Bracknell

Edgbarrow Sports Centre’s Bracknell Easter holiday clubs are being extended by two hours to help out working parents.

Foxy’s Fun Camp for Bracknell children aged three to six years, and Club 7-11 for older children, will start at 8am and finish at 4pm. Children can attend for full or half days - half day sessions start or finish at 12noon.

Fun sessions in gymnastics or trampolining for four to 16 year olds run from 4pm until 6pm - meaning children can be cared for from 8am until 6pm.

The sessions at Edgbarrow are just part of the activities organised by Bracknell Forest Council or children during the Easter holidays - which run from Monday, April 6, until Friday, April 17.

At Bracknell Leisure Centre there are sports activities in athletics, gymnastics, trampolining, soccer dribblers and street dance. There are also fun sessions, tweeny tumblers and go-karting.

In the Bracknell centre’s pools there are a wide range of swim courses for all ages and abilities, including the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification.

For casual swimming, children who have not reached their 16th birthday and are resident in Bracknell Forest will be able to swim for free during public sessions.

Downshire Golf Complex is running its popular kids camps during the holidays. Pre-booking is essential. It includes fun based golf tuition, lunch and refreshments.

For those who dream of swimming in warm waters, Bracknell Coral Reef Water World is open throughout the holidays. 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.

For more details about all the leisure sites, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be or call 01344 352000.

There is also a range of events being run by the parks and countryside service’s rangers. Booking is required - unless otherwise stated - just call 01344 354400 or 354441 or visit reception at The Look Out.

The Bracknell events are listed below:
* Heathland bird walk at Wildmoor Heath - Sunday, April 5, from 10am to 12noon.
* Easter Treasure Hunt at Lily Hill Park - Tuesday, April 7, from 2pm to 4pm. Cost £2 for materials.
* Boats and Floats at Sandhurst - Wednesday, April 8, from 2pm to 4pm. Cost £3.50 for materials.
* The Woods on Wheels at Lily Hill Park - Wednesday, April 15, from 2pm to 3pm. No booking required; it is ideal for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs.
* Creative Easter Crafts at Westmorland Park - Thursday, April 16, from 2pm to 4pm.
* Night-time Newt Hunt (part one) at Pope’s Meadow - Friday, April 17, from 8pm to 9.30pm.
* Daytime Newt Discovery (part two) at Pope’s Meadow - Saturday, April 18, from 8am to 9am.

For more details about the activities and all parks and countryside events, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: "There is such a wide range of activities being run by Bracknell Forest Council this Easter, no child will have an excuse to be bored during the holidays.

”And with the extended hours at Edgbarrow Sports Centre, our holiday clubs are more helpful for working parents and more fun for children.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Older people in Bracknell Forest are being invited to comment on proposals to make their quality of life better.

Bracknell Forest Council hopes many of the borough's more mature residents will air their views and give opinions on its 'Adding Years to Life' strategy which will help it design services for the future to enable more independent and active living.

The Bracknell strategy consultation, which is aimed at residents aged 50 and over, begins on March 30 and runs for six weeks.

Copies of the proposals can be found in libraries across the Bracknell borough, council offices at Easthamsptead House, Time Square, Seymour House, the Look In cafe in the town centre and on the Bracknell Forest Council website www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/OPS

The documents contain contact details so people can make their views known.

The Council is also working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Volunteer Action to target specific groups such as charities, local community groups and health care providers.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "A better quality of life for older people is a very important issue.

"As the population generally ages and lives longer we have to make sure people in their later years feel valued, feel they have a positive contribution to make to the community and that services are in place that will allow them to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.

"This strategy addresses all those matters but we want even more input so we are really aware of what the community needs and wants. I would urge everyone who is affected by these issues now and in the future to take part in the consultation."

Cllr Cliff Thompson, Pensioners' Champion, added: "We would particularly urge people between 50 and 60 to think about the strategy and contribute to it.

"Many people in this age group need to plan for their future: where they live after children have left home; perhaps caring for older relatives; thinking about retirement or even working past 65. They need to join the debate as do older people to help shape their future.

"Contributions on the strategy from the younger generations will also be welcome."

The Look In Cafe in Bracknell town centre is hosting an open day on Monday, April 27 between 10.00am and 2.00pm where people can talk to a representative of Bracknell Forest Council about the 'Adding Years to Life' strategy and make their views known.

Bracknell Forest Council

Circus skills, puppet shows and face painting are just some of the fun Bracknell shoppers enjoyed on the weekend.

On Saturday (March 21) the family placement team at Bracknell Forest Council held an information session at the Bandstand in the town centre to raise awareness of the need for short break carers for children and young people with disabilities.

The event was held in conjunction with Share the Care Week - a nationwide appeal to recruit more short break carers to spend time with disabled children and give their families a regular break from the demands of caring.

Penny Reuter, Chief Officer: Bracknell Children Social Care, said: "There is an urgent need to recruit more carers to dramatically increase short break provision for families of disabled children within Bracknell Forest.

"There are numerous families in the borough who look after children and young people with disabilities who rarely have any break from these duties.

"By recruiting more carers, this will help give families a much needed rest."

Bracknell Forest Council offers a comprehensive package for all carers which includes:

* excellent support throughout the training and assessment process and beyond;
* paid respite;
* financial allowances, with extra allowance for training and NVQs gained;
* a local carers’ support group;
* out of hours and emergency support; and
* a dedicated social worker for each carer.

Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children and Young People, said: “Anyone over 21 can apply to be a carer - gender, marital status, disability, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, employment status or home ownership do not matter.

“If people have ever considered becoming a carer, they shouldn’t hesitate in calling the family placement team. It could be one of the most important phone calls they ever make and could change a child or young person’s life forever.”

For more information call 01344 351582

Bracknell Forest Council

Pupils at Bracknell Binfield CofE Primary School enjoy outstanding physical education (PE) and its contribution to the healthy lifestyles of its pupils, according to an inspector.

The Bracknell Forest school was recently visited by an Ofsted inspector and his findings have now been published.

The purpose of the Bracknell visit was to look at key areas of the subject, with a particular focus on assessing the PE contribution to the outcomes of the Government strategy - Every Child Matters, particularly 'being healthy'.

The inspector noted that:

* pupils achieve exceptionally well and attain standards that are above national average;
* boys and girls achieve equally as well as each other;
* personal development and wellbeing is outstanding;
* pupils eat healthily during breaks and lunchtimes;
* excellent PE facilities are used well to deliver an exemplary programme of PE, complemented and reinforced by an extensive enrichment programme; and
* teachers use a detailed set of lessons to help them deliver lessons that are enjoyable, generate high activity rates and provide opportunities for pupils to plan and evaluate their own learning.

As with all inspections, the report highlighted the need to improve in a few areas such as strengthening short-term lesson planning for gymnastics and dance.

Bracknell Headteacher Di Gare said: "We are delighted with our recent Ofsted subject inspection.

"As a school we feel physical education has an important role in the overall curriculum we provide for the children. Ensuring our pupils are active and eat nutritious food are major priorities for us.

"Our pupils enjoy PE lessons and our excellent facilities help us to get the most out of our provision.”

Cllr Alan Kendall, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "Binfield CofE Primary School has been recognised as an outstanding school for physical education.

"The school provides high standards of education for our children and I congratulate the headteacher and her staff on their continuing success.”

Bracknell Forest Council

The owner of the former Bracknell Ole Tapas bar and John Chick take away has pleaded guilty to four food safety offences after the building was found to be rat infested.

Appearing at Maidenhead Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 20, Ashfaq Hussain was fined £1,400 and ordered to pay £1,280 in costs to Bracknell Forest Council. A victim surcharge of £15 was also awarded.

The premises were visited by a Bracknell Council environmental health officer on July 10, 2008, for a routine inspection, and found evidence of a rat infestation.

There were also a number of food safety offences relating to lack of cleanliness and the absence of wash hand facilities, as well as an offence under smokefree laws.

Environmental health closed the Bracknell premises on July 10 by voluntary agreement with the owner while urgent works were carried out. The rat infestation and other food safety issues were subsequently resolved.

Magistrates said the business operator had the ultimate responsibility for hygiene, no matter how responsibilities were delegated to other staff. The magistrates also said it was important to renew and update food safety training for food handlers - the staff at these premises had certificates dated 2004.

Finally, the magistrates reiterated the seriousness of risk posed to the pubic by lack of appropriate management.

The restaurant and take away, in Market Street, Bracknell town centre, has since been sold and reopened under different owners.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection, said: "Only last week we heard from a public inquiry about how negligence with food safety caused an outbreak of E.coli in South Wales.

"Bracknell Forest Council will continue to help residents to feel confident when eating out in the borough that their food is healthy, and prepared by properly trained staff.”

Food premises in Bracknell Forest are routinely monitored by environmental health officers who rate them according to inspection. There are currently 191 businesses with four star ratings indicating very good.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest Council has begun promoting rate relief to small businesses in the borough to help them to reduce the amount of business rates they pay.

The Bracknell relief, which can be worth up to £1,200 a year, is available to business ratepayers occupying a non-domestic property with a rateable value of less than £15,000. Ratepayers who qualify for this relief should have been sent an application form with their annual bill.

Keith Woodman, Chief Officer: Customer Services at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “Small business rate relief is available to ratepayers occupying small non-domestic properties. The aim is to help businesses, some of whom may be finding it more difficult to make ends meet, during the current economic times.”

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Finance, Resources and Assets at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “As a Council, we do all we can to help our local businesses, big and small, and promoting the relief is just one initiative which has been launched.

“The Council has also recently launched a new medium term objective to sustain economic prosperity, and we are now working hard to implement this and help out businesses as well as residents in the borough wherever we can.”

The business rate bills for all Bracknell businesses in the borough are calculated using the lower small business non-domestic rating multiplier which is a national standard set for calculating business rates.

The reduction in these rates will be paid for by larger businesses, where they pay a supplement to fund the relief.

Bracknell Forest Council

It was a night of glitz, glamour and recognition for more than 100 of the borough's young stars at the Bracknell Awards For TeenAgers (BAFTAs) on Monday.

The annual BAFTAs, run by Bracknell Forest Council, were held at the Trunkwell Mansion House near Reading where teenagers were invited to party the night away while being recognised for their successes.

The Bracknell awards aim to recognise the achievements and good work of the borough's young people aged between 13 and 19 years old. This year more than 100 medals or certificates were handed out to teenagers who had completed first aid courses, babysitting courses and Duke of Edinburgh Awards amongst others.

This year also included a 'Young Person of the Year' trophy to a person from each project/club who has been outstanding in some way - some 11 awards. These projects included:

* TRAX (youth clubs) in North Ascot, Whitegrove in Warfield, The Wayz in Harmans Water, The Spot in Sandhurst and Priestwood;
* NRG at Coopers Hill - a drop-in for 16-24 yr olds;
* Priestwood/Kennel Lane Youth Club for those with learning disabilities;
* youth forum;
* Freeways - a club for those aged 15-21 who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or unsure;
* young parents group who meet at NRG and Great Hollands; and
* sexual health group.

Everyone was welcomed to the awards ceremony by the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger, who also presented awards.

After the ceremony the young people enjoyed a dance display by Urban Trilogy and inflatable fun on the bungee log run, rodeo bull, obstacle course with Laser Quest and as a bonus, the dodgems.

Lesley Heale, Director of Social Care and Learning, said: "So many young people in Bracknell Forest take the time, trouble and effort to work really hard on projects and courses outside of school or college and the BAFTAs are a great way or recognising that.

"All the teenagers who attended had a great time receiving their certificates and awards and then carried on the celebration into the evening."

Cllr Edger added: "I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of our young people who have worked really hard to gain some wonderful achievements.

"The BAFTAs are a great way of recognising what good work young people in the borough do and continue to do in their spare time. It's not often that teenagers get the recognition they deserve for completely worthy courses and giving up their spare time to complete projects so I was very pleased to meet more than 100 of Bracknell Forest's young people on Wednesday evening who had done just that.

"I wish all of them every success in the future and would like to thank everyone who helped organise such a worthy and enjoyable evening."

Bracknell Forest Council

The Bracknell Council’s hugely successful e+ card, which can be used as a proof of age document, offers credit crunch-busting discounts in shops and access to the Bracknell borough’s leisure centres and libraries, is giving away the latest in must-have gadgets - the Apple iPod touch - in a fantastic new competition.

Everyone aged between 16 and 25 who lives, studies, works or just visits Bracknell Forest and does not already have an e+ card can complete a proof of age enrolment online during April and be entered into the prize draw.

The lucky winner will collect a state-of-the-art iPod touch or store vouchers to the value of £170.

Enrolment, which is completely free, can be started easily from a Bracknell home, school or even work PC. Personal information can be entered and services chosen - including the nationally recognised PASS proof of age hologram - on the Bracknell Forest Council website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/smartcard

The application is completed at any council customer service centre at Easthampstead House, Time Square or Seymour House; at any local Bracknell Forest library; the Bracknell Leisure Centre, Edgbarrow or Sandhurst Sports Centres or the Downshire Golf Complex.

Enrolment is finished in person by a staff member who takes a photograph of the person applying and checks details against verifying documents - a list of these can be found on the website. The process takes just a few minutes and the card and a free discounts directory is posted home shortly after.

Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: "The e+ card is a great way for younger people to be able to prove their age, either to get into the cinema for a 15 or 18 movie, or to get into a pub or club or to buy a young person’s rail card for example.

"The discounts the card offers in local shops are also really worth having in these tougher economic times, especially for such things as clothes, eating out or even getting your nails or hair done.

"Starting the enrolment online is a really quick and simple way to get the card and all the benefits it offers. And what’s even better, do it now and you’re in with a chance of a great prize."

A full list of competition rules can be found along with more information about the e+ card, its discounts, services, terms and conditions on the Bracknell Forest Council website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/smartcard

Bracknell Forest Council

Residents entitled to swim for free at Bracknell Leisure Centre from April can now register for the scheme.

Any Bracknell Forest residents who have not reached their 16th birthday, or have reached their 60th birthday and over, can swim for free during public swimming sessions from Wednesday, April 1.

To claim the free swims, participants will need to have registered for them with their e+ smartcard.

Signing up is simple. Residents will just need to have a valid e+ card and provide proof of age and residency. Then there is one short registration form to complete at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

Older residents without an e+ card can apply in person at Bracknell Leisure Centre by bringing with them something which gives proof of age and something that has their address on it - one of which must include a signature.

For those that hadn’t appreciated it, the e+ card can also double as a concessionary bus pass.

All younger applicants, accompanied by a guarantor, will need to bring an official proof of age to the leisure centre to apply for the card and free swimming. Those aged 12-16 must supply photographic proof and their e+ card can then double as an accredited PASS proof of age card.

Residents can also begin their enrolment for the e+ card online, and complete the application at the leisure centre later on.

Having carefully considered all the conditions of the Government’s free swimming initiative, the Council decided not take part in it as the scheme wasn’t in the best interests of Bracknell Forest residents. This alternative scheme has been set up and funded by the Council, and applies only to people living in Bracknell Forest.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: "It is well known that swimming is a healthy and relaxing activity which everyone can enjoy, the benefits include weight loss, improved strength and increased flexibility.

"If you are eligible for free swimming, please sign up in advance so you can make sure you can swim for free from April 1.”

For full details on the e+ card and to start the online application, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/smartcard or call 01344 352000.

