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MPs behind fair trade
22 May 2008
Wokingham MP John Redwood, Maidenhead MP Theresa May, Bracknell
MP Andrew McKay and Reading East MP Rob Wilson all pledged their
support to coincide with World Fair Trade Day, which took place
on Saturday, May 8. http://www.wokingham-fairtrade.org.uk/
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Car owners to face stricter litter fines?
16 Apr
2008
"Registered keepers of vehicles can be prosecuted for speeding if
details of the offender are given, so why not for littering?"
Paul Bettison told the Times.
"No-one is complacent about the problem and councils will
continue to crank up their operations to catch and prosecute
those who mindlessly throw their rubbish out on the streets and
blight England's landscape." BBC
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Maternity unit
at Heatherwood hospital
27 Mar 2008
Volunteers from the National Childbirth Trust are campaigning for
the retention of a maternity unit at Heatherwood hospital
Andrew MacKay - a campaign supporter - said: "I particularly
share their concerns about the future of the maternity unit at
Heatherwood which is used by the majority of mothers from
Bracknell." Mr MacKay voiced his fears for the hospital in London
Road, Ascot, last summer when the unit was closed due to a
shortage of staff. See also www.rightcarerightplace.nhs.uk
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Affordable housing across Berkshire
21 Mar
2008
Government Plans to address affordable housing have not impressed
a borough housing chief.
Cllr Birch said: "I don't think the Government is doing enough to
listen to what local people are saying about housing needs.
Centralised control of housing is turning out to be a disaster."
BFBC News
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e-Government National Awards 2007
19 Mar 2008
Bracknell Forest as the top unitary authority in KPI 1, KPI 2 and
KPI1.
The SOCITM Better Connected 2007 Report states that 'Bracknell
Forest out performs other unitaries in the South East and
elsewhere' in terms of website take-up. This report attributes
our success is due to strong local leadership, 'Bracknell Forest
has a leader (Paul Bettison) who has made it very clear that this
is the way forward for service improvement and cost reduction
BFBC News
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Council
awarded the highest rating
7 Feb 2008
Bracknell Forest Borough Council is one of the top performing
councils in the country, according to this year's national star
rating results
An Audit Commission report for councils in England looked at
performance across a range of services such as education, elderly
care, housing and recycling.
BFBC News
Times online
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Health care in Bracknell Forest - "Right Care Right
Place"
Feb 4 2008
Berkshire East Primary Care Trust (PCT) is consulting the public
through a series of Right Care, Right Place meetings until April
1 to help it decide what changes are needed and wanted
The proposed changes include a centre in Bracknell town
centre.
See also www.rightcarerightplace.nhs.uk
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Recycling services in central Berkshire
20 Jan
2008
The Central Berkshire Waste Partnership - which is made up of
Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham borough councils - has
unveiled a state-of-the-art household waste recycling centre on
Island Road, on the site of a former CA facility.
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Two threatened Post Offices
Dec 18 2007
Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay is urging Bracknell and Sandhurst
people to fight for two threatened post offices if they want to
keep them.
The Post Office opened a six-week public consultation period that
will give people the opportunity to make their views heard before
the Post Office reaches a decision Post Office
Closures
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Fears for Heatherwood Hospital
Dec 5 2007
Mr Bryant of Priestwood is so worried about the future of
Heatherwood that he has launched a petition asking Prime Minister
Gordon Brown to intervene in the erosion of services at the
hospital.
MP Andrew MacKay said: "I am very worried that in the strange
reorganisation of the NHS the government has been recently
undertaking that Heatherwood could be sold off for possible
development. This could mean hospital facilities would be moved
much further away from my constituents in Bracknell and this
would be a disaster."
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Heatherwood
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Environmentally
Friendly Buildings
Dec 5 2007
The
Borough Council has called on developers to design buildings
with "high levels of energy efficiency".
The proposal includes measures for minimising pollution and will
form part of the borough's planning policy. Residents have until
11 January to lodge their views.
http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ldf
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Staff College Site
Dec 5 2007
A public inquiry into the former RAF staff college site in
Bracknell will begin soon.
For more information about the group protesting against the
applications visit www.bycar.com/SCRAM.
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Adult Social Care Services Star Performance
Nov 29
2007
Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and
Housing, said: I'm delighted the inspectors have recognised the
hard work of staff and the strong management of the department,
which has really helped improve and modernise the services we
offer. Our service users and their carers and families often tell
us we are doing a great job for their relative or friend and it
is especially nice when all that hard work is recognised by
inspectors.
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Platforms at Waterloo Station
Nov 17 2007
MP Andrew MacKay has backed a motion calling for the platforms at
Waterloo Station, which formerly housed high speed Eurostar
trains, to be used by commuter services on the Reading-Waterloo
line instead.
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Amen Corner Area Action Plan
Nov 1 2007
The Amen Corner AAP will identify the type and level of
development for the site, the distribution and layout of uses
across the site and the measures that will be required to support
the development.
AAP (Council Website)
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Residents of Bracknell Forest are, on the whole,pretty good
recyclers
Nov 1 2007
Councils in England are to be granted powers to tax households on
how much rubbish they throw away, but people living in Bracknell
Forest will escape the charges thanks to their environmentally
friendly ethos
Cllr Bettison said: "I can see absolutely no need to implement it
in Bracknell ...
"We are now recycling 41% of our waste, which is brilliant.
People in Bracknell Forest should be very proud of
themselves."
Today Program Radio 4
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Council's Core Strategy, found 'sound' by an
Independent Inspector
Oct 30 2007
The Borough's core strategy is the first in the Thames Valley to
be approved by a Government inspector.
Cllr Mary Ballin said: "The purpose of the core strategy is to
have strong policies which will control all aspects of
development and protect our environment and the quality of life
of our residents."
Borough Council Website
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MacKay makes most influential list
Oct 17 2007
Bracknell's MP, admitted he was surprised at making it to 21st on
the list, which was published by the Daily Telegraph on
Wednesday, October 3.
He has been a senior political and parliamentary adviser to
current leader David Cameron since December 2005.
Daily Telegraph -
Article
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Waste Policy
Oct 4 2007
Borough environment leader Cllr Dorothy Hayes said: "We are ahead
of the game in terms of what other councils are doing. We know we
are running out of space to put all the rubbish and we need to
make sure that when our children's children grow up they are not
left with a terrible mess."
Consultation - runs until Monday,
November 5
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Park warden arrested after tackling yob urinating in paddling
pool
Sep 15 2007
Chris Turrell, leader of Bracknell Town Council, accused police
of failing to patrol the park. He said: "What the boys did was
completely unreasonable, and it is something the police have to
follow up. "People in the area have quite rightly come to the
support of our warden. He took a personal risk. "The police have
to show better support for our people and a better physical
presence
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New calls for a Bracknell hospital
Sep 8 2007
Petitioners say the current situation is difficult for those
without their own transport to reach a hospital in case of an
emergency.
Link to Petition
Cllr Dale Birch said any help to raise the awareness of the need
for a Bracknell hospital was appreciated.
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More homes thrown out at Staff College site
Aug 22
2007
council planners and councillors refused permission for the 100
flats for seven reasons, including inadequate car parking and
road safety and the flats being out of keeping with the character
of the area
About Planning
67 extra homes were refused on five grounds,including loss of
open space, impact on the Thames Basin Heath special protection
area and the impact on local services
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Operation Lion Cub a roaring success.
Aug 22
2007
Bracknell Forest Borough Council public protection leader Cllr
Iain McCracken said: "Operation Lion Club has had a noticeable
effect and has really had a positive impact on reducing
antisocial behaviour in the borough.
Police Report
Members of the public were recruited to inform police about
hoodies misbehaving during the summer holidays.
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First phase of the move towards a new town centre.
Aug 14 2007
Work begins to collect soil samples and assess the structure of
the ground in advance of the major building works planned.
More Information
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Draft health and wellbeing strategy
Jun 8 2007
Proposals to safeguard a healthy future for the borough have been
laid out in the new healthcare action plan
Document
One of the main objectives of the strategy is to make sure
efforts for a community hospital in Bracknell are pushed
ahead.
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Election RESULT!
May 10 2007
Conservatives have tightened their grip on Bracknell Forest
Borough Council.
More:
Bracknell News
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Bracknell's Railway Stations
May 3 2007
Andrew MacKay is lobbying for improvements to be made to both
Bracknell's main station and Martin's Heron.
He said: "I am really concerned as various constituents have
contacted me about how difficult it is for them to access the
train station.
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Website 'Xpresionz' launches
Mar 13 2007
A website for young people was launched with the aim of offering
advice and services to young people across the borough. The
website http://www.xpresionz.co.uk offers
practical help and advice for young people aged 11 to 19 years
old.
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Council provides good value
Mar 6 2007
The Council is improving its services while achieving good
customer satisfaction and value for money, according to the Audit
Commission.
Bracknell Forest will still have one of the lowest council tax
rates in England
More -
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Council tax
Feb 22 2007
Council leader Cllr Paul Bettison said: "We must remember not to
get tied up purely on percentages. A 4.9% increase in Bracknell
Forest is a lower increase than if Reading or Wokingham increased
theirs by the same amount.
Bracknell Forest will still have one of the lowest council tax
rates in England
Where it goes -
further report - Documentation
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Global Warming
Jan 30 2007
Bracknell Forest is set to play its part in fighting global
warming.
See also BFBC News and The Nottingham Declaration
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Healthplex? - "Right Care Right Place"
Jan 25
2007
The PCT is in talks for the 'community facility' for Bracknell
Forest but does not know how big it will be or the kind of
services it will include until the consultation ends in March
See also www.rightcarerightplace.nhs.uk
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What's happening to our hospitals?
Jan 23 2007
Councillors piled pressure on the boss of Heatherwood and Wexham
Park hospitals to declare the fate of the two sites at a
meeting.
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Healthcare under-funded by £4 million a year
Dec 6 2006
The revelation came at a health scrutiny meeting.
News of the deficit has angered members of the council who say
they have been regularly told finances have been fairly
distributed.
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Bracknell Forest roads
Nov 6 2006
Fewer people are injured or killed on Bracknell Forest roads than anywhere else in the South East.
Councillor Dale Birch said he
was pleased with the low number of incidents in the survey and it proved the council took road safety very seriously.
Cllr Birch said the fact the council provided a
safer road network for residents was part of its strategy
to give people a healthier environment.
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Report
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What People Can Do, What Society Can Do - Constituency Engagements - Sub-Post-Offices.
Oct 19 2006
Andrew MacKay MP writes in the Bracknell News.
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Councillors have vowed to stand up for Bracknell Forest mental health patients
Oct 10 2006
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust, which has embarked on a £10.2 million savings plan, is withdrawing £240,000 from Bracknell Forest.
Meeting details
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Councillor picked for a unique national high-flyers programme
Oct 2 2006
Councillor Gareth Barnard, Bracknell Forest's executive for children's services
and ward councillor for Warfield Harvest Ride, is one of just 24 Conservative
councillors in the country who will take part in an 18-month leadership programme
http://www.localleadership.gov.uk/index.html
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Ballot of tenants.
Housing transfer.
Sep 26 2006
Tenants can ask questions and get information about the proposal to hand over all the housing stock to a new, Bracknell-based housing association.
http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/yourhomes
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Best ever GCSE results.
Aug 24 2006
Alan Ward, Executive Member for Education and Libraries, said: "GCSE students have produced the borough's best ever results which is a great achievement.
"Results this good come after a lot of hard work and effort and that is down to our children and their teachers - I congratulate them on their success.
"We have had GCSEs as a priority for improvement for two or three years now and these results indicate our efforts are paying off.
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Renewable Energy.
Aug 23 2006
A renewable energy centre in the town sited on the 3M roundabout was planned.
No company could provide a commercially viable solution for a renewable energy centre in the current market, and therefore this part of the overall plan cannot go-ahead.
Nevertheless, Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP) remain committed to providing a sustainable town centre
See:
Renewable Energy
and Plan to promote renewable energy
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Rebuild of Garth Hill College.
Jul 26 2006
The £25million project will involve constructing a brand new school, demolishing
the old buildings and providing top class sports facilities for use by students and the local community.
Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Education and Libraries, said:
"The prospect of a brand new school with top class facilities is now a reality.
It has been my determination for several years to provide first class education
for the people of north Bracknell. This is the final piece in the jigsaw."
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More Council services available online.
Jul 3 2006
Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said:
"The Council's web team aim to ensure the site is kept as up to date as possible
so that residents have access to the services and information they need, whenever
they need them.
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Bike Week.
Jul 3 2006
Cllr Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Planning and the Environment, said:
"Cycling is not only a fun leisure activity that keeps you fit and healthy,
using your bike for short trips also helps the environment, because it is a
pollution free way of getting around."
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Bracknell Forest leads the way in e-gov
May 19 2006
Bracknell Forest is at the forefront of smartcard technology with its pioneering E+ card and also led the National Smartcard project which produced software called SmartConnect.
The Council acquired the rights to sell SmartConnect to other councils to help them set up their own smartcards.
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New plan for South East.
Apr 26 2006
The new South East Plan has just been published by the South East England Regional Assembly.
Cllr Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Planning and Transportation, said: "The future size of our borough is now in the Government's hands, but we can still influence its decision.
"Councillors have battled for the last two years for realistic and sustainable housing numbers, and I urge you to support the fight to protect our quality of life here in Bracknell Forest. We don't say 'no houses', we say we can only accept reasonable and sustainable growth."
www.southeast-ra.gov.uk
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Council condemns "done deal" for health services
Apr 11 2006
Cllr Birch said: "The people of Bracknell Forest were not given any real choice, this was already a done deal. There was never an option to retain the status quo and the whole consultation has been a complete charade as far as I can see. We have been betrayed by a health authority bent on balancing books rather than delivering real care locally.
"The three areas in East Berkshire all have very different needs and we are extremely concerned that the plans will see our local services deteriorating.
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Councillor for Binfield with Warfield Bracknell ward announced .
Mar 29 2006
Brenda Wilson, Conservative party candidate, won with a majority of 477.
Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Returning Officer, said: "Cllr Wilson fills the vacancy created by the sudden death of Cllr Terry Mills in December. We look forward to working with her."
Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "Well done to Cllr Wilson for winning the seat in Binfield with Warfield, and I look forward to her joining us in the very near future."
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Motion may see a significant reduction in the number of houses
Mar 8 2006
A motion put forward by Cllr Mary Ballin, Bracknell Forest Borough Council's
executive member for planning and transport, to the South East Regional
Assembly last week, means a review into housing numbers in the future.
The Thames Valley Basin, which includes Crowthorne, has been
designated an EU Special Protection Area (SPA), in which development is severely limited.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee
BFBC information
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By-election - Four fight to replace Terry Mills
Mar 2 2006
The deadline for cancelling or amending postal and proxy vote arrangements is
Wednesday, March 8. New applications to vote by post or proxy must be made by Wednesday, March 15.
Polling is from 8am-9pm at Binfield Memorial Hall in Terrace Road South,
Farley Wood Centre in Turnpike Road and Brownlow Memorial Hall at Newell Green.
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BINFIELD'S Police Point has opened
Feb 28 2006
Binfield borough councillor Ian Leake said: "I'm absolutely delighted after
all this time, and very pleased to see, that we have two volunteers who can man the police point.
Joining Chief Insp Povey at the opening ceremony were new Bracknell North
neighbourhood Inspector Simon Bowden, as well as neighbourhood officers, partners, police volunteers and parish councillors.
To find out about more volunteer opportunities with Thames Valley Police in Berkshire East, call volunteer co-ordinator Amanda James on 08458 505 505.
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Turning gardens of houses into development sites.
Feb 9 2006
Mr MacKay said: "Developers are coming along, searching out houses with large gardens and then buying them up.
He wants to plug a loophole in planning laws which treats gardens as brownfield sites alongside disused factories
He's joined forces with Kent MP, Greg Clark, to push a private members Bill which would effectively halt house-building schemes in private gardens
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Ticket price rises and troubles with bus and rail services
Feb 2 2006
Cllr Bettison said: "I deplore these rises. They are working against the strategy of this council and I know that Cllr McLean is working very hard to lobby the bus company and I wish him every success."
Price Rices
- Further comment
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Crowthorne and unwanted planning applications
Jan 26 2006
Andrew Mackay speaks out against a proliferation of flats being built in Crowthorne by developers.
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RAF Staff College
February 9 2006
George Wimpey, one of Britain's largest house-builders, has purchased the former RAF Staff College in Broad Lane, it has been revealed.
The company was hand-picked by Government quango English Partnerships
Bracknell Forest Borough Council leader, Cllr.Paul Bettison told the Times this week that he was glad the plan was going full steam ahead.
"I think this is great so long as they are going into it with a view to building the number of homes granted in the planning permission.
"We certainly do not want any more than the 730 planned."
"The key worker housing idea is very good and we definitely need that kind of thing in Bracknell."
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Prescott Low-cost housing on MOD land
February 2 2005
The deputy prime minister told a conference in Manchester that he was negotiating
with the defence secretary, Geoff Hoon, to acquire former air bases with the potential
for thousands of new houses. Up to 10 large sites are involved,
including a former RAF staff college at Bracknell...
Last week Mr Prescott announced that English Partnerships was buying 100 NHS sites for housing.
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Terry Mills died suddenly
Dec 27 2005
He was an outstanding councillor and great public servant who had much more still to offer.
Guard of honour
for the funeral cortege of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority Chairman and Bracknell Forest councillor Terry Mills.
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Labour councillors branded 'gutless'
Dec 8 2005
After refusing to vote on a plan to rake back vital health cash.
A motion passed at a full council meeting said £2.8 million
of East Berkshire's Primary Care Trust's budget that was
clawed away to plug a Milton Keynes shortfall should be returned to East Berkshire.
A similar motion in West Berkshire Council was passed unanimously, even though the Conservatives only have a majority of one
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Council tax
Dec 8 2005
Ratepayers warned they face council tax hikes and service cuts to plug a £4.8 million council funding gap.
Borough treasurer Chris Herbert said: "This will be tough. I believe we can get there
but there will be an impact on the services the council will be able to deliver next year."
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Social services
Dec 8 2005
Bracknell social services have "promising" prospects for the future and have gained another star
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Answers Demanded Over Variations in School Cash
Dec 7 2005
Councillor Alan Ward has sent the letter to the Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State
for Education and Skills, asking why nearby Slough receives £18,000 more funding per class of 30 children
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Call to Scrap Regional Government
Nov 24 2005
Bracknell Forest planning leader and assembly member Cllr Mary Ballin said she and fellow Tories want it abolished if they get into power.
She said: "Assemblies are a bad thing. We don't need another layer of government and don't need another layer of politicians.
"We should be returning power rather than sapping it up from local authorities."
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Safety measures in Binfield Road
Oct 13 2005
Andrew MacKay pledged to write to the minister pointing out that the Binfield-facing
speed camera on Binfield Road was never replaced.
Chief Inspector Povey also revealed that neighbourhood police officers would be
trained in using hand-held speed guns to be used in streets like Binfield Road.
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Police stop and search powers
Sep 20 2005
Mr MacKay says he wants police to have the right to search a group of youngsters if it is clear there is trouble taking place.
But he added: "I don't want a police state - and the police don't want it either - where anybody can be stopped at any time."
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Politician swaps the council chamber for a sound studio
Aug 24 2005
When John Harrison is not busy doing borough work as a Bracknell Forest member
for Binfield with Warfield or in his job as a freelance IT consultant,
he likes nothing more than being a musician.
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Identity Card Bill - Pinewood Open Day - Wonderful Floral Displays.
July 30 2005
Andrew MacKay MP writes in the Bracknell News.
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The biggest town in Berkshire without a hospital
June 9 2005
Andrew MacKay said "It is bad enough that we do not have a hospital in Bracknell,
but now there is a real fear that we will lose the Heatherwood facilities.
This would mean every patient travelling a great distance to Wexham Park,
Royal Berkshire or Frimley Park.
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Election Thank You! - Mobile Phone Masts - New Bracknell Forest Mayor.
May 30 2005
Andrew Mackay says thank all those who again returned him as your Member of
Parliament with a doubled majority.
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Government plans to build far more houses on the Staff College site
March 16 2005
Andrew MacKay: What would the Deputy Prime Minister say to my constituents who find that this unelected quango is foisting a huge number of extra homes on the RAF Staff College site in Bracknell against the wishes of the local residents and their elected representatives?
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Green energy centre on the 3M roundabout
March 10 2005
Some neighbours and businesses in Binfield Road, Bracknell, have become increasingly
concerned about plans for the energy centre due to be built on the 3M roundabout
They have written to Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay, who has urged the borough
council to hold a public meeting inviting resident and experts so
that an informed decision can be reached.
He said there was a lot of speculation at the moment and everyone needed
to be satisfied that this is appropriate site.
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People urged to speak up over housing numbers
December 7 2004
Council leader Cllr Paul Bettison urged as many residents as possible to get involved in the consultation.
He added those who do not stand and make their point can "hardly complain" if housing numbers rocket.
He said: "If you are asked your opinion you have to believe that the person asking you wants to hear it."
For more information, visit SEERA's website at
www.southeast-ra.gov.uk,
the South East Plan website on
www.southeast-ra.gov.uk/southeastplan/index.html
or call 01483 555200.
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Draft budget
December 7 2004
Council leader Cllr Paul Bettison said the borough is "in for a very,
very difficult budget". He said that this year the Government was
capping the amount councils could charge the public. He said because
of this they would be faced with cutting services.
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Campaign to cut crime wins award
November 24 2004
Bracknell has won a national accolade for its efforts to keep town centre shoppers safe from crime.
[More]
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Housing Numbers in the South East
October 26 2004
Bracknell Conservative Association
The quality of life of our residents is already affected by
infrastructure needs which are not being met
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Blooming Bracknell wins again
Sep 21 2004
Council leader Paul Bettison said: "It is a real achievement,
and I take my hat off to the team that made it possible and
to all the shopkeepers and businesses who did their bit,
and to the sponsors who truly made competing possible."
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Youth Parliament
Aug 4 2004
Encouraging young people to get involved in the democratic process is very
important and the Youth Parliament has done a great deal
to generate enthusiasm.
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Andrew Mackay Writes in the Bracknell News
July 15 2004
Obesity
Extra houses on the South East
Iraq
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Council tenants to be involved in upgrade plans
July 8 2004
Cllr Barnard said the commission's decisions over the next six to nine months
will play a major role in the next 30 years of housing investment in Bracknell Forest.
He said: "I think we should put that in context that the new town is barely
50 years old - in a Bracknell context that is really a long time."
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Conservatives hold council power in Wokingham
June 17 2004
Council leader Frank Browne said: "I am delighted. Two years ago we inherited
a council that was in trouble following poor political leadership by the
previous administration."
He said they had turned the council around.
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Plan setting out the future shape of Priestwood
May 25 2004
Draft Western Road planning brief includes Thales, Racal, Performance Handling,
land east and west of Easthampstead Road and Western Road itself
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New mayor Hanworth borough councillor Alan Browne
May 6 2004
He is to raise money for the Ark project, based at South Hill Park Arts Centre.
Cllr Browne said he was deeply honoured to take over the role.
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Plan for town centre ready by end of May?
Apr 8 2004
Bracknell Forest Borough Council leader Cllr Paul Bettison said the redevelopment is on target after a recent meeting with the partnership.
He said the scheme takes time because of work like consultation with architects.
Town Centre Plan
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Bracknell will become 'concrete jungle'
Mar 23 2004
Mr MacKay labelled the Barker report, commissioned by the Government, as "the worst news Bracknell has had in a long time."
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Bracknell leading in e-government
Mar 11 2004
Unitary authorities such as Brighton and Hove and Bracknell,
which combine services of county and district authorities, also do well...
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Heatherwood hospital's out-of-hours minor injuries - 'insignificant'
Mar 05 2004
Mr Spicer said: "If it is insignificant it must mean that people's lives
are insignificant. It is an act of total and utter stupidity and shows
total inconsideration for the people of Bracknell."
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Car tax disc crackdown.
Mar 02 2004
The borough council is in talks with the DVLA about taking over its powers for dealing with untaxed cars.
Cllr Terry Mills: "The council does have limited powers and the government
trumpeted extra powers for local authorities but they have not delivered.
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More Worries about the Green Belt.
Mar 01 2004
People are being warned not to buy into a scheme which offers them prime plots
of Green Belt land they will never be allowed to build on.
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Plea to dog owners over control of their dogs.
Feb 26 2004
Mr MacKay said while dogs play an important role as pets and companions to humans,
he said he is sympathetic to Mr Barlow's concerns because dogs must be properly behaved.
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Staffing problems forced Heatherwood Hospital's minor injuries unit to close at night.
Feb 26 2004
Cllr John Harrison said: "Is it not fair to say that it became inevitable by
the question mark that was put over it?"
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e-Government bridging the democratic divide...
Feb 25 2004
One authority already making an effort to put councillors online is Bracknell
Forest borough council, a unitary in Berkshire.
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Controversial decision to shut Heathwoods walk-in injury centre at night.
Feb 5 2004
Heath chiefs are being threatened with legal action over their
controversial decision to shut a walk-in injury centre at night.
The warning came from cllr Terry Mills (Con: Binfield).
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Tributes to a 'colourful character'
January 26 2004
Friends and family have paid tribute to the much
loved former Bracknell Labour group leader John Tompkins at his funeral.
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'On the run' Blair may miss debate on Hutton report
January 9 2004
Andrew Mackay demanded an assurance "that the Prime Minister
opens the debate from that Dispatch Box... "
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Sun and wind could power town
January 6 2004
The borough council hopes that all heating and electricity needs in the
newly-developed town centre will be provided by renewable energy such
as solar and wind power.
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Mayor Shelagh Pile to abseil down the Grange Hotel
December 30 2003
She said that she was really looking forward to the challenge which she is taking on in March
together with Helen Osborne, wife of Bracknell team rector David,
to raise money for brownies, guides and scouts.
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Taxpayer to pick up licence tab
December 25 2003
From April, Bracknell Forest Borough will take on responsibility for liquor licences
and opening hours from magistrates, costing around £100,000 to set up from council finances.
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Rising standards win promotion for 26 councils
December 18 2003
Twenty-six councils have earned promotion in this year's local authority league tables.
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Litter louts 'taxing our patience'
November 3 2003
To report flytiping, faulty street lights, or environmental problems,
contact Bracknell Forest Borough Council environmental
services on 01344 351400.
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Information and communication technology
October 30 2003
Bracknell already has about 67% of services available online and is on
schedule to meet the Government's target of having 100% by 2005.
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Rebirth for decaying 1950s Newtown
July 21 2003
The £500m project, hailed by the Prince of Wales as one of the country's most ambitious rebuilding projects,
is being watched by councils running Britain's 28 other new towns.
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Smartcard project given thumbs up
Jun 12 2003
It is hoped the card will be used by 45,000 residents by the end of next year,
with some of the costs recouped by streamlining services and several hundred
thousand pounds worth of grants also won.
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MP's plea for historical site
May 22 2003
Andrew MacKay has joined residents in fighting plans to demolish a Victorian house in one of the village's historic roads.
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A new voice on health issues
February 19 2003
Conservative Councillor Terry Mills, chairman of the Health Forum, said:
"Ongoing and up to date consultation with residents is a fundamental
part of decision-making these days, which provides the opportunity
for the forum to influence the provision of health services."
Berkshire among 'healthiest areas'
Plans to build an out-patient centre in Bracknell
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Appeal to halt bobby exodus
February 19 2003
Chief Constable Peter Neyroud has appealed for Government help to stop trained officers leaving for neighbouring London.
Police Authority representative, Conservative Councillor Peter North said:
"Peter Neyroud has an impossible problem of trying to find solutions but not having the resources"
Top officer's dire warning
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Petitions stop rapist appeal
February 13 2003
More than 1,000 people in and around Bracknell have helped keep a rapist behind bars after one of his victims appealed for your help.
Andrew MacKay, who wrote to the Home Secretary to demand Hinds was kept locked up, said: "I am delighted good sense has prevailed"
(Rapist boasts 'I'll go free')
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Most senior councillor Paul Bettison - Named the 6th best councillor in the whole UK.
February 12 2003
Cllr Bettison said he was "honoured" and praised the work of his fellow council members and officers
He said: "This says a lot for the members and officers at Bracknell Forest and all the hard work they do.
"To be ranked No.6 among some of the most well-known councillors in the country, is quite an achievement."
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Two new candidates to represent UK Youth Parliament
February 11 2003
Topping the poll were Garth Hill students Richard Otterway, 16 and Katie Ward, 14.
Cllr Iain McCracken, the borough council's executive member for leisure, presented the new MYPs
with certificates along with borough mayor, Cllr Dorothy Hayes and Cllr Paul Betison congratulated
the successful candidates and their deputies on the hard work they put in to the election and wished
them well for the coming year
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Inspectors praise Bracknell Council
30 January 2002
Social and health care services executive member Conservative Councillor Gareth Barnard welcomed a
report as recognition of the hard work which has gone into strengthening care services
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Pupils' turn to ask the questions
30 January 2003
Andrew MacKay was impressed by 11-year-old students' knowledge of current affairs.
He said: "I took a number of in-depth questions on Iraq and terrorism which frankly
were much more mature than the questions I get from some adults."
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Rapist boasts 'I'll go free'
23 January 2003
Andrew MacKay has written to the Home Secretary to demand that a rapist who atttacked
a Bracknell girl should serve his full term in prison.
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Amen Corner post office set to close
23 January 2002
Bracknell borough Conservative Cllr Terry Mills, who lives near
the branch said he was "unhappy" about the prosposal.
"This shouldn't always be a numbers game because for many people sub-post
offices are an important part of the community and offer important services," he said.
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New homes 'at root of congestion'
23 January 2003
Andrew MacKay said that the Thames Valley Multi-Modal study would not solve the problems for Bracknell
and there was a large question mark over who would pay for it.
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New Years Resolutions
2 January 2003
Bracknell people, MP, Council Leader and Mayor make thier new years resolutions
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Final battle looms in burger war
21 November 2002
Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay has once again pledged his support and said: "I strongly support residents
in opposing this drive-thru, which will affect the environment and make life a misery for those who
live in the area. I hope residents, like me, will send objections to the inspector."
New bid for drive through
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Ceremonies honour war dead
14 November 2002
Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay and Bracknell Forest mayor Dorothy Hayes were among those
who laid poppy wreaths at the war memorial in Stanley Walk, before joining a parade
to Holy Trinity Church in The Ring for a church service led by the Rev David Osborn.
'Sick' thief robs Poppy Appeal box
Andrew MacKay MP, who learned of the theft during Sunday's remembrance parade, said:
"I was appalled to learn that some degenerate had stolen the poppy box when the British Legion
work so hard to help others.
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Trader fights to curb EU herb laws
24 October 2002
Andrew MacKay, MP for Bracknell Forest, who received the petition to hand into the Government,
said: "Lots of people have been writing to me from across the constituency telling me about
the huge benefits they get from herbal medicines.
"There are very strict safety regulations already. It is a properly regulated and
very successful industry that saves the NHS money.
"I am very pleased we are part of the European Union but they want everything to be over-regulated
. It's unfair on consumers."
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Bracknell to fight for own hospital
October 2002
In a letter to Secretary of State for Health Alan Milburn, Bracknell Forest councillor Terry Mills wrote:
"The council has conducted a consultation on a planning and design brief and this has identified a strong
swell of local opinion for a hospital to be provided on the site.
"Bracknell was promised a local hospital in the days of the Bracknell
Development Corporation, and there has been much concern and frustration that it has never materialised..."
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Tributes for Martin Wallace
19 September 2002
Cllr Wallace, 74, a Conservative member who represented Hanworth during his time with the borough,
was also Bracknell Town Mayor.
He was attending an investiture gathering of the Knights of St John in Rhodes when he died.
Cllr Wallace was first elected onto the borough council in 1983 and served a chairman
of the personnel and performance review committee from 1984 until 1995.
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MPs object to council reforms
19 September 2002
Bracknell Forest Borough Council leader Cllr Paul Bettison said last year's changes were "unnecessary".
"The 1998 reforms streamlined the committee system quite effectively and it was running along quite nicely.
"Many council members feel quite isolated as a result of the changes because
they place a lot of power and responsibility in the hands of a small number of people,
and there is a perception that more and more decisions are being taken behind closed doors."
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Mass petition to fight teenage shelter
11 July 2002
Priestwood residents met with Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay to vent their anger at plans
to build a teenage meeting shelter on parkland near their homes.
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Berks towns graded 'boring' or 'vibrant'
July 2002
Bracknell Forest council leader Paul Bettison said the borough's town and parish councils
had been placed on a scale ranging from "vibrant" to "sleepy".
He said questions in Parliament had revealed that communities had been effectively
pigeonholed without consulting local people. Crowthorne and Binfield parish councils
were now known in Whitehall as "vibrant" while Warfield was "active" but Winkfield,
Sandhurst and Bracknell town did not feature on the list at all.
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'The Met's pillaging our police recruits'
12 June 2002
Policing in the Bracknell area is reaching crisis point because the Met Police are
"pillaging" trained officers, according to a member of the Thames Valley Police Authority.
Cllr Peter North, a member of the Bracknell Forest Borough executive as well as the police authority, says this is unfair...
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Beacons signal end of party to end all parties
Jun 5 2002
Andrew MacKay lit the beacon on Cabbage Hill, Warfield, at 10.15pm on the Monday.
Jubilee celebrations in Sandhurst were combined with the town's annual donkey derby on Monday.
Paul Bettison, leader of the Council who started the races, said:
"It was great to see so many people having a good time."
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£50 on-the-spot fine for Dog Fouling
12 Apr 2002
Cllr Terry Mills: 'Dogs are excellent pets and do need looking after properly.
Dog owners are therefore responsible for their pets and should as a matter of course not allow their animals to foul public places'
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'Renaissance' for Social Services
29 Mar 2002
Cllr Barnard: 'These are three major pieces of work and they will fundamentally change the way we deliver services.
These represent exciting prospects and new ways of working together and doing things. Our aim is to provide a world class health and social care service.'
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Bracknell needs 'quick decision' 12 Mar 2002
MP ANDREW MACKAY is calling for a quick decision over the plans to give Bracknell a new town centre.
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Time to get tough with vandals Mar 2002
BRACKNELL MP Andrew MacKay has called for "zero tolerance" on the town's "hooligans" who vandalise local beauty spots.
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Town centre back on track Mar 2002
THE regeneration of Bracknell town centre is back on track after the borough council's executive committee approved a draft masterplan for the scheme.
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Fury at travellers' mess Jan 30 2002
ANGRY business people say clearing up after travellers is costing them a fortune.
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Visit is 'political move' for Ranelagh Jan 23 2002
RANELAGH sixth formers learned how to act like politicians when MP Andrew MacKay visited their school
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Farmers' Market cooks up a treat Dec 7 2001
Andrew Mackay, Bracknell's MP, remarked on a recent visit: "There's a great sympathy with the farming community following the foot and mouth crisis and a desire to support them.
"But the success of farmers markets is down to the fact that consumers can come and talk to the people who produce the goods."
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New vision for Bracknell Sep 20 2001
Cllr Bettison added: "The companies will carry out things like traffic
studies and retail impact studies.
These have all been done before but we are four years on and we want the
development brief
to have absolutely bang up-to-date information."
Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay said the arrival of HMV was good news and of the
expert appointments he said:
"I welcome the appointment of these consultants and I hope fresh plans can
be submitted quickly."
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School bullying unacceptable Oct 12
2001
It must be the highest priority for every teacher to stamp it
out. I have been making various representations on behalf of the
parents of bullied children to individual
head-teachers."
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MP goes back to school Sep 26 2001
TWO impressive new classrooms have been built at Birch Hill
Primary in time for the school's 25th anniversary.
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No roles for MPs in Shadow Cabinet Sep 20 2001
WOKINGHAM MP John Redwood has opted to spend more time helping
his constituents after turning down ...
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New law may force taxis off the road Sep 13 2001
BRACKNELL'S taxi ranks could be standing empty if new Government
legislation is enforced in the borough.
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Accountants update image Aug 30 2001
CROWTHORNE-based chartered certified accountants, Parry Kirkby
Blackwell & Co have updated their corporate ...
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MacKay joins triple jab row Aug 23 2001
MP Andrew MacKay is urging the Government to allow parents the
choice between giving their children ...
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Thales ' to minimise job losses' Jul 25 2001
THALES bosses have pledged this week to help any redundant
workers into new jobs.
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'Shockwaves' over drive-thru bid Jul 5 2001
FAST food giants McDonald's have revived plans to add a
drive-thru to their Wildridings restaurant
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MP pledges to protect town Jun 21 2001
Bracknell must not become a victim of its own success, warns the
town's re-elected MP
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Portillo confirms bid for Tory leadership Jun 13
2001
Michael Portillo is to stand for the leadership of the
Conservative Party.
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Tory consolation as big names re-elected Jun 13
2001
High profile Conservative candidates were comfortably re-elected
in Bracknell and Wokingham last week.
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Care homes in cash crisis Jun 13 2001
BRACKNELL'S nursing homes are in crisis after three were forced
to close down in the last 12 months.
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Bracknell Tories say 'work goes on' Jun 8 2001
Conservative MP Andrew MacKay managed to hold off a concerted
Labour campaign, but saw his majority ...
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The fight for Bracknell Jun 6 2001
Bracknell's five candidates outline their vision for the
constituency
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Election hopefuls face their public May 30 2001
Bracknell's five Parliamentary hopefuls shared a platform to
field questions from the electorate this ...
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"We'll win Bracknell"- Labour May 23 2001
Labour sources say their chances of winning the strong
Conservative seat have rocketed
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First shots fired in election battle May 18 2001
'A plauge on your houses' says Bracknell Lib Dem
hopeful
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Schools at bursting point May 5 2001
A Warfield mother has blamed the shortage of school places in
Warfield on the lack of infrastructure ...
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Black week for Bracknell Apr 26 2001
Hundreds have lost their jobs as the American IT axe falls
locally
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MP: Why I won't sign pledge Apr 26 2001
Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay has defended his decision not to sign
a controversial anti-racism pledge
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Farms still open for business Apr 5 2001
'Use us or lose us' is the message from local rural
businesses
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