Day: July 8, 2014

Keeping the faith: Port of Leith commended for housing development

Magdalene DrivePort of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) was commended for Large Scale Development of the Year for its Magdalene Drive at last week’s Saltire Awards.

The Association developed 23 affordable homes for social rent and a church centre on the site of St Martin’s Church which had been demolished, and a new, more modern facility was built for the local congregation alongside the new homes.

It was officially launched last December marking a significant impact in the regeneration of the area.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive for Port of Leith Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to have been commended for our Magdalene Drive development. It is the third time we have developed new affordable housing alongside local facilities for faith groups and the local community.

“Creating communities in which people want to live is more than simply providing a roof over people’s heads. It’s providing good-quality, energy efficient housing people are proud of; it’s supporting individuals and families and local groups and bringing people together within their community.”

A city for all ages? Have your say!

Edinburgh from Calton HillAre you aged over fifty?  Do you have an opinion on city services?  Of course you do!  Share your views at a session in Stockbridge next week:

EVOC (Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council) are holding discussion groups for older people (aged 50+) across the city as part of its evaluation of ‘A City for All Ages’. The North event will take place next Monday (14 July) from 2- 3.30pm at Stockbridge Library.

Participants can either drop in for a short time, or stay longer.

We are keen to get as many local older people along to this as possible to hear their views on what services are provided and where there is room for improvement.

If you are in this age group, please come along on Monday and take part. We’d also appreciate, if you represent a local group, if you can bring this to the attention of any older people your project is in touch with, and encourage them to come along, or please consider bringing a group of clients along? Refreshments will be provided and the event will be informal.

Any questions, please contact Alex.clark@evoc.org.uk, tel 555 9100

ACFAA Northgroup poster July

StockbridgeLibrary

Police appeal following Pier Place attack

PolicePolice are appealing for witnesses after a woman was injured during a break-in at her Newhaven home. The incident happened last Friday at around 12.15pm at an address in Pier Place.

The 19-year-old victim was in the house when she became aware of a male’s presence, and a short struggle between the pair resulted in the young woman sustaining a dislocated elbow and an injury to her face.

She managed to get away from the suspect and ran to a neighbour who contacted emergency services.

Police are now conducting local enquiries to trace the male responsible and anyone who can assist in identifying him is asked to come forward.

He is described as white, just under 6ft tall with a skinny build. He was wearing a black tracksuit with the hood up and spoke with a local accent.

Detective Sergeant Mike Leask said: “The victim sustained painful injuries to her arm and face, which required medical attention and left her incredibly shaken.

“Anyone who was in or around Pier Place on Friday afternoon and remembers seeing anything suspicious is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mikaeel: mother due in Court today

High Court plaqueRosdeep Kular, the mother charged with murdering her three-year old son Mikaeel, will appear for a preliminary hearing at Edinburgh’s High Court this morning.

Kular, who is 34 and has four other children, is accused of beating him to death before putting his body in a suitcase and dumping him, STV  News reported last night. She is also accused of failing to seek medical attention for Mikaeel.

Rosdeep Kular – who is appearing in court under her married name of Rosdeep Adekoya – is said to have punched her son Mikaeel on the head and body, hit his body against a hard object and caused blunt-force trauma injuries to his head and body at the family’s flat in Muirhouse.

She is then said to have put him in the boot of her car and driven his body first to his school, Flora Stevenson Primary, and then on to a relative’s home in Kirkcaldy where she is said to have hidden the suitcase under a bush in woodland behind the house.

Ms Kular is further accused of reporting Mikaeel missing from their home in Ferry Gait Crescent in Muirhouse on 16 January, allegedly saying her son had disappeared from the home.

Thousands of members of the public turned out to help search for Mikaeel when he was reported missing earlier this year, but the toddler’s body was discovered in Fife late on Friday 17 January.