Bracknell

Bracknell Residents with old pictures of South Hill Park house and grounds could help with the restoration of the historic park.

Bracknell Forest Council's parks and countryside service would like to hear from any residents with any old photographs, prints or plans of the open spaces or the building - now a premier South East of England arts centre - who are willing to help the Council by providing some historical evidence to support the final application for lottery funding.

In May, the Bracknell Council’s parks and countryside service was awarded a £209,000 design and development grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund’s national Parks for People programme following a successful bid.

The pictures would help the Council in its detailed bid for the balance of lottery funding which will be submitted in February. The project’s total cost is expected to be £4.4million and would include three years of works on site and then 10 years of ongoing maintenance. Work is expected to begin on site later in 2009.

Major work is expected to include restoring the Bracknell terrace garden including disabled access improvements; de-silting the southern lake; and conserving and enhancing woodland areas.

New paths and access points are proposed and a more welcoming park entrance from the main car park will be created. Information for visitors around the park will also be improved.

There are also several smaller projects being planned including wildlife improvements, better facilities for young people, improving the landscaped features and restoring the amphitheatre.

Project manager Richard Scrivener said: "This is a major project, and we would like as much help as we can from people who remember it from the past, and also people who would like to help us restore it in the future.

"The Bracknell Volunteers are very keen to be involved in the project and a friends group is being formed, which will embrace the local community and all South Hill Park's users.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "We would appreciate any help our residents can provide to help us with the restoration of South Hill Park, whether its old pictures, or offers of volunteer help.

"South Hill Park is at the very heart of our community and with your help it will remain so for years to come.”

For more information, email richard.scrivener@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or call 01344 351758.

Bracknell Forest Council

A 15-year-old who has been swimming at Bracknell Leisure Centre since she was 18-months-old has achieved her silver merit award.

Camilla Fillingham demonstrated a range of swimming tests to complete the Bracknell award, including swimming 100 metres in less than three minutes, swimming 800 metres including 400 metres backcrawl, diving in at the deep end of the pool and treading water for two minutes with one hand behind the back, skulling forwards and backwards for 10 metres each way, and retrieving objects from the bottom of the pool.

She started in the Bracknell parent and baby classes with instructor Angela Miller and has been taught by her ever since, and has the full range of badges and awards:

* In the Bracknell learner pool she progressed through the minnows, ripples, tadpoles, seals and dolphins classes;
* Then in the training pool, Camilla successfully completed her grades one to four;
* Finally, and in the competition pool, Camilla achieved pre-competition, grades five and six, and then the bronze and silver merit awards.

Camilla, who travels from Lower Earley to use Bracknell Leisure Centre’s pools, said: I really enjoy my swimming lessons with Angela at Bracknell Leisure Centre and I can't wait to start training for my gold merit award."

In the new year, there is a full range of swimming classes starting at Bracknell Leisure Centre for all ages.

Bracknell Children’s classes start with splashers for children as young as six months, rising with age and ability right through to dolphins for children aged up to seven. There are then classes to help children achieve the six swimming grades and then up to gold merit. There are also fitness and synchronised swimming classes and rookie lifesaver courses.

For adults, there are beginners and improvers classes, sessions to help people master front crawl, l’eau robics, ante-natal classes and the chance to achieve teaching and lifeguard qualifications.

Bracknell Leisure Centre also has a wide range of classes including circuit training, aerobics, spinning and gymnastics; and facilities like a gym, squash courts, and a crèche.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure, said: I would like to congratulate Camilla for achieving her silver merit award, and wish her all the best for her gold award.

Swimming is just one of the many ways to get fit at Bracknell Leisure Centre, why not call in at the Centre and find out more about what’s available in 2009.”

For more details about Bracknell Leisure Centre, and the Council’s other sport and leisure facilities call 01344 454203.

Bracknell Forest Council

A Bracknell man has been jailed for breaching the terms of an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) shortly after it was handed down by the court.

Jason Nathaniel Robinson, aged 20, of Holbeck, Bracknell, was given a two-year ASBO at Slough Magistrates’ Court on 7 November. Under the conditions of the ASBO, Robinson was prohibited from associating with Stephen Kent and Luke Mehmi in any place to which the public have access, and also from being drunk, drinking alcohol or carrying alcohol in any place to which the public have access, until 6 November 2010.

On 26 November, Robinson was seen by officers associating with Mehmi in Bracknell town centre and arrested for breaching the conditions of his ASBO. He was remanded in custody overnight and appeared at Slough Magistrates’ Court on 27 November, when he was sentenced to three weeks for breaching his ASBO.

Robinson was also sentenced to 20 weeks, to be served concurrently, for breaching a suspended sentence received on 7 November. The suspended sentence - for 16 weeks in a Young Offenders Institution, suspended for 12 months, with a nine-month supervision requirement – was handed down after Robinson was convicted of assaulting a man on a train in Bracknell on 16 April 2008.

PC Marius York, anti-social behaviour officer for Bracknell Forest Local Police Area, said: “Robinson has a history of anti-social behaviour, particularly in association with Mehmi and Kent, and of committing offences while under the influence of alcohol. If he is convicted of breaching his ASBO again, he could face a substantial fine and/or up to five years in prison.

“I would urge members of the public to report any anti-social behaviour by calling 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

Bracknell Forest residents can now mix all their kerbside recycling in their blue wheelie bins.

Testing of sorting equipment at the new materials recovery facility (MRF) in Reading is now complete. Stickers will now be placed on blue wheelie bins and in kerbside boxes across the borough to alert residents of the change.

This means Bracknell residents can now mix plastic bottles, food tins, drinks cans, empty aerosol cans and all paper and card including wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, junk mail and envelopes in their blue wheelie bins. Residents may continue to use their green kerbside boxes if they wish.

Other recyclables including clothes, glass, foil and tetrapaks can still be taken to local recycling sites.

The MRF has been built by the re3 joint waste disposal partnership, between Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham borough councils and contractor the Waste Recycling Group. The 25-year contract is funded through a private finance initiative which aims to reduce landfill waste and increase recycling.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Bracknell Forest Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, said: "This is a major improvement for Bracknell Forest residents as it is now easier than ever to recycle.

"I would like to thank everyone who has been diligently separating their recyclables over the years. We now recycle more than 40 per cent of our waste, I hope we can increase this even more now.”

For a full list of recycling sites, or to order a new blue wheelie bin call 01344 352000. Bin deliveries will be made in the New Year.

Bracknell Forest Council

A respected former Bracknell Forest councillor has died suddenly. Len Blake, who represented Bullbrook and Priestwood wards between 1983 and 1991, was in his mid-eighties when he passed away at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading last Wednesday (December 10).

Mr Blake served as a local politician for more than 25 years, first as a county councillor for Bullbrook, and then on the Bracknell district and borough councils.

He and his wife, Olive, lived in Bracknell for 50 years.

During the Second World War Mr Blake was an RAF pilot flying Bristol Beaufighters. After the war he joined Vickers engineering company and then worked at the Avis car hire firm as an accountant.

Aside from local Bracknell politics, Mr Blake was involved with local charities, offering his accountancy skills for free and raising money for such good causes as the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre.

Cllr Jacqui Ryder, who now represents Priestwood and Garth ward, said: "Len Blake was dedicated local politician who served the community very well. Although he retired from the council in 1991 I’m sure there are still many people who remember all his hard work."

Mr Blake’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, December 23, at 12 noon at the Easthampstead Crematorium in Bracknell. Everyone who knew him is invited to attend, while flowers can be sent to A B Walker funeral directors at 157 Binfield Road, Bracknell.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest Council is offering good services for children and young people according to the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

The annual performance assessment (APA) is carried out annually within each local authority and the Council has received an overall grade three, good rating.

The APA makes judgements about:

* the Bracknell Council’s children’s services and the specific contributions they make to improve outcomes for children and young people;
* the contribution services make to improving the lives of Bracknell children and young people; and
* the Bracknell Council’s capacity to improve these services.

The inspectors' key findings in summary are:

Overall effectiveness of children’s services - grade 3, good

Bracknell Forest consistently delivers services for children and young people that are above the minimum requirement. The Bracknell Council's capacity to improve, including its management of services, is good. The Council has made impressive progress in reducing the number of young people not in education, training or employment.

Be healthy - grade 3, good

Highly effective multi-agency working is promoting healthy lifestyles and delivering some outstanding results for children and young people, particularly in terms of reducing teenage conceptions; increasing the proportion of schools achieving the National Healthy School standard; and increasing the number of children and young people participating in two hours of sport and physical education each week.

Stay safe - grade 3, good

There are good opportunities for young people to raise concerns, make representations and complaints and express their views through the use of advocates and independent visitors. There are good services that safeguard children and young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Enjoying and achieving - grade 3, good

Overall attainment of looked after children is better than national average for this group of young people. At the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, children are exceeding threshold targets in personal, social and emotional development and communication, language and literacy.

Make a positive contribution - grade 4, excellent

Bracknell Children and young people, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who are looked after, are closely involved in strategic decision making.

Achieving economic wellbeing - grade 3, good

There has been a significant and sustained reduction in the proportion of all young people aged 16-18 not in education, employment or training.

Capacity to improve, including the management of services for children and young people - grade 3, good

The leadership of children's services is strong and partnership working is effective. A coherent 14-19 partnership has been developed that is taking decisive action to extend provision for young people.

Lesley Heale, Director of Bracknell Social Care and Learning, said: "I am pleased Ofsted inspectors recognised the Council is a providing good services to children and young people.

"However despite the positive result we are not complacent and will continue to monitor and improve services for children, with their safety and wellbeing our main priorities."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Children's Services, said "The Council works very hard to make sure that children’s services are making a good contribution to the lives and achievements of its residents.

“This is clearly shown in this report which rightly highlights the Council’s good work for children and young people.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell College Hall is improving and provides satisfactory education for its pupils according to an inspector.

An Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) inspector visited College Hall, Bracknell at the end of November and the findings have now been published.

College Hall is a Bracknell pupil referral unit (PRU) which opened in the autumn term of 1999. Currently there are 20 pupils aged between 11 and 16 enrolled, who are not able to receive education in mainstream school for a variety of reasons.

When Bracknell young people are excluded from a secondary school they may be reintegrated into another school in the borough, but some pupils will only learn in a particular teaching environment, which is the purpose of the Council-run PRU at College Hall.

The inspector gave the Bracknell PRU a grade three, satisfactory rating overall but also highlighted its strengths which include:

• the excellent leadership of the headteacher;
• the excellent relationships between staff and pupils;
• teachers manage classes well, to help pupils to improve their behaviour and control their emotions;
• pupils contribute to the local community by, for example, participating in fundraising events as part of their GCSE citizenship course; and
• given the PRU’s success in enabling pupils to make satisfactory progress in recent years, it has satisfactory capacity for improvement.

In common with all Ofsted reports the inspector identified areas for improvement. At College Hall these recommendations are:

• to use assessment more effectively to set precise targets for individual pupils’ personal development and academic achievement;
• to gather and analyse all available data to evaluate the PRU’s effectiveness more rigorously; and
• to continue to make every effort to recruit suitable staff to fill long-standing vacancies.

Headteacher Marion Bent said: “At College Hall we provide education, support and guidance to pupils with a wide range of difficulties.

“Although it can sometimes be challenging, teaching here also offers great rewards.

“We have recently appointed a number of teaching staff to our team and will work on Ofsted’s recommendations to further improve.

“I would like to thank all the staff at College Hall for their dedication and hard work and for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of the young people who are educated here.”

Cllr Alan Kendall, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: “College Hall gives a vital service to our young people and helps put them back on to the path of achievement and encourages them to make a positive contribution to the community.

“Well done to the staff and pupils at College Hall for this improving report.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Christmas festivities were in the Bracknell air last week during an open event at New Hope.

New Hope, based in Bracknell town centre, is a centre where people with drug and alcohol issues can access support from health and social care professionals.

The Christmas event was held on Friday, December 12, and was open to the public, users of the centre, as well as VIPs such as the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger.

Bracknell New Hope manager Jillian Hunt said: “The open event provided the opportunity for staff and centre users to get together, and also for other professionals and agencies to find out more about the work which happens at New Hope.

“We had a lovely turn out and everyone enjoyed the Christmas food on offer.”

Cllr Edger said: “While we don't have a big substance misuse problem in Bracknell Forest we do have a dedicated team of staff and full treatment package available for those who do have a drug addiction.

“Staff at New Hope work extremely hard to provide a first-rate service to substance misusers in Bracknell Forest and open events like this reflects their dedication to the community.”

If you are worried or anxious about anything to do with drugs or alcohol, whether it is for yourself, a friend or family member, then contact New Hope on 01344 312360.

New Hope is located at 92 Broadway, Bracknell town centre and is open from 9am until 5pm, there is also a drop in on Tuesdays from 4pm until 7pm or Fridays 10am until 12.30pm. A family and friends group is also available at New Hope on the last Thursday of each month.

Bracknell Forest Council

Vulnerable families and people in need right across the borough can rely on Bracknell Forest Council officers who will work throughout the Christmas period to offer help and support.

Forestcare, the Bracknell Council’s emergency call centre, will stay open 24-hours a day with eight staff working shifts on Christmas day.

The service monitors 5,000 personal alarms in blocks of flats, sheltered accommodation and in private homes to help vulnerable people both in Bracknell Forest and the surrounding boroughs.

Additionally, staff working on Christmas day try to call all residents in sheltered accommodation who are not expecting to see visitors.

Claire Bennett, Forestcare manager, said: Forestcare is a lifeline for thousands of people across Bracknell Forest, so it is vital we maintain our services throughout the festive period.

For the staff at work we decorate the office and make sure there is plenty of food too, so they can still enjoy the festivities of Christmas.”

Meanwhile, there will be about 100 staff working in adult social care. These include the staff at the Council’s Ladybank, Bridgewell and Heathlands residential homes; and officers from the community response and reablement, dementia and long term support and the emergency duty teams.

Glyn Jones, Chief Officer: Bracknell Adult Social Care, said: "We have to maintain these essential services right through the festive period, because so many residents depend on us every day.

"It will not just be council staff either, there will be many contractors working on our behalf over the festive period."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, "Health and Housing, said: I would like to thank all the staff who give up a traditional Christmas with their families to maintain support for Bracknell Forest residents.

"These are essential services for many residents which mean they can celebrate Christmas in their own homes.”

Bracknell Forest Council

The Christmas and New Year bank holidays mean there are changes to Bracknell Forest Council's refuse and recycling services during the festive period.

Most Bracknell residents will have their collections one or two working days later than normal, for example collections on Thursday, December 25, will be changed to Saturday, December 27. The other changed collections are listed below:

Collections on Friday, December 26, changed to Monday, December 29;
Collections on Monday, December 29, changed to Tuesday, December 30;
Collections on Tuesday, December 30, changed to Wednesday, December 31;
Collections on Wednesday, December 31, changed to Friday, January 2;
Collections on Thursday, January 1, changed to Saturday, January 3;
Collections on Friday, January 2, changed to Monday, January 5;
Collections on Monday, January 5, changed to Tuesday, January 6;
Collections on Tuesday, January 6, changed to Wednesday, January 7;
Collections on Wednesday, January 7, changed to Thursday, January 8;
Collections on Thursday, January 8, changed to Friday, January 9;
Collections on Friday, January 9, changed to Saturday, January 10.

Also, after Christmas real Bracknell Christmas trees can be collected with garden waste for composting. Please remove all decorations and leave the tree loose - not in a bag - at the kerbside on a recycling collection week. There will be no garden waste collections between Monday, December 22, and Sunday, December 28. Christmas trees can also be taken to Longshot Lane civic amenity site, there are no other Christmas tree recycling sites in Bracknell Forest.

Bracknell Residents will not be able to mix their kerbside recycling in the blue wheelie bins until the new year, due to ongoing health and safety checks at the new sorting facility. Excess cardboard can be left tidily next to kerbside boxes over the Christmas period for collection on recycling weeks.
Longshot Lane civic amenity site will be open every day except Christmas day. On weekdays it is open from 5pm until 8pm, and weekends and bank holidays from 8am until 8pm.

Due to the disrupted Bracknell household waste collections, the site will be also closed for short periods at the times listed below:
11am until 12noon on Saturday, December 27;
9am until 10am and 12noon until 1pm on Saturday, January 3;
9am until 10am on Saturday, January 10.
For more details about Longshot Lane, visit www.re3.org or freephone 0800 9883023. Residents are asked to not queue at Longshot Lane when it is closed, as it disrupts local traffic and vehicles linked to the site's current redevelopment.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Executive Member for the Bracknell Environment, said: The Council has worked hard to ensure minimum disruption to our refuse and recycling services over the festive period.

"I would like to wish everybody in Bracknell Forest a very happy Christmas, but if you're able to think about the environment and minimise your waste you will have done your bit for a greener Christmas. So don’t forget to use your kerbside recycling services and take your bottles and jars and any old clothes or books you need to clear out to your local recycling site"

For all refuse or recycling queries call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Council

Hundreds of children from Bracknell Forest Council’s primary schools performed at the annual Christmas carol concert at the weekend (Sunday, December 7) at the Bracknell Leisure Centre.

More than 350 Bracknell youngsters sung traditional Christmas carols and other festive songs accompanied by a youth orchestra made up of Berkshire children taught by Berkshire Maestros. James Baker of Berkshire Maestros conducted the orchestra and choir.

As well as accompanying the Bracknell choir, the Berkshire Maestros Corelli Orchestra played Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson.

The audience sung along with the schools choir to some traditional carols including Once in Royal David’s City, Silent Night, We Three Kings, White Christmas and Hark The Herald Angels Sing.

Cllr Bob Edger, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, said: "The carol concert is an annual highlight for the start of the festive season and I look forward to attending each year.

"The children, school staff and musicians of the Bracknell Maestros, so ably led by James Baker, put a huge amount of effort into organising and preparing for it.

For me, the concert is the beginning of the Christmas celebrations and the way in which the children, and their parents, relatives and friends, enter into the spirit of the occasion always impresses me.

"I warmly congratulate all those who took a part in giving us yet another wonderful musical experience."

Bracknell Forest Council

Victims will be cut out of a mock car crash by Bracknell fire officers to highlight the dangers of drink and drug driving at Christmas.

Emergency services and Bracknell Forest Council are joining forces to encourage everyone to have a safe Christmas on the roads.

The Council’s road safety team organised the drink and drug driving roadshow (known as Triple D) with Thames Valley Police and Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service. It will be in Market Square, Bracknell, from 10am until 3pm on Saturday, December 13.

In the mock crash, fire officers will cut students from Bracknell and Wokingham College from a car. There will also be a police exhibition trailer offering advice and information about safe driving.

Meanwhile, the Council’s road safety team will be offering samples of non-alcoholic cocktails.

Tina Housego, Bracknell Forest Council’s road safety officer, said: "This roadshow will reinforce the serious message about drinking and using drugs and then driving.

"I hope everyone who comes along will think just that little bit more about their safety on the roads either as drivers, passengers or pedestrians over Christmas.”

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transport, said: "Even though many of our thoughts this time of year are on having fun, it is important we do not forget how to keep ourselves and others safe.

"I would like to wish everyone a very safe, and happy Christmas.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Back in 1994 the channel tunnel opened, Tony Blair became leader of the Labour Party, East 17 had the Christmas number one, and The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre got four stars in the annual Loo of the Year awards for the very first time.

And Bracknell Forest’s most coveted conveniences will now be on the award’s roll of honour for the 14th consecutive year.

The toilets were assessed during unannounced visits by official Loo of the Year Award inspectors. A number of criteria were judged including signage and decoration, fixtures and fittings, and overall standards of cleanliness and management.

The Look Out toilets are fitted with guards on the doors so visitors do not catch their fingers and as people walk into the ladies toilets a puff of perfume is sprayed to keep a fresh and clean smell. There are also excellent baby changing facilities.

The Loo of the Year Awards have been identifying the best in Britain since 1987 and are recognised as the standard-setter for the provision of away from home facilities for staff, customers and visitors.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "I would like to thank all the staff at The Look Out for making it one of our most popular and successful attractions here in the borough.

”I would particularly like to thank the centre’s cleaners Issie Green and Durga Tilija for their continuing hard work to make sure the toilets are the best in the borough.”

The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre is open from 10am - 5pm. As well as the 80 hands-on science and nature exhibits, there is a children’s adventure play area, free car parking, gift shop and coffee shop. Based in 2,600 acres of Crown Estate woodland, there is plenty of space for walks, cycling and orienteering.

For further information, call The Look Out Discovery Centre on 01344 354400

Bracknell Forest Council

Saturday 20th December
at Cellar Bar, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell RG12 7PA

Be warned, some of this material may offend.

Rage DC
Hacksaw
and comedy from Robin Shaw

Admission £6.00
Tickets available from South Hill Park box office on 01344 484123 or www.southhillpark.org.uk
Doors 8pm


Punk band Rage DC has been around in various forms since 1996, and over the years they have shared a bill with, amongst many others, the UK Subs, the Vibrators, the Dickies and GBH. The present line-up has been together since 2007 and has been playing and building up a fanbase in London and the South East, including a set at Guilfest last year.

A geriatric two-piece punk rock act from Bristol, Hacksaw sound a bit like Steptoe & Son doing Motorhead covers round the Cockney Rejects’ house. Despaired of by punkers the globe over, their mid-life crisis antics will truly spoil your Christmas.

Robin Shaw is studying comedy at Southampton Solent University and has performed stand-up at various venues from London to Berlin. You can expect a lot of different voices in his act, and impressions of all sorts. He has also been known to wail out a few tunes with his guitar here and there. Be warned, some of Robin’s material may offend.

Bracknell shoppers are in for a treat when they visit the market this festive season.

Stall holders are donating a range of products to make a Bracknell hamper packed full of Christmas goodies for one lucky shopper to win.

Visitors to the market can pick up an entry form to the prize draw and drop it back to one of the traders to be entered into the competition before Friday, December 19. The winner of the competition will be presented with their hamper before Christmas.

Graham Mountford, Bracknell Town Centre Manager, said: “The Market is a great place to stock up on quality food for Christmas and to buy some alternative gifts, not available on the high street.

“In addition, the stall holders are more than willing to offer advice on the best ways to prepare and cook food bought from their stalls. This year, the market will also be open on Christmas Eve, so there are plenty of options for that last minute rush.”

However, there is more than just food to choose from at the market. Other stalls include one of the most comprehensively stocked haberdasher's in the area, a stall selling back-dated magazines, pet food and gifts for the furry friend.

Bracknell Market is located on the ground floor of the former 3M tower and is open every Friday and Saturday from 9am until 4.30pm. It will also be open on Tuesday, December 23 and Wednesday, December 24 for last minute Christmas shopping.

Bracknell Forest Council

An independent survey has found that 82 per cent of visitors to the Bracknell Longshot Lane civic amenity site rated it good or very good.

The annual survey is carried out by the re3 waste disposal partnership, which manages the site for Bracknell Forest Council and its partners. The site is currently being redeveloped and operating reduced weekday opening hours.

It also found:

- Garden waste was the most popular form of recycling taken to Longshot Lane (33.2 per cent), followed by cardboard (7.7 per cent).

- The vast majority of respondents (83 per cent) said staff had been helpful.

- 85 per cent of users highly rated the site’s cleanliness.

- The centre improved for queuing in 2008 with 74 per cent of respondents giving a high rating compared to 42 per cent last year.

The overall number of visits to the site were down - which is thought to be linked to the reduced opening hours caused by the redevelopment.

The improvements at Longshot Lane, Bracknell include changing the layout of the site for better access and providing covered bays for residents to unload their vehicles. Recycling facilities will also be improved. It is currently open on weekdays from 5pm to 8pm and weekends and bank holidays from 8am to 8pm.

re3 is a 25-year joint waste contract between Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils and the Waste Recycling Group.

A similar survey took place at the Smallmead household waste recycling centre in Reading.

Staff from MEL Research surveyed 1,100 users at both Longshot Lane and Smallmead. Research was carried out during the week and at weekends.

Smallmead, a modern indoor facility opened by re3 earlier this year, was rated as good or very good by 99 per cent of its users.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Bracknell Forest Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, said: Longshot Lane provides an excellent facility for residents to dispose of items not collected through their kerbside collections and I am delighted they still appreciate the service despite the disruption caused by the redevelopment.

