Police are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in Wester Drylaw.The incident happened between 2pm and 2.15pm yesterday (Tuesday 23 February).
A 29-year-old man working as a delivery driver was approached by two unidentified people who assaulted him and attempted to take a set of van keys. They were subsequently disturbed by a local resident and the males fled without having taken anything.
Officers are working to identify the two men, both of whom are male:
One is described as being white, around 6ft 2in tall and wearing a grey hooded top and black gloves.
The second is white, around 5ft 10in and of medium build with very short hair or possibly bald. He was wearing a red hooded top, dark tracksuit bottoms and black gloves.
Detective Constable Zaira Marker, of the Edinburgh Division Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Our enquiries are ongoing into this attempted robbery and this includes establishing exactly where in the Wester Drylaw area this happened.
“This incident was disturbed by a local resident and we are particularly keen to speak to them.”If you recognise yourself or if you saw or heard a disturbance in the Wester Drylaw area between 1400 – 1415hrs on Tuesday I would urge you to get in touch.”
“Any information can be passed to police on 101, quoting incident 1854 of 21 February, or call anonymously Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A scheme being introduced to make the journey to school safer may have the opposite effect, local residents fear.
The city council has pushed ahead with plans to close Wester Drylaw Avenue to through traffic and ‘Roads Closed’ signs were introduced at the weekend.
The placing of those signs has caused some confusion, however, and there are fears that the uncertainty may endanger Ferryhill schoolchildren when the school returns today. The situation has not been helped by the temporary signs being knocked over.
Inverleith Lib Dem Councillor Hal Osler said yesterday: “The confusing message on Wester Drylaw Avenue is exactly what locals were concerned about. The barrier has already been breached & cars are driving over the pavement. Instead of ensuring safe passage for vulnerable users, this is doing the opposite.
“I’ve Been up to Wester Drylaw Avenue to have a look at the “barriers” as it had been reported to me that met had already been “moved”. Whilst standing there two cars drove through one slightly over the pavement I was standing on.
“This is really poor and is exactly what we were all concerned about. I have reported this to officers as it’s supposed to be “monitored” and it deeply concerns me with pupils returning on Monday.
“If this continues please email me (Hal.osler@edinburgh.gov.uk) or the other ward councillors & we will pass all comments on to the Spaces for People team.”
Drylaw Telford Community Council is appealing to motorists to be extra vigilant in the area around the school.
The Spaces for People plan for Wester Drylaw Avenue was approved on 19 February. THe scheme was to be discussed at the community council’s regular meeting last month but the Zoom meeting had to be postponed.
Lothians MSP Miles Briggs has expressed concern over infection control measures at an Edinburgh nursing home.
The Care Inspectorate carried out an unannounced virtual inspection of Lorimer House Nursing Home, Lanark Road, on 27 January and followed this up with a visit with Healthcare Improvement Scotland on 5 – 8 February.
They reported ‘significant concerns relating to infection protection.’
Cleaning agents did not meet current best practice guidance and there was inadequate staff access to both PPE stations and clinical waste disposal bins.
Several soiled mattresses and mattress covers were found during the inspection and some dining room furniture was contaminated by food waste.
Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership has been informed of the findings and a follow up inspection to monitor progress will take place.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“The majority of care home residents have received their first vaccination for Covid-19, but it is still vital that infection prevention control measures are strictly followed.
“Care homes have had months to fully implement proper protocols and there is no excuse for not following guidance to the full.
“These concern from the Care Inspectorate must be immediately addressed to ensure the safety of care home residents at Lorimer House Nursing Home.”
Management at Lorimer House say the report does not tell the full story, however, and they fully expect to be exhonerated on appeal.
Sean Black of Lindemann Healthcare, who operate Lorimer House, responded: “The safety and wellbeing of our residents is our highest priority, and Lorimer House has always received the highest standards during inspections.
“We are appealing against the recent rating from the Care Inspectorate, as we were graded at this level because we were using a different cleaning solution to the one specified.
“Lorimer House has a robust cleaning regime which was previously inspected at the NHS Covid assurance visit, and the detergents used in the home are a suitable alternative to bleach-based solutions, which are registered to British safety standards.
“It is unfortunate and disappointing that this information was released before the appeal process was complete. We strongly believe that our appeal will be successful and hope that the corrected rating will be reflective of our consistent high standards.”
No such issues at Northcare Suites Care Home on Telford Road, however; the care home received a glowing report.
Northcare was inspected between 13 -19 January using virtual technology.
Feedback from residents, families and visiting health professionals was very positive, and essential visits at end of life were both encouraged and supported.
Northcare ranked ‘very good’ across the board: in people’s health and wellbeing, infection prevention and control practices and staffing arrangements.
A new Spaces for People measure is being proposed for the streets around Ferryhill Primary School.The proposal would see:
Wester Drylaw Avenue closed at the junction with Groathill Road North (still allowing access for pedestrians & cyclists)
stop all motor vehicles (except residents/blue badge holders/waste vehicles & emergency services) at the junction of Wester Drylaw Avenue with Wester Drylaw Drive.
Share your thoughts or comments at Wednesday’s community council meeting on Zoom – you can email Drylaw Telford Community Council via DTCC’s secretary at pamhigginsdtcc@gmail.com
Alternatively you can email the Spaces for People team by midday on Thursday 28thJanuary – their email address is spacesforpeople@edinburgh.gov.uk
Police Scotland has released images of a man and woman they believe may be able to assist with an ongoing investigation which relates to a housebreaking that occurred between 23 and 24 November 202 in the Drylaw area.
Officers believe that the man and woman shown in the images may be able to assist with their enquiries.
Detective Constable James Palmer said: “I would appeal to anyone who has any information or who recognises the people in the image to contact us. Any small piece of information could assist us in our enquiries.”
“If anyone recognises the people in the images or has any information regarding the incident, please contact officers at the Community Investigation Unit in Corstorphine via 101, quoting incident number 0099 of the 24th November 2020.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
Residents in north Edinburgh are being invited to help shape a key project to improve connections and public spaces in their local community.
The city council is asking people from across Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton and Drylaw to contribute to the future of Pennywell Road and its links to existing paths at Crewe Toll, Gypsy Brae, Silverknowes and West Granton Access Road.
Through the North Edinburgh Active Travel (NEAT) Connections scheme we’re proposing changes to Pennywell Road and the surrounding area. These include increasing space available for walking, cycling and wheeling, making it easier to access local shops and community spaces without the use of a car and working with members of the community to improve public areas and green spaces.
This will help to identify existing problem areas and opportunities for new crossings, green spaces or where other improvements could be made.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: This project will create a much more welcoming, relaxed environment for those travelling on foot, bike or wheelchair.
“We’ve already seen how temporary Spaces for People initiatives across the city have encouraged people to walk, wheel or cycle and we want to see this happen long-term, with the associated benefits to health and the environment.
“Of course, we want any changes to work for all the people who live and spend time in this area, which is why we want to hear what they think and where improvements can be made. By sharing their thoughts and ideas they can help shape the final design, which will make travel to nearby schools, shops and local areas much easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Interim Head of Infrastructure Delivery for Sustrans Scotland, Chiquita Elvin, said: “Despite being close to existing walking, cycling and wheeling routes, such as the North Edinburgh Path Network, it can be challenging to access them for Muirhouse and Pilton due to the volume of traffic and the focus on roads in the original design of the area.
“We want the local community to tell us how we can make walking, cycling and wheeling easier for them, be that with new path connections, wider pavements, dedicated space for cycling or new crossings. These changes have the potential to transform how people get around North Edinburgh and every opinion matters.”
As well as benefiting local residents, changes could make it easier for travel to Craigroyston Community High School, Craigroyston Primary, Oaklands Primary, Forthview Primary and the new civic centre being developed at the former Muirhouse Shopping Centre.
In addition to the Commonplace website locals can leave their feedback on maps displayed in the North Edinburgh Arts centre café.
Separate temporary measures to make cycling safer and easier on Pennywell Road, Muirhouse Parkway and Ferry Road are currently in place and have been implemented through the Spaces for People programme.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today met staff co-ordinating the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine at the Western General Hospital.
The Western is one of 23 centres where priority groups will be vaccinated against coronavirus. The First Minister had a tour of the facility and learned about the detailed preparation which has gone into organising the delivery of the vaccine.
Those giving the vaccination to others will receive the injection first. The programme will then follow the independent advice received from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which recommends prioritising those with the greatest clinical need – including those aged over 80, and health and social care workers.
The First Minister said: “I’m grateful to everyone involved in giving this vaccine to those who need it most.
“By vaccinating the priority groups they will be covering those associated with 99 per cent of preventable COVID-19 deaths. That is a very compelling reason to put these groups first in the queue for this vaccine.
“Finally there is light at the end of the tunnel. But I ask everyone to be patient as we work our way through this vaccination programme, and continue to follow FACTS to keep us all safe.”
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lothian said: “As we prepare to launch our staff vaccination clinics, we reach a crucial milestone in the fight against COVID-19. Across NHS Lothian, a huge amount of planning has and will continue to take place to ensure that we can deliver the vaccine quickly, efficiently and effectively.
“I am delighted that the first COVID vaccinations in NHS Lothian will be given tomorrow and would like to thank all our staff for their dedication in making this happen.”
Healthcare workers are ready to begin vaccinating priority groups in Scotland against #coronavirus.
Today, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met staff co-ordinating the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.
The vaccine, which must be stored at well below freezing, has been transported to 23 locations around Scotland in temperature controlled lorries.
People will be required to have two doses, at least 21 days apart. Scotland has had an initial delivery of more than 65,500 doses, with more to follow.
Storage requirements mean logistics have had to be worked out carefully, planning is underway for the vaccine to be taken to care home residents from December 14.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack celebrates the UK Government’s safe and speedy vaccine rollout
By Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland (originally published in the Scottish Mail on Sunday 06/12/20)
Magnificent news for us all that the rollout of the first Covid-19 vaccine to be approved in the western world begins here in the UK.
Inch by painful inch, countries everywhere have been struggling to find an exit from the misery inflicted by this wretched pandemic and now we have a great, tangible leap forward thanks to brilliant scientists who have harnessed the power of their knowledge to bring us a safe vaccine which offers the chance to finally slacken the grip of Covid-19.
It is great news too for the Union. We know the 300-year-old links which bind us as one nation state have a great past, but here now is proof that the self-same Union offers us a great future too.
For make no mistake, all four nations which form the United Kingdom are benefitting equally from our combined strength as one country. From our furlough scheme, Covid testing, vaccine procurement, and now the efforts to get the vaccine to where it is needed, the UK Government has been working tirelessly to support all parts of the country through the pandemic.
The UK Government took advance steps to secure the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine which will be made available to frontline medical staff and some of our most vulnerable citizens from tomorrow.
The figures are astonishing, and a clear indication of the heft this country can bring to bear amidst a crisis of terrifying proportions. The initial shipments from Belgium will amount to some 800,000 doses and Scotland will quickly get 65,500 of those.
Backing those stellar scientists to the hilt, the UK Government has secured nearly 360 million vaccine doses, representing the world’s largest and most diversified vaccine portfolio. This means we have the best chance of securing speedy access to other vaccines once they finish their essential checks for efficacy and safety.
Right from the start, the UK Government has strained every sinew to aid the global search for a vaccine, funding more international research than any other country of comparable size.
We are starting to see real returns on that £230 million investment. Pfizer/BioNTech have delivered a vaccine with an outstanding 95 per cent effectiveness rate and no serious safety concerns – now approved by the regulator. There will be more vaccines to come from other sources – with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine likely to join us soon on the front line of the Covid fight.
And of course, securing, approving and paying for millions of doses of safe vaccines is one thing – delivering them quite another altogether. The mass vaccination programme we are undertaking now is unlike anything we have seen before and here again the power of the Union is to the fore.
Doses will be distributed fairly across all parts of the UK according to population share. As a result Scotland will be able to vaccinate and protect priority groups such as the clinically vulnerable and frontline health and social-care workers.
It is wonderful that the UK Government has made experts from the forces available for us here in Scotland to help ensure the vaccines reach priority groups swiftly.
It has been heartening to see co-operation on this great endeavour across the United Kingdom. The UK Government has involved the devolved administrations at every stage – in the certain knowledge that full co-operation between Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont and the Senedd is the best for every citizen of these islands.
The conquest of Covid – for that is what we are aiming for – is a real display of what we can achieve together. The Union is firing on all cylinders, delivering fairly in each and every corner of the country.
Of course, we have many miles to go before we can rest, before we can declare Covid under control. That means not relaxing our guard just yet and still obeying the rules around hygiene and social distancing.
Though the approval of this first vaccine is perhaps an early Christmas present, this festive season will still – unfortunately – be lower key this year.
Yet we can now look forward to better times not so very far ahead, and to a time when Covid restrictions can at last be eased off.
I am confident people will ignore any false stories and embrace, at the first chance, the opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones from a truly dreadful illness.
For my part, I will gladly roll up my sleeve and have the jabs, when my turn comes.
Meantime, we must concentrate fully on the task of rebuilding an economy laid low by an invidious enemy. Here too the Union has proved its worth, with thousands kept in jobs and countless businesses supported by the broad shoulders of the UK and the deep pockets of our Treasury.
Rather than the inward-looking and diminished country the Brexit naysayers said we risked becoming, Britain has in these last months shown not just amazing solidarity within our borders, but maintained engagement with our many friends around the world. The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, developed with UK Government funding, is to be made available to countries in the developing world on a not-for-profit basis in perpetuity. Britain remains a beacon of light in an often dark world.
Many people have made huge sacrifices this year. Much has been done, but we know much remains to be done.
However, let’s take a moment to savour this week’s good news. We are, in all four nations of our fantastic Union, looking forward to a bright future.
Historic Drylaw House has applied for Change of use from Class 9 (domestic) to Class 7 (hotel and hostel) including short-term self catering accommodation.
20/04410/FUL | Change of use from Class 9 (domestic) to Class 7 (hotel and hostel) including short-term self catering accommodation. | Drylaw House 32 Groathill Road North Edinburgh EH4 2SL
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