Slough Borough Council regrets to announce the death of Gurbachan Singh Thind, a former councillor and Mayor of the town.

Mr Thind passed away on Monday (23 September) aged 79.

Gurbachan was a Slough Borough Councillor, elected in 1991 for Foxborough ward.

He was deputy Mayor from 1997 to 1998 and the Mayor of Slough for the municipal year 1998 to 1999.

Gurbachan came to the UK in 1968, settling in Hayes and Harlington until he moved, with his family, to Slough in 1979, living in the town until his death this week.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “Although I didn’t serve on the council at the same time at Councillor Thind, I knew him as a loyal member of our political party and his Mayoral year was fondly remembered.

“Gurbachan was always friendly and sociable and he will be greatly missed.”

The flag at St Martins Place is flying as half mast as a sign of respect.

Four new apprentices have been inducted after a recruitment day by the council’s repairs, maintenance and investment service partner, Osborne.

The event was held at the beginning of September and more than 20 young people attended. The four successful candidates were all attendees who were interviewed. They are now employed as apprentices and enrolled at Langley College.

Two of the apprentices will now go into business administration, while another will be working with the electricians in domestic properties and the fourth will work with the plumbers.

The four will join the six apprentices already on the books with Osborne as part of our partnership vision to support local employment.

The recruitment process also highlighted several other candidates who will be given training and support for the next wave of apprentice opportunities.

Michelle Davies, Osborne Account Director, said: “Osborne is providing a brilliant opportunity for Slough’s young people to get trained up in business support and trades which are needed in the borough.

“The young people attend college one day a week to complete their apprenticeships and we are committed to giving them experience throughout all elements of the business.”

Cllr Mohamed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “What a great opportunity for Slough’s young people to live, work and learn in Slough.

“Osborne is providing a platform for young people to start their careers in a company where they can experience a lot and stand them in good stead to further their careers in either Osborne or in the wider work community.”

Our annual Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular is returning this November for a night filled with bright displays and great entertainment! Tickets are now available online here: shorturl.at/wzPT1

Otherwise, hard copies of tickets can be purchased in the upcoming weeks from Slough areas listed on our website here: http://slough.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-events/bonfire-and-fireworks-spectacular.aspx

Recycling rates need to be improved in the borough and residents are being reminded how they can contribute this Recycling Week.

There is a clear guide for residents focusing on JUST Four categories of items that can be recycled.

In addition, new stickers will be appearing on the lids of all bins with pictures of what we can accept for recycling, to prompt people to think about their waste before they put it in a bin.

The aim of national Recycling Week (until 29 September) is to improve the percentage of recycling which is currently going into legitimate streams of recycling in the UK and help reach targets set by the government. Slough currently recycles 23.3 per cent of waste collected.

On average a third of the 30 lorry loads of recycling collected each week in the borough are being rejected because of the wrong items in the red bin like dirty nappies, textiles, food waste, greasy pizza boxes and anything plastic, which is not bottle shaped, from buckets, fruit and meat trays to children’s toys.

The rejected loads cost the council around £82,000 per annum in additional costs as contaminated rejected recycling has to be disposed of as general household waste.

Therefore the council is encouraging each resident to do a small bit which collectively can make a huge difference to the coffers and the planet.

The council is accepting JUST Four categories of items in the red recycling bin.

They are cans, paper and cardboard, plastic in a bottle shape and glass jars and bottles used for food and drinks.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said the stickers were set to be in pictures to make it instantly understandable about what goes in each bin.

He added there are a large number of people who are enthusiastic about recycling, however, the council is only able to accept the JUST Four items which the council’s waste processor is currently able to genuinely recycle.

He said: “We would love residents to get on board and make very small changes in their household which can make huge changes in the world outside their home. This change is both financial and environmental.

“Our aim, and resident’s aims, should be to improve their recycling habit which will push recycling percentage rates up.

“There are hundreds of products out there which have a recyclable symbol on them but unfortunately we cannot recycle all of them

“Our waste partner is looking at what other recycling streams can be included in the scheme in the future but at the moment it is JUST Four.”

JUST Four – what we can accept – all rinsed out and clean. NO lids

CANS – food and drink cans
PAPERS and CARDBOARD – junkmail, clean cardboard
GLASS – jars and bottles used for food and drink of any colour – no pyrex, lightbulbs
PLASTIC – resembling a bottle, fizzy drink, sauce, washing liquid, shower gels, shampoo

There are a lot of things we cannot accept in the red bin. They are;

Garden waste (please call for a green bin provided at no extra cost)
Textiles
Food waste
Dirty nappies
Electrical items
Hard plastics
Any takeaway containers because of the food grease
Plastic wrappers – crisp, biscuit, food containers
Plastic meat/ fruit trays
Plastic pots – yoghurts, dip
Metal
Coffee cups
Any lids

Some of the items which cannot go into the red bin can be recycled if taken to the Household Waste and Recycling Centre in Chalvey. Please refer to https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling for more information.

The council’s Community Mental Health Team held its second open morning of the year this week, to promote Hope College at Arbour Park Community Sports Stadium. This term will run from October to January.

Nearly a hundred visitors came to find out more about what’s on offer at the college. Hope College is a recovery college, delivering educational courses and activities to people with mental health conditions. The purpose of the college is to provide hope, opportunity and control for every student, enabling and empowering them to reach their full potential.

The team has worked hard over the summer to update the Hope College pathways to help students navigate their Hope College journey as easily as possible. The courses and workshops are now provided under the following names: health and wellbeing, creativity and discovery and developing knowledge and skills. This term we have new and exciting courses on offer, including aromatherapy and relaxation, poetry, yoga for compassion and music appreciation.

The courses are co-created and facilitated by people with first-hand experience of mental illness. The weekly timetable of activities is designed to help develop structure and routine and to provide social support as well as life skills. Students have the opportunity to become peer mentors, using their experiences to help and support others. The college also offers support and training for carers and those looking to gain employment.

Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “As we move into the fifth year of Hope College with even more innovative courses and activities available to contribute to the health and wellbeing of some of our residents, I am beyond proud of the excellent work that our Community Mental Health Team and Peer Mentors put in to make it a success.”

Alex Jones, Recovery Team Clinical Lead, Slough Community Mental Health Team, said: “I am extremely proud that Hope College continues to grow from strength to strength each year and is becoming increasingly recognised within the community. This success is down to all the staff, Peer Mentors and Helping Hands volunteers who continue to work extremely hard to co-create and develop the courses, workshops and activities to meet the needs of the local community.

“I am thrilled to see so many returning and new students enrolling each term and I hope their time with Hope College helps to provide feelings of hope, control and opportunity as they embark on their journey to better mental health. Hope College will be going into its fifth year next year and I am excited to see the college continue to develop and grow.”

The courses also include monthly Carer Café drop in sessions, for those who are caring for someone who has suffered, or is suffering, from a mental health difficulty such as psychosis, anxiety, depression or other mood related problems. They have an opportunity to meet with other carers and receive support and advice with their caring role. There are also opportunities to talk to trained mental health professionals, and access learning and training resources.

Hope College is currently open to all clients and carers that use the Slough Community Mental Health Team. Students are encouraged to self-enrol on to the courses/ workshops and activities they feel will benefit their mental health and wellbeing.

If you would like more information, please contact the recovery team on 01753 690950 or email Geoff Dennis, head of mental health, on Geoff.Dennis@berkshire.nhs.uk or Alexandra Jones, recovery team clinical lead, on Alexandra.Jones@berkshire.nhs.uk

Today (19 September 2019) the Leader of the Council, James Swindlehurst has completed a cabinet reshuffle with changes to lead members and their portfolios.

This is now the cabinet and their portfolios:
• Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council and cabinet member for regeneration and strategy
• Councillor Sabia Hussain, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for governance and customer services
• Councillor Martin Carter, cabinet member for children and schools
• Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing
• Councillor Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety
• Councillor Balvinder S Bains, cabinet member for inclusive growth and skills
• Councillor Pavitar K Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation
• Councillor Rob Anderson, cabinet member for sustainable transport and environmental services

Councillor Swindlehurst said: “In May, after the local elections, I said to my cabinet that as I had made changes to some of the portfolios I would not immediately be making changes to the personnel but I would relook in the autumn.

“Each of the cabinet members has been in place for nearly two years and I feel now is the time to bring in some new blood and shake things up a little bit.

“One of the biggest challenges we have facing us is the future of the Slough Children’s Services Trust, balancing finances and the best outcomes for children and I know Martin is a knowledgeable and dedicated cabinet member and a safe pair of hands for such an important portfolio.

“I would also like to welcome Balvinder S Bains to the cabinet as well and look forward to him bring his enthusiasm and new ideas to the table.”

The leaves are starting to turn brown, red and yellow, the nights are drawing in and it is the perfect time to turn nature’s waste into next year’s nutrients.

Recycling Week, between 23 and 29 September, is the perfect opportunity to purchase a subsidised compost bin.

Leaves, grass clippings, fallen fruit, kitchen waste like egg shells and peelings, wood ash from open fires and wood burners as well as egg boxes, can create a nutrient rich compost to spread over borders and vegetable patches in the spring.

Simply put the items into a compost bin and over the winter months it will rot down to produce environmentally friendly compost that when added to the garden will suppress weeds and retain moisture throughout the dry months.

The benefits of home composting include reducing carbon emissions and diverting organic waste from going into the black bins. It also improves soil structure and helps the soil PH balance.

Residents can purchase a compost bin from the council and get it delivered for a small fee.
The Blackwall 220 litre black compost converter with a normal price of £18.50, is just £3 and if a second is purchased it is just an additional £1.50. It can be delivered for £5.99 for one or £10.49 for two.

Gardeners without the space for a composter can also take advantage of a green bin. The green bin is provided free of charge, when requested, and collected every other week free of charge all year round, with a break at Christmas.

However, only waste from a garden can be disposed of like grass cuttings, hedge and shrub trimmings, small branches and twigs, flowers, small plants and weeds.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said if residents had room for a composter it was a very satisfying way to create the vital nutrients for planting in the spring.

He said: “The composters are heavily subsidised to encourage Slough residents to reduce the amount of waste they are putting into their black bins and to reuse it by creating something productive.

“However, the green bins are an excellent alternative and are free to residents who just have to fill it up with garden clippings and remember to put it out every other week.

“Autumn is the perfect time to think about getting into the garden and tidying up and getting ready for next year.”

Residents’ red recycling bins are for JUST Four items which can be recycled and includes all colours and types of glass, clean paper and cardboard, plastic in the shape of a bottle and drink and food cans. All items must be clean, dry and not put into black plastic bags.

The black bins are for tied up black bags containing everything else which needs to be thrown away like dirty nappies, pizza boxes and takeaway food containers, plastic toys, waste food and general rubbish.

For more information, and to purchase a compost bin, please call 01753 47511, option 4.

The Autumn edition of Citizen is now published at https://citizen.slough.gov.uk/

Despite the British summer’s usual variable weather conditions, a bumper crop of events and activities have borne fruit around the town - including Slough’s Horticultural Show, the Junior Park Run, the market now on the High Street, ‘GoodGym’ volunteers cleaning Salt Hill Stream, and ‘Friends of Herschel Park’s’ Tuesday volunteering - all of which are featured in this edition.

The council has also spent the summer refurbishing Manor Park Community Centre and has been developing a ‘co-production network’ where users of adult social care services help shape future provision. Local young people are also helping shape future sports and leisure activities through the new Youth Advisory Board, while events during Carers’ Week in June provided opportunities for carers to access further support, advice and information.

Going into the autumn, the council will be moving in to our new headquarters on Windsor Road, a stone’s-throw from The Curve - its programme of autumn events and those for Black History Month in October, are previewed. While there are details on the council’s Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular on 2 November at Upton Court Park.

There’s still plenty going on around the borough over the weeks ahead!

The early-bird deadline for landlords to apply for a new licence is looming and without one they could face fines of up to £30,000.

Landlords who are required to have a licence had to have one in place by July 1 with a period of grace and early bird discounts until Tuesday 1October.

After 1 October, a landlord who has an eligible property and has not made a full licence application, could be prosecuted for failing to comply.

Applications for the licences have been able to be obtained through an online portal.

Every landlord of a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in the borough, around 3000 properties, needed the new licence from July 1.

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

The aim of the new licensing system brought in by Slough Borough Council is to improve the standards of the thousands of houses and bedsits, 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 and for neighbours to address any concerns with the house in their neighbourhood.

Slough has more than the national average of rental accommodation in the borough which currently stands at 33 per cent. In the Central and Chalvey wards 50 per cent of all homes are privately rented accommodation.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “Landlords have had months to log on to this system and apply for a licence they are required to have by law.

“We are committed to making sure all landlords who are required to, have a licence, so tenants live in good quality and safe accommodation, get one otherwise we will be seeking them out and prosecuting.

“This is not a money making scheme for the council. The fees are being ring fenced for the sole purpose of bringing up standards of properties in Slough.”

“This is about making accommodation in Slough habitable for sometimes the most vulnerable members of society.”

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

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

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

All licences last for five years.

After October 1 all licences will attract an additional enforcement fee of £300 per property.

Licences can be applied for here http://www.slough.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/property-licensing.aspx and there is a map online which shows which roads are included in the selective licensing scheme.

Slough Borough Council regrets to announce the death of Joan Jones, a former councillor and Mayor of the town.

Joan passed away on Friday (6 September) aged 87.

Joan was a Slough Borough Councillor from 1973 to 1979 serving as a councillor for Wexham Court Ward and again from 1999 to 2002 for Kedermister Ward.

She was deputy Mayor from 2000 to 2001 and the Mayor of Slough for the municipal year 2001 to 2002.

One of her highlights as Mayor was hosting the Commonwealth Games Rhythmic Gymnastics at The Centre, and meeting all the team coaches in the Mayor’s Parlour, where she regaled them with tales of all her travels to their countries.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “I have known Joan for more than 20 years, she was a stalwart of the town and our thoughts are with her family.

“She was dedicated to public service and to Slough and served as Mayor with the hospitality and enthusiasm she was known for.

“Joan was widowed quite young but despite this grasped life with both hands, travelling all over the world, never losing her sense of adventure and making the most of every opportunity that came her way.

“Slough has lost one of its greatest cheerleaders; someone whose sense of duty has been an example to us all. She will be missed.”

The flag at St Martins Place is flying as half mast as a sign of respect.

Staff at a medical science laboratory who cycle to work had their bicycles put through their paces during a Better by visit.

The council’s sustainable transport team Better by team took experts in bicycle maintenance to examine the bikes for mechanical.

There were also activities for staff not currently cycling to work in a bid to enthuse them into becoming commuters on two wheels.

The event was held at Lonza on the Slough Trading Estate, to reward the large number of cyclists they have already got and to encourage more to take up a healthy commute.

Cycle Experience mechanics checked tyres, brakes and general road worthiness before being able to carry out remedial work, while Better by marked the bikes which are now on a national bike register as a theft prevention tool, as well as making it easier for bikes to be returned to their rightful owner in the event of a theft.

Staff also got to spin a Love to Ride ‘wheel of fortune’ where they could win on the spot prizes once they had signed up to Love to Ride Slough app. Prizes included a snood or being entered into a prize draw to win Decathlon Vouchers, t-shirts and cycling gear.

Members of staff were also pitted against each other in the static cycling challenge by Rollapaluza where they raced along a 250m imaginary track in the quickest times possible.

Lonza Slough is part of a global organization focused on achieving the strategic vision of being the world's leading, integrated solutions provider for its pharma and consumer healthcare and nutrition customers throughout a lifetime of healthcare needs from prevention to disease cure.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “We are helping regular cycling commuters by offering a free bike check up as well as trying to encourage more to take up cycling to work.

“We hope more businesses will get on board and make it easier for more of their workforce to cycle which has the benefits of reducing congestion and air pollution as well as health benefits for the cyclist.”

During September Slough has joined the Love to Ride worldwide promotion of cycling. Those who get in the saddle for at least a 10 minute journey, can log the ride and it will be put into a draw for prizes including a trip to New Zealand. For more information log onto www.lovetoride.net/Slough.

If more businesses are interested in having a sustainable travel event at their offices they can contact betterby@slough.gov.uk.

Hundreds of children, from toddlers to teenagers, were given the chance to experience all types of cycling in one of Better by’s biggest events.

The council’s sustainable transport team Better by joined the children at the annual Sikh summer camp at the Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara, Bath Road.

Toddlers were given balance bikes to start their cycling journey, while those who already cycle were given help and advice. Older children at the summer camp were given the opportunity to have a go on electric scooters.

Better by partners Cycle Experience, took a range of bikes for everyone to have a go at riding, including tandems and stunt BMX, as well as a recumbent bike where it appears the rider is almost lying down.

Five qualified and highly experienced cycling professionals were on-hand to guide the children on the very basic balance bikes to the more advanced electric bikes.

Adults at the summer club were also allowed in on the act and had a go on the bikes as well receiving advice about sustainable travel from Better by who distributed stress balls, pens and bags.

Rani Kaur, of the Refresh Centre at the temple, said: “The weather was great which enhanced the experience for the children and adults.

“One child had never got on a bike before but by the end of the four hour session she was able to ride independently!”

Following the event, the Gurdwara now wish to arrange a cycling event for women.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “This was a great event for the Gurdwara.

“The children had a safe area in the carpark and five instructors to help children to try out different kinds of bikes.

“Hopefully this will give some of them the confidence to cycle more with their families and in the future they may want to cycle to school which has health benefits for them while reducing congestion.

“It’s great to see the Better by team having a positive affect at the summer camp and that other events are being organised for more members of the Gurdwara.”

Children who attended the camp also learned about Sikh history, the importance and benefits of meditation and how to live a life in harmony with family, community and the environment.

During September Slough has joined the Love to Ride worldwide promotion of cycling. Those who get in the saddle for at least a 10 minute journey can log their ride and will be put into a draw for prizes including a trip to New Zealand. For more information log onto www.lovetoride.net/Slough.

A Highways England mobile exhibition will be at the pedestrian M4 overbridge between The Myrke, Datchet, and Upton Court Park tomorrow so people can find out more about smart motorways and the bridge removal at the end of September. They will be there between midday and 5pm. For more information about Smart motorway work click here http://www.slough.gov.uk/downloads/M4-J3-12-Smart-Motorway-Newsletter.pdf

A simple 10 minute cycle ride in Slough during September could lead to winning a trip to New Zealand.

Adults and children are being urged to use September as the perfect time to get on a bike to ride around the borough.

The summer holidays are over with children back to school and adults back to normal working schedules providing a great opportunity to create new habits.

And with every ride, cyclists have the opportunity to join Love to Ride Slough and the chance to log each 10 minute journey. The competition runs throughout the entire month with rides compared to other cyclists in other businesses, the borough, the country and the world.

There will also be day to day prizes as well as the opportunity for one lucky person to be awarded the cycling trip to New Zealand.

The cycling challenge is being promoted by the council’s sustainable transport team Better by who will be encouraging as many people as possible to use bikes for trips to the shops, doctors, school, and work.

The United Nations recently held its first International Bike Day stating two wheels were perfectly positioned to solve several twenty-first century problems, including air pollution, congestion, obesity and heart disease.

The Love to Ride Slough app enables members to set goals, track distance, earn badges, share photos and stories and to encourage others to ride, as well as allowing workplaces to incentivise their staff to ride and monitor cycling participation at their sites.

The aim of the September campaign is to help more people to enjoy the fun and freedom of cycling and to access the support they need to ride for transport.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and the environment, said: “Cycling has so many benefits.

“It helps the rider’s health and it reduces the number of vehicles on the road and pollution created.

“September is the perfect time to create new habits with the new school term when routines start again. The borough also has the benefit of being quite small so cycling should be considered as a viable option to get around.

“With the added incentive of the possibility of winning an international trip I can’t see any reason why a regular cyclist or a new one, shouldn’t get the app and log their ride. Good luck!”

Sign up at https://www.lovetoride.net/slough

A kebab shop owner and manager who could have killed a teenager when he suffered a severe allergic reaction from eating peri peri chicken and chips, have been given suspended prison sentences.

A family ordered the chicken meal and told the servers at Saqi Grill and Catering Limited about the life-threatening allergies to dairy and eggs.

They were assured there were no allergens in the meal, but the teenager went into anaphylactic shock soon after eating and had to be rushed to hospital by ambulance.

He recovered after spending time in hospital and his survival was attributed to his family’s speedy application of an epi-pen which he had been prescribed in case of an allergic reaction.

It was subsequently discovered the chicken in his meal had been marinated in yoghurt before being cooked at the Chalvey Road West take away shop.

Slough trading standards pursued a prosecution against the company, 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 on Tuesday 20 August, gave each defendant an 18 week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, ordered each to a 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.

The court was told Slough trading standards had given detailed advice on legal compliance and food standards to the owner and manager, as well as being given the required time to make the necessary adjustments, since December 2017.

The particular area they had not complied with was the description of what meat was included in a lamb doner kebab and allergen controls, including training to the staff, and no knowledge about what allergens were in the food being sold.

Food Standards Improvement notices were issued in January 2018 and not acted upon by the business. Both defendants were interviewed and given further advice and guidance.

Test purchases on 15 March 2018 and 16 November 2018 showed that despite declaring soya and diary as allergies, both undercover officers were subsequently served food with the allergens, which were detected after laboratory testing.

The customer purchase, on 29 October 2018, resulted in hospitalisation.

Dean Cooke, a senior trading standards officer at the council, said: “This is a matter of life and death for some customers.

“Any food business must be able to tell customers what ingredients, and particularly allergenic ingredients, are present in the food that they sell.

“We are grateful for the result and that the justice system has acknowledged the seriousness of this blatant disregard for basic legal responsibilities.

“It is also welcome news to the victim’s family, who narrowly averted a potential tragedy.”

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation said: “Families who want to eat out, whether at a restaurant or takeaway, need to be sure that their food is safe.

“This is particularly important for people with allergies whose lives are in the hands of the restaurants, directors and managers who are responsible for training their staff. Customers deserve to enjoy food safe in the knowledge that they are not going to be made ill, or that the food they enjoy could threaten their lives.

“The council’s trading standards team have done a stellar job advising and then gathering evidence against this takeaway, and the other eateries in the town should take their advice seriously.”

Make a date in your diary for Slough’s annual Canal Festival, one of the borough’s best-loved events. Come along and enjoy the fun on Saturday and Sunday (7 and 8 September) in Bloom Park, Middlegreen Road, Langley between 11am and 5pm.

There is free entry, free parking and free displays and performances for all ages to enjoy, and the festival is fully accessible for disabled people, with allocated disabled parking.

Come and meet some furry, fluffy and feathered friends. Fuss over ferrets, giggle at goats, pet ponies, delight at ducks, brush bunnies, find fish and be in awe of birds of prey. As a new addition this year, we will have an amazing display by Flyte of fancy with their sheepdog show.

For something for the whole family to enjoy, you can book a canal boat trip for a small fee, and take a leisurely ride along the beautiful Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal.

There will be plenty of charity and arts and crafts stalls to explore or enjoy a trip on a steam engine ride around the arena, perfect for children and families. We also have Trevor the Tractor who is wheelchair accessible for everyone to enjoy a ride on!

For our younger visitors we have everything from Emma’s Crafty Kids session where your little ones can get creative, have their faces painted or glitter tattoos applied (for just £1 each). Active kids can get jumping on the bungee trampoline (for just £1), have fun on our small funfair rides or try the bouncy castle.

Also for the little ones this year, children can get behind the wheel of their own electric-powered mini-Jaguar or Land Rover with Diddy Drivers. Don’t worry as parents have an option to control the cars with a remote for younger drivers.

There is a mobile bar and a range of food catering for visitors throughout the weekend.

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This is one of our most popular events for all ages, with entertainment, stalls and activities for everyone. In the fabulous setting next to the Grand Union Canal, this year we have new shows and activities, and always aim to keep everything as low cost as possible for everyone to enjoy. Come down and enjoy this exciting weekend.”

For more information, contact events on 01753 875194 or email communications@slough.gov.uk

Councillor Shabnum Sadiq, cabinet member for children and schools, said: “We would like to wish all of our students the very best for the next stage of their education. As they receive their GCSE results today, their hard work and dedication to their studies should be celebrated. Speaking for the whole council we are very proud of you all.

“This year’s results show again what fantastic GCSE results have been achieved across the borough, and we are proud to confirm our town has maintained its high standards of education.

“We are extremely lucky to have such excellent teachers and support staff who help our students achieve their potential. Today is a day to thank them and acknowledge how they educate, guide and inspire our young people through their academic life.

“As always, making sure our children receive the very best education is one of the council’s top priorities. We want young people to feel confident about their futures and enjoy school life. The council will continue to work in partnership with all our schools to help our young people achieve the very best outcomes.”

If you are looking to buy, or need a repair for, a (vintage) hi-fi separate component, such as an amplifier, CD player, cassette deck, turntable, or reel-to-reel player, you could do far worse than look up Tomasz at www.squonk.co .

Tomasz calls himself a "Hifi device specialist", but having met him, he is a real audiophile and hifi enthusiast; friendly and eager to make sure you get the best out of your audio system.
He repairs, services, and sells quality vintage hifi equipment on eBay and through his website, and is based in central Slough.

I purchased and collected in person, a CD player advertised on eBay, and would happily buy from Tomasz again.

Tomorrow is the Bats and Moth evening at Herschel Park -- 7.30pm-9.30pm.
Join Brian Clews and listen to bats calling, and take part in a quiz!
Please see photos for details.*

I have been to one of these evenings, and they are both enjoyable and educational. Thoroughly recommended.

(*Please ignore the incorrect date on the photos -- the original leaflet was either printed incorrectly, or the date was changed. These are old photos.)

A small car park is a step closer to be turned into new homes for Slough people.

A 12 car parking spaces at the former Alpha St North car park will become a development of 14 apartments after a developer signed up to deliver the project.

Work on the social housing homes is set to start by the end of the year and be completed by winter 2020.

The one and two bedroom apartments will be delivered by Slough Urban Renewal, SUR, on behalf of Slough Borough Council.

All the apartments will be social housing and will be allocated to people on the housing waiting list which will help to meet the need for more affordable homes in the borough.

SUR has appointed High Wycombe based firm Life Build as the contractor on the project.

David Freer, development manager at Slough Urban Renewal, said: “This site provides yet another example of how SUR is successfully working in partnership with the council to deliver much needed housing for the town.

“This represents a significant milestone and takes us a step closer to building new homes for local people in Slough. We are delighted to now be in a position to move forward.”

The Alpha Street site forms part of the council’s wider ‘small sites’ initiative, which aims to bring sites such as old garages and run down properties into use for new homes.

In 2016, 25 small development sites were identified to be used for building new, and extending existing, council homes.

So far SUR has built over 70 new homes with a further 35 new houses in construction. The total cost allocated to building homes within the small sites programme to date is £25m.

Slough Urban Renewal is a 50:50 joint venture between Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments Limited. It’s purpose is to deliver ambitious objectives to transform the borough of Slough for all.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said there would be 14 new homes for residents of Slough.

He said: “This is really great news for the families of Slough who are currently on the waiting register.

“We are working closely with Slough Urban Renewal to provide good quality accommodation for the benefit of people in the borough.”

A family which kept five dogs and two puppies in inadequate conditions in garden cages, has been fined by magistrates and banned from keeping any pets.

Husband and wife Jason and Cherylea Coates, and their nephew Albert Coates, were prosecuted after seven dogs were discovered by the council’s resilience and enforcement team.

The council was notified after neighbours reported continuous barking and that the dogs were never taken out for exercise.

When officers executed a warrant in December last year they found a shed in the front garden and two cages in the back garden of the home in Moreland Avenue, Colnbrook. One cage was home to two Jack Russell puppies and their mother which were owned by Albert Coates, 30. He voluntarily surrendered the animals into the care of the council.

It was believed three puppies had already died and the surviving puppies were housed in unsuitable conditions, with a lack of blankets or suitable bedding in December temperatures. Their food and water were also contaminated and they were in a dirty condition.

A Jack Russell cross Chihuahua, a Chihuahua and two Cocker Spaniels were also found and were owned by Mr and Mrs Coates. The couple aged 44 and 40, contested surrendering the animals and a court order for possession had to be obtained.

The trio appeared at Reading Magistrates' Court for sentencing on Friday 9 August after each had admitted, at an earlier hearing, a charge of neglect under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Albert Coates admitted an additional charge of causing unnecessary suffering under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. All offences occurred on 18 December, 2018.

Each of the family members was ordered to pay a £120 fine and were disqualified from owning our keeping an animal for a minimum of two years. Each was also ordered to pay £250 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

All the dogs have subsequently been rehomed and nursed back to health.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said the council took animal safety very seriously.

She said: "The resilience and enforcement team are doing a great job in responding to concerns and making sure there is a good outcome for animals being neglected in the borough.

"We cannot tolerate animals being harmed in any way in Slough and will prosecute where we can."

Slough Borough Council, in association with Get Berkshire Active and Places Leisure, are delighted to announce the launch of Mums’ Zone, the new holistic health and wellbeing programme for mums and their babies in Slough from September.

Working closely with the council’s early years team, public health team and a variety of local partners, the programme is designed to address some of the support needed for mothers in their perinatal period, with a focus on improving mental health.

According to NHS England, perinatal mental ill health affects up to 20 per cent of women during pregnancy and in their first year after giving birth* Research also shows that the effects of the mother’s mental health both while pregnant and after birth, on their children’s mental health can have an impact years into the future (Source NHS). With a strong link between maternal mental health and children’s mental health, Mums’ Zone provides a service to support mums.

Tim Howells, public health programme officer at Slough Borough Council, said:
“A project like Mums’ Zone is a perfect platform to support mums with their physical and emotional wellbeing. This project is a fantastic example of taking a whole systems approach to supporting health through working with various partners with different qualities to provide a fully rounded health and wellbeing programme.”

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This innovative project helps to support mums and takes a holistic view on mental and physical health. This programme is running for 26 weeks for two hours a week so will provide a regular space for mums to meet, talk and enjoy gentle physical exercise and receive support.”

Cathy Carr, Healthy Communities Manager at Get Berkshire Active and Mums’ Zone Programme Manager, said: “I developed Mums’ Zone as it is very close to my heart having experienced many struggles in motherhood. I felt there was a gap for mums with young babies where they can find a place for some gentle physical activity as well as relaxing, meeting other local mums and receiving a variety of wellbeing support. Having a baby brings many new challenges for mums and being able to meet and talk to like-minded mums and have a weekly opportunity to do this is very important in the first year of a new baby.”

Get Berkshire Active and Places Leisure developed Mums’ Zone in partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University who have a wealth of expertise in the field of perinatal care. The University will be providing the research and evaluation of the programme.

The programme is funded by the Sports Council Trust Company and supported by Slough and Wokingham Borough Councils.

What can mums expect to see at the Mums’ Zone sessions? It’s a very informal get-together of local mums with similar age babies (non-walkers). Within the relaxing atmosphere of children’s centres, with healthy refreshments and snacks, mums will have a chance to take part in some yoga and breathing activity, talk about day-to-day issues, get advice from professionals on important topics and learn how to balance the new life of a busy parent with time for self-care.

The programme will run two-hour sessions a week for 26 weeks in two of Slough’s children’s centres.

Mondays - Monksfield Way children's centre, Monksfield Way, Slough, SL2 1QX
From Monday 9 September
9.45am-12.15pm
Friday's - Penn Road children's centre, Penn Road, Slough, SL2 1PG
From Friday 13 September
9.45am-12.15pm
The programme will be supported by a small group of ‘Mums’ Zone Ambassadors’ who will be a weekly friendly face and support for the mums.

Get Berkshire Active welcome more women to join as Mums’ Zone Ambassadors. All volunteers will be offered training and support. Contact Get Berkshire Active on Cathy Carr – cathy.carr@getberkshireactive.org or call: 01628 472851 for more information.

The Slough Horticultural Show took place on Saturday 17 August at Lascelles Park, and the sun was shining after a tense week of watching the weather forecast!

The Mayor of Slough, Councillor Avtar Kaur Cheema, attended the show and supported the stall holders by purchasing from various stalls, as well as having a full tour of the show and competition entries and presented the best in show prizes, accompanied by Norman Grundon.

Arbor the 18ft tall tree puppet was a very popular part of the show. Arbor the tree performed by theatre company – Smoking Apples, was sponsored by HOME Slough as part of their community festivals development program.

As well as giving three performances throughout the day, he could be found walking the park, and the subject of many selfies! As part of his main show he encouraged the audience to plant and nurture their own trees, Arbor gave each person a sapling to take home, leaving a legacy that will last for generations.

Basil and Crew’s mobile farm, the fun fair, and small car racing track were massive hits with younger visitors, and Elite Drummers and 153 Squadron Air Cadets drew in a large crowd of all ages with their arena performances.

There was a huge variety of stalls and exhibits from the land girls and WW2 exhibit and 1916 Pierce Arrow Model R Lorry exhibited by show sponsor Grundon, to an arts and craft activity stall for the little ones, run by Antz Kidz, there really was something for everyone!

There were lots of competitions to enter, from home grown produce and plants to baking, brewing, art, craft and photography. Competition entries were up 36 per cent on last year, with more residents becoming involved in each of the different categories!

The overall competition winners were:

Best in Show - Nick Bird
Most Points Horticultural Classes - Autar Somal
Best Vegetable exhibit - Maxine Packer
Grundon Challenge Cup - Michaela Temple
Highest number of points Cookery - Gwenda Cornish
Most points under 7yrs - Reuben Antao-Bento
Most points 7-11yrs - Lily-May Wall
Herschel Challenge Cup - Rozina Khalid.

Youth Challenge Best Scarecrow - 153 Squadron Air Cadets - with Simba from the Lion King.

Haley Baldwin, Slough Allotment Federation, said: “I was so pleased to see so many people enjoying the show on Saturday. This is the culmination of months of hard work and it’s amazing to see all of the competition entries and the wide range of talented people we have in the local area.

“It was amazing to see the public's reaction to Arbor and so many new exhibitors and I really enjoyed seeing Datchet Border Morris perform. Thank you to everyone who contributed or entered the show and to all of the volunteers for giving their time both organising the show in the months beforehand, and on the day.”

Schools across the borough opened early this morning so pupils could receive their A-level results, and take their next steps towards their futures.

Councillor Shabnum Sadiq, cabinet member for children and schools, said: “It’s a big day for all of our A-level students as they collect their results after two years of hard work. We are so proud of our young people and I would like to congratulate them as they receive their results today.

“Whatever our young people go on to do as their next step, be it further education, starting out at work, or apprenticeships, we as a council wish them every success for their futures.

“We have a fantastic community of school staff and support services that we are tremendously grateful for, their hard work and dedication supporting, teaching and guiding our students really shines through in the confidence and achievements of our young people.

“Slough’s young people have some great achievements to celebrate today, and as a top priority for the council we will continue to invest heavily in education in order to make sure our young people have the best environments and facilities to learn and thrive in.”

Osborne Property Services has been shortlisted for the Slough Business Support of the Year award.

Slough Borough Council’s repairs, maintenance and investment service partner, Osborne, has been nominated as part of 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 submission included details about working with charities in the borough as well as offering work experience and placements for students.

The submission said: “We have worked hard 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 dedicated community investment manager is committed to delivering the community investment plan to ensure maximum impact.

“We have and will continue to develop relationships, supporting local charities and organisations including Hestia where we have launched a year long campaign titled ‘Gift, With Love’.

“We were also thrilled to work with SCVS to help co-ordinate the well needed face-lift of HOME on the High Street. This worthy project brought local organisations and volunteers together which gave it a clean, fresh and vibrant feel. Over two days, we managed to cover 3965sq ft of walls and woodwork, making the space look renewed.”

The winners will be presented with the award at a celebration dinner on Friday 15 November at Heathrow and Windsor Marriott, Ditton Road, Langley.

All those shortlisted will receive a certificate on the night and the overall winners in each category will receive a trophy.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “Excellent work like this shows how partnerships are vital not only to provide services but to go above and beyond and leave a lasting legacy in the community.

“I hope Osborne do well at the awards ceremony – however, their work in the community will be there as a prize whether they win or not.”

A man who did not provide adequate food, water and shelter for two dogs and a six week old puppy, has been banned from owning any pet.

Adam Lines, 30, also caused unnecessary suffering to one of the dogs and her puppy which needed veterinary treatment for visible conditions.

Slough Borough Council’s resilience and enforcement team were contacted in January this year after concerns the dogs were constantly barking and in distress.

When officers arrived at Hetherington Close, Britwell, they found the mother a black Patterdale Terrier and her black puppy in a garden.

There was little access to food and water and no adequate shelter for the animals.

A warrant was obtained and when officers arrived they found a third dog, a brown Springer Spaniel, which was also being neglected.

All the dogs were taken away from the property and assessed by vet who found the dogs had been suffering and a decision was made to prosecute.

Mr Lines appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 9 August for sentencing after he had admitted five counts under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 at an earlier hearing.

He admitted on January 8 this year he failed to provide for all three dogs “a suitable environment… adequate food and drinking water and failing to protect them from injury and disease.”

He also admitted failing to get medical attention for the puppy, in relation to its poor condition and bloated abdomen, and the black Patterdale Terrier which had suffered fur loss and itchy skin as well as failing to ensure she was well nourished.

Magistrates sentenced Mr Lines to a 12 month community order, ordered him to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and he was disqualified from owning any animal for a minimum of five years. He was also ordered to pay £700 towards the council’s costs of the prosecution.

All three dogs were surrendered in January and were quickly rehomed and nursed back to health.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “This is a terrible case where all three dogs were outside in the winter and in distress.

“Not only were the dogs not feed properly and did not have suitable access to water, but two of the animals needed treatment by a vet.

“However, what this case does show is that the council will act on information and remove animals which are being poorly treated. This also shows that we will prosecute where possible and recover as much of the costs as we can.”

“I had lots of fun”, “it’s a good way of trying new foods with my children” and “it can be hard during the holidays.”

These were just some of the comments from families at a school holiday food club arranged by a partnership of Slough organisations.

The Good Grub Club, an initiative created to combat holiday hunger, supports families by hosting interactive workshops with an emphasis on getting participants to prepare food and cook healthy meals from start to finish.

The Good Grub Club is running officially this summer, after a smaller successful pilot showed there was a need to help some families who struggled financially. Housing Association Radian wanted to expand the club for this summer holidays and the council’s building and maintenance partner Osborne helped source a venue and complimentary food and fun activities for the children. Zest restaurant at Langley College is now the location for families to gather once a week during the school holidays.

While parents go off and learn to cook wholesome and versatile meals under the tutelage of chef lecturer Mark Goldstein and his staff, the children play under the supervision of volunteers. Local organisations and charities provide various activities for free such as sports, drama and virtual reality workshops.

Around eight families are attending the weekly session where they get to share the meal they have cooked, as well as receiving the recipe and ingredients to recreate the meal at home. Families being helped by domestic violence charity Hestia are also attending.

Shabana Farooq, community development officer at Radian, said a small pilot project was set up last summer to help families on low incomes during holiday periods. She said: “For families on a budget, we helped them learn how to make nutritious, simple and quick meals which can be the base of lots of family dinners.

“For some people it is going right back to basics and helping them learn how to go through a recipe from start to finish.

“It is also to combat holiday hunger to support families who are usually entitled to free school meals who can struggle over the six-week holiday. Free school meals support low income families during term time, but there are 170 non-school days a year, causing a lot of financial pressure.

“And most of all we want the children to have fun and then sit down and have a family meal together.”

Claire Giacobbe, Osborne’s community investment manager, said everyone was grateful to all the partners coming together including Slough Business Community Partnership, Radian, Slough Borough Council, Men’s Matters, Slough Outreach and Bidfood Slough, which contributed the fresh ingredients from their suppliers.

She said: “The children have a fun time trying out new activities while their parents cook. They then all share the meal which has been cooked, which is a lovely experience, and hopefully will help the families in the long term.”

Mum Pauline, 43, of Langley, attended the pilot Good Grub Club last year and will be participating in this summer’s sessions.

She said: “We get to cook and try different ingredients and foods that I might not normally buy. When you’re a single mum it’s hard to try and experiment when you don’t know if your child will like it.

“Also, it’s about cooking things you have forgotten about that actually are easy like apple crumble - which I don’t think I’ve had since I lost my mum years ago.”

One 12-year-old boy who attended said he really enjoyed the virtual reality games provided by Immersive Computing Labs.

He said: “I like to try new things out and make new friends. The VR game was great.”


Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “This is a great example of lots of organisations working in partnership for the benefit of Slough residents.

“Not only do children get to experience an activity, their parents get expert advice on how to cook really wholesome and budget friendly meals they can use in their everyday lives.

“Then, what better way to spend a mealtime but together trying new food and talking.”

Work is about to start on hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of road improvements to future proof Langley.

In the next few weeks the Harrow Market junction, which is currently a roundabout where Langley Road, Station Road and the High Street meet, will get a £750,000 remodel.

The meeting of the three roads will be managed by traffic lights with a pedestrian crossing positioned at each junction.

The work has been made possible with funding from Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and is the second phase of work the village will benefit from. The first set of improvements included upgrading pedestrian and cycle access around Langley train station, a new zebra crossing on Station Road, and improving drainage in the area to reduce localised flooding.

The latest work is being started in the quieter summer holidays to minimise the disruption to local residents and commuters as much as possible.

Other work will include widening the roads at the Harrow Market junction, the removal of speed cushions on all approaches to the current roundabout, resurfacing work and adjustments to street signs and guardrails.

The village’s millennium monument will be removed from the roundabout and kept in storage for a short time before being repositioned in a new home. A new path with lighting will also be created in Langley Memorial Ground. No trees will be removed during the work and care will be taken when working around tree roots.

The work is being carried out because Hollow Hill Lane will close at a date yet to be determined, but expected to be before 2027, as part of the planned Western Rail link work to Heathrow. This work by Network Rail is due to start in 2022.

In 2016, during a consultation exercise, Hollow Hill Lane/ Market Lane was closed near the bridge to gauge the impact on the road network in Langley and residents’ views were canvassed.

The feedback via direct contact from residents, councillors, parishes and commuters was focused on congestion at the Harrow Market roundabout and High Street.

The road closure revealed Harrow Market roundabout was unable to cope with the increase in traffic volume.

Since the consultation, engineers have carefully considered the feedback and examined various models, which will be able to have a positive effect on journey times and reduce congestion in Langley before and after the closure of Hollow Hill Lane/Market Lane.

Engineers have determined that removing the roundabout and replacing it with a traffic light controlled three-way junction will create better traffic flows today and in the future.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience and noise caused during these improvements.

“We are very grateful for the support from Thames Valley Berkshire LEP to be able to remodel the junction which will be needed because of the future closure of Hollow Hill Lane and Market Lane, something which is beyond our control.

“We hope residents and commuters will bear with us while this work is taking place and it will benefit those travelling around Langley when it is completed.”

We have been informed that solicitors in the local area have been quoting £250 for document checks to help EU citizens with a valid EU passport and their non-EU family members with a biometric residence card, to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. You do not need to pay this amount as the council offers identity document scanning for residents applying to the EU Settlement Scheme for £20.

The registrar’s office at The Curve will scan and verify your passport or biometric residence card to confirm your identity so you can then make an application to the EU Settlement Scheme. You must not start your EU Settlement Scheme application before you attend this appointment.

This service is a walk-in service – so no appointments are necessary, between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, at Slough Register Office, The Curve, 2nd Floor, Slough, SL1 1XY.
Please bring with you to your appointment:
• your current valid EU passport or if you are a non EU family member then you need to bring your valid biometric residence card
• a mobile phone that can receive text messages or a device that can receive your emails - you will need to access the text or email while at your appointment
• you will then be able to make an application for pre-settled or settled status by yourself, using the link in the email you will receive after using our service.

The cost of the identity document scanning service is £20 (including VAT).

Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “I am shocked that residents who are concerned about Brexit and their residency would be quoted such a high price for a service we will provide for £20. It’s important our residents aren’t taken advantage of when feeling vulnerable at a time like this.

“We offer a drop in service and will go through the application process with any resident who needs help.”

For more information visit http://www.slough.gov.uk/births-marriage-deaths/eu-settlement-scheme-2019.aspx

Spend the afternoon at the Slough Horticultural Show next Saturday (17 August) in Lascelles Park, between 11am and 5pm. With a packed entertainment schedule and bouncy castles, fun fair rides, and a mobile farm to keep the little ones amused it’s the perfect afternoon out.

You still have time to enter the many competitions for the best home grown produce including vegetables and flowers, and best home made items, including cakes, knitted items and clothing, or for keen photographers, there is a photography competition. There are also classes for children to enter their home grown produce and home made wares.

Schools and youth groups can take part in the challenge to create a scarecrow that depicts a child’s film or book character. The scarecrow can be made using any materials and should be brought along on the day for judging.

All produce classes will be judged by professional horticultural judges which will take place earlier in the day. In addition to the competition classes, there is lots of entertainment on offer, including;

• Basil and crew – super cute farmyard animals
• fun fair rides
• colour maze
• bouncy castle
• Arbor the 18ft tree puppet
• land train
• vintage cars / Pierce Arrow (Grundon)
• entertainment in the main arena from local groups including Datchet Border Morris,
British Airways Brass Band, Michelle B, 153 Slough RAF Air Cadets, Kickfit Martial Arts
demo team, Elite Drummers, and Solid steel acoustic trio (steel band).

Car parking is available at Lascelles Park, but visitors are advised to travel by public transport or walk where possible.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I can’t wait to see not only what residents have entered into the show, but the varied entertainment for all the family as well. This looks to be another fantastic community event building on last year’s show, so pop along and join us for the afternoon on the 17 August.”

For further information and entry forms, email sloughhorticulturalshow@gardener.com or visit www.slough.gov.uk/sloughshow

An internet fraudster who sold fake camera equipment online has been ordered by a judge to pay back more than £87,000 in illegal earnings.

Baveshgar Rameshgar’s home was raided by the council’s trading standards team after reports of fake Canon camera equipment being sold in counterfeit boxes, in an attempt to pass the items off as genuine articles.

Batteries which were also confiscated during the raid were suspected of not complying with EU safety legislation.

The 35-year-old, who traded as KG Deal UK, admitted six counts under the Trade Mark Act 1994 of supplying counterfeit items, intending to sell another 666 pieces of camera equipment purporting to be Canon, and possession of 92 pieces of counterfeit packaging for sale.

Judge Edward Burgess QC, sitting at Reading Crown Court on Friday 19 July, ordered Mr Rameshgar to pay back £87,500 during a joint sentencing and Proceeds of Crime Act hearing where it was decided that was the figure of illegal financial gain.

He sold fake goods to unsuspecting members of the public all around the country on Amazon. When intelligence was passed to the council’s trading standards department test purchases were conducted and the counterfeit equipment dispatched and received.

A warrant was then obtained to search Mr Rameshgar’s home in Hammond Road, Southall, on 13 January, 2016 (corr), where the rest of the goods were found and seized.

Mr Rameshgar was also sentenced to a community order of 125 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay a £5,000 contribution to prosecution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Judge Burgess ordered for the counterfeit equipment to be destroyed.

Confiscations under the Proceeds of Crime Act are made to take the profit out of crime and a portion of this order will be paid to Slough Borough Council to further enforcement work.

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said counterfeiting is not a victimless crime.

She said: “Counterfeiting deprives legitimate traders not just of their profits, but deprives government and local authorities of tax, VAT and business rates and in many cases can fund organised crime.

“In addition, counterfeit goods can be dangerous for the public to use and in many cases do not meet EU safety standards.

“Slough Borough Council will take a robust stand against counterfeit goods that disadvantage both residents and traders.”

Slough Borough Council has begun the annual canvass for the Register of Electors. A household enquiry form is being sent to every property in the borough in August, with details of everyone currently registered to vote at the property. Forms will start to drop on residents’ door mats from 6 August onwards.

The form gives residents the opportunity to add any new names or remove any out of date information so the electoral register is up to date.

You can complete the Household Enquiry Form by using our automated services if there are no changes, online at www.householdresponse.com/slough or return the form by post if there are changes to be made.

Follow up forms will be sent in September and anyone in the household who is 16 or over can respond to it, even if there are no changes to be made.

A new register of electors will be published on 1 December and the council needs to ensure all properties have responded to ensure the register is up to date.

Those who haven’t responded to their household enquiry form with details of who is eligible to vote at a property will receive a visit from one of the council’s canvassers between 14 October and 27 November.

All canvassers will be wearing high visibility jackets and carry identification to confirm who they are. They will be asking you to update your information on their new electronic tablets rather than paper forms, and will be able to register any new residents. This technology has only been brought in this year but will ensure all your information is stored securely.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “To make sure you are able to have your say at the elections next year, simply check the form when it arrives and respond as soon as you can.

“If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear on the enquiry form. If you want to register, the easiest way is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we’ll send you information explaining how to do this in the post. In any case, you will still need to complete the enquiry form and send it back to us.”

People are required by law to respond to the household enquiry form and anyone who doesn’t could be fined up to £1,000. You could also be refused credit, mobile phone, mortgage or a loan if your name doesn’t appear on the electoral register.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact Electoral Services on: 01753 475111 or visit www.slough.gov.uk/council/voting-and-elections/annual-canvass-2019.aspx

A group of keen cyclists volunteered to go back into the classroom to learn how to teach people to bike ride.

The 10 community based teachers have been put through their paces so they can help people regain skills on two wheels.

The Ride Leader course was organised by the council’s sustainable transport team Better by and funded by the Access Fund.

It will mean the 10 community volunteers can guide, support and encourage people who want to learn how to cycle safely.

The main aim of the project is to get more people on their bikes for leisure rides to enable them to gain the confidence they need to consider commuting sustainably.

Health benefits can also be achieved through regular cycling as well as reducing the number of vehicles on the road which in turn, reduces pollution.

The teachers are from St George’s Church, Britwell, Freewheelers Cycling Club, Slough Gurdwara as well as individuals who just want to support continued cycling growth in the borough.

The British Cycling Ride Leadership Award course blends online learning with an assessed one-day course. The course covers a wide range of areas including managing risks, emergencies and route planning.

This qualifies successful participants, who gain an industry recognised qualification, to lead groups on the road in a safe manner and are now able to deliver guided bike rides for groups of beginners up to a distance of 50 miles.

Misha Byrne, project manager for the Access Fund, said: “Being flat and compact, Slough is a great borough to cycle in.

“This initiative means we can train keen cyclists who can then go on to help those that need a little more support and encouragement.

“By joining a led ride with one of these newly trained teachers, inexperienced cyclists can really build up confidence and hopefully consider using their bikes for short journeys, instead of choosing to jump into a car.

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “It’s great to see people willing to give up their time to learn new skills so they can pass it on to others in their community.

“There are multiple benefits of people getting on their bikes. Getting over the first hurdle is becoming confident on two wheels and the more community volunteers we have, the more people we can help.”

A new partnership will bring young people together to work on their bicycles at a revitalised cycle club.

Community volunteers have been joined by a Thames Valley Police PCSO to be trained in bike mechanic maintenance so the former Britwell Cycle Club can get off the ground again.

Vinay Vyas, a council community project officer, PCSO Pawel Pietras and Alan Jones of the Britwell Youth and Community project have all been successfully trained and become accredited as bicycle mechanics. Training was given by experts from Cycle Experience and provided by the council’s sustainable transport team Better by. Thames Valley Police provided funding that allowed the club to purchase much needed spare parts and some tools.

Britwell Youth and Community Project manager Paula Murphy and Alan have set up as a hub of cycling activity every Tuesday. Concentrating on bike maintenance and bike recycling, Alan and Paula have continued to provide local young people with the opportunity to meet while also learning how to maintain their own bikes.

The aim of the relaunched Britwell Cycle Club is to encourage as many young people as possible to use cycling as a way of travelling around the borough and to allow young people interested in cycling an opportunity to meet regularly, taking part in a range of cycling-related activities. With the new volunteers on board there are plans to grow the membership of the club and organise some led rides, Bikeability training and training young people to become mechanics.

Mr Vyas said: “The club offers a chance for the young people of Britwell to come together, while taking part in a healthy travel choice.

“We want young people to discover the freedom cycling brings - with a central meeting place for new and experienced cyclists so they can take part in activities beyond the school day.”

Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for transport and environmental services, said: “With increasing congestion and pollution on Slough’s roads, it’s important to teach young people about the positive benefits of cycling.

“The Britwell Cycle Club offers an excellent way of reinforcing this message so cycling becomes the natural choice for travelling around the borough. This group organise cycling activities for everyone and supports the Bikeability training already offered in most schools in the borough.

“By providing young people with the opportunity to cycle more often, it also tackles parents’ concerns about letting their children cycle. It’s an exciting project we’d like to see replicated across the borough, empowering young people and others to promote and implement cycling activities.”

A man who claimed he needed a council house but was actually a landlord, has been ordered to pay back more than £48,000 or face a prison sentence.

Gavin Lescott, 41, was in the process of buying a property with his brother when he applied to be placed on the council housing register in 2006.

He went on to buy a house in Northern Road, Manor Park, as an investment property and it was leased to tenants. In the meantime, he was offered a council tenancy in Woodford Way, Britwell, which he accepted.

He also did not declare he owned a property when he applied for benefits in 2017.

Mr Lescott has now been ordered to pay £48,408 by Judge Angela Morris sitting at Reading Crown Court on Friday 26 July. This was deemed to be the total criminal benefit from illegally obtaining the tenancy and residing there for more than 10 years. He has to repay the money by 25 October or face 18 months in prison for non payment. He was also ordered to pay full council prosecution costs of £6,816 at the Proceeds of Crime Act hearing.

He admitted three offences under the Fraud Act 2006 for making false representations and failing to disclose information he was legally obliged to disclose, intending to make a gain for himself.

He was given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, when he was sentenced for the offences in May at Reading Crown Court. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation which was aimed at helping him to understand the consequences of his actions and choices.

Mr Lescott agreed to move out of the house in Woodford Way and voluntarily returned the keys to the council at the end of June 2019. This saves the council from formally evicting him through the civil courts which would have incurred extra costs.

The house is now in the process of being rented out to another family on the council housing register.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “We will not tolerate those individuals who seek to defraud the local taxpayer.

“Social and council housing is there to provide much needed homes for our residents, not to generate illicit profits for dishonest tenants.

“The council will continue to take tough action against those unscrupulous individuals who seek to deny vulnerable families a roof over their heads.

“We will always push for the harshest punishments where we find people defrauding not just the council but the children, families and hard working residents on our housing register.”

Make a date in your diary for the Slough Horticultural Show on Saturday 17 August in Lascelles Park, between 11am and 5pm - there will be lots to see and do.

There is still time to get your entries in, there are competitions for the best home grown produce including vegetables and flowers, and best home made items, including cakes, knitted items and clothing. For keen photographers, there is a photography competition. There are also classes for children to enter their home grown produce and home made wares.
Schools and youth groups can take part in the challenge to create a scarecrow that depicts a child’s film or book character. The scarecrow can be made using any materials and should be brought along on the day for judging.
All produce classes will be judged by professional horticultural judges and will take place earlier in the day. Best in show will be awarded at 4.30pm and there will be the opportunity to buy any produce that has been entered into the competitions that have not been collected or claimed by their owners after this time.

This year providing entertainment we have:

• Arbor the 18ft puppet
• Elite Drummers
• Michelle B
• Datchet Border Morris dancers
• British Airways brass band
• Solid steel acoustic trio (steel band).

Haley Baldwin, from Slough Allotment Federation, said: “This is the second year of the show and we are hoping to build on the success of last year. This is a family event and I am looking forward to seeing all the competition entries from Slough residents. We have excellent entertainment this year for everyone, from a steel band to the mobile farm, and we look forward to seeing the community join us on the day.”

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This is the second year we are supporting Slough Allotment Federation with this family event. There is such a variety of competitions and entertainment, and there really is something for everyone. If you haven’t entered already there are competitions you can still enter with everything from photography to baking or brewing and a special section of classes especially for children, so the whole family can get involved.”

For further information, email sloughhorticulturalshow@gardener.com or visit www.slough.gov.uk/sloughshow

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You can now follow us @sloughcouncil to find out about whats happening in Slough! Follow us to find new exclusive content, such as our rapping bin man Mike, who's music video about recycling in Slough will drop next month.

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Refurbishment work is currently underway at Manor Park Community Centre that will address all works identified on the building survey as well as refurbishment of the whole building.

The council held a consultation in the Manor Park area in 2017 to find out what community facilities residents would like to see in their local area. A key area of feedback was for more space to hire for community events, parties and meetings.

The first phase of work involved refurbishment and opening of new community facility Manor Park Pavilion and expansion of the nursery at Manor Park Community Centre. This was completed last year.

The refurbishment of the community centre includes some minor remodelling and upgrade of all building services including new windows, toilets and kitchen floors. The works are expected to be finished by late summer.

Leo Masood, buildings and projects manager, said: “We ran a consultation in the Manor Park area last year, and overwhelmingly residents said they would really like more space to hire for community events. Now along with the pavilion, the refurbished community centre will offer excellent facilities for people who need space for their events. I am really looking forward to opening this facility for the community in late summer.”

James Swindlehurst, leader of the council and cabinet member for regeneration and strategy, said: “We are extremely pleased to be delivering this refurbishment for our residents working from their own suggestions of what is needed in their area. This is the next phase of the Manor Park redevelopment plan to complement the new Manor Park Pavilion and the expansion of the nursery. I look forward to seeing the renovations completed and the residents enjoying the updated facilities.”

The Mayor of Slough, Councillor Avtar Kaur Cheema, presented certificates last Thursday at a thank you lunch for all the peer mentors at Hope College. The event, on Thursday last week, was for all peer mentors who have been students at the college, and to show appreciation for their many achievements individually and collectively too. All mentors were presented with certificates on the day.

The Mayor, speaking on the day, said: “We can all learn from each other and be validated as human beings. This is the powerful concept and philosophy that has been implemented across our mental health services, and at the heart of the development are the peer mentors, who have achieved so much, as each person progresses through Hope Recovery College, and then completes the Peer Mentoring programme.

“Each peer mentor has overcome so many hurdles and problems to reach this stage of their personal development. In the process each person has been supported and been seen for the unique individuals they are and with so much to offer others coming through mental health services. It is with pleasure and pride that I attend the event today, and give personal congratulations to all of the peer mentors.

“My final words are about recognising all of the staff from Slough mental health services, who have the courage of their own convictions, and contribute to this amazing and inclusive way of working with people. It is with pride that I say well done to all and Proud to be Slough!”

Hope College is a recovery college, delivering educational courses and activities to people with mental health conditions. The purpose of the college is to provide hope, opportunity and control for every student, enabling and empowering them to reach their full potential.

The courses are co-created and facilitated by people with first-hand experience of mental illness. The weekly timetable of activities is designed to help develop structure and routine and to provide social support as well as life skills. Students have the opportunity to become peer mentors, using their experiences to help and support others.

Three of the students awarded certificates by the Mayor were:
• Zena Dickson for giving time and energy to support others at Samba Drumming, Wellbeing for Women and at Co-Production events.
• Tony Mallah for giving time and energy to support others at Singing as a Choir, Embrace, the Keeping Safe workshop, Men Talk Too, at Co-Production events and by offering 1:1 support.
• Kamran Khan for giving time and energy to support others at the Introduction to Volunteering workshop, Singing as a Choir and at Co-Production events.

Hope College is currently open to all clients and carers that use the Slough Community Mental Health Team and their carers. Students are encouraged to self-enrol on to the courses/ workshops and activities they feel will benefit their mental health and wellbeing.

Former Slough Youth Parliament representative, Susy Senghor, 16, is one of just 11 members of the National Youth Select Committee, which plays a vital role in raising awareness of the issues affecting young people across the UK. Susy has been appointed Vice Chair of the committee.

Following its call for evidence on the issue of knife crime – a key concern for young people across the country, including in Slough, as highlighted by the 2018 ‘Make Your Mark’ ballot of young people – the National Youth Select Committee held oral evidence sessions in the House of Commons on 5 and 12 July. During the sessions the Youth Select Committee considered evidence contributed by young people, schools, businesses, and organisations supporting both victims and offenders. The Safer Slough Partnership also contributed evidence.

Those contributing to the debate included experts in crime, policing, safeguarding, charities, the probation service, MPs and government advisors. The purpose of the oral evidence sessions was to collate information on the scale of the problem, prevention, possible interventions, social media and cultural influences, and to consider possible solutions.

The sessions were open to the public and broadcast live on Parliament TV and UK Parliament YouTube. (Search ‘Youth Select Committee’ to watch the recordings.) Susy also visited 10 Downing Street to discuss knife crime, and met Theresa May.

Giovanni Ferri, youth voice officer, Slough Borough Council, said: “As Vice Chair on this year’s committee, we are very proud Susy is representing Slough on the national stage. We look forward to the committee’s report and her working with Slough Youth Parliament and the Safer Slough Partnership board to see what can be implemented locally.”

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “We are extremely proud Susy has represented Slough at the Houses of Parliament and now at Number 10 raising the importance issue of knife crime, and meeting Theresa May and we look forward to the production of the committees report.”

Hi everyone, hope you're keeping well in this weather.

There are some helpful tips about how to help you and your neighbours in this weather on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather

During a heatwave Public Health England recommend:
• Keeping windows shut during the hottest part of the day to stop rooms over-heating
• If you have children, fit child resistant window restrictors making sure you can get out easily in an emergency.

Also:
• Be aware of the high temperatures at night as well as during the day.
• Keep an eye out for vulnerable residents and Sloughs rough sleepers by dropping them off a bottle of water and ensuring they keep cool.
• Keep hydrated.

This year at the horticultural show there is a new class promoting recycling, sponsored by local business - Grundon. It’s the making something new from something old category, which promotes being environmentally friendly and recycling, and you can also be in with a chance to win the new Grundon Cup. If you are considering entering into the Slough Horticultural Show on 17 August, there is still plenty of time for you to get creative.

Another addition to the show this year is the amazing Arbor puppet sponsored by HOME Slough, who are hosting an artist as part their community festivals development program.

Arbor is an 18ft tall, part man, part tree, and tells the story of a tree pushed from his home and his fight to preserve his future. Encouraging the audience to plant and nurture their own trees, Arbor will give each person a sapling to take home, leaving a legacy that will last for generations. Arbor is an interactive walkabout performance, suitable for the entire family. Created by award-winning puppetry and theatre company, Smoking Apples.

The Slough Horticultural Show takes place from 11am to 5pm on 17 August in Lascelles Park.

Haley Baldwin, from the Slough Allotment Federation, said: “This year’s show has new categories and challenges such as the Grundon Cup – the make something new from something old category encourages residents to get creative and recycle at the same time. We are also very excited to be welcoming Arbor to the show and a great part of their act is giving out young saplings for residents to plant. We hope this year's show will encourage residents to be more environmentally friendly.”

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I am really looking forward to seeing all the new classes and entertainment that will be at the show this year. There is something suitable for all the family. It’s great that the show is promoting being kind to the environment as well as being in with a chance to win the Grundon Cup for your creations.

“There are so many creative categories to enter. It will be a fun filled day and you could win an award!”

For further information on all the classes that can be entered at the show and to download a schedule and application form, go to www.slough.gov.uk/sloughshow

The Slough Horticultural Show takes place from 11am to 5pm on 17 August in Lascelles Park.

Schools are about to be out for summer and Slough MP Tan Dhesi has endorsed the council’s campaign to keep people out of the Jubilee River during the holidays.

The man-made flood relief river claimed the lives of two young men who had gone into the water to cool off in the hot weather last summer.

Dajarn Daly, 17, lost his life last July after going into the water as temperatures soared. His family has joined the council in warning other young people of the dangers of the river due to strong undercurrents near the weir and the very cold temperature of the water.

The Environment Agency is the guardian of the Jubilee River and the riverbanks, and it commissioned and placed two signs either side of the waterway off Windsor Road, Slough. Representatives have worked with the council, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police to discourage people getting in the water.

Mr Dhesi joined representatives from the Environment Agency, the council and Jamie Green, the director of the Jubilee River Riverside Centre who regularly tells people paddling in the water about the dangers.

He said he hoped the signs would prevent people from getting into the water and added: “There were two young girls here recently who were getting into the water and I told them to get out as two young lads died here last summer. They got out, they listened. Before the deaths people would ignore me.”

Mr Dhesi said he raised the issue in Parliament after the deaths in 2018 and now wants a debate in the Commons for water safety to be taught in schools.

He said: “I commend the council and their partners, the Environment Agency, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police who have collaborated to put this new sign at the Jubilee River.

“The river is very unsafe because of the strong undercurrent which can drag people down and because of how cold the water is which can lead to cold water shock.

“Sadly, there were two fatalities last year and I have brought this up in Parliament.

“Please be very careful along the Jubilee River and take notice of the signs because the consequences of getting in the water can be serious.”

Ian Ware, Environment Agency Asset Performance Team Leader for Lower Tribs and Jubilee River said: “Do not swim close to the weir. Weirs are man-made structures which hold a variety of hidden dangers, such as strong currents and fast flowing water. Please pay attention to the warning signs, use this area responsibly, and stay safe near the water”.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing said she hoped the permanent signs at the riverbank would make people think twice about getting into the water however inviting and hot the weather.

She said: “We want people to stay safe as the weather gets warmer and that means not getting into the water at all.

“The weir looks shallow and looks like people would be able to paddle or cross from one side to the other. But the river level and flow can change at any time because it is a flood relief rather than a natural river.”

From August, in order to reduce the waiting times for patients, the specialist sexual health Garden Clinic service in Upton Hospital Slough, Skimped Hill Bracknell, and St Mark’s Hospital Maidenhead will be providing the majority of their service via an appointment-only system, although some services will still be drop-in. You will be able to book these appointments online through the www.safesexberkshire.nhs.uk website.

Patients have said the waits when attending the walk-in-clinics are too long, and the clinics will now offer online bookable appointments. This will be using technology to assist and guide you through your sexual health needs, and will provide a reliable, safe, confidential service that is modernising the way they deliver services.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This change to an appointment only system will make the services available at the Garden Clinic more accessible and reduce waiting times, which will benefit our residents’ health.”

Remember there are many other ways to get the help you need:

• The service is as accessible and convenient as possible; if you want testing for an STI but do not have any symptoms, you are now able to order a home testing kit via the www.safesexberkshire.nhs.uk website, this is discreet and safe, and is posted to your home address without attending the service.
• Use your GP - your GP is able to offer most of the routine tests and contraceptive procedures the sexual health clinic provide, and provides this confidentially. You can also discuss options for Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) with your GP. For many people, your GP is more local and convenient, and has appointments at times you can access.
• Your local pharmacist may be able to help - community pharmacists are highly qualified healthcare professionals who can give you help and advice, and can provide appropriate medication or treatment for many conditions. Examples include treatment for thrush or Bacterial Vaginosis and supplying the emergency contraceptive pill. Most pharmacies have a private consultation room for you to discuss your symptoms with them in a private and discreet manner.
• Need a repeat prescription? Remember to ‘think ahead’ and arrange your repeat prescription with your GP before you run out. Pharmacists can issue medicines without a prescription to known patients in emergency situations - ask your local pharmacist for advice. Repeat prescriptions can be ordered online in many cases.

Special guests were invited to tour new facilities at Littledown School and Haybrook College on Monday 15 July for a ribbon cutting ceremony opening the new school buildings. The guests were representatives of Slough Borough Council, the governing bodies of both schools, local headteachers, members of school staff and representatives from the contractors, and architects. The ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted by Councillor Shabnum Sadiq, cabinet member for children and schools.

Activate (which is the Haybrook College part of the centre) is a KS4 pupil referral unit where young people who are at risk of being excluded from school or have been permanently excluded are educated. Activate used to be housed within the Sara Lee/Unilever building on Bath Road in Slough and when the company relocated to Port Sunlight, Activate found themselves without a building.

After being housed with another of Haybrook’s provisions, Slough Borough Council offered the college a lease on the Thomas Gray building. Activate and the Wexham Park Hospital School moved in on September 2018 whilst some works were ongoing, and renovation works are now complete.

The other half of the building is occupied by Littledown School which is a primary school for children with Social Emotional and Mental Health difficulties and the behaviour outreach service SEBDOS. The Milan Centre was formerly used by the council for various community projects but has now been renovated and is used by Littledown School. Both schools wanted to give thanks to all involved in enabling some of the most vulnerable pupils in the borough to be educated in such lovely surroundings. In particular to thank the local authority and all of those who worked on the renovations for their continued support of alternative educational provision in Slough.

Jamie Rockman, Executive Headteacher of Haybrook College, said: “This building was originally built in 1895 and was one of the first council run schools in Slough, until 1977 when the school merged with James Elliman School. It then became a school for non-English speaking pupils followed by the Schools Language Services and then jointly by Littledown School and Slough’s Adult Education Service, until this year when it was renovated, making it fit for purpose for both primary and secondary alternative provision.

“It is really heartening to see in times of extreme financial pressure, that is seeing many local authorities reduce investment in the most vulnerable, Slough Borough Council has displayed the moral courage and moral purpose to continue to provide significant capital investment towards the education of Slough’s most marginalised, vulnerable and complex young people to ensure they have the best possible opportunities to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

Councillor Shabnum Sadiq, cabinet member for children and schools, said: “We feel passionately about supporting every child in the borough and believe no child should ever feel they are missing out, which is why the renovation of these buildings to provide this fantastic environment for those children in alternative provision is so important.”

After the formal opening, pupils from both schools conducted tours of the buildings.

Herschel, Salt Hill and Pippins Parks in Slough have been recognised again by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the world.

Salt Hill Park has had a green flag since 2010 and this is the 9th green flag for Pippins Park and for Herschel Park the 8th year of being in receipt of the award.

The parks are among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in 13 other countries around the world that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

If you haven’t visited any of the three award winning parks more information is available here: http://www.slough.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-events/parks-and-green-spaces.aspx

Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive Green Flag Awards for the 10th year.

We are so proud of our award winning parks and know how much hard work from our parks team and volunteers goes into maintaining our green spaces to such a high standard. Having award winning spaces really contributes to the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors to our borough.”

Ian Judd, Herschel Park management officer, said: “It is great news to have achieved the Green Flag standard and be presented with the coveted ‘Green Flag award’ again this year. It is testament to all the hard work that the Volunteers and Friends of Herschel Park put into the park. I would very much like to pass on my thanks to each of them for all of the time and effort they pour into the park to keep it looking at it’s best.

If you have not been to Herschel Park please come down and have a look at the ‘jewel in the parks department crown’; and have a chat with me or the volunteers and maybe join in with the team too. It is hard work, but we try to make it fun, and it is definitely very rewarding to look back on what you have achieved over the day.

We are in the park every Tuesday from 10am to 3pm, tea and biscuits are provided but please bring a packed lunch. Stout footwear and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty are a must. The formal garden is looking spectacular at the moment, with many flowering plants and shrubs in a dazzling array of colours, while the nature reserve’s wild flower meadow is teaming with life. All are in need of volunteers to help keep the park in good order, so why not pop down and give us a hand?”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 international winners.”

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on the fantastic achievement.”

Slough Borough Council has been awarded £483,568 for two projects to help new migrant communities in Slough.

The funding comes from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for council projects across the UK, which helps to ease pressures of local services resulting from recent migration.

The latest announcement awards councils across England a further £28 million bringing the
total funding from the government’s Controlling Migration Fund to over £100 million.

Nearly £170,000 has been awarded to a customised learning programme called Migration Achieves.

The programme will be delivered from a variety of easily accessible locations, to newly arrived communities to facilitate their arrival, settlement and subsequent integration into the town.

This includes a welcome programme to offer advice and support to new migrants around becoming economically and socially active, as well as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses.

Chalvey 360 is an intensive multi-agency approach which will support the Roma community to tackle a wide variety of concerns that disproportionately impact on local services and communities. It has been awarded £313,900.

It will enable the Roma community, and particularly Roma children, to adopt accepted societal and legislative norms while maintaining their unique cultural characteristics.

The project will also support all local residents to understand each other and increase community cohesion.
Slough is one of 123 projects across England to be awarded with this funding.
Communities Minister Lord Bourne said: “Whether it’s tackling rogue landlords who exploit vulnerable migrants, helping new arrivals learn English or supporting care leavers to access education, the Controlling Migration Fund is delivering results across the country and providing services for the benefit of all.
“Each community is unique in the challenges it faces, but the projects we’ve funded have shown that positive change is possible when people come together and think innovatively about how to support the whole community.”
Cllr Martin Carter, cabinet member for inclusive growth and skills, said: “I am delighted Slough has been awarded this much needed money to help with the Chalvey 360 and Migration Achieves projects.

“Slough has a great track record of welcoming new communities, and we are very proud of the vibrancy and diversity of our town. However, we appreciate that embedding new communities with existing ones can sometimes come with challenges, which is why projects like Chalvey 360 are vital in helping communities to integrate.

“We are also pleased to have additional support for welcoming new communities as well as extra ESOL classes.”

If the blooms in your garden are your pride and joy, why not enter them into one of the flower classes at the Slough Horticultural Show on 17 August.

There are many classes to choose from, and lots of different flowers can be entered from sunflowers to sweet peas, chrysanthemums to cactus!

And, if you have creative flair, there are classes for flower arranging and pot plants.

The classes are open to all levels of competitors including individuals, flower and garden clubs. Floral art is also a class in the junior section of the show.

Here are some useful tips to help you get the most out of your plants and flowers when preparing them for the show:

Before cutting
• 2 – 3 weeks prior to show, keep soil moist
• Remove any unwanted, weak sideshoots or buds to help develop the main flower
• If possible protect blooms from damage caused by rain and splashing from the soil

Cutting
• Check the show schedule for requirements of the class you are entering
• Cut for the show in the evening or early morning – when the flowers and foliage are cool
• Flower stems should be cut as long as possible
• Make a slanting cut at the end of the stalk as this will assist the uptake of water
• Avoid handling the flowers more than is necessary
• Carry the cut stems with the blooms facing downwards keeping the plant away from draughts or bright sunshine as much as possible
• Try to cut sufficient flowers to allow some choice in your final selection
• Remove unwanted undeveloped sideshoots, unopened buds and some of the lower leaves as these will divert water from the stem and flower
• The cut stems should be plunged upright, up to their necks in deep containers of clean, cold water – preferably overnight. Place in cool position away from light because stems are drawn to the light and can become curved.

Remember that a judge will evaluate the stem and foliage, the flower, the container, the arrangement and uniformity of the flowers.

Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are committed to creating an attractive environment for residents and visitors. It’s fantastic to see so many residents grow their own plants and flowers to make the borough look bright. The flower classes are a key part of the show and I look forward to seeing what residents have been growing in their gardens.”

Haley Baldwin, from Slough Allotment Federation, said: “This is one of my favourite classes of the show. Last year’s entries brought an assortment of colours to the judging marquee and showcased some hidden talents and we hope to see more this year on 17 August.”

The Slough Horticultural Show takes place on 17 August in Lascelles Park from 11am to 5pm. For further information, email sloughhorticulturalshow@gardener.com or visit the Slough Horticultural Show website to submit an online entry form and read more about the classes available.