Muirhouse – Page 5 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Private Lives

Total Craigroyston recently carried out a short survey for people living in privately rented homes in Muirhouse and West Pilton – and the results are now in!

A total of 58 people responded to the October survey and the findings will now be presented at tomorrow’s Private Rented Sector Forum.

Total Craigroyston hopes the survey will encourage private landlords to be involved with the area’s regeneration and also help people living in privately rented accommodation to feel more secure in their homes.

Some of the main points are:

81% of people who responded were families with children
52% of people who responded said they did not feel settled in their home
People wanted information on key services (47%), activities in the community (44%) and what to do with rubbish/recycling (41%)
54% had found their home through ‘informal’ routes – Gumtree, word-of-mouth, etc.

St Paul's: do you have information?

Police keen to speak to group of youths

Police are appealing for witnesses following the fire at St Paul’s church in Muirhouse on Sunday night. A joint investigation by police and specialist fire investigators took place yesterday and the incident is being treated as ‘suspicious’.

Inspector Alan Carson said: “This was an appalling attack on a religious building which, despite its closure, was still of importance to the local community in Muirhouse. It was a reckless act which could well have resulted in serious injury or worse.

“We are eager to talk to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious around the church on Sunday night.

“We are particularly keen to trace a group of youths who were seen near the church less than an hour before the fire was reported. Tracing these young people would significantly help us with our enquiries.

“Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland immediately on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews from Crewe Toll, McDonald Road, Tollcross, Sighthill and Marionville attended the incident at9.30 on Sunday evening and brought the blaze under control just after midnight. No-one was injured.

St Paul's smoulders as investigation begins

‘What we had feared and predicted has happened tonight’

St Paul’s lies a blackened ruin this morning following a major fire at the former RC church in Muirhouse last night. An investigation has been launched and an expert forensic team is expected on the scene at first light. The fire is being treated as ‘suspicious’.

Emergency services were alerted at 9.30pm last night and at one point seven fire engines were on the scene. Police also closed off a section of Pennywell Road as firefighters battled to control the blaze.

One Pennywell resident said: “I was making a cup of tea when I noticed there was a weird red glow in the sky. I was just going to ask my wife to have a look when she came through and told me that my son had been on the phone to say St Paul’s was on fire.”

A crowd of onlookers gathered and flames could be seen shooting high into the air through the roof of the church. It’s though the building will now be demolished for safety reasons.

It’s a tragic end for a building that’s been at the heart of the Muirhouse community since the 1960’s. St Paul’s closed in October despite a community campaign to keep the church alive, and the building was quickly put up for sale – described by the selling agents as a ‘Re-development Opportunity’.

The fire has come as no surprise to some members of the local community. George Reavley was one of organisers of the Save St Paul’s campaign. Speaking last night, he said: ” Over forty years of history and fond memories for local families has been desecrated in one night by mindless, thoughtless creatures.

“What we had feared and predicted has happened tonight. St Paul’s Church was torched and went up in a huge blaze. We told the Parish Priest NOT to board the church up when it was closed. He told the Archdiocese this as well but they went ahead and boarded it up anyway. It was always on the cards. This is what happens when you don’t heed local advice.”

Unfortunate accident or foul play? We’ll find out more once investigators get to work.

Housing Minister visits North Edinburgh

‘ a fantastic example of how housing can transform a community’ – Housing Minister Margaret Burgess MSP

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess MSP joined Edinburgh’s Housing Convener Councillor Cammy Day for a tour of the 719 house Pennywell construction site earlier today.

Pennywell is one of Scotland’s largest housing-led regeneration projects and is set to provide 356 social and mid-market rent homes, along with 363 new properties for private sale. The extensive development, which is being built by developers Urban Union, is a result of a major investment of £42 million by the City of Edinburgh Council and includes £7.9 million grant funding from the Scottish Government.

Housing Minister, Margaret Burgess, said: “Making sure everyone in Scotland has access to good quality housing is a vital part of the Scottish Government’s drive to secure economic growth, strengthen communities and tackle inequalities.

“Of the 719 houses being built, I am delighted to see that 356 will be affordable homes and that the area will benefit from £7.9 million of Scottish Government funding on top of the significant investment from the City of Edinburgh Council.

“These new homes will replace poor quality housing and will give the area a new lease of life. In addition to this the project is delivering community benefits by supporting apprenticeships.

