Bracknell Forest Council News

Biodiversity is blooming

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:25:00 GMT

Nature lovers can now take a walking tour of Bracknell town centre and discover the many urban wildlife sites which are flourishing with biodiversity. Bracknell Forest Council has expanded the area of natural grassland areas as part of the Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan to encourage wildlife. The sites include roadside verges, roundabouts, a copse and a cemetery which have been nurtured by Bracknell Forest Council and Bracknell Town Council’s landscape teams. Orange and pink butterfly signs, sponsored by Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, are popping up around the town to mark the sites in support of Bracknell in Bloom 2009. They now form part of a walking tour that residents can enjoy this summer. They are currently located at: Twin Bridges roundabout; Weatherway banks; MET office roundabout; Larges Lane cemetery; Running Horse roundabout; Bill Hill/Downshire Way banks; Bus station bank; Jubilee gardens; and Frog Copse. David Harris, landscape manager at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “At these roadside nature reserves the grass has been allowed to grow and wildflowers bloom, encouraging a whole variety of wonderful and sometimes rare wildlife. Some of these reserves also support orchids which are thriving in this environment - so I would certainly encourage people to enjoy these areas but to please not pick these or any of the wildflowers blooming at these sites.” Helen Barnett, marketing manager for Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, said: “This is the second year we have sponsored the signs and we are thrilled with these beautiful, nature reserves right around the town centre. I would encourage anybody to take a walk and see what nature can be spotted and to appreciate it. You never know there might even be a rare butterfly or insect to be found." The walking tour of these sites should take around one to one-and-a-half hours and is illustrated on a map of Bracknell Forest which is available to download from the council’s website - www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/env-britain-in-bloom. The wildlife which might be seen includes the red-tailed bumblebee, Speckled Wood butterfly, St John’s Wort, common blue butterfly and betony. Join a lunchtime guided walk around some of these sites on August 4, meeting at the bus station caf�. Nature spotters can send their wildlife records and photos to the biodiversity officer at Bracknell Forest Council, Time Square, Bracknell RG12 1JD. To enter records online visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks and click on biodiversity.

�2.3 million summer splash for Bracknell park

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:27:00 GMT

Bracknell’s much-loved South Hill Park is to be restored and enhanced thanks to �2.3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund’s (BIG) Parks for People programme. The money will help Bracknell Forest Borough and Bracknell Town Councils and the South Hill Park Arts Centre Trust to improve the 23 hectare (57 acre) Grade II listed park located just over a mile from the town centre. Surrounded by new town development South Hill Park attracts an estimated 80,000 visitors a year, the vast majority from the local neighbourhood. At the heart of the park is the 19th Century mansion used as a highly successful arts centre. Although the building itself is in good condition the grant will permit restoration of the mansion terrace and also relocate car parking from the front of the house. A nearby toddlers play area will also be improved. Features, planting and signage throughout the park will be enhanced and new seating installed. �� A development grant of �209,000 given to Bracknell Forest Council early last year helped the creation of �a parks Friends group which will play an important role in galvanising local support. There are plans for a range of events and activities including setting up a youth forum, a junior ranger service, guided walks, educational resources for local schools, and a comprehensive action programme for volunteer helpers. The Council has also underlined its intention for South Hill Park to win a coveted Green Flag award. Commenting for the Heritage Lottery Fund, Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East England, said: “This is a well-used and highly regarded local park that will now be able to perform an enhanced role in the life of Bracknell attracting an even wider range of visitors.” Alison Rowe, the Big Lottery Fund’s Head of Region for the South East, said: “We are delighted to be funding a project that will enable residents and visitors to Bracknell to get the most out of this much-loved park, and to help protect it for the enjoyment of future generations.” Cllr Iain McCracken, Bracknell Forest Council’s executive member for culture, said: “I am absolutely delighted and would like to thank the Parks for People programme for agreeing to the grant for the restoration to our much-loved South Hill Park. "I would also like to thank and congratulate our officers for all the hard work they have put in so far in securing the Parks for People approval and I am looking forward to working with our partners and residents on the restoration and seeing an enhanced open space right in the heart of our community.” Ron McAllister, South Hill Park Arts Centre Trust’s chief executive, said: “This is fantastic news. Visitors to the arts centre will be able to extend their visit into the grounds, enjoying the wonderful nature and sculpture trails which we will be able to offer them. Congratulations to all the council staff who worked so hard to achieve this.” Cllr Chas Baily, mayor of Bracknell Town Council and chairman of its recreation committee, said: “Bracknell Town Council is thrilled with the success of this bid which will enable the enhancement of all areas of the park, for the benefit of the people of Bracknell - particularly its young people. "Working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council and the Arts Centre on the bid has presented an exciting challenge which all parties are committed to taking forward now the bid has become a reality.” For more details, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/southhillpark The restoration project should be completed in 2011.

Demon headmaster author to launch libraries' summer reading quest

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:26:00 GMT

The award-winning author of children’s classic books, Demon Headmaster and The Lost series, will be visiting Crowthorne and Ascot Heath libraries on Wednesday, July 29. Gillian Cross, winner of the Carnegie Medal and Smarties Prize, will be chatting to children aged seven and over. Tickets must be booked in advance from the libraries. She will also be launching the borough libraries’ summer reading challenge, which this year is sending Bracknell Forest children on a fantastical adventure to become questseekers. The challenge is simple: read six books from a local library over the holidays. Children will get a special pack and prizes to collect as they read, with a certificate and medal if the challenge is completed. Library staff will be able to guide children through the quest, while parents and carers can find something to read on the beach. Organisers hope the quest will inspire children’s imaginations, and inspire a love of books. Other library events in the summer holidays include: * Sandhurst library craft sessions for school age children - including teenagers - every Tuesday and Thursday morning in August as part of the town’s summer of fun. Booking is essential and children must be accompanied. Bounce and rhyme sessions for children under 18 months are held on the second Friday of the month. For more details, call 01252 870161. * Ascot Heath library is running a dads’ baby bounce and rhyme session on Saturday, July 18, and is continuing its usual events of baby bounce and rhyme on the first Tuesday of the month, and crafts for under fives on the second Monday of the month. For more details, call 01344 884030. * Birch Hill library is hosting a family friendly craft session on Tuesday, August 18. For more details, call 01344 484589. * Crowthorne library is holding children’s craft activities every Wednesday morning in August. Themes include myths and legends, dragons and princesses and dream catchers. Early booking is recommended on 01344 778552. * Great Hollands library has a family friendly craft session on Wednesday, August 19. For more details, call 01344 424095. There are nine libraries across Bracknell Forest, which also lend magazines, DVDs and tapes. Users can also log on free to the internet and join in clubs and activities and borrow travel guides and maps for holidays away. Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for culture, said: "This summer our libraries are offering an exciting range of summer activities right in the heart of our communities. "If you have not been to a library recently, I'd encourage you to pop down and see what they have to offer." For more details visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries.

Catch up with community messages

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:52:00 GMT

Community TV films being aired on 10 giant plasma screens across the borough can now also be seen on the Bracknell Forest Council website. The service has been running since October last year throughout the borough, including doctors' surgeries, sports centres and caf�s. The 30-second silent videos cover a range of topics: from information about support for carers, to composting, volunteering or crime prevention. The films are now available to watch on the council website, so residents who miss a phone number or address while viewing the video at a leisure centre or waiting to see the doctor can see it again in the comfort of their own home. They can be accessed, paused and rewound on the Bracknell Forest Partnership section of the Bracknell Forest Council website http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/your-council/yc-bracknell-forest-partnership/yc-bfp-community-tv.htm and also under the 'Find Us On' section of the homepage www.bracknell.ccnmediaplayer.com Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for culture, corporate services and public protection, said: "Community TV has been hugely successful since its launch last year. It offers a lot of important public information which is useful to residents. "This extension of the service will mean that residents will be able to go back to their own computer if there was something they missed, whether it's a phone number or a web address. "Each film also comes with information, a resources section where viewers can find out more and contact details to put them directly in touch with the right people."

Bikeability in Bracknell Forest this summer

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:45:00 GMT

Four pilot Bikeability cycle training courses are being run for young cyclists in Bracknell Forest this summer. Bikeability, the new name for the cycling proficiency test, is designed to give young people the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today's roads. The courses, which are organised by Bracknell Forest Council’s road safety team, aim to teach youngsters the basics of cycling etiquette and road safety. The course is based around the National Standard for Cycle Training, which sets out the skills needed for cyclists to be competent and confident using their bikes for all sorts of journeys. There are three Bikeability levels which those taking part will be encouraged and inspired to achieve. The five-day cycle training courses take place at: Westmorland Park, Westmorland Drive, Bracknell. Monday, August 10, to Friday, August 14. 10am - 12pm �or �12.30pm - 2.30pm. Edgbarrow Sports Centre, Grant Road, Crowthorne. Monday, August 17, to Friday, August 21. 10am - 12pm �or �12.30pm - 2.30pm. Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, executive member for planning, transportation and economic development, said: "The Bikeability training course provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn road safety and increase confidence while using public highways. "The course offers youngsters a great chance to develop a wider knowledge of the Highway Code, as well as encouraging respect for other road-users". The courses are subsidised by Bracknell Forest Council, and cost �40 a child. There are 40 spaces available, which are offered on a first come first served basis. The road safety team is also running another popular Motorwise course for young drivers on Thursday, July 23, at the Open Learning Centre in Rectory Lane, Bracknell. The free course, which is open to all young people aged 16 and over, is designed to encourage safe driving, by increasing awareness of hazards, of motoring laws and of the effects if involved in a crash. To book a place on either course please contact the road safety team on 01344 351191 or 351212 or email road.safetyETP@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Charity urges residents to call a halt to crime

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:12:00 GMT

Residents and workers in Bracknell Forest are being urged to work with the Crimestoppers organisation to help further reduce crime in the borough. The independent charity allows people to pass on information completely anonymously, either by phone or through a website. The police never know the identity of the caller and rewards are also available which are paid without compromising a caller's anonymity. Crimestoppers can be contacted by phone on 0800 555 111 or via the website www.crimestoppers-uk.org �� Ian Boswell, Bracknell Forest Council’s community safety manager, said: "Crimestoppers guarantee to never ask for your name or record your call which makes it easier for residents to come forward, breaking the silence around criminal activity. "A caller will not have to make a statement to the police or appear in court and there is up to �1,000 reward if the information someone gives leads to one or more people being charged and convicted." The most commonly reported crime in Bracknell Forest is criminal damage, especially damage to cars such as broken wing mirrors or scratches. The Bracknell Forest Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership is hoping residents will also contact Crimestoppers to offer information about cars being broken into in various locations around the borough. The CDRP is aware that parts of car bodies are being stolen, including number plates and is urging residents to make use of the Crimestoppers number, Graffiti is also being targeted by the CDRP. There are two ‘tags’ which appear in many places across the borough: ‘TUK’ and ‘AL’. Residents who know or suspect the identity of the taggers are asked to contact Crimestoppers. There has been a small rise in the number of house burglaries in Bracknell Forest. There is no identifiable pattern but in a significant number the burglar has got in through an insecure window or door and often at night. Garages are also being targeted by thieves, especially isolated garages in blocks. Residents are urged to make sure doors are locked, in addition to checking their gardens sheds are secure. Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for public protection at Bracknell Forest Council, said: "The rise in crime in Bracknell Forest over the last six months is relatively small and we are still fortunate enough to live in a low crime area. "However, burglaries from homes and garages or thefts from cars are distressing to the victims. We can all help the CDRP in its work by being extra careful about securing our homes and vehicles. "Graffiti and criminal damage blight our neighbourhoods and we should try to help the CDRP clamp down on it by reporting it promptly. "We would also encourage residents who have information about crime to contact Crimestoppers, or Bracknell police, who can be contacted on 0845 8 505 505, or the CDRP on 01344 352121."