Day: June 13, 2012

Bogus workmen warning, Blackhall

Lothian and Borders Police are urging the public to stay vigilant to bogus callers following another incident in Blackhall.

The men have been targeting an elderly man in March Road over the past few months claiming they would work on his roof but so far, despite handing over thousands of pounds in cash, no work has been carried out on the house.

After providing an initial estimate, the men have gone back to the man demanding more money on the basis that they needed materials, that a VAT bill had to be settled, and finally to request a signature confirming the work had been done.

Door to door inquiries are underway in the area, with officers keen to speak to anyone else who may have been approached by these men. No description of the suspects is available.

A police spokesman said: “We would encourage anyone to fully check the credentials of anyone looking to carry out work or maintenance for you. Any genuine worker would be happy to provide details of their company, and would not have an issue with you calling their bosses and verifying their identity. In addition, we would ask people to stay vigilant, keep an eye on your neighbours and be alert to anyone acting suspiciously in your area. Anyone with any concerns, or seeking home security advice, should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or check our website for more information.”

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Sneak peek at Olympic torch!

Can’t wait for the arrival of the Olympic torch this afternoon? Well, here’s a sneak preview to whet your appetite!

This version of the torch was on display at Bangholm Playing Fields for the culmination of the Active Kids Olympic events on 30 May. Local Active Schools Coordinator Ricky Karoyan (above, right) was joined by her Trinity Academy cluster colleague Nicky Wheatley for the big finale.

A great day was had by all, and special thanks to Johnny Martinez from Edinburgh’s Telford College, who with a team of Year 2 HND Events Management students, ensured the festival event ran without a hitch!

For those who insist on seeing the ‘real thing’, however, times this evening are as follows:

18:15 – Depart Chesser Avenue along Slateford Road to Shandon Place

18:35 – Colinton Road at Gray’s Loan

18:40 – Bruntsfield Place at Holy Corner

18:55 – Lauriston Place at Tollcross

19:00 – George IV Bridge

19:05 – Lawnmarket at North Bank Street/The Mound

After that, the Flame will travel up to the Castle for the ticket only Evening Celebration event – NOTE tickets have all been allocated.

On the morning of Thursday 14th June, you will be able to see the Flame at the following locations:

07:00 – Festival Square at the Big Screen

07:12 – The Grassmarket

07:20 – George IV Bridge at the Royal Mile

07:30 – Scottish Parliament

07:45 – Pleasance

08:00 – Scottish Widows building opposite Royal Commonwealth Pool

08:15 – Duddingston Village on Old Church Lane

08:25 – Milton Road West

The torch will then leave Edinburgh and continue on to Musselburgh.

NB all timings are approximate and subject to change.