Maidenhead & Windsor

The Maidenhead Royal Borough is continuing to provide good value and improvements in services to local residents.

That's the official view of the Audit Commission's annual report for 2005-6 presented to Cabinet last week - which highlights 'better services in most areas' and awards the council a 'Good' three-star rating in its continuous performance assessment.

Improved performance was recognised in Maidenhead areas including:

* school results, which continue to improve, building on high standards
* services for children and young people
* adult social care including the innovative use of direct payments
* planning
* waste recycling
* transport and access to services through the customer service centre.

The report concludes that the Maidenhead council is:

* securing significant savings without reducing service delivery
* continuing to provide better services in most area - with standards of performance relatively high
* working hard to improve the way it runs its business to get better value for the money it spends
* improving the level of council tax and business rate collection and the handling of benefit claims.

David Lunn, Maidenhead chief executive, was delighted with the report. He said: 'This is a fantastic result, and a tribute to the enormous amount of hard work of a great many people.

'It is very rewarding to have official recognition of the improving quality of our public services - which in turn reflects the importance of our ongoing Delivering Excellence modernisation programme.

'The Audit Commission's report acknowledges the increased pressures on us to continue to provide and maintain services within financial constraints - and highlights one or two areas needing attention such as gaps in housing support services for vulnerable people and the need to update and maintain our buildings and property. We take on board these comments and will continue to work to improve in these areas.'

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Maidenhead wheels are in motion this week for a "house move" with a difference – and a solution to the long-awaited community facility at Larchfield School.

Plans for a new community facility at the school in Bargeman Road, Maidenhead, have moved a step closer with the news that a new "home" has been found for the venture – a modular rollalong building no longer required on its current site at Ascot racecourse which will be sited in the school grounds.

In a joint initiative between the Royal Borough and Larchfield School, the modular steel building – which formerly housed Ascot parish council offices - will be installed in the school grounds to provide a much-needed dual-purpose facility for both school and community.

The two-roomed building with disabled toilet facilities will be used to integrate the community and school through shared facilities and provide potential opportunities and facilities for:


· sessions with school nurses

· drop-in clinics including baby weighing facilities and toddler group sessions

· a base for care advice

· meeting place for local organisations such as the community wardens, community action group forum, citizens advice bureau, housing associations and other community groups.


The proposals – which are subject to planning permission – will involve transporting the 30ft by 10ft steel building from Ascot and re-siting it in the grounds of Larchfield School, Maidenhead before refurbishing by painting and carpeting the interior.

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education, said: "This is great news for both the school and the local community at Larchfield. Having a community facility on site will bring the community closer to the school in every way – and the school is already exploring ways to involve local residents in educational initiatives as part of their extended schools agenda. A great result all round!"

Cllr Simon Werner, lead member for Maidenhead community safety, said: "The council has been looking to provide a community facility for the people of Larchfield for a long time, in response to local needs.

"By having this facility right in the heart of the community we will be bringing services to where people have told us they need and want them. The school is committed to the involvement of the wider community and we have worked closely in partnership with them to achieve this successful outcome."

Niki Alvarado, headteacher of Larchfield School, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been able to work with the Royal Borough to bring about such an exciting project.

"We do what we say we'll do and it stands as a physical symbol of our commitment to support the community – a commitment that I made when I became headteacher last September."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Police are appealing for witnesses following an incident of criminal damage in Maidenhead.

Shortly after midnight on Saturday 17 March, the occupants of a property in Cox Green Lane, Maidenhead heard a noise at the front door. Moments later the front door burst open, severely damaging the hinges.

One of the occupants was confronted by a man in the doorway who ran off as soon as he was spotted.

The occupant, a 35-year-old man, gave chase and a brief struggle ensued on the driveway.

A second man was seen nearby and, following the struggle, both men ran off in the direction of Woodlands Park, Maidenhead.

The men are white, in their early twenties and approximately 5ft 10ins.

The first man is slim. He was wearing a pale blue baseball cap, blue hooded top, blue jeans and trainers.

The second man is of medium build and has short hair. He was wearing a plain round-neck t-shirt.

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Howard Rose via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Maidenhead Royal Borough trading standards officers have once again praised local off-licences and supermarkets following the latest joint operation aimed at clamping down on under-age sales of alcohol.

Officers working with the police and members of Maidenhead council's licensing team last week visited 11 premises across the borough and specially-trained young people attempted to buy alcohol whilst being secretly monitored by trading standards staff.

Officers are confident that the message on under-age sales of alcohol is finally hitting home after only one retailer actually sold alcohol to a young person during the operation.

Under Criminal Justice Act powers introduced in 2005, the staff member who handled the sale was given an on-the-spot £80 fixed penalty notice from the police, and trading standards officers are now considering what action to take against the retailer.

The continuing clampdown on under-age sales of alcohol is reinforced by the ongoing message to licensees to always ask for proof of identity such as driving licence, passport or PASS-accredited ID card – and to ensure that staff whose duties include selling alcohol receive proper training and support.

Steve Johnson, Maidenhead trading standards manager, said: "We are delighted with the result of this latest operation in Maidenhead and Windsor. It seems as if the message really is hitting home to retailers that we will clamp down extremely hard on anyone who sells alcohol – and any other age-restricted product - to a minor.

"We are also continuing to stress the importance of asking for proof of age and refuse to sell to anyone suspected of being under-age who cannot produce this proof."

Debie Pearmain, Maidenhead police licensing officer, said: "This latest joint operation between ourselves and the Royal Borough is very encouraging and reflects an increased awareness among designated premises supervisors and their staff to be very careful not to sell alcohol to minors.

"We will continue to work with the borough to clamp down on anyone making illegal sales and review premises licences whenever necessary."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Maidenhead Royal Borough's youth service is tops – it's official!

The service has been rated highest in the country among unitary authorities for its work on curriculum – and as a result has been asked to contribute to a major new National Youth Service project.

The Maidenhead borough was among one of only seven youth services with a high score for its contribution to curriculum within its activities – and is now being asked by the Dfes and the National Youth Service to become involved in its project "Strengthening the Youth Work Curriculum and its contribution to the ECM outcomes".

This project involves:

 

· a document which describes and provides examples of effective curriculum practice

· a collection of useful resource material

· a resource to support practice in the field

· a briefing paper on curriculum in the context of ECM.

 

Nine members of the borough's youth services team – from head of service and curriculum lead to the newest part-time workers – were interviewed and a number of case studies submitted.

This is the second time the borough has been invited to contribute to National Youth Service publications – in 2006 the borough was one of only six local authorities asked to contribute on the development of the curriculum in its publication "Getting Better All the Time".

Clr Kathy Newbound, lead member for Maidenhead children's and young people's services, said: "This is great news for the Royal Borough's youth service. It is a real feather in our caps to have been invited for a second time to contribute to such high-profile national publications, and demonstrates the quality of the service we provide, particularly in respect of the curriculum.

"Everyone involved deserves our heartiest congratulations for all their hard work and commitment to the service we provide for our young people."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It's an uplifting story for the Maidenhead Royal Borough as its libraries significantly buck national trends to make their own successful high-flying headlines.

"Well above average" is the latest report on the Maidenhead borough's popular library service in the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting annual survey of library use.

The most striking success story is in visits to borough libraries over the last five years, from 2001 to 2006 – with the Royal Borough notching up 738,089 visits in 2005/6 compared with 613,698 in 2001/2.

This increase is three times greater than the national average – and represents a whopping 20% increase compared to just 7.5% across the country.

Also on the up in the last year are:

 

· visits to libraries – up by 12% compared to a national average increase of just 0.7%

· active borrowers (people who had borrowed an item in the last 12 months) – a 2.8% increase compared to a national decrease of 2.2%

· the total book stock at borough libraries - increased by 19.5% while the national average went down by 2.6% - reflected in the fact that total loans went up by 0.5% compared to a decrease nationally by 2.2%.

 

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said: "This really is something to write home about – a story to be proud of.

"The figures are obviously helped by the fact that we were able to increase our book stock by nearly a fifth in 2005-6, reflected in the increase in borrowers using the new Cox Green and Datchet libraries.

"Our results from the User Survey carried out in the autumn also show that nine out of 10 people think that, overall, the libraries in the borough are 'good or very good', which is a strong testament to the staff working in them and the investment we have been able to make over the last few years.

"The sheer pleasure of reading cannot be over-emphasised and we are totally committed to providing the best possible service and opportunities for all our residents to enjoy. These latest figures bear out that commitment."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 1st April - 7th April 2007
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

1st April at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Percival the Performing Pig by Dilys Owen
* 4:30 pm
Teechers by John Godber
* 8:00 pm
The Spider and the Bird by Georgia Dobbs
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Carol Phillips - Cyclical Patterns, Transition and Growth
* 10:00 am
Playing the Baddy
* 11:15 am
Heroes and Heroines
* 1:00 pm
Costume Drama
* 2:00 pm
The Golden Age of Silent Movie Mime
* 3:45 pm
Acting on Camera

2nd April at Maidenhead

No events planned

3rd April at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Last King of Scotland (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Carol Phillips - Cyclical Patterns, Transition and Growth

4th April at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
The Last King of Scotland (15)
* 7:30 pm
The Last King of Scotland (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Carol Phillips - Cyclical Patterns, Transition and Growth

5th April at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Tim Fitzhigham - In the Bath: Unplugged
* 7:45 pm
Wig
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Carol Phillips - Cyclical Patterns, Transition and Growth

6th April at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Dreamgirls (12A)
* 7:30 pm
Dreamgirls (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Carol Phillips - Cyclical Patterns, Transition and Growth

7th April at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Dreamgirls (12A)
* 7:30 pm
Dreamgirls (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Carol Phillips - Cyclical Patterns, Transition and Growth

The Maidenhead Royal Borough is this week doubling up on its ongoing green message as its innovative "recycle while you shop" scheme hits the high street.

From Monday (March 19) a new trial dual-use litterbin has been positioned outside McDonald's in Maidenhead High Street – with one side for litter and the other for selected recyclable items.

Signs on the bin tell people what they can put in the recycling slot – including plastic bottles and cans – while the second slot takes litter.

The bin also has a built-in gum disposal unit and cigarette disposal unit – a timely introduction with the launch of the nationwide smoking ban in July. At the end of the month contractors will begin work on the annual gum removal and pavement washing programme in Maidenhead town centre.

Plans are already in place for more new litterbins across the borough to incorporate cigarette disposal units or stubber plates on them.

Cllr Simon Werner, lead member for Maidenhead public protection said: "I am delighted that we are offering residents and visitors to the town yet another opportunity to recycle and contribute to spreading the borough's environmental message – as well as taking a pride in their surroundings.

"Our residents have really taken to the challenge of recyling their household waste – and hopefully will respond equally enthusiastically to the idea of recycling when they are out and about, shopping in the high street.

"So come on – take all those good recycling habits out with you and help to keep our streets cleaner and more pleasant to walk through for everyone."

The new litter/recycling bin in Maidenhead High Street will be trialled for four to six weeks – depending on its success more bins will be installed across the borough in the coming months.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Maidenhead Royal Borough has reinforced its determination to clamp down on unauthorised buildings after a local builder was found guilty of failing to comply with a planning enforcement notice.

David Rawlins, of Binfield, near Bracknell, was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay Maidenhead council's costs of £595 when he appeared at Maidenhead Magistrates court on Wednesday (March 14) after a lengthy prosecution process and four appearances in court.

In March 2004 Mr Rawlins constructed a large building on green belt land behind Rogers Stores on Broadmoor Road in Waltham St Lawrence. The Maidenhead Royal Borough wrote to Mr Rawlins expressing concern about the unauthorised development and subsequently issued an enforcement notice requiring the removal of the building.

In April 2004 Mr Rawlins submitted a planning application to retain the unauthorised building for business use. This was refused by planners as "inappropriate development in the Green Belt".

Mr Rawlins appealed to the planning inspectorate against both the planning decision and the enforcement notice but the appeal was dismissed in July 2005.

In September 2005 he then submitted a planning application for the unauthorised building to be used as a two-bedroom dwelling. This was also refused by planners and once again the owner appealed – but this appeal was also dismissed by the planning inspectorate because of the inappropriateness of the development and also the significant and overriding harm caused to the openness of the Green Belt.

Eric Nicol, Maidenhead Royal Borough enforcement officer, said: "It is unfortunate that we have to go to these lengths to achieve compliance with the planning legislation – but I hope that this case will highlight our determination and commitment to ensure that compliance.

"We need to look after the local area and we do have a number of planning enforcement tools to help us with this task.

"However this is not the end of the matter as the enforcement notice remains in place and it has yet to be complied with. Mr Rawlins does face the prospect of further enforcement action if the building is still not removed in accordance with that notice."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Blossoms, bugs and baby birds are some of the signs of spring that youngsters can seek out at Maidenhead Braywick Nature Centre in two holiday discovery activities. If they look carefully they may even spot close relatives of the Easter Bunny!

I Spy Spring and the Braywick Trail Challenge 2007 have been organised by Maidenhead countryside rangers as fun ways for children to explore nature as it blooms back into life.

· I Spy Spring takes place on Tuesday April 3 and Wednesday April 11 from 2 – 4pm at the Hibbert Road, Maidenhead centre. Youngsters will join the rangers to see how many signs of spring they can find and then make a colourful spring decoration to take home.

The activity is for six to 10-year-olds. Advance booking is essential and the cost is £4.10 per child with an Advantage Card; junior non-Advantage Card holders will be charged an additional daily entry fee of 60p.

For more information and to book call 01628 796227.

· Children and parents can go wild at the annual Maidenhead Braywick Trail Challenge on Wednesday April 4 and Thursday April 12 from 1 – 4pm. Armed with a map, they have to find the clues and figure out the answers to the spring wildlife quiz, with a chocolate reward at the end.

No advance booking is necessary; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

The cost is £2.60 per child with an Advantage Card; junior non-Advantage Card holders will be charged an additional daily entry fee of 60p and adults go free.

For more information call 01628 777440.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Hard hats are on and drills in action as work starts this week on the creation of a new home for Castle Hill Youth & Community Centre at 4 Marlow Road, Maidenhead.

The scheme to refurbish the existing Grade II listed building and construct a new extension is expected be completed by spring 2008 and will include meeting rooms, a dance studio, café, games hall and youth club facilities.

Funded entirely from proceeds from the sale of the Maidenhead Castle Hill site, the facility will also provide a home for four other community organisations – the Citizens' Advice Bureau, Relate (marriage guidance services), No 22 (youth counselling service) and Connexions (youth service).

Cllr Kathy Newbound, lead member for Maidenhead children and young people's services, said: "This facility will be a fantastic venue where young people can gather, socialise and participate in constructive and creative activities. It emphasises the importance the council continually places on providing opportunities for young people to reach their potential."

Maidenhead Social services staff have moved from Marlow Road to York Stream House in St Ives Road – people who require children's social care should now report to the Town Hall reception where they will directed to the appropriate office.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead people who responded to the Royal Borough's plan for partnership action have thrown their weight behind its ideas for how the town centre can change and develop for the better.

The discussion document – Maidenhead Town Centre: Towards 2026 – brought together proposals from the council and from other local organisations such as the civic and heritage societies and the chamber of commerce, as well as those expressed through The Great Debate run by the Maidenhead Advertiser. It went out for public consultation earlier this year and the responses will be reported to cabinet on Thursday (March 22).

With overwhelming support for the ideas to give Maidenhead a long-term plan for improvement, cabinet is set to recommend the formation of a partnership forum to take the ideas forward, including detailed development briefs for the areas identified for potential future change.

Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for Maidenhead strategic planning, thanked everyone who had taken part in the consultation: "We have had some very thoughtful and constructive responses – the great majority in support. Many have put forward further ideas to contribute to the Vision for Maidenhead and we now have an exciting opportunity to work together to develop the discussion document into an action plan that reflects the broad consensus of opinion in our community."

Cllr Simon Werner, lead member for Maidenhead, said he was excited by partnership approach to this significant process: "While we would have liked even more responses from individual residents, the quality and depth of comments from those who did take part was excellent, particularly from the chamber, civic society, waterwards group, heritage society, landowners and occupiers.

"Thanks to the open and willing approach from everyone involved, I believe we now have a firm basis for a robust plan for Maidenhead. The consultation gave everyone food for thought and, by working together through the proposed partnership forum, we can make sure that the plan will not gather dust but will be a force for bringing about change for the better in our town centre.

The consultation questionnaire, distributed through the Maidenhead Advertiser and council offices and libraries and online at the borough's website, prompted more than 400 responses with the overwhelming majority (81%) agreeing that the town centre needs a plan to accommodate the forecast growth in shopping, office space and homes.

What people said:

· Almost 60% were in favour of more shops at the identified areas of West Street, Broadway and the east end of High Street – the workshop sessions held as part of the consultation came down particularly in favour of Broadway and Queen Street

· 77% supported a more mixed town centre, balancing office, retail and residential uses

· 87% backed stronger connections between the town centre and the River Thames

· Majority support for more public spaces for landscaping and gardens (73%) and space for markets and fairs (71%)

· 88% agreed the town centre should be accessible by all forms of transport, with central car parks and a park and ride.

Questions asked about providing better Maidenhead public transport and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists promoted various suggestions, including more routes and frequent bus services and further improvements to paved surfaces and crossings.

The Maidenhead Town Hall emerged as one of the town's most popular buildings, along with the clock tower, Cressett Towers, the Lloyds TSB building, Queen Anne House (Broadway) and St Mary's House (Halifax) – all mentioned as reference points for good design. There were ideas about harmonising new buildings with the existing and diverse streetscapes, with good new buildings highlighted as the library, the 3 building and Grenfell Island. Taller buildings in the town centre were overwhelmingly regarded as eyesores – not because of their height but because they were regarded as ugly.

Maidenhead Cabinet report

A detailed report on the consultation responses will be presented to Thursday's cabinet, with recommendations for progressing a number of the proposals, including the preparation of detailed development briefs for the identified areas.

The recommendations will also give force to the process by underlining that Maidenhead council will be prepared to used its compulsory purchase order powers where necessary OR to overcome any potential barriers to progress.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It's all systems go for an action-packed Maidenhead Easter holiday for young people as the Royal Borough this week unveils its best-ever Easter programme of sports activities for 13-19-year-olds.

This year's sporting bonanza follows the success of last year's Maidenhead Easter and summer holiday schemes which saw a total of more than 25,000 young people taking part in a huge range of activities across the borough.

For two weeks from April 2 to 13 there will be activities on offer at borough leisure centres, parks and youth centres to suit all sporting tastes and fitness goals including:

· football and basketball sessions at Desborough Park and Oaken Grove in Maidenhead, as well as Osgood Park in Windsor and Broom Farm in Dedworth

· the borough's skate parks at Kidwells Park, Maidenhead and Vansittart Road in Windsor will be staffed between 10am and 6pm and the two mobile skate parks at Charters in Ascot and Pinkneys Green youth and community centre will be staffed between 11am and 5pm daily

· mobile bodyzone at Cox Green youth and community centre – the sports hall will be transformed into a gym with equipment ranging from rowing machines, bikes, punch bags, weights and bars.

The Easter programme includes swimming at both Windsor and the Maidenhead Magnet leisure centres for 50p between 9am and 5pm, and Bodyzone entry for £1 at the Magnet, Windsor, Charters and Performance at Braywick.

Badminton, squash and tennis are also on offer at the borough's leisure centres for £1 per session during the day from 9am – 1pm and 2 – 5pm.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said: "With only a few weeks to go until schools break up for the Easter holidays, it will soon be time to start thinking about getting out and about and taking part in some of the fantastic activities the council's youth and leisure staff have put together.

"Young people taking part just won't have the time to get bored during the holidays, and will benefit from the chance to improve their fitness and health at the same time. And anything we can do to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour among our young people has got to be worthwhile. So let's make it a real action-packed Easter and see more and more young people getting out and enjoying themselves in safety."

Full details of the programme are available on the council's website at www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/13-19_index.htm as well as at youth centres and at leisure centres across the borough.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It will be a change of address for the Maidenhead Royal Borough's children's services from next Monday (March 19).

The teams are moving from their current offices at 4 Marlow Road, Maidenhead to the new town centre address in the council's St Ives Road premises – just across the road from the Town Hall – making it easier for service users to access by both car and public transport.

Reception and telephone services will be at the customer service centre in the Maidenhead Town Hall and making contact is simple. The message is:

* If you call into the Town Hall you should let the reception staff know who you want to see and they will arrange for a member of the children's services team to meet you. Private interview rooms are available.
* If you phone the main social services number you will be put through to the person you want to speak to, just as happens now.

The new postal address is: Social Care Services, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF.

The telephone number remains the same for social services enquiries: 01628 683133.

Anyone with queries about these changes should contact their social worker.

Heather Andrews, head of safeguarding and specialist services, said: "I would like to reassure out service users that the services they receive will be as efficient and confidential as they have been used to at Marlow Road. All staff remain committed to providing the best service possible."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 25th March - 31st March 2007
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

25th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:45 am
Lunchtime Concert - Thomas Gould (violin) and John Reid (piano)
* 3:00 pm
Black Book (Zwartboek) (15)
* 7:30 pm
Playing for Time
* 7:30 pm
Black Book (Zwartboek) (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

26th March at Maidenhead

No events planned

27th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Oleanna
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Junior Norden Exposure Youth Dance
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance Academy

28th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
A Prairie Home Companion (PG)
* 7:30 pm
A Prairie Home Companion (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Carol Phillips - Cyclical Patterns, Transition and Growth
* 7:00 pm
Reading Group

29th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Canterbury Tales (Chaucer made modern)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Carol Phillips - Cyclical Patterns, Transition and Growth

30th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Norden Dance
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Carol Phillips - Cyclical Patterns, Transition and Growth

31st March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
Ghost Writer by N J Warburton
* 4:30 pm
Ghost Writer by N J Warburton
* 6:30 pm
Ghost Writer by N J Warburton
* 8:30 pm
Film in a Day screening
* Workshops and other events
* 9:00 am
Make a Film in a Day!
* 9:30 am
Dance Workshop: Introduction to Kathak
* 10:00 am
Carol Phillips - Cyclical Patterns, Transition and Growth
* 10:45 am
Dance Workshop: Introduction to Bollywood
* 12:00 pm
Dance Workshop: Introduction to Contemporary Dance
* 1:30 pm
Accents, Dialects and Voiceovers
* 4:00 pm
Horror Make-Up

Stubbing out the 20-a-day habit needn't be a drag in Maidenhead– and with smokefree public places becoming law on July 1 and No Smoking Day taking place on Wednesday March 14 there has never been a better time to say no to nicotine.

That's the message from the Maidenhead Royal Borough's environmental health team, which is aiming to spread the word that in addition to the many personal benefits of quitting, from July 1 it will be illegal to light up in any enclosed public place or workplace in England.

The Maidenhead team is working together with the Berkshire East Primary Care Trust (PCT) on its No Smoking Day campaign; information and pamphlets can be found on a display stand in the foyer of the Town Hall this week and various events are being held throughout the borough.

Gillian Taylor, Maidenhead environmental health manager said: "We all know there are health benefits to quitting smoking as well as money to be saved. From July 1 virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England will become smokefree by law, ensuring a healthier environment so everyone can socialise, relax, travel, shop and work free from secondhand smoke."

The legislation covers all workplaces where more than one person works or which are visited by members of the public and includes any space that has a ceiling or roof, which means tents, marquees, conservatories and vehicles are included.

Gillian and her team are working with local businesses to explain what they need to do to comply with the smokefree legislation. They have attended Pubwatch meetings and have invited businesses to attend a meeting on March 27 to discuss how the new legislation will affect them.

Under the new legislation, management will have to:

· ensure premises are smokefree
· display 'no smoking' signs in a prominent position at all public entrances
· take reasonable steps to ensure customers and staff are aware the premises are legally required to be smokefree.

There will be no obligation to provide smoke breaks or outside smoking areas.

Management could be fined up to £1,000 if they fail to display 'no smoking' signs and up to £2,500 for failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place. Smokers could be fined up to £200 for smoking in a smokefree area.

Another key date is Friday March 23, the start of the 100-day countdown to the new legislation, when a national media campaign kicks off with various events around the country.

Owners of businesses can contact Gillian Taylor, Maidenhead environmental health manager, on 01628 683503 if they require further information on the new legislation.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Borough colleagues have said a fond farewell to a woman who retired after providing service to pupils with special educational needs for 30 years.

Barbara Dorsett worked as a passenger assistant, travelling with pupils with special educational needs on their minibus journeys to and from school. Passenger assistants ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils during these journeys and provide reassurance for the pupils when they see a familiar face greeting them each morning and afternoon.

Barbara started work 34 years ago as a lunchtime controller at Maidenhead Larchfield Infant School and a few years later began escorting children to Holyport Manor and more recently Kennel Lane Special School in Bracknell.

A farewell lunch was held for Barbara at the Maidenhead Town Hall on Monday March 5 where she was joined by her fellow passenger assistants.

Barbara, who lives in Larchfield, Maidenhead, will now be going on holiday to visit family in New Zealand.

Shazia Khan, home to school transport officer, said: "Barbara will be very much missed by the schools with which she has worked and the pupils she looked after to and from school."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Maidenhead Royal Borough's proposal to build a brand new school for children with disabilities has been given major government backing with a £23.6 million grant from the Building Schools for the Future: One School Pathfinder initiative.

The grant means Maidenhead council's submission to provide the new special school at Cox Green has been given the green light by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education and adult learning, said she was thrilled by the prospect of having the money to give borough children the opportunity to be educated in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built school.

She said: "This is the stuff dreams are made of. With this funding we can give children with special needs the educational chances they so richly deserve. We have a wonderful school already in Holyport Manor but both pupils and staff are hampered by the old and outdated premises. We now have an unrivalled opportunity to put that right."

Cllr Kathy Newbound, lead member for children's and young people's services, said she was overjoyed: "This is a new start – a clean slate to design a purpose-built school with respite facilities that will give the children every possible advantage for achieving their very best."

The Maidenhead borough's proposal is to build the new special school as a centre of excellence on the same education campus as Cox Green Secondary and Lowbrook Primary schools. It would have its own access, yet be part of the existing education community, not only benefiting pupils with special educational needs but also bringing additional value for young people attending mainstream schools.

An informal public consultation on the proposal took place earlier this year and, at its February meeting, cabinet approved the publication of formal statutory notices, which allow two months for comments and objections

If there were no objections cabinet could take the decision to proceed but if there were objections the matter would, under current legislation, be decided by the local independent school organisation committee (SOC), which must give unanimous support . If the SOC could not agree, the final decision would be taken by the government's schools adjudicator.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The vital role of voluntary and community organisations in the Maidenhead Royal Borough is recognised by over £1 million grant funding for the year ahead.

Almost 50 organisations are set to benefit from £872,065 in council grants and 34 will also receive financial boosts totalling £133,550 via the council-administered Kidwells Trust and the H3G-Royal Borough Community Partnership Fund – a total of £1,005,605.

The grants for the 2007/08 financial year will go to organisations as wide-ranging as Maidenhead CAB, MENCAP, Maidenhead Heritage Centre trust, Windsor and Maidenhead Youth Counselling, Datchet Old Folks Club, Ascot Day Care Plus, after-school and play schemes, Windsor and Maidenhead Voluntary Action, arts centres, day centres and community support groups like Age Concern and the Windsor Voluntary Car Service.

Cllr Pam Proctor, who chaired the Maidenhead grants panel, said she was delighted that funding could be channelled to the community through organisations working directly with – and on behalf of – local residents.

She said: "These grants are recognition of the achievements and support of the voluntary and community organisations that are vital to the continued welfare and vitality of the Maidenhead Royal Borough. We all depend on their hard work and dedication, and the results of their efforts are felt in countless aspects of local life, touching people of all ages, interests and abilities.

"Unfortunately, there is never enough money to give to all the organisations which apply or to give them as much as they ask for. However, the grants panel members work hard to use the limited funds available in the most beneficial and equitable ways, reflecting above all the needs and interests of the people who live in the Royal Borough."

Cllr Proctor paid tribute to 3 for their continued and generous support which is helping organisations throughout the community. The Maidenhead-based communications company was given a special award at the recent Royal Borough Community and Business Awards in recognition of its support for the borough's community grants and awards scheme.