“It is an honour to launch the Pennywell and Muirhouse Regeneration, which is one of the largest housing led regeneration projects in Scotland, and is a fantastic example of how housing can transform a community.”

Housing Convener, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Pennywell is a fantastic development and will greatly enhance the area. We are committed to investing in high quality, energy efficient, affordable housing and this is the perfect example of how this can be achieved.

“The project has already created jobs for local people and I am confident that Pennywell will be an asset, not only to its residents, but as part of the overall regeneration of the north of Edinburgh.”

The construction of the new homes will bring 60 new jobs and apprenticeships to the area, along with 180 work experience placements. Cllr Day and the Minister met with local resident Courtney Rankine during the visit, who gained employment as an administrator on the project.

Local people have also been heavily involved in shaping plans for the public spaces within the development and the overall master plan for the area.

After a tour of the construction site – and a flying visit to Muirhouse Community Shop -they then visited Lindsey Wilson, a tenant of a new Council property in nearby West Pilton Crescent. Like the homes under construction in Pennywell, her flat is a modern, energy efficient home and gave the Minister an insight into how the completed properties on the development will look.

Both West Pilton Crescent and Pennywell are part of the Council’s 21st Century Homes project, which aims to create high quality social housing by developing brownfield sites across the Capital.

Lindsey (pictured below with 17 month old son Dylan) said: “My new home is amazing! I was given notice to leave my private let and I was staying in temporary accommodation before I got this place. This is luxury compared to my private let – it is so much bigger, cleaner and warmer. I was spending £40 per week on my pre-payment meter in my last house but now I’m only spending £11, which is fantastic.

“My housing officer has been great and is always there if I have any issues. The kids love the playground and see the green space as their garden! I have just got a job down in Morrison’s – I start tomorrow – and things are really working out well for me.”

In response to the high demand for affordable homes in Edinburgh, 21st Century Homes will deliver 1,400 new properties for rent and sale throughout the city. The first to be built by the project were in the Gracemount area, where 87 homes were created, along with 12 shared equity properties.

Phase two of this development is now underway and coincides with the construction of 94 new Council homes in West Pilton Crescent and Greendykes. Plans to expand the project in other parts of the Capital by a further 400 houses are also currently being considered.

Janice Russell, Director of Urban Union, said: “Pennywell Living is one of the largest projects of its kind in Scotland, and we are pleased to share its progress with the Housing Minister today.

“The development is about much more than just bringing high quality new homes to the area. We are working in partnership with the Council to create a sustainable community that people want to live in. We are committed to delivering jobs and training opportunities, public open space and an art works strategy which will provide a range of activities and events for community involvement.

“By creating a sense of place we hope to attract a vibrant mix of people to the area, encouraging pride in the community and ultimately driving genuine regeneration in Pennywell.”

Start your Christmas shopping on Saturday!

Muirhouse cancellations this week

Two cancelled events in Muirhouse this week:

TRIM (Tenants & Residents in Muirhouse)

Our scheduled meeting on Tuesday 11 November has been cancelled. It is unlikely we will have another meeting this year due to the festive period.
We will post a new date once we agree it. Our Facebook, Emails and Phone calls will still continue to be dealt with in the normal way.

Zumba

Zumba/Fitsteps Activity Please be aware and pass it on to fellow Zumba friends, David Lowe’s Zumba will not be on this Wednesday but will resume normal dates & times next week (Wednesday 19 November).

See more at: http://muirhousecommunitycentre.co.uk/zumba-fitsteps-cancellation/#sthash.0wTghO0P.dpuf

Partnership Centre plans forge ahead

Plans for the new £12 million health and social care hub in Muirhouse have taken another major step forward

The planning application for the North West Edinburgh Partnership Centre has been approved by the planning committee at the City of Edinburgh Council.

The new centre, a joint development between NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council, will bring increased health and social care services to the local community, including new GP accommodation and additional physiotherapy, podiatry, dentistry and child health services.

Peter Gabbitas, Joint Director, Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership said: “The North West Edinburgh Partnership Centre is another good example of the benefits of bringing health and social care services together on one site and in doing so putting people’s health and welfare at the forefront of our services.”

