Bracknell

On Friday (23/1) a multi-agency road safety check was carried out at the Easthampstead House car park in Bracknell, Berks

The check concentrated on taxis and private hire vehicles operating in the Bracknell area. Road Safety Constable PC Bob Wade, of the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership, teamed up with roads policing officers, the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and taxi licensing officers of Bracknell Forest Council.

The Bracknell check lasted from 1800 hrs to 2300 hrs. In that time a total of 58 vehicles were inspected.

Fourteen were found to be not complying with the conditions of the licence. This mostly related to them not having a serviceable or standardised fire extinguisher or first aid kit,

Five vehicles received a prohibition from VOSA. Three of these prohibitions were for defective tyres and two for brake and suspension offences. The prohibition orders forbid the vehicles being driven on the road until the defects have been corrected.

While there were no unlicensed drivers found, two were required to present their licence and documents to licensing officers at a later date.

Bracknell PC Bob Wade said: “These checks are necessary to ensure that licensed drivers comply with the conditions of their taxi or private hire licence. The conditions are there to ensure the safety of passenger using their service.

“While it is good to see that all the drivers were licensed correctly, it is disappointing that some vehicles that carry members of the public were found to have defective tyres, to the extent that an immediate prohibition was necessary.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

They are to welcome the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger, on Friday, January 30, when he officially opens the preschool's new premises at Wooden Hill Primary School, Staplehurst.

The Bracknell preschoool, which has more than 40 children aged two to five on its books, used to be open during the week in the cafe at the Great Hollands Recreation Ground. After 30 years it moved to its renovated building at the school at the beginning of this term.

Supervisor Emily Cannell said: "We are really pleased with our move to Wooden Hill. We share the building with the nursery school which also uses the new facilities. It's so much easier here than in our previous place where we had to pack everything up at the end of every session and for the weekends."

Jane Critchlow, chair of the preschool committee, said: "This is a massive improvement on what we had previously. We are now able to offer extended childcare during school hours in this building which has been renovated with money from Bracknell Forest Council's early years team.

"Not only do we have a new kitchen and toilets, but there is also an enclosed outside play area with climbing frames and other equipment. We're really delighted to be here."

Cllr Edger said: "I'm looking forward to meeting the children and staff at the Pavilion Preschool. The staff and the committee have put in a lot of hard work to make this move and it will be very rewarding to see them happily settled in their new building."

Bracknell Forest Council

Community internet radio station, Radio Bracknell, offers upcoming talent showcase opportunities

Radio Bracknell, a new 24/7 community internet music radio station, launches on 1st February to broadcast around the clock to Bracknell, Berkshire and, through the power of the Internet, around the globe.

The varied Bracknell schedule includes a “Live and Local” show hosted by DJ Stacey L. featuring demo tracks and latest releases from Berkshire bands and artists.

The pre-recorded 2 hour Bracknell show hits the airways every Friday evening at 8pm but is repeated during the week to allow listeners who miss the Friday scheduling to catch up. As the programme is likely to be listened to around the globe, this also allows for differing time zones.

Stacey L., aged 20 is one of the younger generation of trainee presenters on the station whose age range is from 17 up to 82, supported by some seasoned professionals such as Smooth FM’s Jackie Storrar and CMR Nashville’s award-winning Lee Williams. Stacey said: “I host a showcase for all the huge amount of unearthed musical talent in the Royal County so they can be heard by a worldwide audience.”

“Through family interests in live music, I have always been keen to give upcoming artists a small helping hand. In their early days, bands and artists find it very hard, and financially unrewarding, so this exposure should help and encourage them.” Stacey added.

Amongst the artists to be featured in “Live and Local” is Jack Robert Hardman, 19, from Ascot who plays what he describes as “quirky pop music”. On hearing my music, a BBC radio host described it as "something Syd Barrett might do in a dark room", a flattering comparison indeed.

Jack is currently recording songs for his forthcoming 4 track E.P. The songs are to be mixed and mastered by Adrian "Psycho Monkey" Breakspear (Jamie T, Guillemots). Extensive gigging is planned to promote the commercial availability of the E.P, which will be available on both CD, and Internet download, and he will be given plenty of support by the County’s newest internet music radio station.

Listeners can enjoy Radio Bracknell, which hits the airways at 10pm this coming Saturday evening, on their computers at work, PC’s at home, wi-fi radios, many models of mobile phones, Playstation PSP’s and in-car entertainment systems through Bluetooth enabled hands-free mobile phone kits or the new generation of internet car radios.

There are still vacancies for volunteer radio presenters, of all ages, such as Stacey L. Local DJ’s and music enthusiasts can produce and broadcast their own shows using their home computers easily and with support from the Radio Bracknell team.

Other people who would like to be involved can volunteer to help by maintain and developing the websites (including MySpace, Facebook and Next2Friends presence) or promoting the Bracknell station in the local area at events or promotions. The volunteer team include two teenage photographers who will be building a portfolio of local bands and events, including short films of gigs to be showcased on the Next2Friends social networking website which allows for real-time streaming of video as well as many other unique facilities.

Radio Bracknell

On Tuesday February 24 at the eighth annual charity pancake race, organised by Bracknell Forest Council and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP), local businesses will be racing against each other to raise money for charity.

So, if you’re skilled in running the gauntlet in the kitchen, juggling food, or simply used to working under pressure, now is your chance to jump out of the fire and into the frying pan by rounding up colleagues and entering the pancake race. Dress up or dress down, it’s up to the teams to decide. There are awards for the best dressed, individual and team.

Teams of four will compete against each other to win one of four trophies, running a short course down The Broadway in Bracknell town centre. The Grange Hotel, Bracknell is donating regulation pancakes for participants to toss, so each team will just need to bring a medium sized frying pan for their team.

Bracknell residents are also encouraged to come along and watch the flipping good fun; the Shrove Tuesday activity is always a hit with teams dressing up to improve their flipping aerodynamics or just to get their picture in the paper.

Speed, endurance, skill and determination will decide the winners. The fun starts at 10.45am in Broadway, earning victorious teams a certificate and trophy presented by the Mayor of Bracknell Forest Council, Cllr Bob Edger.

Cllr Bob Edger, said: “This is a great annual event which is enjoyed by many people in the town centre. It is also a worthwhile fundraising event, supporting both my chosen charity and that of Bracknell Regeneration Partnership.

“I hope as many local people and businesses in the town take part in the race as it promises to be a really good, fun event.”

The entry fee is £5 per person (£20 for a team of four) and all proceeds raised from the event will be split evenly between two local charities; the Mayor of Bracknell Forest’s charity - Childline and BRP's chosen charity, the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance, which provides a helicopter emergency medical service for the people of the Thames Valley.

Deadline for registration is midday on Friday February 20. To register please call Sara Morris at Bracknell Regeneration Partnership on 01344 350080 or pick up an entry form from BRP or the Council offices.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest schools’ students scored better than average in their GCSE exams last summer as published in Department for Children, Schools and Families, league tables, this week.

The proportion of young Bracknell people achieving five A* to C grades, including both English and mathematics, has risen to 51.5 % from 48.4% in 2007. This figure continues to be well above the average across England as a whole (47.6%).

Lesley Heale, Director of Social Care and Learning at Bracknell Forest, said: "It is very pleasing to see this continuing upward trend in the GCSE results achieved in the borough’s schools.

"The 2007 results were our best ever so to improve on that figure by over 3% in 2008 is an excellent performance, particularly when the results across England as a whole improved by just over 1%.

"We shall continue to work with all of our schools in order to maintain this progress."

Cllr Alan Kendall, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "Pupils and staff across all the borough's secondary schools are to be congratulated on this improvement.

"They should be very encouraged that their hard work does deliver better results and should inspire them to continue their efforts."

Bracknell Forest Council

Following in the steps of Strictly Come Dancing, Bracknell Forest couples can take a romantic spin around the floor at a glittering St Valentine's Charity Ball next month.

The Mayor of the Bracknell borough, Cllr Bob Edger, is inviting all residents to the ball on Saturday, February 14, at the Hilton Hotel, in Bagshot Road. The event has been organised to raise money for the Mayor's charity, Childline.

The black tie ball begins at 7pm when guests will enjoy a Champagne reception, followed by a three course meal with wine, finishing with coffee and mints. During the evening there will also be a charity auction and raffle, while the band Special Blend provides the music to dance until midnight.

Bracknell Cllr Edger said: "This promises to be a very special evening. Over the years successive Mayors have held events such as this and the response has always been very enthusiastic.

"Guests can expect a fun evening with a top quality meal and music for everyone to enjoy. At the same time they will be contributing to a very deserving charity which each year helps thousands of young people in distress. Childline, like all charities, needs extra support in these tough economic times."

Tickets for the ball cost £47.50 per person and are available from the Mayor's office on 01344 352103 or by email from sue.brunt@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

The Hilton Hotel is also offering special rates for overnight accommodation to include a full English breakfast.

Bracknell Forest Council

Runners who took part in last year’s Quintiles Bracknell half marathon have voted it one of the country’s top 50 events, according to Runners World magazine.

It is the first time the Bracknell event - which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year - has scored so strongly in the magazine’s prestigious ranking of races, coming 49th. In 2007, it was 317th.

The rankings are based on the ratings given by runners after each race they have entered. They rank the race on scenery, personal best potential, organisation, beginner friendliness and value for money, before giving an overall rating.

Strong ratings in almost all categories helped to give the race an overall score of 83 per cent. The 13.1 mile route starts and finishes in South Hill Park and takes in Easthampstead, Warfield, Lily Hill Park, Harmans Water and Birch Hill.

Runners World said: "Not even a torrential downpour could dampen the atmosphere at this consistently well marshalled race, run on an undulating loop around the Berkshire town."

Race organiser Chris Vaal said: "We work very hard to make the Quintiles Bracknell half marathon a success every year, which is enjoyable for both participants and supporters.

"My continued thanks go out to everyone who helps make this race happen.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: "This is well deserved national recognition for what our participants and supporters have always known - that Bracknell’s half marathon is among the best in the country.

"While I won’t be taking part this year I am looking forward to supporting the runners in our 25th anniversary race..”

This year’s event is taking place on Sunday, May 10. To enter, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leis-bracknell-half-marathon or www.runnersworld.co.uk. Participants are recommended to enter early as all 1,000 places have sold out in recent years.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest residents aged under 16 or 60 and over could swim for free at Bracknell Leisure Centre, under proposals to be discussed by the Council’s Executive on Tuesday, January 20.

The proposal is to give free access to the swimming pools at Bracknell Leisure Centre to the groups during public swimming sessions.

The Council hopes the opportunity for free access will encourage more youngsters and older people from Bracknell Forest to take up swimming.

If the scheme is approved by the Executive it will form part of the Council’s 2009/2010 budget proposals which will be considered by the Council on Wednesday, February 25.

Other Bracknell residents who receive certain state benefits can already get substantial discounted entry fees through the leisure saver scheme.

The Council decided to not take part in the Government’s free swimming initiative, as it would have led to a significant shortfall in its budget. This alternative scheme would be set up and funded by the Council and only apply to people living in Bracknell Forest.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure, said: "If agreed, this will be a great way to keep Bracknell Forest’s children and older people healthy, as swimming is a great all round exercise.

"We have three superb pools at Bracknell Leisure Centre, and it would be great to see more residents using them on a regular basis.”

For details about the Council’s sport and leisure facilities, and the leisure saver scheme call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell People who want to make a new start for the new year are invited to a special exhibition designed to give them information about learning new skills or getting back into work.

New Year, New Start has been organised by Bracknell Forest Council’s children’s centres, and takes place in the Forest Suite at Bracknell Leisure Centre on Thursday, January 29, from 10am until 2.30pm.

It is designed for families who are finding money is becoming tight; parents whose children have started school; and people who want to develop their skills, have been made redundant or are thinking about doing something different.

Exhibitors include Bracknell Jobcentre Plus and support agency A4e, training and education providers such as Bracknell and Wokingham College and learndirect, and family support like the Council’s early years, childcare and play team, children’s centres and the family information centre.

There are also workshops covering self-employment, working in the care sector or with children, financial support, and personal presentation and confidence. Activities are also provided to keep children occupied while their parents look round.

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children’s Services, said: "This exhibition is designed to help people develop more skills or get back to work.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest Council is urging people in the borough to help it ensure the safety and wellbeing of children who are cared for by someone who is not a direct relative.

The call to action is part of a national campaign called Somebody Else’s Child, which is run by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering, and aims to raise awareness of private fostering.

Private fostering describes an arrangement when someone, who is not a close relative, cares for another person’s child for an extended period of time. Although this is done by private arrangement, legally the parent and the carer must notify the local authority where the child is going to live so the Council can ensure the child is properly looked after.

Nobody knows exactly how many children are privately fostered, but in 2001 the Department of Health estimated there could be as many as 10,000 in England and Wales. While many children are well cared for, it is feared some of these 'invisible' children could be at risk of abuse, or victims of trafficking.

The Bracknell Council is particularly asking people who work with children to be aware of private fostering and inform them immediately if they suspect such an arrangement.

Lesley Heale, Director of Bracknell Social Care and Learning for the Council, said: "Everybody has a role in keeping our children safe - whether you are a teacher, youth worker, neighbour or just chat to the other mums on the school gate. If you hear about a child who is being privately fostered please let us know immediately so we can ensure the child is being kept safe."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children and Young People, said: "It is extremely important to contact the Council if you, or someone you know, has an arrangement with a family to foster a child.

"Ensuring the safety of all children in the borough is of vital importance and it is everybody's responsibility to help us achieve this goal."

For more information on private fostering visit the Council’s website at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/fostering or call 01344 351582.

Bracknell Forest Council

Residents are being urged to have their say on Bracknell Forest Council’s budget proposals for 2009/10. Consultation runs until January 27.

The Bracknell Council wants to protect existing services and save money through efficiencies and modernising services. The budget would enable extra investment in priority services.

Some £3.4m of capital spending is proposed on highways infrastructure. In line with the commitments given by the Council when the housing stock transferred to Bracknell Forest Homes, another £1.1m is proposed for new affordable housing.

A further £1m will boost new youth facilities in the south of Bracknell over the next two financial years.

The Council plans £600,000 more for future social care needs of adults. Other pressures on the budget include the impact of the recession as income from sources such land charge searches and leisure facilities reduces.

These pressures are, however, offset by a wide range of economies, the most significant being a £1m reduction in the costs of placement of looked after children, which has been achieved through more efficient management of cases and a steady reduction in the number of children in care.

Full details of the budget proposals can be viewed on the Bracknell Forest Council website.

Specific consultations are taking take place with the Council’s overview and scrutiny commission and panels; with residents through the Council’s residents' panel; and with parish councils, business ratepayers, the senior citizens’ forum and voluntary organisations.

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Finances, Resources and Assets, said: "The Council is working hard to ensure that it continues to give good value for money in these challenging economic times.

"We are trying to meet meet increasing demand for our services and increasing resident expectations while being subject to reductions in the money we have to spend. Therefore, it is more important than ever that as many people as possible take part in our budget consultation."

Comments can be sent to the Borough Treasurer, Bracknell Forest Council, Easthampstead House, Town Square, Bracknell, RG12 1AQ, or via email to corporate.finance@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. All comments received will be summarised in a report to the Executive on February 10. It will consider the responses before recommending the final budget proposals for the Council to agree on February 25.

Bracknell Forest Council

The Bracknell new year gets underway in a blaze of light at The Look Out Discovery Centre, with the new Fire and Light show.

The Bracknell family show opens on Saturday, January 17, and includes amazing discoveries with fire and light, what a candle needs to continue burning, which creatures create their own light, as well as the chance to marvel at the centre’s own tornado of light.

The show runs four times a day at weekends and Bracknell Forest school holidays until May.

Also returning with a crash of thunder are the popular parent and toddler days, which have a theme of wonderful weather on Monday, January 19, and Tuesday, January 20.

Bracknell Toddlers can enjoy extra special activities including playdough, make and take activities, face or hand painting and story telling.

The show and toddler days 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, there are more than 1,000 hectares of Crown Estate woodland, where there are many trails and walks. There is a children’s play area, coffee shop and a gift shop.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: There is so much going on which can brighten your day at The Look Out.

There are new shows and differently themed toddler days throughout the year, so it's always worth a return visit.”

The Fire and Light Show costs £1.75 extra to the usual admission fee, and the toddler days cost £5.40 for a parent and toddler, with an extra £1 for extra toddlers – up to three per adult. For more details visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be or call 01344 354400.

Bracknell Forest Council

More than 100 Bracknell Forest pupils are learning engineering using robots thanks to the generosity of a global corporation.

LSI, a provider of silicon, systems and software technologies, is currently working with Bracknell schools on a rolling, six-week educational programme.

The corporation, with its European headquarters in Bracknell, has launched the LSI BOT Master Challenge to support learning through practical skills and is supplying the equipment needed to the Bracknell Forest Council run schools.

Christine Ashfield, learning consultant for LSI Global Education Services, said: "The BOT Master Challenge is a fun and exciting programme which we have set up in response to the growing demand for greater practical skills and teaching resources within the areas of engineering, science and technology.

"We have provided 20 pre-built robot models made from Lego Mindstorm NXT kits, together with supporting teaching material, which are currently used in eleven schools in the borough.”

LSI also provided practical training for teachers to ensure schools were confident to carry out the programme.

The programme was initially aimed at 10 and 11 year old pupils in Year 6, however, demand has been such that in autumn its reach will extend to Year 5.

Penny Knight, primary consultant for Bracknell Forest Council, said: "The Council appreciates the programme LSI has developed for our schools in Bracknell Forest.

"The LSI BOT Master Challenge provides professional development for teachers and is opening up opportunities for pupils to develop skills in control technology that would otherwise have been difficult to achieve.”

The Bracknell programme has been developed to enable pupils to take a practical approach, enabling them to explore control and hands-on techniques using Lego models provided by LSI. Visits to schools by LSI engineers enable pupils to relate their learning to the world of engineering and gives them the opportunity to ask difficult specialist questions. The programme will complement the current learning programme for the ICT national curriculum.

Bob Welch, Chief Adviser for Learning and Achievement, said: "We are very grateful that LSI has donated, not only high-tech equipment, but also their time to further enhance our provision for pupils in Bracknell Forest.

"I know that pupils and teachers will make the most of the LSI BOT Master Challenge and enjoy the hands-on lessons with the Lego robots.”

Cllr Alan Kendall, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "This programme helps pupils to develop a passion and understanding of the world of engineering. The lessons are taught in a clear and exciting way and each pupil in the programme gets a certificate on completion.

"I hope the programme is picked up in all of our primary and junior schools in the borough."

Bracknell Forest Council

A 105-year-old former Bracknell lecturer and teacher is returning to his old college building, which is now a conference centre, when a room will be named after him.

Rhys Lewis, who lives in Wokingham, was head of history at Berkshire College of Education and Easthampstead Park College from 1949 until his retirement in 1970.

After celebrating his birthday last September - at what is now Easthampstead Park conference centre - staff decided to honour his historic link to the building by giving his name to one of its refurbished rooms.

Mr Lewis will be accompanied at the naming ceremony by Cllr Bob Edger, the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest; Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, Mayor of Wokingham borough; family members and dignitaries.

Mr Lewis said: "After spending 21-years teaching at Easthampstead Park, I am honoured that the staff decided to name a room after me.

"I have a lot of memories from working there, and I have enjoyed visiting it and reminiscing about times gone by."

Easthampstead Park conference centre is a 19th century country house which was sold to Berkshire County Council after the Second World War. It was a teacher training college before becoming a comprehensive school in 1972. The last pupils moved out in 1994 when the new Easthampstead Park school was completed. The centre has been managed by Bracknell Forest Council since 1998.

Bracknell Cllr Bob Edger said: "It is wonderful that this room is being named after Mr Lewis, after all the years he spent working here.

"It acknowledges the link between the building’s current use as a conference centre, and its history as one of Bracknell’s schools."

For more details about Easthampstead Park conference centre and its facilities call 0118 974 7576.

Bracknell Forest Council

Youngsters at Bracknell Harmans Water Primary School have discovered a world of adventures in the familiar surroundings of their own playground.

And they are looking forward to a visit from the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger, who is visiting on Friday, January 16 to officially open their new adventure area.

The parents' association at the school, in Wellington Drive, Bracknell, raised £11,000 to pay for the equipment, which includes a play area for up to 30 children at a time to explore its chain walks, climbing ropes and monkey bars.

The Bracknell Mayor will also unveil a climbing wall in the older pupils' play area and an adventure trail, complete with balance beams and chain bridges, which has been laid out in the school's woodland.

Michael Harris, headteacher at Harmans Water for nearly nine years, said: "These are fantastic new facilities for the children. They have a chance to develop adventure play in a safe environment.

"Obviously they won't avoid the odd scraped knee or elbow but it's all part of encouraging children to be more active and to give them the opportunity of developing physical skills."

Members of the PA will be at the official cutting of the ribbon, as will a number of the pupils who will take the Mayor and Mayoress on a tour of the new equipment to show them how it is used.

Bracknell Cllr Edger said: "I'm really looking forward to seeing the youngsters making the most of these wonderful opportunities and I will be congratulating the PA on its tremendous fundraising efforts.

"It's very important to get children more active. These adventure areas allow them to get moving and to use their imaginations as they play."

Bracknell Forest Council

Radio Bracknell, a new community internet music radio station, launching on 1st February to broadcast around the clock to Bracknell, Berkshire and, through the power of the Internet, around the globe features international presenters as well as local people.

The weekly Golden Oldies Show comes from the US and is presented by Arizona’s Leslie Stevens.

Leslie was born & raised in the Los Angeles area of Hollywood, Ca. He grew up listening to doo-wop, rock & roll, cha cha cha & jazz music. He developed a keen interest in radio electronics at the age of 12. He built his first radio transmitter kit at 13 and went on to study radio and television engineering and announcing.

Leslie landed his first job in radio at the age of 19 in a small mountain area of Los Angeles. He worked for three major recording studios and several small independent recording studios. Not to mention, several radio and television stations in both California & Arizona. His studio is like "a blast from the past" using vintage reel-to-reel tape recorders and tube (valve) equipment from the early days of radio. All re-built, and sounding good. "I just love the the warm sound quality I get from vintage electronics" Leslie said.

His studio is located off of Route 66 in northern Arizona, west of Flagstaff, in a tiny little town named Seligman with a population is 200. “I am looking forward to sharing my passion for music with listeners to Radio Bracknell and will be calling my show ROUTE 66. I will be featuring lost and forgotten tracks from the past – true Golden Oldies.” Leslie added.

Listeners can enjoy Radio Bracknell programmes on their computers at work, PC’s at home, wi-fi radios, many models of mobile phones, Playstation PSP’s and in-car entertainment systems through Bluetooth enabled hands-free mobile phone kits.

Gritting lorries have driven more than 650 miles around Bracknell Forest already this year, depositing more than 110 tonnes of salt to keep the borough’s roads safe for drivers.

Since Friday, January 2, the 102-mile long primary Bracknell salting route has been covered six times, along major highways such as the A322 Bagshot Road and A3095 Foresters Way between Bracknell and Sandhurst. Also covered are major bus routes, B roads which carry large vehicles like the B3348 Bracknell Road to Crowthorne, as well as key routes between communities.

The 39-mile secondary route, which covers some residential roads, bus routes and roads leading to schools, was gritted on the snowy morning of Monday, January 5.

Last winter, the primary route was salted 28 times.

The Bracknell Council regularly monitors both short and long term Met Office forecasts during the winter months and can mobilise gritting crews from contractor Ringway in one hour. A duty officer looks at the evening forecast from home. The primary salting route is covered by three vehicles and can be completed in three hours.

Salt used on the primary route is pre-wetted, which means it de-ices the road as soon as it makes contact with the surface and prevents damage to vegetation on verges.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "The Council works hard in the winter months to make sure key routes are well gritted to help residents drive safely in icy conditions.

"I would like to thank the drivers who are taking care in the difficult conditions caused by the weather, and the teams who are going out in the cold days and freezing nights, to provide this important service.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Residents in Bracknell Forest have been given more time to influence their neighbourhood’s priorities for 2009.

The closing date for the annual Bracknell neighbourhood action group (NAG) survey has been extended from the original deadline of Friday, December 12, until Friday, January 23, to give residents more chance to highlight what local issues matter to them.

NAGs were set up in 2005 by the Council and Thames Valley Police to help Bracknell Forest residents identify local issues which matter to the community, and work with the police and council to improve them.

Last September, the Bracknell Council introduced an online pilot scheme which extends the ability of residents in three neighbourhoods, Sandhurst, Great Hollands and Birch Hill to discuss what is going on in their areas.

Supported by Bracknell Forest Council and Thames Valley Police the online forums are run via the Council's website and are intended to provide residents with another way to identify areas for improvement in their communities and assist the work of the borough’s 14 neighbourhood action groups

Feedback from the online forums, last year’s neighbourhood forum meetings and the survey will all be given to the neighbourhood action groups to help identify issues which matter to residents, to be resolved together with the Council or the police.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: “Over recent months we have been receiving very valuable feedback from residents about what matters to them about where they live.

”If you haven’t had the chance to tell us what you would like to improve in your neighbourhood, please take advantage of the extended deadline and fill in the survey.”

To receive a paper copy of the survey, call 01344 352291.

Bracknell Forest Council

Community internet radio station, Radio Bracknell, launches on 1st February 2009.

Radio Bracknell, a new community internet music radio station, launches on 1st February to broadcast around the clock to Bracknell, Berkshire and, through the power of the Internet, around the globe.

The radio station, founded by marketing and public relations consultant John Hicks, who has close family connections with Bracknell, seeks to involve local people by encouraging them to share their passion for music by presenting their own shows or, in the case of local musicians, facilitating them showcasing their work to a larger audience.

Listeners can enjoy the programmes on their computers at work, PC’s at home, wi-fi radios, many models of mobile phones, Playstation PSP’s and in-car entertainment systems through Bluetooth enabled hands-free mobile phone kits.

John has been involved in several internet and local radio stations previously including being co-founder, along with international country music radio and television personality Lee Williams, of the very successful country music station, CMR Nashville (www.cmrnashville.net) which had a global listening audience of 2 million people in the year ending September 2008. But he says Radio Bracknell will be different.

“We will be at the heart of the local community, despite also being listened to by people around the world. Enabling young people, local DJ’s and music enthusiasts to produce and broadcast their own shows is only the first element of that community involvement.” John said.

Elsewhere, John has worked with schools and youth groups to enable young people to produce programmes so time has been allocated in the Radio Bracknell schedule for such programmes.

“Our website will have comprehensive links to sources of “what’s on” and job vacancies information. It will also support local retailers, venues and outlets by facilitating local businesses offering our listeners special promotions through membership of our RBXclusive listener club.” John added.

Local people who would like to be involved can volunteer to help by maintain and developing the websites (including MySpace, Facebook and Next2Friends presence) or promoting the station in the local area. John said: “Volunteering enables local people to become part of a small team supporting a local project whilst having fun at the same time as gaining new skills”.

The choice of music is very wide, from pop and dance through to jazz and country. Some shows are being syndicated from the United States with some stations there taking Radio Bracknell programmes on a reciprocal basis.

“Some people ask why I am proceeding with the launch in the current economic downturn here in the UK. Having weathered the economic storms over many years in business, I know these things are cyclical. Like all businesses, radio stations take several years to gain credibility so launching now means that we will be established by the time the UK economy shakes off the recession. Besides, we all need cheering up and Radio Bracknell will be fun, interesting and useful so perhaps the timing is perfect.” John says.

The Radio Bracknell website, where further information can be obtained, is at www.radiobracknell.com and John can be contacted at john@radiobracknell.com

Five Bracknell schools have been recognised for excellent work in encouraging safe, healthy and environmentally friendly journeys to school.

Most schools in Bracknell Forest now have a travel plan which aims to reduce the number of car journeys made by pupils.

Last year, Berkshire’s councils launched a scheme to reward schools which showed an ongoing commitment to their travel plans. The scheme is called STEP - School Travel Excellence Programme – through which schools complete a self assessment form, scoring points for each activity they have completed.

In Bracknell Forest, Sandy Lane has received a silver award, while St Michael’s Easthampstead, Wildridings and Harmans Water schools all received bronze awards.

Easthampstead Park School has received a separate award for the bike facilities it has installed to encourage staff to cycle to school.

Pupils from Harmans Water Primary School were presented with their award by Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, the Bracknell Council’s Executive Member for Planning and Transportation.

Headteacher Michael Harris said: "We are making a real effort to encourage more children to walk to school, to help the environment, reduce congestion outside the school gate and help the children be healthier.

”We are now working with our local police community support officer to introduce a walking bus, so more children can safely walk to school every day.”

Bracknell Cllr Mrs Ballin said: "I would like to congratulate all the schools which have achieved STEP awards for their positive work for their children and the communities around them.

"Travel plans make the journey to school safer and healthier for pupils, reduce the number of cars on roads outside school, and help the environment all at the same time.”

If you want your school to be considered for a STEP award, contact Phil Burke, the Council’s Travel Plan Co-ordinator, on 01344 351266.

Bracknell Forest Council