the windows closed due to the barking.

As further evidence the court was given copies of abatement notices dating back as far as 1991, the most recent being for noise nuisances in 2004 and August 2005.

Bracknell Environmental Health staff also presented evidence of continuing nuisance found during observations over a 2 day period in February 2007 - including at least three dogs barking over 30 times a minute.

It was also claimed that workmen were unable to go into the house because of the way it was occupied and so repairs, upgrades and maintenance could not be carried out.

In summing up the judge commended Bracknell Council for seeking an injunction where all matters could be considered together.

The judge ordered Mrs Cracknell to reduce the number of animals living at her home to no more than two dogs and two cats by the October, 27, 2007. She was also told no breeding was to take place at her Council home

The court added if Mrs Cracknell could not re-home the animals the Bracknell Council would take them to the RSPCA. She was also told she could not refuse Council officers access to her home.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: A lot of hard work by Council officers went into securing this result - which I'm sure will be welcomed by Mrs Cracknell's immediate neighbours.

"The action shows that the Council will use all legal and reasonable methods available to ensure council tenants comply with their terms of tenancy.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: Being a nuisance neighbour regardless of tenure is unacceptable and we will not tolerate any residents suffering because of the actions of other people.

This is a great result for our legal, environmental health and housing teams and for the people of Turnberry.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Top marks were awarded to a Bracknell Forest Borough Council run care home by social care inspectors who said it provided a good service through diligent staff.

An unannounced visit from the Commission for Social Care Inspectors saw the Bracknell care home in Wildridings assessed on how it provided health, social and well-being care for residents.

Inspectors praised the home in many areas when they fed back their comments via an official report this autumn - marking Heathlands as good and excellent in some areas.

Staff were praised highly in the report for working diligently to ensure the well-being of residents, making sure all their needs were met and providing appropriate levels of support.

Managers and care staff were also praised for providing a good range of activities; looking after residents' healthcare needs; providing a varied menu; ensuring social, cultural and spiritual needs are met and helping residents stay in touch with their families.

Inspectors said: Staff work diligently to meet the identified needs of residents, and engage with them individually in the course of their work to maintain their well-being.”

The management of medication; providing privacy and dignity to residents, safeguarding residents' finances and the training of staff were also areas praised in the report.

Glyn Jones, Assistant Director of Bracknell Community Care, said: "Providing a safe, secure and homely environment to everyone living at Heathlands is very important.

"This report is great news as it shows the care and support offered to residents at Heathlands is at the right level and praises staff for safeguarding residents' wellbeing and providing an excellent service."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "I'm very pleased the inspectors recognised what a good level of service is offered to everyone at Heathlands in this report.

"Staff at the home work hard to ensure residents' needs, whether it's physical, mental, social or financial, are met. A big well done to everyone at Heathlands for this great report."

The full report is available at www.csci.org.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Mayor Cllr Gill Birch, Ian Smith from A4e and service user Marc Humphrey look over the new servicePeople with learning disabilities in Bracknell Forest will be some of the first in the country to benefit from a pioneering new scheme to develop their work skills, write CVs and get a job in the local community through a national employment agency.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has teamed up with A4E - a national organisation that already provides services to increase employment and training opportunities to the public- to create a unique employment service for people with disabilities.

The Council asked A4E to develop a programme designed for people in the Bracknell Forest area, initially for people who have learning disabilities - specifically CV building, letter writing, completing application forms, job searching efficiency, interview skills and looking at meeting employers' needs.

It is believed to be the first type of arrangement in the country - which could see other areas following suit in the future so that mainstream employment agencies offer tailored support for people with disabilities - hence providing real job opportunities, training and skills development through recruitment professionals in the future.

People in Bracknell Forest who have a learning disability have been telling the Council they would like to get employment and gain work-based skills - this pilot scheme is in place to help them get the right advice, apply for jobs and give them interview tips.

It will also use a recruiter, who will work with people with learning disabilities to find local companies with vacancies that are appropriate to their skills and abilities.

The Council's Breakthrough team, which has been helping to encourage employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities, will refer Bracknell Forest residents to the scheme - eventually all people with disabilities will be able to access the service directly.

The scheme will initially provide people with learning disabilities with essential skills and confidence to gain employment and independence while giving employers in the Bracknell Forest area a pool of skilled workers to meet their business requirements.

It is hoped that the agreement between the Council and A4e will be a revolutionary new way of providing job and skills advice for disabled people, and that other areas across the country will use this an example of how to offer real employment opportunities - eventually radically changing the way recruitment support is offered to people with disabilities nationwide.

Glyn Jones, Assistant Director of Bracknell Community Care, said: "This agreement between the Council and A4e could revolutionise the way people with learning and other disabilities access employment opportunities in the future - not just in Bracknell Forest but maybe even across the country.

"If other areas follow us in linking up with a national employment agency it could end the way in which disabled people go about finding a job as they will be able to go to a high street recruitment consultant and access jobs which are suited to their needs and abilities just like anybody else would."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, added: "From speaking to people with disabilities on a regular basis we know they want to go out to work and live as independently as possible.

"As a Council we have listened to what they have been telling us and so we have joined up with A4e to provide real employment opportunities. This agreement with A4e provides them with the opportunity to sit down with a dedicated recruitment specialist who is used to tracking down jobs suited to skills and ability - which is much different to what is currently offered and is a real positive step in giving people with disabilities what they want."

Gary Buckley, Regional Manager A4e Work South East , added: “As an organisation we work alongside a wide range of partners to deliver training and employment opportunities to over 60,000 people every year.

"In Berkshire we are the prime provider for the New Deal and also provide LSC-funded English training for speakers of other languages. We also work alongside Hounslow Borough Council to support lone parents back to work.

"We pride ourselves in ensuring that our customers get the advice, training and opportunities that they need to change their circumstances. We enable people to identify their barriers to employment and then support them while they overcome them and work towards getting a job”.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Sandy Lane Primary School, Bracknell is hosting an event this Saturday (13) to celebrate Family Learning Week.

Families attending the learning day at Sandy Lane Primary School will be able to try circus skills, African drumming, information technology, concertina puppets, K'nex challenges and much more.

Family Learning Week is an annual Bracknell campaign which aims to highlight the importance that families have in supporting each other's learning.

It began as a day in 1998 and has evolved into a nine day celebration of learning, with an estimated 300,000 family members joining in the fun.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day, including a barbecue at lunchtime, and there will be a free crèche for children up to four years old.

All families with children under the age of 16 are more than welcome and all children should be accompanied by an adult. Each family taking part will receive a goody bag.

The event is on 10.30am-3.30pm, but families are encouraged to come early to get first choice of activities. Everything is free but you must contact the school if you would like to come along so they can cater for everyone. Tel: 01344 423896.

Martin Gocke, Assistant Director of Bracknell Children, Young People and Families, said: "This day, organised by the extended schools team for Family Learning Week, will be an excellent opportunity for families to try new things together.

"I hope families will go on to join in other learning opportunities once that have had a taste of what extended schools can offer at this event."

Cllr Mrs. Gill Birch, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest said: "I am really looking forward to attending this event and hope people join me in taking advantage of trying some new things.

"The day is completely free and the chance to try African drumming and circus skills should not be missed!"

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, will be facing her own question time from Bracknell Forest's young people on Monday (15 October) when she visits Coopers Hill Centre to talk about her role as mayor.

The visit to the youth forum, held at the Bracknell community centre, ties in with Local Democracy Week (15 - 21 October).

This is an initiative lead by the Local Government Association which aims to work with young people to increase their understanding of local democracy, community issues and the importance of making their voices heard.

The youth forum is held fortnightly and anyone aged 13-19 who lives in the borough is welcome to come along. The forum works on issues relevant to young people in Bracknell Forest and is attended by the borough's Member of Youth Parliament, Stephanie Cole.

Research commissioned by the Local Government Association shows that just one in three 11-16 year olds have ever met a councillor or MP and states that those who have ‘are more likely to express feelings of political engagement and interest.’

Local Democracy Week aims to engage young people and spark their interest in politics.

Cllr Mrs Birch will be talking with the Bracknell young people about what the job of councillor involves, her role as mayor and the democratic process involved in becoming a councillor.

Cllr Mrs Birch said: “The Local Democracy Campaign is about getting young people more involved with and aware of, their local council and councillors.

“I hope that my attendance at this evening will be useful for the young people and I hope they ask lots of questions.

“It is of the utmost importance to get young people interested in politics, both local and national, and encourage them to play a part.

“Who knows, one of them may become mayor of Bracknell Forest!"

For more information on the youth forum, email johane.pitney@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A new ethical company called Green Machine could be weeding the gardens of Bracknell Forest, trimming hedges and making the borough blooming marvellous from early next year while providing quality employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is considering setting up the new firm to offer a quality gardening and maintenance service to residents and businesses in the area.

