Maidenhead & Windsor

Modern day services for people with a learning disability and much-needed affordable housing are on the cards for the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough - at no capital cost to council taxpayers.

Thanks to a partnership between the Windsor and Maidenhead council and Housing Solutions the new resource centre - which will also include day services for dementia sufferers - will be built on the site of the former Boyn Grove older people's home at Courthouse Road. The home has been empty since residents moved to the nearby purpose-built Clara Court in 2007.

The new development will replace the current out-of-date Brunel Day Day Centre. This site will be sold to Housing Solutions for a mixed development of 36 affordable houses and flats.

As part of the initiative the Windsor and Maidenhead council will also:

* explore opportunities for attracting a meaningful contribution to the cost of providing a new Larchfield community centre and
* provide a new car park for the adjacent Boyn Grove Park.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said this was a fantastic opportunity to maximise services for the local community - at no capital cost to council taxpayers.

He said: "This has the the potential for a four-way win for local people. By working with Housing Solutions, the council can sell the Brunel site for affordable housing and use the money to provide modern facilities for people with a learning disability, with the bonus of much-needed day services for people who suffer from dementia.

"As many people know, Brunel is an old converted school building and just not suitable for the kind of quality modern services we want to provide for local users. At the same time we have a great opportunity for a double benefit for the community - affordable housing for rent that will be available for local people."

"We are also planning to install a car park for the nearby park and, importantly, explore ways of raising money through developer contributions to make a sizeable contribution to the cost of developing a new community facility for Larchfield - something local people have been calling for over many years.

Jill Caress, Housing Solutions group business development director, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this exciting community project. It will provide the first dementia day care centre for elderly people in Maidenhead, state-of-the-art day facilities for people with learning disabililties and much need affordable housing - it is a real housing plus initiative which will benefit the town."

Brian Huggett, of United Voices, said: "Members of United Voices, and their families, are delighted that the Royal Borough has agreed to build a new day centre to replace the out-dated Brunel building.

"United Voices are a group of people with learning difficulties who have joined together to speak up on important issues. High on their priority list has been the modernisation of the Brunel Day Centre. Members are convinced that without such a dedicated base and support they would have little or no opportunity to be part of, and contribute to, the local community."

David Jannetta, chair of the Alzheimer's Society, said: "We are delighted that the new Boyne Grove development will soon be available to provide much needed day care facilities for people with dementia within the Royal Borough. This initiative will do a great deal to further enhance the services currently being provided within the community, both by the council and our branch of the Alzheimer's Society to assist those people with dementia and their carers.

"The facility will ehance our current drop-in services as well as augmenting our own, newly-introduced Memory Lane day support centre in Maidenhead and will help our ongoing fight to increase awareness of this dreadful and growing disease.

"I would like to further acknowledge and welcome the raised profile being given by the Royal Borough and for the way they have embraced the National Dementia Strategy since it's launch."

The new car park for use by parents bringing their children to play in Boyn Grove Park will have spaces for seven cars and six cycles and associated tree and shrub planting. A new path will link the car park to the popular play area and help prevent parking on the road which is a concern for local residents. The works will funded by developers' contributions.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Dudley added: "We believe these initiatives will result in much improved services for the entire community. It is particularly exciting that we can bring them about at no capital cost to our council taxpayers which is a temendous boon at a time when the council is working hard to keep council tax down."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Adult social care in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has received a positive endorsement in the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.

The Windsor and Maidenhead inspection focused on increased choice and control for older people and safeguarding. As part of this a survey of 100 people involved in the safeguarding process and 200 older people was undertaken.

The inspectors judged increased choice and control to be performing well, with leadership showing a clear vision and safeguarding to be adequate.

Following the June inspection, cabinet heard last night (Thursday) from the lead inspector who said the prospects for improvements are promising.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "This positive report reflects the priority given by the borough to ensuring that there is a range of services to meet the assessed needs of vulnerable people.

"Service users were very positive about the information and support they receive from staff in adult services, and the way they work with them. As well as valuing their professionalism and expertise, users and carers appreciate the relationships built and support through complex and challenging times, and felt their views were listened to and their wishes taken into account.

"I would like to thank our dedicated team, from managers to carers, who strive to do the best for the vulnerable adults in their care, for their contribution and commitment. This report reflects their efforts."

He added: "We were aware of the potential for improvements in safeguarding and had invested in these services prior to the inspection, with a safeguarding manager appointed and a local safeguarding adults partnership board established."

The Windsor and Maidenhead report recommended further work to ensure safeguarding policies and procedures were implemented consistently across all partner agencies and that awareness of safeguarding be raised across the council.

Cllr Dudley said: "We have taken on board and started to implement recommendations from the inspectors and will continue our quest to further improve services."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

More than £4m has been spent on Windsor and Maidenhead services and community projects in 2008/09 - including roads, schools, libraries, open spaces, affordable housing, waste and recycling - across the borough as a result of developer contributions.

Details of Section 106 contributions - funds collected from developers to offset the impact on infrastructure and services caused by new developments - were presented to cabinet last night (Thursday) as part of the annual update of income generated by the contributions.

Members heard how, despite the recession, the Windsor and Maidenhead council collected £2,312,008.17 in contributions during the financial year 2008/09.

Among the projects to benefit were:

* Imperial Park, Windsor's first new park for 40 years, which cost just under £500,000, on the site of the former Trevelyan Middle School. The new park - opened in June 2008 - boasts a children's play area, multi-use games area, two junior grass pitches, changing room and toilets as well as a new car park.
* £1,040,000 contribution towards the purchase of ten new homes for affordable rent from the private sector by Maidenhead and District Housing Association. The scheme has provided high quality houses to which the council has nomination rights.
* S106 funds have also been put towards an extension to Charters School library, a new classroom to create a foundation unit at South Ascot Village School and a high-ropes course for young people at Berkshire College of Agriculture.

Other areas to benefit from funding to improve play areas and parks were parish projects in:

* Datchet - £25,000 for the play area at Datchet recreation ground
* Horton - £25,000 for Horton's Teenscene with a further £5,000 for landscape improvements at the recreation ground
* Wraysbury - £2,500 for play equipment at The Green with a further £7,000 for pitch improvements and sports facilities at the recreation ground
* Hurley - £14,000 for play and Teenscene equipment at Shepherd's Close.

Cabinet also approved an updated version of the Supplementary Planning Document which sets out how the developer contributions - negotiated by the council as part of the planning application process - are calculated and where they could be spent.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning, development and property, said: "We are very keen to ensure that new development contributes to the local infrastructure in the most effective way. Section 106 contributions are an excellent way of providing new facilities across the borough for our residents.

"The system we have in place is very effective, as demonstrated by the projects that have been achieved this year from developer contributions. The annual update of the Supplementary Planning document will help to ensure that the system continues to work effectively by giving us the opportunity to include projects which might have arisen through additional pressure in the area."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has introduced extra planning measures in a bid to maintain the rural character of two Green Belt sites in Wraysbury.

Following approval by Windsor and Maidenhead cabinet on Thursday, from today onwards anyone wanting to erect a fence or wall on a plot in Coppice Field or Thamesfield will have to apply to the council for planning permission. Fences and walls already constructed are not affected.

Coppice Field and Thamesfield - popular Windsor and Maidenhead walking areas covered in long grass and with some trees - have been marketed for sale locally and overseas in 200m2 plots.

While a few Wraysbury residents purchased plots - in particular owners of properties adjoining the fields - almost 300 have campaigned to maintain the open, undeveloped character, and submitted a petition to the council requesting a restriction of development on the fields.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning, development and property, said: "The council will fight to protect Green Belt land in the borough. We are taking this step to help ensure these beautiful fields can be enjoyed by residents for years to come.

"This move cannot prevent the building of fences or walls but rather means that permission will be required from the council. We are now able to look at and consider each application on its merits and refuse any that will be detrimental to the area's rural character."

Details of the Windsor and Maidenhead move will now be sent to the Secretary of State for confirmation.

Ongoing claims for established Public Rights of Way and Village Green status are being considered separately under their respective legal processes. The legal process for Village Green status could take six months or more, while that for the Public Rights of Way could take considerably longer.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's bid to run a local fire and rescue service has passed a significant hurdle on its way to the Secretary of State who has the ultimate power to say yes or no.

The Local Government Association (LGA) - the body appointed to vet applications - has commended the Windsor and Maidenhead council on its 'well thought out proposal' which met all the requirements under the new Sustainable Communities Act (SCA). It will now go forward to the next stage in November.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council's move is a direct result of residents' opposition to the Berkshire Fire Authority proposal to close Windsor fire station at night, leaving cover to be provided from Slough. A recent survey carried out on behalf of the council showed 65% of residents want a local service, and 66% of them want the council to run it.

Cllr David Burbage, Windsor and Maidenhead council leader, said he was delighted by the LGA's decision: "Our bid is based on solid evidence and on the clear wishes of our residents and businesses for a round-the-clock fire service in our borough. We have clearly demonstrated how local people will benefit from local control rather than having service levels imposed upon us and we are delighted that the LGA has recognised the robustness of our case."

Cllr Christine Bateson, one of the Windsor and Maidenhead council's representatives on the fire authority, said: "This is great news. We have worked tirelessly to fight the fire authority's decision so that residents and visitors benefit from the level of fire cover they need and deserve. Local people will be thrilled that we have passed this major first hurdle and we look forward with confidence to the next stage in November."

The LGA assessment said the council had submitted a well thought out proposal that responded to community concerns. There was high level political commitment to make it work and the thorough feasibility study was evidence that the council intended to maintain community protection.

The assessment highlighted that the Windsor and Maidenhead council had completely met all the requirements on consultation. It also completely met all the SCA's requirements on 'sustainability' - ie encouraging improvement of the economic, social and social wellbeing of the area. The assessment commented: "The local authority area is a major tourist destination and a locally based fire service would reduce the amount of vehicle journeys, increase involvement in local democracy as the accountability chain would be shorter and create potential for more local jobs as turnover of retained fire fighters is addressed."

If the proposal passes the next stage LGA panel in November it will go to the Secretary of State for final decision next year.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council is also awaiting news from the LGA about its second proposal to take over information, diagnosis and brokerage (IBD) services from Business Link, currently under contract to SEEDA. This follows concerns by small businesses in the area about the quality of current IBD services.

The SCA is all about changing the way services are provided to empower councils and communities and to improve quality of life and wellbeing in their areas.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 4 October - 10 October 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

4th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
An Ode to My Sisters
* Film
* 3:00 pm
Mesrine: Killer Instinct (15)
* 7:30 pm
Mesrine: Killer Instinct (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Daniel Lumbini
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (E)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (H)

5th October in Maidenhead

No events planned

6th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:00 pm
Shakespeare Schools Festival
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Academy

7th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:00 pm
Shakespeare Schools Festival
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Stitch a Landscape
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga I
* 2:00 pm
Kaleidoscope Photography Group
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (B)
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

8th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Terry Alderton
* Film
* 2:30 pm
Moon (15)
* 8:00 pm
Moon (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Kaleidoscope Photography Group
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (C)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (F)

9th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Sherman Robertson and Band
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Experienced I
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Beginners I
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Kaleidoscope Photography Group
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Class

10th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
Modern Cautionary Tales for Children
* 7:30 pm
Markus the Sadist - a rap opera
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:00 am
Kaleidoscope Photography Group
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners
* 2:30 pm
Alexander Technique Workshop

A man has been jailed for three-and-a-half years for blackmailing a doctor in Maidenhead.

Terence Burton, aged 51, previously of Wargrave Road, Twyford, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court yesterday (21/9), having pleaded guilty to the Maidenhead offence at an earlier hearing.

On Saturday 18 October 2008, Burton approached a doctor, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, at a location in Maidenhead and showed him a digital image taken during a sexual encounter between the doctor and Burton’s wife.

Burton told the Maidenhead doctor he wanted £20,000 and threatened that if he didn’t receive the money he would expose the doctor to his partners, the General Medical Council (GMC) and the press. Burton also threatened the doctor with violence.

The matter was reported to Thames Valley Police on 20 October. Burton and his wife were arrested on suspicion of blackmail the following day and charged two days later.

Burton’s wife was acquitted by Reading Crown Court at an earlier hearing.

Maidenhead Ch Inspector Colin Seaton, who led the investigation, said: “Although blackmail is thankfully rare, it is very much an ‘underground’ sort of crime which people don’t often get to hear about unless the offenders are brought to justice. Make no mistake, however; it is a crime which can ultimately destroy lives and reputations and this conviction goes to show just how seriously Thames Valley Police and the courts deal with such offences.

“It was a challenging investigation for the Major Crime Unit, and I’d like to pay tribute to my colleagues for their professionalism, tenacity and meticulous case preparation which ultimately resulted in such a strong case being put before the court.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Maidenhead Arts Cafe,
Methodist Church Hall,
High Street,
Maidenhead,
Berkshire,
SL6 1EF.
Friday 6th November 2009

TBJQ is an exciting group of jazz musicians dedicated to high standards of performance and entertainment. With a repertoire of some of the twentieth century's most famous jazz standards, original material and distinctive fresh arrangements of classics.

The cafe provides high quality entertainment in relaxed, informal surroundings. Events take place in the recently refurbished hall of the Methodist Church at the top of the High Street in Maidenhead. Drinks (Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, J2O's, Coke etc) are available from our bar, along with various light snacks throughout the evening.

Entrance is by ticket (£5:00 available on the door, or in advance). Contact us on info@artscafe.org for details or tickets.

Maidenhead Arts Cafe

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a garden shed and its contents were completely destroyed by fire in Maidenhead.

The Maidenhead fire, which is being treated as arson, started at about 1.30pm on Sunday (13/9) and is thought to have spread from a nearby fence.

A number of items were being stored in the shed, which backs onto a footpath near Altwood School playing fields off Bath Road (A4), Maidenhead.

Anyone who witnessed the Maidenhead incident or knows who might be responsible should contact PC Joy Jarvis via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 27 September - 3 October 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

27th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 9:30 am
Piano Masterclass with Ronan O'Hora
* 12:00 pm
Lunchtime Concert: St John's Chamber Players
* 7:30 pm
St John's Chamber Orchestra
* Film
* 3:00 pm
In Search of Beethoven (U)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Daniel Lumbini
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (E)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (H)

28th September in Maidenhead

No events planned

29th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Love Indeed
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Daniel Lumbini
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Academy

30th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 10:30 am
35 Shots of Rum (12A)
* 2:30 pm
35 Shots of Rum (12A)
* 8:00 pm
35 Shots of Rum (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Stitch a Landscape
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga I
* 2:00 pm
Daniel Lumbini
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (B)
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

1st October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Don't Call Me Schwenck
* 8:00 pm
Sean Hughes: What I meant to say was...
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Daniel Lumbini
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (C)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (F)

2nd October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
The Temperance Seven
* 8:00 pm
Don't Call Me Schwenck
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Experienced I
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Beginners I
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Daniel Lumbini
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Class

3rd October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Red Heroine featuring the Devil Music Ensemble
* 8:00 pm
Don't Call Me Schwenck
* Film
* 7:30 pm
Red Heroine featuring the Devil Music Ensemble (U)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:00 am
Daniel Lumbini
* 10:00 am
Tightrope Writing
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is reinforcing its commitment to using new media by advertising contract parking on Ebay.

The scheme - which will be advertised on Ebay in the coming weeks - will encourage local motorists to bid for a short-term trial period of contract parking in the Stafferton Way multi-storey car park in Maidenhead.

Windsor and Maidenhead Motorists will be able to bid on Ebay for spaces for individual months or up to three months with benefits including:

• spaces situated close to the main car park exits
• the assurance of a car park covered by CCTV
• a space reserved for the duration of the contract
• free weekly copy of the Maidenhead Advertiser
• free weekly car wash voucher.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, said: "We need to move with the times and provide businesses and the public with what they need.

"Most motorists want to be able to find a parking space quickly in the mornings on their way to the office - and this scheme will guarantee the same space for the same car every day for the duration of their contract. It is all about providing a premium service for motorists.

"As a council we are committed to signing up to the use of new media to communicate our messages to our residents and we are hoping this use of Ebay will take our message to more residents and make this scheme a successful one. So look out for our advertisement on Ebay and see if our contract parking scheme could be for you."

For more information about the scheme contact the parking team on 01628 796607 or email parking@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has successfully prosecuted a former local retailer for underage sale of knives in the first case of its kind for borough trading standards officers.

As part of their ongoing clampdown on underage sales of knives and other weapons, Windsor and Maidenhead officers working with Thames Valley Police prosecuted Tchibo Great Britain Limited, formerly of 19 Peascod Street, Windsor, following a successful test purchase operation earlier this year.

At Maidenhead magistrates court on Friday (11 September) Tchibo pleaded guilty by post to selling a box of three knives to a person under the age of 18 years without taking all reasonable precautions and exercising due diligence, contrary to section 141A (1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

The company was fined a total of £3,012 - a £2,500 fine reduced from £3,500 for a guilty plea, £497 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The former Windsor and Maidenhead shop in Peascod Street was one of 20 premises across the borough visited during two test purchase operations carried out in February and May this year, which resulted in three sales on each occasion.

The court heard that on 17 February this year specially-trained young people, accompanied by trading standards officers and police officers, visited the shop at 19 Peascod Street and purchased a box set of three large kitchen knives.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead public protection, said this week: "This has been a very important case for the Royal Borough and the police, as it is our first ever successful prosecution under legislation revised last year to give us the relevant powers.

"We are determined to stamp out the irresponsible actions of retailers who sell dangerous items such as knives to young people - and I hope this prosecution will be a lesson to other local retailers that we will not tolerate such socially-unacceptable behaviour.

"The other five businesses which sold knives to underage young people in February may also face prosecution - final decisions in those cases will be made in the next few weeks."

Sgt Dave Wright, Windsor and Maidenhead community safety sergeant, said: "This is a great outcome that sends a clear message to managers and retailers large and small. Company bosses must take responsibility for ensuring their staff are adequately trained in this and other 'age sale restricted' legislation. This will not only prevent them from receiving a hefty fine but also protect young people and the public from harm."

Tchibo Great Britain Limited no longer trades from the store in Windsor and has withdrawn its retail operation completely from the UK.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Following the successful drug litter lunch held in May, the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) is holding a safe needle collection training lunch on Wednesday 30 September.

The Windsor and Maidenhead training, provided by Veolia, is aimed at anyone who might come across needles and syringes during the course of their work, including police community support officers, community wardens, youth workers and housing association caretakers.

Participants will learn about the diseases needles harbour and be shown how to safely pick up and dispose of them. At the end of the session they'll receive a certificate and a single use sharps (needles) disposal kit.

Cllr Simon Dudley, cabinet member with responsibility for the Windsor and Maidenhead DAAT, said: "Fortunately the borough has a relatively low level of needle finds, but it's important that any that are found are removed quickly. By training more people to safely dispose of needles, we can help make the borough a safer place."

Darren Ashley, operations manager for Veolia Environmental Services, said: "We are pleased to work with the DAAT to provide this training. If partners and colleagues are able to promptly dispose of the odd needle that they find, it allows my operatives to concentrate on improving the current high standards of cleansing within The Royal Borough."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Residents, shoppers and local businesses are to be given an insight into what Maidenhead streets could look like in the future, as work gets under way on Monday 21 September to install examples of different paving designs in the High Street.

A range of paving materials - being laid outside Maidenhead McDonald's and Savers - are a practical way of displaying what they would look like when actually on the ground.

Later in the year examples of street furniture prototypes, including a bench, litter bin and an information panel, will also be installed. At that stage local people will be asked for their views in a consultation that will help PRoM (Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead) and the Royal Borough decide which designs should be used for Maidenhead's streets of the future.

Bob Dulson, independent chairman of Maidenhead PRoM, said: "The council and PRoM have been working hard to make the town centre a better and more attractive place.

"We have been giving a lot of thought to how good co-ordinated design and colour can enhance the streets and pavements in the town centre and out towards the Thames. Currently we have a hotch-potch of paving and street furniture that have accumulated over the years and we want to come up with distinctive, elegant designs that will give Maidenhead its own character."

Cllr David Burbage, council Conservative leader and a member of PRoM, said local people's opinion was key to the project. He said: "Our aim is to make Maidenhead a really great place and we want a look and feel for our streets that residents can relate to. Later this year we will be going out to the public to ask for their views about the paving and street furniture and those responses will play a big part in the final choice."

Cllr Simon Werner, leader of the Maidenhead Liberal Democrat group and PRoM member, added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Maidenhead people to say what they want for their town. The sample panel is a great idea because it shows exactly what the paving will look like and then everyone can have their say."

The installation of the 11.5m x 4m paving panel will take two weeks. Works will be fenced off throughout to minimise inconvenience to pedestrians and afterwards the panel will be unveiled for the public to see. The sample street furniture is expected to be installed in November/December and the public consultation will be launched at that stage.

The final choice of materials and furniture will be used in the Maidenhead town centre and towards the Thames when funds become available and/or secured as part of development schemes. Street lighting designs will be considered later in the process.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has successfully carried out a benefit fraud prosecution involving overpayments of more than £31,500.

At Reading Crown Court on Wednesday 12 August Abdul Majid Khan, 32, of Ellington Park, Maidenhead, pleaded guilty to four counts of dishonestly making a false statement to the Royal Borough and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). At Reading Crown Court on Friday 11 September he was given a 15 months' custodial sentence.

Between 5 July 2004 and 12 March 2007 Mr Khan received housing benefit overpayments of £10,903.81, Windsor and Maidenhead council tax benefit overpayments of £2,675.91 and £17,980.54 in jobseekers allowance - a total of £31,560.26.

The case arose as a result of anonymous information alleging that Mr Khan was running a business, packing greetings cards, from his home address while claiming housing and council tax benefit and jobseekers allowance. The investigation was carried out jointly with the DWP's fraud investigation services.

All four offences are contrary to Section 111A of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

Cllr Richard Kellaway, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: "The Royal Borough takes a firm stand against anyone who intentionally cheats council taxpayers out of their money. Hopefully this conviction will serve as a warning to anyone considering a similar course of action."

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

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 20 September - 26 September 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

20th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Rich Hall
* 7:30 pm
Jez Lowe and Kate Bramley
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Traces: Odyssey
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (E)

21st September in Maidenhead

No events planned

22nd September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Romeo and Juliet
* Film
* 2:30 pm
Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel) (12A)
* 8:00 pm
Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel) (12A)

23rd September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 1:00 pm
Romeo and Juliet
* 7:30 pm
Romeo and Juliet
* Film
* 10:30 am
Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel) (12A)
* 2:30 pm
Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel) (12A)
* 8:00 pm
Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel) (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Stitch a Landscape
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga I
* 2:00 pm
Daniel Lumbini
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (B)

24th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Marriage of Figaro
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Daniel Lumbini
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (C)

25th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
A Taste of Honey
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Antichrist (18)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Beginners I
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Experienced I
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Daniel Lumbini
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (G)

26th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
A Taste of Honey
* 7:45 pm
Oi Va Voi: Travelling the Face of the Globe
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:00 am
Daniel Lumbini
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners

Maidenhead Arts Cafe,
Methodist Church Hall,
High Street,
Maidenhead,
Berkshire,
SL6 1EF.
Friday 2nd October 2009

Songwriter - performer - scholar - teacher - pupil - and all the rest that you could possibly hope for. A voice that hurts as well as it heals, an attitude as honest as it is determined, an artist standing at the foot of an epic canvas, about to paint in her future.

A music scholar first, Cathy's craft has been developed over years of study. Teaching piano brought its own lessons, as did working alongside a range of artists in a range of capacities. From scoring to supporting, providing backing vocals to co-writing alongside some serious talent, Cathy's breadth of experience has turned her into a singer-songwriter with plenty to say and plenty with of ways of saying it.

The cafe provides high quality entertainment in relaxed, informal surroundings. Events take place in the recently refurbished hall of the Methodist Church at the top of the High Street in Maidenhead. Drinks (Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, J2O's, Coke etc) are available from our bar, along with various light snacks throughout the evening.

Entrance is by ticket (£5:00 available on the door, or in advance). Contact us on info@artscafe.org for details or tickets.

Maidenhead Arts Cafe

Work begins on Monday (14 September) on essential strengthening of the 300-year-old Thames Maidenhead Bridge.

Windsor and Maidenhead Council contractors Balfour Beatty will remove eroded stonework and replace it with new matching stone to strengthen the bridge to enable it to continue to take 40-tonne vehicles.

This will ensure the conservation of the Grade 1 listed structure will be maintained for now and future generations. Repairs to the stonework will be carried out from barges on the river so will not impact on road traffic.

The repairs are the second phase of maintenance works scheduled to last for 25 weeks dependent on weather conditions and river flow. The first phase was to carry out underwater repairs to prevent the erosion of the main bridge piers which was completed last autumn.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, said this week: "The stonework on all of the arches supporting the bridge has become severely eroded over time. This work will repair the damage caused by years of wind, rain, pollution and water flow from the river.

"If we did not carry out the work we would undoubtedly have had to reduce the 40-tonne weight limit on the bridge which would have had major traffic implications for a great many vehicles.

"The bridge is an important transport link for traffic using the A4, and one of only two bridges in the borough over the River Thames that can take 40-tonne heavy goods vehicles. The stonework repairs will not impact on traffic using the bridge."

The bridge is on the boundary between the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and Bucks County Council and the project will be funded jointly by both authorities.

The next stage of the essential maintenance work - the resurfacing of the carriageway and re-paving of the footpaths - is scheduled to commence at the end of October, during the school half-term holiday.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The long-term rejuvenation of Maidenhead needs a comprehensive area action plan (AAP) to guide development and potential growth - and now local people are being encouraged to have their say on five key elements for the way forward.

The consultation, launched this week by PRoM (the Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead) and the Royal Borough, gives everyone the chance to speak up about:

* a proposed extension of the town centre boundary to reflect the potential for growth over the next 15 to 20 years
* how to beat the barrier created by the ring road to provide better access to the town centre
* how to bring about better integrated public transport and encourage more people to cycle or walk
* where landmark, feature and/or taller buildings could be located to enhance the town centre
* how to create a more attractive town centre with better, greener public spaces.

Bob Dulson, independent chairman of PRoM, said: "We see the AAP as vital for the future of Maidenhead - the cornerstone of development. We want it to be sound, sustainable and stimulating. Once agreed, it will not only set out what types of developments are appropriate and where, but also how they improve the environment and relate to other buildings, public spaces and the wider town centre."

Cllr David Burbage, Conservative leader of the council and a member of PRoM, said: "We are coming to a critical stage in the development of the AAP and we need input from residents and businesses to take it forward in a meaningful way. Feedback at this stage will help us form the preferred options for the AAP and then later this year we will be putting those to our community again for their views before we submit the final draft to the secretary of state in the spring. There has never been a more important time for local people to make a positive contribution to the future of our town centre."

A newsletter, called Maidenhead: on Track for the Future, which includes a look at what's been achieved so far, has been produced by PRoM. It features the current consultation information and questionnaire and also highlights the ongoing events and initiatives aimed at shorter-term enhancement of the town centre, including a popular 'things to do' programme, new window wraps to smarten up empty premises and samples of paving stone designs that could be used throughout the town centre in the future.

Cllr Simon Werner, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council and PRoM member, said: "We decided to present the consultation in a bright, newsy format that will appeal to a cross-section of residents. Our aim is to capture as many views as possible and the magazine will be widely distributed to give everyone the opportunity to read all about it and make their comments."

Some 20,000 copies of Maidenhead: on Track for the Future will be circulated through the Maidenhead Advertiser and copies will also be available in the Town Hall, local libraries, the Magnet Leisure Centre and Nicholsons Shopping Centre.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 13 September - 19 September 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

13th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 3:00 pm
Frozen River (15)
* 7:30 pm
Frozen River (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Traces: Odyssey

14th September in Maidenhead

No events planned

15th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (15)
* 8:00 pm
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Traces: Odyssey
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance

16th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 10:30 am
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (15)
* 2:30 pm
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (15)
* 8:00 pm
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga I
* 2:00 pm
Traces: Odyssey
* 7:00 pm
Book Club

17th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Summer Concert Series 4: Doric String Quartet
* 7:45 pm
John Etheridge (solo) with special guest Kit Holmes
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Traces: Odyssey
* 6:00 pm
Pre-Show Guitar Workshop

18th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Tess of the d'Urbervilles
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Traces: Odyssey

19th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Terry Jones' Fairy Tales
* 3:00 pm
Terry Jones' Fairy Tales
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Jess Conrad
* 8:00 pm
Flanagan
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:00 am
Traces: Odyssey
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a collision that occurred on Saturday (29/8) in Maidenhead.

At around 10.30am a black BMW collided with two pedestrians on Ray Mead Road, Maidenhead near to the junction with Derek Road.

One of the pedestrians, a man, was taken to Wexham Park Hospital with serious injuries. The other pedestrian, a woman, was taken to Wexham Park Hospital with minor injuries.

Maidenhead PC Rob Storey, who is investigating the collision, said: “I would like to hear from anyone that may have seen the vehicle prior to the collision or who witnessed the collision itself.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Storey at Taplow Roads Policing base via 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to talk to police or leave your name, please contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Giving Maidenhead an improved look and feel is the thrust of a new initiative given the go ahead by cabinet on Thursday 27 August.

The Public Realm Strategy - a key part of the council's commitment to the rejuvenation of Maidenhead - looks at road and pavement layout, quality funiture and more interesting use of public and open spaces.

Already agreed by PRoM (Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead), the strategy:

• raises the bar for the materials used on footways and pedestrian areas so they are co-ordinated and consistent across the Maidenhead town centre and towards the Thames
• sets standards for contemporary and elegant street furniture, such as seats, benches, litter bins, signposts etc
• looks at focal points for effective street lighting in pedestrian spaces and 'gateway' entrances to the town
• provokes ideas about places for public art
• points to plans for more trees and planting to add green features to the Maidenhead town centre
• highlights the need for appropriate locations for the town's calendar of events
• underlines the crucial importance of street cleaning and maintenance to maintain an attractive environment.

Next month the first signs of the strategy in action will be seen in the High Street where a sample panel of different paving types and designs will be laid to give the public the opportunity to see what they are like on the ground. Later in the year prototypes of street furniture will be added and at that stage a public consultation will be launched to get the views of local people and businesses.

Cllr David Burbage, Windsor and Maidenhead council leader and cabinet chairman, said the strategy was a robust basis for moving towards a co-ordinated approach to town centre design.

He said: "Local people have told us that they want an attractive town centre with nice places to sit and relax. We are taking positive steps towards making that happen, building on our reputation as a family-friendly and welcoming town centre. This strategy sets high but achievable standards as we continue our journey towards a better Maidenhead for everyone."

Cabinet was also given an update on progress towards the new Area Action Plan (AAP) - the over-arching strategy that will guide the changing shape and development of the town centre over the next 15 - 20 years.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning, development and property, said: "Tremendous progress has been made in bringing together the AAP and we are on course for submitting it to the Secretary of State next spring. It is undoubtedly the most important weapon in our rejuvenation armoury and public consultation has been - and will continue to be - a key part of its development.

"It is absolutely essential that the AAP is owned not just by the council and PRoM but across the community so that we can be a united force for Maidenhead."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough pupils are celebrating the borough's most successful GCSE results ever with more than three-quarters of them gaining five or more A* to Cs.

The 77.1% who gained five or more A* to Cs, in any subjects, represent an impressive 8% rise on last year's figure of 69%.

In addition, the percentage of Windsor and Maidenhead students gaining five or more A* to Cs including English and Maths has also risen, from 58% to 60.2%.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "This is absolutely wonderful news. Congratulations to all the pupils who have put in so much hard work and to the teachers, staff and parents who have so diligently taught and supported them in their efforts."

The figures, which are provisional at this stage, were released by the Department for Children, Schools and Families on Thursday.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead