A taxi driver who used someone else’s address to apply for a licence to operate has been sentenced by magistrates for fraud.

Imran Khan provided an address in Colnbrook to apply for a Private Hire Driver and Vehicle licence, insurance and for checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service. Other documents he produced with incorrect information on included bank accounts, a V5 Vehicle Registration and DVLA documents.

A criminal investigation was instigated when the council’s licensing team developed concerns Mr Khan had provided false information on forms between April 2017 and March 2019.

When officers went to the address he had given on his documentation they found a family who did not know the driver living there. They confirmed Mr Khan had never resided there.

Mr Khan, of Copse Close, Cippenham, admitted five counts of fraud and was sentenced at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 6 December.

He was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation as well as being ordered to pay the full costs of the prosecution £1413.50, and a victim surcharge of £85.

Michael Sims, the council’s licensing manager, said: “The offences were carried out over a two year period and there was a high culpability and risk because he lied to get his taxi licence and to his insurers.

“If he had been involved in an accident or incident with passengers he would not have been covered and the authorities would not have known where he was living.

“In addition incorrect information supplied to obtain a person’s criminal history via a DBS check is compromised and it is an important aspect of an application to asses the suitability as a private hire driver.

“His licence will now be reassessed due to his conviction for fraud.”

A housing officer who manipulated the system with insider knowledge in a bid to be homed in social housing, has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Rajesh Kumar Rattu lied on forms stating he had never held a social housing tenancy and had lived in the borough of Slough for five years before making an application in 2017.

He even had a letter purporting to be from his mother confirming his residency status however he had forged the letter and his mother’s signature.

The 34-year-old made two further declarations confirming the false information as correct as he waited to receive social housing.

In the meantime the housing officer, who had worked with the council for 15 years, had moved in with his girlfriend in Waterbeach Road, Manor Park, and had transferred his car insurance to the property.

His lies were unravelled when enquiries about his application revealed he had previously held a housing association tenancy for a property in Datchet until April 2014 and had gone on to reside at another address in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, until June 2014. He then moved back to Slough to his family’s home in St Andrews Way, Cippenham.

Mr Rattu admitted four counts of fraud relating to the original housing application, the forged letter and two annual renewals, and was sentenced at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 6 December.

The magistrates stated the offences were a “huge breach of trust” as it was clear he had taken advantage of the system and planned the offences with inside information.

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment for each count, to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, pay £1500 costs and a victim surcharge of £115.

The council’s corporate fraud team had asked for £3021.20 to cover the entire costs of the prosecution, but this was halved by the magistrates as Mr Rattu is now unemployed after resigning from the council during the investigation.

Richard West, interim director of place and development, said: “The magistrates said that the manipulation of the system could have had consequences for other residents in the borough.

“The fraud could have caused considerable harm to someone else who would have missed out on the opportunity to be adequately housed.

“The information was found to be false by the thorough work the teams carry out to make sure only people who are eligible for social housing are assisted.”

An unlicensed landlord who rented out rooms with dangerous electrics and refused to pay a civil fine, will have the fine collected before the property can be sold.

The council took a civil case against the landlord due to the dangerous standard of living conditions in the Home of Multiple Occupancy, or HMO.

A £37,000 penalty charge notice was issued in June this year due to a breach of Management Regulations and failure to comply with an Improvement Notice. The landlord refused to pay the fine or engage in any correspondence with the council.

The council applied to the County Court for a judgement, which was granted this month, for the £37,000 charge to been placed on the property. It means the sum will have to be paid before the house can be sold.

Rooms in the house in St Pauls Avenue were being rented out separately to tenants despite

the presence of serious hazards including single pieces of wire being used instead of fuses and dangerous wiring to an outbuilding which was believed to be used as accommodation.

Requests for work to be carried out to a basic standard of safety were ignored and the housing and regulations team requested the council’s repairs, maintenance and investment partners, Osborne, to go into the house and make it safe for tenants.

Rhian Richards, housing regulation manager, said: “People were living in dangerous conditions where there could have been a serious incident which could have put the tenants at risk of harm.

“When we tried to engage with the landlord we were not successful and had to bring in a team of electricians and gas engineers to make sure the tenants were able to live in the basic level of safety.

“The only option was to serve the landlord with a Penalty Charge Notice which they failed to pay.

“Now the charge on the property will prevent the owner from selling the property without first paying the full amount to Slough Borough Council.

“We hope this will serve as a warning that we will be relentless in pursuing those landlords who put their tenant’s at risk and ignoring the law and our correspondence could prove very costly in the long run.”

The aim of the new licensing system brought in by Slough Borough Council is to improve the standards of the thousands of rental properties, which are people’s homes, and make tenants safe.

Landlords have to provide evidence their property is safe and has a valid gas safe certificate. They will also be required to provide contact details so tenants can get problems fixed.

Under the new landlord licensing scheme a landlord of any rental property within the designated area covering parts of Chalvey and Central wards, is required to apply for and obtain a licence.

Applications for the Selective Licensing Scheme, for all rental properties within this designated area, will be subject to a charge of just £200 plus the £300 enforcement fee.

In the Additional Licence scheme each HMO property of up to six rooms attracts a £450 licence fee and a £300 enforcement fee. There will be an additional charge of £30 per extra room after the initial six.

All licences last for up to five years.

Traps have been set throughout the borough to stop the blight of fly-tipping in Project Flycatcher.

A three pronged proactive approach is being taken to prevent, catch and prosecute those who illegally pick up waste and dump it on other people’s doorsteps.

Project Flycatcher will see council officers actively target areas frequently defiled by fly-tipping, knocking on doors of those suspected of fly-tipping as well as seizing vehicles believed to be used for the illegal practice.

Project Flycatcher is also trying to prevent the dumping of waste by warning householders who try and dispose of their DIY waste on the cheap, that they could also face prosecution and fines for using illegal waste operators.

Residents are still responsible for their waste outside of their property if they employ a man with a van, or an illegal waste carrier, to get rid of rubbish they could be stung with a £200 fine. This includes putting white goods and sofas next to their waste bins in the hoping someone will take it away.

In the 12 months between October 2018 and September 2019 the council attended 1,630 instances of fly-tipping costing £53,386, an average of almost five reports a day from single bags, lorry loads of waste to fridge freezers and sofas. As well as the cost of the collection all fly-tipped waste is disposed of at the highest, and most expensive, category of trade waste costing the council up to £150 per tonne.

Kurt Henney, housing and enforcement officer with the council’s resilience and enforcement team, said: “Fly-tipping is not only anti-social and costly to dispose of correctly - it is also a crime.

“In Project Flycatcher not only are we targeting the random man with a van that offers to dispose of lots of waste for very little money, but the resident who thinks they don’t have to go to the trouble of disposing of their waste responsibly.”

Greg Edmond, a housing and enforcement officer, said: “If someone offers what seems a great price the reason could be they are illegally dumping your waste at a beauty spot, outside someone else’s home, and it could pollute the environment.”

“For the man in the van dumping the waste we have to power to take any vehicle involved or believed to be involved in fly-tipping. We will keep it until the end of an investigation or will crush it taking away the means to fly-tip.”

Not only is the resilience and enforcement team targeting fly-tipping but also general littering – particularly when being thrown out of a car window. If car litter bugs are spotted they will receive a £75 penalty charge notice through the post.

General waste bins and recycling bins are placed in convenient spaces throughout the borough to dispose of general day to day litter.

The Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre, in White Hart Road, has facilities to dispose of waste correctly, like electrical waste which needs specialist treatment, as well as lots of options for recycling items that cannot be put in the red kerbside bin.

The council also offers a kerbside collection for bulky waste at a very competitive price with residents having the peace of mind they it will be disposed of correctly.

This is especially poignant during the Christmas and New Year period when old products like TVs, white goods and sofa’s are being replaced with new items given as gifts and bought in the January sales.

There is a £5 per item charge, with a minimum charge of £15, and a maximum of seven items permitted per collection. This can easily be arranged by contacting environmental services on 01753 475111 option 4.

More information about bulky waste collection is on the council website at https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling or contact the Project Flycatcher team by emailing resilienceandenforcement@slough.gov.uk

Two school pupils have won a competition to design a road safety banner and will now have them displayed outside their schools.

The banners featuring the children’s artwork will now take pride of place next to the school gates.

Slough Borough Council’s sustainable transport team Better by, supplied primary schools throughout the borough with a blank poster for pupils to create a simple and bold design based around road safety.

Natasha’s entry from Arbour Vale School was picked as a winner and it was converted into a banner. She also received a gift voucher to spend.

Neil Sykes, Principal at Arbour Vale School, said he was extremely proud of his student’s design.

He said: “This will remind people of being safe and to reduce their speed around the school gates and it has been beautifully created by one of our pupils.”

Dean Gray, the school’s development manager, said: “This is an important message that we want to send out to motorists. It was also a great way to engage with the students and talk to them and remind them about road safety.”

The second banner was unveiled at Claycots School Town Hall Campus, Bath Road, and was created by proud artist Dyuti, who also received a gift voucher to spend.

Designing the banner was just one of the Better by initiatives for Walk to School Week earlier in the year to encourage more people to make their journeys by walking, cycling or public transport. Reducing the reliance on the car and increasing sustainable travel will help reduce congestion, improve air quality and make Slough’s streets safer, healthier and a nicer place to be.

Ramandeep Gogna, a sustainable transport officer, said: “What talented young people we have to create such eye catching posters which motorists will hopefully see and take heed of.

“Road safety around schools is really important, not just to prevent accidents involving children, but to make an effort to reduce congestion around the school gate. In addition by taking the journey in another way, pollution around schools, and the pupils, can also be reduced.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who entered and well done to the winners Natasha and Dyuti.”

Osborne Property Services, in partnership with Slough Borough Council, has won Business Support of the Year award.

Slough Borough Council’s repairs, maintenance and investment service partner, Osborne, had been nominated in the Slough Voluntary Sector Awards.

The Slough Voluntary Sector Awards celebrate the achievements of local voluntary and community groups in the town. These groups make a huge contribution to the community and are an important part to what the government terms civil society.

The Slough Business Support of the Year award recognises an individual or team which has made an outstanding contribution to their community through business mentoring, philanthropic contributions or volunteering business support to improve the lives of the people of Slough.

The Osborne and Slough Borough Council partnership submission included details about working with charities in the borough as well as offering work experience and placements for students.

Michelle Comley, Osborne Account Director, said: “We were pleased we were shortlisted in the first place and delighted to have won the award.

“Osborne is not only committed to providing a repairs and maintenance service but working in the Slough community to help people now and for their future.

“Our work does not stop with what we have already achieved in the last year as we are going to achieve more in the coming year. There are lots of projects which have already been set up and are in the pipeline to help more Slough residents.”

Kamal Lallian, Slough Borough Council’s neighbourhood contracts & business services manager, said: “This is a great result which benefits Slough people as a result of the council’s partnership with Osborne.”

The award winning submission stated: “We have worked hard together to design a tailored community investment plan as part of our legacy commitments which incorporates a variety of initiatives that see social value benefits. Creating opportunities for people to gain work experience, build confidence and feel proud of where they live are all outcomes that we aspire to.

“Our partnership is also focused on providing work opportunities for local people, procuring materials from local suppliers and working with local sub-contractors, keeping spend within the borough.”

The award ceremony was held on November 15.

Slough’s town square and the High Street will be turned into a hub of free festive activities for an entire weekend – and we are inviting residents to come along.

Over the two days there will be lots of activities for children like balloon modelling and glitter tattoos as well as craft stalls for Christmas shoppers from which to choose a special gift.

There will be festive jugglers, roller skating baubles and Christmas puddings to entertain the crowds and the land train taking families on free rides along the High Street.

Santa’s special animal farm will also be in the town square with sheep, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and maybe even some ducks. However, there will not be any reindeer as they are taking a rest for their busiest day of the year.

Festive Fun, organised by Slough Borough Council, has seen up to 1,500 people come along to in each of the last five years and we are inviting you to another fun and activity packed weekend.

It will be held next to the 45ft decorated Christmas tree between 10am and 5pm on Saturday 14 December and between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 15 December.

Craft stalls from which to choose the perfect present includes hand bags and scarves, handmade soap, candles and bath bombs, pocket money toys (perfect for stockings), bags and other goodies made of recycled materials and wood carvings.

See you there!

Two company directors who turned a carpark into a shisha bar where customers smoked, have been fined by magistrates.

Ghulam Qadir Butt and Mohammad Yasir Khurshid turned what was a former office car park into the coffee and shisha bar.

Premises open to the public are required to be smoke free in all enclosed and substantially enclosed areas. Smoking in premises which are open to the public, or a place of work, is contrary to the requirements of the Smoke-free (Premises & Enforcement) Regulations 2006 and Health Act 2006.

A hearing was held at Reading Magistrates’ Court where the directors of The Palm Lounge, Park Street, Slough, Mr Butt, 33, and Mr Khurshid, 41, were convicted of an offence under Section 8 of Health Act 2006 for failing to prevent smoking on their premises.

The pair did not attend and the hearing and it was dealt with in their absence on 15 November.

The court was told that customers at The Palm Lounge were smoking shisha pipes when a joint operational visit was made by officers from the council’s food and safety team, trading standards, the licensing team with support from Thames Valley Police on 21 March, 2019.

The magistrates said: “We are satisfied that this is a shuttered building for the purposes of the Act and therefore there has been a breach under Section 8 of the Health Act. We find the defendants guilty as they have not stopped customers from smoking within.”

The bench also stated they were concerned the defendants had failed to take notice of the advice and warnings given by the council’s environmental health officer, or attend any legal interviews, including the court case.

Each director was fined £2,500, the maximum penalty, ordered to pay the full costs of the council £2,628 and a victim surcharge of £170.

The court ordered the fines and costs to be paid within 28 days and a collection order was put in place in the event of a failure to pay.

Sarah Hill, Senior Environmental Health Officer, said smoking laws were in place to protect members of the public who visit public bars as well as the staff.

She said: “Shisha is just a different way of smoking and is just as harmful as smoking other forms of tobacco. Shisha smokers are at risk of developing the same kinds of diseases as cigarette smokers - heart disease, cancer and respiratory disease. It is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.

“A typical 60 minute session involves inhaling 100 times the volume of smoke inhaled with a single cigarette.

“The most common types of shisha still contain tobacco and nicotine and the charcoal used to burn both tobacco and herbal shisha is a source of two toxic chemicals, carbon monoxide and benzene.

“Sharing mouthpieces can also increase the risk of transmitting infections such as tuberculosis and an increased risk of colds, flu, oral herpes, mouth and gum disease.”

Slough Borough Council is issuing advice to residents following a cold weather alert from the Met Office.

A level 2 alert has been issued as there is a 60 per cent probability of severe cold weather and fog between 6am on Tuesday 3 December until 9am on Thursday 5 Dec in the South East including Slough. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.

Cold weather can be bad for people’s health, with the over 65s, low income families and people living with a disability or a medical condition most at risk.

The council’s public health team has issued some advice about keeping warm and well this winter and to help you look after yourself and others.

• Keep warm – heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). You may prefer your main living room to be slightly warmer. Keep your bedroom window closed on a winter’s night. Breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.

• Don’t delay in getting treatment for minor winter ailments like colds or sore throats - visit your local pharmacist for advice on treatment before it gets worse so you can recover more quickly.

• Layer your clothing whether you are indoors or outside - wrap a scarf around your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air.

• Wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside.

• When you’re indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Get up, stretch your legs and make yourself a warm drink.

• Put several layers of clothing on children; make sure their head, neck and hands are covered. If they then get warm, they can take one layer off at a time. Dress babies and young children in one more layer than an adult would wear.

• In drier winter air everyone loses more water through their breath. Keep drinking and try warm drinks and soup for extra appeal.

• Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep your body warm so have plenty of hot food and drinks and stock up on tinned and frozen foods so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy.

• Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep heat generated inside your rooms.

In addition, gritting lorries will be out spreading salt on main arterial routes throughout the borough. For the full routes check here www.slough.gov.uk/parking-travel-and-roads/winter-gritting.aspx and motorists should also take extra precautions when driving.

Liz Brutus, service lead of public health, said: “Cold weather can be dangerous to people’s health, especially for young children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases.

“This makes it particularly important that our older and more vulnerable residents stay warm and take care of themselves.

“Some people find it difficult to cope with cold weather by themselves so we urge everyone to look out for their family, friends and neighbours who might need a helping hand.”

Cycling this winter may create extra challenges but the change in weather should not discourage getting out on a bike.

Around half of all Slough’s cyclists ride all year round, no matter what the weather conditions, and many of the borough’s riders also use a bike as their main form of transport.

Cycling safely starts with identifying potential issues and preparing for them before sitting in the saddle.

The council’s sustainable transport team Better by, has compiled a host of top tips and advice to help cyclists keep pedalling throughout the winter months.

The first is to make sure the bike is well maintained all year round with the chain oiled and exposed parts like the brakes and gears, being kept clean. Bikes may have to be cleaned more often during the winter months due to roads being gritted so frequent checks are advisable.

It may also be a good idea to change tyres to wider ones with a lower pressure as it offers a better grip to the road surface.

Good quality lights for the front and rear of bikes for all ages of cyclists, is a must – and a legal requirement - during the darker evenings and weather conditions like rain and fog.

Also, knowing how to ride in more slippery conditions is important and cyclists must leave a greater stopping distance at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings as well as generally slowing down.

What cyclists wear is also key to staying safe during riding in winter. Shoes need to have a good grip to pedal and clothes need to be warm and bright to be seen by other road users. Waterproof clothing or outer garments are also a must as is a helmet.

Other precautions can be taken to make sure cycling is safe during the winter months like letting someone know the journey route, or use a live tracking app so loved ones know when a cyclist has reached their destination safely.

Eating and staying hydrated is also important as the body will work harder in colder temperatures and having access to water during a trip is also advisable. And never drink alcohol and ride.

To keep bikes secure use good quality locks, that should cost around 10-15 per cent of the value of the bike, and make sure it is locked up in well lit public locations.

Anton Deacon, sustainable transport officer with Better by, said: “Many cyclists choose to brave the winter and cycle all year round to maintain their fitness, beat the traffic and save money.

“Cycling in the winter can require a little bit more preparation and thought to make sure riders stay as safe as possible while using their bikes.

“Bikes are like cars in that they need to be maintained to perform to the best of its ability and riders also need to take heed of some safety advice to make sure they get to their destination safely.”

For more top tips go to www.slough.gov.uk/betterby.

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Thanks. Cloe

A new warning system is being installed to stop tall vehicles getting stuck under Langley railway bridge.

Sensors are being installed to measure the height of vehicles as they approach either entrance to the low bridge, in Station Road, Langley.

If the vehicle is measured by the sensors as too tall for the bridge an electronic sign will flash up to warn the driver. This will be in addition to the yellow and black hatched frame to the bridge which includes a circular red-rimmed warning sign stating the maximum height of vehicles that can safely pass under.

Langley railway bridge is a regular victim of bridge strikes with 33 reported strikes since 2014. This figure does not include unreported strikes where vehicles have scrapped through leaving tell-tale marks on the brightly coloured warning signs and roof of the bridge.

Every time a van or lorry becomes lodged, Langley quickly becomes gridlocked as engineers figure out how to remove it safely. The road can then be closed for longer as structural engineers examine the integrity of the bridge before deeming it safe to be reopened for motorists and pedestrians to use, as well as being safe for trains to use the track above.

Bridge strikes also cause huge disruption to the running of the main Great Western Railway line between the West Country to Paddington.

Preparation work is set to going ahead at the location for the signs to be installed at a later date.

The work is being conducted with partners Network Rail, Buckinghamshire County Council and Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, which helped fund the signs as part of Langley Station improvements.

Contractors will be working on the road for just a few hours at a time, off-peak, causing a minimum of disruption.

The signs which are situated on both sides of the bridge on Station Road, will only be illuminated when an oversized vehicle approaches and is measured as being too tall.

Chris Green, a traffic engineer major infrastructure projects, said: “This is a preventative measure to try and stop drivers squeezing under the bridge damaging it and causing disruption to the village.

“Bridge strikes can also cause chaos to the train system and could require Network Rail to make repairs which leads to further road closures.

“We hope residents will bear with us as we carry out this work which is intended to help prevent traffic problems in the future from a small number of motorists who ignore the signs.”

Has your child had their flu vaccination yet? If you answered ‘no’ visit one of our vaccination sessions scheduled for Saturday 14 December.

The council’s public health team has partnered with Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (BHFT) and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) to deliver two information and vaccination sessions across Slough.

Parents and carers can have their children vaccinated for free if they missed out on the vaccination when nurses visited their primary school.

Vaccinations are available for all primary school aged children.

The mobile vaccination unit will be on site at the following locations on Saturday 14 December:

• The Centre, Farnham Road, Slough, SL1 4UT - 10am – 12noon

• Tesco Extra, Brunel Way, Wellington Street, Slough, SL1 1XY – 12.30 - 2.30pm

Approximately 50-100 people die each year in Slough due to the flu, including young children. This is driven in part by low vaccination rates.

In 2018/19 fewer than half of primary school children who were offered the flu vaccination at school took up the opportunity.

The council’s public health team has been raising awareness of the importance of getting vaccinated through their #IamVaccinated campaign that explores the personal reasons people have for getting vaccinated.

Tim Howells, public health programme officer, said: “Slough’s vaccination rates are low across all groups of people and this leads to increased pressure on local GPs and hospitals, lost working days and unnecessary deaths. Even very healthy people can become seriously ill from the flu – it’s not just a bad cold.

“Flu can be particularly severe when contracted by children so it’s very important they get vaccinated. If you would like more information about the vaccine, please talk to your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist.”

People who visit the mobile vaccination unit may also qualify for a safe and well visit from the fire service. Please speak to the fire crew while you are there. People can also get information and advice on Oral Health provision.

For more information, please contact the public health team on publichealthslough@slough.gov.uk

A house in multiple occupancy (HMO) has been closed in the first clampdown of rented properties that do not have a landlord licence.

The council acted after receiving numerous complaints regarding noise and anti-social behaviour from residents in the house with multiple tenants on Stoke Poges Lane.

When records were checked it was found that the landlord had not applied for, or been granted, a licence which is now a necessity for all HMOs across the borough, a law which came into effect on 1 July, this year.

When the council’s housing regulation and enforcement teams arrived they discovered the property was is poor repair with mould and damp and an inadequate smoke detection system. In addition, class A drugs, drug paraphernalia and knives were found so Thames Valley Police were called during the execution of the warrant under the Housing Act 2004 on 25 October.

Eight people were arrested and later released pending further investigation but they could not be prevented from returning to the property.

The council applied for a closure order under the Anti Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 7 November which was granted and the property was immediately emptied and will remain closed for the next three months.

Within hours of the order being granted the residents of the HMO were told to leave and could not return for the next three months. The landlord was also informed.

Rhian Richards, the council’s housing regulation manager, said: “As council officers secured the property local residents were quick to come out and thank the officers involved for resolving the matter as they had been suffering due to the poor management of the property for a long time.

“We want to send a message to bad landlords and anti-social tenants that we will take all necessary steps to ensure they comply with the law and the standard of accommodation in the borough will be improved.

“We will also take robust action to deal with serious anti-social behaviour and criminal activity, particularly where it is having a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of the community.”

The regulation team is now pursuing an investigation into offences under the Housing Act 2004 and will be engaging the property owners to ensure they comply with all relevant legislation in the future.

The aim of the new licensing system brought in by Slough Borough Council is to improve the standards of the thousands of rental properties, which are people’s homes, and make tenants safe.

Landlords have to provide evidence their property is safe and has a valid gas safe certificate. They will also be required to provide contact details so tenants can get problems fixed.

In addition, if a landlord is required to have obtained a licence and has not, tenants have the right to claim back any rent they have paid since 1 July. Eviction notices are also invalid if served by a landlord without a licence.

Under the new landlord licensing scheme a landlord of any rental property within the designated area covering parts of Chalvey and Central wards, is required to apply for and obtain a licence.

Applications for the Selective Licensing Scheme, for all rental properties within this designated area, will be subject to a charge of just £200 plus the £300 enforcement fee.

In the Additional Licence scheme each HMO property of up to six rooms attracts a £450 licence fee and a £300 enforcement fee. There will be an additional charge of £30 per extra room after the initial six.

All licences last for five years.

Neighbours who had faeces hurled at windows and urine running down living room walls can now live in peace after intervention by Slough Borough Council.

The anti-social behaviour from residents in the first floor flat was due to drug taking and led to a huge stinking pile of rubbish surrounding the property, police being called to fights and a rat infestation.

Neighbours complained of faeces and used toilet paper being lobbed at their windows by the occupants of the flat. In addition, one horrified family moved into the flat below with an eight-week old baby and complained of a foul smelling liquid running down their living room wall. It was urine seeping through the walls and floorboards where the occupants of the flat above were not using the bathroom.

A diary of anti-social behaviour was started in May 2018 by the council’s housing and regulations team and despite working with the landlord, Mohammed Nazar, during 2018 the situation escalated and the condition of the property deteriorated.

In March 2019 a person was found seriously ill from a suspected heroin overdose and the landlord was again contacted as it was suspected he was allowing drug users to live in the house.

A month later the team was asked to visit again after violence was reported to Thames Valley Police and council officers found a rat infestation with rodents running up and down the curtains. In addition, a sea of rubbish had been deposited in the garden and on the paths around the flats. There was so much stinking rubbish it was deemed to be a serious risk to the health and safety of the occupants and others.

Within days the council’s the housing regulation team issued an emergency prohibition notice for the property to stop people sleeping or living there. However, the flat was then taken over by squatters.

The flat came back to the attention of the council in September this year when neighbours were then subjected to the disgusting act of faeces and used toilet paper being thrown at their windows and into their gardens.

They also had diaried a catalogue of fights and arguments and the number of times police had been called.

An order was granted by magistrates in Slough to close the property entirely for three months and remove the people living inside and secure it.

The council then commissioned contractors to attend to clear up the waste and disinfect the area around the property.

Kurt Henney, Housing and Enforcement Officer for the Resilience and Enforcement Team, said: “Neighbours had to put up with absolutely horrendous behaviour by the people who came and went and stayed at the property.

“We will not tolerate landlords who abdicate responsibility and allow their premises to be used by drug users.

“The council has used all its powers to make sure this house is closed down so law abiding residents can get on with their lives in peace and quiet.”

Three neighbourhood forums are being held for residents to come and voice their views.

There will be three forums over the next three weeks where tenants and leaseholders can voice their views to Slough Borough Council and the repairs, maintenance and investment service partner Osborne.

Senior managers will be there for residents and leaseholders to share their experience of the partnership, get assistance with repairs and raise concerns.

Representatives from Osborne will also talk about what has happened over the past year as well as plans for the future, including major work projects. They will also be asking for suggestions for what community events and organisations people want Osborne to get involved in.

The first forum will be held at Manor Park Pavillion, Villiers Road, Slough, on Tuesday 26 November from 6pm for two hours. (This is a change of venue from the one originally billed.)

The second will be held on Thursday 5 December between 6pm and 8pm at Slough Borough Council and Osborne officers at Hawker House, Heron Drive, Langley.

The third forum will be held at Britwell Community Centre, Long Furlong Drive, Slough, on Thursday December 12 between 6pm and 8pm. Residents could cast a vote in the general election and stay to give your view about the council’s housing stock.

Free parking is available at all venues and tea and coffee will be available.

Tony Turnbull, housing manager, said: “Involving residents and listening to their views and feedback is an important part of our contract with Osborne and critical to making sure we get things right and deliver an excellent service to our residents.

“We really hope people with something to contribute will come along and help mould how the service can improve in the future.”

Saw this sign at the Alpha St end of Herschel Street today.

Not received any information through the post.

It's also the bus route parallel to the High Street, and there isn't a convenient alternative.

@SBC can you tell us anything about it?

Please find below the validly nominated candidates for the General Election 2019, Slough constituency.

The candidates are listed by name and description in the order they will appear on the ballot paper:

Name Description

CHAHAL, Aaron Singh Liberal Democrats – To stop Brexit

DHESI, Tan Labour Party

EDMONDS, Julian Edward Jubal Green Party

GRAY-FISK, Delphine Isabel Brexit Party

TOOR GILL, Kanwal The Conservative Party

The General Election is being held on Thursday 12 December 2019. The Slough count will take place after close of polls at 10pm at The Centre, Farnham Road, Slough.

Slough Youth Awards returned to The Curve on 8 November to celebrate and recognise the impressive contributions young people make to the town. An audience of local people, friends, family, council staff, and members of the community and voluntary sector were treated to entertainment by talented young people, including Slough Community Youth Soul Choir led by Rebecca Richardson, before the awards were presented.

This year’s winners are as follows:
• Young Artist

Winner: Siyona Bhandari.

Runner up: Harjaap Singh.

Commended: Kambiz Mouj and Aik Saath – Together as One.

• Young Inspiration – with three joint winners in this category:

Jamie, Susuana Senghor, Vaania Faisal .

• Young Entrepreneur

Ditton Park Academy – Sustainability Group.

• Young Environmentalist

Herschel Grammar Eco Committee.

• Young Sportsperson

Winner: Klaudia Walas.

Runners up: Aarushe Singh and Zahir Chaudhery.

• Young Volunteer of the Year

Four young people have been shortlisted and the winner will be announced at the Slough Voluntary Sector Awards on 15 November:

Neil Rutlidge, Damien Breslin, Sanna Malik, Hassan Fazeel.

Susuana Senghor, winner of the Young Inspiration Award, said: “I volunteer because I genuinely care, I want young people to be more integrated into the community. This award will help me further my message.”

Zahir Chaudhery, runner up in the Young Sportsperson Award category, said: “I like to teach sports classes and I am aware of the knife crime going on, and problems with young people. I am happy to speak up as I am confident that I will be heard. A difference can be made about the issues if we use sports and activities. I am going to pursue sport and I am a world champion so I want to help.”

Aarushe Singh, runner up in the Young Sportsperson Award category, said: “I am really grateful to receive this award as it’s important to try new things and believe in yourself. I take this opportunity to continue to make a positive contribution to Slough.”

Harjaap Singh, runner up in the Young Artist Award category said: “Wherever you are in the world, whoever you are, you can always go out and tell stories that will engage, motivate and inspire young people.”

The 2019 awards also saw the introduction of a special new category – the Democracy Award.

Make Your Mark is the biggest youth consultation in the UK and this year more than 8,000 young people in Slough took part in deciding their priorities.

Slough Youth Parliament has introduced the new award to recognise the secondary schools with the best participation.

• Democracy Award for the highest percentage turnout at the UK Ballot: Lynch Hill Academy, with 96.75 percent of students taking part.

• Democracy Award for the highest percentage turnout at the Devolved Ballot:

Eden Girls School, with 95.58 percent of students taking part.

• Democracy Award for the most participating students:

Langley Grammar School, where 1,920 votes were cast.

Ketan Gandhi, service lead for communities and leisure, said: “It was a fantastic night. Congratulations to everyone involved in organising another successful Slough Youth Awards event and most of all to all our talented and dedicated young people for their fantastic achievements. Well done.”

Slough Youth Awards are supported by the council’s Young People’s Service, Slough Youth Parliament and Slough Council for Voluntary Service (CVS).

For more information on Slough’s youth voice initiatives, please email: sloughforyouth@slough.gov.uk

A mother of four has been banned from owning animals and fined by magistrates after admitting failing to adequately care for four dogs.

Kelly Davis had the dogs, a red female Lurcher called Bella, a white and black speckled male Lurcher called Danny Zuko, a female Spaniel called Sally and a Golden Labrador puppy called Libby, living in filthy conditions including faeces covered rags and blankets.

The council was informed the dogs, some of which were also chained up, were constantly barking and whining and were locked in an outdoor wooden kennel.

Officers obtained a warrant and attended the home in Moreland Avenue, Colnbrook, in August 2018, and took the dogs into the council’s care just a few weeks later.

Kelly Davis, 38, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 30 October and admitted three separate offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 of failing in her duty of care.

The council’s resilience and enforcement team had worked with the defendant on four separate occasions with other dogs and ferrets that were in her care which were removed after warrants were obtained by the council.

District Judge Davinder Lachhar said: “You have four children all under 18 years of age and also had four dogs, means you had too many things to deal with.

“You admit to buying all these dogs within a matter of weeks prior to council’s intervention and therefore you needed to care for them.

“You have pleaded guilty to keeping them below a standard of care and these dogs were reliant on you for their care.

“In addition, there is a history of complaints involving other animals and you have received advice and guidance in the past from the council regarding what you needed to do to meet the required standards of care.”

Kelly Davis was fined a total of £300 and ordered to pay costs of £250 and a victim surcharge of £30.

She was disqualified from keeping animals, apart from fish, for two years.

Linda Corcoran, Resilience and Enforcement Team Leader for Place and Development, said: “We’ve tried to engage and educate Kelly Davis over the years, with improvement notices being served under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and then we received more complaints in August 2018.

“We executed an entry warrant and discovered four dogs within the rear garden and after investigation it was found Kelly Davis was responsible for them. There was evidence that she had failed to meet the needs of the animals.

“Slough Borough Council was awarded possession in October 2018 and all four dogs were checked over by a vet and have been successfully rehomed.”

The iconic Horlicks site in the centre of Slough is set to be revitalised with homes, green spaces and biodiversity as a planning application from Berkeley Homes is approved by the council.

Up to 1,300 homes are to be built on the Stoke Poges Lane site – with 325 affordable homes included – with Berkeley restoring the iconic factory building, chimney and clock tower.

Berkeley’s plans also include the creation of a new public pedestrian/cycle link through the site which will provide a quicker route to the town centre and train station for the surrounding neighbourhood.

The development will also feature new high quality public open spaces and gardens, with a new community square at Clocktower Place to include a nursery and a café, plus biodiversity enhancements with on-site bee hotels.

Furthermore, in addition to local job creation and opportunities for apprenticeships, Berkeley will be contributing towards improvements for Slough’s local infrastructure totalling £5.25m, to include education, transport, highways, sports and leisure, plus local biodiversity, to benefit the wider community.

Caroline McHardy, Land Director, Berkeley Homes comments: “Berkeley is passionate about creating fantastic communities where people aspire to live.

“Our focus is on placemaking, not just housebuilding. We have a proven track record in creating new communities across Berkshire, including at Woodhurst Park in Warfield and Taplow Riverside. We are therefore delighted to have this opportunity to transform such an iconic building with years of heritage, into a vibrant new community.

“Slough Borough Council is driving an ambitious regeneration programme and we look forward to collaborating with them and local residents to shape a fantastic new neighbourhood and help Slough deliver their vision.”

Josie Wragg, chief executive of Slough Borough Council said: “The Horlicks development is a key site in the regeneration of the whole town centre area and I know residents were keen to keep the iconic façade so I am delighted this amazing development has been approved.

“By working with us, Berkeley have brought forward a development that brings private and affordable housing – which are very needed in Slough – but also incredible green spaces, biodiversity and community living and we are proud to welcome such a development in the centre of the town.

“The regeneration of the town centre area is gathering pace and we are excited for this development and the future of the whole area.”

A mum who used her son’s blue badge so she could park for free and go shopping has been fined by magistrates after a clampdown on misuse.

Lubna Tahir was legitimately issued a blue badge for her son and was permitted to use it when she was travelling with him.

However, the 46-year-old was spotted parking in a disabled bay and displaying a blue badge on the dashboard before getting out of her car without her son.

She told officers who challenge her she had taken her son to school just minutes before parking in Buckingham Gardens Car Park and had the intention of going shopping on the High Street.

She was interviewed under caution and denied any wrongdoing so the case was prosecuted and dealt with at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 25 October.

Lubna Tahir, of Randolph Road, Langley, admitted one offence of wrongfully using a disabled person’s badge in order to park in a disabled parking bay when the badge holder was not present, contrary to section 117 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. She was fined £125, ordered to pay prosecution costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £32.

The defendant was approached by officers from Slough Borough Council’s corporate fraud team and civil enforcement officers as part of a programme to combat the misuse of disability blue badges in the borough, on 10 July.

Motorists displaying blue badges whilst parking in otherwise prohibited areas were challenged. More than half were using their badges correctly.

In cases where they were being abused, the blue badge was seized and the motorist was asked to attend an interview under caution. Seven admitted the offence and were given a formal caution by way of sanction which will be held on official records for four years.

In total, 46 people were approached and 25 were using the badge correctly.

Eleven badges were seized, two of which were being used by the genuine recipient but had expired more than four months previously.

Ten motorists were issued a warning where it was felt the motorist had made a genuine mistake.

A total of 14 penalty charge notices were issued.

One motorist was spoken to by Thames Valley Police about his behaviour towards the council’s officers when challenged.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “Blue badges are issued for use by some of the most vulnerable members of the community so families can go about their daily business with a little bit of extra help.

“Blue badges are not handed out so family members can park nearer the shops or without paying for a parking ticket like the rest of the people of Slough have to.

“Disabled parking bays usually have extra space surrounding the vehicle to give people, maybe those who use a mobility aid, the extra space to get in and out of their car more easily. To park in one when no one in the car needs the space is not only inconsiderate, but illegal.

“The teams intend to conduct further blue badge audits in the future to ensure that the benefits of holding a disability blue badge are not being abused by people who don’t qualify.”

I desperatly need an evening dress for only one (unexpected) special occasion in December and I don't want to spend hundreds of pounds. Does anyone know either hire dresses or second-hand dresses? Preferably in a real shop, not online, as I would like to try them on. Thanks!

Each published as a business event by SWRS:

17 Jan 2020 -- "France Revisited" – Jim Ballantyne
https://www.scooploop.com/biz/thread/france-revisited-jim-ballantyne

10 Jan 2020 -- "Colonel Stephens: The Man and his Railway Empire" -- David Powell
https://www.scooploop.com/biz/thread/colonel-stephens-the-man-and-his-railway-empire-david-powell

20 Dec 2019 -- Festive Gathering and Big Screen Archive Ciné Film Evening – Frank Banfield
https://www.scooploop.com/biz/thread/festive-gathering-and-big-screen-archive-cine-film-evening-frank-banfield

29 Nov 2019 -- "Railways in the 1950s" (archive ciné films) -- Frank Banfield
https://www.scooploop.com/biz/thread/railways-in-the-1950s-archive-cine-films-frank-banfield

22 Nov 2019 -- Ticket to Dent – Robin Hughes (Illustrated Talk)

https://www.scooploop.com/biz/thread/ticket-to-dent-robin-hughes-illustrated-talk

01 Nov 2019 -- Camping Coaches -- Mike Fenton
https://www.scooploop.com/biz/thread/camping-coaches-mike-fenton-illustrated-talk

As PJ:
11 Oct 2019 -- Tales of the Engine Sheds – Ken Norris (Illustrated Talk)
https://www.scooploop.com/loop/thread/slug/tales-of-the-engine-sheds-ken-norris-illustrated-talk/

If you’ve not had chance to follow the Lions of Windsor trail and see Carter the Lion next to Windsor Castle, then you have until the 31st October to visit. The pride of lions will then head back to Lion HQ from Friday 1st November for grooming by their artists before the ‘Roar Goodbye’ weekend and charity auction on 28th November.
https://lionsofwindsor.org/

There is also a chance to see the whole pride of 46 supersized lion and cub sculptures before they get auctioned off. They will be on display in the old Fenwick store in Windsor Yards for a private view on Thursday 5th November and then open to the public on the 9th and 10th of November. At this event you will have a chance to see some of the fabulous lion and cub sculptures you may have missed over the summer, meet lion sponsors & artists, view an exhibition of artists' work and members of the team from Carters Steam Fair will be giving some signwriting demonstrations and also on hand to get children colouring some fancy lettering.Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for children and free for under 5's via Eventbrite.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lions-roar-goodbye-auction-preview-weekend-tickets-75274647497

Tickets for Slough Borough Council’s Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday 2 November are now on sale.

The advanced tickets are now available in all the borough’s libraries and can also be purchased from Landmark Place, Slough Ice Arena and Langley Leisure Centre. These are cheaper than buying them at the gates. They can also be bought online at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/slough-bonfire-and-fireworks-spectacular-2019-tickets-73406347361

This Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular is the largest fireworks display in the area – and the only one featuring a real bonfire. Known for attracting around 10,000 people per year, with more than 20 minutes of fireworks, a 60-foot real bonfire, food and a massive fun fair, plus free parking, Slough’s bonfire night is the best for miles around.

Advanced tickets are on sale for £6 for adults and £4 for children and seniors, with a family ticket (four people - at least one child) for only £15. Children under the age of four are admitted free.

On the night, tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £8 for children - there are no family tickets available on the night. You can pay for your tickets on the night using a credit or debit card, however, there will be no cash machines on site to get cash for the fairground and other activities.

In addition to this, there is a tarmacked car park for blue badge holders and a wheelchair accessible (concreted) viewing area for people with disabilities and their families.

With gates open at 5.30pm, the fireworks will be lit at 7.45pm (approximately) and the bonfire at 8.15pm (approximately).

Cllr Balvinder S Bains, cabinet member for inclusive growth and skills, said: “The extremely popular Slough annual Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular is an enjoyable event for all of the family, come and enjoy the fun fair, fireworks and food. If you buy your tickets early you can save on a fantastic night out.”

For more information call 01753 875194 or visit www.slough.gov.uk/bonfire

Starting Well dentist practices in Slough are holding another open day on Wednesday 30 October in half term to encourage parents with young children to come along and introduce them to the dentist.

Slough currently has the highest tooth decay rate in the South East and is one of 13 towns that have been identified nationally under the Starting Well: A Smile4Life Initiative, where tooth decay in under fives is at a particularly high level.

The council’s public health team and dentists have also been working very closely with local schools, to help with oral health education and facilitate supervised brushing.

Come along to one of the following dentist surgeries on Wednesday 30 0ctober and join in the fun or call ahead to book your child’s first dentist appointment – it’s free! Details and opening times for the open day are below.

• Farnham Road Dental Practice – call 01753 537634 to book – 9am - 5pm with lunch break 1-2pm

• Abbey Dental Surgery - call 01753 536601 to book - 9am - 4pm

• Smile High Street – call 01753 523410 to book – 9am - 5pm

• Smile Cippenham Dental Practice – call 01753 577017 to book - 9am - 5pm

• Langley Dentalcare – 276 Langley High Street – call 01753 543742 to book – 9am - 6pm.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “All are welcome to come along to any of the five local dental practices taking part on 30 October with your under fives! You can book an appointment or just drop in and meet the dentist.

”The work we have been doing with the Starting Well dental practices has improved dentist attendance for young children in Slough, and our open days are always well attended.

“Good oral health is so important from an early age and we are passionate about the healthy smiles campaign, and promoting tooth brushing twice a day and regular dentist check-ups.”

The first set of Young Health Champions in Slough have finished their first year, with a set of pilot schools, Baylis, Slough and Eton, Herschel and Wexham taking part. The young people celebrated with an event at The Aspire Centre, attended by various families, professionals and the Mayor of Slough, Councillor Avtar Kaur Cheema.

The group of 15 young people, aged 17, were celebrated for:

• completing a Level 2 qualification accredited by the Royal Society for Public Health

• contributing towards the development of mental health services for young people

• educating peers about mental health and approaches to maintaining their wellbeing.

They will then go back to their schools to promote health messages and recruit other health champions from across the year groups.

A Young Health Champions co-production network has been formed to further develop local participation work with children and young people; as well as the Young Health Champions (YHC) programme which is accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health. The programme is a partnership approach between health, education, Slough Borough Council and Aik Saath.

The programme started in four secondary schools in Slough and is currently being expanded to every school with a sixth form. The project aims to deliver a young people’s led peer education emotional wellbeing programme, and the co-production network will support peer engagement, communication and service design and commissioning.

Mayor of Slough, Councillor Avtar Kaur Cheema, said: “I would like to congratulate the four schools that have taken part - Baylis Court, Herschel Grammar, Slough and Eton and Wexham School. This is a great initiative and I commend both staff and students for their inspiring commitment to this programme, and also family and friends whose support is invaluable.

Congratulations to each of you on your achievement and on receiving your certificate. You are all beacons for other young people and please keep up your good work.”

Janette Fullwood, Head of Children, Young People and Families at the CCG, said: “This programme is a true partnership approach between health, education, the local authority and the voluntary sector and forms a really strong platform for the further development of co-production with young people.”

Sanna Malik, 17, from Slough and Eton School, said: “It has been empowering to make a difference in the local community, providing children and young people with a better understanding of mental health. I hope this helps them in the future, to live healthier, happier lives.”

SAVE THE DATE: 29th November 2019 – enjoy an evening of archive cine film featuring Railways in the 1950’s led by Frank Banfield.

Anyone is welcome! Not just members of the society!


Formed in 1983, Slough & Windsor Railway society’s mission was to secure the long term future of the Slough and Windsor branch line. However, British rail did not close the line and the society has moved to other things.

The society is open for anyone who is interested rail transport of any kind, especially in Slough.



Discussions and meets happen on Friday nights at The Manor at Slough Railway station for illustrated talks on a subject of a transport related theme often presented by a guest speaker.



Please note, there is a small amount charged to cover the costs of the event.


find our more on the society on:
https://www.swrs.co.uk/swrsweb/html/event_calendar.html

The council’s Music Service has launched a crowdfunding project to create free multicultural after school drumming clubs, to encourage 9-16 year olds to learn an instrument, work as a team, and enjoy an after school activity that’s local to them.

As well as crowdfunding for the drumming clubs to run, the Music Service is also raising funds for the project to culminate in a drumming festival in the town centre next summer, which will be based around performances from the children learning the drums. There will be an opportunity for them to learn Drumline (Marching Drums), Dhol Drums and Samba Drums.

Recent research by the Music Service has shown that children are more likely to attend an after school activity if it is very close to their home. The main inspiration behind the ‘Sticks Together’ project is to develop these small clubs, and encourage participation through ease of access and free lessons. Slough Music Service has many talented music teachers on its books that will be involved in the project.

Glynis Murphy, head of Slough Music Service, Slough Borough Council, said: “I passionately believe in the project we are crowdfunding for, to provide multicultural drumming clubs in several areas of Slough, so that all young people have access to high quality music provision for free. Whilst bringing together different cultures in Slough, through combining different drumming cultures from around the world. This will culminate in a multicultural drumming festival in the town centre in Summer 2020 which will bring together these clubs and other drumming groups from the community and from schools.

“To succeed however the Music Service needs help. There is a crowdfunding page set up, where you can pledge your donation. No money will be taken unless the target is reached. If the target fails, the project fails. We are grateful for any pledge no matter how small, for this fantastic cause. The donation page is open until 2 December. https://www.spacehive.com/sticks-together

Cllr Martin Carter, cabinet member for children and schools, said: “It’s extremely important that we help our children develop and learn with extra curricular activities. We do sadly have children in poverty in Slough, and this crowdfunding project will remove the barrier of cost to provide local music lessons for free. I will be supporting the project, and would ask anyone who is able, to make a donation.”

If you would like more information, please contact the Music Service team on Music.service@slough.gov.uk or Tel: 01753 875732.

Mayor Cllr Avtar Kaur Cheema has opened the second section of works at Salt Hill Stream, braving the bad weather to turn the first sod. The work near to the railway tunnel in Salt Hill Park is expected to finish in eight weeks time, and involves creating a new foot bridge and digging down to release the stream, which is currently encased in pipes.

By allowing the stream to air again, a shallow wetland will be created to attract wildlife and enhance the area. The project is in association with the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), the Environment Agency, and Thames Water. There will be an official opening in the spring, and the Mayor will be back to see the finished result.

Mayor Cllr Avtar Kaur Cheema, said: “It’s a pleasure to be here to open this next section of the stream here at Salt Hill. Releasing the stream will improve this section of the park, and I am looking forward to coming back to see how it has changed in the spring.”

Gerald Pleace, parks and open space manager, said: “It will be great to have more of the stream back, and make it accessible for wildlife and people alike. We are so lucky to have this natural feature in Salt Hill Park and I look forward to another section of it being enjoyed by all.”

The Slough Public Health team has launched a new physical activity referral programme, Slough in Motion, which is accessible by GP appointment, through all GP surgeries in Slough and a range of other routes.

Slough in Motion is a partnership programme created by the Public Health team alongside the council’s Active Slough team, Everyone Active, the East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group and the council’s Better By sustainable transport team.

This new service provides residents with the chance to be referred to three unique elements;

1) For people with a long term health condition - A formal exercise referral scheme through Everyone Active for people with a long term health condition, which includes free use of Slough Cycle Hire for 12 months

2) Advice and support on physical activity programmes local to residents, provided through Active Slough

3) Information on how to reduce sedentary behaviour and how to integrate activity into day to day living.

It is easy to access this programme as after a successful eight month pilot, the service is available in all GP practices across Slough, as well as through a range of other healthcare professionals in Slough, including the National Diabetes Prevention Programme, Midwifery and Physiotherapy at Wexham Park Hospital, and the Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust stroke recovery clinic.

Once the formal exercise referral element is complete, Everyone Active staff at The Centre will complete a triage assessment of each person individually, and recommend the right kind of exercise programme for them. This involves measuring height and weight and blood pressure and discussing lifestyle and exercise preferences.

Jim Byrne, 79, from Slough, has just completed the initial 12 week programme from GP referral which was part of the pilot. He said: “I come to The Centre usually with my wife, and we use the gym, I like to make sure I get in my 10,000 steps a day, but I really enjoy swimming in the pool here.”

Mohammed Baig, 81, from Chalvey, visits The Centre five times a week! He said: “I initially came from a GP referral, I strongly believe in a healthy mind, healthy body, and definitely feel the physical and mental benefits from exercising here, and look forward to seeing the friendly staff.”

Malkit Singh Bal, from Slough, has been coming recently every day. He said: “I use the rowing machine and exercise bike mainly, and am currently feeling in excellent health.”

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “As a council we recognise that Slough has relatively high levels of physical inactivity, with 34.2% of the population reporting to be physically inactive, this compares to 19.0% in the South East.

“The borough also has 66.8% of its residents who are overweight or obese, compared to 60.3% in the South East. We hope this service will provide residents with convenient and tailored opportunities to get more active, to support their own health and to help reduce health inequalities.”

For more information head to https://www.publichealthslough.co.uk/campaigns/slough-in-motion/

Slough Mental Health Services were nominated for two awards this year at the National Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards.

The ceremony took place in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, and Slough locality’s head of mental health, Geoff Dennis, and Natasha Berthollier, practitioner psychologist, represented the team.

Slough Borough Council and Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, alongside other partners working across Slough - ‘Enabling Town Slough: Slough Mental Health Services’, were shortlisted and received two awards on the night. Winning - Addressing Inequalities in Mental Health, and Highly Commended for Primary and Secondary Mental Health Services, at this celebration of best practice from all over the country.

Over the last six years, Slough Mental Health Services has developed an innovative pathway for Slough’s residents, by creating an ‘Enabling Environment’ which aspires to meet the needs of all those requiring mental health services. This is a ‘whole-town’ approach called Enabling Town Slough, with a unique combination of modern mental health practice and psychotherapeutic principles, in order to provide a user-friendly mental health service and prevent much of the need for repeated inpatient hospital admission.

The event was held in Duxford Air Museum and there were more than 500 people present from all over the country, representing NHS Trusts and local authorities who have contributed to ground-breaking initiatives, which improve care across various mental health services.

Geoff Dennis, Head of Mental Health Services, said: “Winning this award has so validated what we have been developing in Slough over the years. I have such a sense of pride in the concept of ‘Enabling Town Slough’ and all the people involved who believe in this way of developing services with, and for, the community.”

Alan Sinclair, the council’s director of adults and communities, said: “This award is fantastic news for Slough, and great recognition of the excellent work of the slough community mental health team, in their work alongside people with mental health issues and the wider community.”

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member health and wellbeing, said: “I am enormously proud of the work our mental health team carries out each day and these awards are so well deserved. The team is dedicated to improving the lives of Slough’s residents that need support, and they continue to do this in new and innovative ways. Well done everyone! ”

Are you an artist or craftsperson?

Do you create products that you'd like to sell?

If the answer is yes, you may be interested to know that the Craft Coop Pop Up shop is coming to Slough! It supports small artists and craft businesses who can promote and sell their products in a High Street shop, by renting a shelf, table or basket in the shop. Come along to the open call on Wednesday 6th November at Home Slough. If you plan on attending, please email info@craftcoop.co.uk

Hello, does anyone recognize this insect? I found it today under my carpet and was wondering what it was and if it could be dangerous?

Following the attack on a synagogue in Halle, Germany, leader of the council, James Swindlehurst and chief executive, Josie Wragg, have released this statement on behalf of Slough Borough Council.

“We, along with our residents, stand with the world, in condemning the horrendous attack on a synagogue in Halle, Germany.

“This was cold-blooded murder of people going about their daily business.

“There is no justification for such an attack on any group, any religion or any race; there is no explanation that excuses such horrific action or the motive that drove it.

“In Slough we reject hate in all it’s forms; extremism and hate are abhorrent to us. We ask Slough residents to continue to stand together, a force against those who use our differences to try and divide us, celebrating all we share and united in our belief in freedom and community.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, their family and friends and we hope the support from around the world helps all those communities in Germany who have been affected by this attack.”

Young people with disabilities are set to find it easier to travel around the borough with an exciting new project.

The council’s sustainable transport team Better by has trained eight ambassadors who will encourage and support people to travel independently.

The aim of the training was to empower and encourage young people to independently use sustainable transport to access education, employment and leisure facilities.

The ambassadors from special needs schools, The Prince’s Trust, Job Centre Plus, Turning Point, Autism Berkshire, NHS Mental Health teams and SEN colleges, completed a two day training programme by experts from Ealing Mencap Project Travel Skills.

The ambassadors were welcomed by Cllr Rob Anderson on the first day of training, which was a mix of theory, based at The Curve, and practical which took place on public transport in the town centre. Ambassadors were encouraged to consider the potential obstacles disabled young people face on public transport.

Such obstacles include not knowing what is expected of them like getting their payment out before boarding a bus and how to cope with bullying and abuse at bus stops.

Five key topics covered by the travel training programme were planning the safest route, road safety, asking for help, stranger awareness and problem solving.

Catherine Back, Ealing Mencap travel training manager, said independent travel was so important for young people and adults with additional needs.

She said: “It empowers them to become confident and enables them to make their own decisions, not just when traveling, as the skills learned are transferable in all areas of their lives.

“During the first day of training, we learned about planning a route and the issues people with additional needs face when traveling. The course attendees were then asked to plan their own route to a nearby destination and as they travelled the route they were to reflect on the issues they faced and how someone with additional needs or a learning disability might deal with the same problems.

“The training has been a great step towards promoting safe independent travel for people with a learning disability in Slough Borough Council.”

Ramandeep Gogna, Better by sustainable travel officer, said the eight ambassadors could help around 300 people as they take the training back to their own organisation to role play with their clients.

She said: “This is an excellent project to support young people, especially with disabilities, into jobs and training. Being able to travel on public transport is an essential skill for everyone.

“It offers numerous benefits to both the individual in accessing life opportunities as well as to the local environment we live in. Without this skill people with a learning disability are often unable to access the community and all it provides in terms of training, employment, leisure and social activities, fitness and friendships. Safe Sustainable Travel is positive for health, wealth and wellbeing.”

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “There are obstacles to some people these ambassadors will reach, which others will never experience.

“Helping them access such a simple thing as public transport could open up other worlds for them which could include leisure, education or employment.”

Pupils and teachers of Marish Primary School were given a guided tour of the new Special Educational Needs school site. The contractor GPF Lewis – Martin Fry (Construction Director) and his team led the tour where the children took part in a treasure hunt with characters Ivor and Honor Goodsite and viewed their new classrooms and facilities.

The extension includes six classrooms, a sensory and therapy room, multipurpose hall, full serving kitchen and outdoor play areas. The project started on site in April and is due for completion in January 2020. This represents a £4m investment in the school as part of Slough Borough Council’s continuing investment in school buildings.

The children and teachers are also taking part in an assembly on 6 November where a competition will be launched by GPF Lewis for the best poster reflecting on the children’s site visit, or the health and safety presentation they viewed. The winners will be announced and prizes awarded at a second assembly later in November.

Councillor Martin Carter, cabinet member for children and schools, said: “I am delighted the contractors of this school extension are involving the pupils every step of the way. This investment of £4m shows how committed we are to improving our schools and their facilities. There will be fantastic new classrooms and facilities for these pupils that will support and enhance their learning.”

Gill Denham, Headteacher, Marish School, said: “We are so excited about our new resource base extension which will be ready to use in January. As a school that includes pupils with complex needs, we cannot wait for these pupils, currently based in two portacabins to move into their rightful place at the heart of our community.

“This will benefit all pupils and staff, because transition and inclusion between mainstream and the resource based classes will in future become seamless. Thank you to everyone who has enabled our dream to become a reality.”

Stephanie Costa, Property Services - Project manager, Slough Borough Council, said: “The site visit and competition is a small part of our integrated approach, and is an excellent way of involving children and staff in understanding construction works, as well as informing and shaping the new school facilities. Everyone involved in delivering the project is enthusiastic and working collaboratively, so that the school receives new classrooms and buildings we can all be proud of.”

I couldn't help understand the queue at the Jacket Potato Stand at the Slough Town Centre Market. It is the queue which enticed me as it was the only queue in the market to be found. Before I reached a decision of purchase, I sat down next to a few locals who all were in the middle of enjoying theirs.

"I started coming here ever since I was pregnant with my first child and still anticipate every they set up a stand in the Town centre!"

"£3,50? You really can't go wrong with £3,50. They're huge, they're filling, they're DELICIOUS!"

"Not only are these the best jacket potatos in Berkshire, but also served by the nicest people. It's a different type of love when food is also served with love"

Who in Slough has not tried them yet!?

Slough Borough Council has begun a consultation to allow residents to help shape the new Council Tax Support Scheme.

Council Tax Support (CTS) is a discount for Council Tax and each year the council has to decide whether to change the scheme for working age applicants. There will be no change for pensioner households.

This consultation runs from 8 October to 18 November and its purpose is to raise awareness of the proposals and the reasons for changing the Council Tax Support Scheme.

By using the online calculator residents can understand what the potential impact might be for their household through showing what the new CTS award might be, as opposed to what they are currently receiving on the existing scheme.

After using the online calculator there is a short online questionnaire for residents to fill in, this will help us to shape the new scheme.

The consultation is open to all Slough residents, even those who don’t receive Council Tax Support, as well as businesses, community and voluntary organisations.

The findings from the consultation will contribute to the final recommendations that will be put forward to a Cabinet meeting in January 2020. The council will then take a decision on the way forward.

If approved, our intention is that the changes would come into effect from 1 April 2020.

You can share your views by:
• completing a questionnaire online at www.slough.gov.uk/consultations
• coming along to one of our drop-in sessions to discuss how the proposals may affect you and to get help to complete the questionnaire (dates, venues and times will be published online at www.slough.gov.uk soon)

If you require this questionnaire in another format or you would like someone to help you to complete the questionnaire, please email counciltaxsupport@slough.gov.uk

The consultation is open from 8 October to 18 November.

Lauretta Vitalis, strategic project manager, Slough Borough Council, said: “We want to hear from our residents regarding this important consultation about proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme. Changes will be experienced by working age council taxpayers and we want to hear from you, our customers on how we shape the scheme moving forward.”

So that I can find the events in the future...
[PJ] 2019-10-11 -- Tales of the Engine Sheds – Ken Norris (Illustrated Talk)
https://www.scooploop.com/loop/thread/slug/tales-of-the-engine-sheds-ken-norris-illustrated-talk/
[SWRS] 2019-11-01 -- Event: Camping Coaches – Mike Fenton (Illustrated Talk)
https://www.scooploop.com/loop/thread/slug/camping-coaches-mike-fenton-illustrated-talk/

A promising student who was hospitalised after a severe allergic reaction to a peri peri chicken meal, wants more food outlets to take action on the hidden dangers in food they serve.

Ihfaz Islam was half way through a takeaway meal when his mouth started to tingle.

His mother had been assured the meal she ordered over the phone for her son from Saqi Grill did not contain any dairy products which Ihfaz has a life threatening allergy to.

Once he realised he was having a reaction to the meal, which it was later discovered the chicken had been marinated in yoghurt, he took anti-histamine to counteract the symptoms.

However, things quickly got worse with hives breaking out and Ihfaz had difficulty speaking. He reacted by self-administering a prescription epi-pen and used his inhaler.

He said: “I started to get a bit worried when the reaction became severe. My throat was tightening up and I was wheezy and dizzy and my lips had turned blue.”

The then 17-year-old’s mum Jubeda phoned for an ambulance and he was taken to hospital suffering anaphylactic shock.

The A level student at Windsor Boys’ School, who wants to study medicine at university, reported the incident to the council’s Trading Standards department after conducting research online in. He said he wanted to prevent the same thing happening to another person who might not be as fortunate to make a full recovery.

Now 18, Ihfaz said: “There is a huge difference between someone having an intolerance to food and being allergic. An allergy can kill and should not be taken lightly.

“As a family we thought we were being overly cautious but it can happen so easily and I don’t want someone else to have to go through such a distressing experience.”

Ihfaz added: “I am usually very particular about where I eat and make sure to emphasise the severity of my allergies to staff.”

Mum Jubeda said: “We always just ordered takeaway food on the odd occasion from the same places but we were recommended Saqi Grill.

“I told them when I ordered over and over about Ihfaz’s allergy and the person on the phone shouted out to someone else who said no dairy in the peri meal.

“Seeing him have a reaction so quickly made me so anxious and I called for an ambulance.”

Slough trading standards pursued a prosecution against Saqi Grill and Catering Limited, Chalvey Road West, its director Akbar Ali, 43, of Thornholme Close, Leicester, and the shop manager Abdul Rauf, 42, of Ragstone Road, Slough.

Judge Kirsty Real, sitting at Reading Crown Court in August, handed each defendant an 18 week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, ordered each to complete 120 hours of unpaid community work and pay £400 costs. The company was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £4000 costs.

Both defendants and the company admitted a total of three counts of selling unsafe food containing allergens on 15 March, 29 October and 16 November, 2018, and a single charge, on 15 March, of incorrectly describing doner kebab meat as lamb when it also contained beef and chicken. Ihfaz suffered anaphylactic shock after eating the meal on 29th October 2018.

Dean Cooke, a senior trading standards officer, advised food servers it was safer to politely decline an allergy sufferer’s order if they were not sure about any of the ingredients in any dish.

He added that prosecutions are the last resort and the department would prefer owners and managers call the department and ask for advice and help.

He said: “This is a life and death situation for people with allergies who can risk their lives going out to eat. All we are asking is for businesses to be aware of what is in the food they are serving to customers.”

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “Thank you to Ihfaz for sharing his horrifying story which could have had such fatal consequences if he had not reacted so quickly.

“This young man looks like he has a bright future ahead of him in medicine and that could have all been taken away by an irresponsible food outlet which did not care to take the expert advice of the council’s Trading Standards department.

“I would urge any food business unsure about their procedures, who would like help and advice, to contact Trading Standards – they are here to help and prevent a potential tragedy.”

Tenants and leaseholders are set to hold the council to account with the launch of a brand new resident board.

Nine people have volunteered to regularly meet and discuss how the council is performing and how to improve the management of council housing in the borough.

As well as holding the council and its repairs, maintenance and investment service partner
Osborne, to account, the board will probe issues, seek answers and help shape future improvements to the service.

The first official meeting was held in September and was attended by the council’s Chief Executive Josie Wragg, leader of the council Cllr James Swindlehurst and Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety.

Josie shared that she had personal experience working in social housing and had started life in local government as a tenant liaison officer who visited residents and dealt with issues and concerns.

She told the board: “Thank you for involving me and thank you for volunteering to participate on an important aspect of accountability.

“I have been in this role for 12 months now and in that time I have seen great initiatives like this in the borough which combines the skills of residents and staff.”

Cllr Nazir told the new board members: “Thank you for getting involved and playing a vital role in place shaping Slough’s council stock and moving forward to plan the future.”

The board is currently being chaired by independent social housing consultant Nigel Pacey. He will continue until the spring when another independent but permanent chair will be engaged.

He said the purpose of the board was to give residents a greater collective voice which will affect real change.

He said: “Board members live in social housing and they are the best people to have influence and improve services that impact their and their neighbours’ lives.

“Also residents can scrutinise their landlord, ask questions and influence decisions that affect them and their homes.”

The board will meet every two months to look at how services are performing and to discuss issues and concerns.

Board member Sheebaa Parveen said she was passionate about making Slough a better place and to serve the tenants and leaseholders who come from different backgrounds and ethnicities.

She said: “I want to share my knowledge and expertise to make a difference to Slough housing, whether that is focusing on peoples’ complaints or sitting on a scrutiny group, by being able to listen to others we can find an approachable solution to problems.

“By sitting on the board I work for the people of Slough and make sure to help shape the future of Slough housing.”

More residents and tenants are needed as board members as well as other areas where people can get involved. Anyone interested can get in touch with Karen Lewis, information & participation manager, on 01753 875437.

The London Irish Foundation is partnering with Slough Borough Council’s repairs, maintenance and investment service partner Osborne to help hard to reach young people in the borough.

The HITZ programme is part of the Premiership Rugby National programme. It works with young people who are aged between 16 and 24 and not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The programme helps participants to gain recognised qualifications while also offering work experience at partnering companies.