Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Council will be encouraging tanning salons to implement under-16 age restrictions, after half of those tested were willing to give a 15-year-old girl unrestricted access to a sunbed.

The Bracknell Council ran the test purchasing exercise on Thursday, February 20, to find out how many salons went against government advice by allowing under 16s access to sunbeds.

Ten Bracknell salons were visited, and five would have allowed the girl to use a sunbed. The survey also revealed the cost in Bracknell Forest can be as low as 90p per minute, making sunbeds well within the budget of many youngsters.

Now Bracknell Council officers will be looking at how the safety standards of tanning salons are applied, and make sure they are operated safely - focusing on the potential use by young people aged under 16.

The testing was arranged before it was revealed a 14-year-old, Kirsty McRae, suffered 70 per cent burns and was put on a hospital drip after spending £4 on 19 minutes in a coin-operated sunbed in Barry, South Wales.

Research shows children as young as 13 regularly use sunbed salons, and 80 per cent of a person’s lifetime exposure to ultra-violet light occurs before the age of 21.

Burning as a child doubles the risk of skin cancer in later life, making it particularly important that children and teenagers are made aware of the risks of sunbeds.

Steve Loudoun, Bracknell Chief Officer: Environment and Public Protection, said: "Following the test results, we intend to work with businesses to try to ensure children are not permitted access to sunbeds.

"We would like to see all these premises implement an underage policy and ensure they hire their beds responsibly only to those over the age of 16.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Public Protection, said: "England now has a higher death rate from skin cancer than Australia with people as young as 15 years old dying from skin cancer.

”I would like to thank the officers and the girl who tested the salons for bringing this valuable research to our attention.”

Bracknell Forest Council

"All profits from the event go to our Help a Pre-school Child Appeal which funds children with special needs attending pre-schools"

Wednesday 24th June 2009 - Teddy Bears Picnic at Jocks Lane Recreation Ground, Off Binfield Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 2BH. 11am to 2pm.
£2 admission per person, £7 for a family ticket* (up to 4 people), under 18 months free.

A fun day out for pre-school children, the following attractions are Free bouncy castles, circus workshops, pet's corner, puppet shows and swing boats. There will be a small charge for facepainting.

Tickets are available at the following locations:

The Family Tree Children’s Centre – 49 Broadway, Bracknell RG12 1BB – Tel: 01344 317028

The Oaks Children’s Centre – Wordsworth, Bracknell RG12 8QN The Rowans Children’s Centre – Pondmoor Road, Bracknell RG12 7JZ Jocks Lane Recreation Ground

Or contact Bracknell Forest Pre-school Learning Alliance Office on 01344 305613 or e-mail rachelclaytonpla@sky.com

*Family tickets only available in advance.

Bracknell Forest Sub-Committee, Pre-School Learning Alliance

Bracknell Forest Council is putting on free parenting workshops this year.

The Bracknell Council’s extended services team has organised the free events for the community at various venues throughout the borough.

Raising self esteem for children and dealing with sibling rivalry are just some of the free workshops offered.

Bracknell Workshops on offer include:

* How to manage your children when they behave in a difficult way - Thursday, February 26, from 9.30am at Binfield CofE primary School; and Thursday, November 26, from 7pm at College Town Infant School.

* Dads are important too - Tuesday, March 24, from 7pm at Brakenhale Open Learning Centre.

* Raising self esteem - Thursday, April 30 , from 9.30am at Wooden Hill Primary School.

* Pre teens: not quite there yet - Thursday, May 7, from 7pm at Garth Hill College.

* Sibling rivalry - Tuesday, May 12, from 9.30am at Ascot Heath Infant School.

* Transition to secondary school - Thursday, May 21, from 7pm at Cranbourne Primary School; Wednesday, June 10, from 7pm at Garth Hill College; and Tuesday, June 23, from 7pm at Edgbarrow School.

* Parenting teenagers - Thursday, September 24, from 7pm at Edgbarrow School.

* How to have fun with your pre-school children: the wonder of play’ - Monday, October 5, from 9.30am at The Rowans Children’s Centre.