Bracknell Green Machine would be set up as social firm so it would employ people with disabilities - providing them with a genuine work opportunity. However before the Council can give the company the green light it needs to gauge the demand for the service - and so a questionnaire has been set up to see if Green Machine is a service the Bracknell Forest community would use.

If given the go-ahead Green Machine will offer a range of services including grass cutting, weeding, shrub and hedge trimming, pruning and garden clearing at a competitive price.

The reliable service will be headed by a professionally trained landscaper who will oversee a team of employees that have a disability but want to work and gain training.

As it would be a not-for-profit organisation, any profit would be ploughed back into the Bracknell service through training or equipment or to set up other similar ventures.

Glyn Jones, Assistant Director of Community Care, said: This is an innovative idea to not only make the borough look nice but to provide real employment and training opportunities to people with disabilities.”

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, added: If given the go-ahead Green Machine would provide a great service to our community at a competitive rate. It would also offer genuine employment to people with disabilities who wish to make a positive contribution to the community and get training and work-based skills.

"If anyone thinks Green Machine is something they may use or would like more information on then I'd urge them to contact the Council where a host of information on the potential service and ethical gardening is available."

The Green Machine team is keen to hear from residents and businesses wanting to find out more information on the services it will provide and the cost.

A short questionnaire about the service and ethical gardening as well as more information can be found at http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/living/liv-green-machine.htm Interested residents or businesses can also find out more by calling Mark Methven, Community Development Worker, on 01344 352000 or emailing mark.methven@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Council’s first children’s centre is now officially open and providing a family services one-stop-shop to families and children under five.

The Rowans Children’s Centre, located on the Fox Hill Primary school site, Bracknell is the first of six family centres planned for the borough, and was officially opened today by the centre manager, Cath Lowther, and Director of Education, Children’s Services and Libraries, Tony Eccleston.

The centre is home to an early years and childcare team, family outreach worker and local health visitors with facilities for school nurses and other professionals.

Bracknell Children’s centres offer under fives and their families access to a number of services like parenting support, baby clinics, breastfeeding support, speech and language therapy and much more according to local need.

Other activities running at the Rowans include a toddler group, football for dads and their toddlers, parenting courses, healthy eating, music sessions and clinics covering a range of topics including weaning, toilet training and sleep.

Parents and carers are urged to visit the centre to see what it can offer them and their children.

The Rowans aims to offer local families access to many services without the need to travel very far.

These Bracknell centres are at the heart of the government’s strategy to deliver better outcomes for children under five and their families.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Education, Children’s Services and Libraries, said: The drive to create children’s centres, providing good integrated services, has come from our Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership which brings together representatives of all the organisations working with children.

"The new children’s centres will build on existing good practice and enhance it, so I hope that many more families with young children will benefit from high quality services."

Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children’s Services: "Children’s centres are excellent as they bring together services in one place making services more accessible. It is easier for parents and carers to get any help or support that they need.

The opening of the Rowans is important as it is the first of Bracknell Forest’s children’s centres to bring together our services with those provided by health professionals and the voluntary sector.

In order for these centres to be successful, we need people to visit them! Anyone - mothers, fathers, young or older parents - is welcome to the Rowan’s children’s centre.

I am confident that the local community will take great benefit from it."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest will be officially starting a woodland walk through one of the borough's prettiest forests this autumn to raise much needed funds for Age Concern Bracknell Forest.

Walkers young and old will be pulling on their wellies for a a stroll through Swinley Forest on Sunday, October 7, to raise money for the local branch of Age Concern - a charity which provides essential services such as day care and information and campaigns for better quality of life for people over 50.

Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, will be getting the walkers off to as fine start when she starts the autumnal stroll - which is open to children and adults.

The sponsored walk will start from Age Concern's day centre in Worlds End Hill, Forest Park, and will feature a supervised three-mile walk for children and five-mile walk for adults through the forest.

Cllr Mrs Birch said: "The ACORN Walk promises to be a delightful stroll around Swinley Forest and I urge everyone to pull on their walking boots and join in the fun.

"Age Concern Bracknell Forest is a great charity that does a lot of hard work and this walk will help raise funds so it can continue to provide an excellent service for some of our most vulnerable residents.

Sponsorship forms are available from Age Concern Bracknell Forest.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Parents and carers are advised free child car seat fit check offered by Britax, Halfords and Bracknell Forest Borough Council have been postponed until the New Year.

The checks were due to take place outside Halfords in the Peel Centre, Skimped Hill, Bracknell, between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, October 6. Britax a leading car seat manufacturer, will be able to devote more resources to a new date in the new year and the Council will circulate details as soon as they are known.

