Day: March 23, 2011

Scotland’s Census takes place every ten years, and Census 2011 questionnaire forms should be completed by householders on or around Sunday 27 March.

The Census gathers information that is needed to help plan and provide future public services – for example knowing how many young people there are or how many residents are approaching retirement helps to plan future health service provision.

Householders have a legal duty to fill in and return the questionnaire, which asks for details about everyone who usually lives at that address.  There is also a section requesting basic information about anyone else living in the property on the night of 27 March.  Failure to return the questionnaire could lead to a fine of £1000, but personal information contained in the document is protected by law – your personal details are kept confidential for 100 years by the General Register Office for Scotland.

The Census questionnaire is quite straightforward to complete but help and support is available.  For more information go to www.scotlandcensus.gov.uk or call the helpline on 0300 123 1702 – lines are now open from 8am – 8pm. 

Dave Pickering

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service is urging householders to regularly check their smoke alarms following a spate of house fires over the last week.

There were house fires in Craigmillar and Broxburn last weekend and on Tuesday evening emergency services were called to a house in Easter Drylaw Place after neighbours reported hearing an activated smoke alarm.   Three appliances attended the Drylaw incident, and firefighters broke into the property which was unoccupied at the time to tackle the fire.  Fire chiefs said that the incidents all highlight the importance of having working fire alarms.

A spokesperson for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said:  “Whether cooking chips or through an electrical fault a house fire can start in seconds and deadly smoke can overcome in minutes. Having a working smoke alarm in your property gives vital early warning to you and often neighbours that a fire has started.  This gives people time to call the emergency services and get out of the property.  If you don’t have an alarm and live in Lothian and Borders we can fit one free as part of a home safety visit. To book call 0800 169 0320. Check your smoke alarm every week. It could save your life one day!”.

Dave Pickering

It was a long, hard winter but Spring has arrived and this weekend sees the start of British Summer Time – remember the clocks go FORWARD on Sunday morning!

Dave Pickering