Maidenhead & Windsor

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision that occurred on Sheet Street Road, Windsor Great Park just after 5.30pm last Wednesday (23/12).

A red Hyundai Lantra was travelling towards Sunninghill when it collided with a black Volkswagen Passat that was travelling in the opposite direction.

The drivers of both vehicles were seriously injured and the passenger in the Passat received minor injuries. All three were taken to Wexham Park Hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Windsor Hyundai, a 23-year-old male, died of his injuries the following day at Wexham Park Hospital.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any information to contact PC Matthew Wood via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Windsor

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 3 January - 9 January 2010
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

3rd January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 3:00 pm
The Men Who Stare at Goats (15)
* 7:30 pm
The Men Who Stare at Goats (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Material Space

4th January in Maidenhead

No events planned

5th January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Bright Star (PG)
* 8:00 pm
Bright Star (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition

6th January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Bright Star (PG)
* 8:00 pm
Bright Star (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition

7th January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Bright Star (PG)
* 8:00 pm
Bright Star (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition

8th January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Glorious 39 (12A)
* 8:00 pm
Glorious 39 (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Jack Widgery Exhibition

9th January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 3:00 pm
Glorious 39 (12A)
* 8:00 pm
Glorious 39 (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Tightrope Writing
* 10:00 am
Jack Widgery Exhibition

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is today (Thursday 24 December) issuing this important message to residents following this week's exceptional weather conditions:

Please ignore the Windsor and Maidenhead Christmas waste collection schedule sent to all households with revised waste collection details. The following arrangements have now been put in place for collecting your waste over the Christmas and New Year period:

• Today (Thursday 24 December) - crews are working to clear as much as possible of the backlog from last Friday (18) and Monday (21 December).

• Starting on Tuesday (29 December) please leave your bins out on your normal collection day. There will be double collections on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (29, 30 and 31 December). Windsor and Maidenhead Collections scheduled for Friday (1 Jan) will take place instead on Saturday 2 January.

• There will be no collections on Monday (28 December) but instead there will be a double collection on Monday 4 January.

• Some crews will be out on Sunday and/or Monday (27/28 December) to minimise the impact on next week's collections.

The Royal Borough would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding in the exceptional weather conditions this week.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The first meeting of the Windsor and Maidenhead council's new flood forum earlier this week has been hailed as "a good starting point".

Chaired by Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, the forum membership includes ward councillors from riverside areas, representatives from the Parish Flood Liaison group, parish councils, the Environment Agency, Thames Water and locally co-opted residents who have an interest in flooding.

The group was formed following recommendations in the Pitt Report on the July 2007 floods and the draft Floods and Water Management Bill which requires local authorities to demonstrate a proactive approach to the problem of flooding.

The group will closely monitor the progress of the Lower Thames Flood Risk Management Strategy to ensure its implementation is on schedule.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Rayner said: "The council treats the alleviation of flooding as a high priority for its residents and we welcome the formation of this group and the participation from a wide range of local representatives and key partner agencies. This is not just another talking shop. The forum will lobby the government to spend more money on flood defence work and hopefully reintroduce the dredging of our main water courses. We also want to come up with a plan that at times of flooding will bring all the agencies together to reduce risk to life and properties.

"It is a really good start and we will ensure that the momentum of this first meeting is not lost and that the Environment Agency does all it can to progress the Lower Thames Flood Strategy as soon as possible."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents in the south of the borough are enjoying an unusual early Christmas present - thanks to a generous helping of seasonal goodwill from neighbouring Surrey County Council.

Following successful negotiations between the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and Surrey County Council in the last couple of months, residents in Sunninghill, Sunningdale and Ascot can now once again use Surrey's civic amenity site in Swift Lane, Bagshot - instead of making the longer trip to the borough's own CA site at Stafferton Way in Maidenhead.

Since September, Windsor and Maidenhead borough residents have been unable to use Surrey's civic amenity site after the closure of other neighbouring CA sites put additional financial pressures on the Surrey site.

But now - as a result of discussions between the Royal Borough and the county council - residents with an SL5 postcode will be once again able to use the site in Swift Lane from next Monday (21 December), provided they bring with them proof of residency in the Royal Borough.

Use of the Surrey site will be subject to the borough making a financial contribution to Surrey County Council's waste disposal costs for borough-generated waste.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead public protection, said this week: "This is great news - and just in time for Christmas too! Our officers have worked hard in recent weeks to negotiate this arrangement with Surrey County Council, and the timing could not be better.

"This arrangement with Surrey will mean that residents in the south of the borough will now find trips to the tip much easier and shorter - which is particularly beneficial at this time of year with families generating more household waste and recycling.

"I am delighted that we have been able to reach this successful conclusion and would like to thank Surrey County Council for their flexibility and co-operation in helping to resolve the situation for the benefit of our residents. It would be great if we could negotiate a long-term arrangement over the coming weeks."

Cllr Lynne Hack, cabinet member for the environment at Surrey County Council, said: "We have recently taken the step of restricting use of the waste facilities near our borders, such as Bagshot, to Surrey residents, because our residents should not have to pay for the disposal of waste they have not created, especially in the current financial climate. It boils down to making sure Surrey residents get the best value for money from their services.

"However, in the interests of goodwill to our near neighbours in Windsor and Maidenhead we have agreed to make this exception. Our own residents will not be disadvantaged as the Royal Borough will pick up the cost."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 27 December - 2 January 2010
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

27th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Something Else
* Film
* 7:30 pm
The Soloist (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Material Space

28th December in Maidenhead

No events planned

29th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Taking Woodstock (15)
* Film
* 2:30 pm
Fantastic Mr Fox (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space

30th December in Maidenhead

* Film
* 11:00 am
Fantastic Mr Fox (PG)
* 2:30 pm
Fantastic Mr Fox (PG)
* 8:00 pm
Taking Woodstock (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space

31st December in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space

1st January in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
New Year's Day Concert
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space

2nd January in Maidenhead

* Film
* 3:00 pm
The Men Who Stare at Goats (15)
* 8:00 pm
The Men Who Stare at Goats (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Material Spac

A classic jewelled guitar will take pride of place in a special auction at the Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor's annual Charity Ball at Ascot Racecourse next March.

The guitar - decorated with jewels by jeweller Erickson Beamon on the theme of War and Peace - has been donated to the special auction by Sussex-based Hutchins Guitars after its owner Gary Hutchins read about the charity auction on the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's website.

A percentage of the proceeds from the auction of the guitar will be donated to the Not Forgotten Association which helps ex-servicemen and women.

The unusual prize is one of the first to be donated to the special auction to be held at the ball in The Pavilion at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 13 March (7pm - 1am) which will feature dinner, dancing and entertainment as well as the auction of prizes.

Half of the proceeds from the prestigious black tie event will be donated to the Bobby Moore Fund and the remaining 50% will be shared between Thames Hospicecare, WAMDSAD, the Alexander Devine Children's Cancer Trust and Help for Heroes.

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Mayor, Cllr Jesse Grey, is delighted with the generous gesture from Hutchins Guitars. He said this week: "This is a really great start to our auction, and we hope this will inspire others to come up with some equally-special prizes to help boost the funds for all our very worthy charities.

"I want to make this a truly memorable evening for everyone who attends - but also to raise as much money as possible for these very deserving organisations who all do so much to help others less fortunate or able than themselves.

"So come on everyone - even if you cannot come on the evening why not think about donating a prize for our auction to line up alongside the gorgeous guitar we have been promised!"

Tickets for the Ball are currently on sale at £95 each from Alison Singleton, Mayor's secretary, Town Hall, Maidenhead; telephone 01628 796223 or email alison.singleton@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

More than 800 motorists have taken advantage of the half-hour free parking in Maidenhead car parks since the initiative was launched at the start of the month.

In a bid to support local businesses and shoppers in the run-up to Christmas, the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough introduced a range of great parking deals including a free half-hour parking special for Advantage Card holders in the Nicholsons, Grove Road and West Street car parks between Tuesday 1 and Monday 28 December.

In the first two weeks, until Monday 14 December, 461 motorists had used the free parking at the Nicholsons, 203 at Grove Road and 168 at West Street, a total of 832.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, said: "This is a great offer for anyone wanting to pop into town for last-minute shopping and I am pleased with this impressive take-up by residents. We hope this offer will encourage even more residents to shop in Maidenhead. Please support your local businesses."

Additional offers include free parking at all council car parks except for the Magnet Leisure Centre on:
• every Thursday from 4pm (5pm in the Town Hall car park) until Thursday 24 December
• the whole weekend for the Boxing Day sales (Saturday 26, Sunday 27 and Monday 28 December). Most shops will be open and the Next sale starts at 7am on Saturday 26 December
• every Sunday all year round
• evenings after 7pm all year round for residents with an Advantage Card. Non- Advantage card holders pay £1.

The shoppers' special parking tariff continues in the Nicholsons car park with up to four hours parking for just £2. Shoppers using Hines Meadow car park get £1.50 off their parking if they spend £15 or more in Sainsbury's.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The western end of Maidenhead is to benefit from a new cycle route with road crossings which - by making it safer for pupils to cycle and walk to school - will help boost the number of children and young people travelling to school sustainably.

The project - in an area particularly low on cycle routes at present - is being match-funded by the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and sustainable transport charity Sustrans, with each contributing £170,000.

The need for the Windsor and Maidenhead scheme was initially identified through the school travel plan for Newlands Girls' School, but three other nearby schools will also benefit from the works - Altwood CE Secondary, St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary and All Saints CE Junior.

The improvements will include:

• creation of a permitted path for cyclists on the public footpath connecting Farm Road and Newlands Drive
• signing of the existing quiet route along Newlands Drive
• shared foot / cycle path along the A4 Bath Road between Cannon Lane and Westborough Road
• toucan crossings over the A4 near Cannon Lane and Highway Road
• table top crossings at Marlborough Road and Wootton Way
• signing of the existing quiet route along Westborough Road
• modifications to the end of North Star Lane to create a through route for cyclists.

Work is expected to start in February and should be completed in time for Walk to School Week in May.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, said: "Initial feedback from the schools and parents has been very positive and early indications suggest these plans will be effective in encouraging more pupils, teachers and parents to walk or cycle to school.

"The school run puts a lot of additional vehicles on our roads. If more Newlands, Altwood, St Edmund Campion and All Saints pupils, teachers and parents use this opportunity to walk or cycle, we can cut traffic, parking congestion and pollution, and improve road safety. I know when my children cycle to school they are better prepared for the day.

"It won't just be the children, parents and teachers who benefit either, as the improvements will also offer a convenient route towards the town centre, something this part of Maidenhead has been lacking."

"Please will Maidenhead drivers slow down and look out for children cycling to school.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for children's services, added: "I hope parents will rise to the challenge and encourage their children to cycle or walk to school, a simple, regular activity that can increase health and fitness levels and help reduce the current obesity crisis faced by the UK. For young children it is a wonderful chance to share time with their parents while older ones enjoy hanging out with friends en route."

Every Windsor and Maidenhead school is encouraged to develop a school travel plan, which looks at the existing situation and then identifies a series of actions that the school, the council and other partners can take to reduce car use and promote more sustainable forms of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport.

Peter Challis, Sustrans' area manager for the Thames Valley, said: "Sustrans is very happy to support this scheme with Links to School funding. We believe the proposed scheme will address many of the issues that currently discourage pupils from walking and cycling to the schools in western Maidenhead and will make their journeys safer and more pleasant."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A benefit cheat has received an eight-month suspended sentence for false representation after claiming more than £10,000 in Windsor and Maidenhead housing benefit and council tax benefit based on low income.

At Reading Crown Court on 5 November, Monique Astruc, 42, of Fulmer, Slough, was found guilty on six counts of making false representation to the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough while living at 25 Laburnham Road, Maidenhead.

On Friday 11 December, in the same court, she received a jail sentence of eight months for each of the counts, to be served concurrently. However, the sentence was suspended for 24 months and a 12-month supervision order imposed. Ms Astruc was also ordered to pay £2,000 towards the costs of the prosecution, to be paid within 12 months.

The Windsor and Maidenhead offences - four counts of making a false statement under section one of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 and two counts of supplying a fraudulent document under section seven of the Fraud Act 2006 - resulted in benefit overpayments of £10,115.68 made between 29 September 2006 and 17 December 2007 while Ms Astruc was living in Maidenhead.

The case arose after a Royal Borough officer identified that Ms Astruc had failed to declare a member of her household as resident and produced false tenancy documents while claiming housing and council tax benefit based on a low income.

Cllr Richard Kellaway, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: "This was an intentional effort to defraud the taxpayer by providing information that was proved in court to be false, and the council will not hesitate to take action against anyone in these circumstances."

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

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Nearly 50 Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough taxis and private hire vehicles have been checked in the latest multi-agency operation across the borough.

On Friday 4 December, members of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's licensing team, officers from the Thames Valley Police roads policing team, the council's fraud team and officers from Vehicle Services Agency carried out multi-agency checks on a total of 47 licensed vehicles.

Ten were served with notices (which allow the council to take the licence plate until the driver has complied with the conditions, for example replacing bald tyres). Six licences were returned later the same evening when the drivers had satisfied the conditions placed on them by Vehicle Services Agency and three were returned to proprietors on Sunday morning. One is still outstanding.

In addition penalty points were issued to three Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough drivers for not having their badges with them. If the driver gets too many points in one year (up to a maximum of 12), they are referred to the licensing panel to see whether the licence should be revoked. Seven of the vehicles checked were not licensed by the Royal Borough and any outstanding issues regarding these vehicles will be passed to their own licensing officers.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for public protection, said: "It is essential that we carry out these checks to ensure the safety of our residents. When someone pays for a taxi they expect to travel in a high quality vehicle with a driver who has been thoroughly vetted.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

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

20th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Something Else
* 11:45 am
Sir Christemas
* 2:00 pm
Something Else
* Film
* 7:30 pm
An Education (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Material Space

21st December in Maidenhead

No events planned

22nd December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Something Else
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space

23rd December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Something Else
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space

24th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Something Else
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space

25th December in Maidenhead

No events planned

26th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Something Else
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Material Space
* 10:00 am
Tightrope Writing

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough says it will not give up its fight for the right to run a local fire service that is responsive to residents' needs.

The determination was underlined at last night's Windsor and Maidenhead council meeting (Tuesday 8 December) when members unanimously agreed to make a direct request to the government to vary the Fire Services Act 2004, allowing a Royal Borough Fire and Rescue Service to be established.

They also called on the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority to change its mind about closing Windsor fire station at night.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council's hopes of running a fire service suffered a setback last month when the Local Government Association (LGA) turned down an application under the Sustainable Communities Act (SCA) - the new law that aims to help communities deliver better and more responsive services in their own areas. However, the council's message is: The fight goes on.

Windsor and Maidenhead Council leader David Burbage, who proposed the motion, said: "The LGA's decision was a blow for our residents who have lost faith in the Berkshire service's commitment to our area since they decided on night-time closure at Windsor.

"Residents have made it clear they want the council to run a service that will respond to their needs rather than being part of a bigger area in which Peter is robbed to pay Paul. Unfortunately the LGA as the selector authority for the SCA did not agree.

"We call on the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority to listen to local taxpayers' views and keep Windsor fire station open at night. A reversal of their decision would demonstrate a commitment to our community - the people who pay for the fire service. However, in the meantime we are determined to appeal directly to the government to get a local service for local people."

The LGA refused the borough's bid saying they were concerned the very small size of the proposed authority would make it unviable and felt that it would have implications for the fire service across the rest of the county.

Cllr Christine Bateson, a Windsor and Maidenhead borough representative on the fire authority, said the LGA did not appear to take into account the full range of evidence in favour of a local fire service.

She said: "We were disappointed by the LGA's rejection of what we believe is a very strong proposal. Borough residents have made it clear they support a local fire service that will put their needs first and they should be reassured that we are determined to take the campaign as far as we can."

The council motion also questioned continued membership of the LGA, which acts as an umbrella for local authorities across the country, and asked cabinet to 'consider the benefits'.

Cllr Burbage said: "In light of the LGA's attitude to our submission and the scant regard they appeared to pay to the evidence, we wonder if the annual membership fee is a good use of council taxpayers' money."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and MaidenheadBorough's drug and alcohol action team is warning of the dangers of taking a 'legal' drug called mephedrone.

Mephedrone is being sold legally as a plant fertiliser and is easily available. It is more commonly known on the streets as magic, bubble or miaow miaow.

As a stimulant, it has similar effects to ecstasy with negative side-effects and a very bad 'come down' - causing anxiety and paranoia. There is also a risk of over-stimulating the heart and nervous system, which can cause heart attacks. People who take the drug can also run the risk of overheating which can cause dehydration and even fitting.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenheadadult and community services, said: "The Royal Borough's drug and alcohol action team is equally concerned about people taking illegal drugs and harmful legal drugs.

"New legal drugs will continue to be produced but should always be seen as potentially dangerous as we won't immediately know what we are dealing with. As with any drug, the effects can vary when taken by different people, under different circumstances.

"I would urge parents to be on their guard particularly at this time of year, during the Christmas festivities. They need to know mephedrone is very easily available.

"Legal does not mean safe."

Di Wright, Windsor and Maidenheaddrug and alcohol action team manager and commissioner, said: "We have already had some young people contact our treatment service T2 who have used mephedrone and we are concerned that somebody is going to become very unwell as a result of taking this drug.

"Young people may be tempted to try the drug because it is legal and we want to get the message out loud and clear that legal does not equal safe."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Children's services in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough are performing well, according to this year's Ofsted report - and maintaining the standard achieved last year.

The annual assessment - which covers the whole range of Windsor and Maidenhead children's services including schools, fostering and adoption, social care, early years and childcare, community and youth, safeguarding and special needs - saw the borough earn a rating of three on the four-point scale, meaning it exceeds minimum requirements*.

The Windsor and Maidenhead report highlights:

· the overall effectiveness of the large majority of inspected services and settings is good or better
· performance against most national indicators is above or in line with the average for similar areas and the national figures, and
· most children and young people enjoy good health and do well in their education.

The borough's fostering service receives particular praise, being rated as 'outstanding' and the adoption service good. Private fostering arrangements are rated good along with most childcare, although the number of places available is below the average in similar areas and nationally.

Early years is also singled out for praise with 'the proportion of good or better provision for childminding, nurseries and primary school above similar areas and the national average'. School sixth forms, too, are rated as giving mostly good provision.

While there are no specific areas of concern, room for improvement is highlighted in secondary and middle schools, with eight of the 13 mainstream schools and the special school rating 'only' satisfactory.

In addition, the difference in performance between the majority of children and young people and those considered to be vulnerable, while closing rapidly in some areas, is considered to be still too wide.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "An increased emphasis on safeguarding and on consumer satisfaction has meant we have had to work harder to maintain our rating.

"We are constantly striving to improve the services we provide for our children and young people and I am pleased to see these efforts reflected in this report.

"We will definitely not rest on our laurels though and will continue to put every effort into maintaining and improving our services."

* A four rating significantly exceeds, three exceeds, two meets and one does not meet minimum requirements.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents and interest groups are invited have their say on Maidenhead riverside's conservation areas and the proposal to expand them.

The council has carried out studies of the two existing Windsor and Maidenhead conservation areas - around Boulters Lock and Maidenhead Bridge - and is proposing that the designated areas should be extended along Ray Mead Road to link the two.

It also proposes extending the area south of the Brunel railway bridge to include some properties in the Fishery Estate. This long riverside conservation area would mirror the one on the Taplow bank of the river which South Bucks District Council designated in 2006, and would reinforce that this is an area of special quality.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council has carried out detailed appraisals and identified the buildings, views and other factors considered important in establishing the character of the area, and which should therefore be maintained. It is also proposing that some houses in Ray Park Avenue and Ray Mead Road have additional planning controls to protect them from small changes to features such as windows which could, if carried out insensitively, spoil the appearance of the area.

The appraisal also includes a management plan summarising the actions the council intends to take in the next five years to ensure the character and appearance of the area is preserved or enhanced.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and development, said: "Maidenhead has long been known as the 'jewel of the Thames' because of its lovely riverside. These proposals are designed to ensure this beautiful area is maintained for future generations.

"We invite - and encourage - residents to have their say on these proposals, make any suggestions about the potential boundary changes, and endorse the report or suggest additional features that they feel should be included.

"The resulting information will be used when considering alterations or new development in the area, as it will help potential developers understand the features that should be maintained and be used as a reference when planning decisions are made."

This is the first full appraisal to be carried out for the two existing conservation areas. The work is part of an ongoing programme to produce up-to-date appraisals for all 27 conservation areas in the borough, with nine having been adopted since May 2008.

The draft documents are available to view at Maidenhead Library and the Town Hall.

Windsor and Maidenhead Conservation officers will be on hand to explain the proposals and answer any questions at a drop-in session in the Customer Service Centre in the Town Hall on Monday 14 December from 3.30 to 7.30pm. There will also be a small exhibition of the proposals in the CSC from then until Friday 18 December during normal opening hours.

Any comments on the appraisals and management plan should be sent to planning.policy@rbwm.gov.uk to arrive by Monday 11 January.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Two mini-orchards are to be planted in public areas in a bid to make the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough even greener, improve sustainability and help reintroduce the traditional British orchard.

Ockwells Park in Maidenhead and Vansittart recreation ground in Windsor will each benefit from 24 apple trees, to be planted next week.

Apple trees are also being planted in Windsor and Maidenhead schools after an offer of three each was extended to every borough school and accepted by 25. Advice has been provided on where and how to plant the trees, and how to manage and prune them, and it is now down to each school, and especially the pupils, to roll up their sleeves and get them in the ground.

According to the Tree Council - which is leading the celebration of National Tree Week from 25 November to 6 December - traditional British orchards have become a nationally scarce resource over the last 50 years and Britain now imports nearly twice as many apples from abroad as are grown here.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "It is a tragedy that we import hundreds of thousands of tonnes of apples every year when we could be growing better varieties in our own gardens, parks and schools.

"Sustainability is one of this council's key messages and by providing living lessons for our pupils and establishing these community orchards we hope we will get residents of all ages thinking about how they can reduce their food miles."

The trees, all British species, were chosen for their variety in terms of cropping, colour, flavour and resistance to frost or disease.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Royal indsor and Maidenhead Borough pupils have collectively achieved a joint 12th place nationally in the Key Stage 2 tests held in May and published on Tuesday 1 December.

Overall, the indsor and Maidenhead borough's aggregate score - the percentage of pupils attaining level four or higher in English, maths and science - is 255 (out of a potential 300), joint 30th in England.

However the borough's average points score (APS) - which factors in the percentage of children achieving higher than the required level-four standard - is 28.5, joint 12th out of the 150 local authorities in the country. Last year the borough was joint 16th, on an APS of 28.4.

Schools were also assessed on their contextual value added (CVA), a measure of how effective each school has been in helping pupils progress.

Half of the 30 indsor and Maidenhead borough schools reporting results are in the top 40% performing schools nationally, and nine achieved a CVA significantly better than average - Lowbrook Primary, Datchet St Mary's CE Primary, St Mary's Catholic Primary, Furze Platt Junior, Larchfield Primary, St Michael's CE Primary, Oldfield Primary, Holy Trinity CE Primary in Cookham and Courthouse Junior.

Lowbrook was the highest placed borough school based on the CVA, achieving joint 50th in England.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for children's services, said: "I am delighted that our pupils and schools have done so well and even improved on last year.

"I would like to congratulate the children on all their hard work and also the teachers, parents and carers who have helped them achieve these excellent results."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

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

13th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Something Else
* 7:30 pm
An Evening with Rabbi Lionel Blue
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Material Space

14th December in Maidenhead

No events planned

15th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Something Else
* 1:00 pm
Something Else
* Film
* 8:00 pm
La Terra Degli Uomini Rossi (Birdwatchers) (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space

16th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Something Else
* 1:00 pm
Something Else
* 7:45 pm
Christmas Charity Concert: Maidenhead Concert Band
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space

17th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Something Else
* 1:00 pm
Something Else
* 8:00 pm
The Hamsters
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space

18th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Albion Christmas
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space

19th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Something Else
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with James Church
* Film
* 8:00 pm
An Education (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Material Space

Artists from Maidenhead and surrounding areas will be exposing themselves to the elements to bring their work to Maidenhead High Street for two days in December.

Over 50 Artists from all walks of life will be joining forces to exhibit and sell their work on Maidenhead High Street on December 11th and 12th. ‘Art on the Street’ is the first time such an event has been held in Maidenhead, despite its rich artistic heritage.

Organiser Marie-Anne Leonard said “regardless of the economic climate artists will always create. In bringing their work to a High Street location we hope to provide shoppers with a unique, inspirational experience and the opportunity to find that elusive ‘perfect’ Christmas gift.”

‘Art on the Street’ will take place between 10am and 3pm each day.

Marie-Anne Leonard

Older Windsor and Maidenhead people, those with disabilities and other vulnerable adults in the Royal Borough are benefiting from improved services, according to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) whose assessment report is published today (Thursday 3 December).

The Windsor and Maidenhead report - the first on adult services under a new inspection process - says the council is performing well and mentions a number of significant developments and improvements, including:

• relatively low rates of delayed discharges from hospital
• excellent progress in reviewing service users
• people are rehabilitated quickly and in familiar environments thanks to the short term support and rehabilitation service
• the council's work with partners and voluntary organisations to support people who use services and their carers
• prompt response to safeguarding referrals and appropriate action to prevent people being at further risk
• innovative work to promote the respect of people's dignity
• an increase in the number of people with a disability employed by the council.

There is also a list of what the Windsor and Maidenhead council needs to do to improve, including effective planning for the introduction of individual budgets for people using services, working with partners to improve waiting times for major adaptations to enable people to live independently, speedier social care assessment for everyone, forging more effective links with minority groups and continuing to improve safeguarding measures.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said he was pleased with the CQC assessment of borough services but not complacent.

He said: "We have achieved a great deal over the past year and our services for local people are continuing to improve as a result. However, we still have lots to do. Our aim is to build on our successes to ensure that residents benefit from services that are responsive to their needs and support their quality of life and wellbeing."

A report on the CQC assessment will be presented to cabinet on Thursday 17 December and an action plan put in place to address the areas for development in the report.

Under the previous inspection regime the Royal Borough was rated as a two star authority with promising capacity to improve.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's fantastic festive deal for Windsor shoppers - free weekend parking in the run-up to Christmas - has proven a big hit.

More than 170 shoppers in 70 cars took up the offer of free parking at Windsor Racecourse on Saturday (28 November), with a convenient, and free, bus ride into the centre of town and back. Sunday (29 November) was a quiet day in Windsor but even so about 50 people took up the offer.

In a move designed to support both Windsor and Maidenhead shoppers and local businesses, almost 300 parking spaces have been made available in the existing car park adjacent to the grandstand at the racecourse from 10am to 6pm every Saturday and Sunday from 28 November until 20 December.

Free shuttle buses run approximately every 20 minutes between the racecourse on Maidenhead Road and Windsor town centre, stopping at the bottom end of Peascod Street.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, said: "We are delighted with this early take-up of the offer. It's a great way to get your Christmas shopping done, avoiding the frustration of queuing for town centre car parks and allowing you to relax on the bus back to your car.

"And since there is no time limit other than the opening hours, you can shop all day - and enjoy a leisurely lunch."

The car park is patrolled by the council's parking team and the racecourse toilets are open while the bus is operating.

This initiative is part of the borough's commitment to delivering the approved parking strategy which includes a permanent seven-day-a-week park and ride in the future.

Cllr Rayner added: "This is an experiment to see if a park and ride works operating from Windsor Racecourse and the beauty of it is we are using existing infrastructure and have not had to lay one inch of tarmac on grassland in Eton. Many thanks to the racecourse for their support in this trial."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Work on the brand new Windsor and Maidenhead community leisure centre for Cox Green will start early in 2010 and should be completed for the autumn term. It follows the appointment of the contractor for the £1.3m building which will be provided at no capital cost to Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough council taxpayers.

Funding for the Windsor and Maidenhead centre adjacent to Cox Green School will come through grants from the Football Foundation and the government and also from developers' contributions.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "I am delighted that we are ready to start on this excellent leisure facility for the people of Cox Green - and doubly so because the capital funding is not coming from council tax. We have been fortunate to secure a generous £230,000 grant from the Football Foundation and this, together with an education capital grant and developers' contributions, will deliver a fantastic benefit for the local community.

"The centre stems from the council's extensive consultation with residents, community groups and site users and when it opens next year it will offer residents great opportunities for local people to keep fit and healthy - right on their own doorstep."

The Windsor and Maidenhead cabinet prioritisation sub-committee, which met on Monday 9 November, agreed to appoint construction company Beard to build the two-storey centre, which will provide:

• a 42-station BodyZone gym
• a first floor multi-purpose dance studio
• four changing rooms
• accessible changing rooms for people with disabilities
• changing rooms for officials and referees using the nearby sports pitches.

The Football Foundation grant was achieved by the council working through the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire FA.

Paul Thorogood, chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: "We warmly congratulate the Royal Borough and the Berkshire and Buckinghamshire County FA for their hard work and dedication in securing this award.

"Sport is playing a central role in helping people to stay fit, strengthen communities and promote responsibility amongst young people. This new project in Maidenhead is but one example of thousands across the country that the Football Foundation is supporting with money provided by our funding partners - the Premier League, the FA and government."

The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country. Funded by the Premier League, the Football Association and the government, the Football Foundation is the nation's largest sports charity with a £40m budget going straight into the heart of football.

The Windsor and Maidenhead leisure centre will be attached to the existing four badminton court sports hall and will provide Cox Green School with facilities for its new creative and media diploma course. The gym will be used by pupils as part of their sports and leisure curriculum. The centre complements the new all-weather floodlit pitch installed earlier this year and the improvements to the three grass football pitches already on site.

Cox Green headteacher Ian Hylan said: "This is great news for our local community and students of our school. These facilities will allow us to offer the brilliant new creative and media diploma to students at all the local schools - it really does bring the X Factor to learning."

All the facilities will be available for Windsor and Maidenhead local people (evenings, weekends and school holidays) as well for pupils and students at the other schools on the Cox Green campus - Lowbrook Primary and the new Manor Green School, currently under construction and due to open in September 2010.

The existing small BodyZone gym, badminton courts, climbing wall and all weather floodlit football pitch will remain open throughout the building period. To book call 01628 777518.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead