The Observer has rounded up some of the most important stories from the last week.

Here are a few of the most significant stories readers should be aware of.

1. "Fatally flawed" plan that earmarks multiple sites for thousands of homes adopted

Slough Observer: Maidenhead golf courseMaidenhead golf course

THE controversial blueprint that earmarks multiple sites for thousands of homes has been adopted by the ruling Conservative group despite criticism it is “fatally flawed”.

After over a decade in the works, the borough local plan (BLP) 2013-2033 was formally adopted at an extraordinary full council meeting at the Holiday Inn in Maidenhead on Tuesday, February 8.

The plan makes provision to deliver at least 14,240 homes, or 712 houses a year, to meet projected housing need as the Royal Borough’s population and economy grows throughout the years.

Read the full story here.

 

2. A day in the life at Mars HQ - Apprentices share their experiences at the chocolate factory

Slough Observer: Picture: Mars Wrigley UKPicture: Mars Wrigley UK

HAVE you ever wondered what’s it’s like to work at Mars Wrigley UK?

This National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with two apprentices who shared their experiences of working at the chocolate factory.

The company, which is in Slough, includes big brand names such as Snickers, Maltesers and Mars.

And the factory offers two apprentice schemes to young individuals in manufacturing and engineering.

Read the full story here.

 

3. Derelict Windsor railway arches will see new lease of life as part of £500k investment

Slough Observer: Five empty railway arches are set to be revamped thanks to new investmentFive empty railway arches are set to be revamped thanks to new investment

FIVE derelict railway arches in Windsor are set to see a new lease of life as part of a £200m development scheme.

Units 25-26, 27-28, 29-30, 55, and 57 off Alma Road by Windsor and Eton Central station will see a £500,000 investment from the Arch Company, which is the largest landlord of small businesses in the country, as part of project 1000.

This scheme involves investing £200m in order to bring a thousand empty and derelict spaces into use by 2030 and create space for 1,000 businesses, supporting approximately 5,000 jobs and adding to the estimated 25,000 people already employed in arch businesses.

Read the full story here.

 

4. Sniffer dogs find £10,000 worth of illegal cigarettes in Slough

Slough Observer:

SPECIAL sniffer dogs have played a major role in helping officers find thousands of pounds worth of illegal cigarettes in Slough.

Slough Trading Standards officers, Cooper and Yo-Yo the sniffer dogs worked together to trace more than 1,000 illegal cigarettes from shops.

Trading standards officers visited seven shops in Slough last week on the hunt for illegal tobacco.

Read the full story here.

 

5. 'The fight doesn't stop here': Protesters gather for third time to back Maidenhead golf course

Slough Observer:

PROTESTERS gathered for a third time to take a stand against the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's local plan to build new homes on green belt land.

Maidenhead Great Park, a group campaigning to protect Maidenhead golf course from development, held a demonstration outside the town hall on February 8.

Many supporters came along to hear speakers from the group talk about the campaign at 6pm, ahead of the council’s meeting at the Holiday Inn at 7pm.

Read the full story here.