Bracknell Council is organising child car-seat checks to help parents to ensure that their children are safe. As from September last year new laws said that drivers must provide child seats or boosters for their children until they are at least 11-years-old or 135cm (about five feet) tall to reduce risk of injury.

The new law was introduced to reduce casualties because adult seat belts are designed for someone with an adult bone structure and whose height is 135cm or taller, so are not appropriate for children and could injure them in a crash.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Baguettes, brie and vin rouge will be the order of the day when the popular French market makes a welcome return to Bracknell town centre next week.

The market, organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, is being held in the town centre from next Thursday (11th October) until Sunday (13th October). It gives shoppers an opportunity to buy some original French produce.

Stalls will be selling produce such as traditional French cheeses, wine, bread, biscuits and pastries, marinated olives and French sausages. There will also be some craft stalls to choose from.

Graham Mountford, Town Centre Manager for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "The French market, with its sights and smells of the continent, is always a winner with shoppers and I am sure that this one will be no exception. I am certainly looking forward to bagging a bargain or two from some of the stalls."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The Bracknell Flowers Team were celebrating a blooming great victory in this year’s Britain in Bloom competition, with Bracknell’s entry winning the Silver Gilt Award certificate and glass plaque for the large town/small city category of the Thames and Chilterns regional heats.

At a presentation on 5 September at Stratfield Brake Sports Ground, Kidlington, Bracknell was presented with Regional Awards for the best commercial involvement, best water conservation and a special award for Sandy Lane School.

Judges from Thames and Chiltern in Bloom said: “Bracknell Flowers 2007 was a splendid entry and we are full of priase for the wide range of colourful floral displays and permanent landscaping, which have had a very positive impact on the town centre. We would like to congratulate the team, led by Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, for the worthwhile environmental considerations and the sheer volume and extent of the commercial support achieved.

“We were particularly impressed with the use of spare clean water produced by the Boehringer Ingelheim plant for watering the town centre displays, and also would like to congratulate Sandy Lane school for their Eco-schools projecy, which incorporated landscape, vegetable gardens and fruit trees. Bracknell has clearly demonstrated how the Britain in Bloom competition can galvanise Council, local business stakeholders and the wider community. Well done!”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection said “We receive great support throughout the year from residents, volunteer groups, local businesses and even our schools and I believe that working in partnership with the people who live and work in Bracknell Forest is one of the keys to our success in the Britain in Bloom competition.”

Helen Barnett of BRP is delighted that Bracknell has held on to its title for the fifth running, commenting: “The RHS judges had many positive comments to make as we took them on a tour of Bracknell Forest in July and so we were very hopeful of this win. Today’s announcement is testament to the effort and commitment that the team has put into delivering the creative floral displays and strong permanent landscaping.

“The response from local businesses to sponsor Bracknell Flowers 2007 has been overwhelming and was a key factor in our winning the Regional Award for best commercial involvement. We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support of Bracknell’s entry in the Britain in Bloom competition.”

Representatives from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) visited Bracknell Forest in July to judge the borough’s entry for Britain in Bloom. The Bracknell Flowers team, with representatives from the Borough Council, BRP, Bracknell Town Council and local business sponsors hosted the visit, which included a tour of the town and a presentation.

Steve McKenna, Landscape Manager for the Council said: “This year, we have continued our commitment to an environmentally friendly Britain in Bloom entry, which has led to us winning the Regional Award for best water conservation. Sustainability initiatives favoured by RHS judges include the use of recycled water, water retaining gel crystals and trickle irrigation systems all contribute to our more sustainable approach in all of our planting across the borough. “Your Gardens”, the borough wide gardening competition that runs alongside Bracknell Flowers, has also been greeted with much enthusiasm and played a significant part in Bracknell Forest’s success at Britain in Bloom, with judges this year commenting on the excellent community involvement and public awareness that Bracknell Forest residents have shown.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Caroline Titley has been appointed the new Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest HomesBracknell Forest Homes is pleased to announce that Caroline Titley has been appointed as Chief Executive of the new not-for-profit housing association.

Caroline joins Bracknell Forest Homes from The Hyde Group, which is another housing association, where she is currently Corporate Services Director. She expects to take up her new role with Bracknell Forest Homes before the end of 2007.

Dermot McRoberts, Chair of the Board of Bracknell Forest Homes, said: “We are very pleased that Caroline will be joining the association as Chief Executive and are glad to have appointed such a high calibre candidate. Bracknell Forest Homes will greatly benefit from the wealth of experience which Caroline brings to this role.”