Cllr Ricky Henderson, Health, Social Care and Housing Convener, said: “We are committed to providing high quality health and social care within communities, and working in partnership with organisations such as NHS Lothian on projects like the North West Edinburgh Partnership Centre is a great way to ensure this happens.”

Hub South East Scotland Ltd is delivering the project and has appointed GRAHAM construction to build the new centre.

Paul McGirk, Chief Executive of Hub South East Scotland, said: “This is an exciting step in the development of the North West Edinburgh Partnership Centre and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership with both NHS Lothian and the City of Edinburgh Council to make these plans a reality. We’ve been involved in this project from the beginning, so it’s exciting to reach this major milestone and we look forward to continuing our successful partnerships and making these plans a reality.”

Ground works will start this month to prepare the site for construction of the new Centre which is anticipated to begin next year.

The works will involve digging up and working on pipes and cabling within certain areas of the site. The works will not impact on surrounding properties and while there will be activity on parts of the site over the coming months, none of these works relate to the actual construction of the facility.

These works will also involve the creation of a new entrance to the shopping centre service yard from Pennywell Gardens, demolition of two buildings (Pennywell Dentist and Pennywell House), closing Muirhouse Crescent and diverting existing utilities (gas, electricity, water, telecoms) within the site.

The project team is now working towards aiming to finalise contracts in January 2015. Work is then scheduled to start on the new Centre in early 2015 and it will open in autumn 2016.

Sun sets on St Paul’s

‘That on 12 October 2014 the Parish of St Paul’s, Muirhouse will be completely SUPPRESSED’

Campaigners have lost the battle to save their beloved St Paul’s church in Muirhouse. Parishioners must now move to other churches as their spiritual home of over 45 years will be closed and sold.

A small band gathered to stage a candlelit vigil before the final Friday evening Mass at the Muirhouse Avenue church, one final protest. They were quiet, they were dignified, they were peaceful and they made their point – but ultimately, their efforts were in vain.

Church authorities had already made the decision to close the church and the Decree passed to that effect was pinned to a noticeboard – which ironically heralds ‘Welcome’ – inside the church doors (below).

The Decree, which is signed by Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh Leo Cushley and Chancellor Rev Scott Deeley, states:

1. That on 12 October 2014 the Parish of St Paul’s, Muirhouse will be completely SUPPRESSED;

2. That on 12 October 2014 the territory of the former Parish of St Paul’s Muirhouse will become part of the parish of St Margaret’s, Davidsons Mains;

3. The faithful domiciled in the former territory of the parish of St Paul’s Muirhouse will become parishioners of St Margaret’s, Davidsons Mains;

4. That on Sunday 12 October 2014 the church of St Paul’s Muirhouse will no longer be used for the Liturgy pending relegation to profane but not sordid use;

The Decree goes on to say that all assets and the parish registers will be transferred from St Paul’s to St Margaret’s.

So the battle’s over and the campaigners many questions – among them, just how did the church’s debt mushroom to £284,000 and why was it allowed to spiral out of control? – will go unanswered.

Children from St David’s RC Primary School in West Pilton will now have to find their way to St Margaret’s in Davidson’s Mains for their church services – a considerable distance on busy roads. And the stalwarts of St Paul’s’ men’s club – who have met socially at the church for over forty years, but were not even informed of the intention to close the church – what future for them? Where do they go?

Churches are not about buildings, of course. Churches are the people, the people are the church. The church authorities have cited falling congregations as one of the reasons for Muirhouse closure, but Muirhouse and Pennywell is an area undergoing a major regeneration. Thousands have left the area as their homes were knocked down, but thousands more will return as new homes are built. Many of the families making their homes in Muirhouse will be Eastern European, many of whom are Catholic.

So as I watched worshippers going in to church on Friday as the sun went down, I did wonder: where will these people go? Yes, they’ll have nice new homes – but no spiritual home at the heart of their new community?

Candlelight vigil at St Paul’s

SILENT PROTEST AGAINST THE CLOSURE OF ST PAUL’S

FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER FROM 6.15pm

A silent protest will take place on Friday 10 October from 6.15pm onwards outside St Paul’s during the Thanksgiving mass. There will be posters handed out for people to display and candles will be provided and placed around the entrance to the church and other areas (it would be helpful if you could bring along some glass jars to hold the candles to prevent them going out).

There are also posters available for children and families to colour in and decorate to display at the protest. These can be picked up at Muirhouse Library or Muirhouse Community Shop. Of course, you can also make your own posters, placards, and banners and bring them along too!

We hope to see as many people as possible attend from all parts of the community while we protest silently and peacefully to demonstrate our objection to the closure of St Paul’s.

SILENT PROTEŚCIE PRZECIWKO ZAMKNIĘCIU ŚWIĘTEGO PAWŁAPIĄTEK,

10 PAŹDZIERNIKA Z 18:15

Cichy protest odbędzie się w piątek 10 października od 18:15 roku poza St Paul’s podczas mszy Dziękczynienia. Będą plakaty rozdawane dla osób do wyświetlania i świece będą dostarczane i umieszczone wokół wejścia do kościoła i innych dziedzinach (dobrze byłoby gdybyś mógł przynieść niektórych słoikach trzymać świece, aby zapobiec im wychodzi).

Są też plakaty dostępne dla dzieci i rodzin, aby kolor i ozdobić, aby wyświetlić na protest. Te mogą być zabierani na Muirhouse Biblioteki lub Muirhouse wspólnotowego sklepu. Oczywiście, można również tworzyć własne plakaty, afisze i transparenty i przynieść je razem też!

Mamy nadzieję, że tak wielu ludzi, jak to możliwe, chodzi do wszystkich części społeczeństwa, a my cicho i spokojnie protestować wykazać nasz sprzeciw wobec zamknięcia St Paul’s.

Prosimy dołączyć w ” Wydarzenia ” , jeśli będziesz uczestniczyć

Save St Paul’s Campaign

A living memorial for Mikaeel

MY Adventure reach Towford target

Money raised to pay for a memorial for little Mikaeel Kular has been donated to a local youth project in Muirhouse. The money has helped MY Adventure to upgrade an adventure centre for thousands of local children to enjoy for years to come.

MY Adventure used a crowdfunding site to try to raise £6000 for urgent repairs to Towford, a dilapidated outdoors centre near Jedburgh. The social enterprise was over halfway toward it’s target when trustees of the Mikaeel Kular Memorial Fund decided to contribute the donations they had received – over £3000 – to the Towford venture, making the MY dream become a reality.

It’s great news for MY Adventure and proof that joy can spring from tragedy.

Jonny Kinross, Director of MY Adventure, said: “Towford Outdoor Centre will be an affordable outdoor resource for children, families, communities and businesses to stay or use for years to come. The centre, which was formerly a 19th century school, will be entrusted to the Muirhouse community and safeguarded by registered local charity Muirhouse Youth Development Group.

“Our centre will be accessible to thousands of local people, groups, businesses and school pupils all year, next year and for generations to come.

“Eighty official backers have surpassed our target of £6000, with £35000 raised from individual supporters and local organisations in just two weeks. ‘These people felt either connected to Muirhouse or inspired by what the centre will come to be and mean to local people.

‘It was this that inspired the Mikaeel Kular Memorial Fund to pledge such a large amount to our campaign. That money will secure his legacy and will specifically help create a children’s play area in the 17 acre grounds dedicated to him.

“‘It’s a testament to how his community showed strength, solidarity and compassion at a time of their greatest need.”

Three year old Mikaeel Kular died in his Muirhouse home in January after being subjected to three-day beating by his mother. Rosdeep Adekoya claimed her son had gone missing, sparking off an unprecedented local search, but Mikaeel’s body was found two days later. She was subsequently jailed for eleven years.

Mikaeel’s disappearance galvanised the local community and thousands took part in the search for the wee boy. When the tragic truth became known a fund was set up to create a memorial to remember Mikaeel – and MY Adventure’s Towford Centre will now ensure that Mikaeel’s memory will live on.

Robert Pearson, chairman of Tenants & Residents in Muirhouse (TRIM), who initiated the collection for the memorial, said: ”Our thanks to everyone who donated, I know Mikaeel’s’ family are touched by the response of our community. It was always going to be difficult to decide just what to use the money on.

”Reading all the suggestions and talking to residents who visited the community shop, I got a sense of outdoor, play area and family activities are what people are looking for. When a resident mentioned the Towford Centre, I immediately thought it ticked all boxes. Mikaeel wasn’t allowed to grow up and enjoy his childhood – his legacy will ensure other children can.’