Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Your Choice

Bracknell Forest Council is giving individuals choice and control over the support they receive to help them live their lives as independently as possible. In Bracknell Forest, the council is working to ensure that everyone who is eligible for support from Adult Social Care and Health can have a personal budget - this is an amount of money to spend on the social care support people need to live their lives. People will be able to take this as a direct payment and arrange their support themselves, or they can choose to leave the money with the council and the council will arrange the support for them. Everyone who has a personal budget will need to have a financial assessment - this is to make sure people are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to and also calculates the amount of money an individual needs to contribute towards the cost of their support. In Bracknell Forest all people with a learning disability, who are eligible for support from Adult Social Care, can have a personal budget. For people in other care groups, personal budgets will be available for everyone who is eligible from summer this year. If you would like more information about the personalisation programme visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/liv-personalisation or call 01344 351500.

Hidden gems at South Hill Park

For the last 30 years, South Hill Park has proved to be one of the largest and most enterprising arts facilities in the country. It has been a popular venue for residents of the borough and further afield, but do visitors realise just how many amazing facilities this beautiful Georgian mansion has on offer? Alongside its famous Wilde Theatre, cinema and parklands there is plenty more to do at South Hill Park than first meets the eye. Courses and workshops South Hill Park is packed to the rafters with professional artists and makers wanting to teach students new skills. The in-house arts team offers a programme with an exciting range of courses and workshops in arts and crafts, music, dance and digital media. These sessions range from an afternoon class to a 10-week course, all of which take place in professionally equipped studios. South Hill Park’s courses and workshops are programmed for both adults and children and range from jewellery and silversmithing to ceramics and web design, and are perfect for people who want to learn a new skill in an intimate and friendly environment. New look menu The Atrium Caf� is now the setting for a variety of food and drink offers designed to make visits to South Hill Park even more worthwhile. Whether it’s for a business meeting, to catch up with friends or dining out in style before a show, South Hill Park has it covered. Exhibitions There is no need to travel to London to see fine works of art when the Bracknell Gallery is on your very doorstep. The Bracknell Gallery can be found down the corridor from the Wilde Theatre and houses the main exhibition each season. Alongside this there are a range of other spaces creatively used to exhibit. This includes the community gallery, tall hall, mirror gallery and atrium. This ensures that every visitor experiences at least one piece of artwork when they visit South Hill Park. Entrance to all exhibitions is free and further details about forthcoming events can be found at www.southhillpark.org.uk or by picking up a season brochure. Pre-theatre dining Since September you can now enjoy a two or three course meal before your evening show, film or event. On Fridays, Saturdays and when you see a knife and fork logo in the brochure the �-la-carte menu will be available from 6pm. Meals are freshly prepared to order and are served in the tranquil setting of the Atrium restaurant. Call the box office on 01344 484123 to reserve your table as pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. If you’re eating before a show, please ensure you arrive by 6pm to allow plenty of time to enjoy your meal. To view the current menu visit www.southhillpark.org.uk Friday night Before you venture down to the cellar for your weekly fix of comedy, why not take advantage of South Hill Park’s burger and beer offer? For just �6.50 you can get a quarter pound beef burger with a beer, wine or soft drink of your choice. This deal is available from 6pm and there is a vegetarian option available. Caf� offers On Mondays to Saturdays, the caf� is now open from 9.30am which makes it perfect for people attending a class or workshop or maybe a business meeting. There are two new offers to whet your appetite: lunch meal deal – sandwich, crisps and a soft drink �3.95; and medium-sized coffee with a choice of cakes �2.95 A full bar menu is also available from 12noon until 3pm and 6pm until 9pm daily, so come in and try the food and drink at South Hill Park - you’ll see a real difference. Take one walk around South Hill Park and you will be amazed at all the activities on offer. Come in from the cold this autumn, grab a Costa coffee from the Atrium Caf� and explore your very own arts centre, your only regret will be that you will wish you had done it sooner.

Feel better about crime figures

Some people worry about becoming a victim of crime. There has been some media speculation that crime figures have risen as the economy has worsened, but in Bracknell Forest that is not necessarily the case. In 2007 the area had an 11 per cent overall fall in crime, one of the largest reductions in the Thames Valley. That reduction continued well into 2008. Since then, crime has risen slightly overall, but the reductions of 2007 have not been lost and there are signs crime is falling again. There are now fewer reports of damage to property than there was five years ago. The number of robberies is about the same as five years ago, but the numbers are very low, at about one a week. One of the biggest reductions has been in auto crime offences, both theft of and theft from motor vehicles, with about 500 fewer offences now than five years ago. The number of burglaries remains broadly the same despite significant house building in the borough over the last five years. The news on assaults is not as good, with more than 150 more offences a year being recorded now compared with five years ago. However, the majority of these offences are not serious and happen between people who know each other. The Bracknell Forest Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership works hard to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on behalf of residents and workers, but people can do a lot to help themselves stay safe. There is plenty of information available on the internet and on www.bracknellforest.gov.uk/liv-safer-communities or call the crime and disorder reduction team at the council on 01344 352121.

Reducing waste - How are we doing?

Bracknell Forest Council would like to thank residents for their hard work over the year in increasing the amount of household waste they recycle. In 1999, households in the borough recycled just nine per cent of their waste. Thanks to the introduction of kerbside recycling, the amount of domestic waste recycled rose to 24 per cent in 2005. In 2006, the council introduced alternate weekly bin collections, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill by a total of 9,500 tonnes. This, coupled with other new measures such as the kerbside collection of mixed recyclables from blue wheelie bins, means that Bracknell Forest is now recycling more than 40 per cent of its household waste. Janet Dowlman, head of environmental services, said: “Bracknell Forest is now recycling around 40.5 per cent of its waste. This figure already exceeds the national target of recycling and composting 40 per cent of household waste by 2010.” The main campaign over the next three years is to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, in particular food waste, garden waste, paper and textiles which make up a high proportion of waste currently landfilled. All types of paper and card can be recycled, including small items such as junk mail, envelopes, card tubes and loo rolls. Shredded paper should be placed in a paper bag or cereal box to avoid littering. There are clothing recycling banks at the majority of the 40 recycling sites throughout the borough. There are also a number of charity shops that will accept clothes and other textiles as well as jumble sales and charity collections (but please ensure these are genuine charities). There are also a number of foil recycling banks throughout the Bracknell Forest. Please make sure your foil is washed as it is sorted by hand by adults with learning disabilities. Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Bracknell Forest Council’s executive member for the environment, said: “We are delighted that the vast majority of our residents are doing their bit and recycling as much as they can. Hopefully we can increase the amount of waste recycled in the borough still further. “We have once again improved our refuse and recycling services with the opening of the remodelled Longshot Lane household waste recycling centre earlier this year. Residents are now able to recycle much more at the new site, while there are also an additional 40 recycling sites for glass, clothes, shoes and books around the borough.” Waste disposal and emptying containers from Bracknell’s recycling sites is a responsibility of re3, a partnership between Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils and Waste Recycling Group. The partnership was set up to increase the amount of waste that is reused, recycled and composted across the three boroughs and minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Love food and reduce waste this Christmas and New Year

This Christmas residents are asked to think wisely when stocking up on festive food. In Bracknell Forest we throw away around five per cent of food that has not even been opened and a further 11 per cent of food which could have been composted. Another 16 per cent of food is left over and discarded but some of this could be used in tasty recipes, see www.lovefoodhatewaste.com, �where there are also ideas for Christmas leftovers. Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, executive member for the environment, said: “Encouraging residents to think carefully about the amount of food they throw away could not only stop unnecessary waste ending up in harmful landfill sites, but save money at the checkout as well.” In line with the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, Bracknell Forest refuse vehicles have been brightened up with a colourful new design promoting food waste reduction. Cllr Mrs Hayes said: “The vehicles are using the image of a crying pear (pictured above) with the sad fact that a third of the food we buy is thrown away. The vehicle sides are interchangeable and can be swapped with the ‘turn over a new leaf’ design promoting use of the council’s garden waste collection. To help reduce food waste, home composters can be ordered via www.greencone.co.uk, subsidised food waste digesters called green cones are also available, delivered at �19.95, and Bracknell Forest Council is investigating the viability and options for collecting food waste in the future.

Keep warm, Keep healthy

Here are some suggestions for keeping warm and well this winter: make sure your heating system is working effectively; when going outside wrap up warm – especially your head and feet - several layers is better than one thick layer; keep the temperature of your home above 21 degrees in living areas and 18 degrees in the bedroom; keep active; and eat sensibly – a healthy diet improves circulation whilst drinking hot drinks gives warmth and energy. If you are aged over 65 years you can get a free flu jab. This is also available to high risk health groups. Check with your GP. Help includes: The Warm Front Scheme – 0800 072 9006 Winter Fuel Payments – 08459 15 15 15 www.nhs.uk/livewell/winterhealth

Antibiotics - Not always the right treatment

All colds and most coughs are caused by viruses. That means antibiotics, which treat bacterial infections, do not help with viral infections such as colds. The best way to treat colds is with plenty of rest and fluids. Colds can last for anything up to two weeks. Talk to your local pharmacist about over-the-counter remedies including paracetamol that may ease any discomfort. If any additional or more extreme symptoms appear, see your doctor. The same applies to children, particularly as they are generally more susceptible to coughs and colds – ask your local pharmacist for advice and contact your doctor if the symptoms persist, get worse or you have any other concerns. Bacteria is clever at adapting to survive. This means that if we use antibiotics unnecessarily they are less likely to work when we actually need them to treat illnesses. Your GP should only prescribe antibiotics when they are right for you. Examples of this can be pneumonia or kidney infections. They should not be prescribed for a common cold or cough because they are not the right treatment. So remember: if you have a cold or a cough have plenty of fluids and rest; talk to your pharmacist for advice on medicinal relief; contact your doctor if your symptoms are extreme or last for several weeks; and only take antibiotics if they are right for you. To find out more about antibiotics visit www.nhs.uk

My Choice lettings scheme to be launched in January

Work on development of the new choice based lettings scheme has reached its next stage, with residents’ returned application forms now being added to the new system. The scheme, which is to be launched in January 2010, will give residents who have applied to the council for social landlords’ homes more choice of homes. Simon Hendy, chief officer: housing, said: “Applicants should have received a letter stating which band their application has been placed in. The band will determine how quickly they are likely to move when they bid for properties.” As well as a dedicated website and telephone line (available from January), My Choice will have a regularly updated newsletter available at libraries and council offices so that applicants can see the properties registered social landlords, like Bracknell Forest Homes, are advertising. Mr Hendy said: “If you see a property that you would like to be considered for and are eligible for, then you can make a bid via our website or by calling the dedicated number. The property will be allocated to the bidder with the highest priority. “Because this scheme is quite different from the old system, we will be writing to applicants to explain how it works and inviting them to some ‘show and try’ sessions before it goes live. We want people to be able to take this opportunity with My Choice – it really does give you the choice of your new home.” Cllr Dale Birch, executive member for adult services, health and housing, said: “I am delighted that My Choice will enable residents to decide which homes suit them and bid accordingly, so residents have a greater choice of the excellent homes available across the borough.” Residents who have questions about their application or the new scheme should call 01344 352000 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/mychoice

Where will future developments go in Bracknell Forest

The council needs to make important decisions on where future developments will go in Bracknell Forest. The government has already allocated 12,780 new homes to be built in Bracknell Forest from 2006 to 2026 through the South East Plan and the council needs to ensure the new housing is built in locations which will support the delivery of the shared long-term vision for the borough. The additional development needs to be accompanied by investment in a wide range of infrastructure such as schools, open spaces and social facilities, as well as transport and utilities. The borough’s future employment, shopping and leisure development also need to be planned for in order to ensure good access to jobs and other facilities is provided for residents in the borough. Achieving the vision The vision for the borough is set out in the ‘Living Together, Working Together’ Sustainable Community Strategy produced by Bracknell Forest Partnership and in the core strategy for the borough. These documents will help to identify the locations and types of development and also the infrastructure that goes with it. Locations for development will be assessed against sustainability criteria, the availability of land as well as factors that could affect its development potential, such as flood risk. Getting involved Getting views from the community will be an essential part of the process. The council is preparing a Sites Allocation document which will be consulted on widely during February and March 2010. Look out in local press and on the council website for more information and how to give your views. Cllr Mary Ballin, executive member for planning, transport and economic development, said: “We all have a stake in the shaping the future of Bracknell Forest. To ensure we get the best outcome for the community it is essential residents are involved in this process. The views of residents, business people, the voluntary sector and other stakeholders are very important.” To find out more about the Local Development Framework and the other documents mentioned in this article, call 01344 352000, email development. development.plan@bracknell-forest.gov.uk, or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ldf The Living Together, Working Together document can be found at www.bracknellforestpartnership.org.uk or call 01344 352108.

Residents help give a clear picture of priorities

Residents have responded in their thousands to this year’s Neighbourhood Survey, which was sent to every home in the borough. More than 6,400 Bracknell Forest households filled in the questionnaire during September and October. And five lucky residents were chosen from the prize draw to win tickets to the borough’s attractions. Roger Ferguson from Sandhurst, Jill Chippington from Warfield, John Wilson from Bracknell, Michelle Carrington from Bracknell and Ronald Creswell from College Town won themselves a visit to either the Look Out Discovery Centre, Coral Reef or a round of golf at Downshire Golf Complex, or tickets to the Christmas production of Peter Pan at South Hill Park Arts Centre. They were invited to receive their prizes from the council’s assistant chief executive Victor Nicholls. The results of the survey - compiled in partnership with Thames Valley Police and local community groups - are being analysed and will be available in the new year. At the same time the issues brought up at this year’s neighbourhood forums will also be made known. More than 220 residents attended the 14 open meetings held across the borough. The events, organised by neighbourhood action groups in partnership with the council and the police, give residents the chance to make their views known on improvements they would like to see in their neighbourhood. Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for public protection, said: “We’re very pleased that so many of our residents took the time to complete the neighbourhood survey. The results will give us a clear picture of priorities in the borough and local concerns which need addressing. “The forums and the survey play an important part in feeding information back to council, the police and other organisations and this not only helps influence the services provided but also ensures we keep focused on our vision for the borough - a place where we can thrive, live, learn and work in a clean, safe and healthy environment.”

Residents jump for joy over new sports centre

In late November, residents celebrated the opening of the new trampoline centre at Brakenhale School. David Watkins, chief officer: performance and resources for Bracknell Forest Council, said: “The trampoline centre project is one of three elements of the development of the Brakenhale site which is being made possible by the sale of surplus land. “The other two elements are the redevelopment of the Open Learning Centre on the site and the refurbishment of The Brakenhale School and its sports facilities. “The trampoline centre has been created with a shared vision between the council and by The Brakenhale School.” The centre has a permanent trampoline hall with its own reception and dedicated storage facilities built as an extension to the existing school sports hall to provide permanent space for eight full size trampolines. Bracknell Forest already has an existing trampoline club (Edgbarrow Trampoline Club) with an international reputation for excellence. Its membership includes athletes who are part of the British Olympic Trampoline Team. The new centre provides a dedicated resource not only for the school and the community, but also the trampoline club with a permanent base to further win acclaim at both international and Olympic levels, representing Bracknell Forest. The trampoline centre will be managed by Edgbarrow Trampoline Club. During school hours the facility will be available for school use, and pupils will have the opportunity to learn trampolining as part of the school’s sports and PE curriculum.

Garth Hill College rebuild celebrated

Despite the grey sky above and the cold, damp concrete under foot, the 65 or so guests at Garth Hill College were in a celebratory mood. Bracknell Forest Mayor, Cllr Bob Wade, joking with the audience, ‘cast slab’ on the roof of the new building for the school. The topping out of Garth Hill College was official. A topping out ceremony is held for major construction projects when the highest point of the building (such as the roof) is completed. In keeping with tradition, an evergreen plant was present on the roof to symbolise growth and to bring luck. The mayor, also traditionally, cast a slab by completing the last few shovels of concrete into the roof – and Garth Hill College principal Keith Grainger helped to bless the building with Champagne. Alistair Kendall, Mace Plus project manager, paid tribute to the design team and the subcontractors for their hard work and commitment and thanked Mr Grainger and his staff for their valuable input to the design of the new school. Steven Henley, operations director at Mace Plus, said: “To date and to the credit of all involved, we have successfully completed 125,000 man-hours without a single reportable injury. This is a testament of the performance and attitude of the whole workforce and I’d like to thank those that are here today.” Mr Henley revealed that the next important milestones for the build are: December for water tightness; and August 2010 for completion of the new school He said: “We should also take a few moments to reflect with excitement that in under a year from now this building will be occupied by the pupils of Garth Hill College, who we hope will benefit greatly from this new facility.” The rebuild of the school is the result of a successful bid for funding by Bracknell Forest Council through the government’s Building Schools for the Future programme. The council has spent many months with Mace Plus and a team from Garth Hill College, designing and planning the new school. The fa�ade of the building will be an acrylic render which has allowed the architects to incorporate the school’s colours into the building itself, while achieving a durable, modern appearance. Given the amount of interest generated by the hosting of the Olympics in 2012, Garth Hill College will also have extensive new sports facilities, including a synthetic turf pitch field and a multi-use games area with flood lighting so it can be used all year round. There will also be a grassed running track for summer sports and ample football and rugby facilities to make sure students can hone their sports skills. Cllr Wade said at the ceremony: “This development has certainly achieved the ‘wow’ factor. “Congratulations to everyone involved and here’s looking forward to the completion of the project in August 2010 in readiness for the new and diverse curriculum starting in September 2010 for 1,550 students.” Keith Grainger, principal of Garth Hill College, said, “I would like to thank everyone involved on the project, particularly Mace Plus and Scott Brownrigg, for their excellent work to date. We are all looking forward to the opening of our new college next September.” Keep up-to-date with the progress of the project via the Garth Hill College website at www.garthhill.bracknell-forest.sch.uk � Rebuild facts: �33m construction project. Half a million tonnes of concrete have been poured to date. The steel frame for the link and the sports hall is in excess of 400 tonnes. 630 piles for the foundations. �

Buy With Confidence reaches 50

Kevin Eaton, the 24-7 Computer Doctor, has become the 50th business in the Bracknell Forest to be approved on to the Buy With Confidence scheme. Kevin is the latest to be added to a list of reputable traders, who have all passed a rigorous assessment by the Bracknell Forest Trading Standards service. In November a presentation was held and Bracknell Forest Mayor, Cllr Bob Wade (pictured right), attended to join in recognising the achievements and high standards met by the approved traders. Head of Trading Standards, Rob Sexton, subsequently congratulated the members on ‘their superb business practices and influence in counteracting rogue traders in the borough’. Residents are able to access a list of the 50 approved businesses in the borough by visiting www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/BWC or calling 01344 352000.

Somebody else's child, everybody's responsibility

Bracknell Forest Council is urging people to help ensure the safety of children who are cared for by someone who is not a direct relative. Private fostering happens when someone who is not a close relative cares for another person’s child for an extended period. These arrangements start after family breakdown, illness, bereavement or by parents living abroad arranging for their child to live with a UK family. Although done by a private arrangement, legally the parent and the carer must notify the local authority where the child is going to live. The council is responsible for checking the child is safe and that carers receive the support they need. While many privately fostered children are well cared for, there have been a number of high profile cases nationally of children being looked after out of the family home, who have been harmed or neglected. Penny Reuter, chief officer: children’s social care at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “Everybody has a role in keeping children safe - teachers, youth workers, neighbours or parents at the school gate. If you hear about a child who is being privately fostered, let us know so that we can make sure that the child is living in a safe and secure home.” Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for children and young people, said: “It is extremely important to contact the council if you have, or you know of someone who has an arrangement with a family to foster a child. “Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children in the borough is of vital importance and it is everybody’s responsibility to help us achieve this goal.”

Students welcome Muslim theatre group

Students at Sandhurst School were the first in Bracknell Forest to see a special drama production aimed at steering vulnerable young people away from the path of racial and religious intolerance. The Khayaal Theatre group came to the school last month (November), to perform Hearts & Minds, a play about identity and how a young person might become drawn into violence. Its central character is Asif, a Muslim teenager in the UK whose views of the world are challenged by events around him and who finds he has tough choices to make about what he believes. Sam Hunt, assistant headteacher at the school, said: “The play was excellent. It raised some important issues in a very sensitive and thought-provoking way. “It gave the Year 10 students something to think about and discuss.” The play, which was specially commissioned by Reading based Berkshire Forum against Extremism and the Muslim Education Forum in Luton, supports the Government’s PREVENT strategy which is being rolled out to schools across the UK. Ms Hunt said: “We arranged for the play to be performed at the school because we wanted the debate to be far wider than just Islamic extremism. We want to tackle Islamaphobia which appears to be growing in this country. “The play and the subsequent discussions among pupils will go a long way towards dispelling myths and misunderstandings about Islam. It offers some insight into basic tenets of the faith that counter representations of Islam as a religion that encourages violence and revenge.” Among the comments from students after they watched the performance were: “it made me think about how we unconsciously perceive other ethnicities”; “it made me realise that racism is a bigger issue than I thought it was”; “I saw more of the Muslims’ point of view”. � For more information about PREVENT go to www.dcsf.gov.uk/violentextremism

Animal welfare goes for gold

Stray dogs who find themselves guests of Bracknell Forest Council can be sure of a five star service. The council has struck gold in the RSPCA’s Community Animal Welfare Footprints awards scheme, which promotes best practice in animal welfare across local authorities and housing providers in England and Wales. It recognises organisations that have gone above and beyond their basic service requirements. Each Footprint has three levels - bronze, silver and gold - each level carrying progressively more demanding criteria. Andy Hill, Bracknell Forest’s dog warden, said: “We entered the awards this year for the first time and won gold. The RSPCA looks at how we deal with stray dogs and how we educate the public about the responsibilities of dog ownership. “We do a lot of visits to schools and take part in road shows around the borough where we advise people about dog health and welfare. We get a lot of feedback from the children we talk to and I think the RSPCA was impressed with that.” Andy’s van now proudly displays the golden Footprint logo. He and council colleague Sharon Clarke were invited to a reception at the House of Lords in London to celebrate the achievement. Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for public protection, said: “Together with our town and parish partners, the borough council works hard to promote responsible dog ownership among residents. “Andy Hill and the team should be very proud that the RSPCA has recognised their efforts to help stray animals and encourage people to think about pet welfare.”

Improve you home with loan scheme

Are you a homeowner aged 60 or over? If so, Bracknell Forest Council is running a scheme which may allow you to improve the warmth, comfort, safety and security of your home. � The scheme aims to enable residents to keep their home well maintained during their retirement, paying back as little or as much as they like. Any improvement that will make a home safer, warmer, healthier or more comfortable will be considered. This includes: essential repairs and maintenance; installing central heating or improvements to a heating system; replacement doors or windows; improvements to insulation; roof and structural repairs; replacement bathroom suites; burglar alarms and home security; and installation of stairlifts or other adaptations. The homeowner can choose how the loan will be repaid and is also free to vary the arrangement at any time. They can make interest only payments or can choose to pay nothing until the home is sold. The loan, plus outstanding interest, must be repaid if the home is sold or the homeowners cease to occupy it. The loan will be secured by a charge on the property. Any interest on the loan will be charged at a low rate linked to the Bank of England (please contact the council for a quotation). The scheme is part of the council’s aim to ensure the homes of older people in the borough meet the highest possible standard of safety and comfort. Cllr Dale Birch, executive member for adult services, health and housing, said: “This scheme means that we can improve the homes, lives, health and wellbeing of many people across the borough. “To be able to get our older people’s homes up to as high standard of repair and comfort as possible, by offering discretionary loans, means that the council continues to ensure our older residents are living in homes which are decent, comfortable and have reasonable modern facilities.” For further information call 01344 352000 or go to www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/env-main-types-of-assistance

Helping families get on the ladder

Bracknell Forest Council is offering several schemes to help housing association tenants get on to the private property ladder. There are currently a number of opportunities available for residents living in family-sized houses to buy their own home on the open market. Housing association tenants who live in rented accommodation can get a grant of up to �38,000. The money, which is means tested, is partly funded by the transfer of council housing to Bracknell Forest Homes, and operates on a first come, first-served basis. This scheme has just helped Jason and Sarah Sedge, who live in Ascot, to buy their first family home on the south coast. The couple, who are former tenants of Bracknell Forest Homes, are the first applicants in the borough to take advantage of scheme. Linda Wells, Bracknell Forest Homes housing and community services director, said: “This is an excellent scheme which has helped Mr and Mrs Sedge and their children move closer to their family in another area. They have vacated a nice two-bedroom home which has been allocated to another family from the housing register. I hope both families will be very happy in their new homes.” Bracknell Forest Council offers a number of other grant options to residents, including a home loan scheme which lends up to �20,000 to householders who would like to buy a shared ownership home. The scheme has been set up to give financial help to tenants who want to own, or part own, a home but cannot afford the deposit to purchase a shared ownership property. The home loan is repayment free for five years, with interest charged at 3.93 per cent. The council also offers an alternative shared ownership scheme, which allows tenants to buy a new build home under a shared ownership agreement. The shared ownership properties are provided for households with a combined annual income of up to �60,000. Cllr Dale Birch, executive member for adult social services, health and housing, said: “It is great that Mr and Mrs Sedge are able to take advantage of the scheme and get on the housing ladder. “The council currently offers a range of initiatives which can help residents purchase a property during these tough economic times. If you think you might be eligible for some support please give our housing options team a call.” For further details call the team on 01344 351351 or 01344 351352, or go to www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/liv-housing

Meet the Councillor

Name: Cllr Mark Phillips – new Conservative councillor for Hanworth. How long have you lived in Bracknell Forest? I’ve been here six and a half years. Before that I was at university in Roehampton where I studied geography and history. I spent most of my childhood in a village in Wiltshire. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I enjoy going for walks with my wife, Catherine, our little daughter, Jessica, and our King Charles Spaniel, Monty. I also like to play computer games. What are you most looking forward to in your council role? I really do want to make a difference to the people who live in my ward and across Bracknell Forest. I also want to get involved in youth provision work. I’m still quite young (36) and I remember what it’s like to be a teenager. What is your day job? I work as a project manager for a satellite installations company. The company is based in Swindon but I either work from home or on site. What brought you into politics? Through my job I really have seen ‘broken Britain’ and how some people have to live. I want to make sure that Bracknell Forest remains a great place for people to live and work. What’s the best thing about your ward? My ward is very diverse and I like the fact that so many different sorts of people live there. What’s your message to residents? My door is always open. I want to work for the people of the borough and my ward and am always ready to listen and to help.

Oneplace for issues

Residents can find out how Bracknell Forest Council and its partners are tackling big local issues through the Oneplace website. Oneplace shows how well the council, police, health organisations and housing bodies are improving those things that are important to residents. The website has been set up by the main local services watchdogs including thy Audit Commission, the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted. This new assessment of council performance replaces the star ratings that the Audit Commission gave councils in the past. The new approach takes a detailed look at how well the council manages its performance and whether it makes best use of council tax. For further information go to www.direct.gov.uk/oneplace or www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Forestcare team thank the support of Bracknell Bees

The Bracknell Bees’ man of the match, Jaroslay Cesky, was presented with his trophy by special guests on November 26, when Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for children and young people, and the council’s family placement team came to the match. The honour of presenting the trophy was bestowed on the council team because of the sponsorship that the foster team has provided for the Bees over the last year. Penny Reuter, chief officer: children’s social care at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “The foster care team’s relationship with the Bracknell Bees is something we are very proud of. “Over the last year the Bees have become more and more involved in our aim of promoting foster care across the borough. From getting promotional banners, stands and posters in the stadium, to giving looked after children free access to matches, the team has been fantastic at supporting our foster care recruitment work.” Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for children and young people, said: “I have been extremely honoured in presenting the man of the match trophy today. It is great to see a local business working hand in hand with the council to promote the message that foster carers are needed across Bracknell Forest.”

Residents have their say

Nearly 90 per cent of respondents positively rated Town & Country in a recent reader survey. � The survey, printed in the October edition, asked readers various questions such as how often they read Town & Country, what were their favourite sections and how they would rate the newspaper overall. Of the 87 respondents, 46 per cent said Town & Country was excellent, 41 per cent said it was good, five per cent said it was adequate, two per cent said poor and six per cent selected ‘other’. Seventy-four per cent of respondents revealed that they always read Town & Country. Eighty-six per cent said that it helped them to understand what Bracknell Forest Council does. The most popular sections listed were news, features, what’s on, environment focus and town centre focus. Results also showed that a vast majority do not read Town & Country online (89 per cent) but believe that it is well designed (91 per cent). Just some of the comments given by residents included: “I think it is excellent as it’s a great way to let the people of Bracknell know what is going on within the borough without having to trawl through a big paper. It’s great to see environmental news and how things are changing for the better!” “The competitions are always worth entering, always good prizes to be won. The whole paper is just one good read!” “Town & Country is well laid out, easy to read. Very clear and the photos are very colourful. It is also nice to see people young and old enjoying themselves. It tells you everything you need to know about what’s going on and I love reading the news. I like Town & Country very much.” “Far too detailed and elaborate. Its costs should be reduced, especially since there is always pressure to keep council tax down.” In response to feedback, Town & Country is changing in 2010 and is looking at how to reduce costs while still delivering the same newspaper residents enjoy reading. Check out the March edition to find out more. Congratulations to the four lucky prize winners of the reader survey competition. Mrs S Murphy, Mr N Wreglesworth, Ms D Flatt and Mr D Kettle were the lucky recipients of either a family ticket to see Peter Pan at South Hill Park Arts Centre or a �50 shopping voucher for Bentalls.

Borough's parks now feature on Google

Bracknell Forest parks, play areas and countryside sites have now been put on the map - the Google map. Residents and visitors wanting to find the location of a green space or play area in the borough can use a link from the council’s parks site webpage to obtain directions and link to Google Maps. Visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks to view your local park on the map.

Entry now open for half marathon 2010

Keen runners from across Berkshire can begin training as preparations for the Quintiles Bracknell Half Marathon 2010 are now well underway. Bracknell Forest Council, organiser of the race, has announced that next year’s event will take place on Sunday, May 9, once again starting and finishing in the picturesque grounds of South Hill Park Arts Centre at 9am. Entries are available at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leis-bracknell-half-marathon or www.runnersworld.co.uk. Entry fees for 2010 will be �14. Unfortunately due to the nature of the course, organisers regret they will not accept entries from wheelchair users. The council is also delighted to announce that Quintiles has agreed to continue its sponsorship for the 2010 Quintiles Bracknell Half Marathon. For enquiries about the Quintiles Bracknell Half Marathon email half.marathon@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or call 01344 352000.

Monitor your health in pilot

Forestcare is working with GPs in Bracknell on a groundbreaking Telehealth pilot project. The project was set up in the summer of 2009, by two Bracknell GPs – Dr William Tong and Dr Anant Sachdev, using efficiency savings made by the Bracknell Forest locality practices. A health hub is installed in the patient’s home and they are shown how to use it by the Forestcare team. Depending on the person’s condition, they will be given some scales to weigh themselves and also be shown: how to take their own blood pressure (using a blood pressure cuff); measure their oxygen saturation levels (using a pulse Oxymeter); and measure the electrical rhythms of their heart (take an ECG). This data, as well as the answers to a series of health questions, are inserted into the health hub by the patient twice daily. In addition, the patient can select ‘any questions’ to put information in at other times of the day. The data is transferred each night (via the internet) and is checked by the community nurses the following day. If there are any unusual readings such as higher than expected blood pressure, or increase in weight, the nurse will make contact with the patient. Mrs Game, from Binfield, was one of the first to have a health hub installed. She finds it ‘very easy to use’ and was reassured that someone was monitoring any changes in her blood pressure or blood oxygen levels and that it ‘saves her from having to go to the doctors’ if she is worried or feels unwell. She said that she quickly learnt how it works and does her readings every day, morning and night. She added that she would ‘miss having the health hub’ if she wasn’t able to keep it in the future. The Telehealth pilot is helping patients with coronary heart disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). Telehealth can be used to help patients with long term conditions to live independent, healthy lives by reducing complications and sudden deteriorations in conditions. Forestcare are experts in installing their own Lifeline equipment in people’s homes and so were chosen as a local accredited installer. Cllr Dale Birch, executive member for adult services, health and housing, said: “This is an excellent scheme which enables patients to take control of their own condition and to help to reduce their anxiety. It not only helps those who might struggle to get to doctors for check-ups on a regular basis, but it also can potentially help to reduce hospital waiting times.” The Telehealth scheme is just one of a number of out-of-hours schemes run by Forestcare. While most residents will be relaxing over the festive period, Bracknell Forest Council’s Forestcare team will be staffing its call centre 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Forestcare monitors 6,000 alarms, which are not just for sheltered accommodation, but also used in private homes or to help vulnerable people both in Bracknell Forest and further afield. The monitors help Forestcare respond to residential fires, elderly people who have fallen, potential burglaries or even check up on people who are working alone to make sure they are safe. �� For more information services provided by Forestcare, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/forestcare or call 01344 786500.

A flawless display this Christmas

Bracknell Forest residents flocked to the town centre on Sunday, November29, for some festive cheer, energetic dancing and fantastic fireworks. This year, enthusiastic fans welcomed dance group Flawless (famous for their success on Britain’s Got Talent) to the town as they flipped, kicked and grooved before the Christmas lights were switched on in Charles Square. Afterwards, a fantastic fireworks display lit up the sky above the town centre amidst many ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from the appreciative crowd. Also on hand during the weekend of festivities was Santa himself. Bracknell Forest youngsters delighted in his reindeer parade on the Saturday (November 28) where they had the opportunity to meet and pat Rudolph and his friends. Graham Mountford, Bracknell town centre manager for Bracknell Forest Council, said: “Turning on the Christmas lights is always a momentous occasion and this year was no different. There was a great, fun atmosphere in the town and Flawless and the fireworks were spectacular. “In the lead up to Christmas there is also plenty of cheer to be found in the town centre. “There are many other activities happening in the run up to the big day and to make the shopping that little bit easier, there is also free car parking for Thursday late night shoppers after 5pm and all day on Sundays.” From now until Christmas there are a host of activities to entice shoppers and to entertain youngsters. Each Thursday night, shoppers will experience a different Christmas from around the world including France, Russia and Australia. Lenny the Land Train makes a welcome return to town each Saturday, as well as children’s craft activities and free face painting. Helen Barnett, marketing manager for Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, said: “There’s something for everyone in the town centre with Christmas shopping and merriment taking place. Local school choirs will be performing regularly to help spread some Christmas cheer. “As always Santa will be spreading merriment from his grotto in Princess Square every day until Christmas Eve. Proceeds from the grotto will be donated to Sebastian’s Action Trust and Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.” For more details on town centre events visit www.bracknell.com