Bracknell

Exciting plans are in place for improvement works at Bracknell Leisure Centre and an enhancement of Bracknell Library.

The council is investing around £800,000 in making the Bracknell library and leisure centre better for residents, ensuring the borough continues to offer leisure facilities which are accessible for all for the 21st century.

The work at Bracknell Leisure Centre will include the building of a new multi-purpose facility, as well as the expansion of Bodyworks Gym.

The new multi-purpose facility will be used for a variety of different activities including dance, aerobics, yoga and martial arts and the larger gym will increase the centre’s capacity and the range of services on offer for residents and members.

Meanwhile, Bracknell Library will open up its basement to the Bracknell public, be fitted with a platform lift serving all three floors and will have a complete facelift including new carpets, lights and refreshed walls.

Opening up the basement level will increase the amount of space available to the public, and will also be an area where visitors can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and an area for young people to gather.

The new platform lift and stairwells will make all floors more accessible and a new public fully accessible toilet and new baby changing facilities will be provided.

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell culture, corporate services and public protection, said: “The building of a new multi-purpose facility at Bracknell Leisure Centre is in line with our policy to provide more sports facilities to meet the needs of residents and non-residents.

“Our leisure centre already offers a large variety of activities and enjoys tremendous patronage, the new multi-purpose facilities is an exciting venture and I’m looking forward to seeing the end results.

“Our libraries are very important to us and the enhancements and improvements to the central library will, I feel sure, attract more visitors, as it takes its rightful place in our redeveloped town centre.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a theft in Bracknell yesterday (1/3).

At around 3.10pm, an 84-year-old woman, was walking down Walsh Avenue, Warefield, Bracknell when she felt a hand in her shopping bag. As she turned around she saw a white boy running towards a black bike carrying something in his hand. He rode off in the direction of Jigs Lane North.

The woman then realised her grey and turquoise purse was missing which contained credit cards and £4.

The Bracknell offender was aged between 15 to 17-years-old, with short dark hair and of slight build. He was wearing a grey jacket and grey trousers.

PC Mark Ginn, of Bracknell police station, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or saw anything suspicious in Walsh Avenue on yesterday.

“I would like to remind members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity on the non-emergency telephone number, 101. I can confirm the victim was not hurt in the incident.”

Anyone with any information about the theft should contact Bracknell PC Ginn via the new 24-hour non-emergency single number 101.

If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Great Hollands Primary School, Bracknell has been judged good by a team of Ofsted inspectors.

Over a two-day visit to the Bracknell school in January they assessed the school and their findings have now been published.

In their report the inspectors judged the school a grade 2 ‘good’ school – where “all pupils make good progress and have extremely positive attitudes to their learning”.

The report highlights the Bracknell school’s many strengths including:

all groups of pupils make good progress and develop very well as individuals;

consistently good and sometimes outstanding teaching motivates pupils to do their best;

senior leaders, alongside key middle management teams, have implemented rigorous monitoring since the last inspection which has been successful in raising achievement;

there is a strong will and capacity for even further improvements;

pupils are enthused by the opportunities the school gives them and behave well, making very positive contributions to their achievement;

pupils say they feel safe and play harmoniously at break times; and

governors are highly supportive and fully understand the school’s strengths and areas for improvement – they are a genuine asset across the school.

In common with all Ofsted reports the inspectors identify areas for improvement. At Great Hollands Primary School these are to further raise attainment levels in writing, raise attainment in reading by the end of Key Stage One and to improve attendance by reducing the number of unauthorised absences.

Bracknell Headteacher Mike Purdy said: “I am absolutely thrilled that all our hard work has been recognised.

“I have an outstanding team of hard working and very committed teachers, teaching assistants, office staff, governors, pupils and parents which makes a very happy, safe and well respected school. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this success.”

Cllr Alan Kendall, executive member for Bracknell education, said: “Well done to Mike and his team for such an excellent report. Great Hollands Primary School is a lovely school and is an asset to the community.”

Bracknell Forest Council

A partnership event to jointly recognise the excellent work of Bracknell police, council, the fire service, housing associations and the Bracknell regeneration partnership took place in Bracknell for the very first time on Monday (27/2).

The event – the first of its kind since Thames Valley Police’s Basic Command Units (BCUs) dissolved last April – was held at Coppid Beech Hotel and was sponsored by Bracknell businessman John Nike OBE DL.

Among the recipients being commended were serving police officers and police staff from Bracknell police station.

Special Constable Elizabeth Wayte was commended for her professionalism and calm manner when dealing with a man who suffered life-threatening injuries during a house party which got out of control in Wordsworth, Great Hollands, Bracknell. The incident happened during the evening of 30 April last year. The man suffered a large laceration to his right arm after punching a window. Upon arrival, SC Wayte immediately utilised her first aid skills, preventing the man from bleeding further. This was all done in the presence of many hysterical people who had attended the party.

A group commendation was awarded to Bracknell CID officers and neighbourhood officers, as well as partner representatives, for their significant contribution in managing prolific offenders via the Integrated Offender Management scheme and Operation Ladybird. Sgts Adam Wise and Matt Gray collected the awards on behalf of the police teams. Operation Labybird is an on-going operation which was launched in 2009. It has continually seen significant reductions in serious acquisitive crime. It involves keeping an eye on known offenders, in some cases by visiting them every night, and working with them to stop them offending by looking at the reasons for their behaviour three police officers.

PC Olly Neale, of Bracknell CID, was commended for the support he provided on Operation Leverda, a complex investigation into the theft of motorcycles in Bracknell and a neighbouring force. PC Neale was off duty on 16 August last year when he spotted an 18-year-old man who was wanted in connection with the investigation. Despite his attempts to arrest the individual concerned, the 18-year-old made off from police but was later captured and charged with conspiracy to steal motorbikes. He, alongside six others, is currently remanded in prison awaiting his next court appearance.

Meanwhile, Det Con Luke Simms was commended for overseeing the investigation, working closely with the neighbouring force. Det Con Simm’s determination and professional approach assisted in the arrest of the seven individuals concerned, as well as seventeen crimes in Bracknell being detected.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Iain Gregory was commended for his professional and dedication in managing local offenders via intelligence sharing and liaison with other police colleagues. Through his sheer determination and eye for detail, PCSO Gregory’s efforts have led to the arrest of more than 20 local offenders.

PC Marc Boyd was commended for his determination and actions which led to 32-year-old Allen Hogg, of Priestwood, Bracknell, being charged with one burglary and admitting 29 other burglaries during the course of a year-long investigation. Hogg was later jailed for two years and four months. The charge relates to a burglary in Old Wokingham Road, Crowthorne, which happened in January 2008.

Sgt Richard Jarvis was commended for his excellent leadership skills and professionalism while setting an example to his colleagues and consistently producing work to the highest of standards. Sgt Jarvis has worked tirelessly to achieve excellent results on a continued basis, gaining himself immense respect from both colleagues and supervisors.

Bracknell Special Constable Dave Garstang was commended for his bravery and determination in dealing with a dangerous and out of control dog which left its owner seriously injured. SC Garstang restrained the dog despite it trying to attack him on several occasions. The incident happened on 27 October last year in a park behind Ashbourne. Police were called to the scene after the injured man was heard calling for help. SC Garstang was first on scene where he found the victim bleeding heavily from a laceration to his right arm. Although the dog was tied to a tree at this point, it managed to set itself free, when SC Garstang grabbed a hold of its lead despite its resistance. The dog was eventually brought under control with the assistance of another officer who helped place it in a suitable cage.

PC Ian Moore was commended for his bravery and quick thinking in dealing with an armed man who had just attacked a relative and then made attempts to take his own life. PC Moore risked his own safety in disarming the man who was in possession of a small kitchen knife. The domestic related incident happened at an address in Linnet Close, Bracknell, during the evening of 31 October last year.

An award of ‘Significant Contribution’ was presented to Det Insp Nick Evans who is due to retire from Thames Valley Police shortly. Det Insp Evans was praised for his determination, contribution and support to the communities of Bracknell Forest. He was in charge of setting-up and managing Operation Labybird among other successful initiatives and operations. His efforts were formally recognised by the Bracknell Forest Community Safety Partnership.

Ch Insp Simon Bowden, local police commander for Bracknell, said: “Partnership working is the bed rock of the success in reducing and sustaining low levels of crime and I am pleased to say that we have trusted and effective working relationships in Bracknell Forest.

“Last night’s event is an example of this and I would like to congratulate each and every recipient for their contribution in continuing to make Bracknell Forest a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit. “

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Your help is needed to shape a new plan which aims to conserve and enhance wildlife in Bracknell Forest.

The draft Bracknell Local Biodiversity Action Plan is out for public consultation (from Monday, March 12) and the council would like to invite everyone to comment.

Put simply, biodiversity is the variety of life and this plan will set out priorities for action to conserve and enhance wildlife in the borough over the next six years from 2012 to 2017.

This is the fourth edition of the plan, which is led by Bracknell Forest Council and involves a range of local people and organisations including the Crown Estate and Environment Agency, as well as town and parish councils.

Marlies Boydell, biodiversity officer at Bracknell Forest Council, said “Nature conservation on this scale relies on partnerships and the help of local people to deliver the actions which will protect and enhance habitats and their associated species.

“We know that local people really care about wildlife and enjoy the many green places we have in the borough, and we want to give everyone a chance to have their say about how we shape the future of biodiversity in the area.”

The Bracknell consultation will run for six weeks and the deadline for comments is April 6.

To find out more about the Biodiversity Action Plan and make comments or suggestions visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/biodiversity or contact the biodiversity officer on 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Council

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to an assault in Bracknell town centre.

The incident happened at around 12.45am on Sunday (26/2) in Market Place, between the kebab van and parade of shops.

The Bracknell victim, a 45-year-old man, was waiting for a taxi with friends when a man started to shout at the group.

He became aggressive and asked the victim for a fight. When the victim tried to calm him down the offender punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.

Once he was on the floor, the offender stamped on his chest. He then punched a second man, aged 39, before running off.

The 45-year-old man lost a tooth and suffered a swollen lump on the back of his head. The 39-year-old man did not suffer any injuries.

Bracknell PC Carla May said: “Clearly the injuries that the victim suffered could have been a lot worse.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident or who remembers seeing the offender before or immediately after the assault.”

The offender is white, between 30 and 40-years-old, between 5ft 8ins and 6ft with a stocky build. He has short dark hair and a tattoo on his right arm around the elbow area. He was wearing either a pink or orange short sleeve polo shirt. He also had a black hooded top over the top but took that off before he committed the assault.

Anyone with any information should contact PC May via the Force enquiry centre on 101 .

If you don’t want to speak directly to the Bracknell police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Residents and businesses in Wildridings and Central Ward Bracknell can have their say on how to spend new funding from the Coalition Government.

The Bracknell area has been awarded a £17,000 grant over the next three years as part of the Community First Programme, which aims to help strengthen communities and enable them to come together.

Residents and organisations who work in the neighbourhood are invited to a meeting on Monday, March 5 at the Open Learning Centre, in Rectory Lane, Bracknell, from 7pm to give their views.

The meeting, which hopes to identify ward priorities and decide how best to spend the money for the benefit of the community, is being hosted by Bracknell Forest councillors and officers.

Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: “We hope this grant will be used over the next three years by the residents of Wildridings to meet community needs, start more neighbourhood groups or revitalise existing ones.

“It will allow local people to work together, take more control of the things they want done in the area and create the changes they want to see.

“We’re supporting people to make their communities better places to live.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Four people pleaded guilty on Saturday (18/2), to a number of theft and fraud charges in Bracknell.

Sandu Gheorghe, aged 25, and Corina Perianu, aged 21, both from Burgess Road in London, Sofian Croiture, aged 50, of no fixed abode, and a 23-year-old man who cannot be named for legal reasons, all appeared in Reading Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (18/2).

The 23-year-old man pleaded guilty to theft and fraud in Bracknell and has been remanded in custody for trial for offences in Brighton that have been investigated by Sussex Police.

Gheorghe pleaded guilty to theft and fraud in Bracknell and also admitted other offences in Brighton. He was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison for the Bracknell offences and the same for the Brighton offences. He was also sentenced to seven days for breach of a conditional discharge. The sentences will run concurrently.

Perianu pleaded guilty to fraud and handling stolen goods in Bracknell and she was remanded in custody until March 12 pending a probation report.

Croiture pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and received a 12 months conditional discharge.

The Bracknell charges relate to an incident in Tesco, Warfield, Bracknell on Thursday (16/2), where an 85-year-old woman was doing her shopping. As she loaded her shopping into her car she was approached by a man who asked for directions. While she was distracted a second man approached her from behind and removed her debit card from her shopping bag.

The incident was witnessed by a man who followed the offenders and recorded the number plate of the vehicle they got into. He then returned to the victim and took her into the store to notify police and cancel her cards.

However, within minutes of the card being stolen £250 was withdrawn from the Bracknell victim’s account and within 20 minutes £779 was spent in a local store.

Police spotted the vehicle with the number plate they had been given shortly after 2pm the same day in Winnersh. It was stopped and the four occupants were arrested. CCTV was then used to link them to the offence at Tesco and the subsequent use of the card.

PC John Cruse, from Bracknell CID, said: “This was clearly an organised group of offenders who targeted an elderly victim. The victim was undoubtedly watched whilst paying for items at Tesco in order to witness her pin number. This group worked with incredible speed and efficiency to remove over £1,000 from the victims account within 20 minutes of stealing the card.

“It was only down to a very observant member of the public that such a thorough investigation could take place. Without the car index police would have very little chance of tracing the offenders, and this upstanding member of the public should be commended for his quick thinking actions.

“Many officers from Bracknell local CID worked tirelessly and stayed on for many extra hours in order to secure the evidence required and we are very pleased with this outcome.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

A night of glitz, glamour, recognition and reward is in store for more than 100 of the borough’s young stars at the Bracknell Awards For TeenAgers (BAFTAs) next Saturday (February 25).

The annual BAFTAs, run by Bracknell Forest Council’s youth service, gives teenagers the chance to celebrate their achievements and aims to recognise the success and good work of the borough’s young people aged between 13 and 19.

This year more than 100 medals or certificates will be handed out to young people who have completed first aid courses, babysitting courses and Duke of Edinburgh Awards, among others.

After the Bracknell awards ceremony the young guests will be able to enjoy dancing, bucking broncos and dodgem rides to finish off the fun-filled evening.

Janette Karklins, director of Children, Young People and Learning at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “The annual BAFTA awards are a great way for us to thank all our young people for their hard work and congratulate them on what they have achieved over the past 12 months.

“We have some truly fantastic young people in our borough and this annual special event gives us the chance to show everyone just how fantastic they are.”

Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for Bracknell children and young people, said: “I always look forward to attending the BAFTAs as it is such a great night and it’s a fantastic opportunity to recognise all the hard work the young people have done over the past 12 months.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Thames Valley Police is appealing for information after an altercation in a park in Bracknell on Saturday (18/2), where a man was assaulted.

Police were called at 1.45am after reports that a 24-year-old man had been assaulted in Savernake Park, Bracknell after leaving a house party at a nearby address.

Five men, aged 26, 24 and three aged 20, have been arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm in connection with the Bracknell incident, in which the man sustained cuts and bruising to his head and body.

Det Sgt Pete Wall said: “I am keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident.

“Officers were alerted at 1.45am, but we believe the assault happened about half-an-hour before the initial call came in.

“The 24-year-old man sustained some nasty injuries that required treatment at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

“I understand that a couple were seen out walking their dog at the time of the incident. If this was you, I would like to hear from you and speak to you about what you saw.

“I would also like to speak to anyone else who was in the area who may have seen or heard anything.”

Anyone with information should contact Bracknell Det Sgt Wall via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 101.

If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell