Slough

Neighbourhood loop for Slough, Berkshire

Open Loop 14

    • PeterJ @PeterJ Slough - updated 10mo

      Just a note for businesses. Please don't bother asking to join the loop, as free advertisements aren't wanted in this loop.

      To anyone else wanting to join, please be patient! (If you can, send me a message, as that should let me know you're waiting.)

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 2mo

      Equality Objectives – public consultation now open – have your say!

      In November Cabinet gave approval for the council’s draft equality objectives to go to a public consultation. Setting these objectives is a key part of our public sector equality duty under the Equality Act 2010 and will cover a period of four years.

      The objectives set out what we want to achieve and our priority areas of focus to:
      • reduce inequalities for Slough residents and service users
      • reduce inequalities and promote diversity and inclusion for the council’s workforce.

      The council is now seeking views on five draft equality objectives and wants to hear from as many people as possible on:
      • if they agree with the objectives we have proposed
      • which ones are most important
      • if there are significant areas of equalities focus or groups that are missing.

      The consultation can be completed at: https://slough.citizenspace.com/corporate/equality-objectives-consultation

      If there are any questions regarding the consultation you can contact the team at: equalities@slough.gov.uk

      Library staff are available to help any residents who have difficulty completing the questionnaire. The consultation closes on 2 February.

      The outcome of the consultation will be presented alongside the final version of the objectives when this is brought to Cabinet and Full Council later this year.

      Councillor Dexter Smith, Leader of the Council and cabinet member responsible for improvement & recovery, performance, governance and young futures said: “I would encourage all residents, service users and council staff to take part in this survey to help inform us that we have proposed the right equality objectives and which they see as the most important. The survey closes on 2 February.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 3mo

      Learning Disability Strategy approved at cabinet

      A new Learning Disability Strategy for 2023-28 describes how the council will work with its partners to reduce health inequalities for adults with learning disability, to live a good quality of life as independently as possible within the local community.

      The strategy sets out our ambitions to further integrate the work of health and social care professionals to identify solutions that improve the lives of people with learning disability.

      The strategy sets out seven key priorities for the council and people with learning disability.
      These include:
      • promote independence
      • ensure access to good quality care and support
      • progress the integration of health and social care
      • ensure effective transitions
      • facilitate access to employment, training and skills
      • embed an evidence based and data driven approach to commissioning
      • keep people safe.

      The action plan illustrates how the priority areas will be delivered.

      The strategy has been developed through a series of engagement events, both in person and online, with learning disability service users, family members, formal and informal carers, professionals in health and social care and the volunteer sector organisations. Furthermore, a multi-lingual questionnaire in the nine most spoken languages in Slough has been circulated to all stakeholders known to the Community Team for People with a Learning Disability (CTPLD)
      and the commissioning team.

      The Learning Disability Strategy will be overseen by a new steering group. This will be formed by representatives of the new Learning Disability Partnership Board which will be created following stakeholders’ feedback. Implementation of the strategy will be overseen by the commissioning team.

      Councillor Anna Wright, lead member for adult social care, mental health and learning disabilities, said: “This strategy has been created through engaging with our residents with a learning disability and their families and carers to ensure that we focus on what is most important to them. Our primary goal is ensuring that we help to improve our resident’s quality of life and the new steering group we are forming will help us to deliver in the seven priority areas identified.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 3mo

      Trader fined for nine food safety offences

      A fruit and vegetable business has been fined £32,000 for numerous food safety offences, including failure to keep the premises clean.

      Adams Fruits Limited, owner of Adam’s Fruit & Veg, 283 High Street, Slough, pleaded guilty to all the offences which included not keeping the food premises maintained in good condition.

      Other offences included not ensuring raw materials were stored at the premises to protect them from contamination, the walk-in chiller was disorganised, with raw meats being close to ready to eat fruit and vegetables, such as berries. The raw meats and the fruit, vegetables and herbs were not sufficiently segregated, posing a high risk of contamination.

      An adequate number of washbasins for cleaning hands with hot and cold running water, and hygienic drying, was not provided and there was no hot water in the WC basin or drying facilities.

      There were no pest control procedures in place, as there were mouse droppings at various parts of the premises, including on shelves, in a box displaying walnuts, on a plastic container of dates and a packet of tortillas, near the butchery display counter.

      As well as this, the rear door was dirty, with a hole at the bottom of the door, the door to the walk- in chiller was filthy, with traces of blood and the WC basin was dirty, causing concerns of cross contamination.

      The top of a dirty chest freezer was being used with cardboard on top for a cutting surface for watermelon. This is not a material that can be cleaned and attracts moisture, allowing bacteria to grow.

      A chest freezer full of products (meat/fish) was defrosted and emitting an unpleasant odour, and the bottom of the freezer contained liquid drippings from the bags, including blood.

      There were no regular cleaning schedules of hand contact points to avoid cross contamination, no schedules to check temperatures on chillers and freezers to ensure they were at the right level and staff were not demonstrating good standards of personal hygiene.

      These offences relate to poor standards found in November 2022 and June 2023. The premises was formally closed on 17 November 2022 due to a health risk condition. Significant improvements were made to allow it to re-open on 18 November 2022. It took several visits for standards to improve sufficiently. The premises was visited again in June 2023, where standards were found to be very poor again, and further enforcement was taken by the Food & Safety Team.

      Ann Stewart, food & safety professional, Slough Borough Council, said: “We will support businesses in achieving compliance, however when a business presents a risk to public health and do not improve after we have asked them to, we have no option other than to take enforcement action. We hope that this business and other businesses in Slough will learn and ensure satisfactory food safety controls are in place at all times to protect Slough residents and visitors.”

      Councillor Iftakhar Ahmed, lead member for community cohesion, public health, public protection, leisure and planning, said: “We have a fantastic Food & Safety Team here in Slough who are dedicated to making sure that standards are met for our residents’ safety. If you run a business here and do not adhere to those standards, we will work with you to achieve them, but will not hesitate to take action if you not do not comply.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 3mo

      Chance to say how you’d like to get involved in shaping Berkshire’s blueprint for nature recovery

      Communities across Berkshire are invited to say how they’d like to get involved in shaping plans for protecting and improving natural habitats in the county.

      Berkshire’s six councils, led by the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, are keen to work with residents, landowners, NGOs, developers, community groups and others to create a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the county.

      Funded by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) as part of a wider national nature recovery project, the result for Berkshire will be a nature map of opportunities, as well as a list of biodiversity priorities.

      This will prioritise where time and investment are most needed to improve, protect, or enlarge habitats, create wildlife corridors, or create new habitats on land or around watercourses. It will also help to inform and support funding bids for specific projects.

      To ensure as many individuals and organisations as possible are involved in the planning stage during 2024, the project team is holding an initial survey to hear people’s preferences around how best to engage them in the conversations.

      This engagement survey covers how people would like to contribute to the strategy and stay up to date with project progress, as well as important accessibility considerations, and the chance to say if you have any specialist skills or knowledge to share around particular habitats and species.

      Find out more and take part in the survey until Tuesday 2 January at https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/berkshire-local-nature-recovery-strategy If you don’t have online access, you are welcome to use the public-access computers available at all local libraries, where staff are happy to help you get online if needed.

      Cllr Puja Bedi, lead member for transport, housing, highways, the environment, and environmental services, said: “We are extremely interested to hear how Slough and Berkshire residents would like to contribute to this important strategy which will protect, improve, and create natural habitats across the whole of Berkshire.

      “Please fill in the short engagement survey to allow us to start the process of involving residents and organisations in this collaborative piece of work, for the benefit of our local wildlife and environment. Berkshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy is so important for us all, we would like to hear views from as many people as possible. The survey closes on 2 Jan.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 4mo

      Waiting times cut for stairlifts

      The council introduced a new Housing Assistance Policy (HAP) detailing the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) options that an individual can receive, in November 2022.
      One of the key aspects of the policy was fast tracking certain types of equipment, such as stairlifts. The policy will help improve the lives of local people as it will provide more flexibility in how the grant can be administered. This will help reduce waiting times.

      The stairlift contract agreed yesterday (Monday) at cabinet with Handicare Accessibility Limited, will streamline the process of the stairlifts and cut waiting times for people who have been assessed and have had their DFG grant approved.

      The council is including key performance indicators and will manage the process to ensure the provider delivers and installs stairlifts within suitable time frames. Previously local people were waiting more than one year for equipment such as stairlifts, and with the introduction of the new policy and working with the new stairlift provider, the council will reduce the waiting time for the process of stairlifts to less than half.

      Stairlifts can have a huge impact on helping people to continue to maintain personal independence within their own homes. Enabling people to access all areas of the home reduces the need to adapt ground floor living space, especially important in homes occupied by other family members or care givers, where the alternative option would be residential care settings.

      The contract will be for three years with two possible extensions.

      Councillor Anna Wright, cabinet member for public health, social care, and wellbeing, said: “This new contract with Handicare Accessibility Limited will cut waiting times in half for residents in need of a stairlift, allowing them to stay in their own homes, and improving their quality of life. Previously the waiting times residents were facing were unacceptable and meant that they potentially couldn’t access the first floors of their homes. I am really pleased that this will be a quicker and easier process for those in need of assistance.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 4mo

      21 November 2023
      Children & Young People’s Placement Sufficiency Strategy approved at cabinet

      The Slough Children’s placement sufficiency strategy sets out our ambitions for children and young people who may become looked after or who are looked after over the next three years (2023-26.)

      Central to the strategy is a fundamental belief that every child has the right to grow up in a family home wherever possible. We will do everything we can to support children and young people to stay within their family where possible, where it is safe to do so, before considering that they need to be cared for outside of their family home. The sufficiency strategy will achieve this by focusing on 5 key priorities:
      1. strengthening Early Help and developing ‘Edge of Care’ and reunification support
      2. a clear focus on our recruitment and retention of foster carers and developing options for children to exit residential care into a family home, where possible
      3. ensuring robust commissioning arrangements and value for money relationships with providers
      4. achieving permanence for children at the earliest opportunity
      5. providing care experienced young people with a variety of placement options and support to independence.
      Slough Children First and Slough Borough Council are committed to achieving the best for our children and work across all council departments to achieve this for our cared for children. The five priority areas will be delivered via specific workstreams, led by our strategic managers, and overseen by a Sufficiency Board to ensure progress and that outcomes are achieved.

      Sue Butcher, director of children’s services and chief executive of Slough Children First, said: “Every child and young person deserves a supportive and loving home where they feel cared for and safe. However, if you have ever been a child or young person in the care of a local authority or a young adult that has previously been looked after, this is all the more important.

      “Slough’s new Children and Young People’s Placement Sufficiency Strategy sets out how we will provide these homes which could mean staying at home with family support in place, living with foster carers, living in a residential children’s home, or being supported to live independently. Our vision is ‘Happy, Safe and Loved, Thriving’.”

      Councillor Paul Kelly, cabinet member for education and children's services, said: “The placement sufficiency strategy puts processes in place to ensure the best outcome for each child in our care. It is our priority that looked after children feel secure, supported, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential. This strategy will be overseen by a Sufficiency Board to ensure key milestones are met, and that we are on track to achieve the five key priorities laid out within it.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 4mo

      16 November 2023
      Local pupil wins logo design competition for Local Offer website relaunch

      The Family Information Service team at the council has soft launched a revamped resource for local residents.

      The new Local Offer website is a guide to services available for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities: https://www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk/localoffer

      A competition, which ran in the summer, gave local pupils an opportunity to design the new Local Offer logo. From many entries Zehra Hamid, a student at Ryvers School, won first place and two of her designs were made into a logo by the council’s graphic designer, Caroline Steele.
      Zehra won a £30 Amazon voucher kindly donated by Special Voices group and received a certificate signed by Sue Butcher, Director of Children’s Services and Chief Executive of Slough Children First. This was presented by Neil Hoskinson, Interim Associate Director of Education, Slough Borough Council and Pete Rowe, Executive Headteacher, Ryvers School.

      Zehra said: “I love to draw and have lots of ideas in my head that are aching to burst onto paper and sometimes I can't stop myself. I loved to participate because I love drawing storyboards, book covers, posters and now logos! I was so surprised and shocked to hear I had won and then ecstatic!”

      Zehra’s father, Hammad Hamid, said: “Our daughter Zehra is great at drawing; she has books of drawings stuffed in her cupboard. Immediately, we knew she would be keen on the logo competition and there was some satisfaction in knowing that the service itself would benefit someone like her. The finished logo was an amazing composition of two of her logo designs, we were awed, humbled and proud.”

      The revamped website is to be soft launched and also presented at a Special Voices Information/Local Offer Live Day on Friday 24 November, 9.30am - 1pm, at Singh Sabha Sports Centre, Stoke Poges Lane, SL1 3LW. For more information call 07990693439 or email info@specialvoices.co.uk
      The new website has been co-produced with children and young people, parents, carers, and professionals. Young people have created new videos featured on the site, and through talking to parents, carers, and professionals the team gathered feedback about the look and feel needed, and what content was important to them.
      The Local Offer website has been redesigned to make it easier for children and young people and their families to independently access information. The new look website has been designed following consultation with a range of partners and engagement with children and young people. We are continuing to co-produce the Local Offer and will be constantly updating and reviewing the website based on feedback.
      The team want to use the soft launch to gather feedback on using the new website, on what isn’t working and what users would like to see. You will be able to feedback through a series of smiley faces down the side of a webpage – just click and let the team know. If you include your email address as part of the feedback, you will be entered into a prize draw with a first prize of a £50 Amazon voucher. The draw runs from now until 4 January 2024.

      Councillor Paul Kelly, cabinet member for education and children's services, said: “This is a fantastic, relaunched website for our local residents which aims to provide easy to access information all in one place. There is still time to feedback during the soft launch period to gather information on what residents think. Please do take the time to let us know and we will aim to improve on any areas needed.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 4mo

      Slough choir sings for Children in Need

      Children from Slough Community Youth Soul Choir were selected to sing for Children in Need this year alongside other choirs from across the country.

      They are singing ‘You Raise Me Up’, in a performance which was filmed in Slough, as well as other areas of the UK. The children were commended for their positive and professional behaviour as well as beautiful singing voices during the recording.

      The choir was formed in 2019 by Rebecca Richardson, Head of Slough Music Service, and is supported by local music charity Beat Routes and Slough Music Service. The group meet weekly, term time Mondays at The Curve 5-7pm. There is no cost to joining the choir. To join they only ask for commitment to weekly rehearsals and also performances. If you would like your child to join the choir, the next intake is January 2024. Email: sloughyouthchoir@gmail.com

      Rebecca Richardson, Head of Slough Music Service said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to sing on a national platform and show the talent and commitment our young people in Slough have. I have run the choir for the past four years and it’s been amazing to see young people’s confidence grow in performing. The show is this Friday at 7pm on BBC One, please donate if you can.”

      Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for education, children's services, lifelong skills, and governance said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the choir to showcase some of the talent our children and young people have. A big thank you to Rebecca for founding the choir and helping them flourish under her guidance. I look forward to seeing the choir on BBC One! Well done Slough Community Youth Soul Choir.”

    • PeterJ @PeterJ Slough - updated 1mo

      British Rail: A New History – Christian Wolmar

      Date: 03.11.2023. Time: 19:45

      Location: The Manor, Slough Railway Station, Brunel Way, Slough

      <<< Slough & Windsor Railway Society meeting: >>> British Rail: A New History – Christian Wolmar Award-winning writer and broadcaster Christian ...
    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 7mo

      Travel made easier by bus route improvements


      A number of bus routes in Slough have changed since 27 August. Key improvements include more frequent buses on route 4, which is being renumbered route A4, and an extension of Chiltern Hundreds route 103 to Windsor.

      Cippenham residents now benefit from buses every 15 minutes on First Beeline route A4 along the A4 Bath Road bus lanes, and a new hourly all night service, running to Slough town centre and Heathrow Central Bus Station. Route A4 buses will now serve St Andrew’s Way in both directions, no longer serving Cippenham Lane or Cippenham Green. These improvements are funded by Heathrow Airport and aim to provide more attractive alternative travel options for Heathrow Airport workers affected by the extension to London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) from 29 August.

      Other improvements funded by Heathrow Airport include more frequent buses on Sundays on First Beeline route 8 and an additional early morning journey on route 7 from Britwell to Slough.

      Residents in the Farnham Road area now enjoy direct buses to Windsor as well as more buses at peak travel times, thanks to improvements to Chiltern Hundreds route 103 by Carousel Buses.

      Route 83 has been recombined with route 583 and is now run by Carousel Buses as route 583, with some journeys extending beyond Wexham Park Hospital and Langley to Richings Park, Iver and Uxbridge. Route 583 is supported by Buckinghamshire Council.

      There are also changes to timetables to improve reliability.

      Routes which changed on 27 August are: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12 (eves and Sundays), 15, 83, 103, 106 and 107. More details are available at https://www.slough.gov.uk/buses.

      Cllr Puja Bedi, lead member for transport, housing, highways, the environment, and environmental services, said: “I very much welcome these improvements to Slough’s extensive and growing bus network. With the climate emergency we need more than ever to travel sustainably, and these improvements make it easier for residents and commuters to get around by bus in the town and to neighbouring areas including Heathrow Airport, and the current £2 maximum single fare on most routes makes bus travel cheaper too. We welcome the continued support of Heathrow Airport, and are working with them and with our bus operator partners to continue to progress our Bus Service Improvement Plan https://www.slough.gov.uk/transport-travel/national-bus-strategy-bus-back-better/3.”

      Ends

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 7mo

      A-level results day for thousands of students across Slough

      Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for education, children’s services, lifelong skills and governance, said: “I am delighted along with everyone else at the council to congratulate the young people of Slough on their A-level results received today.

      “Today will have been nerve-wracking for many as these results may determine their next steps, to further education, apprenticeships, or the start of their careers. Whatever path they have chosen to take, we wish them good luck for the future.

      “We are incredibly grateful to all of our hardworking and dedicated school staff and support staff, who enable our young people to achieve their full potential. They go above and beyond for the borough’s students every year and that effort does not go unnoticed.

      “Our young people are the future for Slough, and making sure that our students enjoy their educational experience and feel confident about their futures is a top priority for the council.”

      Ends

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 7mo

      Slough Borough Council votes to welcome care experience protected characteristic

      Councillors have unanimously voted to make care experience a protected characteristic.

      The motion, which was approved on Thursday 27 July, is for anyone who has spent time in care and will protect them in the same way the Equality Act protects characteristics such as race, religion, age, and sexual orientation. This means that SBC will consider care experienced young people alongside other groups with protected characteristics, when making or suggesting any changes to service delivery or policy design.

      SBC wholly owns Slough Children First (SCF) – a company providing social care and support services directly to children, young people, and families in Slough.

      Accepting Councillor Qaseem’s motion, Councillor Gill acknowledged that: “Care experienced people face significant barriers that impact them throughout their lives, including discrimination and stigma in accessing services such as housing, education, employment, and criminal justice to name but a few. The Public Sector Equality Duty does not currently treat care experience as a protected characteristic, and as such Slough Borough Council does not include care experience when conducting Equality Impact Assessments of its policies.”

      It is hoped that this approved motion will be a formal yet big step to providing further opportunities and equality to care leavers in Slough.

      Sue Butcher, SCF’s Director of Children’s Services/Chief Executive said: “As Corporate Parents, our children in care and our care experienced young people are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission at SCF is that we should all be constantly working together to improve the lives of children and young people by protecting, supporting, and enabling them to thrive. We are delighted that care experience is now a protected characteristic in Slough as this will significantly boost young people’s confidence when applying for roles in whatever career path they choose.”

      Councillors (in Slough) have also recognised the importance of working with and listening to the voices of its care-experienced people when creating and developing policies about the issue, and to continue to support campaigns that affect them such as the Show Us You Care Too campaign.

      Councillor Paul Kelly, lead member for education, children's services, lifelong skills, and governance said: “This is a fantastic step forward for our young people in care and care leavers. Care experience being recognised as a protected characteristic in Slough will help our young people in their future aspirations and careers. We couldn’t be prouder of our young people and continue to find ways to support and encourage them to fulfil their potential.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 7mo

      Taxi drivers caught out on surprise inspection

      A high number of the taxi drivers stopped during a random inspection were found to be failing in their responsibilities.

      Slough Borough Council licensing officers, in partnership with Thames Valley Police, conducted vehicle stop checks on the borough’s licensed fleet.

      Of the licensed trade 50% of those checked shockingly had identified issues:

      1 vehicle was stopped with an unlicensed and uninsured driver – the vehicle was seized by TVP, and the licence suspended
      2 drivers received points on their private hire drivers’ licence for failure to display their badge
      1 driver was cautioned by TVP for speeding
      1 vehicle was found to be displaying an expired vehicle licence, despite a renewal application being made and a new plate issued. The plate was removed, and the driver was advised to display the correct vehicle licence.
      Any driver who receives 12 council penalty points will be brought to the Licensing Committee for a decision as to whether they are a fit and proper licensed driver. The minimum expected is that the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition, with the plate always displayed day or night. It is also expected that the driver displays their driver badge.

      Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for transport, housing, highways, the environment, and environmental services, said: “It is so disappointing to hear that during these random vehicle stop checks, a high number of the taxis and minicabs stopped had serious issues. It is particularly shocking that one driver was unlicensed and uninsured when people trust these drivers with their safety. Thank you to the licensing team and to Thames Valley Police for their continued hard work to keep our roads safe.”

      More joint enforcement operations have been scheduled by the licensing team with TVP in the coming months, to ensure the rigorous standards to be a taxi or private hire driver are met.

      If members of the public see Slough Borough Council licenced drivers not upholding the standards, please report via 01753 457111 (option 6).

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 8mo

      Council’s travel plans get pupils moving!

      Slough Borough Council’s BetterBy team is working with schools in the borough to increase the number of children who walk, cycle or scoot to school, and decrease the number of parents who drive their children all the way to the school gate.

      One tool used to help, is to encourage schools to create effective School Travel Plans. These are vital for a healthier, greener, and safer future, as they promote and enable more sustainable and active modes of travel.

      There are five levels of School Travel Plan, from Green (Approved) to Platinum (Outstanding). Three Slough schools have made great strides on this journey with two achieving Bronze (Good) and one achieving Silver (Very Good). The best School Travel Plans can win a national prize.

      James Elliman Academy (Bronze), Slough Central Nursery (Bronze) and Penn Wood School (Silver) all received their certificates recently from Alison Derrick, senior transport planner, at the council.

      Kellie Carroll, early years practitioner, Slough Central Nursery said: “We try to keep the children as active as possible and are lucky to have plenty of outside space where they can go come rain or shine. It can be hard for parents to walk or cycle if they have other children at other schools. However, our children encourage their parents. For instance, children knew they would get a stamp on the wallchart every time they walked during Walk to School week, and they did everything they could to ensure they did not miss out on that stamp.”

      Hayley Downer, PE Lead, Penn Wood School, said: “We are very passionate and value the importance of travel at Penn Wood School. We encourage the children to increase levels of travel by ensuring they are aware of the impact on the environment, and the positive effect that it has on the health of the community. We are proud to have achieved the silver award level from Modeshift Stars for our excellent travel plan.”

      Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for transport, housing, highways, the environment and environmental services, said: “I am delighted to hear that three of our schools and nurseries have been awarded certificates for their travel plans. Promoting active ways for the children to travel to school and working towards more sustainable travel is so important for our children’s health and the environment. I look forward to hearing of more certificates awarded as the year progresses. Thank you to all our hardworking teachers and students who have worked so hard on achieving these awards.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 8mo

      #OneSlough Awards launched — Time to nominate!

      After a four-year break, Slough CVS has re-launched the voluntary awards to acknowledge the volunteers who made a difference during Covid and beyond.

      The #OneSlough initiative was created at the start of the Covid pandemic in March 2020. Bringing together the voluntary and business sectors and faith communities, with Slough Borough Council and statutory sectors, resources and skills were combined, to deliver essential services to Slough residents.

      The awards are designed to celebrate the successes of all those working to achieve a positive change in Slough, and the prestigious awards evening will be back in November. All those shortlisted will receive a complimentary ticket to the ceremony.

      There are four categories for nominations, with 16 awards in total, including:
      • Volunteer of the Year
      • Public Sector Partnerships Awards
      • Group of the Year
      • Charity & Business Support Awards.

      Ramesh Kukar, CEO, Slough CVS said: “The #OneSlough Awards celebrate the very special people and groups who give so much of themselves to make our community a better place for all. There are some amazing contributions that ordinary residents of Slough make to their families, their neighbours and communities at large and the awards are an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of our groups and volunteers’ achievements.”

      Councillor Dexter Smith, leader of the council, said: “I am delighted to be a judge at this year’s #OneSlough Awards run by Slough CVS, a vitally important local organisation who play a key role in furthering opportunities for Slough people.

      “I look forward to taking part in the event and seeing the continued positive impact of volunteering across our town.”

      Nominate now by going to http://www.voluntarysectorawards.org.uk/home/ All nominations must be submitted by Wednesday 2 August 2023.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 8mo

      Slough Carers Support joins Slough Borough Council

      The carers service, which was provided by Slough CVS, has moved back in-house as the contract expired at the end of June.

      It was agreed last year at the 21 November Cabinet meeting that carers assessments and some activities run currently by Slough Carers Support will be undertaken by a Carers Co-ordinator who will be part of the adult social care team in the council. They will also link in with carers support groups, and support access to carers groups and activities within the community. The Co-Production Lead will be supporting this role whilst recruitment is underway.

      Any future changes in the service will be co-designed with carers and the wider voluntary and community sector. Now the service has switched over, the contact number has remained the same: 01753 303428 and emails can be sent to sloughcarers@slough.gov.uk The website will remain in its current form until the end of July.

      Ramesh Kukar, CEO, Slough Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS) said: “Although the project is coming to an end at Slough CVS, we will continue to offer support to groups working with carers through the #OneSlough Fund, financed by Slough Borough Council via the Better Care Fund and Public Health Slough. Grassroots level organisations supporting those who face inequalities and health and wellbeing issues in Slough, will be able to apply for up to £10,000.”

      Cllr Anna Wright, lead member for public health, social care and wellbeing, said: “When Slough Carers Support service joins the council on 1 July it will become part of the Adult Social Care team. It will enable the Slough Carers Support service to continue helping and supporting our carers throughout Slough and allowing Adult Social Care to build on the fantastic work that Slough Carers Support have done previously.”

    • PeterJ @PeterJ Slough - updated 9mo

      Filming Exploits on the Mid Hants Railway – Will Stratford

      Date: 30.06.2023. Time: 19:45

      Location: The Manor, Slough Railway Station, Brunel Way, Slough

      <<< Slough & Windsor Railway Society meeting: >>> Filming Exploits on the Mid Hants Railway – Will Stratford From 'History' to 'How it works', t...
    • PeterJ @PeterJ Slough - 9mo

      Rambling Railwayman's Recollections - Geoff Burch

      Date: 09.06.2023. Time: 19:45

      Location: The Manor, Slough Railway Station, Brunel Way, Slough

      <<< Slough & Windsor Railway Society meeting: >>> Rambling Railwayman's Recollections - Geoff Burch A rare opportunity to hear stories of railwa...
    • PeterJ @PeterJ Slough - 10mo

      Maurice Deane's Branch Line Photography - Mike Fenton

      Date: 02.06.2023. Time: 19:45

      Location: The Manor, Slough Railway Station, Brunel Way, Slough

      <<< Slough & Windsor Railway Society meeting: >>> Maurice Deane's Branch Line Photography - Mike Fenton Mike Fenton's third visit to the SWRS is...
    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 10mo

      Cabinet to make decision on recommendations from children’s centres consultation

      Slough Borough Council’s cabinet members are set to make a decision on the paper containing recommendations from the recent consultation, this Wednesday 24 May.

      The consultation took place between the 3 February and 17 March this year, and the previously recommended option was to retain three children’s centres. With Chalvey Grove and Romsey Close retaining the early years provision and full services, Penn Road offering services to families with no early year’s provision, and Yew Tree Road remaining for just early year’s provision and no services.

      Having considered all the data and the information gathered from partners, families, service users, and residents during the consultation, and the updated childcare sufficiency, the recommendation that will be presented to cabinet on Wednesday 24 May has been adapted.

      It will be recommended to cabinet the council retains Chalvey Grove, Penn Road and Romsey Close Children’s Centres for full children’s centre services and early years provision. Monksfield Way and Yew Tree Road Children’s Centres will remain with early year’s provision and services offered in the centre/community.

      Councillor Paul Kelly, cabinet member for education, children's services, lifelong skills and governance, said: “The council has listened to all who completed the consultation and developed an adapted plan for our children’s centres which will retain five sites in total, and supports our residents across the borough.

      “We are committed to ensuring our youngest residents receive the best support and early years education possible, in locations that are local and convenient to their families. I look forward to seeing the development of family hubs which will benefit even more families throughout Slough.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 10mo

      Mayor opens newly renovated Slough Station Northern Forecourt

      Mayor Cllr Dilbagh S. Parmar has opened the Slough Station Northern Forecourt following the completion of the Public Realm improvement work. The project, achieved through the partnership working of Thames Valley, Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, includes provision of parking spaces together with accessible parking, as well as a turning area to the east.

      In front of the station there is also a shared space area aimed to enhance the pedestrian experience. The works also comprise new planting and landscaping, street lighting, a new retaining wall along Railway Terrace, and revisions to the existing surface water drainage network.

      Mayor Cllr Dilbagh S. Parmar, said: “It’s a pleasure to be here to open the renovations of the Northern Forecourt, the space is a fantastic welcome to Slough for all those that commute here, and residents alike.”

      Savio DeCruz, associate director place operations, Slough Borough Council, said: “I would like to thank all of you for attending this launch of the new Station Forecourt and especially the Mayor and Mayoress. Thanks also to GWR and Network Rail for supporting the team in delivering the project, and a special thank you to Vaishali Shah, our principal engineer, for project managing the scheme in difficult circumstances.

      “I started developing the scheme designs in 2012 following completion of the Southern Forecourt and so it has been 10 years in its making. The forecourt has been transformed and this could not have been made possible if the Local Enterprise Partnership and Department for Transport had not funded the project. This is a very befitting scheme to celebrate the Elizabeth Line now being in full operation and am sure the area will be well used and welcomed by all who visit Slough.”

      Tom Pierpoint, GWR Business Development Portfolio Director, said: “GWR is delighted to be working with Slough Borough Council and it is fantastic to see the station forecourt scheme come to fruition. Improving access to stations and making it easy and simple to use rail services supports the switch to sustainable travel.

      “We are committed to partnership working and to working towards net-zero carbon emissions. It is great to see that at work here in Slough, particularly given that the new timetable from May 21st will see faster GWR services to London and a frequency increase on the Elizabeth line.”

      Ends

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 10mo

      A Slough business which fly tipped a freezer the same day previous waste was removed, has been fined £9,000 in court.

      On 17 August 2022 Slough Borough Council’s Environmental Services attended Grove Parade, Slough and cleared two caged vehicles of fly tipping from the rear service road.

      This fly tipping was a result of a build up over time of commercial and business waste, from unknown properties, which had been unlawfully deposited on the public highway.

      This clean-up cost the taxpayer £743 in clean up and waste disposal costs.

      After clearing this area of all unlawful waste, on the same day, the business Hamza, of 285 High Street, deposited a large industrial freezer onto the public highway.

      Environmental Services discovered the additional fly tip during their routine rounds and CCTV in the area witnessed the offence which was used in court.

      Council officers attempted to speak with Hamza representatives regarding the incident, but no one attended the interview or responded to any communication about the issue.

      Greg Edmond, the council’s principal housing and enforcement officer, said: “Fly tipping on the same day the area was cleared shows a blatant disregard for their waste responsibilities. All businesses have rules to follow regarding waste disposal and fly tipping it isn’t part of the brief. We hope other businesses will look at the fine given and think twice before dumping anything.”

      The hearing was held at Reading Magistrates’ Court today (Friday). Representatives from Hamza did not attend, neither did they attend at the first hearing on 14 April, so the court proceeded in their absence.

      The judge found the company guilty and issued a fine of £9,000, a victim surcharge of £2,000 and full costs were awarded.

      The company has 28 days to pay.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 10mo

      Household Support Fund (HSF) applications open

      Applications for support through the Household Support Fund (HSF) can now be made up until the fund closes on 31 March 2024.

      The council has been awarded £2,355,383 by the Department for Work and Pensions to help families, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people, who may be struggling to pay for basic living costs.

      The grant covers costs such as energy, food, water bills and essential goods, with most of the award given in goods or services by online vouchers. The Fund will also consider supporting households who are struggling to afford wider essentials, including housing costs where existing housing support does not meet this need.

      A lot of the HSF funding will be used:
      • to provide £15 food vouchers, per week per child, to households in receipt of Free School Meals during all school holidays, April 2023 – March 2024
      • for the direct provision of support to care leavers and other vulnerable families.

      The remaining funding, which runs until 31 March, or until all the funding is spent, will be provided through an application-based scheme to support families and individuals if they meet the eligibility criteria.

      Applications are particularly welcomed from groups who didn’t receive any other government support packages.

      Andy Jeffs, interim head of transactions, revenues, benefits and charges, said: “This funding is essential in supporting those most in need in the town. Last year we made 1,662 awards, which highlights the struggle for families during the cost-of-living crisis. The money is there to help people who have exhausted all other means of support for these basic needs.”

      Criteria for the application-based scheme includes being over 16, having a settled residence in Slough, having a reduction in income, and not having savings that could be used.

      Please check the criteria for the application scheme at https://www.slough.gov.uk/benefits-support/household-support-fund/3

      For more information and to find the online application form, visit www.slough.gov.uk/hsf

      Applications close on 31 March 2024 or when all the funding is spent.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 10mo

      Slough in Bloom returns for its 29th year

      This year’s Slough in Bloom gardens and allotments competition has launched!

      Entries are open until 1 July, with judging taking place from 10 July.

      Anyone can enter for free and there are 10 different categories to choose from:

      • Residential front garden
      • Residential hanging baskets, window boxes and containers (front of property)
      • Community project
      • Business/ commercial/hospital
      • Student project
      • Public house/restaurant/hotel
      • Sponsored roundabouts and roadside planting
      • Best allotment plot
      • Best allotment newcomer
      • Environmental project.

      Bruce Hicks, senior parks improvement officer, said: “Slough in Bloom have been working with new sponsors who have enabled this lovely competition to continue for its 29th year. We are pleased to be able to support the competition which helps to lift the spirits of people who live in and visit Slough by encouraging everyone to brighten the town with flowers.”

      Margaret Inniss, Chairman of Slough in Bloom, said: “The Slough in Bloom Committee were delighted by the number and quantity of the entries last year, but we still want to see more gardens and allotments entering this free competition. We are looking forward to seeing this year’s entries to see what exciting new ideas have been thought up. Everyone can enter. Even if you only have enough space for a few containers and hanging baskets, it makes all the difference to the appearance of our town, makes you feel good and helps wildlife.”

      Entries can be posted to the address on the entry form. Paper copies of entry forms are available at the libraries and a downloadable version which can be posted to the address on the form is available at: https://www.slough.gov.uk/downloads/download/1044/slough-in-bloom-application-form

      You can also email to enter with your contact details to: sloughinbloom@gmail.com

      Entries close on 1 July, and the winners will be announced in August.

    • PeterJ @PeterJ Slough - 10mo

      Cinema Transport Presentation (archive 16mm ciné films) – Frank Banfield

      Date: 12.05.2023. Time: 19:45

      Location: The Manor, Slough Railway Station, Brunel Way, Slough SL1 1XL

      SWRS Friday Meeting: Cinema Transport Presentation (archive 16mm ciné films) Frank Banfield presents another of his very popular evenings of archi...
    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 11mo

      Homes for Ukraine

      New host families are invited to come forward to support families from Ukraine.

      The government guide includes the following information.

      • If the Ukrainian household you host has a child, people in the host family will need to be DBS checked (at no cost to the host family).
      • Make sure you have space to host e.g. will this really be comfortable for a period of six months or more if someone is sleeping on the sofa!
      • SBC will come and inspect the property to make sure it’s suitable.
      • If the Ukrainian household has been in the UK for over six months, the host will receive £500 per month.

      More information can be found at the Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guides - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/homes-for-ukraine-sponsor-guides

      There is also information in the Ukraine welcome guide on the council's website - https://www.slough.gov.uk/benefits-support/ukraine-welcome-guide

      If you're interested in becoming a host, please email Ukraine@slough.gov.uk describing the type of accommodation you can offer (1 room, 2 rooms etc, self-contained annexe etc), household make-up and your contact details.

      We’ll then be in touch to discuss things further.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 11mo

      The role involves supporting the resident board, which meets six times a year.

      Email getinvolved@slough.gov.uk for more information, or to express interest.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 11mo

      Celebrate the King’s Coronation with Slough Libraries
      A series of events to mark the King’s Coronation have been organised in Slough libraries.
      The colourful and creative free events are supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
      • Saturday 29 April, Britwell Library. Drop in between 10.30am-3.45pm for children’s colouring and drawing (any age).
      • Tuesday 2 May, The Curve. Drop-in family activities between 3.30-5.30pm.
      Craft activities with a Royal theme for children age 4+ and colouring for younger children.
      Royal Portraits - dress up as a King or Queen and pose for a souvenir photo or draw a picture of our new King and Queen.
      • Thursday 4 May, Cippenham Library. Drop-in between 3.30-4.45pm for family crafts (children age 4+). Create something artistic to celebrate this special occasion. There will also be colouring for younger children.
      • Saturday 6 May. The Curve. Drop-in between 11am-1pm for children’s coronation colouring (any age).
      • Tuesday 9 May, Langley Library. Drop-in family activities.
      3.30-4.30pm Regal arts and crafts for children age 4+ with colouring for younger children.
      4-5pm If I were King or Queen for a day - creative writing (age 6+). Produce a poem and perform it if you wish.
      • Thursday 11 May, The Curve. Regal Reading Friends - for adults, between 11am and 12noon. Enjoy a selection of writing with a royal connection as we read together and share our thoughts. Join in the discussion or sit back and listen at this friendly and informal session for adults. No need to book.

      Liz McMillan, locality hubs and library services manager, said: “We are delighted to have received funding from the Arts Council which enables us to put on these special events. We hope to see lots of people coming along and joining in the celebrations.”

      For more information on libraries, visit www.slough.gov.uk/libraries

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 11mo

      Communities devastated by groundwater to receive support

      Groundwater flooding can be devastating but the lack of information and management techniques available often leaves communities with little support.

      Without effective mapping and modelling, groundwater flooding can seem to come out of nowhere, with communities and management authorities not understanding how to prepare and respond. Project Groundwater Chiltern Hills and Berkshire Downs is here to change that. Over the next four years, it will develop modelling techniques and a flood warning service for groundwater flooding, working in collaboration with the community to help protect their homes and businesses.

      Led by Buckinghamshire Council, Project Groundwater will work with communities in nine areas of the Chiltern Hills and Berkshire Downs at high risk of groundwater flooding, including Colnbrook with Poyle in Slough, gathering local knowledge about floods and developing solutions on the ground, to ensure residents are better prepared for groundwater flooding. Findings from the project could benefit hundreds of communities and thousands of properties at risk of groundwater flooding across the region. The project’s findings will also support a national understanding of how to manage groundwater flooding.

      To ensure that the project responds to the community’s needs, a recent survey explored the levels of current understanding and concern regarding flooding in the nine pilot communities. 89% of people surveyed wanted additional support to manage flooding locally. The survey highlighted that residents need more information about the options available to help them adapt to flooding, how their community might be affected, and the cost-effective solutions they can apply.

      When asked about their concern for groundwater flooding, 94% of people responded that they felt some level of concern, with over a quarter of residents reporting themselves as being very concerned.

      Mary Long-Dhonau OBE, FloodMary , https://floodmary.com/ an expert in property flood resilience, said: “Being flooded is an appalling experience, with the average householder displaced for 9 months whilst the house is dried and repaired. Groundwater flooding is hard to comprehend and is much longer in duration than river or surface water flooding. The flood can last for weeks, not days or hours. Anything that can be done to both raise awareness and to support those who live at risk gets a huge FloodMary seal of approval!”

      This project is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which is managed by the Environment Agency, https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/hub-page/fcrmfund . The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.

      For more information, please visit: www.projectgroundwater.co.uk

      You can follow the project on https://twitter.com/ProjGroundwater , https://www.facebook.com/projectgroundwater and https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-groundwater/.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 11mo

      Enrolment for community learning programme

      The community learning team will be welcoming people to enrolment sessions next week, ready for the summer term.
      If you’d like to learn a new skill, improve on an old one, or work towards a qualification, there is something for you in the new programme, delivered by the council.
      The new programme includes courses in ESOL, Functional Skills English and Maths, Digital Skills, Employability, Community and Wellbeing courses.

      Residents can talk to staff about courses and enrolment by visiting The Curve on specified days.

      The course guide and enrolments are also available online - www.slough.gov.uk/community-learning-skills/course-information/2

      Simon Crossley, from the community learning and skills service, said: “We always have lots of interest in our courses. The best way to find the right course and the right level for you, is to contact the team and book onto an enrolment session where you can discuss your requirements further. We look forward to welcoming residents along to an enrolment session soon.”

      You can register your course query on the online WebEnrol platform - www.webenrol.com/ebclass/ or attend an enrolment session on the following dates.

      • Wednesday 19 April - 9.30am-2pm
      • Thursday 20 April – 2-4pm
      • Monday 24 April – 10am-4pm
      • Tuesday 25 April – 10am-3pm and 4.30-7pm.

      Anyone wanting more information and an assessment date can call the Community Learning team on 01753 476611 or email lifelonglearning@slough.gov.uk.

    • PeterJ @PeterJ Slough - 12mo

      Good Friday Railwayana & Miscellaneous Auction

      Date: 07.04.2023. Time: 19:45

      Location: The Manor, Slough Railway Station, Brunel Way, Slough SL1 1XL

      SWRS Friday Meeting: Good Friday Railwayana & Miscellaneous Auction There's usually more 'miscellania' than 'railwayana', but still... Experience...
    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 12mo

      New library opening hours

      Libraries in Slough will be operating on a newly revised opening schedule, which includes at least one library being open every Saturday.

      The council’s Cabinet agreed in February to make some changes in a bid to make savings and streamline the service offered.

      They agreed to a predominantly self-service library service from The Curve, Langley, Britwell and Cippenham, with amended opening hours, and maintaining a publications budget of £90,000.

      The new opening hours are in place from 1 April, as below.

      The Curve (library staff and self-service)
      • Monday 9am-5pm
      • Tuesday 10am-6pm
      • Wednesday - Friday 9am-5pm
      • Saturday 10am-5pm

      Britwell
      • Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm (self-service only)
      • Saturday, last Saturday of the month only - 10am-4pm (library staff and self service).

      Cippenham (library staff and self-service)
      • Mon - closed
      • Tues - Thurs 10am-5pm
      • Fri - closed
      • Saturday, first and second week of the month only - 10am-4pm.

      Langley (library staff and self-service)
      • Mon - Wed 10am-5pm
      • Thurs - closed
      • Fri 10am-4pm
      • Saturday, third and fourth week of the month only - 10am-4pm.

      The Saturday openings for April are as follows:
      • 1st - Curve 10am -5pm / Cippenham 10am-4pm
      • 8th - Curve 10am-5pm / Cippenham 10am-4pm
      • 15th - Curve 10am-5pm / Langley 10am-4pm
      • 22nd - Curve 10am-5pm / Langley 10am-4pm
      • 29th - Curve 10am-5pm / Britwell 10am-4pm

      Liz McMillan, locality hubs and library services manager, said: “The new times enable us to continue operating at all four libraries and keep some of the main activities going.

      “Having at least one library open each Saturday enables families or individuals to come when they may otherwise be unable to during the week. We hope people soon get used to the new hours and continue to enjoy reading and exploring other services available at the libraries.

      “We are particularly excited about our new books for adults which have just arrived in Slough libraries. With just under 3,000 new fiction and non-fiction books, there are lots to choose from. The new books include the latest titles from popular authors such as Richard Osman, Katie Fforde, James Patterson Josephine Cox and many more. There are biographies, and new travel, health and lifestyle, history, gardening, cookery and how to books.”

      Posters advising of the new times of opening will be up in each library.

      Visit www.slough.gov.uk/libraries for further information.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Community learning and Skills online portal enrolment form and course access


      Get ahead with a new skill!

      Would you like to learn something new or gain a qualification? Then the adult learning courses delivered by the council could be for you.
      We can help with your next step in your career progression by finding the right course for you.
      The new Community Learning programmes for summer 2023 term include both face to face and online courses in ESOL, Functional Skills English and Maths, Digital Skills, Employability, Community and Wellbeing courses.

      Residents can talk to staff about courses and enrolment by visiting The Curve on specified days.

      The course guide and enrolments are also available online - https://www.slough.gov.uk/community-learning-skills/course-information/2

      Simon Crossley, from the community learning and skills service, said: “There is a varied range of courses on offer – some can help people gain employment; in work progression and some are just for fun.

      “I would encourage everyone to take a look and discover how enjoyable it is to learn something new and be a lifelong learner.”

      We are enrolling for the summer term. You may either register your course query on our online WebEnrol platform (https://www.webenrol.com/ebclass/) or attend an enrolment session on the following dates.

      Please call 01753 476611 and speak to a member of the team.

      Wednesday 19 April - 9.30am-2pm
      Thursday 20 April – 2-4pm
      Monday 24 April – 10am-4pm
      Tuesday 25 April – 10am-3pm and 4.30-7pm.

      At these sessions, the team will discuss your needs and direct you to the relevant course level.

      Anyone wanting more information and an assessment date can call the Community Learning team on 01753 476611 or email lifelonglearning@slough.gov.uk.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Bus route changes
      There will be several changes and improvements to bus routes in Slough from Sunday 2 April, particularly affecting the Cippenham and Upton areas.

      In some cases, new links will be provided, new bus stops added, and buses will start running earlier in the morning and finish later in the evening. A small number of bus stops will no longer be served, and fewer buses will run on parts of two routes (with alternative stops a short distance away).

      There will be routing and timetable changes to routes 2, 4, 5 and 6, also route 12 (evening and Sunday service), along with timetable changes on Sundays to routes 3 and X74 and an increase in frequency on route 7 on Mondays to Fridays.

      Details of the changes are available at www.slough.gov.uk/buses .

      Most bus routes in Slough are operated by commercial bus operators with no council support, although some are also supported by funding from other sources such as Heathrow Airport and (currently) central government.

      Until now, the council has also financially supported parts of a small number of bus routes (routes 4, 5, 6, 12, 63 and 68) which would otherwise not run as they are not currently commercially viable.

      In order to achieve financial savings, the council decided on 14 December last year to withdraw revenue funding from most bus services supported by the council from 1 April 2023 (routes 4, 5, 6, 63 and 68). However, thanks to new funding from Heathrow Airport (as part of its Sustainable Travel Zone) and Buckinghamshire Council, and the co-operation of bus operators First and Thames Valley Buses, most of the existing level of service on these part-supported routes will be retained from 2 April, also with some improvements to routes 4, 5 and 12.

      There are no changes in April to routes 63, 68, although Buckinghamshire Council who fund these routes may review them later in 2023, which may lead to some changes.

      From 2 April the only Slough Borough Council supported service will be route 12 (evening and Sunday service), which is funded by a specific central government grant and will continue until March 2024. A decision will be made nearer that time on the future of this service.

      Most of Slough’s bus operators are taking part in the government’s £2 maximum single fare cap which has been extended until 30 June 2023, keeping travel costs down and encouraging more people to use buses.

      Cllr Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for transport and the local environment, said: “I am delighted that, despite the need to save money, we have managed to ensure that most existing bus services will be retained or improved. In the small number of locations where buses will no longer run there are alternatives nearby. I am particularly grateful to Heathrow Airport and Buckinghamshire Council for the additional funding they are providing, ensuring that our communities can continue to access jobs and services that are vital to the growth of the town, and to First and Thames Valley Buses for their co-operation.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Restaurant prosecuted for dumping waste

      A restaurant which repeatedly dumped their waste unlawfully has been prosecuted.
      In April 2022, the council’s enforcement team was investigating ongoing issues of commercial and domestic waste being unlawfully deposited in Buckingham Gardens, Slough.
      Issues began in May, when despite warnings, bins belonging to Swagath restaurant in Slough High Street, were left on the public highway without authority. The unlawful storage of the commercial bins in the area was having a detrimental impact on the area, resulting in flytipping, overflowing bins onto the public highway and it was attracting pests.
      The council’s environmental waste team were forced to attend the area almost daily to clear excess waste and overspill from bins which had been overfilled.
      When the commercial waste bins belonging to the restaurant were collected, the excess waste from these bins was not cleared by the restaurant’s waste contractors, which was left for the council to address.
      Council officers engaged with businesses in the area and gave restaurants time to make new arrangements for the collection of their waste, but when this didn’t happen, they were told immediate action was now required to remove the bins from the public highway to resolve the ongoing issues.
      On 7 June, the company which owned the bins and emptied them on behalf of the restaurant, were ordered to remove them after being contacted by the council and told of the ongoing issues.
      On 8 June, when no bins were present and the area was clear of waste, a sign was installed saying dumping rubbish in the area was an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
      Following the removal of Swagath bins, council officers again contacted the restaurant explaining the council’s actions and reiterated that no further waste could be disposed of on the public highway.
      On an unrelated visit to the area on 9 June, council officers again found waste deposited in the area. An investigation found evidence tracing back to Swagath in the same place and directly underneath the sign saying enforcement action could be taken.
      Representatives from Swagath restaurant attended Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 17 March to answer two counts of flytipping and one count of failure in their Duty of Care.
      In court, the restaurant was fined £500 for each offence, a victim surcharge of £600 and costs of £800, a total of £2,900.
      Councillor Balvinder Bains, cabinet member for public protection, regulation and enforcement, said: “If only this restaurant had taken note of how they could properly dispose of their waste, it would have saved them time and money. Please let this be a warning that we take such offences seriously and we will bring prosecutions where necessary.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Ofsted report published for children’s services in Slough
      Following a recent three-week long inspection, the latest Ofsted report published today has seen children’s services in Slough awarded an overall rating of ‘requires improvement to be good’, the same grading as 2019. With one area - the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families - rated ‘inadequate’.

      The leadership teams at both Slough Children First (SCF) and the council are working together to produce robust plans to ensure we respond to areas highlighted in the report.

      The inspection, which took place between 23 January and 3 February, found the support received by children in Slough who need help, care, and protection continues to require improvement.

      The company (SCF) was praised for its early help services which make “a significant and positive difference to children’s lives.” Some recommendations were made to speed up the access to these services which managers are already working on.

      The company’s Virtual School, which works to ensure Slough’s children in care reach their potential, was highlighted as a success, with inspectors praising the hard work of staff which has resulted in children making better academic progress than their peers in care nationally.

      Care leavers were reported to benefit from the dedication of their personal advisers (PAs) and the support they have received when needed.

      The report also recognises the challenges the council and company has faced since the pandemic, including the councils’ financial issues and changes in workforce and leadership.

      Tony Hunter, Chair of the SCF board, said: “Our Ofsted findings show we still have a lot to do at practice, operational management and strategic leadership levels to ensure consistent quality and impact in the care and support we provide for Slough’s children and families. However, there are a number of areas of good practice that have been highlighted, and I have seen for myself the energy and determination by our staff at all roles and levels. I remain proud to be chair of the SCF board, and look forward to working with everyone in SCF, the council and wider partners to achieve our improvement ambitions.”

      Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning, and skills, said: “The overall Ofsted rating for children’s services has remained the same and we have clear direction on what work needs to be undertaken, and is already underway to achieve a ‘good’ rating. It’s important to recognise the hard work and dedication of all of our staff within children’s services, who often are dealing with very difficult circumstances, who try their very best for the children and young people of our borough.”

      Sue Butcher, Executive Director People (Children's) and Chief Executive of
      Slough Children First, said: “Thank you to the whole staff group for their passion in working to improve outcomes for Slough's vulnerable children and their families. I am confident that we will make improvements with pace over the coming months.”

      The company and council will continue to work together, alongside other partners, to continue to develop its children’s services.

      The full report can be seen on Ofsted’s website at: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/44/80553

      Ends

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Dedicated Schools Grant ‘Safety Valve’ Agreement: Slough

      As part of its financial recovery programme the council has been extensively reviewing and improving its financial and management practices, and this has included considerable work on its use of the Dedicated Schools Grant.

      The council has been working closely with the Department for Education (DfE) and has agreed a contract with them that will see the DfE providing £27m of additional support to Slough, which will allow the council to fund all of its historic deficit in this area.

      The improvements the council has brought about and on which the payment of the £27m is dependent, includes improvements in practise in managing the cost and arrangements for:

      • Independent Non-Maintained Special School (INMSS)
      • Post-16 placements
      • Alternative Education Proposals
      • Additional provisions for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) as well as the EHCPs
      • Additionally Resourced Provisions.

      The outcome of this work will see much better value for money for schools and the council and much better use of resources to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people.

      Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning, and skills, said: “I’m very pleased the council’s plan to improve its work in this area has been approved by the Department for Education, allowing the council’s education services to continue to improve and grow to meet the varying needs of children and young people in the borough.

      “The agreement involves a comprehensive plan that will help our education services meet new targets with the aim of improving education across Slough and doing so in a way that ensures best value for the schools, the council and residents.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Commissioners Max Caller and Margaret Lee to depart Slough Borough Council

      Slough Borough Council has thanked Lead Commissioner Max Caller CBE and Lead Finance Commissioner Margaret Lee following the announcement they are to end their work within the organisation.
      Max, who also led the best value inspections at Northamptonshire and Liverpool Councils and was a commissioner at Tower Hamlets, was appointed Lead Commissioner in December 2021 by the then Local Government Minister Kemi Badenoch. Since that time, he has worked with Slough Borough Council members and officers, to help the council in its aim to come back to high-quality local government delivering best value for all their residents. After more than 50 years in public service, Max has decided to step back from public life.
      Margaret previously worked at Essex County Council where she held the post of executive director for corporate and customer services. As well as holding senior finance roles, including that of the statutory S151, she was responsible for other support services such as legal and assurance services, procurement and the transformation support team. Margaret is leaving for personal reasons and has also stepped down from her role as finance lead on the Improvement and Assurance Panel for the London Borough of Croydon.
      Leader of the Council, James Swindlehurst said: “We thank Max and Margaret for all their efforts working with our Council on its improvement and recovery journey, and for the detailed reports they have submitted to government concerning the best value intervention. We wish them both all the best for the future.
      “We are committed to continuing the work we have already done working towards financial recovery and furthering the significant progress which has already been made.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Slough Borough Council accepts second report

      Government-appointed Commissioners, appointed to Slough Borough Council following its financial and other challenges, provided a second report on the Council’s progress in the three months to December 2022. The report has now been published on the government’s website and accepted by the Council.
      The written ministerial statement presented to Parliament this morning expresses concerns that there has been inadequate ownership of the situation by council leadership. However, the report reflects the position in late autumn 2022 last year when it was drafted by the lead commissioner, but leading up to and since then, the council has made a number of considerable improvements.
      Some of this progress was reflected in the report itself, which noted that in the months prior to December 2022, the Council had started to recognise what needs to be done. It further noted that the December Improvement and Recovery Board was the first time that a comprehensive set of action plans linked to every Direction apart from recruitment was presented and considered. The Commissioners felt this demonstrated where individual elements of the response to the intervention were being worked on and showed it was possible for individuals to make progress and commended those involved for their efforts.
      Leader of the Council, James Swindlehurst said; “We thank the Commissioners for their work within our Council and in developing this detailed report. We recognise and fully acknowledge that we have a long way ahead on our recovery journey.
      "I was briefed by the Commissioners' about the contents of their report when it was sent to government in December. The new corporate Leadership team have since become embedded, and they and I have worked hard in the period since then to further drive improvement, to develop a programme of organisational change and generate significant receipts from asset sales.
      “In the three months since the report was submitted, the Council has continued to work at pace and now has a complete, permanent executive team dedicated to our Council, and to leading and modelling corporate improvement. A transformation team has been formed and recently strengthened to ensure the right capability and capacity exists to drive our recovery journey.
      “Furthermore, we have made significant progress in addressing our well-documented financial challenges and the financial recovery strategy has seen total asset sales of over £170m to date this financial year, with plans to raise this to over £200m by the end of the year with a further £200m of sales being targeted in 2023/24.
      “In addition, very good progress has been made on balancing its previous overspend in the dedicated schools grant and in identifying sufficient proposals to balance its 2023/24 budget, among many other matters. We are also delighted to announce today that the council has today been awarded £27m of additional support from the Department of Education (DfE), which will allow the council to fund all its historic deficit in this area and which demonstrates the DfE’s confidence in the plan the Council has developed and submitted to them. (This will be subject to a separate press release).
      He added: “Our financial position remains challenging. But we are all committed to Slough, our town and its residents and we will now continue to work towards financial recovery, furthering the significant progress which has already been made.”
      “As a council we are well aware of the journey ahead and are committed to the recovery of the council.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      9 March 2023

      Final days of children’s centres consultation

      Hundreds of residents have already responded to the children’s centres consultation, but there is still time to have your say.

      Since the consultation opened on 3 February, there have been more than 290 responses.

      The consultation is open to all Slough residents and all families that use or have used the centres, whether or not you live in Slough. It is important to hear your views about the key issues the council should consider when designing the borough’s future children’s centre service.

      If you have recently filled in a petition regarding the proposed changes, we would encourage you to fill in the consultation as well. You can take part in this consultation whether you agree with an option or not, we would like to hear all views.

      There are three proposed options:

      Option 1: (Recommended option)

      To create a new three centre model by closing seven of the existing 10 children’s centres to establish a new model of delivery serviced by the existing centres at Penn Road, Chalvey Grove and Romsey Close.

      This option would see the three retained centres operate on a north, south and east locality basis. This option would include the maintenance of directly delivered early education and childcare from Chalvey Grove and Romsey Close. Stand-alone early education and childcare would also be maintained at Yew Tree Road.

      Option 2:

      To create a new two centre model by closing eight of the existing 10 children’s centres to establish a north and south locality model serviced by the existing centres at Penn Road and Chalvey Grove, respectively. This option would include the maintenance of directly delivered early education and childcare from Chalvey Grove. Stand-alone early education and childcare would also be maintained at Yew Tree Road.

      Option 3:

      To create a new single centre model by closing nine of the existing 10 children’s centres to establish a boroughwide model at Chalvey Grove.

      Residents and service users are invited to read the full consultation pack before filling in the consultation survey. Visit: https://democracy.slough.gov.uk/ieIssueDetails.aspx?IId=43743&PlanId=0&Opt=3#AI45631 More information is also available at: www.slough.gov.uk/childrenscentreconsultation

      The children’s centres team have already hosted three drop-in sessions to talk to residents and service users about the consultation, with another two next week:

      • Wednesday 15 March, 9-10.30am - Monksfield Way Children’s Centre, Monksfield Way, SL2 1QX.

      • Wednesday 15 March, 4-6pm, - Yew Tree Road Children’s Centre, St Marys School, Yew Tree Road, SL1 2AR.

      Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “A big thank you to everyone who has responded to the consultation so far. It’s important to get as many people’s views as possible so we would encourage you to take part in the consultation even if you currently don’t use the children’s centre service.

      “The consultation ends on 17 March, then all responses will be reviewed and form part of a report to Cabinet with clear recommendations.”

      To read more on the consultation and to have your say, visit the consultation webpage or complete the survey online. https://slough.citizenspace.com/corporate/childrens-centres-consultation/

      Any queries can be sent to: Childrens.Centres@slough.gov.uk

    • PeterJ @PeterJ Slough - updated 1y

      Railway Ramblers – Keith Lawrie and Kevin Arnold

      Date: 10.03.2023. Time: 19:45

      Location: The Manor, Slough Railway Station, Brunel Way, Slough SL1 1XL

      <<< Slough & Windsor Railway Society meeting: >>> Illustrated talk: Railway Ramblers is a national walking club that focuses on walking and explor...
    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Traffic light improvement works

      The latest in a series of traffic light improvement works has been completed, after the council bid and won £0.5m funding from the Department for Transport.

      Over the last 18 months, the council, supported by their partners Yunex Traffic, Atkins and 4way Consulting, have been working to design, procure, install and commission a number of renewed and enhanced traffic signals across Slough.

      Four signal-controlled pedestrian crossings were replaced with new at:
      • High Street/Spackmans Way
      • Farnham Road/Gloucester Avenue
      • Elliman Avenue/Shackleton Road
      • Parlaunt Road/Thames Road.

      A fifth crossing will be replaced in late March at Albert Street/Kenilworth Close.

      Two sets of ‘shuttle working’ signals, which alternate flows of traffic on a one-way section of road, have been replaced and upgraded, at:
      • Huntercombe Lane North rail bridge
      • St Mary’s Road rail bridge (switched on 24 February).

      Both of the ‘shuttle’ sites will shortly be fitted with advanced radar vehicle detection and intelligent signal control software called MOVA, which will be used together to give better control of the signals, reducing congestion and delays.

      The junction of Uxbridge Road and Goodman Park has also been upgraded and MOVA control will be made operational here, as soon as possible.

      Councillor Mohammed Nazir, cabinet member for transport and the local environment, said: “All the sites upgraded were chosen based on both the level of need and deliverability. Either the original signals were old, obsolete, becoming unreliable, or difficult or impossible to maintain. Unfortunately, £0.5m doesn’t go far when upgrading signals and we tried to get as many sites delivered as we possibly could.”

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Programmes to help local businesses

      The council has received £1million to help support a programme of activities for start-up and established businesses in Slough.
      The funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is spread across three years until 2025.
      As part of this, a new local start-up programme has been created, and is being delivered by the Berkshire Growth Hub. It has been launched to nurture emerging new businesses across Slough – taking them from entrepreneur to ‘enterprise ready’.
      If you’re in work and looking to branch out on your own, or are newly established, the five-week Start-up programme could help.
      This will offer support on how to build and grow your business idea and turn it into a reality.
      Each workshop is run by experienced leaders who are specialists in their field and there is a chance to network with other business owners after each workshop.
      Those eligible to apply for the free workshops include those based in Berkshire, with a firm idea of a business, in the early stages of trading or plan to start soon, and with a turnover (if any) of less than £10,000.
      The next start-up programme begins on 26 April. The closing date for applications is 12 April.
      The High Growth Programme is also being run by the Berkshire Growth Hub and is designed to support small business owners who are ready to seize opportunities to grow.
      The programme is fully funded, providing up to 12 hours of intensive support, through 1-2-1 sessions and access to a series of 3-hour online Masterclasses covering key business topics delivered by subject specialists.
      As a high growth business owner, you may be looking at emerging opportunities such as generating more customers and turnover, scaling up, and bringing new products/services to market.
      The aim of the programme is for businesses to reach and exceed their goals by putting ideas into action.
      The High Growth Programme is open for applications now and Masterclasses run throughout the year.
      Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council and cabinet member for economic development, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. We have amazing long-established businesses in Slough but these programmes give a chance to the smaller and newly established businesses, who will hopefully go on to great success.”
      Apply for the Start-Up programme (https://berkshiregrowthhub.co.uk/start-up-programme/), the High Growth Programme (https://berkshiregrowthhub.co.uk/high-growth-programme/), or find out about Masterclasses.
      Email info@berkshiregrowthhub.co.uk to speak to a business adviser, visit the council’s business webpage (https://www.slough.gov.uk/business-support-advice/business-support-programmes), or the Berkshire Growth Hub website (https://berkshiregrowthhub.co.uk/) and register to access tailored support resources.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Health and wellbeing kitemark awards presented

      It is paramount for children and young people to have a foundation of good health from an early age, that will continue throughout their life. This can be very challenging for families, and with the covid pandemic seeing an increase in obesity, dental decay, physical inactivity, and emotional and mental instability in under 5s, families are struggling to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

      Many early years settings in the borough have risen to the challenge and signed up to the early year’s health and wellbeing accreditation run by the council. The initiative supports early years settings to establish and develop the best health and wellbeing practices. These embedded practices benefit the whole family, and settings can showcase the great work they are doing.

      The scheme has four levels of achievement; Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, and settings are encouraged to work through each level of the accreditation at a sustainable pace, with support and guidance given from the moment of engagement, and throughout.

      Five settings recently received their award. Four children’s centres, Penn Road, Monksfield Way, Chalvey Grove and Romsey Close achieved Platinum level and were presented their plaques by Councillor Christine Hulme, Lead Member for Children’s Services, Lifelong Learning and Skills.

      Councillor Hulme said: “I am extremely proud to be here today presenting these awards to four of our children’s centres and one of our childminders here in Slough. We have fantastic early years settings throughout the borough, and the dedication of everyone who works in the sector always shines through especially on days like today.”

      Marie-Claire Avis, Children’s Centre and Family Hubs Interim Group Manager, said:
      “The Platinum Award was achieved through the hard work and dedication of all the staff, who continually aspire to ensure high standards and key messages for the health and wellbeing of the children and families accessing our children’s centres and across Slough”

      Kathy Szpur, a local childminder of 23 years was also presented with her framed certificate for achieving Silver. She said: “Working through the different areas of the accreditation has enabled us as a setting to add routines which our families and their children can use in the setting, and at home, which promotes health and wellbeing. Parents and children are very engaged. We’re also on our third round of certificates for a healthy lifestyle certification where the children get stickers for going to see a dentist, going for a family walk or trying new fruit or vegetables.”

      If you are a parent/carer and would like to know more about the accreditation, please speak to your child’s early years setting.

      If you are an early year’s provider and would like more information, please contact Jacqui Shadrache, Senior Health improvement Officer on 07889304302 or Jacqui.shadrache@slough.gov.uk

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Children’s centres consultation – have your say

      A consultation regarding proposed changes to children’s centre services in Slough is running until 17 March.

      The consultation is open to all Slough residents and service users and the council welcomes responses both from those who use the children’s centre service and those who currently do not. It is important to hear your views about the key issues the council should consider when designing the borough’s future children’s centre service.

      If you have recently filled in a petition regarding the proposed changes, we would encourage you to fill in the consultation as well. You can take part in this consultation whether you agree with an option or not, we would like to hear all views.

      There are three proposed options:

      Option 1: (Recommended option)

      To create a new three centre model by closing seven of the existing 10 children’s centres to establish a new model of delivery serviced by the existing centres at Penn Road, Chalvey Grove and Romsey Close.

      This option would see the three retained centres operate on a north, south and east locality basis. This option would include the maintenance of directly delivered early education and childcare from Chalvey Grove and Romsey Close. Stand-alone early education and childcare would also be maintained at Yew Tree Road.

      Option 2:

      To create a new two centre model by closing eight of the existing 10 children’s centres to establish a north and south locality model serviced by the existing centres at Penn Road and Chalvey Grove, respectively. This option would include the maintenance of directly delivered early education and childcare from Chalvey Grove. Stand-alone early education and childcare would also be maintained at Yew Tree Road.

      Option 3:

      To create a new single centre model by closing nine of the existing 10 children’s centres to establish a boroughwide model at Chalvey Grove.

      Residents are invited to read the full consultation pack before filling in the consultation survey. Visit: https://democracy.slough.gov.uk/ieIssueDetails.aspx?IId=43743&PlanId=0&Opt=3#AI45631
      More information is also available at: www.slough.gov.uk/childrenscentreconsultation

      • Fill in the survey online at: https://slough.citizenspace.com/corporate/childrens-centres-consultation
      • Email Childrens.Centres@slough.gov.uk if you have any questions.
      • Visit a drop-in session.

      Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning, and skills, said: “We want to hear from as many residents as possible, even if you don’t agree with any of the options proposed. It’s very important for us here at the council to make sure we can take into account as many residents’ views as possible, as we look at designing the new children’s centre service.

      “Please do attend a drop-in session if you would like to ask more questions about the proposals, there are two in March, and if you don’t have access to the internet or need help completing the survey you can visit your local children’s centre where the staff will be happy to assist.”

      The children’s centre team will be hosting drop-in sessions where residents can ask questions and get help filling in the online survey if they need it.

      The dates for the drop-in sessions are:

      Monday 6 March, Vicarage Way Children’s Centre, 12noon-2pm, Vicarage Way, Colnbrook, SL3 0JY.

      Wednesday 15 March, Yew Tree Road Children’s Centre, 4-6pm, St Marys School, Yew Tree Road, SL1 2AR

      If you cannot access the internet at home or need help to complete the survey, you can visit your local children’s centre for a paper copy.

      Responses will be analysed, and an outcomes report will go to Cabinet later in 2023.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Library changes set to be decided

      Cabinet is being asked to agree a new plan for library services, which could bring savings of £276,000 per year.

      There are three suggested options, with the recommendation being for Option B.

      • Option A - To provide library services from The Curve, Langley, Britwell and Cippenham, largely attended by dedicated library staff. There would be no 2023/24 library savings.
      • Option B - To deliver a predominantly self-service library service from The Curve, Langley, Britwell and Cippenham, with amended opening hours. Maintain a publications budget of £90,000. Volunteers will complement the outreach programme (especially the Library at Home service) and the building-based offer. This option would save £276,000.
      • Option C – Close Cippenham Library but otherwise adopt Option B. There would be more than £40,000 in staff and building management savings. Cippenham Library has been identified as a building which may be attractive to the property market and could be sold, but there are currently no plans to sell the building in 2023/24.

      Library services provide access to books, online resources, computers with Wi-Fi and internet, as well as a programme of events and activities for adults and children.
      In a population of 158,500, there are 40,000 library members, of which 21,000 are active users. The main age group of active members is 18-59, followed by 0-10. Those over 60 make up 3.6 per cent of the active users.
      The council did a 12-week consultation into library use in 2021/22 to inform the 2022-27 library service plan. The results showed people valued having a library within walking distance, more than 80 per cent of transactions were through self-serve kiosks, 70 per cent of all resources borrowed were from the children’s library, and respondents liked the idea of co-locating other council services within the current library buildings.
      In 2019/20 more than 100,000 e-resources were borrowed from Slough library service, 66,000 hours of computer time were booked by library users and 67,000 visits were made to attend an event or activity.
      Although the preferred proposal means library buildings will open on slightly reduced hours, all the libraries will be kept open at the most popular times, allowing for the main activities to continue. There will always be at least two libraries open on Saturdays, one being The Curve each week.
      There will always be a 24/7 online offer, which exists currently, where books can be renewed and e-resources can be accessed, and there will be efforts to extend the Library at Home service, where volunteers take library books to the homes of people unable to come to a library themselves.
      Councillor Christine Hulme, cabinet member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “I am a passionate champion for our library service in Slough. I believe this service has a vital role to play in improving the lives of our residents over the next five years.
      “Our library service is at the heart of our communities, whether that be in a building or via our online library. We want both offers to be welcoming and inviting, inclusive and accessible, providing space for people to study, to attend creative clubs, to meet authors, to play and relax.
      “We need to make sure our future library service is modern, vibrant, and sustainable. I want us to find ways to provide library services within our localities and to develop our excellent partnership with organisations across Slough to keep bringing good services to you.”

      Another service aim is for library staff to work with community partners to deliver a programme of literacy-based outreach events and activities such as Rhyme-time, storytelling, poetry clubs, book clubs and Summer Reading Challenge, and to build up a volunteer team to support with events, the Library at Home service and the day-to-day library service.

      The savings from Option B will come from not recruiting to vacant library officer posts; there will be no redundancies.

      In six months, another report will come to Cabinet to review and provide further recommendations on delivering library services.

      The Cabinet meeting is on 27 February and the papers can be found on the council’s website (https://democracy.slough.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=109&MId=7092), including the suggested opening hours for each library, in paragraph 2.16.

      For anyone interested in becoming a library volunteer, there are a range of opportunities to use existing skills and develop new ones. Volunteers can help residents to make the most of their local library service.

      Visit www.slough.gov.uk/libraries and complete an application form or email Libraries.CultureVolunteering@slough.gov.uk for further information.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      CCTV set to move to TVP from 2024

      Cabinet is set to discuss a proposal for Thames Valley Police to take on responsibility for the town’s CCTV from 1 January 2024.

      The move will support the Police and Crime Commissioner’s ambition to bring together all of the Thames Valley area’s CCTV coverage under one roof providing comprehensive coverage of both Slough and the rest of the Thames Valley region.

      Discussions with the police have been on-going for several months, with the proposal, including the date of transfer meeting both organisations’ timelines.

      The Careline push button response alarm system, currently covered by the CCTV staff will be transferred to an alternative private supplier with each client under social care being assisted with the transfer.

      Councillor Balvinder Bains, lead member for public protection, regulation and enforcement, said: “It makes absolute sense for CCTV to be a police responsibility; they are both the biggest users of the system and already run systems in other areas of the region.

      “The safety of the public is our priority and the benefits to the area and for the police directly are clear.

      “By using a joint timeline for transfer we can ensure there is no break in service for residents.”

      He added: “The transfer of residents who currently use our Careline system is also fundamental for us to get right and our adult social care and Careline teams will be working closely with anyone affected.”

      A paper detailing the proposal will be going before Cabinet at their meeting on 27 February. The agenda and papers for the meeting will be published on 17 February on the council’s website.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Launch of domestic abuse survey

      Slough Borough Council’s community safety team is launching an online survey asking for views about domestic abuse and wider VAWG (Violence Against Women & Girls).

      They are also keen to hear from male victims/survivors and respondents, whether in a personal or professional capacity. The survey is running until 20 March.

      The survey aims to find out people’s experience of domestic abuse support in Slough to help shape the council’s local strategy and services provided.

      The survey is not only for those directly affected by domestic abuse but also residents that have views on what should be offered in the Slough area. All responses are confidential and there will be no identifying details requested.

      Councillor Balvinder Bains, cabinet member for public protection, regulation and enforcement, said: “The survey is for professionals, victims, and survivors of violence, including men and boys, residents who care about this topic and members of local groups and organisations.

      “If we are going to improve services around domestic abuse, including violence, coercive control and so called ‘honour based’ abuse and forced marriage, it is essential we listen to residents and hear their experiences.

      “We understand writing about personal experiences can bring up difficult memories, so please only complete the survey if you feel ready and able.”

      Responses will be split into the following categories:

      • I am a partner/ professional agency (i.e.. Police, Probation, Drug Services etc)
      • I am (or have been) a victim/ survivor of violence against women and girls (including men and boys)
      • I am a resident of Slough and care about this topic
      • I am a member of a local group or organisation and see the effects of domestic abuse.

      The survey can be accessed at https://forms.office.com/r/tRzguURRu4

      Please remember if anyone is in immediate danger, call 999, or for support during working hours, call Hestia on 01753 477352.

      The National Domestic Abuse helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 2000 247 or www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

    • SloughBC @SloughBC Slough - 1y

      Knife Angel vigil – a strong message of unity

      The Slough community came together in a show of unity against knife and violent crime.

      A candlelit vigil at the Knife Angel, a sculpture against violence and aggression, was held at Arbour Park last night (26 January).

      There were speakers from Thames Valley Police, local faith leaders, a young volunteer and families of those who died as a result of knife crime.

      Chief Inspector Ashley Smith, from Thames Valley Police, said: “This is just the start of what we are doing in Slough, and we cannot do it alone. Seeing how many people are here shows the commitment.

      “Together with our partners, and community, we can make a difference and prevent further acts of violence on our streets. Slough stands together against all forms of violence.”

      Reverend Sue Lepp, police chaplain, had a powerful message for everyone.

      She said: “Angels are messengers. We need to be angels. To be messengers of warning and peace. To the young people, be angels of influence. To the adults, be angels of example. Knife crime and violence have no part in this community.”

      Umar Ansari, the father of Abdul Aziz Ansari, 18, who was murdered in Langley in May 2022, spoke of the need to take a stand together.

      He said: “Last year was a devastating year for us; we had three separate murders. Is this the type of identity we want for Slough? A place that is unsafe for our children and ourselves?

      “We have had to go through the whole painful experience of being told he is no longer with us. The impact has not gone away. The pain and grief is now within our DNA.

      “Slough is growing. We can’t allow ourselves to sleepwalk into a town that becomes less safe for our generation and the generation to follow. It is time for us to reclaim Slough. We need to be cohesive. We need to stand together. If you hear of any anti-knife crime campaigns, please support them.”

      Stuart and Amanda Stephens, the parents of Olly Stephens, 13, who was murdered in Reading in January 2021, both spoke.

      About three years ago Olly had known about the Knife Angel and fallen in love with the design, but sadly he never got to see it in person.

      Stuart said: “Too many young lives have already been lost to the cancer of knife crime. Our children are being sold lies through their phones. It is up to our families and community to inspire change to our youths’ behaviour towards each other. We start at home by talking to our children.

      “It is shameful to pick up a knife. It is just plain stupid to actually use one. Please have these conversations, no matter how awkward.”

      Amanda said: “Children killed our son. Our children are our future. We need to protect them.”

      She read a poem about the Knife Angel, written by Theresa Redmond.

      “As I stand so strong and tall
      I symbolise life, now lost, so cruel
      I’m made of knives used by gangs, a structure of hate, caused by man
      An Angel made, from sadness and gloom
      That stands in hope of getting through
      To all these gangs in senseless need
      Of taking life
      With needless greed
      These murderous youths can’t comprehend
      The misery caused with no real end
      A sentence passed
      A life’s long pain
      Made with knives
      To no ones gain.”

      Dr Osman Latif, from Jamia Masjid & Islamic Centre, Slough, said: “You are our hope in this town. You have to be the beacons of light in every place you are living to make this a place to live in peace, comfort and harmony.”

      Pastor Cecil Boyd, from Church of God of Prophecy, Britwell, said: “We stand against violence and aggression of all sorts. When we work together, we can make a change. We can stem this violence in our community. Our children are the future of this town, they need us. Let’s work together to bring this to an end.”

      Naresh Saraswat, a Priest from Slough Hindu Temple, said: “Together we can do a lot of change. I wish Slough has a very nice, peaceful future. We can hope, we can wish that this is the end of knife crime in our town.”

      Eisa Mohammad, a volunteer with Together as One (Aik Saath), spoke about a project the youth did to discuss what they would do if they could ‘change one thing’.

      He said: “We are thinking a great deal about how we can support families. In the name of those who are fallen, we must do more to bring the youth together and remove them from harmful influences. Make them a beacon of change for future generations.”

      Since the Knife Angel arrived in Slough on 10 January, more than 5,500 people have attended and liaised with officers and volunteers, there are more than 700 tags with key messages around stopping violence and by the end of March, more than 3,000 young people in Slough will have been educated about knife crime.

      The Knife Angel was brought to Slough in partnership with Thames Valley Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley and Slough Borough Council.

      The last full day the Knife Angel is in Slough is Monday 30 January. It will head off to the next location in Gloucester on Tuesday 31 January.

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