For more information on the free swimming initiative, including the public swimming timetable and terms and conditions, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/blc or call 01344 454203.

Bracknell Forest Council

A Bracknell Living Well roadshow to help residents enjoy a good quality of life is taking place in Warfield.

The exhibition is open to all Bracknell borough residents and includes useful advice and support from a wide variety of Council and other public services. It is being held on Tuesday, March 24, from 1pm to 5pm, at Warfield Community Centre. Admission to the event is free.

Exhibitors include Bracknell Council’s trading standards officers covering their Buy With Confidence trader approval scheme, recycling officers talking about the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, benefits officers, and information about home insulation and transport concessions.

Also in attendance will be information about keeping safe and secure from Thames Valley Police and Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, mould growth experts, and energy advice from National Energy Action and the Energy Saving Trust.

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

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

For more details, call 01344 352536.

Bracknell Forest Council

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

There will be 350 Bracknell green cones available from 10am until 2pm at Wyevale Garden Centre, Forest Road, Binfield, on Saturday, March 21. The green cone normally costs £69.99 plus delivery.

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

To operate effectively the green cone needs a sunny position with free draining soil, and there will be no smells or vermin. It can be left to work away in the garden for several years before it needs emptying.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Executive Member for the Bracknell Environment, said: "Our green cone sales have been incredibly successful in the past, so arrive early to make sure you get one.

”This sale is just one way the Council is helping residents to minimise their waste. Kerbside recycling has also been made easier as all paper, card, tins, cans and plastic bottles can be mixed together in blue wheelie bins.”

To purchase the special Bracknell offer £10 green cone, visit the roadshow with proof of residency, like a council tax or utility bill. Cash payments only, one per household, and are sold first come first served. Green cone staff will be available to answer any questions. Limited supplies may also be available online for £19.95 - including home delivery - visit www.greencone.com

Bracknell Forest Council

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted and robbed in Bracknell on Saturday (7/3).

At about 10pm the man, who is in his early forties, was cycling along Crowthorne Road, Wildridings, Bracknell on his way to the shops. As he drew near the Green Man pub, he was stopped by a group of men who pulled him from his bike.

The men threatened him with a knife and demanded money. They punched and kicked him, knocking out his front teeth, before searching through his pockets and stealing £50 cash.

The offenders are believed to have left the scene in an old-style burgundy Ford Fiesta.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Bracknell Det Con Andrew Boyd of the Priority Crime Team on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

To mark International Women's Day (March 8), which celebrates economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future, Bracknell Forest Domestic Abuse Forum has revamped its advice and support web pages to help more people escape from violence and abuse in the home.

The new, more user-friendly pages (www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/domesticabuse) include updated information for victims, perpetrators and practitioners, and a page of frequently asked questions.

In addition a community-based support service for children aged nine to 11 and their mothers who are affected by domestic abuse is being piloted in Bracknell Forest.

Positive Intervention for Children Affected by Domestic Abuse (PICADA) will be provided by the Council in partnership with Berkshire Women’s Aid.

The new Bracknell support service - to be launched in May - will give children the opportunity to understand what has happened in their family and express their feelings. Trained local practitioners will work with the youngsters to prepare safety plans in case they are exposed to further abuse, either directly or indirectly.

At the same time, mums will be able to get together and use the opportunity to understand what their child is learning so they can better support them.

Sophie Crowe, Berkshire East domestic abuse co-ordinator, said: "Almost 2,000 children contact Childline every year about domestic abuse problems, and at least three quarters of children under a Child Protection Plan live in households where domestic abuse occurs.

"Many children growing up in an abusive family will feel alone and scared. Therefore it is key that groups such as PICADA are available to provide support."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection, said: "We hope the Domestic Abuse Forum's new-look web pages will help residents trapped in abusive relationships make a first move towards getting help and support.

"And the PICADA initiative is a very important new resource for youngsters caught up in domestic abuse. We are sure it will be invaluable in supporting children, helping them make sense of what is happening around them and giving them strategies to deal with their circumstances."

Anyone suffering domestic abuse in Bracknell Forest can telephone in confidence to Berkshire Women’s Aid: 0118 9504003.

Bracknell Forest Council

Police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery in Bracknell last week.

At 9.15pm on Monday 2 March, a 14-year-old boy was walking alone in Bullbrook, Bracknell. When he reached the grass area just by the bridge on Calfridus Way, he was approached by two youths in their mid teens.

The youths demanded that he hand over his mobile phone. When he refused they both punched him, causing facial cuts and bruises.

The teenager defended himself by punching one of the robbers, who both fled empty-handed.

Both Bracknell offenders are white, aged about 14, medium build and 5ft 3ins to 5 ft 4ins tall. One has blond spiky hair and a diamond ear stud in his left ear. He was wearing a beige and blue jacket and dark tracksuit bottoms and was carrying a gym bag. The other youth had short black hair and was wearing a green and blue Adidas hooded top. He also had a diamond stud earring in his left ear.

Anyone with information about the Bracknell incident is asked to contact PC Rob Lucarotti on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Residents can take a dive for charity by taking part in Swimathon 2009 on Saturday, April 18 at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

Participants can take part in one of the Bracknell long distance challenges and raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Swimathon Foundation.

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

Participants can select one of three distances ranging from five kilometres for regular swimmers; two-and-a-half kilometres for intermediate swimmers and one-and-a-half kilometres for occasional swimmers.

If participants want to team up with colleagues, friends and family, the five kilometre challenge can be completed in a team of up to five people.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: "The Swimathon is a great challenge, which is always accepted with great enthusiasm by Bracknell Forest residents.

"If you’re thinking of taking up swimming, this is a great way to get fit, and raise money for charity at the same time.”

To register, visit www.swimathon.org or call 0845 36 700 36. Standard registration is £9 or £4.50 for concessions.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is improving well and has many top performing services, according to this year’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).

The Bracknell Council has been awarded three stars out of a possible four by the Audit Commission and has been classified as “improving well” with services such as housing, adult social care, waste management and street cleaning performing at the highest level.

Inspectors in their report, said: “Services continue to be good and many are top performing, although the strong rate of improvement has slowed slightly in the last year.

“Performance in adult social care and services for children and young people has improved, addressing previously identified issues."

Adult social services are now rated at the maximum possible three stars.

The Bracknell report also notes that:“The Council is one of the best performing in the country for waste management and street cleaning.”

Inspectors highlighted that tenants are now benefiting from the first phases of a £61million investment following the transfer of housing stock last year, and that value for money remains good.

This is the final year that Bracknell Council performance will be measured by a Corporate Performance Assessment (CPA). From November 2009, CPA will be succeeded by the multi-inspectorate Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) which will assess the performance of all public services together.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery in Bracknell on Sunday (1/3).

At about 7.50pm a 40-year-old man was walking with a friend along Martins Lane in Bullbrook, Bracknell when he was approached by a youth on a bike.

The youth punched the man and demanded money. When the man said he didn’t have any, the offender rode off towards Harmans Water.

The offender is white, aged 16 to 17. He was wearing a woollen bobble hat with ear flaps and a grey hooded top, and was riding a white bike.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact PC Richard Probert on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Council has launched a new priority for the town in light of the current economic climate.

The new Bracknell priority is about ‘sustaining economic prosperity’. During the credit crunch the Council will be working to ensure residents and local businesses have all the help and advice they need.

This will include some new comprehensive web pages on the Bracknell Council’s website which will signpost residents and businesses to the support available including benefits, saving on household bills, employment and training help, debt advice, access to free and discounted leisure activities and other useful contacts.

Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: “We want to work to a set of priorities which are relevant and meet the needs of our residents.

“Economic uncertainty is now a big issue for residents and businesses in the borough, which is why we want to be in the best possible position to respond and support those who may need help and advice.

“Making the economy a top priority shows our commitment to helping people deal with the credit crunch.”

The council’s six priorities are as follows:

One: A town centre fit for the 21st century
Two: Protecting and enhancing our environment
Three: Promoting health and achievement
Four: Create a borough where people are safe and feel safe
Five: Value for money
Six: Sustain economic prosperity

Bracknell Forest Council

A Bracknell crèche has opened for three mornings a week at Edgbarrow Sports Centre, to keep little ones entertained while their parents exercise.

It is open from 11.30am until 1pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and until 1.30pm on Fridays, for Bracknell children aged three months to five years old.

While the children are in the care of qualified Bracknell childminders, parents can use the Be Active fitness room, make use of the centre's squash courts, visit the Time Out café bar, or take part in the following classes:

Mondays: 12.20pm until 12.50pm, CoreWorx – which is a low impact workout which improves core stability by utilising a stability ball.

Wednesdays: 12.20pm until 12.50pm, Abs – a class working on the mid section of the body, concentrating on balancing out posture, strengthening, toning and defining the abdominal area.

Fridays: 11.30am until 12.15pm, Stretch and Tone – which is a gentle class focussing on muscle tone and improving flexibility; and from 12.30pm until 1.30pm Body Blitz Circuits – which is a high energy, high impact workout that incorporates a wide variety of aerobic and resistance exercises, effective at improving fitness and body toning.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: "Providing a crèche at Edgbarrow gives parents the flexibility to use the centre’s superb facilities, knowing their children will be well cared for.

"There is a wide range of activities available, so please pop in and find out what is happening at Edgbarrow Sports Centre.”

Visits to the crèche need to be registered in advance, and advance visits are encouraged to enable smooth transitions in childcare. Full policies and procedures are available on request. It costs £5.85 per session for the centre’s casual users, for customers who pay to use the centre by direct debit it costs £3.40.

For more details, call 01344 776211

Bracknell Forest Council

The wedding season is fast approaching and happy couples from across Bracknell Forest are preparing for their big day.

Some have been saving for and planning the wedding of their dreams for months or even years, and are lucky enough to be able to splash out on a lavish ceremony with all the trimmings.

Some Bracknell brides and grooms, however, can’t or don’t want to spend a lot of money, but still want a day to remember. And with the recession hitting everyone’s pockets, more people are choosing budget-friendly options, rather than postponing the occasion.

Bracknell Forest Council’s registrars’ office offers the Syrett Suite as one of those options for a luxury-style wedding venue at a budget price.

A half-mile, tree-lined drive sweeps up to the spectacular Easthampstead Park Conference Centre, a beautiful Victorian mansion where the Syrett Ceremonial Room is located. It is equally eye-catching with elegant decor, flower arrangements and plush seating for more than 40 people. Outside, the grounds offer some stunning photo-opportunities before and after the ceremony.

The Council, together with the Bracknell News and South Hill Park Arts Centre, is offering one deserving local couple the chance to win a wedding at the Syrett Suite for themselves and up to 50 guests, on Friday, May 22, 2009.

The 12 noon ceremony will be followed by a delicious buffet reception at the Arts Centre’s Garden Room, with its lovely views over South Hill Park. The winning couple and their guests will have exclusive use of the room for the whole afternoon.

To enter the competition, Bracknell Forest borough residents should write no more than 50 words on why they deserve to win and send in a photograph of themselves, either by post or email. Entries can only be accepted on forms to be found in the Bracknell News and the closing date is Thursday, March 12.

The three finalists will then be invited to meet the judging panel made up of representatives of Bracknell Forest Council, the Bracknell News and South Hill Park Arts Centre and the winners will be announced in the paper on Thursday, March 26.

All entrants to the competition will be invited to an open day at the Syrett Suite on Saturday, April 25, where they can meet the registrars who will be happy to answer questions and show visitors what the venue has to offer.

Bracknell Forest Council