Bracknell

There will be howls of delight on Friday, May 1, when a roadshow to promote responsible pet ownership comes to Bracknell town centre.

The Bracknell roadshow will be run by the council’s dog warden Andy Hill in conjunction with national pet month.

There will be free leaflets and advice on all Bracknell pet issues. There will also be a competition, sponsored by Moor Cottage Veterinary Hospital - prizes include a tour of its facilities and dog treats.

Mr Hill said: We always get a positive response from Bracknell town centre shoppers, which is what you expect from a nation of pet lovers.

If you want advice on caring for your pet, or want to learn more about responsible ownership, please come along.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell public protection, said: Not only do our pets add much joy to our lives they can also, particularly dogs, be a great source of exercise for we owners.

The vast majority of people do look after their animals and treat them responsibly, but it is always good to help people to make their pets’ lives even better which is one of the aims of the roadshow."

National pet month is an annual event aimed to promote responsible pet ownership and to raise awareness of services available from professionals who work with animals. For more information visit www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk.

To enter the competition, send a cute or funny picture of your dog and send it to Andy Hill, Bracknell Forest Council, Market Street, Bracknell, RG12 1JD.

Bracknell Forest Council

Leukaemia Research is holding its annual Kidz Bikeathon on Sunday May 10th 11.00 Start At The Look Out Bracknell

All Bracknell Kidz from Toddlers to teens invited to this event to raise monies for research into blood cancers.

There is a great course through the Swinley Forest ,off road for approx 5 miles up hill and down dale.

A great Bracknell Funday for all the family Ride or walk parents invited to ride with the Kidz

A Tee shirt for every entrant and a medal and goody bag for all those who finish, go around as many times as you like.

BBQ and Drinks available ,stalls ,Tombola and Face Painting with a Balloon Race.

Trophy for school with the most entrants, Bikes for hire at the Look Out.

Sign up now or even come on the day. Open for registration from 8.30 www.Bikeathonkidz.co.uk or call 0207 269 9097 for details, local contact Linda Willcocks 07717 182 590

Leukaemia Research Bracknell

Holly Spring Junior School, Bracknell is a good and improving school with a happy and stable environment according to an inspector from Ofsted.

Ofsted visited the Bracknell school in March to assess the school and the report, which describes Holly Spring as a good grade two school, has now been released.

The report highlights many of the school's strengths including:

* adults are good role models showing that mutual support and understanding are of paramount importance;
* parents are overwhelmingly supportive;
* new school initiatives are having a very positive impact on pupils' progress;
* pupils' personal development and wellbeing are good; and
* governors are committed to accelerating and raising standards.

In common with all Ofsted reports the inspector identified areas for improvement. At Bracknell Holly Spring Junior School the report suggested that the school should aim for all lessons to be of a consistently high quality and to accelerate the progress and standards in writing and mathematics.

Headteacher Patricia Donkin said: "We were absolutely delighted with the outcome of the report. It clearly identified all the features that make Holly Spring Junior the school that it is.

"We have always believed that education is about developing the whole child and the inspector clearly recognised this.

"I was particularly pleased the report commented on the support and encouragement children receive from both the teaching and support staff here at Holly Spring."

Cllr Alan Kendall, executive member for Bracknell education and libraries, said: "This is a very good inspection report for a school that continues to deliver a high standard of education for our children.

"I am delighted the inspector has recognised the depth of quality at the school and I congratulate the headteacher, her staff and the governors on their success."

Bracknell Forest Council

On Sunday, May 10, the Quintiles Bracknell half marathon is celebrating its silver anniversary.

More than 1,000 Bracknell runners are expected to line up in South Hill Park for the 13.1 mile run, which will be started by Bracknell Forest Council's mayor.

From South Hill Park the runners will go through Wildridings, along Mill Lane to Jocks Lane recreation ground, then on to Warfield and Harmans Water before finishing their 13.1 miles back at South Hill Park.

There will be Bracknell road closures in Ringmead, Western Road and Binfield Road between 9am and 10.30am on the day of the race. Drivers are asked to take extra care of runners.

The race has always been organised by the same person, Chris Vaal - now the council's leisure development manager.

In December 1983 Mr Vaal's manager told him Bracknell District Council’s recreation committee had decided the town should have a half marathon, and it will take place on April 1, 1984. It left him just 12 weeks to organise the inaugural event.

There were 760 runners in the first Bracknell race who all lined up despite overnight snow and associated flooding, and ducks around the starting line next to South Hill Park’s north lake. The first man to cross the line was Jim Wise, and the first woman was Val Howe. Also in the field that day was Cllr Iain McCracken - then the council’s vice-chairman of leisure and now the executive member for leisure - and Bracknell’s recently elected MP Andrew MacKay.

This year’s event is using chip timing for the first time. A small card has been sent for all runners which they can attach to their trainers. The chips are then detected by computers which give accurate times from start to finish for every competitor.

Mr Vaal said: "We have come a long way from the one loud hailer and simple start and finish signs we had in 1984, with the chips giving precise timings for the first time.

"I would like to thank all the hundreds of people - many of whom are volunteers - who help make the half marathon happen every year. It would not be possible without their help and support."

Bracknell Cllr McCracken, who has run the half marathon nine times, said: "The Bracknell half marathon has established itself as an integral part of the borough's sporting calendar.

"It is a credit to the hard work of Chris, council officers, sponsors, volunteers and participants that this wonderful event continues to go from strength to strength."

Bracknell Forest Council

A joint Bracknell council and police operation was needed to catch a trader who has pleaded guilty to flyposting on streetlamps, road signs and other highways furniture.

Bracknell Forest Council called in the help of Thames Valley Police following a rise in flyposting in the borough last year. The council had removed and disposed of a number of posters advertising cash for cars and similar offers.

Following the joint operation, John Burton, from London Road, Bagshot, pleaded guilty to three offences relating to employing someone whose name and address he did not know to put up posters, and using and possessing a mobile phone and number which was under investigation.

Appearing at Maidenhead Magistrates’ Court on Friday, April 17, he was ordered to pay a total of £365 in fines, costs and surcharges.

In October, the council and police confronted Burton when he came to collect a car from a house in Jocks Lane, Bracknell. On his arrival, he was then interviewed under caution.

David Steeds, head of environmental health and safety, said: "Bracknell Forest Council works hard to create a borough which is clean and green.

"Flyposting is untidy and distracting to drivers. We will continue to investigate people who illegally put up posters across the borough.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for public protection, said: "We all want to live in a borough which is clean and tidy.

"I hope this case will be a warning to people who regularly and illegally put posters up across Bracknell Forest that we will catch you, and prosecute you.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell town centre is set to get a mini make-over this summer.

Some of the older Bracknell street furniture, including benches, planters, bins and cycle racks will be either spruced up, replaced or if they are beyond repair then removed.

Already, the planters outside Bracknell Library have been taken away and the subways around the town centre have been improved with some much needed paint work and deep cleaning.

In addition, work to refurbish the bus station will begin this month. The existing bus shelters will be repaired and painted in the council’s corporate green and it is expected that the work will take around three weeks.

This work is not in place of regenerating the town centre but is aimed at keeping it clean and tidy in the interim period.

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell leisure, corporate services and public protection at Bracknell Forest Council, said: "There are parts of the town which are starting to look tired and in need of refurbishment and we know how important it is to keep our town centre looking cared for. So the council, along with Bracknell Regeneration Partnership and Bracknell Town Council, is making a concerted effort to tidy up the town centre this year."

“We will be refocusing some of our existing council budgets to carry out these repairs so that residents, shoppers and visitors can look forward to enjoying the town centre this summer.”

Rob Morris, retail manager for Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, added: "It is important that the shopper experience in Bracknell remains a quality one, regardless of economic downturn.

"The town centre improvements are vital to ensure that the town centre environment is welcoming and residents feel encouraged to shop in Bracknell and support the local retailers.

"Bracknell Regeneration Partnership and Bracknell Forest Council are working closely together to ensure that Bracknell remains an attractive, vibrant and safe place to shop.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Parents who are considering trying real nappies can find out all about them at this year’s real nappy week roadshow.

The roadshow is visiting:

* Langley Hall in The Ring, Bracknell town centre, on Wednesday, April 29, from 10am to 12noon.
* The Oaks children’s centre in Wordsworth, Great Hollands, on Thursday, April 30, from 10am to 12noon.
* The Rowans children's centre in Pondmoor Road, Bracknell, on Friday, May 1, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

It will give Bracknell parents the chance to see a wide variety of real nappies, talk to parents who already use them, and order direct from suppliers.

There will also be the opportunity for parents to collect an application form to obtain £30 cashback per child to contribute towards the cost of buying real nappies.

Real nappy week promotes the use of cloth nappies to give parents a greater choice than just using the disposable variety. A wide range is now available from the simple traditional terry cotton nappies, to modern shaped and fitted types, which are more convenient than people think.

Organic, unbleached, velcro or popper fastening and all-in-one nappies give a wider variety of choice without need for pins. As they are made from natural fibres they may feel more comfortable next to a baby's skin.

Real nappies can save parents around £500 on the cost of keeping a baby in nappies and could be used for a second child. The average spend on disposable nappies is £791.70 over two-and-a-half years.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, executive member for the Bracknell environment, said: "This annual event has always proved popular with new parents who want to do a little more to help the environment, and save some money at the same time.

"Modern real nappies are much more convenient than their predecessors and really are worth a try.”

For more information about the real nappy cashback scheme, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/env-real-nappies or call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Council

In total, four of the Bracknell six secondary schools in the borough between them will be £122,000 worse off this year due to the Government's funding allocation for sixth form places in September.

At a meeting of the council on Wednesday, April 15, Cllr Alan Ward, executive member for finance, resources and assets, said that he and the council's officers will be looking at options to help meet this funding gap and ensure that no Bracknell Forest student misses out on a sixth form place.

Cllr Ward said: "We are very disappointed the Government has not calculated for an increase in applications for sixth form places and has therefore instructed the Learning and Skills Council to fund them at a lower level per head.

"This comes at a particularly difficult time when applications are up for post-16 education because young people want to improve their skills and qualifications to help them get a job during the recession. By helping young people to remain in education the council is contributing to its new medium term objective of supporting people during the recession.

"The council will do everything it can to ensure the funding shortfall is filled and that those who are eligible for a sixth form place do not miss out and that they get the education they need and deserve.”

A report on how the council will fund this will be brought back to the executive for approval in the next few weeks.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest Council has been successful in the latest round of applications to provide the new diploma qualifications for 14 to 19 year olds, announced this week by the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF).

Secondary schools in the borough, together with Bracknell and Wokingham College, have been given the go-ahead to begin the phased introduction of the new courses from September 2010.

The Bracknell diplomas, which will be available alongside the existing GCSE and A-level courses, are a major part of the Government’s strategy to reform the education and training of young people over the next few years.

Lesley Heale, social care and learning director, said: "As part of this strategy, we must ensure diploma courses in 17 subject areas are available to our young people by 2013.

"Receiving the green light from the DCSF this week gives a significant boost to Bracknell Forest’s own 14 - 19 education plan, which will enable us to make sure that the best possible range of high quality provision is available to our students."

It is expected young Bracknell people aged 14 to 16 who choose to study a diploma course will spend approximately two days per week on this part of their learning, with the remaining time spent on more traditional GCSE subjects such as English, mathematics and science.

Diplomas will emphasise the importance of learning in a practical way, in real and realistic work situations and include a minimum to 10 days work experience. For students aged 16 to 19, the new diplomas will add to the range of full-time courses currently available in local schools and colleges.

Mrs Heale said: "This is an exciting development for young people's education. Diplomas will offer a new dimension to learning for some of our young people and we hope this will challenge and motivate them to achieve the very best results of which they are capable.

"The schools and Bracknell and Wokingham College have embraced the opportunity to work in partnership which the successful introduction of diplomas requires and the council is committed to supporting them and working with them for the benefit of our young people."

The Bracknell diplomas expected to be available from September 2010 are in Business Administration and Finance, Hospitality, Information Technology and Hair and Beauty. The remaining diplomas will be fully implemented within four years.

Cllr Alan Kendall, executive member for education and libraries, said: "The introduction of the new diplomas is a major step forward towards ensuring our children are well prepared for life after school.

"The diplomas encourage young people to stay in education for longer and motivates them to become an asset to the community.

Bracknell Forest Council

A group of talented film makers at Ranelagh School in Bracknell will be showcasing their work on big screens across the borough.

Members of the school's digital animation club have won the Bracknell Forest Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership's community TV film competition with a stunning 30-second silent movie that warns youngsters about the dangers of carrying knives.

The film will be seen from the middle of May on the 10 community TV screens across the borough, including Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bracknell and Wokingham College and Edgbarrow Sports Centre. It will also be shown on the council's website.

The prize includes a £500 digital camcorder for the school, donated by electronics giant Panasonic, which has its UK headquarters in Bracknell. It will be presented at the school on Thursday, April 23 at 3.30pm.

Ian Boswell, Bracknell Forest Council community safety manager, said: "This competition was open to all the secondary schools in the borough. We hope to run something similar later in the year which will be extended to Bracknell and Wokingham College students and local youth projects.

"The Ranelagh pupils have done really well and their winning entry is a very imaginative piece of film. We hope that because the film has been made by young people for young people they will take notice of the important message its sends."

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell public protection, said: "This is an excellent film and congratulations must go to to everyone at Ranelagh School involved in the making of it.

"We are fortunate that we don't have a problem with knife crime in the borough, but our younger residents do go to other towns and cities and it's important they are aware of the dangers posed by people carrying knives."

Bracknell Forest Council

With spring in the air, Bracknell Forest Council’s registrars are throwing open the doors of the Syrett Suite ceremonial rooms for would-be brides and grooms or new mums and dads who want a stylish wedding or a baby naming venue at a value-for-money price.

The special Bracknell open day on Saturday, April 25 between 2pm and 3.30pm is an ideal opportunity to check out the superb facilities on offer at the Syrett Suite, located at Easthampstead Park Conference Centre.

Registrars will be on hand to answer questions and provide extra information about all the ceremonies they can help arrange, which also include civil partnerships and renewal of vows.

Ann Moore, the Bracknell council's head of democratic and registration services, said: "The open day offers people the chance to speak to the team of friendly and knowledgeable registrars who can provide all sorts of advice on what is available and possible."

A half-mile, tree-lined drive sweeps up to the spectacular Easthampstead Park Conference Centre, a beautiful Victorian mansion where the Syrett Suite ceremonial rooms are found. The suite is equally eye-catching with elegant decor, flower arrangements and plush seating. Outside, the grounds offer some stunning photo-opportunities before and after the ceremony.

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for corporate services said: "Residents can have a number of different ceremonies in a superb venue, with fantastic facilities and all at a good price.

"The borough has always prided itself on offering value for money services and in these increasingly difficult economic times that’s evermore important.

"Some brides and grooms can’t spend a lot but they still want a day to remember. The same goes for people who want to do something special like a naming ceremony for a new baby or even a renewal of vows.

"With the recession hitting everyone’s pockets, more people are choosing budget-friendly options like the Syrett Suite, rather than postponing the occasion."

Full details of the open day and the range of ceremonies the Bracknell council offers can be found by telephone 01344 352052.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Children and young people are being invited to design a poster to encourage other residents to have a tranquil summer.

Bracknell Forest Council is organising the competition to promote noise action week, which starts on Monday, May 18. It aims to raise awareness of the impacts of noise in Bracknell Forest and the simple measures which can prevent noise problems.

The winning entry will be displayed throughout Bracknell Forest. There will be prizes for the top three entries in each of the infant, junior and senior age categories. These include an iPod nano, a digital camera, Nintendo DS, digital photo frames, games and cinema vouchers.

Noise can cause disruption and distress to everyone - at home, at leisure, at work and at study. The Bracknell council works hard to reduce the number of noise problems, for example, due to a focus on alarms complaints have dropped by 34 per cent in the past year.

The council will now be looking at reducing the number of dog barking and domestic complaints. Information and advice on keeping dogs and reducing domestic noise can be found on at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/noise or by calling 01344 352000.

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell public protection, said: "Noise action week is aimed at encouraging all of us to consider the noise we make, its impact on others and to try and find practical ways to lessen the impact it has and the very real disturbance it causes.

"I am looking forward to seeing how our children and young people illustrate this in their posters.”

Entries should be submitted by Friday, May 1. For an entry form and more details by calling 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Council

One of last year's competition entryIt’s the time of year to get the gardening gloves on in support of this year’s Your Gardens competition – part of Bracknell in Bloom.

Organised by Bracknell Forest Council and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, Your Gardens is a competition for local residents and businesses to get their hands dirty and dig in with their own gardening efforts in support of Bracknell Forest in Bloom. This is the borough’s entry into the regional Britain in Bloom competition.

The Bracknell competition will be open for entries until Friday, June 12 and categories include:

* front garden;
* community or neighbourhood garden;
* commercial premises;
* young gardener;
* young gardeners; and
* tallest sunflower.

New entries are always welcome.

For more information, pop into one of the council reception areas to pick up a Your Gardens entry form.

If you have any questions, then please contact the Your Gardens team on yourgardens@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Council

A round of golf in the spring Bracknell sunshine to raise money for a deserving cause is teeing off at the Downshire Golf Complex on Wednesday, April 29.

Cllr Bob Edger, the mayor of Bracknell Forest, is hoping the annual event - which this year is fundraising for his chosen charity, Childline - will attract dozens of keen golfers.

The Bracknell competition is open to teams of four people, with entries costing £150 per team. The price includes coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, a goodie bag, use of the driving range for some pre-match practice, 18 holes of golf, followed by a late-afternoon, two-course meal and charity raffle.

The event begins at 9am with registration, while the golfers tee off at 10.30am. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Emma Evans, events manager at the Downshire Golf Complex on 01344 422708 or email emma.evans@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Cllr Edger said: "More than £1,700 was raised at last year's event and I'm hoping we'll do even better this year.

"Downshire is a superb course and everyone who plays there at the charity days always has a marvellous time in aid of a very deserving cause."

Bracknell Forest Council

One of the country's highest ranking police officers is to open a Bracknell Forest conference on antisocial behaviour and how it can best be tackled.

Sarah Thornton, chief constable of Thames Valley Police, is hoping Bracknell residents will attend the event next month to hear more than 10 speakers explain how nuisance behaviour such as fly-tipping, graffiti or abandoned vehicles has been approached and how successes have been achieved.

The half day conference takes place on Tuesday, May 19 at the Hilton Hotel in Bagshot Road, Bracknell. It begins at 8.45am and ends at 1.30pm with a refreshment break. All visitors are then invited to stay for a buffet lunch.

Anyone planning to attend should email crime-disorder.reductionteam@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or write to Crime and Disorder Reduction Team, Bracknell Forest Council, 2nd Floor, Easthampstead House, Town Square, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1AQ before Friday, April 24

Visitors to the event - organised by the Bracknell Forest Crime and Disorder Partnership (CDRP)- will have the opportunity to put questions to the speakers on the antisocial behaviour incidents that matter to them.

Among the topics to be discussed are borough clean-ups, the use of the CADIS information system and the work being done with local young people.

The closing address will be given by Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest Council.

He said: "This is a great opportunity for residents to find out what the CDRP is doing to improve everyday life.

"I think people will be reassured that the CDRP is working successfully to identify antisocial behaviour in Bracknell Forest and to find the best ways to tackle it."

Bracknell Forest Council

The Bishop of Reading, Stephen Cottrell, volunteer organisations and representatives of schools joined the Bracknell mayor, Cllr Bob Edger OBE, and mayoress Sigi Edger at the annual civic reception on Friday (March 27) to recognise and celebrate those who have contributed to the borough during his year in office.

Other Bracknell guests included Brigadier Michael Aris CBE, deputy lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Dr Carolyn Boulter, high sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, the Rt Hon Andrew MacKay MP, mayors from neighbouring local authorities and Bracknell Forest Council members and staff.

The prestigious black-tie event was held Wellington College, in Crowthorne, where the assembled guests listened as Cllr Edger reflected on the events of the past 12 months and the work that has been done across the borough to support the community.

He emphasised the Bracknell council's six priorities designed to help residents and businesses move forward in difficult economic times and highlighted the strong performance of frontline services for children, older people and environmental management.

Bracknell Cllr Edger went on to say: "Some of the most enjoyable functions Sigi and I have attended during the last year have been those involving children and have included inter-schools sports and other competitions, music and choir concerts, plays and art exhibitions.

"We have a nation of young achievers that only need the stimulus to succeed and we must do all in our power to enable them to do this...because quite simply, children are our future."

The mayor's charity this year has been Childline. He said: "Here in Bracknell Forest we must do whatever it takes to ensure that children in our community are safeguarded and protected and I am sure that all of us here tonight...are dedicated to seeing this happen.

The borough's volunteer organisations were also singled out for praise by Cllr Edger who said: "It has been one of the great privileges for Sigi and me over the last year to see how these organisations and charities operate.

"If anything is designed to keep one's feet planted firmly on the ground it is witnessing some of these volunteers at work."

The mayor also referred to the successful development of partnership working, particularly in tackling crime and disorder. He hoped for progress in the Bracknell's regeneration scheme and flagged the town's celebration of Armed Forces day on Saturday, June 27.

Bracknell Forest Council

Children will be hop-skipping and jumping around Bracknell Market this Easter in a bid to spot the bunnies and win a chocolate Easter egg.

Bracknell Forest Council has teamed up with the stall holders at Bracknell Market to host the Easter hunt as a fun thing for children to do while their parents browse the stalls at the Market.

On Good Friday and the Saturday before Easter all children visiting the Bracknell market will be able to pick up a spotters form from Dudman’s fruit and veg stall. They then need to find the names of all the bunnies hidden around the market and exchange their completed form for a chocolate egg at the market’s egg stall.

Graham Mountford, Bracknell Town Centre Manager, said: “This Easter egg hunt is a great way for children and their parents to have fun around the market this Easter. On the way around the market, spotting bunnies, parents will also be able to discover some of the great stalls and produce on offer and meet some of the friendly traders - and there is a chocolate egg available at the end of it too, so that has got to be a bonus.”

“There is a wide variety of stalls at the market. As well as the excellent fruit and veg, fish mongers, meat and farm fresh egg stall there is a very well stocked haberdashery and sewing supplier and stalls selling accessories for the vacuum cleaner, pet food, back copies of magazines and all sorts of bits and bobs.”

Bracknell Market is open every Friday and Saturday from 9am until 4.30pm. It is located on the ground floor of Winchester House (the former 3M tower) at the bottom of the Broadway, Bracknell.

Bracknell Forest Council

New guidance released last week by Bracknell Forest Council, in partnership with Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS), aims to help local people thinking of renting out their home.

With the recession now biting, many Bracknell home owners are struggling to pay their bills. To relieve some of the pressure, many people have taken the decision to become private landlords and rent out their homes. Rental income can help the budget, but a lack of knowledge of the law can prove costly further down the line.

The private rented sector has an important part to play in the housing market and Bracknell Forest Council wants to support it to ensure that part of the market continues to work effectively.

By following this simple ten-point checklist Bracknell people can avoid trouble when renting their homes:

1. Speak to your morgage lender;

2. Get references from potential tenants;

3. Prepare a formal tenancy agreement;

4. If you take a deposit, it must be properly protected;

5. Obtain an energy performance certificate;

6. Find out whether you need a property licence;

7. Get all your gas and electrical appliances checked;

8. Minimise the risk from fire;

9. Ensure that your property presents no risk to your tenants' health and safety;

10. Don't find yourself in court when something goes wrong.

It is essential that if people plan to rent out their property that they seek advice and do it properly.

For example by failing to speak to a mortgage lender, people could lose their home and the result of not licencing a property could result in a fine of up to £20,000.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "This timely new guidance will help residents who are thinking of renting out their home. Helping people understand the pitfalls and the rules could save them from losing their home or being fined.

"Taking a common sense approach to being a landlord should help people avoid problems with tenants or the law."

Geoffrey Theobald OBE, LACORS Chairman, said: "The credit crunch has placed many people's budgets near to breaking point. To try and combat mounting bills and rising unemployment, many people are looking to rent out their home. This guidance aims to keep people from making costly mistakes as they take on tenants."

Bracknell Forest Council

The Bracknell council’s Syrett Suite of ceremonial rooms will play host to a very special wedding in May when the winners of our competition say ‘I do’.

Simone Minal and Paul Osborne, from Trevelyan, Great Hollands, will be married by the Bracknell council’s registrars in elegant surroundings, watched by family and friends. They will then enjoy a small reception at South Hill Park Arts Centre.

The couple, whose whirlwind romance began on holiday in Spain last August, are thrilled to have the won the competition, run in partnership with the Bracknell News and the arts centre. They had to write in no more than 50 words why they deserved to win and were one of three finalist couples to be quizzed by representatives of the council, the newspaper and the arts centre.

Simone, who works at Easthampstead Park School, said: “We were very nervous about the interview but everyone there was very nice to us and put us at our ease. We’re still in shock. We never expected to win but we are just so pleased.

“We were going to get married next year when we had saved up for a wedding. We were already thinking about the Syrett Suite because it’s such good value for money. We’re so looking forward to our day.”

The Bracknell couple will be busy for the next few weeks sending out invitations, looking for wedding outfits, organising flowers and, of course, a cake. But they hope to have time to go to the Syrett Suite open day on Saturday, April 25 when council registrars will be on hand between 2pm and 3.30pm to answer visitors’ questions and show people round the stylish ceremonial rooms. The Syrett Suite is located at Easthampstead Park Conference Centre in Wokingham Road, Bracknell.

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell corporate services said: “Residents can have a number of different ceremonies in a superb venue, with fantastic facilities and all at a good price. The borough has always prided itself on offering value for money services and in these increasingly difficult economic times that’s evermore important

"Some brides and grooms can’t spend a lot, just like Simone and Paul, but they still want a day to remember. The same goes for people who want to do something special like a naming ceremony for a new baby or even a renewal of vows. With the recession hitting everyone’s pockets, more people are choosing budget-friendly options like the Syrett Suite, rather than postponing the occasion."

For more details about getting married in Bracknell Forest call 01344 352052.

Bracknell Forest Council

Supermarket giant Tesco has been fined after out of date food was found on sale in two of its largest branches in Bracknell Forest.

At a hearing at Maidenhead Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, March 25, Tesco was fined £18,000 for selling food that was past its use by date. It was also ordered to pay a further £13,500 in legal costs to Bracknell Forest Council.

The supermarket pleaded guilty to 14 offences relating to 48 items of food found past its use by date in its Warfield branch and at The Meadows in Sandhurst in October 2007.

Bracknell Forest Council decided to prosecute the supermarket after routine inspections by trading standards officers found food on sale which was up to 26 days beyond its use by date - commonly described as sell by dates. The items of food included sausages, yoghurts, cream, cheese and meatballs.

Use by dates are used on foods which are perishable and could constitute an immediate danger to human health if exceeded.

A district judge decided to issue a maximum fine for two of the offences, in full support of the Council's action to prosecute to protect public health.

Rob Sexton, Head of Bracknell Trading Standards, said: We regularly check food on sale to help ensure all businesses comply with laws which ensure food quality and whether its consumption is likely to put health at risk.

"The support by a district judge of this action proves how it is important such checks are, regardless of the size of the organisation."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Public Protection, said: "I am pleased with the outcome of both the investigation and the fact that the judge saw fit to levy a substantial fine thereby making the point.

"The offence of selling food after its use by date is there to protect public health. The various items of food on sale at Tesco had the potential to cause harm to those who may consume them - particularly any who may be more vulnerable due to their age or ill health. It is therefore to Tesco's credit that they pleaded guilty to the charge.

"We hope the result of this case will be a wake-up call to all food retailers to review their procedures. This case is also a lesson to us as consumers to always check use by dates on every product we buy.”

Bracknell Forest Council