Bracknell Parents are welcome to turn up to any of these sessions but bookings are preferable by calling 01344 353133 or email parent.support@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Martin Gocke, Chief Officer: Bracknell Access and Inclusion, said: "Bringing up our children is perhaps the most important role that many of us will have in our lives. Having support and professional advice available helps to ensure children are brought up in the best possible environment.

"Parenting courses are just one of many free events planned by the extended services team here at the Council. With all schools in the borough offering a range of extended services, there's bound to be something in your area to suit you.

"Just call the extended services team to find out more."

Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, added: "Extended services brings together key services in one place making it easier for parents and carers to get the help and support that they and their children need.

"It will ensure that educational, health and voluntary sector professionals get work together to create the best possible care, support and education for the children and families in Bracknell Forest."

To find out more about extended services and events in your community call 01344 353133.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Families enjoyed an afternoon of art activities, music and sport at the Kerith Centre at the start of the month.

The Bracknell event, organised by parent groups from funding from central government, was held on February 7 to promote parents and carers participation and awareness of a new government programme.

The Aiming High for Disabled Children programme is a government initiative to transform and improve services and support for children with disabilities. Funding is made available to local councils and Primary Care Trust to develop short break services for children with disabilities.

Parent groups from the Kerith Centre, with the support of Bracknell Forest Council, held the event at K2 at the Kerith Centre. The highly successful event was attended by more than 70 parents and around 60 children and young people and enjoyed activities such as music, sport, movies and a chill-out zone. A buffet lunch was also provided.

Lesley Heale, Director for Bracknell Social Care and Learning, attended the event and said: “The parent participation event was held to let people know about the new initiative and give them a chance to raise concerns and to suggest areas for improvement within the borough.”

The event also had 20 professionals on hand to talk with parents. Gail Hanrahan, from the charity Contact a Family, attended as a guest speaker.

Exhibits at the event included information from the Council, Action for Children, Sensory Consortium Service, Berkshire East PCT, CIC, Konnections, Onlineinset.Net Ltd, South Hill Park and Drum Runners.

Bracknell Parents and carers were encouraged to complete feedback cards at the end of the event which will help shape the future provision and opportunities for disabled children in the borough.

Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Children's Services, said: “Events such as this are vital for parents and carers in the borough to have their say.

“I am excited by the prospect of acting on the outcomes from the event to plan future services for children and young people with disabilities in the borough."

Bracknell Forest Council

The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre is turning green for a special weekend of environment-themed events.

Be Green will be held at the Bracknell centre from 10am until 5pm on Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1.

Special activities include:

* Design and take home a re-useable green bag.
* Make a Wendy the Worm badge.
* Plant a sunflower seed and take it home.
* Join in the Stuck in the Muck fantastic composting game
* Have fun with the competitions with fantastic prizes for the winners
* Finding out special facts, for example current UK recycling is estimated to save more than 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year - the equivalent to taking 5 million cars off the road.
* Details about wormeries, recycling, waste and much more.

The weekend is being supported by re3, a partnership between Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils to promote recycling and reduce landfill waste, and the Waste and Recycling Action Programme – which runs the Recycle Now and Love Food Hate Waste campaigns. A week of Be Green events will be held in August.

The Look Out’s science and nature exhibition has more than 80 exhibits, which are bright and appealing to all ages, including a giant walk-in wheelie bin to promote recycling. 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: The Look Out has always been a great place to learn about the world around us, but the Be Green weekend will teach us all about our environment in a fun and educational way.

”If you have not been to The Look Out for a little while, it would be a great weekend to pay another visit.”

All Be Green activities are included with entry cost for the hands-on science and nature exhibition. For more details, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be or call 01344 354400.

Bracknell Forest Council

A new Bracknell ethical company has been launched to make the borough blooming marvellous.

Green Machine was officially launched on Monday, February 16, and will offer a quality gardening and maintenance service to Bracknell residents and businesses in the area. It also offers employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Bracknell company offers a range of services including grass cutting, weeding, shrub and hedge trimming, pruning and garden clearing at a competitive rate.

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

Lesley Heale, Director of Social Care and Learning at Bracknell Forest Council, said: "This is an innovative scheme to not only make the borough look nice but to provide real employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities.

“As it is a not-for-profit organisation, any profit will be ploughed back into the company through training and equipment, or to set up other similar ventures.”

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "Green Machine will provide a great service to our community at a competitive rate.

"It also offers genuine employment to people with disabilities who wish to make a positive contribution to the community and get training and work-based skills."

If you would like to find out more, or to learn out the services offered by Green Machine visit their website www.green-machine.org.uk

Bracknell Forest Council

A Bracknell man has been jailed for a total of 16 months and disqualified from driving for three years for aggravated vehicle taking and various driving offences.

Kenny Thomas, aged 20, of Great Hollands, Bracknell, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday (17/2).

He received 12 months in a young offenders institution for aggravated vehicle taking and driving dangerously on a road, relating to an incident which occurred in Nettlecombe, Crownwood, Bracknell, on the evening of Sunday 11 January 2009. He also received two months for driving while disqualified, two months for using a vehicle without insurance and was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving license for three years.

The sentences will be served concurrently.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Nearly 100 guests romanced the night away at a Valentine's charity ball organised by the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger.

The glittering black tie event at the Hilton Hotel, in Bagshot Road, Bracknell raised more than £6,000 for the Mayor's chosen charity, Childline, as guests enjoyed a three course meal, music from the Special Blend band, an auction and a raffle.

"This was a very special evening where everyone had fun, with a top quality meal and music for all to enjoy.

"At the same time they contributed 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 times; and all those good people who came to the ball as well as those many others who generously contributed money donations and prizes, certainly added to this support.

"I am very, very grateful to everyone involved."

Bracknell Forest Council

Services for drug users in Bracknell Forest is good according to a national report.

The Healthcare Commission and the National Treatment Agency (NTA) have released a report showing how local areas are meeting the needs of diverse communities and people who require inpatient or residential drug treatment.

The review covered each of the 149 local drug partnerships in England, where drug treatment is commissioned and managed by representatives from primary care trusts, local authorities, the police and the probation service.

Bracknell Forest received an overall grade three, good rating, with some aspects rated as excellent.

Some findings from the report for Bracknell Forest included:

* the partnerships which identify overall support needed were rated as excellent;
* need assessments and treatment planning for individuals was rated as good; and
* services to meet the demands of a diverse population were rated as good.

Jillian Hunt, Drug and Alcohol Action Team manager, said: “We are delighted at the positive result of the report.

“However there are recommendations highlighted in the report which we will work on to ensure we provide the best possible service for people in need in the borough.”

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "While we don't have a big substance misuse problem in Bracknell Forest we do have a dedicated team and a full community based treatment package available at New Hope and access to other residential services, if needed, for those who do have a drug addiction.

"All staff in all agencies work extremely hard to provide a first-rate service to substance misusers in Bracknell Forest and these statistics reflect that dedication."

If you, or a member of your family, has issues with drug misuse, contact New Hope on 01344 3121360.

Bracknell Forest Council

Each year during Valentine’s Day, in keeping with the nation's mood of love and affection, the Family Planning Association (FPA) runs a national awareness week about contraception (February 9-15).

The theme for this year is 'finding the perfect partner', with the aim to get people matched up with the contraceptive method which is best for them.

In Bracknell Forest, New Hope, the borough's substance misuse centre, continues to offer centre users access to the Blood Borne Virus clinic, which includes HIV and hepatitis testing, support and counselling, and vaccinations for hepatitis A and B. The centre also offers tests for some sexual transmitted infections and the nurse at the clinic can provide information on contraceptive options.

Jillian Hunt, Bracknell Drug and Alcohol Action Team manager, said: "Contraception Awareness Week highlights the need to find the right contraceptive method that fits in with you and your lifestyle. One that not only stops you or your partner from becoming pregnant, but also for general confidence and peace of mind. There are clear links to substance misuse and unsafe sexual practices and so offering advice to our centre users makes sense.

"Access to the Blood Borne Virus clinic is available year round. Just contact the friendly and professional team at New Hope to find out more."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "The UK has a high conception rate, especially for young people. National campaigns such as this are vital in raising awareness and offering support.

"I urge everyone who is confused about contraception or sexually transmitted diseases to contact the Garden Clinic on 01753 635322 and they can provide details of local services. Alternatively you can contact New Hope for information and advice."

For more information about the Blood Borne Virus Clinic, or to find out about support for drugs and alcohol misuse, call New Hope on 01344 312360.

Bracknell Forest Council

Council tax in Bracknell Forest is set to rise by 4.9 per cent, but the borough still has one of the lowest council tax rates in the country.

Councillors on the Bracknell Executive agreed to recommend the increase at their meeting last night (Tuesday). The budget proposals will go before a meeting of the full Council on February 25 before being finalised.

The Council is working to keep Bracknell council tax as low as possible whilst maintaining the high standard of services to residents, despite a below inflation increase in government funding of 1.75 per cent and the impact of recession.

The recession and downturn in interest rates is estimated to cost the council over £2m in reduced income.

If the proposals are agreed by the council it would mean the average band D council tax in the borough would be £1,062.63 for the coming year. The average band D for all mainland English unitary authorities (excluding parishes) last year was £1,135.99, before any increase this year.

Bracknell still compares favourably to the neighbouring towns of Reading and Wokingham, whose council tax last year for a band D property was £1,213 and £1,123 respectively (excluding parishes), again before any increases this year.

Following a six week budget consultation, a telephone survey of 501 Bracknell Forest residents concluded that more than half said they would be willing to pay at least five per cent more in council tax to protect the level of services provided. Seventy-six percent also said the Council provides value for money for the council tax they pay.

To ensure residents continue to get the level of service they need and deserve, the council will be focusing on delivering its five key priorities* and the new priority of sustaining the economy.

Other services which will get additional investment are:

* Supporting vulnerable people - £1m;
* Waste disposal - £0.4m

The Bracknell Council also continues to invest in local infrastructure (with support from the Government) through its capital programme. Next year the Council plans to spend more than £50m on capital projects including:

* Garth Hill College - over £27m;
* Highways maintenance and improvements – over £5m;
* Primary schools – over £5m.

In order to set a balanced budget without a higher increase in council tax, and to continue delivering essential front-line services to residents, it has been recommended that £2.2m is taken from council reserves.

Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of the Bracknell Council, said: "We understand the impact the economic downturn is having on residents, so taking funds from council balances ensures that we can continue to support the borough’s most vulnerable residents during this difficult time.

"We will continue to work hard to provide local residents with good quality, value for money services in the coming year, and I am pleased that once again we have not only one of the lowest council tax rates in the country, but also some of the best services.

Bracknell Forest Council

Warfield Church of England Primary School, Bracknell impressed Ofsted during a recent inspection..

In January, Ofsted visited the Bracknell Forest Council run school and gave it an overall rating of two - good, with some aspects graded as outstanding.

Ofsted inspector Susan Thomas-Pounce, in a letter to the pupils, said: "You go to a good school that helps you make good progress and do well.

"It is clear that you have very good opportunities to do well in English, especially in developing your writing skills.

"You all work well together and with your teachers, and we noticed how well you respect each other's views. You behave very well and thoroughly enjoy all aspects of school."

The Bracknell report also found that:

* Warfield is a good school where pupils reach standards that are above national average;
* the curriculum is outstanding because it is creative and gives all pupils an opportunity to succeed;
* pupils' personal development and well-being is outstanding;
* all staff effectively promote pupils' safety;
* the school makes a good contribution to community cohesion; and
* the school is well led and managed and has good capacity to improve.

As with all reports, Ofsted also highlighted areas in need of improvement. For Warfield, Ofsted recommended that the school develop a plan to further improve results in science and mathematics.

Bracknell Headteacher Andrea Griffiths said: "We are delighted with our recent inspection report, particularly as the hard work that has taken place since the last inspection in 2005 has been recognised.

"In the last three years the school has faced redundancies, key changes in the senior leadership team and a significant change in pupil numbers.

"However, we have implemented steady and sustainable changes to move Warfield forward again, this time to being a ‘very’ good school with a significant number of outstanding areas that make it a ‘come and see’ school."

Cllr Alan Kendall, Executive Member for Education and Libraries at Bracknell Forest Council, said: "The Council strives to ensure that all Bracknell Forest schools are good schools.

"Well done to Andrea and her team on this fantastic result."

Bracknell Forest Council

Foster carers in Bracknell can now turn to a new association for support and advice.

The Bracknell Forest Foster Carers Association is an independent group designed to improve and enhance the lives of foster carers in the borough. Bracknell Forest Council helped to set up the group and will offer it support and advice during its development.

The Bracknell Forest Foster Carers Association aims to:

* provide a strong support network amongst all carers;
* promote and encourage the professional development of carers valuable skills;
* promote the working partnership between Bracknell’s foster carers, Bracknell Forest Council and other agencies working for, and with, Bracknell’s looked after children and young people.

The association will be arranging various events and get-togethers for carers during the year with the aim to encourage foster carers to meet and get to know one another.

The Bracknell association's first organised event was a Christmas party last year at the John Nike Leisuresport Complex. The event started with the show, The Wizard of Oz on Ice, followed by a party, with special guest Father Christmas making an appearance with presents for all the children.

The association is also working with the Council's family placement team on their recruitment drive for much needed foster and short break carers. Speaking to foster carers gives prospective carers the opportunity to speak to someone with real life experience which is invaluable.

Wayne Bowditch, chairman of the association, said: "I look forward to welcoming all new carers to the association.

"By taking new carers under our wing, we’ll make sure that new carers will always have the ability to speak to someone who’s been there and done that.

"We all look forward to an exciting year and watching the association flourish and grow."

Bracknell Forest currently needs foster carers for teenagers and short break carers for children with special needs. Anyone can apply to be a foster carer and the family placement team offers flexible fostering options to suit you, your family and your lifestyle.

The family placement team will be holding open evenings throughout the year - just come along to find out more about fostering and short break care.

Open evenings will be held at the Bracknell Family Centre, Warfield Road, Bracknell, from 7pm until 9pm on: February 25, May 28, August 26, and November 26.

Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member of Bracknell Children’s Services, said: "I welcome the foster carers association and believe they will offer invaluable advice and support to foster carers and will help to improve the lives of the families.

"Bracknell Forest is always in need for more foster families, so if you believe that you can be of help please visit one of the open evenings happening in the borough."

For more information contact the family placement team on 01344 351582

Bracknell Forest Council

Escape the winter blues with a range of fun filled activities for children and young people this half term at Bracknell Forest Council’s sport and leisure centres.

At Bracknell Leisure Centre, the activities include tweeny tumblers, fun sessions, trampolining and street dance.

For young Bracknell footballers aged three to five years, there are soccer dribblers sessions and for kids who want to make a splash, there will be swimming courses running all week.

With pay as you go activities and bookable courses available, there is nowhere better to take the kids this February. For parents, Bracknell Leisure Centre also has an on-site creche, café and spa.

Meanwhile Edgbarrow Sports Centre is running its usual holiday fun schemes: Foxy’s Fun Camps for three to six-year-olds, and Club 7-11 for older children. These can be supplemented with have a go sessions in archery, gymnastics and trampolining. And Sandhurst Sports Centre s running a soft play session for under threes on Wednesday, February 18, from 9.30am until 11.30am.

Downshire Golf Complex is running its popular kids camps on Monday to Thursday during half term. Pre-booking is essential. It includes fun based golf tuition, lunch and refreshments.

For those who dream of swimming in warm waters, Coral Reef Water World is open throughout half term. And The Look Out Discovery Centre’s science and nature exhibition has more than 80 exhibits, and will be running its Fire and Light show four times a day throughout half term.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: After such a difficult cold snap, what better way to enjoy a well-earned rest than by taking part in some of the half term activities run by Bracknell Forest Council.

With all of our centres running an unrivalled range of courses throughout the year, there’s nowhere better to get fit and have fun.”

For times and prices for all the half term activities at Bracknell Forest Council’s leisure sites call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Council

Snow storms give new UK Bracknell internet music radio station a huge boost.

Radio Bracknell, a new community internet music radio station, launched on 1st February to broadcast around the clock to Bracknell, Berkshire in the UK and, through the power of the Internet, around the globe but, within days, its local community was hit by severe snow storms.

The Bracknell radio station was able to issue news bulletins twenty four hours a day and hosted a special news page listing all school closures.

Listeners could enjoy the 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.

Station Director, John Hicks, said: “Our first set of reports from our internet service providers show that, during our first three days of operation, nearly 400 people visited the schools closure listings page on our website. That is not bad for a radio station not even a week old. It bodes well for the future”

“During our first week our listener figures showed a steady increase and we suspect this was helped enormously by students being at home rather than school and, similarly, workers being unable to get to work and wanting entertainment.” John added. “There were, however, listeners from 7 countries in addition to the UK but we guess that followed the publicity announcement that our service is now available on Sony PSP handsets”.

Some planned shows were not able to be produced as local Bracknell Presenters were unable to get together to produce their material so other local shows were produced to fill the gaps, but, as the adverse weather subsided, the schedule returned to normal very quickly. Sandhurst School, for example, was closed for several days but students managed to put a very creditable programme together before the weekend.

School closure information for Bracknell, Berkshire and the Royal County is critical for parents, as well of being of great interest to students, so the Radio Bracknell website is geared to swift updates as the latest information came in. The page was already produced when the site was built so it took seconds to switch it on and publish it on-line.

Similarly, although it will hopefully be never required, a civil emergency page for Berkshire was created at the same time. In the unlikely event of a major local emergency, the page could be switched on to provide immediate news updates. There is also a message board facility to enable people to leave information for friends and family around the globe. Because the team of staff and volunteers at the 24/7 internet music radio station are available around the clock and can work remotely from anywhere in the world, this service can be implemented and maintained more easily than a traditional radio news service.

Radio Bracknell

The iconic former 3M tower, Winchester House, is to be spruced up this spring following a ‘tidy-up’ notice served on the owners by Bracknell Forest Council.

The section 215 notice served on Miltonland Ltd, the owner of Winchester House, means that the Bracknell building, which has been repeatedly vandalised and damaged by fire, will be made safe and brought up to a decent safe and presentable condition.

The owners of the building now have four months to carry out the improvements, which include:

*The removal of all broken glass;

*The boarding up of all broken windows with clean wood;

*The closure of all glazed openings for two storeys above the market;

*Repainting of fire damaged panels;

*Removal and painting over of graffiti from the exterior of the building;

*Blocking up of access where it has been vandalised on the ground floor;

*To finish the external face of the building.

Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: "This building is currently in a very poor state and creates and bad image for the town centre.

"We are working very hard at the moment to keep the rest of the town centre in as good a state as we can. We have issued this notice as a last ditch attempt to get the building cleaned up.

"During the coming months, we will work closely with the owners of Winchester House to make sure the section 215 notice is carried out and the building is brought up to a condition to make it look more aesthetically acceptable.”

The Council and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership are also continuing to explore designs options for the redevelopment of the building. No formal submissions have been received to date.

Bracknell Forest Council

Police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) from Bracknell Forest worked closely with their colleagues in Reading and Wokingham in a joint operation at the end of January to crack down on burglary across the three local police areas.

Operation Overpass, which ran from 28 to 30 January, focused on burglary hotspots and aimed to reduce crime throughout the Bracknell borough. It was timed to coincide with similar operations by neighbouring forces in Hampshire and Surrey, in order to target offenders who travel between police areas to commit crime.

Local officers from the Bracknell Priority Crime Team and neighbourhood policing teams were joined by dog handlers, Roads Policing officers and the Mounted Section. During the daytime, they carried out high-visibility patrols and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) operations. At night, there were patrols in unmarked and marked cars.

Over the course of the operation, PCSOs provided crime reduction advice or delivered information leaflets to 2,778 homes in Bracknell Forest.

In total, 25 arrests were made during the operation with a number of these for burglary offences. These people are subject to ongoing investigations. One man was arrested in Bracknell on suspicion of the theft of a motor vehicle that occurred before the operation began. He is currently on bail pending further inquiries.

Around 85 Stop and Searches were carried out, as well as more than 1,000 detail checks on people and vehicles.

Det Insp Mike Petford, who heads the Bracknell Priority Crime Team, said: “I am pleased to say that there was not a single burglary in Bracknell Forest during the operation, and only one incident of auto crime. Our PCSOs did a tremendous job of spreading crime reduction messages, and the high visibility police presence helped to provide reassurance to the public.

“We will continue to work on all fronts to reduce the number of burglaries in Bracknell Forest, and we plan to run more operations of this kind in future.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest residents living in housing association properties are now able to get their foot on the property ladder with a grant of up to £38,000.

The grants are part of a cash incentive scheme being offered by Bracknell Forest Council to help tenants who have been living in family-sized houses to buy their own home on the open market.

Additionally, a home loan scheme will lend £20,000 to Bracknell households who want to buy a shared ownership home and they can get a loan from the Council payment free for five years and interest charged at 3.93%.

Initially there will be a trial for 10 houses in each scheme, and subject to take up more home purchases will be supported.

Money to fund the scheme comes from last year’s transfer of council housing to Bracknell Forest Homes. The Council allocated £17.25m to fund social housing projects in Bracknell Forest.

It is hoped the money will not only help tenants move into their own homes and make a start on the property ladder, but also make more housing association properties available to rent in Bracknell Forest.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: “We are launching these new schemes now to help potential home owners gather enough deposit to make the most of the current low house prices and stamp duty holiday.

“I believe these schemes will really help both potential home owners and residents waiting for social housing.”

For more details, call the Council’s housing options team on 01344 351351 or 351352.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest Council’s benefits officers are taking to the streets to help residents claim all the allowances they may be entitled to.

The Benefits for You roadshow is taking place on the ground floor of Princess Square shopping centre in Bracknell, on Thursday, February 5, from 10am until 4pm.

Bracknell Council officers will help borough residents to maximise their income by giving help and advice on claiming any housing and council tax benefits they may be entitled to. They will be able to do initial assessments of benefit eligibility on the day, so people can come along and find out immediately what they could claim.

There will also be advisors from the Pension Service, Stop Smoking Service, and Citizens’ Advice Bureau; and the chance to find out about sustainable energy, leisure concessions, the e+ smartcard and library membership.

Additionally, there will be face painting to keep the children occupied, and free entry to a prize draw - including prizes donated by Coral Reef, Bracknell Leisure Centre and Downshire Golf Complex.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: “With the current tough economic climate we want to make sure Bracknell Forest residents are receiving all the housing and council tax benefits they could be entitled to.

”If you think you may qualify for extra support, please come and see us in Princess Square to find out more.”

Bracknell Forest Council

The three swimming pools at Bracknell Leisure Centre have been given a fresh new look.

The area around the Bracknell competition, training and learner pools has been given a fresh coat of paint and inspirational pictures now adorn the walls.

The 25m Bracknell competition pool had its tiling re-grouted during the Christmas break, and all the windows will be replaced later this year with double glazing to make the pool area better for the environment.

And, from April 1, Bracknell Forest residents aged under 16 or 60 and over will also be able to swim for free in public sessions - the plans were agreed at a meeting of the full Council last week.

In addition, the annual Swimathon is taking place at the leisure centre on Saturday, April 18.

Participants can pick one of three distances they wish to swim - 1.5km, 2.5km or 5km - while raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Swimathon Foundation.

Last year, participants at Bracknell Leisure Centre raised £3,958, but organisers are hoping to raise even more this year.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: “Swimming exercises every major muscle group in the body, so it is ideal for improving strength, stamina and flexibility, as well as body tone and weight loss.

”The leisure centre has been working hard to improve its three pool areas, and what better time to get back into the water with the Swimathon just around the corner.”

The leisure centre offers a wide choice of services at the pools, including public swims, adult only and early bird sessions, pool fun, swimming courses, lifeguard training, l’eau robics and club and private bookings.

For more information about the Swimathon, visit www.swimathon.org or call 0845 36 700 36.

Bracknell Forest Council

Rose St Players are back at the drama club after the success of Measure 4 Measure with Steven Berkoff’s The Trial, adapted from the Josef Kafka novel; a nightmare vision of one mans struggle against the system. The action follows Joseph K – a Senior Bank Clerk – as he wakes up one morning to find that he’s been arrested.

Desperate to find out the truth of why he’s been arrested, K encounters all manner of characters; women who want to both help and seduce him and men who want to help him only to ensure their own station.

With an ensemble cast the Rose Street Players will be performing at the Bracknell Drama Club on Friday 6th, Saturday 7th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th March 2009.

Performances start at 7.45pm. Tickets £10 (£8)concessions. Box Office; 0118 977 1147 or rosestreetplayers@live.co.uk.