The Low Carbon Workspaces (LCW) grant scheme helps businesses make energy cost savings and reduce carbon emissions.

One of the most effective and long-term ways to reduce your climate impact, and to mitigate against energy price rises, is to reduce energy consumed, through efficiency upgrades.

Such improvements include; LED lighting, solar PV, heating system upgrades, and insulation/glazing to improve heat retention. The main barrier to these may well be the initial cost. However, a Low Carbon Workspaces’ grant from £1,000 - £5,000 can help fund a third of the cost of such projects at commercial premises.

These interventions are a great way to save money on energy bills, and reduce your carbon emissions; helping to achieve net zero goals. Grants cannot be paid retrospectively so it is essential to apply before undertaking work or appointing suppliers.

For full details visit lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk or email the team at info@lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk

Transport consultation launches – have your say

The council will be submitting a bid for funding for different transport projects and a consultation has been launched to gather residents’ views.

The bid through the Levelling Up Fund is for three complementary projects which will promote active and sustainable modes of transport, enhancing accessibility to economic, social and cultural opportunities in Slough for local communities and visitors.

The following proposals will enable wider multi-user access to employment, housing, leisure and culture.

1. Farnham Road public realm – We want to improve the public realm of Farnham Road (between its junctions with Essex Avenue and Sheffield Road), including introducing safer pedestrian areas, and to improve cycling infrastructure, improve access to local shops and businesses for users of all modes of transport.

2. Salt Hill Park and Western Gateway – Innovative design to create a coherent, connected space that marks out a Western Gateway experience leading into the Heart of Slough. Improving the Three Tuns junction, west of the park, connecting the green space, and seeing the spaces working together could help establish a sense of place.
3. Farnham Road Bus Accessibility - We want to improve the reliability and accessibility of buses on Farnham Road by upgrading and revising the phasing of the traffic signals along the full length of Farnham Road within the Borough. We also want to improve access to the bus stops by adjusting their locations where needed, and by improving footways and removing clutter.

Councillor Mohammed Nazir, lead member for transport and the local environment, said: “If we were to be successful in winning this bid, it would enable many improvements to be made in the town which would benefit cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. I would encourage residents to complete the survey and to share their views, so we can make any changes to our proposals before submitting the bid in July.”

The community and stakeholder consultation, which runs until 30 June, is about gathering insight into what local improvements residents would like to see and to get their views on the proposals. It is not about scheme designs, as this will come later if the bid is successful.

To have your say, visit the consultation webpage https://slough.citizenspace.com/transport/levelling-up-fund

£150 rebate update
Of the 2,800 direct debit cases that failed the initial checks, we have reviewed these and are able to make a further 1,529 payments. These payments will hit bank accounts next week.
The remaining 1,271 cases will now be included in those that need to make a claim. The reasons for these cases not being paid are a result of them not meeting the criteria laid out in the guidance, such as the bank account name and council tax name not matching or payment from a business account.
Final tests are being completed on the claim form and we hope to go live in the next 5 to 10 days.
All remaining households will receive a letter over the coming weeks to invite them to complete the online claim form. Once the form is published, guidance on how to complete the form will be added to the website.
We will do another update once the form is live and letters start going out.

£150 rebate payments
* We cannot look into individual cases until the following process is complete. There is no need to contact us about this, we will continue to provide updates as things progress. Thank you for your patience. *
Following our update on 27 May about releasing 23,078 rebate payments to direct debit payers, some 2,800 of these have not gone through.
We are now in the process of going through cases where the software has not been able to match details and identifying those where we are confident it is appropriate to pay without an application.
This is a manual check and will begin today (Tuesday).
Once we have done that, all accounts where we are able to verify, will receive a payment in due course.
Where we cannot match or there is a clear mis-match – i.e. Council Tax paid by a third party or surnames do not match and cannot be matched from records - council tax payers will receive a letter in due course inviting them to make an application through our claim form. Applicants will be able to request a payment or have the money credited to their council tax account.
Those who do not pay by direct debit will also receive an invite to claim in the same way at the same time.
Once an application is made, payments will be made where all details match and pass the verification checks within four weeks.
For those accounts that fail this, a payment will be made direct to the council tax payer's council tax account. We will notify residents via the website once this process is complete.

Cycle hire scheme changes

Slough’s bicycle hire scheme is coming to an end while a new provider is sought.

Slough Cycle Hire launched in 2013 and grew to include 17 cycle hire stations throughout the town. For just £1, pay as you go members could cycle for up to an hour, or cyclists could choose a daily pass or have a monthly membership.

It meant people were able to dock the bikes across Slough, including at Slough and Burnham train stations, on the Slough trading estate and in popular shopping areas in Langley.

The current scheme will close on 1 July, as the council can no longer subsidise it.

However, the council is issuing a new tender for a new supplier who can run a modernised scheme at no cost to the council and one which could potentially include e-bikes and newer, lighter bikes.

Cllr Mohammed Nazir, lead member for transport and the local environment, said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported and enjoyed the Slough Cycle Hire scheme. While it has served us well up until this point, the council can no longer subsidise it.

“We remain committed to sustainable travel, and we are currently looking into alternative schemes. We are optimistic we can find a new provider who can bring a revitalised scheme to the town and encourage people to get on a bike to make their journeys, rather than always hopping in the car. If we reduce the number of short car journeys we make, the local environment will be cleaner and safer.”

Any users who bought a subscription that is valid after the closing date will be refunded on a pro-rata basis. Daily passes will continue to be available until 30 June.

Once out of action, the team will be working with community groups to see if they can make use of the bikes and others will be repurposed and given away to a charity who will issue them to low-income individuals.

The transport team will review responses to the tender to help relaunch a cycle hire scheme in Slough.

The council was recently awarded £10.4m to create a cycle highway route, so retaining a bike share scheme is important to encourage more people of all ages to try out cycling and be confident on Slough’s roads.

For future updates on the scheme, please visit the council’s website at https://www.slough.gov.uk/cycling/cycle-hire-slough

If you have any questions, email betterby@slough.gov.uk

Household Support Fund (HSF) applications open
Applications for support through the Household Support Fund (HSF) can now be made until 30 September.
The council has been awarded another £1,177,691.53 from the Department for Work and Pensions to help families, pensioners and individuals who may struggle to pay for basic living costs, such as food, energy and water bills and essentials linked to these, such as sanitary products, warm clothing, soap and blankets (but not white goods).
The majority of the council’s funding will go to families with children in receipt of Free School Meals, those in receipt of Early Years pupil premium and to care leavers. A third will go to pensioners and there will be some allocated for discretionary applications.
Currently, around 6,000 children are receiving free school meals, whose families will receive £15 per week per child for May half term and summer holidays from their schools.
Funding will be given as food vouchers, vouchers for essential goods and assistance with fuel payments.
Councillor Rob Anderson, lead member for financial oversight and council assets, said: “We are pleased to have received at least the same amount of money as we did in the previous scheme which ran until the end of March. Last time we made 38,000 individual payments which shows the scale of the cost of living crisis for Slough residents. The money will go to help those who really need it the most.”
The council will be making direct contact with those identified as being eligible for these payments.
For people most in need, who don’t fall into the categories listed, they can apply to the discretionary scheme, even if they applied for the previous HSF money.
Criteria for the discretionary scheme includes being over 16, having a settled residence in Slough, having a reduction in income and not having savings they could use.
It is one application per household.
There is an application form to complete for those who won’t automatically be eligible. Please submit all the information requested to speed up the application process.
The discretionary funding will be issued on a first come, first served basis to those who are eligible and submit all the information required.
Applications close on 30 September or when the funding is all allocated.
To see the full eligibility criteria, please visit https://www.slough.gov.uk/benefits-support/household-support-fund

Today we have released 23,078 energy rebate payments for £3.4m.

If you pay by direct debit, this should hit your bank account by Tuesday.

For non DD payers, we will write to you from 6 June, inviting you to claim. There is no need to contact us, please wait for the letter.

If your direct debit was not set up before the qualifying date, or the info did not match the liable tax payer, you will receive a letter too.

A4 east/west cycle highway route – funding announcement

Slough Borough Council’s transport planning team has secured grant funding to develop a major cycle route across the borough.

A total of £10.4m has been awarded from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Active Travel Fund, representing full funding for the scheme.

The promotion of Active Travel is one of the core elements of the council’s delivery of a sustainable, safe and integrated transport solution.

This scheme is one of the priorities in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and is in line with the council’s Local Transport policies, and wider council policies, including the Low Emission Strategy and emerging Carbon Strategy.

The benefits of the scheme will be extensive, contributing towards:
• improved public health
• improved air quality
• reduced traffic congestion and associated carbon emissions
• increased connectivity and mobility
• greater social inclusion.

Misha Byrne, the council’s transport lead, said: “The team is currently developing preliminary designs for the scheme, which is expected to cover the A4 from the western boundary to the Uxbridge Road junction.

“There are a number of pinch-points along the route, and innovative engineering solutions will be necessary in order to deliver a continuous and successful route. The team is looking forward to this challenge and to providing a high quality, safe and practical cycle highway.”

The designs are expected to include:
• segregation/part-segregation from mainstream traffic
• junction redesign and improved crossing provision
• prominent, enhanced signage and markings.

Councillor Pavitar K. Mann, lead member for transport, planning and place, said: “It’s fantastic news to hear we’ve been awarded this money which will enable us to reclaim the road space for all road users, in a sustainable and progressive way.

“Local areas have suffered from increased levels of traffic and increased speeds. The council has already introduced measures to make local roads better for walking and cycling, such as our rollout of School Streets.

“With this new scheme, we want to help people make travel choices that are cleaner and greener which will contribute towards Slough being a safer, healthier and more attractive place to live and work.”

Highways schemes of this kind go hand in hand with the council’s ongoing educational programme which promotes behavioural change through travel planning and engagement with wide-ranging organisations and the community.

The plans will be released for consultation in the summer.

Dates for the construction of the scheme are yet to be determined.

Are you taking care of your smile?

National Smile month is from 16 May to 16 June and gives us all an opportunity to understand why oral health is such an important part of our overall health. Maintaining good oral health habits at home reduces our risks of oral disease such as cavities, gum disease, tooth sensitivity and bad breath. Many of these are largely preventable when we address the common factors such as smoking, poor diet, high sugar intake and alcohol misuse.

During the pandemic, access to dental services was reduced leaving many children, families, adults, and older adults at risk of poor oral health. Prolonged untreated oral disease can lead to pain, days lost from work and school, sleepless nights and can reduce a person’s quality of life.

Now that things are returning more to normal, it’s important to get those check-ups booked in at the dentist and keep on top of your oral health care. We should all visit a dentist regularly (every six months, or as often as recommended by your dentist). To find a local dentist call 0300 311 22 33 or visit the NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

It is recommended that parents and carers support good oral health habits in children from the earliest age. Children and that they see a dentist once their first tooth comes through and by the age of one, so children can get used to the experience. This is an opportunity to check teeth for decay, gums, and general mouth health. For helpful tips on keeping children’s teeth healthy, please visit the Slough Oral Health webpage. https://www.slough.gov.uk/leisure-wellbeing-health/oral-health

Cleaning at the gum level is especially important for those who have experienced tooth loss due to gum disease. Those wearing dentures must pay particular attention to their oral hygiene. Vulnerable adults (and children) with reduced dexterity and mental capacity may require additional support with toothbrushing. NICE guidelines advise carers at home and care staff within a care home to consider:
• providing daily oral care for full or partial dentures (such as brushing, removing food debris, and removing dentures overnight)
• using their choice of cleaning products for dentures if possible
• using their choice of toothbrush, either manual or powered
• daily use of mouth care products prescribed by dental clinicians (for example, this may include a high fluoride toothpaste or a prescribed mouthwash or rinse).

For the rest of us, healthy eating and general good oral hygiene are the most important actions we can take, as well as regular dentist visits. Teeth frequently exposed to sugar is the main cause for dental decay. The best way to reduce this is to ensure consumption of sugary drinks and foods is kept to a minimum. This can be achieved by eating a healthy balanced diet to support healthy teeth.
It is important to clean all tooth surfaces and gum line twice a day. Using a fluoride-containing toothpaste helps to prevent dental caries. Creating an early habit of toothbrushing is important. Children should be supervised to brush their teeth for the first 8-9 years with encouraged prompting and motivation from parents.

The Slough Healthy Smiles project run by Oxford Health which has been running since 2018 continues to aim to coordinate, facilitate, support and provide a range of evidence-based interventions to improve oral health and reduce oral health inequalities in Slough, by working particularly with early years and primary school aged children and vulnerable adults. This includes improving oral health promotion and collaborating with partners to improve patient awareness of NHS dental services available. https://healthandwellbeingslough.co.uk/services/oral-health/

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, lead member for social care and public health, said: “Over the pandemic access to dentists wasn’t easy and it’s important now to book that check-up that may be overdue. It’s really important to regularly brush teeth, reduce sugar and start little ones off early at the dentist. We are so pleased of the positive impact that our Slough Healthy Smiles project continues to make on our residents’ oral health, particularly on our youngest residents and those who are more elderly or vulnerable.”

Anti-social behaviour curbs could go borough wide

The entire borough could be subject to a new legal order which will give the council and police greater powers to curb anti-social behaviour in public places.

A borough wide Public Space Protection Order, PSPO, will prohibit street drinking and refusing to surrender the alcohol, if requested.

The order will give Thames Valley Police officers the discretion to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £100 or take rule-breakers to court where fines of up to £1,000 could be handed out for repeated or serious breaches.

An order has been in place in nine areas of the borough since October 2017 to combat anti-social behaviour.

An eight-week consultation is live from today, Friday 13 May, for the proposal to expand and come into force across the whole borough.

The proposed order will prohibit the following activities:
• continuing to drink alcohol or consume intoxicating substances when required to stop doing so by a police officer or police community support officer
• not surrendering any alcohol or intoxicating substances in his or her possession when required to do so by a police officer or police community support officer.

Once the consultation period is over the council will look at feedback and take it into consideration for the final proposal of the order.

Approval will then be sought from cabinet after the consultation ends.

The council has been working closely with Thames Valley Police who will be the main authority to enforce the order.

Councillor Beni Bains, lead member for regulation and public protection, said: “The order has made it easier to target anti-social behaviour in the locations where it is currently in place.

“However, expanding it to cover the whole borough makes it easier to enforce and for people to understand.

“It will be part of a toolkit to tackle lower level behaviour which has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of residents.”

The council intends for the proposed order to last for three years from the date it is made.

Residents who want to participate in the consultation are encouraged to have a look at the online documents at https://www.slough.gov.uk/consultations

Views can be submitted by:
• emailing reportASB@slough.gov.uk with the subject ‘Borough wide PSPO consultation’.
• writing to “Borough wide PSPO consultation”, Place and Regulation, Observatory House, Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 2EL.

The consultation ends on Friday 8 July.

12 May 2022

Schools in Slough get walking!

Schools in Slough are getting active by walking to school next week. The annual Living Streets campaign encourages children and parents to leave their cars at home and get active by walking.

Power Up! is this year’s theme for Walk to School Week, which runs from 16-20 May. #PowerUp is a campaign that engages pupils through video game-inspired design and encouraging them to travel sustainably to school every day of the week.

Each day will see a level unlocked and a new mission to complete, through which pupils will discover the incredible benefits of walking for individuals, communities, and the planet. Each pupil will be challenged to walk, cycle, scoot or park and stride to school every day for one week.

To find out more, visit the campaign page on the Living Streets website.

Parents and carers at Wexham Court Primary School are enjoying safer drop offs and pick ups outside the school gate as their School Street was made permanent on 29 April.

Navroop Mehat, Headteacher at Wexham Court Primary School, said: “The School Street closure has meant our children can safely and comfortably travel to and from school. Pupils come running in to school, they love it. Their parents let them walk part way to school because they know they are safe. After school, the pupils walk home with their friends and chat. We all chat after school without worrying about a car whizzing past. It is really very beautiful.

“Prior to the School Street, we had cars speeding past all the time. They parked-on driveways and blocked the view of pupils crossing. The whole experience was terrifying, which meant pupils did not walk to school as it was just too unsafe.”

School Streets limit motor vehicle access during drop-off and pick-up times, supporting active travel by making it safer for children and their families to walk, cycle and scoot to school. Wexham Court Primary School Street is operational from 8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm term time only.

Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “We are so pleased to hear the fantastic impact making the Wexham Court Primary School Street permanent has made. To get feedback that the children are getting more exercise when travelling to and from school and enjoying walking with their friends and families is priceless, all in a much safer environment.”

Residents and businesses who live and work on the School Street, as well as Blue Badge holders are exempt.

Slough in Bloom returns for its 28th year

This year’s Slough in Bloom competition has launched!

Entries are open until 2 July, with judging taking place from 11 July.

Anyone can enter 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: “We have been working in partnership with Slough in Bloom for 28 years, and have been pleased to be able to support this great 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 competition entries last year in spite of the Covid lockdowns. We are looking forward to even more gardens being entered into this year’s competition and seeing how last year’s gardens have developed.”

The online entry form is available to complete at: https://sloughinbloom.org/ along with a downloadable version which can be posted to the address on the form. You can also email to enter with all your contact details to: sloughinbloom@gmail.com

Entries close on 2 July, and the winners will be announced in August.

Platinum Jubilee with Slough Libraries

Libraries in Slough will be buzzing with activities to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

A programme of events has been designed, with something for all ages, to mark this historic occasion.

Events are free to attend and are supported by Arts Council England. They run from 27 May until 21 June in different Slough libraries.

Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “We are so excited to welcome people into our libraries for these special events. There is a great variety of things to do, including making your own crown, storytime sessions, building a Royal palace with Lego and a musical celebration to conclude it all. Please come along and join in the fun.”

See the full list of events at https://www.slough.gov.uk/libraries-culture-events/platinum-jubilee-events

Tent-dwellers to be evicted from churchyard

People who have been living in tents in the churchyard at St Mary’s Church in Slough town centre have been served notice to leave or have their belongings removed.

The action by the council, with the support of the church and Slough police, follows complaints and evidence of:
• the pitching of tents on graves, memorial plaques and monuments leaving residents unable to visit deceased relatives
• human fouling and urination in the churchyard, on graves and even on the church itself
• public drug taking and alcohol consumption including within the church itself, disrupting services
• drug and alcohol waste
• littering
• uncontrolled fires which have caused damage
• as well as, attracting and encouraging other antisocial behaviour in the area.
The notice was served on the tent-dwellers on Wednesday 27 April, giving them until Tuesday 3 May to remove all tents and associated materials.

Any tents and materials still on site on Tuesday 3 May at 9am will be removed and destroyed.

Greg Edmond, principal enforcement officer, said: “The church has been patient for a very long time but the behaviour by the people living in these tents, the tents themselves and the behaviour of the outside visitors they attract, are having a severe and detrimental effect on the area and on the relatives of those buried at St. Mary’s.

“Intensive work by the council’s outreach team has meant numerous people who were living within the graveyard have engaged with services and been helped to find suitable accommodation. The church too has been tireless in their support for those people and their visitors.

“Unfortunately, those who are left have been unwilling to change their behaviour or access any of the services who can help and support them.

“And, worst of all, their behaviour is now directed at the church itself and not just in the grounds.

“Now we are saying ‘enough is enough, this anti-social behaviour and the other behaviour it encourages in the area cannot continue’ and we are taking action.”

Garry Tallett, group manager for community safety, housing regulation and enforcement
said: “The plight of genuinely homeless residents and the circumstances that drive people to camp is something we can all sympathise with.

“However, there are multiple organisations who are there to help, who have offered to help, but nothing has changed.

“Churchyards and churches are hallowed ground and do not deserve to be disrespected in this way. We need to take action to protect the resting places of those who have come before us.”

The formal notice also gives the tent-dwellers the names and addresses of organisations where they can get help with homelessness and health and addiction issues.

Product recall: Certain Kinder products have been recalled due to a potential salmonella risk. All shops, but particularly smaller and independent retailers, are urged to double check their stock. Email consumers.uk@ferrero.com for a full refund if you've purchased these products

Water safety video to be launched in schools

The harrowing final moments of a young man who drowned in the Jubilee River are recounted by a friend in an educational video being launched in schools to prevent another life being lost.

Jade Spilsbury was among a group of friends who went to the banks of the river with 20-year-old Michael Scaife.

She dialled 999 as Michael’s head went below the surface for a final time and she didn’t see him resurface.

The moving account is just part of the educational video which also features Michael’s mum Sonia.

Sonia takes a walk across the bridge of the Jubilee River where she sat for hours above Michael’s body waiting for specialist divers to pull him out.

In the video, produced by the Safer Slough Partnership and the Environment Agency, she explains the bridge has become a memorial for her family.

Both women warn others not to go into any body of water on hot days due to the water being freezing cold and the risk of cold-water shock, which Michael suffered from rendering him unable to surface.

Jade said: “Just don’t go in. Don’t leave the people who love you behind.”

The video which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/y4njOkRBK4Q will be shared with secondary schools to use in their PHE lessons. It will serve as a real-life warning of the dangers of jumping or swimming in waterways as well as leaving lifebuoys and lines situated along rivers alone for when there is an emergency.

SBC’s joint chair of the Safer Slough Partnership board, Alan Sinclair, said: “This is a really sad and salient story of a young man from Langley with his whole life in front of him, who was out on a summer’s day and having fun.

“It quickly turned to tragedy when another young man got into trouble and Michael helped get him to the edge before getting into trouble himself.

“The Safer Slough Partnership has done a lot of work to try and educate and warn people not to go in the Jubilee River and we are widening this to reach all the secondary school pupils.”

Lee Barnham, joint chair and local area commander for Thames Valley Police, said: “I am very grateful to the Scaife family and Jade for sharing their tragic experiences and for being so generous with their time in a bid to prevent this happening to anyone else.

“Over the past three years the Partnership has worked well together with services patrolling the riverbanks in hot weather, talking to individuals and families seen in the water and telling them of the unseen dangers.

“We want to reach out to young people early to warn them of the life-threatening danger of going into bodies of water in good weather. The video powerfully highlights what can happen when tempted by water on a hot day.”

The Environment Agency is responsible for the Jubilee River and the lifebuoys and lines on the banks.

There have been physical barriers made to stop people going in the river, warning signs, and the buoys are regularly checked. However, these have to be replaced with disappointing frequency due to vandalism.

They literally could be the only thing between life and death for someone in trouble in the water, and people are asked to remind their children to respect them and not vandalise them.

Michael Scaife was a trainee shop manager who was about to become a mentor with The Prince’s Trust when he died in the Jubilee River in August 2015.

Three years after Michael’s death two young men died within just weeks of each other in the Jubilee River, 17-year-old Dajarn Daly, of Wexham, and 22-year-old Nayeeb Ullah Naizai. The inquests ruled all three men’s death were accidental.

Read more water safety information on the RBFRS website.
https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety/out-and-about/water-safety/

The M4 eastbound will be closed overnight (approx 9pm-6am) between j6 and 5 on Mon 25 April.

The M4 westbound and associated slip roads will be closed between j4b (M25) and j5, including the clock wise and anti-clockwise link roads from the M25 to the M4, on Mon 25 April.

The M4 in both directions will be closed between j4b (M25) and j5, including all associated slip and M25 linking roads, on Tues 26 April.

The M4 j5 westbound entry slip road will be closed overnight on Wed 27 April.

The M4 j6 eastbound exit slip road will be closed overnight on Thurs 28 April.

There are volunteer governor positions for many Slough schools, visit https://www.slough.gov.uk/schools-slough/governors to find out more. There are also roles available at the council, Slough Children First and Osborne Property Services Ltd. Visit www.slough.gov.uk/council-jobs

Are you interested in helping the council to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by its Members and Co-opted Members? Volunteer opportunities are available to become Independent Members of the Audit & Corporate Governance Committee and Standards Committee, as well and an Independent Person. Find out more about what each role entails at
https://www.slough.gov.uk/general-vacancies/standards-co-opted-member-x2
https://www.slough.gov.uk/general-vacancies/audit-corporate-finance-co-opted-members-x4
https://www.slough.gov.uk/general-vacancies/independent-person

We will not call and ask for bank details in connection with the £150 energy bill rebates. If you get a call, you should report this to Action Fraud -www.actionfraud.police.uk. We will be writing to residents, who we do not already hold bank details, inviting you to make a claim. We have not yet set a date for this as we are still awaiting the software. Future updates will be on www.slough.gov.uk/council-tax/energy-bill-rebates

Conviction for man who dumped waste

A man who dumped a transit van’s worth of waste into a cul-de-sac, blocking a fire hydrant when there was an active fire in the road, has appeared in court.

CCTV caught the moment Daniel Morris, of Shakespeare Avenue, Feltham, Middlesex, decided to empty the contents of his Ford Transit flat-bed tipper onto Willow Road in Poyle.

During the incident on 29 June 2021, he fly-tipped green waste and some wooden wardrobes which covered the end of the road.

After an investigation by the council’s Resilience and Enforcement Team, and assistance from Thames Valley Police, Mr Morris’s vehicle was identified from local ANPR cameras and was active in the area at the time.

Mr Morris attended Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 8 April and pleaded guilty to fly-tipping under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The court sentenced him to a three-year conditional discharge, and he was ordered to pay £250 in costs and £22 Victim Surcharge.

Greg Edmond, from the resilience and enforcement team, said: “What was particularly hazardous about this incident was that it covered access to a fire hydrant, preventing access to the fire service who were dealing with a building fire on the same road in a neighbouring building.

“The fire service were able to access another hydrant, however with a fire in close proximity and green combustible waste yards away, the potential for the fire to spread was high and the council had to act quickly to remove the waste.”

Counterfeit number plate holders lead to prosecution

A Slough based business is hundreds of thousands of pounds out of pocket after being prosecuted for selling illegal number plate holders.

The investigation into Sola Sales Ltd began in June 2017, after a test purchase of a set of number plate holders bearing the BMW/Mini logos was made at the business premises on Farnham Road, by the council’s Trading Standards officers.

Once these items were confirmed as being counterfeit, a search of the premises was carried out in November 2017, when a total of 3,466 surrounds were seized bearing the trademarks of 22 different car manufacturers. A business computer was seized as well.

Although the two directors claimed they purchased the number plate holders from a reputable EU based company in good faith and were unaware the holders were an unlicensed product, a forensic analysis of the seized computer revealed that a large consignment of counterfeit number plate holders destined for Sola Sales, from their supplier, had been seized and destroyed by Customs Officers in Calais in March 2016.

The confiscation hearing was held at Reading Crown Court on 1 April 2022.

Judge HHJ Nott stated she accepted the company was set up with a legitimate purpose and would sentence on the basis of recklessness and carelessness, rather than specific intent to commit financial crime.

The judge granted a confiscation order for the sum of £333,955.62, to Sola Sales Ltd and its two directors Marcin Wdowiak and Kazimiera Swiniarska. This includes the council’s prosecution costs and fines totalling £20,000.

Jaspal Singh, Principal Enforcement Officer for the council’s Trading Standards service and lead officer in the case, said: “I’m pleased the directors had previously pleaded guilty to the offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and now have to pay prosecution costs to SBC, as well as a significant amount in Proceeds of Crime money, received during the period of April 2014 to April 2018, when the sales of this product took place through Amazon and eBay marketplaces.”

Easter Holiday Activity and Food programme launches

This Easter, Slough Borough Council is continuing the Holiday Activity and Food programme.

Eligible children across the borough can access four-hour sessions, for four days over the Easter break at no cost to parents/guardians (children are eligible if they receive benefits related free school meal). This programme is funded by the Department for Education.

The holiday clubs are also available to any children not eligible for free school meals, who can pay to attend.

Slough Borough Council is working with a range of providers (private, voluntary, independent, and charities) to offer places where children will be able to eat healthy nutritious meals over the school holidays; be more active and be safe and have fun. Our providers for the Easter programme are: Get Active, Art Classes, Slough Music Service, Antz Kidz, Kidz Enterprise Ltd, Scrumys, Monksfield and Chalvey Grove CC, Sport 4 Kids, Tree Tops Clubs, Sports Collective, Computer Xplorers, Sports Inc, Little Musketeers, Aik Saath, Britwell Youth and Community Project and Fit for Sports. See our webpage for activities offered by each provider as this information is being updated daily: https://www.slough.gov.uk/HAF

Dayo Williams, HAF programme manager, Children and Families, said: “The Easter HAF programme is free for children who receive benefits-related free school meals. Letters have gone out with a unique code to enable each child to book a place with a club of their choice. If you feel your child is eligible, please register for Free School meal (FSM) on the SBC website. Eligible children can choose to attend a range of activities in different venues across the town and places are also available for paying parents too. We can’t wait to see the borough’s children joining in the exciting activities offered, with the bonus of cost not being a barrier to fun and nutrition during the school holidays.”

For more information visit: https://www.slough.gov.uk/HAF or please call Slough Family Information Service on 01753 476589.

Raising awareness of the importance of the MMR jab

If your child is of eligible age, have they had their MMR vaccination yet? If you answered ‘no’ – why not?

The council’s Public Health team is launching an awareness campaign about the importance of the MMR vaccine. Slough has the lowest number of children vaccinated in Berkshire and it’s extremely important that the borough’s children are protected, especially against Measles, which can be a deadly disease. Rubella is also extremely dangerous for pregnant women causing profound birth defects and baby loss.

For the first vaccination children must be one year old and this dose is available through your GP or Health Visitor. The second dose is from 3 years 4 months, and available through schools and catch-up clinics held at various locations in East Berkshire. Parents and carers can have their children vaccinated if they missed out on the vaccination when their child was younger by contacting their GP surgery.

In 2020/21 only 88.78% of parents of children aged 24 months, who were offered the MMR vaccination, took up the opportunity for their children in Slough. As the diseases are easily spread, the vaccination coverage needs to be at 95% minimum.

The Slough Borough Council Public Health team is raising awareness of the importance of getting your children vaccinated by sharing information and advice on MMR with Children’s Centres, Nurseries and Schools, and the local community and voluntary sector.

Vanita Dutta, public health programme manager, said: “Slough’s vaccination rates are low for the MMR vaccine, and this leads to increased pressure on local GPs and hospitals, lost working days and unnecessary illness.

“Even very healthy children can become seriously ill from measles or even sadly die.”

“It takes just a few minutes of your time to get your little ones vaccinated, so please get them vaccinated and protect your loved ones from Measles, Mumps and Rubella. If you would like more information about the vaccine, please talk to your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist.”

The council is working harder than ever to help raise awareness and encourage people to get their children vaccinated. For more information, please contact the Public Health team on publichealthslough@slough.gov.uk

The call centre is experiencing a high volume of calls, particularly around council tax and bins. Wait times are at least 45 minutes. Please consider trying another time. Thank you for your patience. You can find lots of useful information and online forms to report issues on our website at www.slough.gov.uk

Households on low incomes can apply for funding for energy efficiency works in their home to reduce their energy bills - apply by 31 March. Read more at https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/article/159/apply-now-for-help-to-reduce-energy-bills

All death registrations in Slough must be made face to face and can no longer be registered over the phone. To find out more about the process, please visit https://www.slough.gov.uk/births-deaths-ceremonies/register-death. Our registrars are based at The Curve.

Up-and-coming athletes in Slough are being given the chance to become ‘Sporting Champions’ and gain much-needed support as part of a sports talent development scheme.

Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions Scheme, now heading into its sixth year, has helped thousands of athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active’s 200+ leisure facilities across the country, including Salt Hill Activity Centre, Slough Ice Arena, Langley Leisure Centre and The Centre.

Aspiring athletes will be able to apply for the scheme through the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website from the beginning of April - https://www.easportingchampions.com/apply-now/

This year will see the official relaunch of the scheme, welcoming on board several Elite athletes whose identity will be revealed next month on the Sporting Champions Instagram page (@easportingchamps).

The talented line-up includes Olympians and Paralympians, whose experience and expertise will help to mentor and support those accepted onto the scheme.

Sporting Champions will also receive free unlimited access to the Everyone on Demand app, providing them with more than 500,000 at-home workouts from leading fitness brands, including WithU, Flex and Les Mills on Demand.

Olympic silver medalist Colin Jackson will continue to support the scheme through his role as an Ambassador, working alongside the newly appointed Elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities.

Luke Routhorn, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to support stars from Slough on their journey to success.

“As a leisure provider working in partnership with Slough Borough Council we feel it is important to cater for all sections of the community.

“The Sporting Champions scheme has already supported a huge number of athletes and I’m proud that we are continuing this again in 2022.

“We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success and are excited to see what the relaunch of the scheme will bring this year.”

Applicants should follow the Sporting Champions Instagram page (@easportingchamps) for further updates on how to apply.

The online application form will be open from Friday 1 April to Saturday 30 April.

Residents are set to receive a £150 cash payment from the government in response to rising energy bills, if they are in council tax bands A to D.
If you pay by direct debit, you'll get an automatic payment to your bank account. This payment will be made after we have successfully received a cleared Direct Debit payment during April. It is likely that this will mean the first payments will be released in early May.
If you do not pay by Direct Debit, we will contact you to ask for your bank details or provide you with the option to have the money paid directly onto your Council Tax account.
We will contact you if necessary, you do not need to contact us.
Further information about the £150 payment and timing of it will be available soon, together with details of the discretionary scheme that will apply for the same purpose.
Read more about eligibility on the council’s website - www.slough.gov.uk/council-tax/energy-bill-rebates

Green bin collections resume

Slough Borough Council is reminding residents that the green bin collections will be resuming the week beginning Monday 21 March.

Around 50% of collection days have changed so residents are asked to check the “find bin collection days directory” on our website to recheck their collection day. Visit: https://www.slough.gov.uk/directory/15/find-bin-collection-days

Your green bin is for your garden waste only. No carrier bags or bin liners. Green waste is waste produced from your garden for example grass cuttings, hedge and shrub trimmings, small branches and twigs, flowers, small plants, and weeds.

If you don’t already have a green bin, they are available free of charge and collected fortnightly.

Contact the Environmental Services team https://www.slough.gov.uk/directory-record/104/environmental-services to register for the scheme and receive your green garden waste recycling bin - please ensure you include the full address of the property.

A green bin will then be delivered to your property. You will receive only one green bin per household.

The garden waste is taken to the household waste recycling centre where it is transferred to composting facilities in Bracknell, to produce high-quality compost products.

Top of the class

The council’s community learning service has passed an internationally recognised assessment which recognises the standard of adult guidance on offer.

The Community Learning and Skills Service (CLASS) is provided by the council to adults in Slough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

This week they have passed the assessment for continuing to provide Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to the Matrix standard. This is the Department for Education’s standard for ensuring the quality of the delivery of information, advice and guidance given to adults.

CLASS provides qualifications to adults and the adult guidance is given to support them to progress into work or further education.

This positive news comes after a ‘Good’ rating of the CLASS service, following an Ofsted inspection at the end of last year.

Councillor Christine Hulme, cabinet member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “This is another brilliant achievement for the CLASS service which really shows the quality of learning on offer. One of the really good parts of the assessment feedback was the positive message from learners about the information and guidance they receive. Another was the praise for the ‘passion’ that staff have for supporting their learners.

“Residents can find all sorts of courses to suit their needs and interests, so I would encourage them to find out more. As the council moves to more online and digital communications with residents, I urge those residents that are not confident in computer/digital skills to sign up to one of our IT courses.”

To find out more about the CLASS service, visit the council’s website - http://www.slough.gov.uk/communitylearning

Slough announces its new Youth Parliament, award winner and Make Your Mark Results!

This year has seen the first combined Youth Parliament elections and Make Your Mark vote take place across the UK. This has streamlined how all partners of the UK Youth Parliament hear the voices of young people. Across Slough during February, the youth voice team from Slough Borough Council supported schools, colleges, and youth groups to take part.

This year for the Make Your Mark vote instead of the usual 10 topics, five local and five national, there were only seven broader themes to choose from. They were: Covid-19 recovery, education and learning, environment, health and wellbeing, jobs - money - homes and opportunities, our rights and democracy, and poverty.
According to this year’s ballot, the top issue young people face is health and wellbeing with 93,023 votes cast across the UK. Slough showed that the top issue locally facing young people is education and learning, with the most votes (1,093) being cast for this issue alone.

Overall, 434,492 young people voted in this year’s Make Your Mark ballot from more than 780 schools, colleges and youth groups across the UK. This means that 7.06% of eligible young voters aged 11-18 years old took part, compared with a lower 3.13% last year on UK wide topics.

Locally Slough had the fourth highest percentage turnout of the 19 local authorities in the South East, but just narrowly missed out on a top 20 place nationally. In 2019 49.10% of our youth population voted, then during lockdown this fell to 8.5% in 2020. This year the youth voice team has worked hard to increase participation to 26.29% of all 17,279 voters, with 4,543 votes cast last month.

This reflects the difficulties in engagement over the last two years with additional pressures due to Covid-19 and reduced finances and resources. Also there has been a reduced number of schools and colleges able to take place in Make Your Mark and Elections, meaning fewer young people were supported to vote in both.

Slough Youth Parliament Election Results

The successful candidates are:
1. Baylis Court – Maha Khan & Haddy Bojang
2. Beechwood – Dorothy Doku & Zak Savage
3. Churchmead – Dohissa Bentil & Samir Hussain
4. Ditton Park Academy – Basant Kaur & Srinidhi Vuppala
5. Eden Girls – Hiba Ali Kaunain & Yasmeen Amod
6. Grove Academy – Maya Shabir & Shaheem Hussein
7. Haybrook College – Casey Lynch & Vikram Jaswal
8. Herschel – Musa Sheikh & Ibrahim Zafar
9. Langley Grammar – Arjan Dhillon & Talha Bilal
10. Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy – Mellesa Marie MacCow & Hassan Yousaf
11. St Bernard’s – Georgi Karanayev & Sheen Philip
12. St Joseph’s – Adrian Fernandes & Hannah Crow
13. Westgate - Ahsan Iqbal & Blossom Odio
14. Yes Consortium – - Resource Productions - Riley Dyer, Aik Saath – Ananya.
Raha Izzadeen, current Slough Youth Parliament Member said: "I've become so confident and learned so much about issues that impact our lives. I'm a better leader when it comes to leading groups. I don't want to say goodbye as I want to keep doing this."
The Youth Voice Star Awards

These awards recognise young people and projects across the country who promote young people’s voices in a variety of ways. The ceremony was an online on Thursday 10 March by the British Youth Council in a joint Make Your Mark announcement and awards event live. Future Ikilo Aghedo, who has served on the Slough Youth Parliament for three years has won the award for Personal Development this year. He has served as mental health lead, trained as a mental health first aider and taken part in focus groups and consultation to help local services.

Future also developed and conducted his own research gaining 335 responses from students and teachers at Wexham School. He is passionate about highlighting injustice and inequality and believes every young person should have the right access to healthcare when they need it in a way that is accessible for them.

Councillor Christine Hulme, cabinet member for children and schools, said: “I never fail to be impressed by the commitment, resilience, passion and hard work of Slough’s young people. This has been a difficult few years for everyone and their motivation to improve their community has never faltered.

“They continue to be an inspiration to us all and our youth voice team at the council does excellent work in supporting our young people’s growth and development.”

For more information contact: Nadine Barrett, Youth Work Team Leader - Youth Voice, Slough Borough Council by emailing: sloughforyouth@slough.gov.uk

Ends

Photo 1: Raha Izzadeen, current Slough Youth Parliament Member
Photo 2: Future Ikilo Aghedo, current Slough Youth Parliament Member and Youth Voice Star Awards - Personal Development Award winner.

Queen’s Green Canopy trees planted by Mayor

As part of a tree planting initiative to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, Slough Mayor Cllr Mohammed Nazir planted a Cherry tree on Friday 11 March at Langley Memorial Recreation Ground joined by Cllr Satpal Parmar.

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) has invited people across the whole of the UK to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee.” The Cherry tree planted on Friday is part of two rows of Cherries that are forming an avenue alongside the existing path. They are a non-fruiting variety so will not produce any debris on the path but were chosen for their colour in the spring when they blossom.

There is also a line of Lime trees being planted by the park edge. The Lime trees will take 20-30 years to reach maturity but could live for more than 100 years, fitting for celebrating reign as long as our Queen’s. The Cherries are quicker growing but shorter lived and will take about 10 years to reach maturity but will probably only live for about 50 years.

Slough Mayor Councillor Mohammed Nazir said: “It’s my absolute pleasure to be here today to plant this tree in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy.
“The avenue of Cherry trees planted here will create a lovely physical environment and as they blossom in the spring, a beautiful splash of colour commemorating the long reign of our Queen.”

Ends

Photo 1: L-R - Cllr Satpal Parmar, Gerald Pleace - Senior Parks Improvements Officer, Slough Mayor Cllr Mohammed Nazir and Bruce Hicks - Senior Parks Improvements Officer.
Photo 2: L-R - Cllr Satpal Parmar and Slough Mayor Cllr Mohammed Nazir.
Photo 3: Slough Mayor Cllr Mohammed Nazir.

Homeowner fined for renting out illegal side extension

A homeowner who built a side and rear extension without planning permission, was refused planning permission, and then failed to demolish the extension which was being rented out as an independent self-contained unit has been ordered to pay tens of thousands of pounds by Reading Crown Court.

On 26 October 2018, Saghir Malik, 53, of Mortimer Road, Slough was served with a planning enforcement notice under section 171a of The Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The proprietor was required to cease the unauthorised use of the land as 2 separate dwellings and demolish the unauthorised extension. Mr Malik appealed to the Secretary of State, but his appeal was dismissed meaning the enforcement notice had to be complied with.

A site inspection was conducted and it was noted that the requirements of the planning enforcement notice had not been complied with and therefore a criminal offence had occurred (namely, failure to comply with a statutory notice).

On 12 March 2021, Mr Malik pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court to an offence under S.179(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, having failed to comply with the requirements of the Planning Enforcement Notice.

Mr Malik had subsequently derived a criminal benefit through renting out the unauthorised extension (self-contained unit).

Following a thorough investigation, Saghir Malik was sentenced on Friday 4 March 2022 by HHJ Burgess QC at Reading Crown Court as follows; Confiscation Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 of £31,914.35 (given three months to pay or face 12 months imprisonment if he fails to do so), issued a fine of £6,000 and ordered to pay £4,000 costs (given six months to pay or face three months imprisonment).

Cllr Pavitar K. Mann, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for transport, planning & place, said: “This resident has not only ignored the planning permission process and enforcement notice, he has also illegally rented out the annexe that he was required to demolish.

“This has cost him tens of thousands of pounds and council staff will continue to monitor what is being developed in the borough.”

Tobacco detection operation

Two tobacco detection dogs were involved in a trading standards operation to check if shops were stocking/supplying illegal tobacco products.

Cooper and Yo-Yo, along with Stuart Phillips of BWY Canine, a Detection Dog handler, visited several Slough premises on 22 February to make checks.

The businesses had been included on the list of shops to visit for the operation after intelligence had been received that the shops were selling illegal tobacco.

During the exercise, eight premises were visited, and two seizures of illegal tobacco were made. Both from retail premises, and one aided by Yo-Yo.

Overall more than 400 illegal tobacco products were found and removed from the market.

With potential offences for:
(i) Non-English health warnings
(ii) Non-statutory health warnings
(iii) Non-plain packaging
(iv) Counterfeit tobacco products
(v) Lack of pictorial health warnings
(vi) The sale of single cigarettes
(vii) Possession for sale of packs of 10 cigarettes (which were banned in the UK from May 2017).

Some of the seized items were sent off to trademark holders, to see if they were also counterfeit.

Councillor Beni Bains, lead member for regulation and public protection, said “Trading standards operations like this ensure the public are buying goods that comply with British law, which ultimately guarantees they are safe, good quality and come from reputable suppliers.

“I hope these operations send out a warning to those retailers looking to cut corners and costs by buying and selling tobacco that is not fit for the British market.”

Man given indefinite ban on keeping animals

A man who kept his dog in unsuitable conditions in an overgrown garden has been convicted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

A search of a property in Upton Court Road was made on 22 May 2019 after concerns for the welfare of a Mastiff type dog were raised.

The council’s Resilience and Enforcement Officers, accompanied by Thames Valley Police, entered the property and found the conditions the dog was being kept in breached Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which was the duty of care to ensure welfare.

The male dog named Skrappa was seized by the council who sought permanent possession via Reading Magistrates’ Court. This was granted on 28 June 2019 and the dog is now in a loving home with someone who can meet his needs.

Due to Covid related delays, on 23 December 2021 Mr Arshad Khaliq of Martin Road, Slough attended Reading Magistrates’ Court where he was found guilty of the charges.

He was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday 8 March, where he was banned indefinitely from keeping, owning, or dealing in animals. He cannot appeal for the ban to be lifted for 10 years.

Mr Khaliq was sentenced to a community order where he must undertake 250 hours of unpaid work and have 10 days of rehabilitation. The council was awarded full costs.

Councillor Beni Bains, lead member for regulation and public protection, said: “Residents will rightly be disgusted with the treatment of this dog as pets are usually seen as part of the family. If you cannot keep an animal in the conditions it deserves, then you shouldn’t get one as a pet.

“I’m pleased the court has given this ban and hope other owners will take note and ensure their animals are being properly looked after, with adequate shelter, warmth, food and water.”

Digital survey for residents and businesses

The Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group, that represents all six Local Authorities in the region, has launched its first digital survey.

The short survey - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BerksDIG - which launched on 7 March and will run for five weeks, is aimed at looking at digital infrastructure, such as broadband and mobile, and how it is used across the region.

The DIG wants to know what you use the internet for, how does what you do at home and work differ, or what challenges you have when using digital technology.

Once you have completed the survey, they are asking you to #Tell10 others – friends, businesses, family members – to do the same.

If you want to find out more follow the @BerksDIG social media channels

Tonight (Monday) at 7pm, many religious places of worship across Slough will be holding a coordinated Prayer for Peace to prevail in Ukraine and throughout the world. They ask you to light a candle as a sign of solidarity, placing the candle in a safe and visible place from 7-8pm. If you would like to attend a service, please contact your place of worship.

Scam awareness sessions. One for businesses (8 March) and one for everyone (10 March). Book a spot for either event at https://bucksandsurreytradingstandards.eventbrite.com/

Dogs dumped at Shamrocks

Slough Borough Council is appealing for information after two dogs were dumped at The Shamrocks Public House.

The two dogs were found by a member of the public tied up outside The Shamrocks Public House in Slough on Saturday 19 February, at approximately 4.10pm. They were both very thin and underweight. The tan Jack Russell type dog had a bad skin condition.

The kindly resident took the dogs home and called the council’s stray dog warden who came out and collected both dogs and noted their poor condition.

It was later viewed on CCTV from The Shamrocks that at 2.44pm an adult male and boy had been captured tethering two dogs up on the posts with bungee ties, and then leaving them behind and did not return for them.

Neither dog is microchipped and no one has come forward to claim the dogs as theirs. We are appealing for anyone who recognises the adult male or the boy from the CCTV images to contact us as soon as possible. Or indeed if you recognise the dogs.

The dogs were taken to a local vet for health checks. The vet confirmed they have not got mange but a bad flea and mite condition. They have provided treatment for both dogs, as well as Melaseb for the Jack Russell as her skin was worse. Both underweight, the female grey bulldog cross is around two years old and the female tan Jack Russell around six years old. The dogs are being cared for in kennels.

Ian Blake, neighbourhood manager, said: “These poor dogs were in a neglected state and heartlessly left on their own in a pub car park.

“Thanks to the quick action of a local resident the dogs are now doing well in kennels, their skin conditions are being managed and they have started to gain weight as they were very thin.

“We are appealing for anyone who knows these dogs or the adult male or the boy from the CCTV images to contact us as soon as possible.”

Councillor Beni Bains, lead member for regulation and public protection, said: “It’s great to hear the dogs are improving in our care, as these dogs were completely abandoned in a poor state. This is not only inhumane, it is illegal.

“Please help us find out who did this because we can and will take action against them for their heartless behaviour. Deliberately abandoning an animal in this way is a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for which a person responsible can be prosecuted, fined and banned from owning animals in the future.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Ian Blake on 07917 092909 or email Ian.Blake@slough.gov.uk All information will be handled in the strictest confidence.

The key points in this are:

• the seriousness of the council’s financial position cannot be understated. It faces a financial deficit of £223m up to the end of the current financial year and a further estimated £84m for 2022/23 – a total of deficit of £307m.

• the council therefore requires extraordinary support from central government by way of a capitalisation direction for the £307m. This means the council will have to borrow or sell assets to meet the deficit and enable it to provide key services. The council will have to pay this back over the next 20 years.

• the current estimates for 2022/23 show that the budget requirement is 78 per cent greater than the normal sources of funding. It is only with confirmation of significant financial support for the council from the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing (DLUCH) the budget can be agreed

• the council will have to identify and deliver up to £600m of asset disposals

• the budget papers propose a series of savings for the coming year including the deletion of some vacant posts within the council, changes to internal structures and an increase in some income, fees and charges; with the total savings proposed being more than £20m

• to deliver the council’s policy priorities and a balanced budget in each future year up to 2028/29, further significant savings in the order of £20m will be required per year in addition to further capitalisation directions

• the council tax is a 2.99 percent increase and is made up of 1.99 percent increase in base council tax rate and a one percent increase ringfenced for adult social care, known as the social care precept.
The 2.99 percent increase raises the Band D council tax yearly amount to £1,534.86 for the financial year 2022/23 which is an increase of £44.56 on the current amount.
Together with the Police and Fire precepts, but not including parishes, the total Band D proposal is £1,850.09. It will be more for residents who live in Parish Council areas, depending on the increase in their parish council tax.

These and many other issues are part of the council’s comprehensive budget reports which will be considered by Cabinet on 9 March before being proposed to Full Council on 10 March.

They will also be discussed by the Scrutiny Committee at their meeting on 8 March.

Councillor Rob Anderson, lead member for financial oversight, council assets and performance, said: “The council fully acknowledges the position it finds itself in as a consequence of its previous decisions, culture and approach and is determined to address this very serious situation.

“It is tackling the historic issues it is facing by focusing on producing its accounts, preparing proper budgets, reviewing its financial processes in all their aspects, preparing for the sale of a large element of its assets and addressing staffing shortages among many other matters.

“Taken as a whole the budget papers put forward a comprehensive, detailed and robust budget proposal for the council for the coming financial year 2022/23.”

He added: “There has been a huge effort by new staff to put this budget together. I’m confident residents can now see we will setting more realistic targets for dealing with the financial mistakes which have been made by the council in the past by putting our house in order, prioritising services which mean the most to local people and moving forward with a robust, transparent and, most importantly, achievable budget.

“For residents, the budget not only proposes a lower than inflation council tax increase but also lays out all the ways we will be helping residents who are financially struggling; including through our council tax support scheme which is one of the best in the county.”

The council’s expenditure in 2022/23 will be around £67m for children’s and adults’ services with another £39m spent on universal services such as waste management, road maintenance, leisure and library services, the council's carbon management and climate change work as well as administration costs for the council.

The capital programme, which is spent on projects to improve and maintain the borough’s infrastructure, for 2021/22 to 2026/27 is £219m.

£202m of the programme will be funded from grants and other sources leaving only £17m to be a cost to the council to be met from borrowing.

The rest will be funded by Housing Revenue Account, external grants and contributions.

It includes £29m of funding for new highways schemes, a £20.7m loan to enable the recladding of Nova House and £105m on the council’s housing stock.

£11m is being spent in children’s services including the schools’ modernisation programme and the expansion of the special schools’ provision, mostly from grants.

It also includes £6m for improvements in IT.

The full budget papers can be found here: Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 9th March, 2022, 6.30 pm (slough.gov.uk) - https://democracy.slough.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=109&MId=7021

The M4 westbound will be closed overnight (roughly 9pm-6am) between j5 & j6 on Mon 28 Feb, Tues 1 and Wed 2 March.

The M4 eastbound will be closed overnight between j5 & 4b (M25 interchange) on Wed 2 March.

The M4 eastbound will be closed overnight between j6 & j5 on Thurs 3 March.

The M4 j7 eastbound and westbound entry slip roads will be closed overnight on Tues 1 March.

The M4 junction 5 eastbound entry slip road will be closed overnight on Wed 2 March.

The M4 and associated slip roads will be closed in both directions between j5 (Langley) and 6 (Slough-Windsor). The closure will start after 8pm Fri 4 March and the motorway will reopen by 6am on Mon 7 March.

Safe Places Scheme launched in Chalvey

A scheme designed to offer vulnerable people a safe place to go when they need help has launched in Chalvey.

The Safer Slough Partnership and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley secured Home Office funding for projects which help improve feelings of safety in public spaces, with a particular focus on women and girls.

The funding has enabled the launch of the Safe Places Scheme in Chalvey, which is an initiative that aims to provide help and support to anyone who may feel unsafe and vulnerable when they are out and about in their local community. This includes women and girls, those who have learning disabilities, are elderly, have a physical disability, or have a mental health problem.

The council has been working with Chalvey Community Partnership as a key partner, Thames Valley Police and other local community groups to get the scheme up and running in Chalvey.

Local businesses are encouraged to sign up to the scheme and display a Safe Places sticker in their window which shows it is a place where a vulnerable person can go in an emergency.

Staff at the businesses will be trained on what to do and can offer a temporary safe haven or make a call to a carer or safe contact on the person’s behalf.

Councillor Beni Bains, lead member for regulation and public protection, said: “I’m pleased to see this scheme being launched in Chalvey and hope many businesses will sign up to help. We don’t expect they will have to make a lot of calls, but just having them be available to support someone vulnerable is a great display of community spirit.”

Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “I am delighted to welcome the launch of the Safe Places scheme in Chalvey, which will provide essential support to those who may feel vulnerable when they are out in their local community.

“I would encourage businesses to sign up to the scheme, where they will receive training on what to do and how they can offer a temporary safe haven, or make a call to a carer or safe contact on the individual’s behalf.”

The Curve, Arbour Park and all other council buildings are already part of the Safe Places Scheme.

If businesses are interested in finding out more, or taking part, please email communitysafety@slough.gov.uk

A full list of businesses signed up will be listed on the council’s website and on Chalvey Community Partnership’s social media - http://www.slough.gov.uk/safeplace

Read more about the Safe Places initiative nationally - https://www.safeplaces.org.uk/

Booking bulky waste collections

Bulky waste collections can now be booked and paid for online.

Rather than phoning the call centre and being in a queue to speak to someone, residents can fill in the form on the council’s website at any time and make payment straight away.

The charge for a bulky waste collection is £10 per item, with a minimum charge of £30. Seven is the maximum number of items which can be collected.

Items such as fridges, freezers and fridge freezers are charged at £20 per item.

Councillor Martin Carter, lead member for housing and environment, said: “Our bulky waste collection service is a popular one, so being able to instantly book and pay for a collection without having to ring up and be on hold is brilliant.

“Collections are made on the household’s normal bin day, so they can leave the items outside with their refuse bin.”

For households where the only occupants are pensioners or the only occupants are registered disabled, you can book a free collection service, which is limited to two per year.

To book a collection, residents can register and use the bulky waste booking form - https://www.slough.gov.uk/xfp/form/318

They will get a confirmation email and items will be collected on the date booked.

For those who are unable to book online, they can still call environmental services on 01753 475111, option 4.

Residents can also take their own items to Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre for disposal. Find out more about what is accepted at the site - https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling/household-waste-recycling-centres/3

Couple in second ban for keeping animals

A couple who were banned from keeping animals were caught out breaking the order by having at least two dogs.

Rajeshwari Cameron, 56, and her husband Adrian Cameron, 62, were convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to their pet dog Lucy by the RSPCA in June 2009. As a result, they were banned on conviction under section 34 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 from owning or having any control of any animal for 10 years.

However, in September 2020 council officers were investigating Mr and Mrs Cameron, who now lived at Reddington Drive, Slough, in relation to complaints the council had received about their care and treatment of their then current dog Lila.

As a result of that investigation the council became aware and confirmed via witness statements and veterinary records that Mr and Mrs Cameron had owned at least two other dogs during the period of the ban they had received in 2009.

Between March 2018 and June 2019 both Mr and Mrs Cameron had owned a dog named Latte which was put to sleep by a vet for undetermined causes, and a dog named Archie, which they subsequently sold. Ownership of both these dogs during this period clearly breached the 2009 ban.

Both Mr and Mrs Cameron appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 21 February. They had previously pleaded guilty, on 6 January, to two charges each of breaching a disqualification order relating to Latte and Archie contrary to section 34(9) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

During sentencing, District Judge Goozee stated he was satisfied that both Mr and Mrs Cameron fully understood the terms of their original 2009 ban and that both of them had control and responsibility for Latte and Archie during the period they were banned from owning or having control of animals, and gave acknowledgement for their early guilty plea.

The couple were sentenced to a conditional discharge for three years, disqualified from keeping any animals for eight years, charged costs of £140 each and a £20 victim surcharge each.

Councillor Beni Bains, lead member for regulation and public protection, said: “Banning orders are put in place for a reason, in this case to protect the welfare of animals. It is disappointing the couple broke the initial order, but hopefully this time they will understand the gravity of the situation and abide by the law. Well done to the team involved, neighbours for reporting concerns and to the police for their help.”

Their current dog, Lila, which had been in the care of the council since September 2020, was awarded to the council and has been safely rehomed.

Baylis & Stoke consultation

A survey has been launched today so residents in Baylis & Stoke can give their views on their neighbourhood.

Slough Borough Council is working in partnership with Public Health Slough, East Berkshire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) health partners and One Slough to create stronger healthier and more attractive neighbourhoods.

The survey is a chance for residents to share their views on the local area, with some of the topics in the survey including Covid 19 impact, health and wellbeing of residents and the local area.

Councillor Sabia Akram, lead member for leisure, culture and communities, said: “We have run similar surveys in Chalvey, Colnbrook and Britwell and it has really helped to create a picture of the area and what needs to be done, while working with the local communities and partnership groups.

“Residents know day-to-day what issues affect them. I would encourage Baylis & Stoke residents to fill in the short survey to make their views known.”

The results of this survey will identify key issues, concerns and areas for opportunity and improvement.

The survey, which is part of the council’s plans to develop strong, healthy and attractive neighbourhoods, is open from 9am on Thursday 17 February until 5pm on 4 March.

The survey is available online at https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/Baylisandstoke

Paper copies can be returned to the following locations.
Manor Park Community Centre, Villiers Road, SL2 1NP
Baylis Court Nursery School, Oatlands Dr, SL1 3HS

For help filling in the survey, please call 01753 542153, Monday to Friday between 9.30am-4pm.

For more information on the Creating Stronger Neighbourhoods initiative, please email community.development@slough.gov.uk or call Aqeel Akram (Community Development Officer) on 07523 935995 for further assistance.

Sent on behalf of Slough CVS

A new project will be reaching far and wide in Slough to encourage those who have yet to have the vaccine to protect themselves and families against COVID-19 and get our lives back to normal.

The town’s voluntary sector will harness its networks, volunteers and community leaders to positively engage with communities and residents who have chosen not to take the jab or haven’t received sufficient information to give them confidence.

As part of this, a team of “Community Wellbeing Champions” will be building trust in vulnerable and isolated communities, where barriers such as language and misinformation have made residents less likely to take up the offer of a vaccine.

The Champions will use a range of approaches to make inroads in communities including: social media, face-to-face conversations, and multilingual messaging – with the goal of leading residents to take a jab.

As a result of this project, Slough CVS has a range of exciting new fixed term contract opportunities from February-July 2022:
• Community Wellbeing Champions Manager FT 35 hours a week
• Community Wellbeing Champions Co-ordinator FT 35 hours a week
• Community Wellbeing Champions (12 positions available) PT up to 18 hours a week.
The closing date for applications has been extended to midnight on Sunday 20 February.

For full job descriptions and to apply for any of these roles, please visit the Slough CVS website. https://sloughcvs.org/current-vacancies/

Are You Ready for Pregnancy campaign launched

Slough Public Health has launched an awareness campaign to encourage women in Slough to get healthy and fit before they try for a baby.

The #ReadyforPregnancy campaign https://www.slough.gov.uk/leisure-wellbeing-health/ready-pregnancy aims to raise awareness of how women’s health when they get pregnant affects them and their baby not only throughout pregnancy but also at birth.

The campaign focuses on encouraging healthy behaviours for the best possible start in life for the woman and her baby such as:

• starting pregnancy at a healthy weight*
• taking folic acid to prepare for the pregnancy
• eating a nutritious and healthy diet
• checking their vaccinations are up to date
• taking regular exercise
• stopping smoking
• cutting out alcohol
• looking after your mental health
• helping your fertility
• learning more about breastfeeding
• learning more about pregnancy, birth and parenting
• understanding the implications of existing health conditions, such as diabetes.

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for social care & public health, said: “We’re excited to be launching the #ReadyforPregnancy campaign in Slough which will help raise awareness of things that women can do before conception to improve fertility, pregnancy health and their babies’ future health. It’s particularly important because we know that women often don’t consult a health professional before becoming pregnant and we want all women to have the best support during this time and during pregnancy.”

In Slough, 72.3% of births were from parents born outside of the UK versus the 35.2% national percentage. In the year 2019/2020 Wexham Park Hospital had 1,742 births from women where English is not their first spoken language.

To improve these health disparities, Slough Public Health, in partnership with Frimley Local Maternity & Neonatal System, has been working closely with places of worship across the borough including Slough Hindu Temple, Polish Parish Church, FT Church in Chalvey, Café Mama in Jamia Masjid & Islamic Centre amongst others. As well as in Slough libraries and community hubs and Slough children centres to reach out to women speakers of other languages and their communities.

Are You Ready for Pregnancy booklets have been translated into Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Somali, Polish, Romanian, Bengali and Arabic languages to break down the language barrier and digital inaccessibility they may experience. Simultaneously raising awareness to women and their partners, to educate and encourage them to adopt healthy behaviours before pregnancy for the best possible start for them and their baby.

Ifrah Mohamed, chair and co-founder of Slough Integration Services who support Somali women living in Slough, said: “It’s so important that women have all the information they need to make their own informed choices before and during pregnancy. Having access to information in their own language will definitely help them to make small changes that will make big differences to both them and their baby.”

Frimley Maternity website has also provided additional advice, tailored to women and families planning a pregnancy, which might help them on their journey to better health prior to conception. For further information visit: About Frimley Health and Care https://www.frimleyhealthandcare.org.uk/maternity/planning-your-pregnancy/

The booklets are available to read, download or print from the Frimley Maternity Website Leaflets https://www.frimleyhealthandcare.org.uk/maternity/parent-education-other-resources/information-leaflets/

*A raised body mass index (BMI) in a pregnant woman can affect the way a baby develops in the womb, and it also increases the risk of miscarriage. Being overweight also makes it more likely that the baby will be larger, raising the chances of complications at birth.