Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is setting the green example - and saving taxpayers' money - by installing energy-efficient smart meters in council buildings.

The initiative, approved at Windsor and Maidenhead Cabinet on Thursday (25 June), means the main council buildings will be fitted with the meters which automatically monitor energy use in specific areas such as individual floors, identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption.

In addition - in line with the council's policy of transparent government and in what may be a first countrywide - the public will be able to go online and see how much energy is consumed in individual council buildings and even submit suggestions to further reduce consumption.

Cllr Liam Maxwell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead policy and performance, said payback on the £30,000 initial cost would be expected within two years and from then on the council would be saving on energy bills.

He said: "This bold initiative will cut energy costs in our offices and at the same time help us as a council to achieve our goals of reducing waste, meeting carbon and energy reduction targets and embedding a low carbon culture."

The initiative forms part of the Windsor and Maidenhead borough's five-year strategy and implementation plan, introduced in April 2008 to focus on carbon dioxide emissions arising from the council's own activities and operations, including corporate buildings, schools, street lighting, staff travel and waste production from schools and offices.

Other organisations have reported energy consumption savings of 15% by introducing and acting on information from smart metering.

A pilot scheme in the council offices in York House, Windsor, initiated in December last year, has already identified a number of energy-saving opportunities, including the installation of more efficient energy control devices, better housekeeping, resetting controls and bringing about changes in behaviour by increasing staff awareness.

As an added incentive, council teams could earn RecycleBank points for the energy savings achieved.

Cllr Maxwell added: "Hopefully, seeing the reduction in council energy consumption for themselves online will inspire residents and businesses to also make changes for the better.

"We will be writing to organisations in the borough to encourage them to install smart metering, and will be more than happy to advise and share good practice with them."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's drug and alcohol action team (DAAT) popular Guide for Families which has information on the most common drugs from alcohol through to heroin has recently been updated.

Three thousand copies of the revised Windsor and Maidenhead guide are being distributed to schools, GP surgeries, family centres, libraries, leisure centres and other venues around the borough.

The all-colour pocket-sized guide:

* provides details of what drugs look like, their street names, how they are taken, the effects, the risks and the legal status
* has a list of helpful local and national contacts
* aims to encourage parents to become more informed about substances and then talk to their children and help them to make positive choices and stay safe
* advertises the. T2 drug treatment and advice service that can offer support to young people with drug or alcohol problems along with their siblings and parents

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services (which includes the DAAT), said: "I would encourage parents to read this guide as it provides details on drugs and where to get information and further advice.

"Drugs and alcohol are easily accessible and while we are fortunate that the Royal Borough does not have a big problem, it is important parents keep informed so that they're better able to talk to their children about the risks."

For further information or to get a copy of the booklet, call the borough's drug and alcohol action team on 01628 796362

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 5 July - 11 July 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

5th July in Maidenhead

* Film
* 3:00 pm
Marley and Me (PG)
* 7:30 pm
Marley and Me (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Expressions
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group H)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group E)

6th July in Maidenhead

No events planned

7th July in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
The Damned United (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance

8th July in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
The Damned United (15)
* 8:00 pm
The Damned United (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Berkshire Yarns
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy
* 7:00 pm
Book Club

9th July in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Conversations with my Gardener (Dialogue avec mon Jardinier) (12A)
* 8:00 pm
Conversations with my Gardener (Dialogue avec mon Jardinier) (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Berkshire Yarns
* 6:15 pm
Tabla (Beginners)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group F)
* 6:45 pm
Tabla (Experienced)

10th July in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
Let the Right One In (Låt den rätte komma in) (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Berkshire Yarns
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Course

11th July in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
We'll Meet Again
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Berkshire Yarns

Three men have been charged following an incident at an address in Queen Street, Maidenhead, on Tuesday (23/6).