Total grants awarded for 2007/08 are as follows:
Council revenue grants - £319,000
Capital grants - £10,000
Service funded grants £543,065
Total 872,065
Kidwells Trust Grants - £17,800
Hutchison 3G-Royal BoroughCommunity Partnership - £115,750
Overall total 1,005,605

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Hardworking pupils and teachers in local schools have helped put the Maidenhead Royal Borough in the top ten local education authorities (LEAs) at key stage 3.

Following the recent 2006 achievement and attainment results for 14-year-olds it has emerged that the borough is tenth best in the country out of a total of 150 LEAs – ranked by aggregate score of pupils attaining level 5 or above in English, maths and science.

In fact, the borough was ranked fifth in the country in maths, using this measure.

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education and lifelong learning, said this was a tremendous achievement.

She said: "It is a clear demonstration of the hard work going on in our schools.

"The borough has been a consistently high performing education authority for many years and to be in the top ten in the country says a lot for the commitment of pupils, teachers, governors and, of course, parents who provide so much support both for their children and for their schools."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Kids of all ages should be heading for Maidenhead on Saturday (March 17) to get on the trail of town centre treasure.

The town partnership is celebrating the opening of Sainsbury's new Maidenhead flagship superstore with an exciting free Red Nose Treasure Hunt – a fun way to explore town centre shops and help raise money for Comic Relief at the same time.

There are a host of prizes to be won – all donated by local businesses who are either making donations to Comic Relief or organising a fund-raising activity for Red Nose Day.

The fun event couldn't be easier to enter. Just collect an entry card from the special stand in the new Sainsbury's piazza anytime on Saturday and follow the clues across the town centre.

The treasure trail will take hunters to a variety of local Maidenhead stores and when they have found the answers they simply return their completed cards to the piazza stand. Winners will be announced on March 21.

The treasure hunt has been organised by town manager Steph James who thanked the many local businesses for their generous support.

She said: "We couldn't run town centre events without the backing of Maidenhead shops and businesses. Everyone is really excited about the Sainsbury's opening and the treasure hunt is a fun way of celebrating the event while encouraging people to take a look at the many other excellent shops we have in our town centre.

"And, of course, they can also get their Red Nose Day merchandise from the new Sainsbury's store as they are one of the main partners of 'the Big One' in 2007."

Local Maidenhead businesses supporting the Red Nose Treasure Hunt are: Sainsbury's, Beds are uzzz, Domesco Ltd, Sofa Workshop, The South African Shop, Bovilles Art Shops, Holiday Inn, Coffee Republic, Homebase, Snappy Snaps, Poppies and local website About My Area.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Achieving the best possible outcomes for Maidenhead adults who need the support and help of local social care services is at the heart of a community conference being staged in the Royal Borough on Tuesday March 13.

Representatives from Maidenhead voluntary and community groups will join with social care and health professionals to take a close look at the services already in place and identify if there are any gaps that could, potentially, allow people to slip through the net.

The event is being organised against a background of change, started by the government's White Paper, Our Health, Our Care, Our Say, which encourages health and social care services to work even more closely together to provide a 'seamless service', with increasing emphasis on prevention and on improving people's wellbeing.

There is also a set of seven new outcomes*, introduced by the Commission for Social Care Inspection, that need to be aimed for to enchance service users' independence, wellbeing and choice.

Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten, Maidenhead council leader, who will open the conference, said: "The borough has an excellent record of consulting our service users and the organisations we work with before we take any new directions in care provision. This is another good example of bringing those involved together to map out what we collectively provide at the moment, share information and look closely at the new outcomes to see how we can meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Cllr Pam Proctor, lead member for Maidenhead adult services, said: "Similar events have been held many times over the past few years and have given a clear steer to those of us responsible for providing services for the most vulnerable members of our community. I have no doubt that next Tuesday's conference will be just as beneficial for everyone who attends."

The conference will be held in the Town Hall, Maidenhead and the keynote speaker will be Jim Gould, corporate director of learning and care, who will reflect on recent progress in adult care provision and also focus on the new outcomes and their implications for local providers.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

There's a "happy ending" this week to the story of the Maidenhead Royal Borough's first successful compulsory purchase order which has resulted in the sale of an empty, semi-derelict house in Wellington Road, Maidenhead.

The new owners – both teachers in the Maidenhead Royal Borough - completed the purchase on Monday and are now about to embark on a major restoration project on the semi-detached house which had been left empty for over 30 years.

It is just under a year since Maidenhead council posted CPO notices on the property under the borough's empty homes strategy, which aims to reduce the blight of derelict and empty properties by providing guidance, advice and encouragement to owners to bring their properties back into habitable use. The sale of the property was a direct result of the council's CPO which was confirmed by the Secretary of State in September.

The house had been the subject of numerous complaints over the years on issues ranging from slates falling from the roof, rubbish, litter and an abandoned vehicle left in the front garden as well as infestations of rats and mice – and was even broken into while the property was up for sale on the open market.

When the owner could not be traced, work to make the property safe was carried out by contractors on behalf of Maidenhead council in 1996 – but these repairs could not halt the progress of wet rot which affected much of the timber in the house.

Cllr Simon Werner, lead member for Maidenhead public protection and deputy leader of the council, said:: "I am absolutely delighted that the sale of this property is now complete and that the new owners plan to turn it back into a real home. The house had deteriorated to the point of being dangerous and was blighting the neighburhood.

"The values and saleability of other houses have been seriously affected and, had we not taken this action, we would have been letting down everybody else in the road.

"Under our empty homes strategy we try to encourage owners to bring their properties back into habitable use. But where we have exhausted every avenue, as in this case, we are prepared to use enforcement action as a last resort. In doing so we are underlining our total commitment to bringing long-term empty and derelict properties back into use."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Shiver me timbers! Blow me down – the new Cheeky Charlie's coming to Maidenhead town!

There'll be lots of swashbuckling fun at the Maidenhead Magnet Leisure centre from early May when the newly-equipped Cheeky Charlie's indoor play area hoves into view with its new piratical theme after a complete refurbishment.

The new £80,000 air-conditioned indoor Maidenhead play structure will replace the popular soft-play area closed for refurbishment last week after more than 15 years. The original Charlie's was created in the early 90s and converted from a former squash court - its successor will be bigger and better, with three floors bursting with activities for babies and toddlers as well their older brothers and sisters.

Young "pirates" can walk the plank (well, tackle the logs!), climb the rigging (in this case wooden ramps and climbing nets) – and have a go at no less than 60 other "high seas" activities including negotiating spiders' webs, spinning, rolling and sliding over the brand new structure to promote healthy play.

The "good ship Charlie" will feature:
· separate baby and toddler areas on the ground floor
· junior area on the top two floors
· an area for parents and carers to sit and watch the youngsters having fun
· coffee bar and catering unit.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said: "The original Cheeky Charlie's concept was truly pioneering, and has proved hugely popular over the years.

"But it was really in need of refurbishment and modernising, and we are taking this opportunity to provide families with an exciting new, bigger and better facility which will not only encourage a huge variety of activities and healthy play but create a better environment for parents to supervise their children in comfort.

"All round it will provide a really fantastic family area which will complement the excellent facilities already available at the Magnet."

For further information about the new Cheeky Charlie's contact Chris Hall, Maidenhead Magnet leisure Centre manager, on 01628 796103.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 18th March - 24th March 2007
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

18th March at Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

19th March at Maidenhead

No events planned

20th March at Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Junior Norden Exposure Youth Dance
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance Academy

21st March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
The Lady in the Van
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Academy

22nd March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Playing for Time
* 7:45 pm
The Lady in the Van
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 6:00 pm
Tabla Drumming
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F

23rd March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Playing for Time
* 7:45 pm
The Lady in the Van
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross
* 10:30 am
Fun at the Farm
* 7:15 pm
Life-drawing

24th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Playing for Time
* 7:45 pm
The Lady in the Van
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross

It will be a case of "service with lots of smiles" as Maidenhead Royal Borough youngsters line up this week to receive their hard-earned awards for the service section of their Duke Of Edinburgh's Award.

Responding to last year's 50th anniversary award theme of service to the community, the dozen young Maidenhead service award winners have earned their "stripes" through projects such as the Youth Opportunities Fund and the Young Carers initiative.

Some of the Maidenhead award recipients look after their parents or other relatives, while others have trained as youth assessors developing opportunities for fundraising and making decisions on how to spend money allocated by the Youth Opportunities Fund. For many, this will be the first rung on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award ladder which will see them aiming to complete other sections including physical activities, skills, expeditions and a residential project at Gold level only.

The deserving dozen will step up to receive their awards alongside a crop of more than 100 other Royal Borough young people notching up success in the bronze, silver and gold sections of the prestigious awards at the annual awards ceremony in the Desborough Suite in the Town Hall, Maidenhead, on Wednesday March 7.

Cllr Margaret Cubley, Mayor of the Royal Borough, will present the awards to young people from schools and youth groups across the borough including the Outdoor Education Project in Maidenhead, Cox Green Explorers, St Mary's and Hurst Lodge Schools in Ascot and the Brigidine School in Windsor.

Pupils from Hurst Lodge School will provide floral displays for the event as part of their Skills section of the award.

Cllr Kathy Newbound, lead member for Maidenhead children's and young people's services, said: "I am particularly delighted that one of the Award's major themes of care in the community is being so well reflected in this year's awards.

"Many of these young people do a marvellous job of looking after parents and other relatives, and fully deserve this recognition of their commitment – as do those who concentrate on assessing fund-raising projects to enable their peers to enjoy a range of activities..

"The achievements of all these young people deserve our warmest congratulations. When there are so many other distractions to young people these days it is rewarding to see so many of them channelling their energies and enthusiasm into such practical and worthwhile activities."

Other schools in the borough with pupils currently taking part in the Award include Charters, Churchmead, Heathfield St Mary's and St George's in Ascot and Eton College.

For further information about the awards and the presentation evening contact Award Co-ordinator Catherine Hurst on 01628

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Stroke Survivors Get Active at Maidenhead Magnet Leisure Centre

Stroke survivors are being offered opportunities for getting active, thanks to a partnership between Maidenhead's Magnet Leisure Centre and national charity Different Strokes.

Wednesdays at 1pm see the new Maidenhead stroke rehabilitation class in action, providing exercise specially designed to help those who have suffered from strokes regain their strength during their recovery period.

The class features :

* a 15-minute warm-up with mobility and flexibility exercises
* a 10-station circuit to built up endurance, strength and co-ordination skills
* a 10-minute cool down, with flexibility and relaxation techniques.

Kevin Johnson, clinical exercise specialist at the Maidenhead Magnet, explained: "Most stroke survivors need supervised exercise to help them regain their strength, co-ordination and mobility. We have teamed up with Different Strokes to provide specially-tailored exercise classes that take account of each person's individual needs to enhance their recovery and allow them to progress at their own rate."

Different Strokes is a national charity for stroke survivors, promoting active self-help and mutural support. It provides:

* access to gyms, physiotherapy, exercise and swimming sessions
* practical information packs
* access to counselling services
* benefits and rights information
* advice and information on further and higher education, special training and work opportunities.

For further information about the stroke rehabilitation classes contact Kevin Johnson on 07876 586445 or email kevin.johnson@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The 'unsung heroes' of Maidenhead school governing bodies will be given the star treatment on Thursday (March 8) with a special event in the Town Hall's council chamber.

Clerks to governing bodies – the people who organise meetings, advise on procedures, keep the minutes and carry out a host of other activities that keep the business wheels in motion – will be honoured at a Maidenhead Celebration of Clerking evening (7pm for 7.30pm).

Designed to highlight the valuable work of clerks in the borough's 62 schools, the evening will see certificates presented to a number of clerks, including six of the longest-serving:

* Janice Partridge, Cookham Nursery School, and Carolyn Thompson, White Waltham CE School (19 years)
* Judith Mitchel, Furze Platt Senior School, Roma Harland, Trevelyan Middle School, and Maureen West, Windsor Boys' School (18 years)
* Viv Cooper, Woodlands Park Primary School (17 years).

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education and lifelong learning, described clerks as the 'unsung heros' of schools governance.

She said: "We owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone who serves as a school governor. Their contribution to the education and wellbeing of our children and young people is invaluable. However, the clerks are the unsung heroes – the people who make the system work, thanks to their vast knowledge, organisational and administrative skills, sensitivity and attention to detail.

"Many of them toil in the background and it is only right that we should have an evening to celebrate their skills and talents and pay particular tribute to the six who together have given well over 100 years of service."

The celebration evening will be attended by Cllr Pitteway along with Cllr Kathy Newbound, lead member for children's and young people's services, Jim Gould, corporate director of learning and care, and Cliff Turner, head of children's and young people's services.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Maidenhead Royal Borough is packing yet another healthy "punch" with its latest SHINE-ing example of a healthy approach to living.

Its innovative SHINE scheme (Structured Health Improvement through Nutrition and Exercise) is to be officially launched next week to encourage Maidenhead residents to take the first steps to a healthier lifestyle through nutrition and exercise.

Aimed at Maidenhead people who have so far been reluctant to take a SHINE to walking, the new scheme provides a package of practical aids and information to getting started on the road to increased fitness – from new walks leaflets and pedometers to health advice and even improved signs in parks around the borough.

The scheme – organised jointly by the Maidenhead council's leisure department, libraries and parks – builds on the popularity of the collection of 20 walks leaflets already available – and takes the exercise theme a stage further with its specially-designed healthy approach based on the NHS Stepometer programme.

Leaflets will initially be available at the borough's leisure centres free – but for £5 would-be walkers can take advantage of the whole package comprising the leaflets, a pedometer and an optional five-minute health check which measures blood pressure, resting heart rate and height.
(For £10 the package also includes a Land Ranger map to enable walkers to plot their own routes more accurately).

The five new leaflets feature walks of varying lengths around Dedworth, Eton, Pinkneys Green, Desborough Park and Cox Green, and the Boulters Lock area.

Also helping to point Maidenhead residents on the right road (or in this case, path!) will be improved signs at Royal Borough parks, identified by the distinctive footprint logoalso branding the leaflets – giving information such as the size and history of the park and the number of footsteps needed to cover the area.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services, said: "Anything we can do to encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle has got to be worthwhile.

"The borough's collection of walks leaflets are already very popular with residents and visitors alike, but the SHINE scheme takes exercise and nutrition a step further by introducing the health benefits in such a practical way.

"I hope more people will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get out and about and enjoy some of the beautiful parts of our borough – while taking care of their health at the same time."

For further information contact Mark Camp-Overy, leisure services unit Maidenhead project manager on 01628 685821.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Fourteen-year-olds in Maidenhead Royal Borough schools have once again scored well above average in the latest secondary school key stage 3 achievement and attainment tables to be published on Thursday (March 1).

The 2006 national tables showing provisional figures for test results in English, maths and science reinforce the borough's position as a top performing local education authority, with improvements in maths and science and a slight dip – reflecting the national trend – of just 1% in English over 2005.

The tables show the proportion of pupils attaining level 5+ was:

* Maths 85% (up from 82% in 2005) compared to 77% (up from 74%) nationally
* Science 82% (up from 78%) compared to 72% (up from 70%) nationally
* English 81% (down from 82% in 2005) compared to 73% (down from 74%) nationally

For the first time the tables show the proportion of pupils attaining level 6+:

* Maths 68% compared to 57% nationally
* Science 50% compared to 41% nationally
* English 41% compared to 34% nationally

The tables also provide a value added score based on progress between key stages 2 and 3, with the borough's score of 100.4 being above the national average of 100.

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education and lifelong learning, said that yet again borough students had achieved well above average results in national curriculum tests.

She added: "These excellent rewards for hard work are richly deserved and reflect the dedication and comitment of the students and their teachers in their first years in secondary education. Everyone involved is to be congratulated and we wish all the students well as they carry on their studies towards GCSEs and beyond."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Maidenhead Royal Borough's success in improving services for residents of all ages means that council taxpayers will benefit from an extra £1 million for local services over the next two years.

That's the news from last night's Maidenhead council meeting (Tuesday February 27) when members voted on the budget for 2007/08.

Cllr Simon Werner, chairman of the Maidenhead Royal Borough Community Partnership and deputy leader of the council, revealed that Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) targets met by the borough over the past three years had achieved a £1 million government reward – £500,000 for 2007/08 and £500,000 for 2008/09.

The money, he said, would be used for further service improvements to meet public demand under the borough's Cleaner, Greener, Safer campaign – including an additional community warden, extending community warden duties to cover parks in their areas, and a specialist machine for removing chewing gum from town centre streets. The funding will also enable the Maidenhead council to employ a sustainability officer to further boost the its commitment to more environmentally friendly and greener ways of working.

Cllr Werner said: "This is great news for the local community. Three years ago we committed ourselves to 12 separate targets to improve services as wide ranging as education and reducing litter and now we are reaping the reward.

"It is particularly welcome given the very tight budget and, together with the council's continuing success in working efficiently and delivering quality services for less money, it will enable us to do even more for our residents in the year ahead."

The reward funding is the result of a number of key LPSA achievements including: improving pupils' performance in science; reducing litter and dog fouling; reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on local roads; encouraging more reporting of domestic violence; getting more drug misusers into treatment and working with owners and landlords to bring more empty and derelict homes into use.

The LPSA targets were devised by the Maidenhead council, in conjunction with partner organisations and government departments, to take account of issues that are important to local communities – making the borough a safer place for everyone, raising standards in schools and supporting vulnerable people.

The LPSA means:

* the council sets out its commitment to make specific improvements in performance
* the government rewards the local authority for making services better.

Maidenhead Cabinet approved the signing of the LPSA in July 2003 and since then the council and its partner organisations have been working to achieve the targets.
more

Confirmation of the £1 million reward money came yesterday from the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Also at the council meeting the Maidenhead borough's budget for 2007/08 was agreed, with the council's value-for-money approach and efficiencies keeping the council tax increase down to 3.8%. This was achieved despite a government grant increase of just 1.4%, inflation for local authorities running at more than 4.5% and rising demand for local services It represents a new Band D rate of £993.98 – an increase of £37 from 2006/07 but £69 under the anticipated average Band D charge for England.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 11th March - 17th March 2007
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

11th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Babel (15)
* 7:30 pm
Babel (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

12th March at Maidenhead

No events planned

13th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Caught
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Junior Norden Exposure Youth Dance
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance Academy

14th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
London to Brighton (18)
* 8:00 pm
Lovepuke
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Academy

15th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Endellion String Quartet
* 8:00 pm
Lovepuke
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 6:00 pm
Tabla Drumming
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F

16th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Lovepuke
* 8:00 pm
Blue Harlem
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross
* 10:30 am
Fun at the Farm
* 7:15 pm
Life-drawing

17th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Ball Pond Bobby
* 3:00 pm
Ball Pond Bobby
* 7:30 pm
St John’s Chamber Orchestra
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Christopher Colley and Anna Lowe
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 10:00 am
Culture Cross

The Maidenhead Royal Borough will be robbed of a funding lifeline if the government goes ahead with proposals to change the way contributions made by developers are collected and distributed.

That’s the view of Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for Maidenhead strategic planning, who told last Thursday’s cabinet meeting (February 22) of her fears that new rules currently out for national consultation would be a stealth tax, leaving local communities considerably worse off.

Cabinet agreed that Maidenhead borough would strongly oppose the government’s plans to:

* scale back the current Section 106 system of developers’ contributions so that it would apply only to improvements directly related to the specific site, e.g. an access road, affordable housing or an enviroinmental improvement on the site

* introduce a new system – called Planning Gain Supplement (PGS) – in which the government would collect the money and then redistribute only 70% to the local authority for wider initiatives, including education, public open space, libraries, public transport, wider road improvements and community facilities.

Cllr Howes said that councils would be denied the remaining 30% of contributions that should rightly be spent in their local areas.

She said: “We are being robbed of a lifeline of funding support which will have an adverse effect on quality of life in our borough.

“We are being directed by government to accept more and more development, putting a deplorable strain on our area, and at the same time denied the right to collect funds that would help offset or minimise the impact of the development. Our fears are that this is another form of stealth tax, leaving communities considerably worse off with money that should rightly be used in the Royal Borough redirected to other regions in the country. “

This is the second time the PGS proposal has been out for consultation and Maidenhead cabinet agreed that once again the council should make clear its strong opposition on a wide range of grounds, including:

* grave concerns that the money would not be used for locally-identified needs or directed to the right areas

* the new system was not justified when compared with the much simpler S106

* there would be no direct link between the demands a new development placed on infrastructure and the amount of PGS developers would be charged

* it would slow down the planning and development processes.

Cllr Howes highlighed the Maidenhead Royal Borough’s nationally-recognised success in collecting Section 106 money. She added: “We are one of the leading local councils for bringing in developer funding and directing it to local projects our residents want and need. Under the new PGS we will lose control, lose money and lose out!”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It’s a “double first” for two Maidenhead Royal Borough secondary schools as pupils demonstrate a healthy attitude towards their development – and have the awards to prove it!

Pupils at the borough’s two all-girls’ schools – Newlands in Maidenhead and Windsor Girls’ in Windsor – are the first secondary schools in the borough to notch up success in the prestigious Healthy Schools Award.

The successful duo join a bumper crop of 28 primary, infant, junior, first and one middle school, (St Edward’s), who have already clinched the coveted award which encourages the involvement of the whole Maidenhead school community – staff, pupils, parents, governors and school nurses - in pupils’ physical and emotional development.

The two schools demonstrated their commitment to a healthy lifestyle in a variety of ways including;

· running very active student councils who have worked hard for healthy, affordable school meals and snacks – with a subsequent reduction in high-sugar, high-fat foods and the introduction of pasta and salad bars, soup and tempting sandwich fillings

· offering a school nurse drop-in and counselling service

· promoting initiatives such as HYPE, a programme of peer-led drug education in which older students teach Year 8 and 9 pupils about the risks of drug taking

· taking part in a wide variety of sporting activities and exploring new options including martial arts to encourage girls who have previously been reluctant to participate.

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education, said: “It’s interesting that it is two girls’ senior schools which have gained this award. I hope this will be a challenge to the boys to match the commitment of the girls and encourage their schools to bid for Healthy Schools status.

“Achieving this award is an excellent way of demonstrating that they recognise the importance of investing in health education and encouraging each and every child to feel good about themselves. So come on, let’s see more of our senior schools jump on the Healthy Schools bandwagon.”

Beverley Wigmore, Healthy Schools Co-ordinator at Windsor Girls’ School, said: “We are really pleased and proud to have gained National Healthy School status and have enjoyed making improvements to our school.

“It has also allowed us to focus on what needs to be improved, especially some of the points our girls have raised, which we will work to implement in the near future.”

Tracey Briggs, headteacher at Maidenhead Newlands Girls’ School, said: “I am delighted that we have achieved the Healthy Schools Award; everyone has worked really hard to achieve this success. We look forward to receiving our certificate and plaque.”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Mums and dads who robe their Maidenhead babies’ rears in real nappies are not only doing a world of good for the environment and their pockets – their little ones could also be the nattiest nippers around.

In support of Real Nappy Week, March 11 – 18, the Maidenhead Royal Borough’s waste awareness service is spreading the message that ditching the disposables will help reduce landfill, while the range of practical and funky real cloth nappies now on the market mean a cool look for Junior.

The service is teaming up with local cloth nappy advisors to stage three information sessions as follows:

· Tuesday March 13 – Windsor Leisure Centre (9.30am – 1pm)

· Sunday March 18 – Ascot Farmers’ Market (9.30am – 1pm)

· Monday March 19 – Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead (9am – 1pm)

Disposable nappies account for 4% of all household rubbish and in Windsor and Maidenhead alone about eight million nappies – more than 1,600 tonnes – are disposed of each year, at a cost to council taxpayers of more than £65,000.

To make matters worse, it is estimated each nappy that goes to landfill will take up to 500 years to biodegrade. The Royal Borough is keen to increase awareness about the use of cloth nappies to help reduce the amount of waste being sent to scarce landfill sites.

An added, and more direct, benefit to parents who cotton on to cloth nappies is a potential saving of up to £500. And real nappies have moved on from the old-fashioned square towel and safety pin, with modern versions being shaped, fitted and self-fastening.

Cllr Margaret Hyde, who has special responsibility for Maidenhead recycling, will visit the Windsor Leisure Centre on Tuesday March 13 from 9.30am and the Magnet Leisure Centre on Monday March 19 just before 1pm.

Maidenhead Cllr Hyde said: “At a time when we are all so aware of the threat our environment is under and the need for each one of us to act now to reduce and prevent further damage, it is important for parents to discover what a positive impact they could make.

“Disposables may be convenient – but when you think of all those soiled nappies being buried in the ground in landfill sites, it’s not a pleasant thought. Neither is it environmentally sustainable. By visiting the sessions and following the advice available, parents can make a real contribution to cutting the size of the disposable nappy waste mountain.

“We need to help parents appreciate that by using real nappies they can save money, reduce waste, reduce harm to the environment – and, of course, help cut the amount council taxpayers have to fork out for waste disposal.”

Real Nappy Week is supported by more than 80% of local authorities in the country. It is co-ordinated by the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN), working with the Real Nappy Campaign, and funded by WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme).

Ten top tips to help the environment by using real nappies

· Use an energy efficient washing machine

· Wash soiled nappies at 60oC

· Wash wet nappies and waterproof wraps at lower temperatures along with the rest of your laundry

· Avoid tumble drying – hang nappies out to dry or use an airer

· Avoid soaking – store nappies dry in a lidded bucket

· Avoid using unnecessary chemicals such as conditioners and sanitisers

· Use eco-detergent

· Never iron nappies or wraps

· Extend the life of your nappies - reuse them on another baby, or give/sell them to someone else
· Use washable liners.

Further information about using real nappies is available on the council’s website www.rbwm.gov.uk or at www.realnappycampaign.com

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A move towards making Maidenhead local street lighting more efficient, cost-effective – and greener – has been given the go-ahead with new ways of both buying energy and of bringing 13,000 borough lamp columns into the 21st century.

Cabinet, meeting on Thursday February 22, switched on a process that enables the council to go forward with ‘an exciting opportunity’ to:

* get better value for money

* replace the Maidenhead borough’s lamp columns as needed

* use modern, green methods of lighting local streets

* reduce energy consumption and costs

* maintain a quality service and

* extend partnership working to bring added benefits to the local community.

The two-pronged initiative will mean:

* saving money by joining with four other Berkshire local authorities – Slough, Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell – to bulk buy energy for street lighting and

* reducing the Maidenhead borough’s carbon footprint and cutting night sky pollution by working closely with a new contractor to bring in more modern street lighting.

Cllr Antony Wood, lead member for Maidenhead traffic and transport, explained that with the two current street lighting contracts coming to an end – for energy buying and lamp column maintenance – the council could shine a new light on its street lighting operation.

He said: “This is an exciting opportunity to take a radical approach that will result in efficient and effective street lighting and at the same time make a real saving on energy use.”

The Maidenhead council’s search for a new contractor will start next month, with the aim of making an appointment in the autumn. This will mean the contractor and the council can then work closely together to bring about improvements, including:

* more efficient lights – i.e. changing the current orange glow to white, which requires less electricity

* modern control systems to adjust light levels according to time of day and available natural light and

* light pollution control – directing light downwards to prevent it getting into people’s homes or going upwards into the night sky and obliterating the stars.

Another key element of the new initiative will be looking at alternative sources of energy.

Maidenhead Cllr Wood explained: “The council already buys a considerable amount of green energy through its contractor. However, we need to look at how we can use the sun and wind to power more of our street lighting, for example solar panels sited near underpasses to provide the power needed to keep them light and bright 24 hours a day.

“This is the kind of innovation we want to introduce in the Royal Borough. By appointing a new contractor later in the year we can work closely with them and use their expertise to help bring about changes that will really make a difference to efficiency, cost effectiveness and to reducing the council’s carbon footprint.”

Cabinet agreed a Maidenhead street lighting framework that will form the basis for negotiation of the new contract, to be advertised in March.

A further more detailed report on the proposal for bulk buying energy – being led by Bracknell Forest on behalf of the five participating authorities – will be available in the next few weeks.

To allow the council time to take the new street lighting plans forward, current contracts with Southern Electric Contracting and with Scottish & Southern have been extended to end in March 2008. The new arrangements would take effect from April 1 that year.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead