Maidenhead & Windsor

A Maidenhead woman who received more than £25,000 in housing and council tax benefit overpayments was sentenced to four months in jail when she appeared at Reading Crown Court on Friday 24 April.

Sally Boswell, 51, of Evenlode, had pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court on 18 March to two counts of making a false declaration and three counts of failing to notify a change in her circumstances to the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and the Department for Work and Pensions.

These offences, under Section 111A of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, resulted in overpaid benefits of £25,129.95 in income support, housing and council tax benefit between 7 June 2005 and 17 June 2008.

This case arose as a result of a Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough officer identifying that Ms Boswell had failed to declare a member of her household as resident while continuing to claim housing and council tax benefit based on a claim for income support.

As well as the custodial sentence, Ms Boswell is repaying the £25,129.95 under a repayment plan arranged with the borough.

Cllr David Hilton, lead member for finance, said: “The Royal Borough’s fraud investigation team is achieving outstanding success in finding and prosecuting benefit cheats – and this should serve as a word of warning to those intentionally defrauding the taxpayer.

“I would strongly advise anyone who has received overpayments to contact us as soon as possible so that the issue can be resolved.”

The council’s confidential and free Beat the Cheat line for reporting suspected benefit fraud incidents is on 0500 353300.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has successfully carried out another benefit fraud prosecution involving overpayments of almost £11,500.

At Reading Crown Court on Wednesday 4 March Tara Smith, 32, of Liddell Way, Ascot, had pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to notify a change in circumstances to the Royal Borough. At Reading Crown Court on Friday 24 April she was sentenced to eight months in jail, suspended for 18 months.

The judge said imprisonment was an appropriate punishment but imposed the suspension because Ms Smith is pregnant. Ms Smith will also be subject to a six-month curfew between 10.30pm and 6.30am.

The benefit overpayments, totalling £11,457.58, were received between 10 January 2005 and 28 July 2008. The offences are contrary to Section 111A of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

The case was referred to the Windsor and Maidenhead benefit fraud team by an anonymous informer who identified that Ms Smith had failed to declare an income from her husband while continuing to claim housing and council tax benefit based on a low income.

As well as the suspended custodial sentence, Ms Smith will have to repay the money under a repayment plan arranged with the borough.

Cllr David Hilton, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: “The very few residents in the borough who perpetrate benefit fraud should understand that the Royal Borough’s fraud investigation team is very successful in finding and prosecuting benefit cheats. This should serve as a word of warning that those intentionally defrauding the taxpayer are very likely to be found out.

“I would strongly advise anyone who has received overpayments to contact us as soon as possible so that the issue can be resolved.”

The council’s confidential and free Beat the Cheat line for reporting suspected benefit fraud incidents is on 0500 353300.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A composting road show is set to roll into Windsor and Maidenhead as part of Compost Awareness Week (3 – 9 May).

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough’s waste awareness officer, Ankit Rao, will be out and about in the community to encourage more residents to turn their kitchen waste into valuable garden compost, his first stop being at Windsor Farmers’ Market on Saturday 2 May.

At the other end of this special week he will be at Maidenhead Farmers’ Market on Sunday 10 May – and in between watch out for the fun-filled exhibit at Cookham Festival on bank holiday Monday (4 May). Festival goers will have the chance to make a plant pot made from recycled newspaper, fill it up with compost and plant their own sunflower seed (12noon – 5.30pm). There will also be a compost stall with helpful hints and tips.

Cllr Liam Maxwell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead sustainability, said Ankit’s community events had already enthused many residents about the benefits of composting.

He said: “The Royal Borough already has a high recycling rate of 37% but there is so much more we can all do to help reduce the amount of waste we need to send to landfill. Composting is an easy way of putting a large proportion of our kitchen waste to excellent use and I am sure Ankit’s enthusiasm during Compost Awareness Week will result in even more of our residents exploring the possibilities for themselves.”

Compost Awareness Week aims to get as many people composting as possible. Over the past year the Windsor and Maidenhead council has given away almost 5,000 free composters to local residents and there are still 400 up for grabs (first come, first served). Order online at www.recyclenow.com/compost or call 0845 076 0223.

Ankit will also be highlighting the borough’s green waste collection scheme – introduced last autumn and now so successful that a second collection lorry has just been launched. This convenient, low-cost fortnightly service for grass clippings and other garden waste is great for gardeners and is in addition to the normal weekly refuse and recycling collections. The subscription is just £29 a year (£26.50 if residents sign up for two years and pay in advance). For further information or to subscribe call 01628 683801.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

An innovative series of guides to be launched this week will make it easier for Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents to access information about mental health services available locally.

The 12 Windsor and Maidenhead guides – to be launched on Friday April 24 in the Nicholsons shopping centre in Maidenhead – have been produced by the Royal Borough’s service development team and mental health team with the support of NHS Berkshire East.

The A5-size guides provide comprehensive information and advice on a range of subjects from housing, benefits, transport and education to drug and alcohol addictions, legal help and advocacy, as well as specific services for children and young people and adults.

Each guide contains comprehensive contact details for support services available both locally and nationally, as well as practical advice on where to start resolving individual issues and problems.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: “Most of us feel some sort unhappiness, anxiety or stress at some stage in our lives, but it is when mental distress becomes more severe that people need to know where they can go to get help.

“Everyone needs to feel that there is help and support available when times get really tough. These leaflets provide information in a very clear, easy-to-understand way, taking people on a ‘step-by-step’ journey through all the services available to them as they work through their particular difficulties.

“I do hope that anyone who is searching for help and advice will find these leaflets helpful and will take the time to access the information available.”

General practitioners across the Windsor and Maidenhead borough will have electronic access to all the new leaflets for patients who visit their GPs as a first step to solving their mental health problems.

Copies of the guides can be downloaded from the borough's website. Hard copies are also available from the council's customer service centre in the Town hall, Maidenhead and York House in Windsor, or by telephoning 01628 683709.

For further information about the guides contact Debbie Dickenson, service development officer, on 0781 0155970.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 3 May - 9 May 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

3rd May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:45 am
Handel-Fest: Handel and His Contemporaries
* 2:30 pm
Handel-Fest: Vocal Masterclass
* 8:00 pm
Barbershopera
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Gemma Collins, Sue Batchelor, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group H)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group E)

4th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 6:30 pm
Let's Rock the Moor!

5th May in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Slumdog Millionaire (15)
* 8:00 pm
Slumdog Millionaire (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maduro Salsa
* 10:30 am
Slumdog Millionaire (15)
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Sue Batchelor, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 9 - 14
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 15+

6th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Missionary's Position
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Sue Batchelor, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group B)
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

7th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Beginners I
* 7:30 pm
Hanel-Fest: Dear Mr Handel
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced I
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Sue Batchelor, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group C)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group F)
* 6:15 pm
Tabla (Beginners)
* 6:45 pm
Tabla (Experienced)
* 7:30 pm
Indian Head Massage

8th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Hamilton Loomis
* 8:00 pm
Vin Garbutt
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Printing: Japanese Wood Block Technique
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Sue Batchelor, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Course

9th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:00 am
Mosaic Workshop
* 7:30 pm
Handel-Fest: A Handellian Extravaganza
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance (Advanced)
* 10:00 am
Gemma Collins, Sue Batchelor, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance (Intermediate)
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance (Beginners)

The number of alcohol-free areas in the Windsor and Maidenhead borough is set to almost double as the council continues to crack down on drinking in public places.

Windsor and Maidenhead Councillors last night (Tuesday) agreed to increase the total number of alcohol-free locations across the borough from 64 to 111 by approving a new single Designated Public Places Order giving the police the power to order people to stop drinking and confiscate the alcohol if they refuse. Refusal can lead to a fine of up to £500.

The order – which follows widespread public consultation earlier in the year – will cover streets, parks and other areas where people gather and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour could pose a problem. It will replace two existing orders introduced in 2002 and 2006.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, said: ”We are determined to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in our streets and public areas by continuing to increase the number of alcohol-free areas in the borough.

“Both the two previous orders have been extremely effective in reducing anti-social drinking. We are confident that by nearly doubling the number of alcohol-free areas we will continue to send out the very strong message that we want the borough to be a safe and clean place to live and work.

“We consulted widely with both residents and parish and ward councillors earlier this year and listened to everyone’s concerns before proposing this new order. This is what our residents have demanded and our officers have delivered.

“We will not tolerate or accept anti-social behaviour in the Royal Borough.”

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The honour of being the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough’s first citizen looks set to fall to a councillor representing the Datchet ward.

Cllr Jesse Grey has been named by the Windsor and Maidenhead council as the Mayor-Elect for 2009/2010 to succeed Cllr Dorothy Kemp, who comes to the end of her ‘tour of duty’ in May.

Cllr Grey was elected to the borough in May 2000 and he will be in the spotlight from Tuesday 19 May when his fellow councillors will be asked to formally elect him to the office at the council’s annual meeting in the Town Hall.

At the same time it will be second time around for Cllr Catherine Bursnall (Castle Without ward, Windsor), who has been nominated as Deputy Mayor for a further year.

During his time as a councillor, Cllr Grey has had a packed portfolio of responsibilities, including serving as cabinet lead member for leisure and cultural services. Currently chairman of the borough’s licensing panel, he is also a former chairman of the crime and disorder forum and has served on a large number of council panels and committees, including Windsor development control panel and Windsor and Eton Town Partnership.

Cllr Grey represents the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough on a range of outside bodies, including the Thames Valley Police Authority, as well as serving on the Datchet youth and community centre management committee. He is also a trustee of Windsor Arts Centre.

A retired production engineering manager, Cllr Grey is now a part-time holiday tour manager. However, his travelling over the next year will concentrate on getting to as many engagements as possible across the borough.

He said: “The prospect of being Mayor of the Royal Borough is one of the highlights of my life. Being a councillor for almost nine years has given me a great insight into many aspects of community life but I know there is a great deal more to be discovered.

“My year as Mayor will be a tremendous opportunity to get out and about and meet the many people who contribute to the success and vitality of our community. I will be honoured to fly the flag for the Royal Borough wherever I go.

Cllr Grey will be supported by the new Mayoress – his wife, Christine. They have been married for 44 years and have two grown-up children, Angela and Martin, and five grandchildren.

Cllr Bursnall, entering her second term as Deputy Mayor, was first elected to the Windsor and Maidenhead council in May 2007. She is married to Cllr Tom Bursnall, a ward councillor for Clewer East.

Cllr Bursnall said the past year had been a true privilege and she was thoroughly looking forward to another term in office.

She said: “I have enjoyed every minute of the past year and met many interesting, warm-hearted residents who give freely of their time and talents to help our community. I have performed memorable duties on the council’s behalf – such as raising the Olympic Flag to mark the start of the four years to 2012 – and I have been exhilarated by the energy and determination in our voluntary sector.

“It’s been an amazing year and I feel truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent the borough in this way for another year.”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Three recently-planted lime trees were sawn down at Maidenhead Town Moor over the weekend, cutting a swathe through the Royal Borough’s improvements to this popular open space on the edge of the town centre.

Now the Windsor and Maidenhead council is taking the rare step of offering a £1,000 reward for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the culprits.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services, said he was incensed by this act of wanton destruction.

He said: “This was obviously a deliberate, premeditated attack, not just mindless vandalism. The attackers needed to plan ahead to take a saw to three valuable trees that, had they been allowed to mature, would have enhanced the moor for everyone to enjoy in years to come.

“We are not prepared to give into such thuggery and we believe that by offering the reward we will be able to bring these criminals to justice.”

The sawn down trees, close to Moorfield Terrace, were part of the first phase of the Windsor and Maidenhead council’s £100,000 investment in improvements to the moor, which includes the planting of 150 oak, plane, cherry and lime trees. The scheme, paid for by S106 developer contributions, will also see footpath improvements adjacent to the York Stream, the establishment of wildflower meadows and new seating areas and refurbishment of the footbridges.

Cllr Dudley said the felled trees would be replaced as soon as possible – but he hoped that in the meantime right-minded Maidenhead residents would come forward with information leading to the identification of the culprits and their prosecution for criminal damage.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 26 April - 2 May 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

26th April in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 10:00 am
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Toyah Hollingshead, Keith Daisy and Vanessa McNulty
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group H)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group E)

27th April in Maidenhead

No events planned

28th April in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Maidenhead Drama Festival
* 7:45 pm
The Rest is Silence – The Tao of Hamlet (work in progress)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Toyah Hollingshead, Keith Daisy and Vanessa McNulty
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 9 - 14
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 15+

29th April in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Maidenhead Drama Festival
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Toyah Hollingshead, Keith Daisy and Vanessa McNulty
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group B)
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

30th April in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Beginners I
* 7:30 pm
Maidenhead Drama Festival
* 7:45 pm
Bloody Brits
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced I
* 2:00 pm
Write a Crime Novel In Half a Day
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Toyah Hollingshead, Keith Daisy and Vanessa McNulty
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group C)
* 6:15 pm
Tabla (Beginners)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group F)
* 6:45 pm
Tabla (Experienced)
* 7:30 pm
Indian Head Massage

1st May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Maidenhead Drama Festival
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Printing: Japanese Wood Block Technique
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Toyah Hollingshead, Keith Daisy and Vanessa McNulty
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Course

2nd May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Maidenhead Drama Festival
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance (Advanced)
* 10:00 am
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 10:00 am
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Toyah Hollingshead, Keith Daisy and Vanessa McNulty
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance (Intermediate)
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance (Beginners)

Windsor and Maidenhead Residents who want to take part in the consultation about how the borough will shape up over the next 20 years have until Monday 20 April to get their views to the council.

The new Local Development Framework (LDF) covers almost everything that touches life in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and the council is keen to ensure that local people have their say in the development of this key set of plans for the future.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for planning and development, urged anyone who had not yet taken part to do so.

She said: “There is still time to get your views across. It is vitally important that local people should have the chance to influence development in the borough and how it can be achieved.

“The council has been given really tough housing targets to meet over the next few years, despite our concerted protests to the government, and as a result we have very real challenges ahead, particularly in safeguarding the Green Belt. This is a top council priority and we are even looking at new areas to include but we need local people to help us be innovative and creative in our approach to future development.”

The Windsor and Maidenhead consultation outlines three potential options for housing and employment density but makes it clear that the council does not have a favourite and is keen to get different ideas and alternative suggestions from residents and businesses.

The three options – for high, moderate and low density growth – all encourage development in existing towns and larger villages and offer proposals for including additional land in the Green Belt.

Consultation leaflets / questionnaires have been delivered to households. A fuller version of the document is also available online at http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/pp_ldf.htm along with the LDF options paper and supporting studies. Four public drop-in sessions have also been held at Sunningdale, Maidenhead, Windsor and Wraysbury.

Copies of the consultation documents are available for viewing at: Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead; York House, Sheet Street, Windsor, and borough libraries. They are also available to download from the council website www.rbwm.gov.uk

Further information is available by emailing planning.policy@rbwm.gov.uk or by calling 01628 796115.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents who are receiving or have recently received either council tax benefit or housing benefit are invited to join a customer panel working group to discuss ideas for improvements in the way the benefits service is delivered.

Windsor and Maidenhead Participants will have the chance to tell the revenue and benefits team how they can improve the service, for example:

· how easy it is to speak to someone about a claim on the telephone
· new leaflets the service could make available to give customers more information
· ways to make claiming benefit less inhibiting.

Cllr David Hilton, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: “Our revenue and benefits team are continually striving to improve their service to our customers and who better to advise on further improvements than those residents who use this service?”

Anyone interested in attending an informal discussion group once a quarter should contact Tricia Jones, benefit claims manager, at Benefits Department, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1RF or email benefits@rbwm.gov.uk

Callers need to quote ‘Customer Panel’ and give their name and contact address or telephone number. The first panel meeting will take place in the Town Hall later this year.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A special invitation has been issued to Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough children to help celebrate the Queen’s birthday at the council’s traditional 21-gun salute at Windsor Castle.

The Windsor salute will take place on Tuesday 21 April at 12noon on the Long Walk near the Brook Street entrance, and children attending the ceremony could find themselves being invited by the Mayor to fire one of the cannons.

The birthday tribute will be led by the Mayor, Cllr Dorothy Kemp, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Catherine Bursnall. Bombardier John Matthews will be in charge of proceedings with the first cannon fired on the stroke of noon.

Cllr Kemp said: “This annual event generally attracts a sizeable crowd of spectators and is a great opportunity for well-wishers of all ages to say ‘Happy Birthday, Your Majesty’.

“I am looking forward to this very special Windsor event when we join other cities across the United Kingdom in celebrating Her Majesty’s special day.”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 19 April - 25 April 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

19th April in Maidenhead

* Film
* 3:00 pm
Che Part Two (15)
* 7:30 pm
Che Part Two (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Berkshire Designer Jewellers
* 2:00 pm
Blues Slide Guitar Workshop

20th April in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Jimmy Carr - Work In Progress

21st April in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 9 - 14
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 15+

22nd April in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (12A)
* 8:00 pm
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Toyah Hollingshead, Keith Daisy and Vanessa McNulty
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group B)

23rd April in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Beginners I
* Film
* 8:00 pm
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced I
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Toyah Hollingshead, Keith Daisy and Vanessa McNulty
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group C)

24th April in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Art Themen and the Pendulum Quartet
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Printing: Japanese Wood Block Technique
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 2:00 pm
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Toyah Hollingshead, Keith Daisy and Vanessa McNulty

25th April in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Little Hippo and his Magic Pen
* 11:00 am
Piano Masterclass with Joanna MacGregor
* 12:30 pm
Little Hippo and his Magic Pen
* 2:30 pm
Little Hippo and his Magic Pen
* 7:30 pm
Celebrity Piano Recital: Joanna MacGregor (piano)
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Marc Joseph, supported by Tanya Vasey
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance (Advanced)
* 10:00 am
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Keith Daisy, Toyah Hollingshead and Vanessa McNulty
* 10:00 am
Gemma Collins, Samantha Cullum, Toyah Hollingshead, Keith Daisy and Vanessa McNulty
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance (Intermediate)
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance (Beginners)

Proposals to help the ambitious transformation of the waterway that runs through Maidenhead will be in the public gaze over the next four weeks as the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough launches widespread consultation on new draft planning guidance that will influence future development along the ‘green corridor’.

The Maidenhead Waterways Framework will help ensure that where development occurs it will contribute to the restoration of the waterway. While separate from the overarching Local Development Framework, the planning brief will be considered in future planning applications for development on or near the waterway that runs from Cookham through Maidenhead to Bray.

The waterways transformation, promoted by Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group (MWRG), is backed by the council and PRoM (Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead). It is one of five key regeneration projects highlighted by the Maidenhead vision and action plan (VAP) for the town centre.

Ten principles for development and design have been identified to help achieve the waterway project. This means that, if the planning brief is approved, all future developments would be scrutinised to ensure that, for example, they: enhance the waterside setting, provide quality buildings, protect and enhance biodiversity, relate to any historical features and settings, enable (or improve) continuous walking and cycling and allow craft to nagivate the waterway.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and development, said she welcomed the new draft planning brief as positive progress towards the renaissance of Maidenhead waterway.

She said: “MWRG have done a magnificent job in bringing forward exciting proposals and, with support from both the council and PRoM, this is a real opportunity for giving Maidenhead a very useable waterway that has the potential for being a tremendous feature of the town centre.

“The council’s planning brief aims to ensure that all future developments take the waterway into account sympathetically and are designed to complement the amenity to make it even more attractive and accessible for everyone.”

The public consultation starts on Thursday 9 April and will run for four weeks. Copies of the consultation documents are available to view at:
• Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead
• Maidenhead Library, St Ives Road, Maidenhead
• Cookham Library, High Road, Cookham
• Cox Green Library, Highfield Lane, Maidenhead.

They can also be downloaded from the council website www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/pp_maidenhead_waterways_framework.htm

Further information is available by emailing planning.policy@rbwm.gov.uk or calling 01628 796115.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead’s Desborough Park will be the first area in the borough to benefit from a spring clean, on Friday 17 April.

The clean-up kicks off from the Pavilion in Desborough Park at 10am when residents can join Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough community wardens, borough streetcare officers, police officers, police community support officers, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue personnel, staff from Maidenhead and District Housing Association and local councillors to grapple with graffiti and bag up litter.

Children will be able to take part in a litter-themed treasure hunt, and to reward everyone for their efforts refreshments will be provided by Maidenhead and District Housing Association.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare (which includes community safety), said: “Community clean-ups are a great way for the local community and the council and its partners to work together to improve their area.

“They are always popular and I am confident this clean-up will be no exception. I would like to encourage as many people as possible to come along on the day, especially families as it takes place in the Easter holidays.

“The borough benefits from many parks and open spaces, all of which are a wonderful resource for nature, taking exercise or just for having fun.

“We all have a responsibility for our local environment and every day when we are out and about we can do our bit by putting our litter in the bin or taking it home. If we drive away litter we drive away crime and disorder. A clean place is a safe place!”

Desborough Park is one of a number of borough parks being put forward for the prestigious Green Flag status, all helping to follow in the successful footsteps of Kidwells Park last year.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough’s community safety partnership is supporting the national Burglary Day of Action (Tuesday 7 April) with a series of events across the week.

The Windsor and Maidenhead day of action is designed to:

* raise public awareness of the enforcement work being done by police
* offer reassurance to burglary victims that the police are targeting offenders
* provide crime prevention advice to members of the public before people leave their homes for the Easter break
* let residents know where to go for crime prevention advice and what the local neighbourhood police team can do.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead community safety, said: “I am pleased that the council is supporting this key day. Burglary is a dreadful and unforgiving crime, particularly distraction burglary which can affect people for years afterwards. We must work together to help prevent crime in the Royal Borough and to build community values.

“We will use these events to highlight the ongoing work of the council and its partners, in particular the police, in raising awareness about burglary, what people can do to reduce the chance of being a victim and how we support victims.”

Community wardens will be setting up crime reduction stands and property marking as follows:

* Tuesday 7 April 2 – 5pm – Wessex Way shops, Maidenhead
* Wednesday 8 April 10am – 12.30pm – Maidenhead Sainsburys
* Thursday 9 April 10am – 1pm – Windsor Leisure Centre

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Helping Windsor and Maidenhead disabled people to speak up for themselves – that’s the aim of a new advocacy service launched in the Royal Borough this week.

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has joined forces with the South of England Advocacy Project (SEAP) to develop the free and confidential service which will give people with a physical disability a “voice” in decisions about their lives.

Fully-trained independent advocates – who will be based at King Edward VII hospital in Windsor – will work with disabled people on a one-to-one basis to support them in speaking up for their rights and achieving a better quality of life.

Advocates can help with tasks ranging from writing letters, making telephone calls and attending meetings to clarifying complicated information, making a complaint and considering their options before making important decisions.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: “This is a very exciting new venture which will help to ensure that people with disabilities feel they are being treated with respect and dignity.

“Many people with disabilities do not feel confident enough to speak up for themselves – or feel they are not really being listened to – and this is where the advocates can provide practical support and assistance.

“They will not offer advice or tell people what to do – but will provide a way of taking forward their views and concerns to make sure their rights and entitlements are protected.

“I am sure this service will be a great help to some of our more vulnerable residents, and would like to encourage people to take advantage of the service.”

The Windsor and Maidenhead service will be managed by SEAP which will provide a telephone, home visiting services and appointment service at the hospital. People can self-refer direct to the service or a carer, friend or relative can refer the disabled person to the service with the person’s permission.

Emma Taylor, advocacy co-ordinator, SEAP said: “This is an exciting new venture for all involved and we are very pleased to be a part of it. The new service will help disabled people in the borough to have a voice and ensure their views and wishes are truly represented.”

To find out more about the service or the work of advocates, contact the service on 01753 636336.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Thames Valley Police and the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough’s Community Safety Partnership have once again teamed up to produce a special community safety booklet which will be delivered free to all households in the borough from the week beginning 6 April.

The colour Windsor and Maidenhead booklet provides information on the borough’s Community Safety Partnership, comprising the police, fire service, Primary Care Trust, the Royal Borough and other key agencies. The 16-page A5 booklet, which is entirely funded by advertising, contains details of partners and services provided by organisations in the partnership.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare (including community safety), said: “The Community Safety Partnership has produced this booklet for a number of years and we have always received positive feedback. I am therefore delighted that we have been able to produce this booklet again and I want to thank our partners for their support with its production.

“The booklet is full of useful advice and will help us get the community safety message out to all households in the borough at no cost to residents. I encourage everyone to read it as it contains information of value.

“We must work together to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the Royal Borough. This booklet has some very useful tips on how reduce the risk of crime for residents.”

Insp Mark Millward, Windsor and Maidenhead partnerships inspector, said: “This is an excellent booklet as it has what’s available for residents who need advice or information on crime or anti-social behaviour, and who to contact, and it’s all in one place. It is another example of successful partnership working in the Royal Borough.”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough community warden Ben Page has been recognised by his peers at the recent South East Warden Achievement Awards.

Ben collected the award for his work with young people and for his major contribution to the success of Ascot youth club, Kotch. He worked alongside Ronnie Wilkie, director of Ascot Racecourse, and local young people to launch the club in summer 2008.

Ben has been a Windsor and Maidenhead community warden for just over two years and during this time has forged excellent links with all members of the community, especially with young people.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare (which includes community safety), said: “I am tremendously proud of Ben’s achievement. He is a true asset to the team and to the borough and I am glad he has received recognition from his peers.

“Two Royal Borough wardens were recognised at the same conference last year and I think this clearly demonstrates the calibre of the wardens we have in the borough. It isn’t ‘just a job’ – they care about their job and they all go the extra mile.

Brian Martin, community safety co-ordinator, said: “Congratulations to Ben. It is always good to be recognised for making a difference, especially by one’s peers.

“All the wardens do a great job – and this award reflects the high standards of our warden scheme. This is not only an award for Ben but also for everyone in the warden team.”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 12 April - 18 April 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

12th April in Maidenhead

* Film
* 3:00 pm
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (12A)
* 7:30 pm
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Berkshire Designer Jewellers

13th

No events planned

14th

* Film
* 8:00 pm
Valkyrie (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Berkshire Designer Jewellers

15th

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Show of Hands
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Berkshire Designer Jewellers
* 7:00 pm
Book Club

16th

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Paul Roberts (piano)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Berkshire Designer Jewellers

17th

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Revolutionary Road (15)
* 8:00 pm
Revolutionary Road (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Berkshire Designer Jewellers

18th

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Louisiana Red and Michael Messer
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Berkshire Designer Jewellers

Two operators of a Maidenhead kebab shop which was shut down after rodent droppings were discovered in the food have been found guilty on eight counts each of contravening food hygiene regulations.

Royal Borough environmental health officers inspected and closed M4U, 17 Queen Street, in January 2007 following a complaint by a neighbouring food business that rodent activity around the premises had significantly increased.

The officers found rodent droppings throughout the building and in food intended for consumption, and noted poor hygiene practices. There was no pest control contract in place.

At Reading Crown Court on Friday 27 March, Mr Sajied Memood Husain and Mr Jasim Uddin, former food business operators of M4U, 17 Queen Street, Maidenhead, were each found guilty of eight counts relating to the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006:

· failure to implement and maintain food hygiene procedures
· failure to provide evidence of food hygiene procedures
· failure to instruct, supervise and/or train food handlers
· failure to protect against contamination
· failure to keep food premises clean and in good repair
· failure to ensure that all articles, fittings and equipment with which food came into contact were effectively cleaned
· failure to ensure adequate procedures to control pests
· failure to ensure that up-to-date information is provided.

A third operator, Mr Zubair Din of Cost Cutters, 108 North Town Road, Maidenhead, formerly food business proprietor of M4U, pleaded guilty on one count of failing to ensure that up-to-date information was provided to the competent authority, in contravention of the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006, and was given a 12-month conditional discharge.

Sentencing of Mr Husain and Mr Uddin has been adjourned to Friday 29 May at Reading Crown Court. They are both liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, to a fine or to both.

The premises have remained closed since the Royal Borough’s intervention. They have, however, been treated for rodents and completely refurbished and are currently up for re-let by the landlord.

Cllr Phil Bicknell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead public protection, said: “This is one of the most serious incidents of poor food hygiene we have seen in a Royal Borough food outlet and I am delighted that this prosecution has been successful.

“It doesn’t bear thinking about that any one of us could pop in for lunch and be served contaminated food. By taking this action we have put an end to the potential for further risk at M4U.

“It is also a warning to any other food business operators who are not conducting their businesses in the appropriate manner that we will not tolerate it and will use our powers to ensure food is produced safely and that our residents, and all consumers, are protected.”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Budding Tiger Woods are invited to take part in the Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor’s annual charity golf day on Thursday 30 April in aid of local charity Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust (ADCCT).

Teams of four players are being urged to support this fundraising event at Maidenhead Golf Club, Shoppenhangers Road, Maidenhead.

ADCCT was founded by John and Fiona Devine, who lost their eight-year-old son, Alexander, to cancer. The aim of ADCCT is to build a children’s hospice, called Alexander House, which will provide much-needed respite care, support for families, an outreach team and specialist palliative care for Berkshire children with life-limiting conditions.

The format of the Windsor and Maidenhead day is as follows:

11.30am Arrival and registration

12noon Tee off for 18 holes of golf Stableford competition
The maximum handicap allowed will be 24 for men and 28 for ladies. All players are expected to have a genuine handicap

6.30pm Three-course evening meal followed by short speech, presentations and raffle.

Prizes will be awarded to the first and second teams, the highest scoring individual, nearest the pin and longest drive.

To enter a team or for further information, contact Andrew Scott, democratic and civic services manager, on 01628 796028.

The cost of the day will be £240 per team – please make cheques payable to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Guests of those taking part during the day are very welcome to come along to the evening meal, at a cost of £18 per guest.

Maidenhead Golf Club is set in 150 acres of splendid wooded parkland and is less than half a mile from the town centre. From the clubhouse there is a superb view of the 18th hole which provides golfers with a truly challenging finish.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and bus operator Courtney Coaches have this week responded to the concerns of Maidenhead bus passengers about recent changes to the town’s bus network by confirming the reinstatement of an hourly service on the number 6 route along the Cookham Road.

In addition to the reintroduction of the hourly service on route 6 – which runs from Maidenhead to Windsor via St Mark’s Hospital – Maidenhead bus passengers will also benefit from:
• the reinstatement of scheduled stops at Gardner Road and Cookham Road, with passengers in that area once again served by bus route 6
• new and additional stops on bus route 6 in Courthouse Road and bus route 5 in Furze Platt Road (opposite the Golden Harp)
• improved access to St Mark’s Hospital
• a revised timetable on the number 5 service from Cranbrook Drive to the town centre to improve reliability.

The revisions to the timetables follow a recent passengers’ surgery organised by the Royal Borough in response to the concerns of residents.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, said this week: “Our message to Maidenhead passengers is very clear – you told us what you wanted, we listened and we have worked hard with Courtney Coaches to address your concerns and reach a solution.

“We hope to introduce the changes to the routes as soon as possible after Easter.* And residents can be assured that we will give them plenty of notice and as much information as possible in the run-up to the re-launch. In addition, Cookham Road is still partly served by bus route 37.

“Although most of the concerns highlighted by passengers focused on route 6, we are also continuing discussions with the bus operator around a number of local issues on the number 8 Halifax Road route which we hope to be able to resolve in the near
future. **

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, Furze Platt ward member and organiser of a petition against the changes to route 6, was equally delighted with the outcome of the surgery. She said: “Many of our residents were very concerned about the changes to their bus route and asked for our help in getting their service reinstated.

“They depend on the service to get into town for shopping and appointments and I am delighted that we have all been able to work together to give them back a regular service, albeit with very slightly amended times.”

Information about the amended timetables on routes 5 and 6 will be advertised in the local press, on the buses and at bus stops before the revised timetables are introduced. Letters will also be sent to everyone who responded and completed questionnaires, advising them of the changes.

For further information contact Ben Smith, group manager, highway services, on 01628 796147.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is going to even greater lengths to encourage people over 60 to increase their fitness levels – by offering free swims at any time during public swimming sessions at borough leisure centres from April 1.

Windsor and Maidenhead Over-60s already enjoy free swimming every weekday from 2–4pm at the Magnet and Windsor Leisure Centres – but this new government initiative means even more opportunities for free swims at both centres seven days a week at all public swim times.

Borough leisure centres are also offering more than 200 residents over the age of 60 the opportunity to learn to swim by providing courses of five swimming sessions on a first come, first served basis.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: “We are delighted to be in the forefront of support for the government’s initiative to encourage greater fitness among older people.

“We have been offering over-60s free swimming every weekday afternoon for several years now, but this new scheme means that even more will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy regular swimming and all the health benefits that entails.

“Swimming is generally recognised as one of the best overall exercises for people of all ages and we are committed to doing all we can to promote the importance of keeping fit for everyone.

“This is terrific news, especially during these difficult economic times when everyone is more cost-conscious. I hope as many people as possible will get into the swimming habit and take advantage of this great offer.”

In addition to the free swims, there are also special adults-only swim sessions at both pools, as well as early morning sessions and both ladies and gents-only sessions at the Magnet.

For further information about timetables and public swimming times – or to book a free course of five swimming lessons – contact the Magnet on 01628 685300 or Windsor on 01753 778577.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead