Bracknell

Bracknell Adult social care services are good and have excellent prospects for improvements according to inspectors.

The Bracknell Council’s adult social care services were recently inspected by the Commission for Social Care Inspectors (CSCI) and a report released yesterday (Thursday, November 27) rated services as three stars - the highest rating possible.

All councils across the country are judged against the quality of personal care they provide for their residents and are marked from zero stars for poor performers to three stars for outstanding services. Bracknell Forest’s three star score is an improvement from last year’s two star rating and follows a steady modernisation programme of support and care services.

The official report stated Bracknell adult social care is good and its capacity for improvement is excellent.

Health and emotional wellbeing, choice and control and economic wellbeing are all areas where Bracknell Council is delivering excellent services. The areas of quality of life, freedom from discrimination and harassment and making a positive contribution were rated as good by inspectors.

Key strengths outlined in the report included:
* Bracknell Forest Council produces a full range of clear, accessible and well-publicised information regarding healthy living;
* more people are supported to live in their own homes and there are good services available to carers;
* the leisure initiative for people with learning disabilities has resulted in people with a range of special needs receiving appropriate support to participate in sports and leisure activities; and
* people in Bracknell Forest can expect to receive referrals, assessments and reviews of services in a timely manner and with respect for the person.

Lesley Heale, Director of Bracknell Social Care and Learning, said: "I am aware staff within adult social care have been working tirelessly to improve adult care services for the people of Bracknell Forest over the past year to continue to modernise and improve support for the residents of the borough.

"Our residents can feel confident we are committed to providing high quality personal care and our star rating confirms we continue to improve services for the borough’s most vulnerable people.”

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "We are a well run Council and we are committed to improving our services to older people and the CSCI report shows this.

"We must however see this report as an important and helpful milestone on our continuing journey to improve our services still further.

"I want to congratulate all those who have worked so hard to get to such a high level of care and support for our older people, especially our own staff, but also those from the voluntary sector and all the carers who help to make Bracknell Forest one of the best and most caring places to live.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Police are appealing for witnesses after an incident of aggravated vehicle taking in Warfield, Bracknell.

At about 3.30pm on Wednesday (19/11), a 63-year-old woman was with her four-year-old grandson in her car at the recycling centre at Tesco, Jigs Lane, Bracknell when she was approached by a man who pulled her from the driver’s seat, got in and started the engine.

When the woman tried to get her grandson out of the car, the man drove off. As he did so, she held onto the car and was dragged along the ground, sustaining a dislocated shoulder.

Shortly afterwards, the man stopped the car and let the boy out, unharmed.

The woman was treated at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, and has since been discharged.

The man is white, around 30 years old, 5ft 7ins and of a medium to stocky build. He was wearing a black anorak, black jeans, a black woollen hat and black boots.

The car, a silver Ford Focus, was recovered on Friday (21/11) in Gerrards Cross.

PC Alex Boyce, of the Bracknell Priority Crime Team, said: “The incident happened in broad daylight, with several potential witnesses going about their normal business at the time. This was a particularly frightening experience for the woman and her grandson and I urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any other information which could assist with our investigation, to get in touch as soon as possible so that we can find the man responsible.”

PC Boyce can be contacted via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre 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

Warfield Cof E Primary School, Bracknell is holding its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday 6th December 2008 from 12 noon to 3pm.

Bring the children to meet Santa, let them buy and wrap their own presents in the “No Adults Allowed” Secret Present Room and have their hair done at the salon. Parents can try their luck in the alcohol tombola, munch on a tasty turkey bap and bid to win tickets for Royal Windsor Racecourse amongst others. Amazing raffle prizes include £100 cash, £50 pamper hamper and £50 garden centre voucher. It promises to be a fun day for all the family!

Other stalls include Guess the name of the teddy, Gingerbread/Biscuit Decorating, Show Me The Money, Jam Jar Ping Pong, Lucky Dip, Cake Stall, Guess Weight of Cake, Feed Santa, Panda Pop Hoopla, Tombola, Teddy Tombola, Table Football and Silent Auction.

Get some Christmas shopping done with our many stall holders

Stay for lunch with our scrummy refreshments, including turkey baps, hot dogs, mulled wine, alcohol bar, hot and cold drinks.

Entrance is free, although as a registered charity, donations are invited on entry.

All Saints Rise Warfield, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 3SS

A selection of the best photographs of Bracknell Forest’s parks and countryside sites go on display at South Hill Park Arts Centre from Saturday, November 29.

The pictures were taken by Bracknell Forest residents and entered into the Council’s park and countryside service’s photo competition earlier this year. More than 70 entries were received, many of which are now being used to promote the borough’s open spaces in a new set of leaflets and on the Council’s website.

Sixteen images will make up the exhibition called Capturing Our Natural World which is to be displayed in the arts centre’s community gallery until Sunday January 25. It will feature the five winning entries and one highly commended runner up which were displayed in Bracknell library in June.

The judges were Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection; Sally Coulson, the parks and countryside service’s Projects Officer; and Outi Remes, South Hill Park Arts Centre’s Arts and Exhibition Officer.

Cllr McCracken said: "I am pleased we are able to display a larger number of the wonderful photographs which residents submitted to us earlier this year.

"They reflect some of the most attractive areas of Bracknell Forest and are well worth coming to see.”

There will also be two winning images displayed from a competition run by the Bracknell Standard and the Council with the support of Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, in support of this year’s Bracknell Flowers. The two images were taken by local children and capture some of the natural wildlife thriving in the borough.

South Hill Park Arts Centre is in Ringmead, Bracknell. For more details visit www.southhillpark.org.uk or call 01344 484 123.

Bracknell Forest Council

Students found out how many people they could squeeze in the back of a Volvo, at the launch of the Bracknell Forest travelshare database.

Teams of young people from Bracknell and Wokingham College helped to promote the new database at an event in Charles Square, Bracknell, on Friday, November 14.

The challenge was to advertise Bracknell Forest travelshare, an online system promoted by the Council to help people who make similar journeys to travel together. It could be sharing lifts in a car, or even finding someone to walk or cycle with – and can be for work or pleasure.

It helps to reduce motoring expenses as the driver can split costs with the passenger as well as cut the number of cars on the borough’s streets.

There are four simple steps to join the travelshare database:

One: go to www.bracknellforesttravelshare.co.uk and register, or call 08700 111199.
Two: enter the details of any journeys you want to make.
Three: the system searches for people making the same or similar journey and lists them.
Four: contact any matches via the website.

Personal details remain confidential – communications between potential matches are made through the website. Participants can decide if other people can see home or email addresses.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: I would like to thank the students from Bracknell and Wokingham College for helping us to launch the travelshare database.

The database can help cut the cost of travel and help congestion and the environment. Even if you’re just looking for a companion for a walk or cycle ride, you can still log on and register your journey.”

Bracknell Forest businesses can have a dedicated group on the database, contact the Council’s travel plan co-ordinator on 01344 351266, or call Liftshare on 08700 780225 or email natalie@liftshare.com

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest residents are being offered a second chance to buy a green cone composting system - which can take all food waste including meat, bones, bread and dairy products, for a special price of just £10 while stocks last.

The green cones will be available from 10am until 2pm at Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot Road, on Saturday, November 22. The green cone normally costs £69.99 plus delivery.

The green cone turns food waste back into its natural components of water and carbon dioxide. You can put all your food waste – not just vegetable peelings and fruit skins, but meat, bones, fish, bread crusts and dairy products – into your green cone and forget all about it. Through a completely natural decay process it turns into harmless liquid that seeps into the soil.

To operate effectively the green cone needs a sunny position with free draining soil, and there will be no smells or vermin. You will be able to leave it working away in your garden for several years before it needs emptying.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Executive Member for the Bracknell Environment, said: "The Council works hard to help residents dispose of their waste without it ending up in harmful landfill sites.

"Our last green cone sale was incredibly successful so get there early before they all run out."

For a £10 green cone, visit the roadshow with proof of residency, like a council tax or utility bill. Cash payments only, one per household, only 400 are available. Green cone staff will be available to answer any questions. Limited supplies are available online for £19.95 - including home delivery - visit www.greencone.com

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest Council is working with Thames Valley Police to target recurrent graffiti vandals in the borough.

Bracknell Forest Council takes the issue of graffiti vandalism very seriously and tries to keep the borough as free from graffiti as it can be.

During the last few months graffiti has become more of a problem, especially on private property. The Council and the police are particularly keen to establish the identity of those leaving the tags, TUK, AL and AMO on property in and around Bracknell. The tag is what a graffitist calls a signature and it could be an initial or street name.

Steve Loudoun, Chief Officer: Environment and Public Protection at Bracknell Forest Council, said: Fortunately graffiti is not normally a big problem in the borough, but recently we have had problems with a group of people leaving particular tags. The cost to the taxpayer and the property owner is of concern as it the negative image that graffiti gives to an area."

Ian Boswell, Community Safety Manager at Bracknell Forest Council, said: We are working closely with our partners including the police to identify the culprit or culprits for this behaviour. Graffiti is criminal damage which carries a possible prison sentence.

There is a significant cost to the council as a result of removing graffiti and we are keen to prosecute and explore ways of recovering our costs.”

The estimated cost to the country of removing graffiti is over £1 billion and any people caught causing graffiti can be prosecuted under the Criminal Damage 1971 Act. The maximum fine can be up to £5,000 and young offenders may be given a community service order.

If anyone has any information which will help to identify the culprits they should contact Bracknell Forest Borough Council on 01344 352000 or alternatively the police on: 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Residents can now see the hygiene ratings of cafes, pubs, restaurants, take-aways and supermarkets thanks to a new scheme called Scores on the Doors.

Bracknell Forest Council is rolling out the scheme among the borough’s food traders, who will be given a sticker showing a star rating from their most recent inspection.

The star ratings range from zero stars for the very poorest, to five stars for those with excellent health, hygiene and food preparation management systems in place.

A ceremony was held at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell on Monday, November 17, to present the borough’s five star traders with their stickers.

More than 89 councils across the country already use Scores on the Doors including West Berkshire, Reading and Wokingham.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Public Protection, said: “Scores on the Doors helps increase confidence in our local traders, and will be an added incentive for them to all to reach the highest standards possible.

“I would like to congratulate the five star traders for achieving the top star rating, and delivering top quality service to their customers.”

Bracknell Forest Council

A Bracknell Forest charity that works with drugs users is holding a fundraising event at Bracknell's town centre market on Friday, November 28.

SMART CJS (Criminal Justice Services), based at the Bracknell Council’s drugs advice and support centre, New Hope, in Broadway, will offer a host of vintage clothes, bric-a-brac items, books and toys on its stall, which will be open for business on the ground floor of the old 3M building (Winchester House), between 9am and 4pm.

The money raised will help people find jobs, get into education or move into new accommodation. The cash buys clothes to wear at interviews, or for kitting out a first flat.

SMART was established in 1996 to provide an arrest referral service for Thames Valley Police. It now delivers services ranging from criminal justice interventions to aftercare, mentoring and support for prison leavers.

Jillian Hunt, Bracknell Forest Council's Drug and Alcohol Action Team Manager, said: "Shoppers’ support will be much appreciated, as all the money raised will help clients recovering from substance misuse issues to move on and achieve a better quality of life.

"We hope to see lots of people at the stall hunting for bargains."

Bracknell Forest Council

Angelic voices will fill the air on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, as Christmas shoppers bustle around The Meadows centre in Sandhurst.

Choirs from Owlsmoor Primary School, College Town Junior School and Easthampstead Park School will sing Christmas carols and other festive songs in support of the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest’s annual charity collection.

Bracknell Cllr Bob Edger’s chosen charity this year is Childline, which offers help and advice to thousands of children and young people needing support over issues such as bullying, health and family breakdown.

Cllr Edger, who will be at The Meadows with collection buckets on both days between 10am and 4pm, said: "I’m very grateful to all the people who give so generously. I know many people are very hard-pressed financially at the moment but Childline does such fantastic work that it deserves our help.

"I’m also very grateful to all the pupils who sing so wonderfully. They work very hard to add a festive note to the occasion."

Bracknell Forest Council

Keeping Bracknell children and young people safe and free from bullying is the theme of an important event this month which will bring together professionals from across Bracknell Forest.

The Bracknell event, entitled ‘Safer Together, Safer Wherever - tackling bullying and promoting rights and respect’, is to be held at Easthampstead Baptist Church on Monday, November 17, and will mark the launch of the first ever anti-bullying strategy for the borough. The strategy aims to improve the safety and well-being of children and young people in the borough.

The strategy was created after consulting with young people in the borough, as well as from feedback from local consultations and workshops, and guidance from government and recognised leaders in the area of anti-bullying.

The launch event will include a talk on ‘Tackling Cyberbullying’ by Mary Louise Morris from Childnet International and drama presentations by pupils from Easthampstead Park School and Robert Higgs - newly appointed anti-bullying co-ordinator for Bracknell Forest.

Martin Gocke, Bracknell Chief Officer: Access and Inclusion, said: "Lots of exciting work is going on in our schools and in the wider community to prevent and deal with bullying and this strategy and action plan will further improve this work.

"When tackling bullying, I believe the best way forward is pre-emptive, by developing children and young people's understanding of rights, respect and responsibilities and involving them in support of one another."

Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children and Young People, said: "Bullying is a significant issue for children and young people and the Council and schools are working hard to help the borough's children feel safe.

"I fully support the Council in their work on anti-bullying and believe the Safer Together, Safer Wherever strategy will have a positive impact on the lives of the children and young people in the borough."

The launch event is held in conjunction with National Anti-bullying Week (November 17-21) with schools across the borough spreading the word that bullying will not be tolerated.

Each year Bracknell Forest schools are invited to take part in a competition were pupils produce either a piece of poetry or prose, a piece of artwork or a short presentation based on the theme for National Anti-bullying Week. This year’s theme is ‘Being different, belonging together’.

The week concludes with an awards ceremony, hosted by a different school each year. Children and young people of all ages attend with their families. This year Cllr Bob Edger, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, will award prizes to the winners in each of the Key Stages 1, 2, 3, 4 and also post-16 at Edgbarrow School on Friday, November 21.

Bracknell Forest Council

A teenager has been charged with rape following an incident in Bracknell last month.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also charged with robbery in connection with the same Bracknell incident. He has been remanded in custody and is next due to appear before Maidenhead Youth Court on Thursday 20 November 2008.

The charges relate to an incident which occurred on the afternoon of Sunday 26 October 2008, during which a 19-year-old woman was allegedly raped and had some property stolen from her.

The victim was walking through an underpass near Iveagh Court, Harmanswater, Bracknell, when she was allegedly approached and instructed to go into a nearby wooded area, where the incident then took place.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

The Council's landscape team and volunteers sprucing up Bracknell bus stationBracknell bus station has been given a blooming floral facelift thanks to Bracknell Forest Council, local volunteers from Bracknell Forest Garden Club, the voluntary rangers and Bracknell Forest Natural History Society.

The grass bank, next to the busy bus station, has been in need of improvement for some time. So the decision was taken by Bracknell Council’s landscape team to transform the area by planting 3,000 crocus bulbs and sowing colourful wildflower seeds.

Steve McKenna, Landscape Manager for Bracknell Forest, said: The crocus will give the area some much needed spring colour and the wildflowers will hopefully encourage bees and butterflies and will look beautiful well into the summer. There are already a number of banks around the town managed for wildflowers some of which contain very rare and beautiful plants.

The team which works on the Bracknell Flowers campaign, the town’s entry into the regional Britain in Bloom competition, is always looking for areas that can be visibly improved but this project is particularly satisfying as we are also able to help boost the borough’s biodiversity. We hope that the area is in full bloom next July, when the Britain in Bloom judges visit.”

It is also hoped this work will add to the Biodiversity Action Plan which is a Council-led plan, until 2011, aimed at encouraging organisations in the borough to increase biodiversity.

Richard Walton, Parks and Countryside Manager at the Council, said: "This project will provide a new habitat for local wildlife as part of the Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan."

Bracknell Forest Council

Eight teenagers from Bracknell schools spent the day at Bracknell police station on Friday (7/11) as part of ’11 Million Takeover Day,’ a national event designed to forge closer links between young people and key organisations in the community.

The Bracknell youngsters, five boys and three girls aged 14 and 15, represented Brakenhale, Easthampstead Park, Garth and Sandhurst secondary schools. On arrival at the police station, they watched a 1947 newsreel about Reading Borough Police, which enabled them to compare and contrast the way things were done 60 years ago with modern day policing.

Safer Schools Partnership officer PC Jan Collins, who organised the day, said: “After the film, we gave the pupils an overview of the departments currently based at Bracknell police station, and explained the role of Police Community Support Officers. This was followed by a talk from two Scenes of Crime Officers, who described the methods they use to gather evidence, including DNA, fingerprints and footprints. Their session included a demonstration of fingerprinting techniques.

“We then moved on to a role play exercise, led by Sgt Steve McSweeney, in which each of the pupils took on the responsibilities of a duty inspector, deploying resources in response to 999 calls during a Saturday night shift. The incidents included a burglary, assaults, a sudden death and a stag night. At the end of the exercise, we revealed that it was based on a real Saturday night in Bracknell Forest. The pupils were surprised at how many incidents the police dealt with in a single night.

“After lunch, we took the group on a tour of the police station, including the cells, and they sat in a transit van and a new police patrol car. They then took part in a problem-solving exercise about anti-social behaviour, alcohol and drugs, looking at ways of dealing with a group of youths causing a disturbance. We talked about licensing laws and the role of the anti-social behaviour officer.

“To round off an action-packed day, we gave the pupils a real-life problem to solve – graffiti in the town centre, illustrated by photos taken by our town centre patrol officers. The youngsters came up with some good ideas on how to prevent graffiti and catch those responsible.

“This is the first time we have taken part in the 11 Million Takeover Day, which started in 2007. The youngsters were very positive and it was a pleasure to have them here.”

Asked for their feedback, the pupils all said the day was interesting and enjoyable. For one, the highlight of the day was “looking around the cells. It was really fun though slightly scary.” For another, it was “when we had to plan a night shift for the police, because it made me realise how difficult a job it is.” A third pupil really enjoyed “learning about all the methods they use to catch criminals.” One youngster summed up the experience as “Awesome!”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Council and South Hill Park Arts Centre have brought back sessions designed to let the over 50s learn new dancing skills.

Led by Di Rudduck, an experienced teacher and mature dancer, Bracknell participants can try the tango, get a feel for the foxtrot or sample salsa at a level where they feel comfortable - including using a chair to help be more mobile. No previous experience is necessary.

Twinkle toed participants from last year’s classes said it helped them feel more positive, energetic, relaxed and gave them a chance to socialise and make new friends.

The classes run every Friday at South Hill Park Arts Centre in Ringmead, Bracknell, from 1.30pm to 2.45pm.

It costs just £2.50 per person, and there is no need to book - just turn up with comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "I am really pleased the dance classes for over 50s are returning as they were so well received by participants last year.

"If you fancy trying dancing for the first time, do try coming along and enjoy learning in a friendly and supportive atmosphere."

For more information call Kerry Lemon on 01344 351756

Bracknell Forest Council

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted and his mobile phone stolen in Bracknell.

At about 10.30pm on Sunday 26 October, a 43-year-old man was walking in Hazell Hill, Bracknell in the Mount Pleasant area, when he was approached by two younger men on bicycles, who assaulted him and stole his mobile phone. One man hit him with a stick, while the other punched him several times. The man sustained a broken hand, cuts and bruises.

The robbers are both white men. One is about 25 to 30, 5ft 4ins, skinny, with short hair and an unshaven face. He was wearing a light blue tracksuit with two white stripes on the sleeves.

The second robber is aged 22 to 23, about 5ft 7ins, clean shaven with short hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt.

PC David Whiteaker, Bracknell investigating officer, said: “We are keen to speak to a man who came out of some nearby flats during the assault, and may have witnessed it. He is white, about 5ft 7ins, and was wearing a light yellow T-shirt. I would appeal to this man, and anyone else with information about the incident, to come forward and assist with our investigation.”

Assault at Bracknell sports centre

Police are appealing for witnesses after an incident in Bracknell on Saturday (1/11) in which two men were injured.

At about 11.40pm, police responded to reports of a disturbance outside Bracknell Sports and Leisure Centre. A number of people were involved in a fight in the car park, following a cage fighting event at the centre.

Two men in their early twenties were assaulted and sustained injuries that required hospital treatment. One was treated for a broken collar bone and facial injuries, and has been discharged. The other man remains in hospital with a serious eye injury.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Det Con Iain Watkinson 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.

Teenager assaulted in Bracknell

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 16-year-old boy was assaulted in Bracknell.

At about 10.30pm on Friday 24 October, a group of teenagers were standing at the kebab van in Eastern Road, Bracknell when they were approached by the passenger of a silver car which stopped nearby.

After demanding to use a mobile phone, the man punched one of the teenagers in the face before leaving in the vehicle.

The Bracknell offender is black, aged 18 to 25, 5ft 9ins, of medium build. He was wearing a red hooded top, grey tracksuit bottoms and a beanie hat.

Anyone who witnessed the assault and has not already spoken to police is asked to contact PC David Whiteaker 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

Edgbarrow Bracknell Sports Centre will go off with a bang on Sunday, November 2, with the return of Foxy’s Firework Spectacular.

As well as the annual firework display there is a bouncy castle, soft play, trampolining and go karting for children – all supported by the centre’s mascot Foxy.

For Bracknell grown ups the newly refurbished Time Out café bar will be selling hot and cold drinks and snacks, the Be Active gym will be open for viewing, and information on fitness classes will be available.

Doors open at 5pm, and the 20 minute firework display to music takes place at 6.30pm.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: The annual Edgbarrow fireworks extravaganza is always good fun for all the family.

The fireworks are always brilliant, and there’s plenty of other activities to keep everyone entertained.”

Tickets on the door cost £20 for two adults and up to three children, adult tickets cost £7 and concessions cost £4. Discounts are available for centre members and advance bookings.

For more details, call 01344 776211

Bracknell Forest Council