Once the new Longshot Lane Household Waste Recycling Centre is fully open next year, I hope residents will value the modern facilities in Bracknell Forest as much as residents appreciate the Smallmead site in Reading.”

For more details about the redevelopment or to check the latest opening times and any short term closures before leaving for Longshot Lane, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/env-waste-disposal, www.re3.org.uk or freephone 0800 9883023.

Bracknell Forest Council

There's Bracknell festive fun for all the family when Father Christmas drops into The Look Out Discovery Centre this weekend.

Santa will be in his special Bracknell grotto from 10am until 4pm over The Look Out's Christmas weekend, which takes place Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7.

There will also be a free entertainer and every child who tells Father Christmas what they would like this year will get an early present.

As Christmas gets closer, younger children can visit the festive Fairytale Forest on Thursday, December 11, and Friday, December 12, with the return of the centre's popular toddler days.

Special activities include make and take, playdough, face or hand painting and storytelling. Father Christmas will also be in his grotto from 10.30am until 12.30pm.

The Bracknell Christmas events are in addition to the hands-on science and nature exhibition. There are more than 80 exhibits, which are bright and appealing to all ages. The exhibits are themed in five zones: sound and communication, light and colour, forces and movement, body and perception and woodland and water.

Also, the spacetastic Planets and Stars show is running four times a day and there are more than 1,000 acres of Crown Estate woodland, where there are many trails and walks. There is a children’s play area, coffee shop and a gift shop which sells a range of stocking fillers and presents.

Visits to Father Christmas cost £3.90 per child; and parent and toddler days cost £5.50 for a parent and toddler, and £1 for additional toddlers – up to a maximum of three per adult.

The Look Out is open from 10am-5pm, seven days a week. It is closed between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, and between January 12-16 for annual maintenance.

For more details, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be or call 01344 354400.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Residents recently enjoyed some festive frolics during a special event at Heathlands.

Staff at the Bracknell Forest Council residential home put on a festive celebration with a twist this year when they invited Party Time Productions to entertain the residents.

Also on the programme during the day was Heathland’s annual Christmas pudding making event.

Each year the Bracknell residential home makes delicious Christmas puddings to be sold locally to raise funds for the residents’ entertainment fund.

Heathlands manager Linda Parsons said: “The day was great fun for the residents and staff alike. The atmosphere was full of festive cheer and Party Time Productions did an excellent job of getting everyone dancing.

“The annual pudding making is always eagerly anticipated at Heathlands and this year’s puddings are more delicious than ever.”

Heathlands was awash with tinsel and twinkling lights for the special day, with party food, tea and biscuits and even sherry on the menu.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Social Services, Health and Housing, said: "As always the staff did a fantastic job of spreading Christmas cheer and the puddings are delicious.

“I wish all the residents and staff at Heathlands a very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.”

Bracknell Forest Council

A Bracknell mother has been fined £300 for allowing her child to be persistently absent from school.

East Berkshire (Maidenhead) Magistrates' Court prosecuted the parent under Section 444 (1) of the Education Act 1996 and was fined £235 and was ordered to pay costs and administration fees of £65 on Friday, November 28.

In spite of repeated efforts by Bracknell Forest Council's education welfare officers the school pupil had attended school for just 61 days out of a possible 124 from June until October. An education welfare office offered support and counselling to the family to encourage the child's school attendance.

Also at East Berkshire Magistrates' Court another case for a pupil's non-attendance was adjourned until the start of the new year and another parent pleaded guilty and was fined £110 and ordered to pay £50 in costs.

Since January this year, the Bracknell Council has issued 13 sets of summons for parents to appear before magistrates’ in respect of their children’s absences from school. The results have ranged from withdrawal of the summons when the child’s attendance has improved, to fines and costs and in some cases, the threat of a warrant to be issued for the parents’ arrest when they failed to appear in court.

The Education Act 1996 states parents are responsible for ensuring children of compulsory school age (five to 16 years old) receive a suitable education, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.

The Council, as the local education authority (LEA) can prosecute parents who fail to meet this statutory. Government guidance encourages LEAs to take a hard line on absenteeism.

Education welfare officers investigate reports of regular absenteeism with schools and parents. Legal action is the last resort if parents refuse to accept responsibility to educate their child.