Si Qiang Wu, aged 41, of Canterbury Place, London; Guo Bin Huang, aged 32, of High Street, Maidenhead; and Wen He, aged 23, also of High Street, Maidenhead, are each charged with being concerned with the production of Class B drugs (cannabis) and being concerned with the supply of Class B drugs (cannabis).

All three men were remanded to appear at Slough Magistrates’ Court today (25/6).

The charges relate to an incident at about 5pm on 23 June, when officers attended a privately rented flat in Queen Street, Maidenhead, following reports of a strong smell of cannabis coming from the property.

Two other men, who were injured during the incident after they are believed to have fallen from a window at the address, are still in hospital, where their condition is described as stable.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

All schools in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough are open as usual in line with advice from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) following confirmation of two cases of swine flu (H1N1 virus).

One pupil at each of two Windsor and Maidenhead borough schools has been affected - Charters in Sunningdale, and Trevelyan Middle in Windsor.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council is in close contact with the schools and headteachers are adhering to HPA guidance which says that any child with flu-like symptoms should be kept at home. Parents who are concerned should contact NHS Direct for advice at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call 0845 46 47. Children with no symptoms should be sent to school as usual.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "Thankfully it appears that the swine flu virus is very mild and, given the way it has been spreading throughout the country, it is inevitable that it would reach borough schools eventually.

"The council has previously issued advice to headteachers and I know that the schools concerned have been in touch with the HPA and are following guidance very closely. We hope the pupils affected will be feeling better soon."

The HPA says that the only people who need to stay away from their normal activities (such as going to school or work) are those who have been confirmed as having swine flu, those who are being investigated as possible or probable cases or those who have been attending a school where a case is found to have been present and have symptoms.

The council understands from the HPA that only close contacts of probable or confirmed cases (family, friends etc) will be started on antiviral medicine as a precautionary measure but can continue their normal lives so long as they do not have any clinical symptoms.

Children and adults who have no symptoms but have had contact with probable or confirmed cases in social community settings do not need to be excluded from either school or the workplace. They should continue their normal daily routines.

Everyone can help guard against H1N1 flu virus
The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is urging all local residents to follow the common sense preventative advice CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT.
Use a tissue when you sneeze
Dispose of it quickly
Wash your hands to kill the germs

Even though the World Health Organisation (WHO) has moved to alert level 6 (pandemic) it does NOT mean the virus itself is getting more serious.
The council has comprehensive plans in place for coping if the virus continues to spread. The top priority is to ensure that the essential services will continue, even if staff become ill.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council works closely with its partner organisations to plan for all potential emergencies. It is involved in both Thames Valley regional and Berkshire county planning and there are daily contacts between health colleagues and local authorities.

If residents have flu-like symptoms, the HPA advice is to STAY AT HOME and check their symptoms at NHS direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call 0845 46 47.
For up-to-date advice visit www.hpa.org.uk or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Speedy access to hot topics from the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is now available on Twitter, the short message service that keeps people up to date via their mobile phones or PCs.

Windsor and Maidenhead Residents can sign up at twitter.com/rbwm to receive useful updates (tweets) about:

* what's happening - events, offers and discounts, public consultations and meetings
* travel information - emergency road works, road closures, parking availability, severe weather reports
* reminders - elections and electoral registration, school admission deadlines, council tax dates, waste collection days
* news - headlines from the latest council press releases about new developments and services.

Cllr Richard Kellaway, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance (including the council's customer service centre), said: "Using Twitter is part of the council's ongoing commitment to improving services.

"We are embracing modern communications methods to get information to residents - fast.

"Millions of people across the UK are now using Twitter to send and receive information about themselves and the services they use. This is a great opportunity for Royal Borough residents to get in on the act.

"People who sign up for council updates will get the latest news sent to their mobile phones or PCs, giving them access to a world of information about services that affect them every day of their lives - roads, schools, waste collections, libraries - the list is endless."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

From Monday 29 June Windsor and Maidenhead residents will find it much easier to tell the Royal Borough how satisfied they are with the services it provides.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council is introducing a service called GovMetric, which will give customers a quick way of leaving feedback whenever they contact the organisation - by telephone, on the web or in person.

Using the feedback service is simple. All customers have to do is pick the smiley face that best matches how they feel about the service they received - happy, neutral or unhappy.

Residents who call at the council's customer service centres in both Maidenhead and Windsor can take part by using the new touch screens in the reception areas. Website users can click on one of the face buttons at the bottom of every page. Customers who ring the council will have the option of giving feedback at the end of their call.

Cllr Richard Kellaway, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance (including the customer service centre), said: "All of this feedback will be regularly reviewed so that we keep on doing the things our residents like and improve the things they don't.

"Understanding what our residents think about the council is very important to us and, because it is so easy to use, we hope this new service will encourage more people than ever before to give us regular feedback, even those who don't usually take part in surveys."

The Windsor and Maidenhead council plans to publish the results from GovMetric every month in a 'You Said, We Did' report on the council's website at www.rbwm.gov.uk, giving details of how services have improved as a result of customers' views.

Cllr Kellaway added: "It is very important for residents to know that their views have been taken into account so this feedback is a vital part of the process."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Part of St Leonard's Road, Windsor, will be closed to traffic for 12 days from next Monday (22 June) for gas main replacement work.

The 45-metre stretch of St Leonard's Road from its junction with Victoria Street southwards to Russell Street will be closed from 7am on Monday 22 June to 6pm on Friday 3 July.

Signs will direct Windsor motorists around a southbound diversion route via Victoria Street, Alexandra Road and Russell Street.

Contractors Morrison Utilities will carry out the essential gas main replacement work on behalf of National Grid.

Parking bays will be suspended outside the Hong Kong restaurant in Russell Street for the duration of the works, and bays in Alexandra Road alongside the car park will be suspended at weekends.

For further information contact Morrison Utilities on 01753 872520 or out-of-hours on 01277 814800.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 28 June - 4 July 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

28th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Eric Bogle and John Munro
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Expressions
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group E)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group H)

29th June in Maidenhead

No events planned

30th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Berkshire Maestros Gold Award Concert
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 9 - 14
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 15+

1st July in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group B)
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

2nd July in Maidenhead

* Film
* 10:30 am
Genova (15) - Parent and Baby Screening
* 2:30 pm
Genova (15)
* 8:00 pm
Genova (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced 2
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Beginners 2
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group C)
* 6:15 pm
Tabla (Beginners)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group F)
* 6:45 pm
Tabla (Experienced)

3rd July in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
One Small Step
* Film
* 2:30 pm
Encounters at the End of the World (U)
* 8:00 pm
Encounters at the End of the World (U)
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Course

4th July in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Pascal Rogé
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance (Advanced)
* 10:00 am
Expressions
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance (Intermediate)
* 10:30 am
Life Drawing Workshop
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance (Beginners)

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough will next week join councils from around the country to "fly the flag" to mark the first British Armed Forces Day.

On Monday (June 22) the special Armed Forces Day flag will be raised above the Town Hall in St Ives Road, Maidenhead, at 10.30am.

Representatives from a number of service organisations will join the Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor, Cllr Jesse Grey, at the ceremony and afterwards for refreshments in the Mayor's parlour.

The special flag will fly above the Town Hall until after Armed Forces Day itself which takes place on Saturday June 27 and follows the success of previous Veterans Day celebrations.

The Windsor and Maidenhead day provides an opportunity for the nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community – from currently serving troops to service families, and from veterans to recruits.

For further information contact Andrew Scott, democratic and civic services manager, on 01628 796028.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A decaying mature horse chestnut tree is to be removed from Dedworth Manor open space in Windsor next week.

Contractors will move onto the site next to Maidenhead Road on Tuesday (23 June) to remove the tree from a line of mature horse chestnuts along the boundary of the open space area.

The tree has a severe brown rot decay known as oyster fungus which makes it brittle and liable to fracture or snapping.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning, development and property (including trees), said this week: "The removal of any tree is a decision we do not take lightly, and we have given very serious consideration to the condition of this mature horse chestnut.

"Our tree officers have been monitoring it for the last year and have seen its condition deteriorate to the point where it could potentially cause harm or damage, with branches increasingly prone to snapping.

"We take the safety of all our residents and visitors very seriously, and have decided that the best course of action is to remove the tree and replace it with another specimen – hopefully another horse chestnut – during the coming winter."

Notices have been put on the tree informing residents and visitors why it is being removed.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is reinforcing its clampdown on underage sales of knives and other weapons following the first successful test purchase operations carried out on premises across the borough.

In a joint operation with Thames Valley Police, specially-trained young people, accompanied by Windsor and Maidenhead trading standards officers, visited a total of 20 shops in two different operations, resulting in three sales on each occasion.

During the first Windsor and Maidenhead operation in February, three knives were sold from three different shops, including a box set of three large kitchen knives and a military-style sheath knife, and in the second operation in May test purchasers were able to buy a knife from each of two different shops and an axe from a third shop.

Cllr Phillip Bicknell, lead member for public protection, said: "Selling these items to young people is both legally and socially unacceptable as the potential for physical harm to both children and adults can be extremely serious.

"We only have to read our national newspapers to realise that knife crime is alarmingly on the increase, and we all have a duty to try to reduce this menace.

"Although the legal minimum age is 18, shopkeepers in particular should err on the side of caution and challenge everyone who appears to be under the age of 21 who attempts to buy knives and other weapons."

Sgt Dave Wright, Windsor and Maidenhead community safety sergeant, said: "The simple purchase of a knife or bladed instrument is just one way knives can be obtained and carried by young people.

"Operations like these are key to ensuring that retailers and their employees are complying with the law and thus restricting the sale of knives to people under the age of 18.

"While the results here are encouraging, the number and type of items sold to our volunteers shows there is still more work to be done. This is an ongoing process aimed not just at taking action against retailers but also educating and helping them not to repeat the same mistakes again."

Consideration is currently being given as to what action the sellers – and the companies involved – will face. The options range from a written warning through a formal caution up to prosecution. Unlike the sale of alcohol to under-18s, there is no provision for issuing the seller with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £80.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 21 June - 27 June 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

21st June in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Expressions
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group H)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group E)

22nd June in Maidenhead

No events planned

23rd June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Chess
* 7:45 pm
Peeler
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 9 - 14
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 15+

24th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Chess
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group B)
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

25th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Chess
* 7:45 pm
Jude Simpson: Making Happy
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced 2
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Beginners 2
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group C)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group F)

26th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Chess
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Course

27th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
Chess
* 7:45 pm
Chess
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance (Advanced)
* 10:00 am
Expressions
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance (Intermediate)
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance (Beginners)

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has this week come out in support of a detention order which prevents a Windsor boat operator from using two of its boats to carry passengers.

The Maritime Coastguard Agency has served a detention order on the owner of Funworld – which operates from the promenade at Barry Avenue, Windsor – preventing the use of two of its boats, Funworld and Funworld2, from carrying passengers.

The order cited the following breaches of the Merchant Shipping Act:

* unsafe arrangements for embarking and disembarking passengers
* insufficient crew
* operating without the appropriate qualifications for the person in charge of the vessel
* operating an excursion without the appropriate passenger certificate for the vessel.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: “The Royal Borough wants to ensure that all residents and visitors are aware of the potential risks of using services provided by this company and to alert them that the operation is not considered safe by the borough.

“We need to ensure that residents and visitors to Windsor are safe when taking boat trips provided by local boat companies and we are delighted to be able to work with the Maritime Coastguard Agency to take steps to prevent a potentially dangerous accident.”

The borough is advising residents and visitors to check the passenger certificate – usually displayed near the entrance – if possible before boarding any vessel. If they are any doubt, seek advice from the London Coastguard region on 02083127380.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Safeguarding adults is ‘everyone’s business’ and the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and its partners, including Berkshire East NHS and the independent and voluntary sector, through the newly formed safeguarding adults partnership, is holding a number of events to mark Safeguarding Adults Week (Monday 15 – Friday 19 June), aiming to spread the message that everyone has the right to lead a life free from fear of abuse.

The Windsor and Maidenhead week will focus on promoting and raising awareness of the need to keep vulnerable adults safe, protecting them from abuse in all its forms and encouraging people to report their concerns. Abuse can be neglect, financial, physical, psychological or sexual and can happen anywhere and be inflicted by anyone.

Safeguarding adults is the term used for the process of keeping safe those adults who may be at risk of abuse. All councils in England have a particular responsibility to take the lead, together with other key partner agencies, in protecting its more vulnerable citizens from all forms of abuse.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: “Everyone should expect to be able to live a life free from any form of abuse and the fear that goes with it. However it is so often adults who are isolated, disabled or elderly who are most at risk.

“The person who is responsible for the abuse is usually someone known to the vulnerable adult - a carer, family member, friend or volunteer.

“The aim of having this national week is to highlight that safeguarding adults is everyone’s business and encourage people who may be experiencing abuse or have witnessed abuse to come forward. In this way we can better ensure that those at risk get the protection they need.”

During Safeguarding Adults Week there will be information stands at a number of sites across the Windsor and Maidenhead borough including the Town Hall and the Magnet and Windsor Leisure Centres, where people can find out more about the importance of protecting adults who are most vulnerable and the signs and symptoms of possible abuse to look out for and what to do.

Anyone subject to abuse or concerned about an adult being abused can phone the adult care access team on 01628 683744 (9 to 5pm weekdays) for a prompt response.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The owner of a Datchet newsagent’s shop has been fined £100 after admitting selling cigarettes to children.

Uday Thangarajah, 40, owner of The Candy Box in High Street, Datchet, pleaded guilty at Maidenhead Magistrates Court on Friday 5 June. He was also ordered to pay £150 prosecution costs.

The court heard in his mitigation that the member of staff who had sold the cigarettes no longer works at the shop, and Mr Thangarajah has tightened up his training and refusals procedures to prevent this kind of offence happening again.

The offence was discovered by the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough’s trading standards team when they launched an undercover operation in October 2008, aimed at testing shops following residents’ complaints about sales to underage children.

Two girls who had just turned 16 were trained by Windsor and Maidenhead trading standards to make the purchase. They were two years under the age at which they could legally buy tobacco, and looked their age, so the seller should have asked for ID or refused to sell.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for public protection, said: “The Royal Borough is very concerned about protecting the health and wellbeing of children. The dangers associated with young people getting hooked on smoking are well documented and we will continue to enforce adequate controls to ensure cigarette sales to children are stopped.”

Steve Johnson, Windsor and Maidenhead trading standards manager, said: “We encourage the public to come forward and report shops to us, in confidence, so that this borough can become known in the business community as a no-go area for selling age-restricted products to children. Hopefully this case will show how serious we are about this.”

Members of the public can report shops, pubs, restaurants and other premises suspected of selling age-restricted products to children, in confidence, on 01628 683802.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a house in Alma Road, Windsor on Monday 1/6.

Between 9am and 2pm thieves entered the Windsor property through a window. They stole 14 watches, with a combined value of £15,000, a Mont Blanc fountain pen, £10 and a Louis Vitton leather bag.

The watches included two Pepsi watches, with faces which look like a Pepsi can, a Seikeo black divers watch, a Rolex Submariner watch and a Phillip Patek white gold watch, with a silver face.

Windsor Det Con Mark Barnikel, investigating the burglary, said: “We believe the Louis Vitton bag might have been used to transport the watches from the house, so I would like to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or who saw anyone carrying a bag of this description at the time of the burglary.

“The watches are very distinctive watches and I would urge anyone who is offered any watches for sale to contact police.”

Det Con Barnikel can be contacted via the 24-hour Police Enqiury Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Windsor

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough householders are being urged to be on their guard when donating clothing to commercial firms asking for donations of clothes for third world countries.

Windsor and Maidenhead Trading standards officers are this week specifically warning residents not to donate clothing to W&W Help Ltd – which has been leafleting households across the borough as recently as last weekend – as the company was dissolved in March this year for failing to submit accounts.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead public protection, said: “Given that this company should not be trading we have to be highly suspicious about the claims being made on the leaflets which have been put through householders’ doors.

“They are certainly not a charity, and we would advise residents not to donate clothing or other items to anyone other than genuine charities.

“Collections by commercial operators are perfectly legitimate provided they adhere to company and consumer protection rules. W&W Help Limited are in breach of these. The problem with donating to organisations such as this is that the genuine charities don’t get the goods that should be being donated to them.”

Steve Johnson, Windsor and Maidenhead trading standards manager, said: “People should not be fooled by a company registration number on a leaflet. This is not the same as a registered charity number and the company is likely to be a commercial operation that sells donated goods for profit.

“This company has also been active in Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire and Darlington and their trading standards officers have issued similar warnings to their local residents.

“Most of the charity collection companies are perfectly legitimate, and we do not want to discourage people from donating to such charities – but we would urge anyone with any doubts or concerns to check whether a charity is genuine by logging on to the Charities Commission website at http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk or by calling trading standards on 01628 683802.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 14 June - 20 June 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

14th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Medea
* Film
* 7:30 pm
Il Divo (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Expressions
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group E)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group H)

15th June in Maidenhead

No events planned

16th June in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
Gran Torino (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 9 - 14
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance 15+

17th June in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Gran Torino (15)
* 8:00 pm
Gran Torino (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group B)
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

18th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Red Priest: Johann I'm Only Dancing
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced 2
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Beginners 2
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (Group C)
* 6:15 pm
Tabla (Beginners)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (Group F)
* 6:45 pm
Tabla (Experienced)

19th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Mark Lockheart with the Pendulum Jazz Quartet
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Expressions
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (Group G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Course

20th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Tim MacArthur and Catherine Scoggins
* 8:00 pm
Sharrie Williams and the Wiseguys
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance (Advanced)
* 10:00 am
Expressions
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance (Intermediate)
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance (Beginners)

Two of the three operators of a Maidenhead kebab shop which was shut down after rodent droppings were found in the food have each been sentenced to 12 months community service for contravening food hygiene regulations.

Mr Jasim Uddin of Micklefield Road, High Wycombe and Mr Sajied Memood Husain of Wootton Way, Maidenhead – formerly business operators of M4U of 17 Queen Street –were both sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday 29 May after being found guilty at an earlier hearing of eight food hygiene offences under the Food Safety Act 1990 and The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006.

They were each given a 12-month community order to run concurrently for each of the eight offences, and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work within the next year. They were also ordered to pay a contribution of £300 each towards prosecution costs.

The eight offences related to failure to:

• implement and maintain food hygiene procedures
• provide evidence of food hygiene procedures
• protect against contamination
• keep food premises clean and in good repair
• instruct, supervise and/or train food handlers
• ensure that all articles, fittings and equipment with which food came into contact were effectively cleaned
• ensure adequate procedures to control pests
• 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, previously pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court in March to the offence 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.

The court heard how, after receiving complaints from a neighbouring food business, Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough food safety officers found the kebab shop to have a serious rodent infestation, with food intended for consumption contaminated with rodent droppings, poor hygiene practices and a filthy premises. This resulted in food safety officers formally closing the business under an Emergency Hygiene Prohibition Notice.

His Honour Judge Risius told the two defendants: “I accept that there is no evidence of anyone being made ill but there was a risk that customers could have been. You have both worked in a food business for years and know the standards that are expected.”

Cllr Phillip Bicknell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead public protection, said: “This successful prosecution sends out the very clear message that we will not hesitate to prosecute any food business operators who fail to maintain acceptable hygiene standards.

“We are committed to the safety and protection of our residents who use all of the borough’s food premises, and I am delighted that this case has now been brought to a conclusion and the premises closed down.”

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.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough’s drug and alcohol action team (DAAT) is marking National Tackling Drugs Week (8 – 12 June) by hosting a number of stands highlighting the services available locally to help people with substance misuse issues and their families.

Information stands will be at the following locations:

* Monday 8 June The Hub, East Berkshire College, St Leonard’s Road, Windsor 10am – 2pm
* Monday 8 June Peascod Street, Windsor (by the Post Office) 10am – 2pm
* Tuesday 9 June High Street, Maidenhead 10am – 2pm

Windsor and Maidenhead Activities will tie in with a new national Crimestoppers campaign, ‘Too much bling, give us a ring’ which encourages the reporting of people who appear to be living lavish lifestyles on the proceeds of crime. Members of the Thames Valley Police proactive drugs team will be at the stands to launch the campaign.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services (which includes the DAAT), said: “National Tackling Drugs Week provides an excellent opportunity to focus on the work being done in the Royal Borough by the police and our other partners and communities to deal with drug issues.

"The costs of drug misuse can be very serious for communities and individuals. It can mean missed opportunities, poor health, a possible prison sentence and in extreme circumstances, loss of life.

"This week of events will provide valuable information on the support and advice services available."

Det Insp Kevin Brown, Thames Valley Police proactive drugs team, said: “It’s incredibly disheartening, especially in the current economic climate, for honest, hardworking people to see other people leading luxurious lifestyles on the back of crime. We want people to know that they can do something about it by ringing Crimestoppers anonymously and reporting those who are clearly living well beyond their means. Crimestoppers will then pass that information to us and our Asset Recovery Team will look at that person's lifestyle and sources of income to decide whether the matter should be pursued.”

Windsor and Maidenhead DAAT staff, together with their colleagues from T2 drugs service, will be on hand at the information stands to give out information to the public about the role they can play in reporting needle finds and/or suspicious behaviour, alongside the treatment and support available.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead residents and visitors will have a say in how the town centre can be made more interesting and attractive when examples of paving designs and street furniture are laid out in the High Street later this summer.

Meeting last Thursday (28 May), Windsor and Maidenhead cabinet gave the go ahead for the ‘real life’ options – called a sample panel – to be installed in the pedestrianised area near McDonalds and Savers. This will mean that people can see examples of the materials that could be used to give the town centre the quality it deserves.

The panel will include paving designs using different kinds of stone, such as granite and limestone, as well as a bench, litter bins and signage. It will be designed by specialist consultants BDP – already working with the council and PRoM (Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead) on the development of the new area action plan that will drive the future development of the town centre.

Cllr David Burbage, cabinet chairman and the council’s lead member for Maidenhead, said: “Working with PRoM, we have also been giving a lot of thought to how we can achieve better quality streets and open spaces in Maidenhead. We believe that a key part of giving local people the town they want and deserve is to involve them every step of the way – so the sample panel will enable residents and visitors to see streetscape examples for themselves and then tell us which they prefer.”

An important part of the sample panel will be testing it to see how it stands up to normal wear and tear and the tough cleaning processes needed to keep a busy shopping street free of grime, gum and litter.

It is hoped that the sample panel will be in place by September, after which the public consultation will be launched. Public responses will help the Windsor and Maidenhead council make the final choice about the materials to be used across Maidenhead and towards the Thames when funds become available.

Cllr Burbage said that whatever materials were eventually selected, the emphasis would be on quality and durability.

He said: “Our aim is for a distinctive Maidenhead style that complements and enhances the existing buildings. We also want to ensure that design, materials, construction and workmanship are of the highest standards to give Maidenhead quality streets and public spaces.”

The sample panel is part of a new strategy for Maidenhead’s streets and spaces – the public realm strategy – that aims to build on the existing character and appeal of the town by creating a more attractive environment for everyone to enjoy and for businesses to flourish.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It’s all systems go once again for the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough’s annual roads resurfacing programme which will start in early June.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council has set aside more than £1.2m which will mean that a total of 58 roads can be resurfaced over the summer – including nine A roads, six B roads and 43 other side or estate roads.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways and streetcare, said the programme demonstrated the Windsor and Maidenhead council’s strong commitment to keeping the borough on the move.

He said: “Drawing up the resurfacing programme involves all ward councillors who put forward the roads in their areas that they feel should be included. Unfortunately, we don’t have limitless resources so we have to prioritise and spend money where it is most needed. Those who miss out this year will be considered for next year’s work as we move forward with our maintenance and repairs.”

Most of the roads will be repaired to give a completely new surface and there may need to be some short road or laneway closures at off-peak times. Once completed this work should last over 20 years.

Other roads will be surface-dressed (tar spray and chippings) to renew skid resistance and stop water and frost deterioration. This is a very effective way of extending the life of the road by between seven and 15 years but it does mean speed reductions to under 20mph for a few days so that vehicles are not damaged by flying chippings. Roads are swept frequently to reduce the problem as much as possible.

Contractors Balfour Beattie Infrastructure Services have been carrying out preparation works since April and it is anticipated that the resurfacing programme will be completed by early August. However timing depends on good weather and dates are variable.

Unfortunately it is often not possible to carry out the repairs safely without diverting traffic for short periods. Access for residents will be maintained as much as possible while each street is repaired but they may have to wait while the tarmac is rolled and cured.

Windsor and Maidenhead Residents in affected roads will be kept informed by letter and local signage. Information is available on the council’s website www.rbwm.gov.uk or from the customer service centre on 01628 683868.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Doorstep crime was in the spotlight at a recent day of action in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough.

Windsor and Maidenhead Trading standards officers, together with officers from Thames Valley Police and community wardens, took to the borough's streets on Wednesday (20 May) to talk to tradesmen and residents as part of the one day national initiative.

They advised residents about the perils of dealing with traders who simply turn up at the door and offer to do work as well as the importance of ensuring that any work being carried out is undertaken by reputable tradesmen.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead public protection, said: “This is the latest in a series of initiatives on doorstep crime being carried out by the council's trading standards service to help protect local people from rogue traders.

"Residents need to be on their guard when dealing with cold callers and should never agree to have work done on their homes by strangers who just turn up out of the blue. You might agree to have work done for one price and then get a bill for far more than you were expecting, and the quality of the work carried out will probably be very poor. The trader will then be impossible to get hold of afterwards so you could lose a great deal of money. Only use traders that you know and trust.”

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare (which includes community safety), said: “This is a really good example of trading standards, community wardens and the police working together to address a key issue that matters to residents.

“These unscrupulous traders target vulnerable members of our community and this day of action sends out a clear message that the Royal Borough is a no-go area for these opportunist criminals.

“Before you employ anybody ask for written references and make sure you have their full name and address and VAT number if possible. If you can, call their land line to verify their details. Always get a quote in writing before they start working and never pay any money up front. Use someone recommended by your friends or family or check with the borough’s trading standards service if you are in any doubt.”

Superintendent Tim De Meyer, local Windsor and Maidenhead police area commander, said: “These crimes are difficult to solve, precisely because the villains prey on the most vulnerable people. That is why prevention is so important. I am desperately anxious that we continue to work together closely to protect people and make it hard for rogue traders and distraction burglars to commit their vile crimes in the Royal Borough.”

Anyone who is concerned that they have been duped or have had suspect workmen knock at their door claiming that their roof, driveway, gutters, gardens or other parts of the home need work is asked to contact the borough’s trading standards service on 01628 683802 or email trading.standards@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead