Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice Spring 20201

Brought to you by Bracknell Forest Council Food recycling is coming What’s inside to Bracknell Forest As easy as How will the changes to waste collections work? 1 2 3 See page 5 In January, the council’s decision-making By maximising the opportunities for residents to executive approved changes to the waste recycle, Bracknell Forest is aiming to increase collection service in response to climate change. its recycling performance. Changing the refuse These changes will be introduced in October and collection frequencies allows the new food will impact residents living in houses. collection service to be run with no additional A new weekly food waste collection service will be cost. Government Minister introduced to all houses in Bracknell Forest from 1 – food recycling collection every week Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, MBE, Executive Member recognises family Monday, 5 October. To maximise the performance for Environment, said: “To help us2 – allblue tackle bin recycling the every 2 weekssafeguarding success of the food waste collection service and to offset growing issue of climate change, a new weekly See page 7 the cost, refuse collection frequency will be 3 – land ll waste every 3 weeks food waste collection will start in October 2020 for changed to once every three weeks. When food all houses in Bracknell Forest. waste and all recyclables are removed from the green bin there will be enough capacity in the “By recycling food waste, we are aiming to landfill bin for reducing collection cycles. increase recycling rates by around 10 per cent in the next year while creating renewable energy. It’s We are aiming to recycle approximately 4,000 an environmental win-win. tonnes of food waste per year, this is currently sent to landfill where it creates gases that damage “Additionally, recycling more will help reduce the the environment. By recycling it, food waste will financial cost of throwing waste in landfill, which could cost taxpayers millions of pounds over Heathlands redevelopment be turned into both renewable energy and non- milestone chemical fertilisers. the next few years. This money can instead be ploughed into other essential services, including See page 10 The most recent independent annual waste survey supporting our most vulnerable residents.” of Bracknell Forest households carried out in 2019, also showed that almost 20 per cent of the For more information on how the changes will contents of the average green refuse bin could be work, turn to page five. recycled. Take a look at the recycling checklist on page five to see if you could be recycling more.

Success in tackling rough sleeping in Bracknell Forest See page 11

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Bickerton House care home Warfield Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 2JB (For Sat Nav, use RG12 2JA) careuk.com/bickerton-house Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice 3

Leader’s welcome Business Improvement Hello and welcome to the District to launch this April spring edition of Town & Country.

With the days gradually getting longer and warmer, we’re heading into spring, a season of renewal, new life and new beginnings. In the spirit of the season, why not head to The Lexicon? If you’re planning on getting away later on in the year or need to kit out the family for springtime, The Lexicon is a great place for all your shopping needs. With new names joining all the time, and lots of events and activities planned, there’s plenty to entertain kids and adults of all ages, and I’d encourage you all to head down there. Keep

an eye on The Lexicon website to see what’s coming up. alphaspirit/iStock/Getty Images Plus You will have noticed the work to redevelop Princess Square is near completion, thank you for your patience In October last year businesses in Bracknell voted in favour of while the work continues. It’s great to be able to see the plans to set up a Business Improvement District (BID), securing original shopping centre being given a new lease of life, a significant £3m to be spent on improving the area. helping to bring it more in line with the updated town The majority of businesses voted in favour of setting up the centre. BID, and as a result the borough’s new Business Improvement As you’ll see from both the front page and page five, food District will now come into effect on Wednesday 1, April. waste collections are coming to Bracknell Forest from Businesses with a rateable value of £12,001 or above will pay a October. There’s lots of information in this edition of Town value-based fee, collectively creating a fund of more than £3m & Country, as well as on our website, so please do have a to spend over the next five years. read. Check out when the public information sessions are The Bracknell BID initiative was developed by business running if you have any questions. I hope, like me, you’ll representatives from across southern and western business welcome this new addition to our waste and recycling areas, which formed a BID steering group, working with programme as we work towards reducing the borough’s Bracknell Forest Council. impact on climate change. In celebration of our borough, I’d like to highlight Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, Executive Member for Economic the Community Day that is coming up in June. The Development and Regeneration said: “This is amazing news for Community Day is a day for celebration, song, dance, Bracknell and a testament to the hard work put in by everyone food and culture right in the heart of Bracknell, which we involved. A big thank you and a huge congratulations must go can all look forward to. Turn to page 16, and look out for to all the businesses who rallied and joined forces to ensure we information nearer the time on all that will be going on. secured a business improvement district in Bracknell. This is If you’d like to catch up on council news and updates in part of our ongoing commitment to keep Bracknell a fantastic between the printed editions of Town & Country, we send place to invest and for new businesses.” out a monthly electronic version called Town & Country Extra. You can sign up for Town & Country Extra by visiting: bit.ly/TCExtra. Finally, I’d like to wish all of you a happy Easter, I hope you get time to rest and relax with friends and family, as we Want to be first to know about look forward to new beginnings in Bracknell Forest. town centre events? Cllr Paul Bettison, OBE Then sign up to our town centre newsletter at: Leader of Bracknell Forest Council http://bit.ly/TCEventNews 4 Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice

Find out about Quick links self-service accounts: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ help/my-account-help

Keep these links handy (or bookmarked in your internet browser) to find everyday and useful information you might need from us.

Community groups, organisations and events in your area - https://helpyourself.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Council tax enquiries - www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/council-tax

Refuse collection dates and recycling - www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling

Brown bins - www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/garden-waste

Leisure facilities - www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-services

Jobs - www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/jobs

e+ account - www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/e-plus-card

More than 35,000 residents now have a self-service account, set up yours today! Join the 35,000 residents who have set up a self-service account to make contact with us easier and more convenient. With a self-service account you can log an enquiry with us 24 hours a day, seven days a week using your smartphone, PC or tablet. Registering is easy and enquiries can be logged for street cleansing, Follow us on grounds maintenance, highways, waste and recycling and more. To set up a self-service account in just a couple of minutes, use the link at the top of this page and click ‘register’. www.facebook.com/bracknellforestcouncil

Twitter: @BracknellForest

Bracknell Forest Council About Town & Country

Town & Country is published by Bracknell Forest Council. It is Instagram: @bracknellforest printed on environmentally-friendly paper. Town & Country is delivered to more than 50,000 households in the borough and is also available on our website www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk A summary of Town & Country can be made available in large print, in Braille or an audio cassette. Copies in other languages may also be obtained. Editorial: [email protected] General council enquiries: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk [email protected] Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice 5 How will changes to waste collections work? Residents in houses will be The 23 litre outside caddy will newspaper can also be used community events over provided with two lockable be collected from the kerbside as liners, or residents may the summer to support food waste caddies by each week from October 2020. choose not to line their caddy. residents to get ready for October. These are: A mixture of food items can be While the finer details of the these changes. Residents are • a five-litre caddy for recycled including: scheme are now being worked encouraged to get in touch inside the house out, including food waste with the team to discuss any • all cooked and uncooked questions. Find the event • a 23-litre caddy for collection days, the council food dates and more information outside the house will support residents to get • meat and fish bones on our website at: www. • tea bags and coffee grounds ready for these changes. • More information will be bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ • vegetable peelings, banana foodwaste. skins and apple cores made available in the coming months. You can also sign up to our • • pet food • out of date food (without The waste team will be waste newsletter: bit.ly/ • packaging) attending a number of BFCWasteNewsletter. • • cooking oil in a sealed plastic bottle (this needs to • be in your outdoor caddy on • collection day) • Residents will be provided • with an initial roll of liners for the indoor caddy. Household • items such as bread bags • or cereal bags as well as

Many items can be recycled and collected from What can be recycled? the household blue bins. Check if you are recycling everything possible. What goes in your blue bin: What goes in your green bin: • Plastic pots, tubs and trays – all • Black plastic pots, tubs or trays colours except black • Plastic carrier bags, including bin • Cartons from food and drinks liners • Clean foil and foil trays • Plastic film • Plastic bottles including cleaning • Bubble wrap bottles • Polystyrene • Newspapers, magazines, • Plant pots envelopes and junk mail • Plastic toys or • Paper and cardboard plastic furniture • Tins and cans • Aerosols ✁ 6 Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice Think you can’t recycle? Think again! Our waste disposal partner, re3, want to make UK, including 100 per cent of plastics. Some sure residents are helping to do their bit for materials are sent abroad, but mainly within the environment by recycling properly. Here Europe. It’s still a much better environmental they dispel some common myths that often option than sending them to landfill or using raw put people off recycling. materials to make new products. Myth 1: Recycling doesn’t help the climate Myth 3: It doesn’t matter if I put wet, dirty or crisis and uses more energy than it saves incorrect things in my recycling as it all gets False Recycling makes a real difference sorted out anyway environmentally. Recycling protects the False Putting the wrong things in your recycling environment as it keeps materials in the loop, risks contaminating the whole load and reduces reducing the need to extract natural resources. the quality of the materials that can be recycled. Up to 95 per cent less energy is needed to make Our recycling is sorted at the re3 Material products using recycled materials. Recycling Facility using a range of mechanical photka/iStock/Getty Images Plus Myth 2: Recycling is a waste of time and it all and manual processes. If items are wet or clean, dry and loose in your bin. goes abroad anyway contaminated with food residue they can’t go If you’re not sure what goes in your blue bin, False re3 regularly audits companies that through the process. Incorrect items such as download the re3cyclopedia app, or visit: www. process your recyclables. Recycling is a global plastic bags can also damage machines and industry and re3 aims to recycle materials make the entire process less efficient. re3.org.uk to see a video showing how your as close to home as possible. Currently, a We all have a critical role in recycling responsibly. recyclables are sorted. You can follow re3 on great majority of our waste is recycled in the You can do this by keeping your recyclables social media at: @re3recycling.

Are you planning a trip to the recycling centre?

Please note that windscreen permit stickers are no longer accepted as proof of residency when visiting the recycling centre. Please take along proof of residency such as your driving licence or council tax bill to gain access. A full list of acceptable ID can be found on: www.re3.org.uk.

Bracknell Forest’s Family Services Directory and SEND Local Offer Providing free, impartial information and advice about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and all other family matters. • SEND information all in one place - How to access services and support including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) • Education, childcare and early years funding • Leisure and holiday activities • Advice and support services • Brokerage service for those struggling to find childcare Family Information Service: [email protected] www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/localdirectory

Where can I get help Where is my nearest I’m struggling with my How do I apply for with an EHCP? baby clinic? child’s behaviour – where free 30 hour childcare can I get help? funding? Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice 7 New approach sees child protection cases reduce by a quarter over two years “The wellbeing of local children and families is always our first priority and it’s fantastic to hear the changes we’ve made by working together as a team are having such a positive impact. By reducing the number of families needing more serious interventions, our staff are able to dedicate more time to those most in need and inspire other families to make positive changes for themselves.” Michelle Donelan, Minister for Children and Families at the Department for Education, said: “The team all do so much to build a better future for some of our most vulnerable children, The achievements of our Since the project’s launch, there Education, the family family safeguarding team were has been a 25 per cent reduction safeguarding model brings and with increasing demand for recognised by the Government’s in child protection cases, together professionals in adult children’s social care services, Minister for Children and Families meaning more children are able and children’s social care, mental the family safeguarding model at an event in February, as the to remain safely at home with a health, alcohol and substance has shown promising evidence reduced level of intervention from misuse and domestic violence, team celebrated two years since of safely reducing the number the council. It has also enabled giving families access to, and the family safeguarding model social workers to dedicate more support from, the right team of children coming into care launched in Bracknell Forest. time to supporting families, to help them overcome their and enabling more children to The council launched the family with a 33 per cent reduction individual challenges. It was stay at home, thriving in family safeguarding model in November in ‘caseloads’ - the number of launched in Bracknell Forest environments.” 2017, to support vulnerable families assigned to each social as part of the transformation of children and families to identify worker - as fewer families are services provided to residents. For more information about and work towards the changes needing intensive support. Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive family safeguarding, visit: they need to make to remain First developed in Hertfordshire Member for Children, Young www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ safely living together. with the Department for People and Learning, said: familysafeguarding. Year of the Garden 2020 April will see the launch of the Year of the Garden 2020. The year- long campaign, led by Bracknell Forest Nature Partnership with support from Bracknell Forest Council, celebrates how our gardens and urban spaces are havens for wildlife. The campaign raises awareness about how the populations of some of our most loved species, such as hedgehogs and bumblebees, are in decline and the action we can take to help address this. Throughout the course of the campaign, people will be able to join in with lots of exciting wildlife-themed events and activities that are aimed at improving urban wildlife habitats such as allotments, road verges, backyards and buildings. Find out how you can get involved and learn what simple actions you can take to help improve local urban areas for wildlife at our Year of the Garden 2020 launch event. Come along to Jocks Lane Recreation Image courtesy of Peter Edwards Ground on Sunday, 5 April, from 11am - 2pm. 8 Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice Opportunity Nurture Growth

Open Mornings Come and visit our Friday 20th March, 9.15am family school Friday 24th April, 9.15am Yateley Manor [email protected] 01252 405500 www.yateleymanor.com

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The Government and NHS are well prepared to deal with this virus.

You can help too.

The best way to protect yourself and others is:

Wash your hands with soap and water, or use a sanitiser gel, regularly throughout the day.

Catch your cough or sneeze in a tissue, bin it, and wash your hands.

If you have recently arrived back from specified areas follow the returning traveller advice. Check the list of areas and find out more at nhs.uk/coronavirus

“We poppin, so you can pop out” Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice 9

Horseshoe Lake set to Warm, safe and well benefit from revamp in line The housing team at Bracknell Forest Council has secured additional funding to ensure vulnerable residents can be with residents’ feedback kept warm, safe and well at home. The money will be used to help residents stay warm in their homes as well as offer advice on a number of issues including: • insulation and draught proofing • eligibility for energy company priority lists and how to apply for the warm homes discount • installing gas central heating to replace electric storage heaters The scheme supports people who are over 60, have very young children, are on a low income, or who have a disability or health concerns. Horseshoe Lake is set to benefit from a number of simple The team works with other agencies such as Royal upgrades focussing on improving facilities for users, while Berkshire Fire and Rescue, who supply smoke detectors enhancing the natural character of the site. and can advise on other safety equipment to meet personal Following public feedback, if approved, the new approach will focus needs. on small scale improvements rather than larger scale redevelopment and will ensure nearby Special Protection Areas (SPA) remain If you or a friend or neighbour are struggling to stay warm protected. or safe at home please contact Sustainable Energy Officer, Hazel Hill on: [email protected] to find out The proposed upgrades include: more. • free formalised onsite parking, • an opportunity for a small seasonal catering facility, • enhanced landscaping, offering the opportunity for natural play and discovery in line with Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) status, • improved path surfacing and routes to assist with access, • the retention of the existing watersport activities. The council’s parks and countryside staff are updating the site management plan, which if approved will sensitively deliver these site enhancements and maximise the public’s enjoyment of the open space.

Cllr John Harrison, Executive Member for Culture, Delivery and Public Protection, said: “A number of concerns were raised regarding earlier proposals to develop Horseshoe Lake into a country park. We have listened to these concerns and as a result have reviewed our plans for the site. “The new proposals will see landscaping upgraded to provide children with a better play and discovery experience, an opportunity for a small seasonal refreshment outlet, as well as improved free parking spaces and access. “The improvements will be similar to those seen in our other open spaces and will provide existing visitors with an enhanced experience.”

If given the go ahead, the first project will seek to connect the existing water sports building to mains drainage. This will aim to complete before April this year, with the other projects to be staggered over the next 12 to 18 months, to minimise impact on wildlife and give new plants the best opportunity to establish. Disruption for visitors will be minimal and the area will remain accessible as the enhancements are put in place. For more information about Horseshoe Lake and the proposed enhancements, visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/horseshoelake. 10 Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice

Heathlands healthImprovements and care have included: home redevelopment reaches next milestone monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Work to redevelop the former Heathlands care home has reached undertaken by Stepnell Ltd and the council is working with Frimley a further milestone after the council’s decision-making executive Health NHS Foundation Trust to develop the service model. approved the funding and building contractor for the project. The East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will joint Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and fund the project with the council, which will see the development Housing, said: “This is an exciting step forward in the Heathlands of a 66-bed integrated health and care home. Construction work to redevelopment project and the appointment of our construction redevelop the former site, including site set up and demolition, will be partner gives us a strong base to confidently move forward with this work. “Over the coming months, preliminary work will begin to the site, with main construction work anticipated to start this spring and a projected completion date of autumn 2021. “This ground-breaking joint venture across social care and health will provide specialist care in a modern facility, which has been specifically designed around the core needs of its patients. It will offer a safe and secure environment for patients with dementia or transitioning from hospital to their home. “I very much look forward to working with our partners as work progresses and seeing this much needed facility come to fruition.” Fiona Slevin-Brown, East Berkshire CCG’s Executive Managing Director for Bracknell Forest, said: “We are very excited to be working with the council on the redevelopment of the Heathlands care home, which will enable the improved quality of care services available for our local residents.” monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Joint minerals and waste local plan consultation Bracknell Forest£11.6m Council, along with Reading Borough Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and Wokingham Borough Council, is carrying out a focused consultation on the Joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan for Central and savingEastern Berkshire from now until Monday, 23 March. The consultation document sets out criteria for defining a search area for sand and gravel provision. A new policy has also been drafted which takes into consideration past performance of minerals and waste operators in decision making. The consultation can be accessed via: bit.ly/mineralsandwasteplan. Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice 11

Taking steps to reduce rough sleepers in Bracknell Forest bodnarchuk/iStock/Getty Images Plus

A new dedicated council team a whole package of support, as accommodation, the team Prior to the team’s arrival, the has been working hard to reduce alongside its partner agencies, can offer an intensive package council was unable to provide the number of rough sleepers to address a host of complex of support – including linking support in such a coordinated in the borough, significantly and complicated issues, rather them up with other relevant local way and relied on estimates in reducing the number of people than just finding temporary support services. terms of the number of rough in Bracknell Forest sleeping accommodation. Over the winter months the sleepers and their location. rough from 30 to 12 in just eight Part of the team’s role is to go council’s rough sleeper team months. National figures released by the out and identify and engage has worked closely with local Ministry of Housing, Communities The rough sleeper team was with rough sleepers within partner agencies to build trusting and Local Government (MHCLG) set up in response to the the borough, which can be relationships with rough sleepers earlier this year provide a brief Government’s pledge to eliminate challenging given the majority of and to help them move into snapshot of the borough’s rough rough sleeping by 2027. It Bracknell Forest’s rough sleepers accommodation – many for the sleeper count on one night in includes outreach workers, are located within the borough’s first time in months or years. November 2019, which is why it accommodation and support extensive forests and woodland. To date 22 rough sleepers have officers and a mental health differs from the council’s most Once the workers have met been found a place to live since professional, as part of a holistic up-to-date figures. and spoken with the person August 2019. However, once approach to tackling the issue. sleeping rough, they work to people are housed the story The November snapshot does The team works in conjunction build trust and to help them doesn’t end there, the team not provide a true year-on- with a number of organisations secure accommodation. Building provide intensive wrap around year comparison as the 2018 including health services, drug a relationship with a highly support for as long as they need Bracknell Forest figures were and alcohol addiction services, vulnerable person is not an easy it to help them to adjust to living based on an estimate and the faith and voluntary groups. This task and can take the team in the community, paying bills, 2019 figure was a more accurate enables the council to provide months of perseverance. As well and managing day-to-day life. headcount.

Time is running out to have your say on the Boundary Commission review Time is running out for you to have your say on The Independent Local Government Boundary Commission’s review, which will re-draw ward boundaries across the borough. The first public consultation closes on 16 March, so if you have not yet got involved but would like to do so, please don’t delay. Further information can be found at: www.lgbce.org.uk. 12 Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice

Afternoon tea with prosecco up for grabs in the Bracknell Forest Lottery this Easter Residents playing the Bracknell Forest Lottery towards local good causes and charities. The course dinner with a bottle of wine for two at this Easter will be in with a chance of winning draw takes place every Saturday evening and The Grange Hotel and dinner for four at the an afternoon tea with prosecco for two at The prizes up for grabs include a £25,000 jackpot Tamarind Tree restaurant. The afternoon tea Grange Hotel. for matching a sequence of six numbers, or and prosecco prize is up for grabs in the draw Bracknell Forest Council set up the community smaller prizes of £2,000, £250, £25 or three on Saturday, 11 April. lottery in 2019, which is run by specialist free tickets. company Gatherwell, to help raise money for Bonus prizes won so far have included To buy tickets or to register as a good cause, local good causes an overnight stay for two with dinner and visit: www.bracknellforestlottery.co.uk. Tickets cost just £1 each with 60p going breakfast at The Coppid Beech Hotel, a three-

Get up to £2,000 towards your childcare cost!

Working parents can reduce the cost of childcare With tax-free childcare, working parents can get up to £2,000 towards childcare costs. Parents of a three or four year old can take advantage of the offer at the same time as 30 hours free childcare, maximising the support available, and could save up to £5,000 a year. Apply now for funding starting in the summer term. You must have a valid eligibility code on 31 March to claim 30 hours free childcare in the summer term. Speak to your childcare provider about claiming a funded place or share your eligibility code with your childcare provider via the Citizens Portal https:// oneservices.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/CitizenPortal_LIVE. To find out more and apply Visit the Childcare Choices website today at: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to apply for 30 hours free childcare and tax-free childcare. If you need help with the online application or further information, call the customer interaction centre on 0300 123 4097. For help finding a childcare provider offering funded places, visit the Family Information Service webpage at: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ children-and-family-services/family-information-service. Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice 13

roundabout, to improve driving areas of construction ahead “Local residents and businesses Major conditions for road users. of the major work starting in will be provided with further The work will be carried out summer 2020. information on our construction roadworks at off-peak times to minimise The work will also include a plan well in advance of the main disruption to road users. Road wild way project, which will work. We will ensure the public is closures will be in place overnight concentrate on replanting areas aware of necessary road closures update between the hours of 8pm and of pine trees along the roadside and continue to minimise 6am, Monday to Friday between with native broad-leaved species, disruption where we can.” A322 Downshire Way 16 – 20 March (Bagshot Road) as well as creating habitat Further details, including the improvement work due and 23 March – 15 April (A322 opportunities for wildlife by scheme plans and updates are Downshire Way). planting trees and hedgerows. available at: www.bracknell- to complete four months More information and progress Cllr Chris Turrell, Executive forest.gov.uk/A3095. ahead of schedule updates can be found at: www. Member for Planning and Roadworks on the A322 bracknell-forest.gov.uk/A322. Transport, said: “The A3095 Downshire Way have been improvement scheme will progressing well and we are improve the borough’s now nearing the final phase A3095 improvement work road network, as well of the work, with an expected Our next highway project, as contributing to the completion date of the end of developed with the Thames council’s current plans April, four months ahead of Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise for development schedule. Partnership (LEP), will be to growth. The final phase of work improve both the Hanworth involves laying the road surface roundabout and Golden throughout the carriageway. We Retriever junction on the A3095 will also be taking the opportunity Crowthorne Road. Preparation to resurface the northbound work began in late February with carriageway of the A322 Bagshot some tree removal ahead of the Road at the same time, between bird nesting season. This work the sports centre roundabout involved clearing trees and Thomas-Soellner/iStock/Getty Images Plus and the Horse and Groom vegetation within planned

NEW TOYOTA C-HR DESIGN SELF-CHARGING HYBRID 0% APR £249 REPRESENTATIVE PER MONTH^ OVER 36 MONTHS*

Jemca Toyota Bracknell Jemca Toyota Reading John Nike Way Rose Kiln Lane Bracknell, Berkshire Reading, Berkshire RG12 8TN RG2 0LJ 01344 789789 0118 907 9768 jemcabracknell.toyota.co.uk jemcareading.toyota.co.uk

*0% APR Representative only available on new retail orders of C-HR Hybrid between 17th December 2019 and 31st March 2020 and registered and financed through Toyota Financial Services by 30th June 2020 on a 36 month AccessToyota (PCP) plan with 0%-35% deposit. ^Payment shown is based on a 36 month AccessToyota (PCP) contract with £5,975 customer deposit and Guaranteed Future Value/Optional Final Payment. Toyota Financial Services is a trading name of Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC; registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. 8,000 miles per annum, excess miles over contracted charged at 10p per mile. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Participating Toyota Centres. Affordable finance through AccessToyota (PCP). Terms and conditions apply. Model shown is C-HR Hybrid Design 1.8 VVT-I Auto £28,550 including optional metallic paint at £545. Prices correct at time of being published. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty. Terms and conditions apply. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km): combined 54.3 (5.2) - 57.6 (4.9). Combined CO2 86 g/km. Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption and CO2 produced varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which replaces the New European Driving Cycle test procedure (NEDC). All CO2 figures quoted are NEDC equivalent. This means the CO2 figures are based on the new WLTP test procedure but calculated (using a standard European calculation method) to allow comparison with the NEDC test procedure. The NEDC equivalent figures will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. All mpg figures quoted are full WLTP figures. More information can be found by visiting: [https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/environment/wltp]. The official2 CO figures for vehicles will change as from 6 April 2020, due to a change in the official method of calculation. 2CO figures are used in the calculation of Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) for new cars during their first year of registration. As a result, all 2CO figures, car tax and recommended 'on the road' prices for new vehicles are subject to change for vehicles registered after 6 April 2020. Please consult contact your local Toyota Centre for further information. 14 Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice

New health and wellbeing website to help focusing on health and wellbeing. Students were asked to submit artwork around one of the health and wellbeing topics children and young people Thrive! displayed on the website. The public health team at Bracknell Forest Council has Visit Thrive! at: thrive.bracknell-forest.gov.uk. launched a new website to support children and young people’s health and wellbeing. The website, called Thrive!, gives teachers, parents, carers and professionals access to resources, information and support covering a variety of topics that are outlined in the new relationships and health education guidance from the Department of Education. The new guidance aims to better equip children and young people to be more resilient in today’s world, where we know that issues such as cyberbullying and online safety are becoming increasingly significant. Lesson plans and resources cover topics such as healthy relationships, how to stay safe online, anti-bullying, resilience, mental health and emotional wellbeing, physical health and healthy eating. Additional features include information on staff wellbeing, examples of how schools and pupils have used best practice to support health and wellbeing; and links to local public health services such as Bracknell Forest Community Map. Students from local primary and secondary schools were asked Two of the winning entries from Jennett’s Park CE Primary School. to help launch the website by taking part in an arts competition re3grow School Governors are compost now people like available! re3grow, a high-quality, peat-free compost you is back on sale for 2020. Made from at least 90 per cent recycled garden waste from Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham boroughs, re3grow compost is a great example of recycling transformation, turning waste into a valuable resource. Interested in influencing the Each year, re3 processes around 25,000 tonnes of garden future of young people? waste. The material is collected from the kerbside or deposited at recycling centres, and then delivered to a local composting facility where it is screened, matured and bagged. Want to use your skills and re3grow is available for residents to purchase at Longshot Lane develop new ones? recycling centre in Bracknell and Smallmead recycling centre in Reading, at £3.50 for a 40L bag or three bags for £10. Email: [email protected] Visit: re3.fccenvironment.co.uk for more information. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/schoolgovernors Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice 15 All aboard The Lexicon Easter Express! Bracknell Forest Looking for something to keep the whole family entertained during the photo competition Easter break? Then hop on board The Lexicon Express for a fun ride Two photos have been chosen as the around the town centre between Monday, 6 April to Sunday, 19 April. winning entries of this year’s Bracknell Available each day (excluding Easter Sunday, 12 April), the train will take passengers on a fun, Forest photo competition, which Easter-themed ride through the town centre. celebrates what inspires people about For a suggested £1 donation, passengers can stop at designated spots around The Lexicon, living and working in the borough. with money raised going to The Lexicon Charity Fund. The winner of the adult category and For more information, visit: www.thelexiconbracknell.com. of a £100 The Lexicon gift card was Graham Butcher, for his stunning photo of a wasp on a yellow flower at Savernake Park. Crowthorne resident, 15 year old Finley Saunders won top spot in the under 18 category and a £50 gift card for his self-portrait mountain biking in Swinley Forest.

Feeling low or anxious? Needing support to get back to independence?

The Bracknell Forest Community Network connects people aged 18+ experiencing stress, anxiety or low mood to develop confidence, interests and hobbies, life skills, and resilience.

Contact the Bracknell Forest Community Network by: Tel: 01344 823300 or Email: [email protected] 16 Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice Bracknell Community Day

Bracknell Community Day will be held on Saturday, 20 June in The Lexicon. Involve Community Services work with voluntary cultural and community groups, and Bracknell Community Day is a celebration of their work. With music, dance, street food and stalls, the town centre will be alive with everything that makes Bracknell special.

Do you run a local community group and would you like to get involved? Contact Diane Benford on 01344 304404.

Save the Date BRACKNELL COMMUNITY DAY Saturday 20 June 2020

11am - 4pm @ The Lexicon ‘Music, Song and Dance’

The Lexicon Bracknell Half Marathon Looking for a new challenge for 2020? Entries are now open for The Lexicon Bracknell Half Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, 10 May. With three months to train, this is an ideal way to get fit in 2020! For more information and to register, visit: bit.ly/LBHalf. Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice RegisterRegister forfor aa self-serviceself-service account:account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservicewww.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice 1717 Bracknell Forest Council budget 2020/2021

The final budget, including the agreed level of council tax for 2020/2021, was agreed by Bracknell Forest Council at its full council meeting on Wednesday, 26 February.

Preparations for the 2020/21 budget increase council tax by 3.99 per make our budget decisions in the income that we have benefited began last summer during a time cent for 2020/21. This equates to most measured way possible, to from in recent years, which helps of unprecedented levels of demand approximately £1 extra per week for ensure we can continue to provide a to fund our current revenue budget. an average Band D property. for services and uncertainty around wide range of essential services for This is due to the Government’s Government funding. residents. Two per cent of the total increase commitment to introduce significant During the current year, the cost to will solely fund additional social care “We have sought savings across all changes to the local government the council of providing social care costs and the remaining 1.99 per our services to ensure our budget funding system in 2021/22. services to vulnerable children and cent will support the overall budget, is not overspent, however, we head adults has increased to £6m above contributing an extra £2.4m of towards our 2020/21 budget with “We, like many other local budgeted levels. Such an increase ongoing funding. service pressures of £8m, which will authorities, will inevitably face is not unknown in local authorities Despite this increase and a one-off require us to examine all areas of further financial difficulties in the and isn’t unique to Bracknell Forest. Government grant, the council will expenditure very closely. We have coming months and years, but as It is reflective of both the increase already identified savings of almost still need to use £400,000 from its ever, we will face these challenges in people requiring support and the reserves to balance the budget and £5m and we will be working closely head on. Through forward planning high costs of providing complex maintain services. with the small number of service and a proven track record of sound care. Cllr Peter Heydon, Executive users potentially affected to minimise financial management, we will ensure To support the ongoing financial Member for Transformation and any impact on them. pressures of providing vital social Finance, said: “We understand “As we look toward our future, we our frontline services, especially care services, the council has an increase in council tax is never know that Bracknell Forest is set those supporting vulnerable people, confirmed the difficult decision to welcomed. We do our utmost to to lose significant business rates continue to be protected.” How your £1 is spent

Waste Support Adult Social Management Services Care 8p 7p 35p Other Early Help and Services Early Years 6p 6p

Planning & Debt Regeneration Financing 5p 4p

Councillors and Democracy Children & Families Highways Social Care Maintenance 2p 3p 22p Libraries 2p 18 Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice

Green travel trial

Two secondary schools in Bracknell Forest have been chosen to trial a new scheme which aims to encourage pupils to make green travel choices. Pupils who walk, cycle or use public transport for their school journey will be rewarded in points, which could turn in to prizes and retailer discounts.

The Eco Rewards Scheme will be launched jointly by Bracknell Forest Council and The Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in the coming weeks. Garth Hill College and Easthampstead Park Community School have been chosen to take part in the nine-month trial, which will ask participants to record their journey choices by tapping their touch cards on special readers placed on routes specific to each school, or via an online form.

The card readers will send the data back over the Smart Berkshire private Internet of Things (IOT) network and over time, participants will see the carbon savings grow both as an individual and as a member of their school community.

monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Jade Age 14 Ryan Josh Age 3 Age 10 Harry 8 Pablo Tom Luke Age 15 Sarah Age 11 Change Age 13 Sam Age 10 Tyler children’s Age 7 12 Jeff Age 8 Emily lives Megan Andrew Age 13 Ben Age 14 Age 14 Ben Jack 7 Emma Age 10 Age 10 Age 10

Bracknell Forest Fostering is urgently seeking short-term foster carers for local children. There is no experience needed however you will need a spare bedroom, time to devote to a young person and a caring nature. In return, we offer up to £425 per week (per child), specialist training and a huge amount of support.

For more information contact our recruitment officer, Sarah Crawforth, quoting Town & Country: Email: [email protected] www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/fostering Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice RegisterRegister forfor aa self-serviceself-service account:account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservicewww.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice 19

Want to know what’s on in your area? Then Help Yourself to all Bracknell Bracknell Forest has to offer! Forest Council meetings

MARCH Mon 9 5.30pm Bracknell Town Centre Regeneration Committee Tue 10 5pm Executive Tue 10 7.30pm Overview & Scrutiny Commission Tues 17 5pm Corporate Parenting

elenabs/iStock/Getty Images Plus Advocacy Panel Thu 19 7.30pm Planning Committee If you have an event, club, or organisation you would like to promote, Wed 25 7.30pm Governance & Audit these can be featured on our community website, Bracknell Forest Committee Help Yourself. To be included on Help Yourself email: APRIL [email protected]. Thu 2 7.30pm Overview & Scrutiny Commission What is Bracknell Forest Help Yourself? Wed 22 7.30pm Council monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images Plus Local community groups and voluntary organisations have come together with the council to Thu 23 7.30pm Planning Committee create Bracknell Forest Help Yourself, an innovative community website that everyone can Tue 28 5pm Executive use to help them stay fit, healthy and connected to their community. There are more than 400 organisations currently listed on Help Yourself with more to be added over time. Visit: helpyourself.bracknell-forest.gov.uk. MAY Wed 20 7.30pm Council The platform has been created to help ensure people of all ages and abilities are able to access information on the activities and support available locally to meet their needs Thu 21 7.30pm Planning Committee and interests. It is a comprehensive online guide so people can easily find things to do, Wed 27 7.30pm Overview & Scrutiny organisations to support them or simply help them to meet like-minded people. Commission Features include a community map so residents can find events and social groups available locally, a wellbeing planner to allow people to identify how they can improve their wellbeing JUNE and a search tool for those looking for a particular activity. Tue 2 5pm Executive Bracknell Forest Help Yourself also supports people with social care needs as information is Mon 15 5.30pm Bracknell Town Centre Regeneration available on agencies which provide support at home, businesses that can deliver meals and Committee registered care homes for people who no longer feel able to live in their own home. Tue 16 5pm Corporate Parenting Advocacy Panel Thu 18 7.30pm Planning Committee Wed 24 7.30pm Governance & Audit Committee

All meetings will be held at Time Square unless otherwise stated. Details correct at time of going to press. Rawpixel/iStock/Getty Images Plus 20 Register for a self-service account: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/selfservice

Can these be recycled?

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP re3cyclopedia CAN THESE BE RECYCLED? #knowyourplastic More information on: www.re3.org.uk /re3recycling @re3recycling /re3recycling www.councilwebsite.com/recyclingpage

271852_Recycle for London_6sht_ Artworker Date Proof Quality Control 1800x1200mm PG 02.05.19 4 Head of Design Client: Recycle for London AS 30.04.19 3 MH 29.04.19 2 Proofreader Description: OOH AS 24.04.19 1 Studio Manager Size: 1800x1200mm Traffic: Matt Hopkins No Quality Control

REPRO: Please check A/W files for correct trapping. This is your responsibility.