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Have your say on key planning document helping to tackle climate change

 

You are invited to help finalise a critical planning document, designed to ensure sustainability and tackling climate change are fully considered in the Royal Borough’s future growth and development.

 

We're holding a six-week consultation, until midnight on Monday 27 November, on the draft of our Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

 

The SPD aims to shape new development in the direction of net zero carbon, protect and enhance the natural environment, drive carbon reductions in the borough and deliver wider climate change mitigations and adaptations. A key action within the council’s Environment and Climate Strategy, it will guide developers in preparing their planning applications and will be considered in planning decisions and appeals.


How can you get involved?

 

You can visit our website to view the draft SPD document and leave your comments by completing the online feedback form. To get involved in the consultation, you are invited to attend one of the below sessions:

 

  • Thursday 2 November, 2pm to 6.30pm – Maidenhead Library drop-in event
  • Wednesday 8 November, 6pm to 7.30pm – Online webinar via Microsoft Teams. The link for joining will be added to our website
  • Tuesday 14 November, 2pm to 6.30pm – Windsor Library drop-in event

 

If you don’t have online access, you are welcome to use the public-access computers available at all local libraries. If you require paper copies of the response form, these are also available from all libraries upon request. Paper copies of all the consultation documents will be available in Maidenhead, Windsor and Ascot libraries for the duration of the consultation.


Read more in our press release.

New Sixth Form Centre opens at Windsor Girls’ School to meet demand for places

 

Students and teachers are now using a new Sixth Form Centre, recently opened at Windsor Girls’ School, as part of our ongoing investment to meet demand for school places.

 

The £3.6m investment includes six new high-quality classrooms at the front of the school, along with two all-weather sports pitches, and increases the number of students admitted in each year group from 208 to 230 pupils.

 

Our Property Company delivered the project on behalf of Achieving for Children, our children's services partner, with the team working closely with the school to ensure the new facilities met their requirements.


Read more in our press release.

Proposal to give sports pavilion at Braywick Park new lease of life to be considered by Cabinet


Cabinet will consider proposals next week to give a sports pavilion at Braywick Park, Maidenhead a new lease of life by creating a centre of excellence for padel tennis.


Terms have been agreed with Berkshire Padel to take a new 20-year lease on the former Sportsable building.


An officer report to be considered on Wednesday 25 October, says that Berkshire Padel would invest significant capital into refurbishing and improving the building and constructing internal and external padel tennis courts to deliver a new sporting facility for the borough.


This would also generate strong rental income – more than £1m over 20 years – to support council services and would avoid ongoing maintenance costs for the council.


The building is currently in poor condition and requires significant investment to bring it back into use. The letting, if approved, is conditional on Berkshire Padel obtaining planning permission for the works proposed, and on the approval of a Public Open Space disposal for a small external area that will used for the outside courts. Read more in our press release.

Trading Standards prosecution sees business and director fined for breaching tobacco packaging regulations


A Sunninghill business and its director have been prosecuted following an investigation by our Trading Standards team where 3,800 cigarettes were discovered that did not comply with UK packaging legislation.


J&B Stores Ltd, trading as Sunninghill Wines, in Sunninghill Road, was also found to have 14 tubs of shisha and 11 packets of cigars that failed to comply.


The products cannot legally be sold in the UK as they didn’t display the UK duty stamp and were non-compliant with UK tobacco labelling regulations – the wording on the products was in Polish - so did not bear the correct information and warnings that UK regulations require.


The items were discovered when our Trading Standards officers undertook inspections of various shops with the help of tobacco sniffer dog Yoyo, pictured with the seized items.


Read more in our press release.

Reminder: Help refresh the council's priorities

 

There still time to help shape a new strategy that’ll set out refreshed priorities for us and the place we serve – and we want to hear from the community to inform this vision.

 

The new Corporate Plan will focus planning, decision-making and delivery across the council around areas where change needs to be driven most. Within the context of a very challenging financial position, the plan will help to prioritise our budget, how we deliver services and work with partners.

 

Achieving financial stability is our top, urgent priority. Intensive work continues to reduce spending and increase income, with us committed to taking further immediate and significant action to address the budget gap.

 

How can you get involved?

 

We've launched an information pack to enable anyone to run their own engagement workshops with their community or group. Simply download the pack and share feedback from your sessions until Sunday 5 November.


Visit our website here or use the public-access computers available at all local libraries. If you require paper copies, these are also available from libraries upon request. Read more in our press release.

Recycle Week 2023 - Increasing recycling in the Royal Borough


We've been supporting Recycle Week, Recycle Now’s flagship annual event which is a celebration of recycling across the nation.


This year’s theme - The Big Recycling Hunt - focuses on 'missed capture' - the items that can be recycled but are commonly missed in the home.


Our campaign has been raising awareness of the items that can be recycled that you may not be aware of, encouraging the recycling of more of the right things while promoting responsible disposal of waste to avoid contaminating your bin.


We've also shared information on what items can be recycled in-store, as well as our handy video of what can be disposed of in your food waste bin.


Take a look at our website to see the items you can and can't recycle, and keep an eye out on Facebook and X for further handy information, tips and advice.

Calling all jobseekers! Attend our jobs fair

 

A jobs fair will take place at Maidenhead Library on Tuesday 14 November from 10.30am to 1pm.

 

Jobseekers will have the opportunity to meet local employers and find out about their current vacancies. There’s no need to book, just turn up on the day.



Employers who wish to attend the event should contact maidenhead.library@rbwm.gov.uk or berks.employerteam@dwp.gov.uk

 

For more information, please visit our employment support webpage.

Healthcare World Café in Ascot


Local healthcare is the topic of a special one-off World Café being held in Ascot on Thursday 16 November.


Meet representatives from Ascot’s four GP surgeries, along with other health organisations, for your thoughts and ideas on local healthcare plus explore if community partnerships could also help deliver the services and support you need.


This networking event is being held at Ascot Durning Library in the High Street, from 3.30 to 5.30pm. There’s no need to book. Just turn up. Refreshments will be available.


Our informal World Cafés let you share what matters most in your neighbourhood. Their aim is to find solutions to local issues, as well as discover relevant support and connect with fellow residents.

Staying safe with fireworks

 

If you’re celebrating Bonfire Night on 5 November or Diwali on 12 November at home, make sure you buy your fireworks from a licensed seller, handle them responsibly, and follow the Firework Code.

 

Remember, fireworks can be frightening for people and animals, so let your neighbours know in advance and look after your pets.

 

Our Trading Standards officers are visiting businesses licensed to store and sell fireworks in the run up to Bonfire Night and Diwali.

 

They will conduct safety inspections, check storage arrangements, remind them about responsible selling and check fire safety measures.

 

Further safety advice can be found here.

Royal Borough Community Spotlight


Here are just some of the upcoming community events and volunteering opportunities in the Royal Borough:


  • The Maidenhead Town Show (Saturday 21 October). The 10th annual show will take place on High Street and at the Nicholsons Centre. This free, family-focussed event has more than 30 artisan stalls and food vendors, competitions, musical performances, entertainment and activities for children, a raffle and fun dog show. It raises funds for children’s charities – Family Friends RBWM and GOSH, as part of One Great Day. For more information, visit the website. For more information on the classes and entry fees, see the website.


  • Monthly bazaar (Saturday 21 October, 10am to 11.30am) - St Marks Crescent Methodist Church, Allenby Road, SL6 6BQ. Stalls available with items at reasonable prices. Delicious home baked cakes, stationery, books, CDs, DVDs, bric-a-brac, and, this month, Chris's Crafts will be at the bazaar with home-made items for gifts or the home. Raffle with various donated prizes. All welcome - free entry. All proceeds go to St Marks Crescent Methodist Church Fund. Contact info@stmarksmaidenhead.org.uk.


  • Tales for Children (Saturday 21 October, 2pm) - Maidenhead Quaker Meeting House, West Street SL6 1RL (next to the Portland Arms). If you’re three or 30, nine or 90 this, and other tales, are for you. Storyteller David England will be reading the tales.



  • Maidenhead Festival of Music & Dance (Monday 23 October) Starts with the dance section of the festival at Furze Platt School. For more information, visit the website.


  • Special Stories and Rhymes with PC Ben (Monday 23 October, 11am - midday, Horton Library and Wednesday 25 October, 3:30pm, Windsor Library). For more information on storytimes at other libraries, visit the website.


  • Byzantine Mosaics (Wednesday 25 October, 1.30pm) - Old Windsor Memorial Hall, SL4 2RN. The Arts Society Windsor hosts its next lecture by Jane Angelini. Visitors welcome, £7 entry. New members also welcome. For further details, visit the website.


  • Magical Flutes with Jonathan Morgan & Jenny Thomas (Sunday 29 October, 7pm) - All Saints Church, Frances Rd, Windsor SL4 3AJ. Composers to include Telemann, W.F. Bach, Hotteterre, De Fesch & Handel. Tickets £15 from Eventbrite or cash on the door.


  • Lions Club of Windsor Swimathon (Sunday 29 October) - St George’s School, Ascot. Register a team or multiple of teams and swim for your nominated charity. Each team member should aim to collect as much sponsorship as possible. To enter a team or teams, please register via the website.


  • GoodGym Windsor and Maidenhead (Wednesday 1 November, 6.45pm to 8.30pm) - Meet at Maidenhead Community Centre, 4 Marlow Road for Gardening with Nature's Haven. On Wednesday 22 November, Burchetts Green CE Infant School are welcoming the group to its leafy playground to help with jobs such as sweeping leaves, cutting back hedges and weeding. More information here.


  • Pub & Pastries Seniors Social (Monday 6 November, 11am to 12.30pm, and every first Monday of the month) - The Fox & Castle Pub, Old Windsor. Relaxed, friendly, sociable gathering for seniors, their friends and family. Warm and welcoming to those experiencing dementia and other conditions, at any age, and any stage. Free attendance and sweet treats. Small charge for quality hot drinks. More information here or email jo.halstead@homeinstead.co.uk or call 01784 335 804.


  • Soulpaint Virtual Reality (Tuesday 7 to Saturday 18 November) - Maidenhead Library. Join for a unique, free two week event that combines the power of art with the benefits of health and wellness as you engage in a virtual reality exploration of your inner self. Find out more information on the poster or leaflet. Book your place on Eventbrite.


  • Autumble table top sale (Saturday 18 November, 10am to midday) - Clewer Green First School, Hatch Lane, Windsor SL4 3RL. Entry for buyers is free and it’s a great chance to pick up some pre-loved bargains. There are still a few seller tables left to book, which are £10 each with sellers taking home all profits on the day. To book a table email friendsclewergreen@gmail.com.


  • Autism in Girls Talk (Tuesday 21 November, 7pm) - Furze Platt Senior School Theatre. We are joined by Cathy Wassell, who runs the charity, Autism in Girls Network, to talk about how girls are often diagnosed much later than boys due to misconceptions about how autism presents itself. Cathy, who runs the charity, Autism in Girls Network, can talk both personally and professionally about the challenges of getting a diagnosis and gives practical tips and techniques for those who care for children and teenagers. Tickets cost £5. Book here.


  • The Sound Crowd (Friday nights, 6pm) - The Old Court, St Leonards Road, Windsor SL4 3BL. This three-part choir established in 2010 sings rock, pop, soul and more. It's a pay as you go choir and the perfect way to kick start your weekend. First session free. Contact Dan at thesoundcrowd@gmail.com for more information, or just rock up and get singing.  


  • Volunteer drivers needed for Maidenhead Care. The group is looking volunteer drivers to transport mainly elderly Maidenhead residents to appointments both in the local area and further afield. Fuel expenses covered. For more information visit the website or contact 07538 418448.


If you have an upcoming not-for-profit community event or appeal for volunteers you’d like to promote in this newsletter, simply send basic information about your event to communications@rbwm.gov.uk and it could be shared with more than 21,000 local residents.


You just need to include a brief description, when and where it takes place, and a link to a website/social media page/contact where people can find out more.


To see further volunteering opportunities in the borough, or for another way for community organisations to promote volunteering opportunities, please visit RBWM Together.

Local Travel Updates


Council highways works


For details of further council works on highways, visit our website. For full local roadwork details, including work by utility firms, please visit the One Network website.

Keep in touch


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