Maidenhead & Windsor

Windsor and Maidenhead Residents with an interest in the housing proposals for the Badnell's Pit contaminated waste site in Maidenhead are being urged to attend the opening of the public inquiry in the Town Hall on Tuesday (September 30).

The first day is when the planning inspector is likely to schedule the appearances of those who would like to speak at the inquiry and the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is encouraging local people to make sure they have their say. Residents who would like the inspector to view the application site from their property should also make this known on the first day if possible.

The inquiry follows the decision taken by Maidenhead development control panel in April when members refused a planning application from Michael Shanly Homes to build 402 flats and houses and an extra care housing scheme on the site after it has been decontaminated and restored.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning, said she hoped the many residents who had strongly opposed the application at the DC panel would be at the public inquiry.

She said: "The public inquiry gives all concerned residents an excellent opportunity to let the inspector know the strength of local feeling against the proposed plans. Please attend if you can. Hopefully together we can make a meaningful contribution to stop this inappropriate development in Maidenhead Riverside."

The inquiry, which starts at 10am on Tuesday, is likely to last six days. The first day's proceedings will be in the Desborough Suite, with the venue changing to the council chamber for the next three days (October 1 – 3) and then back to the Desborough Suite for October 7 and 8.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Pedestrians and walkers using the popular Thames Path National Trail could soon benefit from a safe road crossing at Ray Mead Road in Maidenhead.

Members of the Windsor and Maidenhead Rights of Way and Highway Licensing Panel voted to investigate the possibility of installing a zebra crossing and/or anti-skid strips on Ray Mead Road to improve the route of the Thames Path to the north of Bridge Gardens.

The proposals follow the Windsor and Maidenhead council's action last year to infill a set of disused landing steps opposite Bray Boats and the Thames Hotel to provide a new section of river frontage to the popular trail.

A zebra crossing installed at the entrance to Bridge Gardens would provide a safe crossing for walkers heading north towards Boulters Lock. It would mean that walkers would cross Ray Mead Road via the new pedestrian crossing, walk about 40 metres along the pavement on the west side of Ray Mead Road before crossing back via the new anti-skid surface on the road to re-join the path's river frontage at Chandlers Quay.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways, transport and environment, said: "The Thames Path is a very popular amenity in the Royal Borough, providing a well-used walking route for a great many people.

"Since doing the work last year to infill the disused landing steps to extend the river frontage of the Thames Path, we have worked hard to explore further ways of improving the route to the area north of Bridge Gardens.

"We have obviously taken into consideration both pedestrian and road safety implications, and have reached the conclusion that pedestrian crossing facilities along Ray Mead Road would provide the most appropriate solution.

"We will now undertake stringent investigations – including a statutory road safety audit – to assess the detail of the crossing facilities we should provide."

Cllr Ashgar Majeed, chairman of the Windsor and Maidenhead Rights of Way and Highway Licensing Panel, said: "I would like to thank Margaret Bowdery of the Ramblers Association, Bob Dulson, chairman of the Maidenhead Civic Society and also of ProM (the Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead); residents Ms Fiona Hewer and David Ricardo and Riverside ward councillors for their input and Maidenhead MP Theresa May for her views.

"We would like to assure them that we would love for the Thames Path Trail to be completed and we are working strenuously to find a solution to the completion of the path."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 5 October - 11 October 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

5th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Maddy Prior, Seven for Old England
* Workshops and other events
* 1:30 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 10:00 am
Naked
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group H

6th October in Maidenhead

No events planned

7th October in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Naked
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Juniors
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Academy

8th October in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Manipulate and Create
* 2:00 pm
Naked
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

9th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery – Beginners I
* 7:45 pm
89% and rising
* Workshops and other events
* 5:00 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced
* 10:00 am
Picture This: Short Stories and Poetry
* 2:00 pm
Naked
* 6:15 pm
Tabla Beginners
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F
* 6:45 pm
Tabla Intermediate
* 7:30 pm
Tabla Advanced

10th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Jazz at the Farm: Julian Siegel with the Pendulum Quartet
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Naked
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group G
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

11th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners
* 2:30 pm
Hoof!
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Married Life (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Naked
* 2:30 pm
Alexander Technique

More than 3,000 residents are being asked to take part in a new Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough survey which aims to find out what they think about living in this area and about the issues that matter most to them in their community.

As part of the government's countrywide Place Survey, questionnaires will be posted to a pre-selected cross-section of residents* on Thursday September 25 and responses will help the council and its partner organisations find out how they are performing against 20 nationally-set indicators.

Cllr Christine Bateson, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead community partnerships, urged people to fill and return their questionnaires – which should take no more than 15 minutes.

She said: "This is a great opportunity for residents to tell us what they think about the communities they live in, the services they receive and how we could make things better.

"The Place Survey will be happening all over the country but the responses from Royal Borough residents will be used to help our council and its partners set priorities for the future that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our local community."

Windsor and Maidenhead Residents who receive questionnaires are being asked to complete and return them in the freepost envelope provided by October 20 if at all possible. Reminder letters will be sent out to those who don't respond, with the final closing date set for December 1.

Cllr Bateson added: "All responses will be totally confidential. In fact, to ensure residents' anonymity we are using an independent research agency, BMG Research, to run the survey on our behalf. Afterwards all the responses will be analysed and the results will be available next spring so that the council and its partner organisations can use the information to help us provide even better services for local people in the future."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Children who attend The Queen Anne Royal Free C E First School in Windsor not only achieve academically but are given high quality care, guidance and support.

That's the view of Ofsted inspectors who visited the 142-pupil Windsor school before the end of the summer term and whose report describes it as 'a good school' with outstanding features to its work.

The report speaks about the positive climate that leads to outstanding personal development and well-being for pupils, with children getting off to a good start in Reception and those in Years 1 to 4 achieving well because of good teaching and an exciting curriculum.

Key points raised by the report include:

* Standards at the end of year 2 have improved from average to well above average since the last inspection in 2004, with assessments in 2007 well above average overall
* At Foundation stage good teaching and an interesting curriculum enable children to make good progress in all areas of learning
* Standards in Year 4 are above those expected for the pupils' age
* Teaching is good, with examples of outstanding practice – teachers have very good relationships with their pupils and manage them well
* Pupils are attentive and respond well to teachers' effective questioning
* Teaching assistants are well directed – they make a valuable contribution to learning, particularly for pupils who need additional support with language and literacy
* The curriculum promotes good achievement and makes an excellent contribution to pupils' personal development
* Pastoral care is excellent with clear procedures to safeguard pupils
* Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.

The report highlights that good leadership and management are key factors contributing to the Windsor school's success and to good improvements since the last inspection. The 'experienced and established' headteacher, Tina Moss, provides good educational direction and, with her staff, has created a very positive atmosphere for pupils to learn and staff to work. She is well supported by other senior staff, particularly the deputy headteacher Sarah Allum.

Parents hold positive views about the school and most are extremely pleased with the care and education provided for their children, while governors have a good understanding of the school's performance and provide good support.

Cllr Eileen Quick, the council's lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, congratulated everyone in The Queen Anne school community on their excellent Ofsted inspection report.

She said: "The school reflects everything the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough wants to promote for the children and young people going through our education system. Its caring, supportive ethos, good teachers, supportive governors and enthusiastic pupils result in enviable standards of academic achievement of which everyone can be proud."

Tina Moss, headteacher, said the school was 'thrilled' with the report and she thanked the pupils, staff and governors for their hard work.

She added: "We have a wonderful school community where we work together for the benefit of all pupils, while recognising the needs and strengths of each child as an individual. I am fortunate to have such dedicated staff and pupils who are thirsty for knowledge and eager to do their very best."

The report makes just two recommendations to help the school further improve – in promoting even higher standards in writing and in ensuring a consistent brisk pace in lessons. These are already being addressed by the headteacher and her staff.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The fifth Older Persons' Conference takes place on Wednesday October 1 in the Desborough Suite, Town Hall, Maidenhead, from 10am to 3pm

The event, organised by the Older Persons' Advisory Forum (OPAF) for Windsor and Maidenhead, co-incides with the UK Day for Older People and the United Nations International Day for Older People as a celebration of all they have to offer and contribute to society.

This free event is for all people and organisations who have an interest in health and social care services for older people within the borough. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "This is a great way for older people to find out about the services available and to get involved in the development of future services.

"The best people to let us know what they want and need are older people themselves, so the contribution of the OPAF is invaluable to help statutory services."

The Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor, Cllr Dorothy Kemp, will open the conference. Guest speakers include Ian Trenholm, Chief Executive of the Royal Borough, Donna Derby the Berkshire East Primary Care Trust's director for locality development, and Catherine McLinden from Age Concern Windsor. There will also be information stands from a range of agencies including the Primary Care Trust, the borough's adult care services, community safety, Age Concern and SMILE (So Much Improvement with a Little Exercise) and some fun activities to enjoy on the day.

Sheila Holmes, chair of the OPAF , said: " We look forward to welcoming people from the across the borough to join with us in celebrating the theme of the conference Valuing Age and Ageing, to have an interesting day and to tell us what they think is of particular importance to them in their lives."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Schoolchildren across the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough are being offered a fantastic new range of incentives to encourage them to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

The new and improved School Travel Reward Scheme (STaRS) is being launched in Maidenhead at the Magnet Leisure Centre on Monday September 29 at 12noon and in Ascot and Windsor at Windsor Leisure Centre on Tuesday September 30, also 12noon, tying in with International Walk to School Month in October. The Mayor, Cllr Dorothy Kemp, will be joined by representatives from local sports clubs and schoolchildren at both events.

Windsor and Maidenhead STaRS is believed to be the most comprehensive scheme of its kind in England and aims to cut the number of children travelling to school by car while promoting healthier lifestyles. Not only does the scheme encourage pupils to be more active on their journeys to school, the rewards also help them to be more active out of school.

Each pupil at participating Windsor and Maidenhead schools will be issued with a card which their teacher stamps with a star every time the child walks, scoots or cycles to school. Once they have collected enough star stamps they are rewarded with bronze, silver and gold stars. A range of reward activities is offered after 30 stars and again after 50 stars.

The project has attracted support from a variety of sports clubs and activity groups, including Charters Leisure Centre, Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead United FC, Tiska Karate Club, Windsor Judo, Windsor Lawn Tennis Club and Windsor Leisure Centre. Children can choose from a range of free rewards such as:

· swims
· judo lessons
· karate lessons
· basketball coaching
· football coaching
· trampolining
· tennis lessons.

In the school holidays, pupils can even choose to go on a multi-mayhem or multi-activity day.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and environment, said: "This is a fantastic scheme. Not only will it encourage our youngsters to be more physically active, but hopefully it will also have a significant impact on traffic levels outside schools.

"We hope Thames Valley Police will support STaRS and make sure motorists keep their speeds down near school routes."

He added: "With around half of our primary school children being taken to school by car, this puts a lot of additional vehicles on the borough's roads. By encouraging more families to walk, cycle or scoot to school, we can cut congestion and pollution and improve road safety.

"We also want to encourage parents to choose schools close to their homes so children can walk or cycle to and from school."

Gordon Oliver, Windsor and Maidenhead principal transport policy officer, said: "We are delighted that so many of our local sports clubs have offered their support to STaRS. The range of rewards on offer will ensure that the scheme remains interesting for those taking part and should ensure that pupils stick with it.

"We hope this will encourage families to think about how they travel to school and choose more active ways of making these trips. With the rising cost of fuel, there has never been a better time to make the switch."

Pamela McGuinness, Windsor and Maidenhead road safety officer, said: "Walking to school on a regular basis will help children gain essential road safety skills by learning to deal with traffic and helping them to experience different situations. So many of our children will miss out on this experience if the car is the primary mode of transport."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Mayor Cllr Dorothy Kemp, Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Chief Executive Ian Trenholm, Council Leader Cllr David Burbage, sponsors, local businesses and community organisations, turned out in force to see the launch of the 5th Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Community and Business Excellence Awards.

Held on Friday September 12 at the Chartered Institute of Marketing in Cookham, the launch heralded this prestigious annual event which has now become a prominent occasion in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's calendar. Adding huge value to the life and vibrancy of local businesses and the community the 2008 awards have attracted an unprecedented number of high profile sponsors, including main event sponsors The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Learning Partnership, The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), First Group, Maidenhead Advertiser, Windsor Housing, Holiday Inn Windsor & Maidenhead, Ascot Racecourse, Tenon, Thames Water, Proactive HR, ITM AV, Abbott, Federation of Small Businesses and The BCA.

Cllr David Burbage, Leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead said: "Over the years, the awards have been a revelation – often surprising, always rewarding. They are the strongest evidence I know of that the Royal Borough is a place where people succeed and prosper, where entrepreneurialism and business growth are part of our mindset, and where the will to help others or get behind a cause is boundless and refreshingly enthusiastic."

Jon Fisher, of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, said: "Last year's event saw applications from companies and community organisations both large and small. Each year, the quality and diversity of the entries just gets better and better and the job of the judges is becoming harder. We would like to encourage all organisations and individuals to nominate or apply."

The awards are now open for applications from Windsor and Maidenhead businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations operating within the Royal Borough.

There are 11 award categories this year:

* Company of the Year – sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland
* Community Involvement Award – sponsored by Holiday Inn Windsor & Maidenhead
* Corporate Social Responsibility Award – sponsored by Windsor Housing
* Customer Focus Award – sponsored by First Group
* Development of Young People – sponsored by RBWM Learning Partnership
* Marketing Innovation of the Year – sponsored by The Chartered Institute of Marketing
* Entrepreneurial Business of the Year – sponsored by Tenon
* Hospitality and Leisure Award – sponsored by Ascot Racecourse
* HR and Personal Development Strategy Award – sponsored by Proactive HR
* Environmental Sustainability Award – sponsored by Thames Water
* Charity of the Year – sponsored by Maidenhead Advertiser.

Award finalists and winners will benefit from extensive publicity throughout the region, as well as gaining public recognition as one of the borough's excellent organisations.

Entry is free, quick and simple. Windsor and Maidenhead Companies and organisations can enter one or more awards by completing the application form which can be obtained in one of three ways:

* By emailing a request to the event organisers, Blink, at awards@blinkgroup.co.uk
* By going to the website at http://www.royalboroughawards.co.uk/
* By telephoning the event organisers, Blink, on 01494 520584 for a postal pack.

All applications must be completed and returned by 29 September 2008 to be entered into the award's judging process which is being held at the Chartered Institute of Marketing at Moor Hall in Cookham.

The awards will culminate at a Gala Night at Ascot Racecourse on Thursday 20 November when all shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 28 September - 4 October 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

28th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:45 am
Sunday Concert - Alexandra Dariescu (piano)
* Film
* 3:00 pm
Elite Squad (Tropa de Elite) (18)
* 7:30 pm
Elite Squad (Tropa de Elite) (18)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:30 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 10:00 am
Maureen McLean & Doug Harding - Windsor Festival Exhibition
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

29th September in Maidenhead

No events planned

30th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Idiot Colony
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Juniors
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Academy

1st October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Closer Than Ever
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Man on Wire (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Manipulate and Create
* 2:00 pm
Naked
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

2nd October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery – Beginners I
* 7:45 pm
Closer Than Ever
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Man on Wire (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 5:00 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced
* 2:00 pm
Naked
* 6:15 pm
Tabla Beginners
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F
* 6:45 pm
Tabla Intermediate
* 7:30 pm
Tabla Advanced

3rd October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Closer Than Ever
* 7:45 pm
Celebrity Piano Recital: Freddy Kempf
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Naked
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group G
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

4th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners
* 7:30 pm
David Benson sings Noel Coward
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Naked

Members and officers of the Royal Borough will be joining with representatives of the Royal Air Force Association on Sunday September 21 at services in both Windsor and Maidenhead to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Both services are at 11am.

The service in Windsor will be held in the parish church, High Street, attended by the Mayor, Cllr Dorothy Kemp. Afterwards she will join RAFA representatives in a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial, High Street. This will be followed by the sounding of the Last Post, the traditional two minutes' silence and the playing of Reveille.

In Maidenhead the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Catherine Bursnall, will lead the civic party to the service in St Mary's Church, High Street, after which there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial outside the Town Hall. Former members of the Royal Air Force and members of the Air Training Corps with conclude the proceedings with a march past, with the salute taken by the Deputy Mayor outside the Town Hall.

To allow the ceremonies to take place in safety, brief road closures will be necessary in Windsor High Street and St Ives Road, Maidenhead.

In Windsor the closure will be from the junction of Sheet Street and Victoria Street to the junction of High Street and Thames Street on Sunday September 21 from 10.45am to 11am and then again between 11.45am and 12noon.

There will be no parking allowed in St Ives Road, Maidenhead from 6pm Saturday September 20 until 1pm Sunday September 21.

The closures will be short and the Royal Borough apologises for any inconvenience. Drivers affected are asked to be patient and the roads will re-open as soon as possible.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Residents in Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough flood risk areas are being reminded to follow the example of every boy Scout and 'be prepared'.

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has teamed up with the Environment Agency, the National Flood Forum, Thames Valley Police and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service to promote Thames Valley Flood Awareness Month during October – giving everyone the opportunity to find out how to prepare for flooding by demonstrating practical ways of minimising damage to property and learning how to stay safe.

There will be three special events in the Windsor and Maidenhead borough, bringing together a variety of flood protection ideas, products and services as well as providing help and information for people affected by, or at risk of, flooding.

* A major flood fair will be held at the Thames Valley Athletics Centre on Wednesday October 8 from 12 noon to 9pm.
* Mini flood fairs will also be held in Wraysbury Village Hall on Monday October 13 and in the Pinder Hall, Cookham, on Wednesday October 15 (both from 2 to 8pm).

Entry to all three Windsor and Maidenhead events is free and will provide the opportunity to:

* check if your home or business is in a flood risk area
* find out about flood warning services and how to sign up
* get advice on practical steps to protect your home from flooding
* pick up a range of information and check out useful websites
* check out the range of flood defence devices available to buy
* develop your own home or business flood plan.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and environment, welcomed Flood Awareness Month and urged local people to attend the flood fairs.

He said: "Unfortunately flooding is a very serious issue for many people in the Royal Borough and the council is determined to work with residents to help them prepare. Experience shows that flooding is an all too real possibility and this special month helps underline how important it is to be prepared. We now seem to be experiencing more flooding than I can ever remember, in particular flash floods.

"As householders we are all responsible for doing everything we can to protect our homes. The flood fairs are great ways of keeping up to date with what's available to buy, as well as providing lots of advice and information to help minimise flood risk in the future. This year, we have seen house floods that have never been witnessed before in other parts of the country. We must be aware of the dangers!"

Mary Dhonau of the National Flood Forum said: "The fairs will offer local residents who have suffered from the heartbreak of flooding the chance to talk about their experience with people who know just what it's like.

"At the same time, we will have a number of manufacturers and suppliers with flood protection products at the event who will exhibit their ideas, and be on hand to discuss the ways in which those affected by the recent floods could reduce the impact if they are flooded in the future."

Helen Green, flood awareness campaign coordinator for the Environment Agency, said: "We are really pleased to be able to support these events. Working with the National Flood Forum to run fairs like these gives residents an idea of some of the products available out there which may protect their homes during events such as those we experienced during last summer."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Police are warning elderly residents to be on their guard after an attempted distraction burglary in Windsor.

At about 1.45pm on Friday (12/9), an elderly woman was at home in Perrycroft, Windsor when two men knocked at the door and asked to inspect her drains.

She went with them to an outside drain, which the men checked and said was blocked. The woman went inside to get her water company documents, closing the door behind her, but when she returned the men had gone.

The men look alike - as though they may be related. They are white, in their twenties, about 5ft 9ins, well built and tanned. They have dark, messy hair, were neatly dressed and spoke with southern English accents.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Det Con Kam Thandi of the Priority Crime Team in Maidenhead via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

The following advice has been issued to elderly Windsor residents:

• If you are suspicious of an unexpected caller, contact police immediately on 999, giving as much detail about the person as possible. It may be that the same caller has caused concern elsewhere.
• You should never open your door to a stranger. If someone comes to your door, use your intercom system or shout through the door to see who it is.
• If the person is not expected, do not open the door. Tell them to make an appointment. If they say there is an emergency, check with the police.
• If the person is expected, put the chain on and then check their identification. If you do not have a chain, ask for the identification to be put through the letterbox.
• Some offenders will not bother to trick their way in if they find an insecure window or door. Make sure all your windows and doors can be easily locked and are locked whenever you leave the room. Padlock your side gate. Make sure your house is secure if you go into the garden.
• If you need any work done in your home or garden it is advisable to contact Age Concern to ask for advice. You should check whether people are genuine before letting them carry out any work.
• Remember that the Water Board no longer exists. Genuine callers from gas, electricity and water companies will carry ID cards and are likely to have uniforms and marked vehicles.
• If you are worried about your security contact your local Crime Reduction Office via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Windsor

The eastbound lane of the A4 (Castle Hill) in Maidenhead - from Grenfell Road to Marlow Road - will be closed on Sunday September 21 from 7am to 1pm while resurfacing work is carried out.

If the work cannot be carried out because of bad weather, it will then be rescheduled for Sunday September 28.

In order to provide out-of-town drivers with an alternative A-road route, Maidenhead traffic will be diverted on to the A404, A308 then back on to the A4. Access to Grenfell Road will be maintained, however, so drivers on Castle Hill can turn right on to Grenfell Road, left at the traffic lights on to Grenfell Place which becomes Frascati Way, and then right at the roundabout to return to the A4 eastbound.

The westbound lane will remain open while the work is carried out.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 21 September - 27 September 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

21st September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Schubert Song Day – 100 Schubert Songs
* 2:30 pm
Schubert Song Day – 100 Schubert Songs
* Film
* 3:00 pm
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (PG)
* 7:30 pm
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maureen McLean & Doug Harding - Windsor Festival Exhibition

22nd September in Maidenhead

No events planned

23rd September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
Death Defying Acts (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Maureen McLean & Doug Harding - Windsor Festival Exhibition
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Juniors
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Academy

24th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
Death Defying Acts (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Maureen McLean & Doug Harding - Windsor Festival Exhibition
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B

25th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery – Beginners I
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Standard Operating Procedure (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 5:00 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced
* 2:00 pm
Maureen McLean & Doug Harding - Windsor Festival Exhibition
* 6:15 pm
Tabla Beginners
* 6:45 pm
Tabla Intermediate
* 7:30 pm
Tabla Advanced

26th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Mark Steel
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Maureen McLean & Doug Harding - Windsor Festival Exhibition

27th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners
* 8:00 pm
Little Toby Walker
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maureen McLean & Doug Harding - Windsor Festival Exhibition

My name is Jim Bish and I’m a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for the Pinkneys Green and Furze Platt area of Maidenhead.

The top priorities for Maidenhead police and our partners, set by local residents, are: anti-social behaviour, speeding and parking.

To tackle anti-social Maidenhead behaviour, we regularly run Operation Legless at the weekends, during which we aim to crack down on under age drinking and associated nuisance behaviour. We’ve placed signs prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public places in Oaken Grove Park and the Bombers Estate, in a bid to stop people drinking on the streets. Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) have been issued to some people who’ve been identified as persistent trouble-makers, to try and nip their behaviour in the bud. Those who continue to behave anti-socially may be issued with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), although so far none have been issued.

Within the last couple of months, we’ve issued warnings to the drivers of vehicles seen being driven anti-socially in the neighbourhood. We have identified a number of speeding hotspots - such as Oaken Grove, Cranbrook Drive, Furze Platt Road and Queensway, Maidenhead – and carried out speed enforcement checks on these roads, issuing tickets whenever possible. Work is continuing to tackle the problem, and we encourage local residents to get in touch with us if they think speeding is a problem in their road.

As many people are aware, parking recently became the responsibility of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council. However, we are working alongside the council to enforce ‘no waiting’ areas and we often issue warning letters or fixed penalty notices to drivers who leave their cars parked dangerously or causing an obstruction. We also carry out regular patrols outside schools at dropping off/picking up times, when illegal parking is often more of a problem.

The neighbourhood policing team for Pinkneys Green and Furze Platt comprises:

Sgt Adrian Blades
Neighbourhood Specialist Officer (NSO) PC Dave Higgs
PC Greig Williams
PCSO Jim Bish
PCSO Andrew Hitchcock
PCSO Stephanie Lewis

All the officers can be contacted via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or via email at neighbourhoodpinkneys@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk. In an emergency dial 999.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Pedestrians and walkers using the popular Thames Path National Trail could soon benefit from a safe road crossing at Ray Mead Road in Maidenhead.

Members of the Rights of Way and Highway Licensing Panel last night (Monday) voted to investigate the possibility of installing a zebra crossing and/or anti-skid strips on Ray Mead Road, Maidenhead to improve the route of the Thames Path to the north of Bridge Gardens.

The proposals follow the Windsor and Maidenhead council's action last year to infill a set of disused landing steps opposite Bray Boats and the Thames Hotel to provide a new section of river frontage to the popular trail.

A zebra crossing installed at the entrance to Bridge Gardens would provide a safe crossing for walkers heading north towards Boulters Lock. It would mean that walkers would cross Ray Mead Road via the new pedestrian crossing, walk about 40 metres along the pavement on the west side of Ray Mead Road before crossing back via the new anti-skid surface on the road to re-join the path's river frontage at Chandlers Quay.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and environment, said: "The Thames Path is a very popular amenity in the Royal Borough, providing a well-used walking route for a great many people.

"Since doing the work last year to infill the disused landing steps to extend the river frontage of the Thames Path, we have worked hard to explore further ways of improving the route to the area north of Bridge Gardens.

"We have obviously taken into consideration both pedestrian and road safety implications, and have reached the conclusion that pedestrian crossing facilities along Ray Mead Road would provide the most appropriate solution.

"We will now undertake stringent investigations – including a statutory road safety audit – to assess the detail of the crossing facilities we should provide."

Cllr Ashgar Majeed, chairman of the Windsor and Maidenhead Rights of Way and Highway Licensing Panel, said: "I would like to thank Margaret Bowdery of the Ramblers Association, Bob Dulson, chairman of the Maidenhead Civic Society and also of ProM (the partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead); residents Ms Fiona Hewer, David Ricardo and Riverside ward councillor Simon Dudley for their input and Maidenhead MP Theresa May for her views.

"We would like to assure them that we would love for the Thames Path Trail to be completed and we are working strenuously to find a solution to the completion of the path."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Sign up for new Windsor and Maidenhead green waste scheme. 10% discount for residents who sign up for two years

A convenient new low-cost collection service for grass clippings and other green waste will soon be under way in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and gardeners are being encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.

The new fortnightly kerbside service – catering for Windsor and Maidenhead residents who want a regular, dependable green garden waste pick-up in addition to their normal weekly refuse and recycling collections – starts on Monday November 3 and costs just 66 pence a week (£29 a year).

There is even better news for residents who sign up for two years and pay in advance – a welcome 10% discount which means they pay only £26.50 a year (£53 in total).

Lead member Cllr Alison Knight said there was an undoubted demand for a regular green waste collection – 62% of residents who responded to a recent market testing exercise said it was a good idea.

She added: "This is an exciting and very welcome addition to the council's range of recycling services. More and more of our residents are keen to play an active part in helping to cut the huge volume of waste we send to landfill every year and this service will be a great bonus.

"For a modest fee – and even cheaper if residents sign up for two years – we will organise for garden waste to be taken away every two weeks, turned into compost and be of benefit to even more gardeners in the future."

Cllr Knight stressed that the new Windsor and Maidenhead service would not affect the council's normal weekly refuse collection – it would be an extra option for residents who need a regular and efficient way of disposing of their garden waste.

Cllr Paul Etherington, chairman of the sustainability panel, said: "Around 16% of waste currently put into wheelie bins comes from gardens and could easily be recycled. Instead, it is costing the council £370,000 a year to dispose of at a time when efforts are being made to minimise council tax rises. This can't be good use of taxpayers' money.

"With the escalating cost of sending waste to landfill – about £58 a tonne – and the government's hefty financial penalties if we go over our limit, we must find new ways of encouraging local people to recycle even more.

"Thanks to the efforts of our residents, we already have a creditable recycling rate but the council must push for even more – and here is a cost-effective, efficient way of diverting garden waste from being dumped in expensive and unsustainable holes in the ground."

Joining the fortnightly Windsor and Maidenhead green waste collection scheme couldn't be easier:

· Call the Customer Service Centre on 01628 683801 to register and pay the fee – either £29 for one year or the 10% discounted £53 for two years
· A 240-litre green wheelie bin will be delivered to each subscribing household before the service starts on 3 November, along with an information pack that sets out the collection dates and how to make the best use of the bin
· Veolia, the council's waste contractor, will collect the green bin on the same day every two weeks.

The new service can accommodate a limited number of households to start with, so gardeners are being encouraged to sign up as soon as possible as demand is sure to be very high. First come, first served!

Green waste can also be taken to the council's household waste recycling centre at Braywick, open seven days a week between 8am and 8pm (April to September) and 8am to 4.30pm (October to March). The council's bulk green collection service can be booked on 01628 796844.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a large number of valuable antiques, mainly Georgian silver, which were stolen from a property in Holyport on Tuesday (2/9).

The items, estimated to be worth about £70,000, were stolen from a house in Moneyrow Green, Holyport, Maidenhead sometime between 6am and 8.30pm. Amongst the items stolen were:

• Georgian silver tea caddy, made by Hester Bateman
• Georgian silver 9-inch plate
• Georgian silver teapot
• Two Georgian silver coffee pots
• Pair of Georgian Irish silver loving cups (1804 Dublin hallmark) (shown in picture, above)
• Georgian silver beaker
• Georgian silver porringer
• Two silver ink stands.

Rianne Giles, of the Priority Crime Team at Maidenhead, said: “If you are approached by anyone offering to sell you these items, or any other items of silver, and you are at all suspicious, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about the burglary or the whereabouts of any of the stolen Maidenhead items is urged to contact Rianne Giles via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Big issues like what happens to waste and where to find the sand and gravel needed by the country's builders over the next 20 years are at the centre of a major strategic plan that Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents can comment on before it goes to the government later this year.

From Monday September 15 local Windsor and Maidenhead people will have their last chance to influence the strategy for dealing with minerals and waste in Berkshire, which, following the current consultation, will be submitted to the government to undergo a public examination early next year.

Published by the Berkshire Joint Strategic Planning Unit based in the Royal Borough, the strategy considers big issues, including:

· Every four months, the people of Berkshire generate enough waste to fill Trafalgar Square to the top of Nelson's Column. Dumping most of it in holes in the ground is no longer an option, environmentally or from a cost point of view. So what can be done with it?
· Government policy says Berkshire has to provide a total of more than 30 million tonnes of sand and gravel over the life of the plan, to meet the needs of the building industry. That's enough to fill a queue of lorries 9,000 miles long. Where is it all going to come from?

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and housing, said; "These are issues that affect everyone in the community. We all contribute to the waste mountain, despite our increasing efforts to recycle more, and the demand for materials needed for the building industry just keeps on growing, sometimes with adverse effects on local communities.

"That's why it is vital we plan for the future and control the ways used to deal with these demands to protect our quality of life and our environment for generations to come. This is one of the most important plans for the future of our community and I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation so that their views can be taken into account."

The consultation runs until October 27. Copies of the documents are available to view in the borough's main libraries and in the customer service centre, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, or on the Berkshire Joint Strategic Planning Unit website www.berks-jspu.gov.uk

To receive an electronic copy of the response forms and/or the plan email the joint unit at minerals.waste@rbwm.gov.uk. For a paper copy of the plan or general enquiries call 01628 796518.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 14 September - 20 September 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

14th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 3:00 pm
The Visitor (15)
* 7:30 pm
The Visitor (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Inside Out

15th September in Maidenhead

No events planned

16th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
Paris (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Juniors
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Academy

17th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
Paris (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Maureen McLean & Doug Harding - Windsor Festival Exhibition
* 7:00 pm
Reading Group

18th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Complete Singer
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Maureen McLean & Doug Harding - Windsor Festival Exhibition
* 6:15 pm
Tabla Beginners
* 6:45 pm
Tabla Intermediate
* 7:30 pm
Tabla Advanced

19th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Phil Beer with special guests Tom Palmer and Isambarde
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Maureen McLean & Doug Harding - Windsor Festival Exhibition

20th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:00 am
Alice and the White Rabbit
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners
* 3:00 pm
Alice and the White Rabbit
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with John Barr
* Film
* 3:00 pm
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (PG)
* 8:00 pm
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maureen McLean & Doug Harding - Windsor Festival Exhibition

The Windsor and Maidenhead, Sunninghill Library will be closed for essential repairs to the flooring from Monday September 8 to Saturday September 20 (inclusive).

During this time readers are urged to use the nearest library at Ascot Durning, High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JF.

Opening hours at Ascot are:

* Monday and Tuesday 10am to 1pm and 2 to 5pm
* Wednesday 2 to 5pm
* Thursday 10am to 1pm and 2 to 7pm
* Friday 2 to 5pm
* Saturday 10am to 1pm.

Customers who have items on loan from Sunninghill can return and borrow new items at any library within the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough. Details of all borough libraries are available on www.rbwm.gov.uk

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead leisure and culture, said: "I am sure that regular users of Sunninghill Library will appreciate the need for us to carry out this essential work.

"We realise it will be inconvenient for a couple of weeks but hope residents will understand and continue to use our excellent library service during this time, in particular Ascot which is the nearest for Sunninghill residents."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents who are still using temporary concessionary bus passes are this week being reminded to apply for their permanent passes before the end of September.

More than 16,000 residents are already enjoying the benefits of the new nationwide scheme which came into effect in April entitling residents over the age of 60 and those with a disability to free travel on local bus services anywhere in England.

The new pass replaces the old free bus pass which was based on the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Advantage Card.

At the start of the scheme in April a small number of Windsor and Maidenhead residents had to be issued with temporary passes either because the photos on their existing Advantage Cards could not be transferred to the new pass, so holders needed to have their photos taken again, or because a problem with software meant that the computer did not recognise that they were entitled to a free bus pass.

These residents – who have continued to enjoy all the benefits of the new scheme using their Advantage Card – are now being reminded that their temporary passes expire on September 30.

To apply for their permanent pass they should go to one of the issuing centres at:
· the customer service centres in the Town Hall, Maidenhead and York House in Windsor
· Charters Leisure Centre, Sunningdale
· Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead
· Windsor Leisure Centre, Windsor.

Applicants – who must provide proof of residency in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and evidence of either being over the age of 60 or having a disability – will have their photograph taken and their new passes will be issued within 10 days.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "There has been excellent take-up for the free concessionary bus passes since the scheme was launched in April.

"Now we just need to make sure that everyone who was originally issued with a temporary pass goes to one of the issuing sites to apply for their permanent pass before September 30.

"This is a really great scheme for senior citizens and all those who have a disability which affects their mobility and we hope that everyone who is eligible will take advantage of the exciting new travel opportunities available when using the pass."

The scheme extends the benefits of free travel to local services across the country – though travel may be restricted to the government minimum times of 9.30am to 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and bank holidays. People are advised to check with the relevant local authority before travelling.
The new passes do not apply to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, nor to long-distance coach services.

Bus timetables are available from the customer service centre in the Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, and the council offices at York House, Sheet Street, Windsor, or by calling 01628 683800 to request a copy.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Windsor and Maidenhead Shoppers can enjoy up to 50% off the cost of parking at Nicholson's Shopping Centre when a new reduced tariff is introduced in Maidenhead this month.

From Monday September 15 it will cost just £2 to park for up to four hours, compared to the present £2.40 (£2.10 with Advantage Card) for up to three hours and £4 for everyone up to four hours. Rates up to two hours remain the same.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and environment, said: "This move – which follows feedback on the introduction of pay and display, including from Maidenhead MP Theresa May and a Chamber of Commerce petition – shows that we are continuing to listen to our residents and businesspeople.

"For a small additional cost on the 'up to two hour' rate, shoppers can now spend four hours in town – a great opportunity to browse or meet up with friends for a cup of coffee."

Cllr Rayner believes the new rate should help make Maidenhead more attractive as a shopping destination and encourage visitors – Maidonians and non-residents alike – to linger a little longer in town, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

He said: "Combined with free parking on Sundays and free or £1 evening charges, and a £1.50 discount for Sainsbury's shoppers at Hines Meadow, it means Maidenhead offers good value compared to many surrounding towns.

"We also have more capacity in the Nicholson's car park as a result of new restrictions on business parking – and don't forget there are plenty of other council car parks in Maidenhead."

The introduction, after two years of planning, of pay and display in the Nicholson's car park in March – along with a spruce-up and installation of CCTV and energy-reducing equipment – has reduced queuing, improved traffic flow and improved the environment by causing less pollution in the surrounding streets.

A review of future options is being carried out and the discounted tariff will remain in place at least until the review is completed. A decision will then be made on continuing the reduced rate, based on its popularity and cost effectiveness.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Homeowners in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough can now benefit from a flexible home improvement loan scheme to be launched on Monday September 1.

The Windsor and Maidenhead scheme provides loans to local homeowners over the age of 60 to improve the warmth, comfort, safety or security of their homes.

The interest rate will be fixed for the length of the loan and will be set at, or just below, the Bank of England rate, currently 5%. Borrowers can make regular monthly payments, occasional payments or no payments at all – and can vary the arrangement at any time.

The loan – plus any outstanding interest – must be repaid if the property is sold or the owners cease to occupy it. The loan can also be paid off at any time without penalty.

Initially funded by the regional housing board, the scheme is being introduced by the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and 17 other local authorities across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey.

Improvements which could be eligible to qualify for the scheme include:

· essential repairs and maintenance
· central heating or improvements to heating
· replacement doors and windows
· improvements to insulation
· roof and structural repairs
· replacement bathroom suites
· installation of level-access showers
· plumbing and drainage repairs
· rewiring
· replacement kitchens
· burglar alarm and home security
· replacement guttering, soffits and cladding
· work associated with eradicating dampness, wet rot, dry rot and woodworm
· installation of stairlifts or other adaptations.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and housing, said: "This exciting scheme demonstrates clearly our commitment to helping our more senior residents reap the benefits that home improvements can bring as they approach or enjoy retirement.

"We have created a loan to help residents remain in a well-maintained home during their retirement – and have peace of mind – while paying off as little or as much of the loan as they like each month.

"It is important to us that the loan is equal or superior to products available from other lenders in terms of interest rates, charges, efficiency and especially flexibility."

For further information – or to arrange an appointment to discuss the scheme further – call 01628 683820.

A leaflet providing details of the scheme is available from the customer services centres at the Town Hall, Maidenhead and York House, Sheet Street, Windsor, as well as Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough libraries.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Hard-working Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough students have once again notched up significant improvements in GCSE exam results – continuing the upward trend of recent years.

Windsor and Maidenhead Students and teachers are this week celebrating another year of better-than-average results with the publication of provisional figures from borough schools for this summer's GCSE exams.

The provisional results show:

· a significant increase of more than 3% on the number of pupils attaining five or more A* to C grades – up from below 65% last year to above 68% this year – and up from 59% just three years ago
· the percentage of pupils whose five A* to C grades include both maths and English is also up by 3% - from 55% to 58% - and compared with below 50% just three years ago.

Two Windsor and Maidenhead borough schools have achieved exceptional improvements:

· Churchmead School in Datchet where pupils are celebrating their best results ever, with a 14% increase in the number of pupils attaining five or more A* to C grades, up from 41% to 55%, and a leap of 7% (from 35% last year to 42% this year) in the number of A* to C grades including English and maths.
· Altwood School in Maidenhead, with 68% of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades compared with 53% last year, and 53% achieving five or more A* to C grades including both English and maths, up from just 39% last year.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children and young people, said this week: "Once again Royal Borough pupils have proved they have worked extremely hard and they all fully deserve these exceptionally good results.

"Students across the borough – and of course their teachers – a have demonstrated their commitment to achieving good results, and we congratulate them all on their effort and dedication.

"Particular mention must be made of both Churchmead and Altwood schools which have
significantly improved their results this year – very well done to everyone concerned."

These are provisional figures provided by schools, and changes are likely between now and October when figures from the Department for Children, Schools and Families are published.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has successfully carried out another prosecution involving overpayments of housing and council tax benefits totalling more than £1,500.

At Bracknell Magistrates Court on Wednesday (August 20) Jade Smith, of Kinross Court, Kinross Avenue, Ascot, pleaded guilty to two offences of failing to notify a change of circumstances when claiming housing and council tax benefit between December 11 2006 and April 23 2007.

The defendant was fined £150 and ordered to pay £100 costs.

Both offences are contrary to Section 112 (1A) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

The court heard that the defendant's benefit claim had originally been legitimate and based on full-time employment on a low income, but that she continued to claim benefit after starting a new job with more hours and did not inform the benefits team.

The discrepancy came to light as a result of a government agency data matching exercise. As a result she subsequently incurred an overpayment of £1,268.17 in housing benefit and £288.12 in council tax benefit which still has to be repaid.

Cllr David Hilton, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: "We will continue to send out a very clear message that we will take very firm and strong action against anyone who attempts to cheat the benefit system."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead