Bracknell

Bracknell Forest students are celebrating another successful year in A-level examinations following the publication of this year’s provisional results.

The results indicate the overall A-level pass rate in Bracknell Forest Council's schools has risen to 97.6 per cent, an improvement on last year’s previous high of 97.2 per cent. The national pass rate for 2009 is reported to be 97.5 per cent.

The provisional average points score achieved by students completing their advanced level studies in the council's schools in 2009 has risen significantly to 740 from last year’s figure of 719. This represents an improvement of almost one grade per student.

Although the number of young Bracknell people sitting A-level examinations in the council’s schools fell from 325 in 2008 to 296, several schools have reported an increase in the number of students awarded A and B grades. Schools have also reported many excellent individual performances.

Bob Welch, chief adviser: learning and achievement at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “I am delighted that our A-level results have reached a new record high level. The improved average points score of 740 shows that we are now in line with the national average.

"I would like to congratulate all those young people who have worked so hard to achieve some excellent results this year. We must also recognise the hard work and encouragement provided by their teachers throughout the academic year. The achievement of our students owes much to the commitment and high quality of teaching across Bracknell Forest schools."

Cllr Alan Kendall, executive member for Bracknell education, said: "I would like to add my congratulations to all the students who are celebrating their A-level results today. I wish them all the best for the future.

“I am very pleased that the borough is able to celebrate its best ever A-level results.”

Students with queries about higher education courses can get help from the Council's student services team on 01344 354000.

Bracknell Forest Council

The Great Hollands, Bracknell neighbourhood policing team is holding a beat surgery for residents of Jennett's Park.

The surgery will be in the Peacock Farm public house car park on Saturday 5 September from 10am to 11am. Bracknell Police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) from the neighbourhood team will be happy to meet you and listen to your concerns.

Bracknell PCSO Taylor Walmsley said: “The surgery is open to all residents to come along and meet their neighbourhood team, voice any concerns they may have about local issues, or get crime prevention advice.

“We look forward to meeting as many people as possible on the day.”

Members of the Great Hollands neighbourhood policing team can be contacted on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a fail to stop collision that occurred on Sunday (23/8) in Bracknell.

At around 5.30pm, a cyclist and a white Fiat Punto collided on Hanworth Road, Bracknell. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop at the scene.

The Bracknell cyclist, a 13-year-old boy, was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment to minor injuries, but later discharged.

Bracknell PC Guy Lawrence, who is investigating the collision, said: “I am keen to speak with the driver of the vehicle involved in this collision, so I would urge him to come forward. I would also like to hear from anyone that may have seen the vehicle prior to the collision or who witnesses the collision itself.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Lawrence at Taplow Roads Police base via 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to talk to police or leave your name, please contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Council has avoided paying a massive £380,000 in landfill tax thanks to an increase in the amount of household waste recycled by residents.

In 1999 households in the Bracknell borough recycled just nine per cent of their waste. Thanks to the introduction of kerbside recycling, the amount of domestic waste recycled rose to 24 per cent in 2005.

In 2006 Bracknell Forest Council introduced alternate weekly bin collections, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill by a total of 9,500 tonnes. This, coupled with other new measures such as the kerbside collection of mixed recyclables from blue wheelie bins, means that Bracknell Forest is now recycling 40.5 per cent of its household waste.

Challenging government landfill targets and a rise in additional landfill taxes mean that all councils now have to pay £40 for every tonne of waste landfilled. However, thanks to the decision to increase recycling methods in the borough for both environmental and economical reasons, Bracknell Forest Council has avoided paying £380,000 in landfill taxes.

Janet Dowlman, head of Bracknell environmental services, said: "Bracknell Forest is now recycling around 40.5 per cent of its waste. This figure already exceeds the national target of recycling and composting 40 per cent of household waste by 2010.

“By reaching this target, it means we do not have to consider service reductions which may have been required to fund this tax.”

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Bracknell Forest Council's executive member for the environment, said: “We are delighted that the vast majority of our residents are doing their bit and recycling as much as they can. Hopefully we can increase the amount of waste recycled in the borough still further.

“We have once again improved our refuse and recycling services with the recent opening of the remodelled Longshot Lane household waste recycling centre. Residents are now able to recycle much more at the new site, while there are also an additional 40 recycling sites for glass, clothes, shoes and books around the borough.”

Waste disposal and emptying containers from Bracknell’s recycling sites is are responsibility of re3, a partnership between Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils and Waste Recycling Group (WRG). The partnership was set up to increase the amount of waste that is reused, recycled and composted across the three boroughs and minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill.

For more details on re3 and Longshot Lane household waste recycling centre, visit www.re3.org.uk or call freephone 0800 9883023.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Cllr Alan Browne, Conservative ward member for Hanworth, sadly passed away on Friday, August 7 while visiting family in Canada.

Cllr Browne, 72, was first elected to Bracknell Forest Council in 1991 and served until 1995. He later returned to the council in 2000.

Cllr Browne was deputy Bracknell mayor in 2003/04 and then mayor in 2004/05. He was also a member of Bracknell Town Council.

During his time as Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Browne's chosen charity was The Ark Trust, a Crowthorne based charity for disabled people. During his time as mayor he raised more than £31,000 for The Ark. He continued to remain a strong supporter of the charity.

Cllr Browne held the first ever citizenship ceremony for Bracknell Forest Council in February 2005. He also sat on the management committees of the Birch Hill and Hanworth Community Centres.

Cllr Chas Baily, Conservative ward member for Hanworth and Bracknell Town Council mayor, said: "Alan and I got to know each other very well when he joined the town council.

"As members of Bracknell Forest Council we became known as the terrible twins as we worked together on the same committees.

"Alan was a keen sports fan and enjoyed cricket, horse racing and supporting his football team, Aston Villa.

"He will be missed not only as a fellow councillor but as a dear friend."

Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: "Alan was extremely well known by many residents, in his ward in particular and in Bracknell Forest in general, as a previous mayor of the borough, but he was known to many as a councillor who knew his patch intimately.

"He could always be counted on to know the background to any issue and he will undoubtedly be sorely missed by all who knew him, either as a public figure, their own councillor, or as a friend and colleague.

"My sincere condolences go to his family at this difficult time."

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest Council benefits officers are taking to the streets to help explain the full range of benefits residents can claim.

The Benefits for You Bracknell roadshow is taking place outside the front entrance of the Princess Square shopping centre in Bracknell town centre, on Thursday, August 27, from 10am until 4pm.

Bracknell Council officers will be on hand to give advice on housing and council tax benefits. The team 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.

The Bracknell event will also be attended by advisors from the NHS Stop Smoking Service, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, and the Green Energy Doctor, a specialist in energy efficiency. The roadshow will offer residents the chance to find out about leisure services and concessions, the e+ smartcard, library membership and other services offered by Bracknell Forest Council.

Additionally, there will be face painting to keep the children occupied, and free entry to a prize draw, which includes a range of prizes donated by the council’s leisure services.

Cllr Dale Birch, executive member for Bracknell adult services, health and housing, said: "Considering the current economic climate, we want to make sure Bracknell Forest residents are receiving all the housing and council tax benefits they could be entitled to. When we last did a road show I was amazed at how many people, particularly some of our older residents, did not know they could be entitled to certain housing or council tax related benefits and how many concessions are available at council-run facilities.

"If you would like further information on benefits, or if you think you may qualify for extra support, why not come along to Princess Square to find out more or call us on the number provided."

For more information about benefits available from Bracknell Forest Council call 01344 351866.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Foster carers Alison and Alan George have had a lot to celebrate this summer.

They were invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party in recognition of their 26 years as Bracknell Forest Council foster carers, while Amy Collins, whom they look after, proved herself to be a skilled horse rider when she won a gold medal at the Special Olympics.

The couple, from Little Sandhurst, were thrilled to go to the palace. Mrs George said: "We had a lovely time. The gardens are amazing, everything was in full bloom and the weather was much better than we expected. It was fantastic just to be there along with about 8,000 other guests. We really enjoyed it.

"We didn't speak to the Queen but we did manage to see her from afar. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Meanwhile, Amy, 17, who has lived with Alison and Alan for nearly nine years, achieved a trio of awards when she took part in the competition in Leicestershire, taking a gold, bronze and sixth place.

Mrs George added: "Amy did really well, especially as she competed on a horse that she had only ridden a couple of times."

Amy is hoping to pursue her interest in creatures great and small when she leaves Kennel Lane School's sixth form next year. She is planning to study animal care at the Berkshire College of Agriculture near Maidenhead and is especially interested in larger livestock such as horses, cows and sheep.

Penny Reuter, Bracknell council's chief officer, children's social care said: "Alison and Alan have done a fantastic job as foster carers over many years. They are very dedicated people and we were delighted to nominate them for the garden party.

"Amy has flourished while she has been with them and has achieved great success with her riding. She is one of many children and young people in Bracknell Forest who benefit from being able to live in a caring family environment, other than their own, either on a short or long term basis."

Bracknell Forest Council

Last year, a lack of local parking was one of the top priorities flagged by Bracknell Forest residents who completed the Neighbourhood Survey.

As a result, Bracknell council has recently approved a budget of £100,000 to provide new parking bays in housing areas with severe parking congestion. This is just one example of how local partnerships are working together to target the issues that matter to residents.

Residents can have their say again by completing this year’s Neighbourhood Survey, compiled by Bracknell Forest Council, Thames Valley Police and local community groups, and by taking part in open forum meetings hosted by the Neighbourhood Action Groups (NAGs).

The survey will be delivered to every home in the Bracknell borough by September 2, followed by an eight week consultation period. Residents will also be able to complete the survey online http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/neighbourhood survey.

Questionnaires which are completed and returned before the deadline on October 31 will be included in a free prize draw. Prizes include tickets to Coral Reef, the Downshire Golf Complex and South Hill Park Arts Centre (full terms and conditions can be seen at the website address below or telephone call 01344 352000).

The 14 Neighbourhood Action Groups across the borough will be holding a series of open forum meetings from September 14. All dates and locations can be found on the Bracknell Forest Council website at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/living/liv-housing/liv-neighbourhood-action-groups-htm

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell public protection, said: "Residents can come along to talk about the things that affect them and their families in their neighbourhood with their NAG representatives, local councillors, local police and council officers.

"This is a great opportunity to get involved in changing things at a grass roots level and make Bracknell Forest and even better place to live and work.

"The findings of the survey will help to set the neighbourhood priorities for the coming year. We would urge as many people as possible to make their voices heard."

Acting Chief Inspector Mark Harling, who heads Bracknell Forest’s police team, said: "The NAGs forums and the neighbourhood survey play an important role in planning and organising work and activities that help address local concerns, feeding information back to the police, council service departments and other organisations and help influence the services provided.

"They are also key in reporting back to their local communities the work that has been done."

For further information or to request a survey form (if residents do not receive one) contact the community engagement team at community.engagement@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or telephone 01344 353315.

Bracknell Forest Council

Fans of graphic novels have plenty to look forward to this month, as Manga Madness comes to Bracknell Library.

The Bracknell event, to include a book signing and workshop, takes place on Tuesday, August 18, from 2pm to 6pm.

Local Bracknell manga artist Karen Lusted will be signing copies of her first manga composition, Final Blossom. Artists from the Red Garden Manga bookshop will also be on hand to create free sketches.

Manga is a style of print cartoons which originated in Japan. The genre, which usually consists of comics, graphic novels and film, has become increasingly popular worldwide.

The event will give up-and-coming artists the chance to create their own masterpiece, with manga Shakespeare specialist Kate Brown, artist for the manga adaptation of a Midsummer Night’s Dream, running a workshop for 10-16 year olds between 2pm and 3.30pm. The workshop will be based around the theme of Quest Seekers, and participants are welcome to bring their own artwork. Tickets for the workshop are £3.50.

There will also be an art competition as part of the afternoon’s activities, with competitors having to complete a manga storyboard with their own ideas to win a prize. Competition entry forms are available from Bracknell Library and also on the Red Garden Manga website at www.redgardenmanga.com

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell culture, said: “Manga is a great way to trigger youngsters interest in both reading and art.”

“Manga Madness is just one of the events taking place across the borough in our nine libraries this summer. There are talks, storytelling, free internet access and reading groups as well. Visit your local library to find out more.”

Bracknell Forest Council

The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre is turning green for a special week of environment-themed events to entertain young and old during the summer holidays.

Be Green will be held at the Bracknell centre from 10am until 5pm between Monday, August 24, and Friday, August 28. It is a follow-up from the successful Be Green weekend in February.

* Special activities include:
* design and take home a re-useable green bag;
* make a Wendy the Worm badge;
* plant a seed and take it home;
* join in the Challenging Composting game;
* have fun with the competitions with fantastic prizes for the winners;
* find 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 five million cars off the road; and
* details about wormeries, recycling, waste and much more.

The event is 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.

The Bracknell 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.

There are more than 1,000 hectares of Crown Estate woodland, with many trails and walks. There is a children’s play area, coffee shop and a gift shop.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, executive member for the Bracknell environment, said: “The Look Out constantly provides visitors with the chance to learn about the world around us. Be Green week offers a great opportunity to teach us all about our environment in a fun and educational way.

”If you have not visited The Look Out Centre for a while, Be Green week would be a great time to drop in and see what’s new.”

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

Composting food waste has just been made easier thanks to a fantastic offer from Braknell Forest Council.

Bracknell Residents are 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.

The green cones will be available between 10am and 2pm at Sainsbury's, Bagshot Road, Bracknell, on Saturday, August 22. The green cones normally cost £68.07 plus delivery, but residents will be able to pick one up for £10 cash on the day on a first come first served basis.

The Bracknell green 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 with the active part of the cone beneath ground level it can be left to work away in the garden with minimal maintenance required.

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.”

To purchase the special offer £10 green cone, visit the roadshow with proof of residency, such as 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.

Bracknell Forest Council

The next phase of improvements at Bracknell train station has begun, with work now underway on a £600,000 scheme of improvements to the station forecourt.

Bracknell Forest Council, in partnership with South West Trains and Network Rail, has developed plans for a new look station forecourt with improvements to all forms of interchange, and priority for pedestrians. New features will include a larger taxi rank, a corporate bus bay and shelter, improved cycle parking facilities, additional short term car parking, a new pedestrian crossing, improved lighting, new seating and landscaping.

The Bracknell work forms part of a co-ordinated approach to improve facilities at the station and provide access for all. The forecourt improvements follow the recent completion of a new passenger footbridge, with lifts providing a step-free access to the Reading-bound platform.

Roger Cook, transport development manager at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “The scheme will deliver some major changes to the layout of the forecourt, with pedestrian passengers at the centre of the design. We are aiming to create a quality environment on the forecourt, with a key objective of easing interchange for cycle users, busses and taxis.”

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, executive member for Bracknell planning, transportation and economic development, said: “This is another significant step in completing the transformation of the station into the quality gateway that Bracknell deserves. I am delighted with the continuing partnership between the council, South West Trains and Network Rail, on the delivery of these important improvements.”

Malcolm Page, stations development manager for South West Trains, said: “Railway stations are often the gateway to a town, and the funding that has been provided will make a big difference to Bracknell station. We are looking forward to working with Bracknell Forest Council to make improvements that will benefit all who use the station.”

Bracknell Regeneration Partnership has donated a segment of land at the front of the station to enable further landscaping.

Helen Barnett, marketing manager for Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, said: “It is fantastic news that these forecourt improvements are going ahead. These works will help to transform Bracknell station and form part of the wider regeneration work taking place in Bracknell town centre.”

The forecourt improvements are expected to be completed in January. Access for rail users will be maintained during construction by careful phasing of the works.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Skateboarding fans are in for a treat this summer when Rubicon kickflips and grinds their way through the town centre.

As part of the ‘Love Bracknell, Love Leisure’ campaign, families will have an opportunity to see energetic and skilled skateboarding displays in the town centre on Wednesday, August 12 and Thursday, August 20.

Following the displays, local skateboarders will have a chance to hone their skills, as Rubicon will be teaching five different sessions at Bracknell Leisure Centre on Monday, August 24, and Friday, August 28, with all equipment provided.

* Session 1 9.30am -10.30am 7-10years
* Session 2 10.45am -11.45am 11+ years
* Session 3 12am - 1pm 11+ years
* Session 4 1.15pm - 2.15pm 7-10 years
* Session 5 2.30pm - 3.30pm Advanced riders (you must have your own skateboard and be able to perform an ollie for this session)

Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell leisure, said: “Skateboarding is a popular way for young people to exercise.

"The courses at the leisure centre offer youngsters in the borough a safe and fun way to develop skills, after which they can try out their newly acquired skills at Mill Park or, for the more experienced, at Longhill."

The Rubicon courses form part of the fitness fundamentals scheme at Bracknell Leisure Centre. The centre is also offering a ‘Teen Extreme’ fitness programme, which aims to help youngsters develop core strength and stamina for skateboarding and BMX. The sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4.15 pm and will start on September 8 and 10.

Call Bracknell Leisure Centre on 01344 454203 for bookings and prices of any of these courses.

Bracknell Forest Council

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after an incident in an underpass in Bracknell on Tuesday (4/8).

At about 2.40pm, a Bracknell woman in her twenties was walking in the underpass which goes under Bagshot Road towards Elizabeth Close, near the leisure centre, when she saw a man exposing and touching himself inappropriately. He ran towards her and grabbed her arm but she ran off uninjured.

The man is white, in his late twenties or early thirties, about 5ft 5ins and of medium build. He had short blonde hair and was wearing a blue T-shirt with yellow writing on the front, beige shorts and trainers.

Bracknell PC Nicola Douglas, investigating the incident, said: “The man stayed in the underpass after the woman ran off. We’re not sure how long he was there, so there is a chance that someone else saw him.”

Anyone who saw the man, or has any other information which may assist Bracknellpolice with their enquiries, should contact PC Douglas via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre 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

A total of 28 drivers were caught speeding in Bracknell on 5/8.

Three Bracknell checks were held: the first in St Marks Road between 8am and 9am; the second on Temple Way between 9.20am and 10am; and the third on Forest Road by Cricketers Lane between 10.15am and 11am.

The Bracknell checks were arranged in response to concerns residents had raised about speeding on these roads to Neighbourhood Specialist Officer (NSO) PC Bob Crawford.

St Marks Road has a speed limit of 30 mph, Temple Way is a 40mph limit and Forest Road is restricted to 30mph by a local traffic order.

The checks were organised by PC Bob Wade, Road Safety Constable from the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership, working in conjunction with Bracknell Forest Council with the Road Safety Officer being present at all three sites to offer education at the roadside where appropriate.

Twenty-eight Bracknell drivers were stopped for exceeding the speed limit, with speeds ranging from 35mph to 44mph on St Marks Road, 46mph to 61mph on Temple Way and 35mph to 43mph on Forest Road.

In the 30mph zone, drivers travelling between 35 and 39mph were given the opportunity to accept roadside education. Those driving above 40mph were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of £60 and three penalty points.

In the 40mph limit, Bracknell drivers travelling between 46mph and 49mph were given the opportunity to accept education. Those travelling at 50mph and above were issued with FPNs of £60 and three penalty points.

PC Bob Wade said: “I had been asked by PC Crawford to assist him in supporting his Neighbourhood Action Group. This check was in response to their concerns about community safety on their roads. Whenever I can I will continue to support Neighbourhoods Specialist Officers in their efforts to respond to the concerns of local residents.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Older people in Bracknell Forest will welcome a new plan to make their quality of life better.

After extensive consultation with people in the borough, Bracknell Forest Council, in partnership with health providers, volunteer groups and charities, has now approved a new strategy to meet the needs of older people.

The strategy, 'Adding Years to Life', sets out how the council and the agencies it works with will help people to live longer, healthier lives, with a greater sense of wellbeing.

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.

"The good news is that we are seeing people live longer and we want people in their later years to feel valued, and to 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 and is an important milestone in our commitment to all older people in Bracknell Forest.

"Our strategy sets out a vision for the future and highlights practical actions which we will take in the next two years and beyond."

The areas targeted for action are housing, neighbourhood, social activities, getting out and about, income, practical information and health.

Cllr Cliff Thompson, older people’s champion, said: "We already do a lot of things very well for our older residents and there are many opportunities available to them, both in terms of care for those most in need to social activities for those at the younger end of the age group.

"We have worked hard to make sure that this strategy addresses the concerns of all older people in Bracknell Forest "

The complete strategy can be found at http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/older-persons-strategy or requested by email from commissioning.strategies@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or telephone 01344 351936

Bracknell Forest Council

Get into the swing of summer with live music to bop along to Charles Square, Bracknell in August.

The Bracknell musical events kicked off last Saturday (August 1) with the colourful African sounds from Daby Balde. Daby is one of Africa’s best-kept musical secrets, long celebrated at home and now exploding on to the international scene. With strikingly rich and beautiful melodies, captivating vocals and a repertoire that ranges from euphoric to melancholic, Daby Balde is a West African star on the rise.

On Saturday, August 8, get a taste of the olde west with Norton Money. They will bring their sweet harmonies and razor sharp guitar, as well as a hearty dose of west coast western cowboy ballad, ambient and rootsy rock into Bracknell town centre. On Saturday, August 15, Vladimir Steamboat's Gypsy latin lounge dance hall exotica is guaranteed to get you dancing and put a smile on your face. Watch out for their hysterical version of Led Zeppelin's Black Dog.

For the penultimate Bracknell Saturday of sound on August 22, The Matzos, from Brighton, will bring their wild soulful eastern European melodies and latic, arabic and celtic grooves to the town.

Finally on Saturday, August 28, get into the Bracknell groove with a high-energy salsa show, with Cuban singer, Felix Gonzales and his Orchestre Cache. This band is guaranteed to bring a vibrant spark to all the different rhythms that make up salsa.

Graham Mountford, town centre manager for Bracknell Forest Council, said: "The events happening this August will be music to the ears of shoppers in the town centre.

"It is great family entertainment and I urge Bracknell residents of all ages to come into town and enjoy the summer sounds."

Helen Barnett, marketing manager for Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, said: “These music events will really add to the ambience in the town centre during the summer. What better way is there to enjoy a spot of shopping than to finish off by taking in some music in Charles Square over a coffee or relaxing by the water clock.

“This year we have decided to offer music in the town centre as something a little bit different and I sure it will be extremely popular.”

All the bands will perform in Charles Square in the town centre from 12noon until 12.45pm and from 1.15pm until 2pm.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest Council has recently carried out seven successful prosecution proceedings at Bracknell Forest Magistrates Court, following a variety of breaches relating to planning control in Warfield.

Schyde Investments Ltd, who operate Moss End Garden Centre in Maidenhead Road, Bracknell were prosecuted for three planning offences, including displaying illegal advertisements and failing to respond to legal notices. As a result of the prosecutions, Schyde Investments Ltd were fined a total of £4,800 and ordered to pay costs of £2,500.

Mr Reginald Hyde, of West End Stables, West End Lane, was fined £1,300 and ordered to pay costs of £500, for two counts of failing to respond to legal notices.

Meanwhile, Warfield Cars who operate from Battle Bridge House, Forest Road, Bracknell were fined £1,000, for non-compliance of a Stop Notice to cease car sales due to highway dangers.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, executive member for Bracknell planning, transportation and economic development, said: "As a council we work hard to ensure planning laws are complied with across the borough.”

Bracknell Forest Council