Lesley Heale, Director of Bracknell Social Care and Learning, said: "The Council does not use prosecution as a first option. Parents have a responsibility to ensure their children are educated and where there is a concern about absences education welfare officers work with schools, parents and the children in an attempt to bring about improved attendance.

"If there is no improvement then the Council will take whatever action is necessary to ensure children do not miss out on their education and jeopardise their outcomes for their future. This is a clear warning to parents that the action could be court proceedings."

Bracknell Forest Council

Members of the Bracknell Forest Domestic Abuse Forum were out in the town centre recently (November 26) to offer advice and support to people who have suffered violence at home.

Their stall, in Princess Square shopping centre, Bracknell raised £75 selling white ribbons, an international symbol of the campaign against domestic abuse. All the proceeds will go to Berkshire Women’s Aid, which provides safe places, drop-in services and support for victims.

The Domestic Abuse Forum is made up of a number of agencies, including Bracknell Forest Council, Thames Valley Police, health services and Berkshire Women's Aid.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "The white ribbon is a symbol that one will not commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

"Whilst the international campaign focuses on abuse towards women, the local Domestic Abuse Forum has used the campaign as an opportunity to highlight that men are also at risk of suffering domestic abuse."

Bracknell Forest Council

More than 8,000 carers in Bracknell Forest have been praised for the work they do looking after elderly, frail, disabled or mentally ill people who live in the borough.

A working group of Bracknell councillors has produced an Overview and Scrutiny report called Caring About Carers, which recognises the long hours put in by volunteers such as relatives and friends to ensure their loved ones can stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

The group has also looked at the information carers receive about help available and the kind of support they can expect from Bracknell Council and other bodies such as the NHS and voluntary organisations.

Councillors on the Social Care and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Panel - which examines important local issues on behalf of the borough’s residents – have recommended more short-term respite care and more information coming through local doctors’ surgeries - often the first port of call for carers. They believe these recommendations are key to making carers’ lives a little easier.

Councillor Anne Shillcock, who led the Bracknell working group, said: "The group's members look forward to early implementation of their recommendations.

"This review has revealed three main issues. Carers' primary concern is that they are helped to meet the needs of the people they care for, which includes access to respite care.

"Both the Council and the voluntary sector give a wide range of good support to carers.

"And more needs to be done to get information to all the 8,200 carers in Bracknell Forest on the help available and how to access it."

Councillor Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "The report shows that the Council supports its carers well and it gives proper recognition to the vitally important work done by many thousands of people who provide much needed care for their relatives and friends.

"Their value to the community is considerable and I want to thank all of them for their tremendous contribution. We will put in place the recommendations from the report as part of our continued commitment to improving services for all our vulnerable residents and their carers."

And the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger, who chairs the Overview and Scrutiny Commission, said: "We are carrying out a number of other reviews across the a wide range of important topics, with similarly positive outcomes showing that Overview and Scrutiny, acting on behalf of residents, makes a valuable contribution to the running of the Council."

Bracknell Forest Council

In the run-up to Christmas, Bracknell Police are using larger-than-life advertising posters to get their crime prevention message across. At selected locations in Bracknell Forest, large ‘Lift and Lock’ posters are on display, warning everybody to lift their door handles and lock their front doors at night.

The Bracknell eye-catching posters were first displayed at bus stops on main routes around the borough in the weeks when the clocks went back. This followed a spate of house burglaries at night, where burglars had been getting into homes by putting implements through the letterbox, either to knock the handle down, or fishing for keys left within reach of the letterbox.

While the bus stop campaign was for two weeks only, the posters are continuing to be used at other locations. For the period until Christmas, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership has kindly allowed the poster to be displayed in a shop window in The Broadway in Bracknell town centre.

The poster campaign is an initiative by the Community Safety Team at Bracknell, including Inspector Mark Harling and Crime Reduction Adviser John Oblein, working with Richard Knight of Focal Point Advertising who co-ordinated the locations, Jason Hopkins of Breathe Creative Solutions, who created the design from an original police photograph, and Ian Boswell, Community Safety Manager with Bracknell Forest Council Crime and Disorder Reduction Team.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell