Here is a shocking news story from Slough ([1] read the full article…). Slough is only a few miles from Gerrards Cross. At St James we have a close partnership with a church in Britwell, Slough and will most likely be running a holiday club for children in their parish later in 2008.
“Oliver Twist” im 21. Jahrhundert: Eine alarmierende Nachricht aus Slough - nur ein paar Kilometer von Gerrards Cross entfernt. Als Kirchengemeinde haben wir eine gute Partnerschaft mit St George’s Church in Britwell/Slough und werden in 2008 in ihrer Gemeinde einen Ferienclub für Kinder anbieten.

(BBC Website) A baby less than a year old was among 10 children taken into care after a police operation targeted gangs who used youngsters to pick pockets.Officers from several forces, including the Metropolitan Police, raided 17 addresses across Slough, Berkshire.At least 25 adults were held, accused of immigration breaches, deception, fraud, theft and pick-pocketing.

The inquiry surrounds child trafficking from Romania and the welfare of the children involved.Police suspect poor families in eastern Europe may be forced into allowing gangs to take their children into the UK to carry out offences such as pickpocketing and thefts near cash machines.The gangs are believed to have taken the children into west London to commit the crimes.The youngsters, who ranged from as young as the baby to 17 years old, are being cared for by Slough Borough Council.

Ruth Bagley, chief executive of the council, said: “Our main focus in this operation is on the welfare of the children who are potentially being exploited. “We will ensure that any children who are presented to the council, receive the appropriate level of care, and efforts will be made to reunite them with their families.”