Caroline Titley commented: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the first Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Homes and I am looking forward to working with the staff, residents, board and other stakeholders to make the new association a real success and deliver all the promises made in the Offer Document.”

Bracknell Forest Homes is the new housing association being set up to own and manage the 5,800 homes which will transfer from the Council in mid-February 2008.

The transfer is the result of a consultation with all tenants and a secret tenant ballot held in March this year, in which over 75 per cent of tenants were in favour of the move. There was a turnout of over 70 per cent of tenants.

The move means £61 million worth of improvements to homes and the housing service in the first five years, and means all homes will meet the Bracknell Forest Standard of repair, which exceeds the Government’s basic Decent Homes Standard.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "I'm pleased that Bracknell Forest Homes has appointed its very first Chief Executive - this is a very exciting step in the transfer of Council housing to the new not-for-profit organisation.

"Caroline has a wealth of experience, which I'm sure will help her and the team drive Bracknell Forest Homes forward to give tenants the standard of housing they want and deserve. I'd like to wish her all the very best in her new role."

For more information about Bracknell Forest Homes tenants can call 0800 692 3000, email your.homes@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/yourhomes

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Car hire company Avis Europe was the runaway winner of the annual Bracknell Forest car free challenge.

A total of 44 per cent of its 273 staff, who are based in the company's European headquarters in Park Road, Bracknell, were convinced to share lifts or leave their cars at home on Friday, September 21.

Joint runners up were 3M and last year's champions Sharp Telecommunications of Europe Ltd, and Bracknell Forest Borough Council, champions in 2005, were fourth. Avis will now hold the prestigious car free challenge trophy for the next year.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council laid down the challenge to see who could get the most members of staff to ditch their cars and travel to work using other methods. The challenge is timed to coincide with European Car Free Day.

The challenge is designed to raise awareness of alternative travel modes and encourage businesses to develop travel plans aimed at staff using greener, cleaner travel choices, and reducing reliance on the car. The Council can work with businesses across the borough to develop travel plans.

Jason van Zuydam, Avis Europe's Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, said "Every business needs to take action to protect the environment. We continue to develop ways to minimise our impact and mobilise our employees and customers to help protect the planet.

"We are delighted to see our employees sowing their commitment to the 'we try harder for the environment' ethos."

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "I would like to congratulate Avis for such a strong performance in this year's car free challenge.

"We hope the challenge will encourage more people to think about regularly leaving the car at home, and enjoying all the healthy and environmental benefits that comes with it."

Residents and businesses wanting more information on travel plans, should contact the Council's travel plan co-ordinator Phillip Burke on 01344 351266.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's parks and countryside service are working closely with residents to ensure prestigious green flags continue to fly over the borough.

The borough has retained its three Green Flag Awards - the national standard for quality parks and green spaces - for another year, and is looking to residents to help retain the awards for years to come.

Pope's Meadow in Binfield was first awarded a green flag in 2001 and has close ties with volunteers to keep the site well maintained and offering new facilities for residents.

Bracknell Conservation Volunteers do regular work, as do Canon Technology Europe - who helped create a new orienteering course. Regular events also take place including children's craft workshops and walks with the countryside rangers.

Westmorland Park in Warfield has now received its fourth green flag since 2003 and there are plans to clear some scrub from the site to open up vistas and improve views across the park and surrounding countryside. New information boards and signposts will also be placed in the park.

Regular ranger surgeries and a users group provides local people the chance to imput into how the park is managed. It is also regularly used for sport including football, baseball, and tennis.

The borough's other green flag is jointly awarded to Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Sandhurst Town Council for Shepherd Meadows and Sandhurst Memorial Park.

Shepherd Meadows is a nature reserve, and is carefully managed by the Council to encourage wildlife. The summer spread of wild flowers attracts more than 600 different insects and a wide variety of birds to the site.

Richard Walton, Parks and Countryside Manager, said: "We are proud of our ongoing record of keeping green flags flying over Bracknell Forest.

"The feedback and help we receive from the community is so important to us, as it means we can maintain our parks to the highest possible standard."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "I am thrilled that Bracknell Forest has three of the five green flags in Berkshire, which is down to ongoing hard work of not only the Council, but also the people who know and love our parks.

"Please use our wonderful parks and countryside, and let us know your views on how we can continue to make them the best they can be."

Members of the public can feedback on all of the Council's parks and open spaces online. By taking part in the internet Greenstat survey, residents can influence how parks are managed to ensure they meet their everyday needs.

Visit www.greenstat.org.uk to feedback online or call 01344 354 441 for a paper version.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council