Tuesday 23 June 3 – 6pm, Wednesday 24 June 5 – 8pm
Waterfront Avenue
Day: June 19, 2015
TOiL expands east with funding boost
TOiL aims to match last year’s record of success
Port of Leith Housing Association’s (PoLHA) training programme for young people Training Opportunities in Lothian (TOiL) has secured over £200,000 funding which will allow it to expand its services into East Lothian.
The TOiL Programme provides 18 week, paid work experience placements to young, unemployed people alongside in-house training and career guidance. Training placements are with local firms in a variety of sectors and occupations.
The increased funding will enable up to 85 young people to participate in the TOiL Programme in 2015/16. It will also support PoLHA tenants with employability issues through the continued funding of an employabilty officer post. An additional employability officer will also be recruited to take on the role of working with adults who face employment barriers due to disability or ill health.
John Murray manages the TOiL programme. He said: “We are delighted to have received this significant sum of money to continue to support young people into sustainable employment.
“In 2014/15 TOiL supported 76% of trainees into employment, modern apprenticeships or further education against a national average of 44% which is our most successful year to date. It is TOiL’s ambition to deliver a similar level of success with a greater number of individuals this year.”
Skills Development Scotland’s Employability Fund, the City of Edinburgh Council’s Improving Employability Fund and The People and Communities Fund have provided the funding.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service launches Week of Action
Fire crews in unprecedented move to reach those at highest risk
Firefighters throughout Scotland will be deployed to protect vulnerable people in a nationwide ‘week of action’ aimed at preventing accidental house fires and the tragedies they cause.
The unprecedented move follows a recent appeal from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) for the public to help it reach those most likely to be killed or injured as a result of fire in the home.
Between January and May, 28 people lost their lives as a result of fires and June has so far seen two more fatalities.
People over the age of 60 accounted for almost two-thirds of those killed and, as well as age, the common factors contributing to many of the deaths were smoking, ill-health, living alone and limited mobility.
With evidence many fire tragedies could be prevented SFRS is taking the major step of sending operational crews and community firefighters to households throughout the country to offer residents advice on keeping their homes and everyone in them safe.
Ahead of the ‘Week of Action’ to protect people from fire, the service is again issuing a plea for families, friends and neighbours to take responsibility for keeping those close to them safe.
SFRS Chief Officer Alasdair Hay said: “We are totally committed to protecting the public and this significant step shows the importance we place on preventing fires from happening.
“The nationwide approach to this week of action means our personnel will be visible throughout Scotland and pro-actively contact as many people as we possibly can.
“We rely on responsible citizens and partner agency colleagues to put us in touch with individuals who may be at increased risk of experiencing a fire in their home and those strong partnerships are absolutely vital to preventing tragedies.
“As the country’s firefighters work to protect every community I would urge everyone to join Scotland’s fight against fire by ensuring anyone who might need some help gets that potentially life-saving support.”
Statistics show those aged 65 and over are more than twice as likely to die in a fire as people of other ages.
The speed with which a fire can develop and spread toxic smoke, heat and flames means those who are old, who live alone and who have issues with their health or mobility are at particular risk of being injured or killed.
Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “The work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to raise awareness of the risks of fire is very valuable and means that we are safer from the risk of fire at home than we have ever been.
“However it’s crucial not to become complacent and the recent spate of tragic fire fatalities has shown some people, particularly the elderly, immobile and those who live alone, are still at risk.
“That’s why it is so positive to see the fire service working with partners, including health authorities and the voluntary sector, to develop new ways to identify those individuals in communities who are most at risk, and to make early interventions to ensure they are protected.”
The ‘Week of Action’ will involve local senior officers calling on the support of partner agencies to reach those who they know to be at risk.
By visiting homes firefighters can help residents understand the risks and take very minor actions known to dramatically reduce the chance of a fire starting.
Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, the SFRS director of prevention and protection, explained why their efforts also mean occupiers are less likely to be hurt or killed if a fire does happen in their home.
He said: “We often see smoke alarms in the wrong position and firefighters conducting a home fire safety visit will correct this to make sure people are protected.
“If someone is over the age of 60, lives alone or has difficulty moving around then it can take more time for them to escape in an emergency.
“They need to know not to smoke in bed, or even while feeling tired and sitting in a chair. If the person just can’t avoid doing this then we can work with partners and communities to help make them safer.
“There is a huge amount of support available but we need our partner agencies and the public to help us make sure it gets to those who need it.”
He continued: “We also want to remind people that if they hear a smoke alarm activating then they need to call 999 and report it right away.
“Many people can be reluctant to make an emergency call and assume an alarm has gone off due to something innocuous like burnt toast, but the fact is waiting to see if the alarm stops could cost someone their life.”
With an aging population – 23 per cent of the UK will be aged 65 and over by 2035 – helping older people prevent fires and stay safe is certain to remain an issue for every community.
Free home fire safety visits take around 20 minutes to complete and are conducted by local SFRS crews at a time convenient for the householder.
A popular feature of the Join Scotland’s Fight against Fire campaign, they are available by calling the freephone number 0800 073 1999, by texting ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or by filling in an online form at www.firescotland.gov.uk.
Chair of the SFRS Board Pat Watters added: “Our staff throughout Scotland work around the clock to keep people safe and there is nothing more upsetting than seeing lives needlessly lost and ruined.
“Every single one of us has a responsibility to play our part. Fire isn’t something that only happens to other people or only concerns emergency responders.
“The messages from firefighters are very clear and everyone in Scotland can play a life-saving role by thinking about fire safety and doing what they can to help protect their community.
“There isn’t a city, town or village in the country that can afford to ignore the warnings and I would urge everyone to understand the risks and join Scotland’s fight against fire.”
Creating a fairer Scotland
How do we build a more equal society?
People across Scotland are being asked to take part in a national discussion about how the country can be a fairer and more equal place to live.
Over the past eight years Scotland has had a rising employment rate, improved educational outcomes and people living healthier lives – now the Scottish Government wants to mobilise the nation to help tackle the scourge of intergenerational poverty and create fairer opportunities for all.
To reach more people and build on the community-led discussions of the Referendum and General Election, widespread, direct involvement of communities will take place the length and breadth of Scotland.
People will be invited to set out their vision of a fairer Scotland and suggest practical solutions, based on local and personal experience.
Capturing the voices of those with direct experience of poverty and exclusion will be vital. Voluntary organisations and public sectors, charities, councils, large and small businesses, trade unions will also play a pivotal role.
Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil launched the national discussion – which will take place over the summer and into autumn – in Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre in Coatbridge earlier today.
Mr Neil said: “Tackling inequality, along with building a prosperous and competitive economy, is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s commitment to creating a better country for all. The two go hand in hand.
“The Scottish Government’s vision is for a Scotland where people are healthier, happier and treated with respect, and where opportunities, wealth and power are spread more equally. We want to discuss issues like childcare, fair work and health and hear what people believe could be done to create a better Scotland.
“It is important that we are an open and accessible government. We want to tap into conversations many people and communities are already having throughout Scotland, rather than consult on whether or not people agree with a range of ready-made proposals.
“We recognise that it will take time to achieve our shared vision of a fair, equal and socially just Scotland. We are not looking for quick fixes or temporary measures but long lasting change that can benefit the whole nation.”
Conversations will take place across the country and online, including a series of events over the summer and autumn where people can discuss the issues that mean most to them. An action plan, with people and their priorities at its heart, will be published in the new year with milestones to the next Parliament and beyond to help us achieve our goals.
Sir Harry Burns, former Chief Medical Officer and now Professor of Global Public Health at Strathclyde University, said: “The Government has recognised that the days of doing things to communities are past. Instead, the new approach, outlined in ‘Creating a Fairer Scotland’ is about doing things with communities.
“By meeting and listening to the marginalised and excluded people of Scotland, they will hear in raw detail what it’s like to live with fear of violence, hunger, cold and addiction. If communities are genuinely involved in shaping solutions to their own problems, those solutions will be enduring and effective.”
Peter Kelly, Director of The Poverty Alliance, said: “Today’s launch holds out the potential for a new approach to the problems of social injustice in Scotland. For once, we are not being asked to comment on plans that have already been made, or to pass judgement on some blueprint after it has been developed. By entering into genuine dialogue with people across Scotland we can begin to develop lasting solutions together.”
Tressa Burke, Chief Executive of the Glasgow Disability Alliance, said: “Our 2500 disabled members are delighted that the Scottish Government is leading by example and building on the energy of the referendum by beginning powerful dialogues and relationships with communities across Scotland. This matters because disabled peoples’ lives are blighted by poverty, exclusion and inequality on a daily basis. By working together, we are confident that we can come up with necessary steps and actions to tackle barriers and achieve a fairer and more equal life for disabled people and for all Scotland’s people.”
How YOU can join the conversation:
- Send an email to fairer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
- On Twitter at: @scotgovfairer
- On Facebook at: www.facebook.com/fairer.scot
- Responses can also be sent by post to: FREEPOST FAIRER SCOTLAND”
- Public discussion events will also take place in communities across the country over the next few months. Details will be made available through www.fairer.scot
News from Trinity Community Council
Trinity CC’s 8 June meeting was well attended. The main points:
Traffic and Transport
TCC and neighbouring CCs have been concerned about the lack of a review of Waterfront developments on traffic and transport in our part of the city. The most recent (in 2008 at a cost of £250k) North Edinburgh Transport Action Plan (NETAP) had assumed that the tram would come to Newhaven. Much has changed since then. Cllr Hind’s office had indicated that ‘the new Local Development Plan will have an action to review the NETAP‘ but no timescale nor detail was given.
Speaking at our meeting, Cllr Hinds recognised the importance of proper infrastructure planning but indicated that even a short stand-alone review could cost around £100,000. Finding this money would be difficult. She would ensure that officials put a timescale in writing on how NETAP would be covered in the LDP and offered to arrange a follow-up meeting with officials. She also accepted that a lighter touch traffic and transport study could be set up involving various CCs in North Edinburgh.
Community engagement was essential if a less cumbersome, more holistic planning process is to be developed which can better handle changing circumstances and be more readily communicated to those affected.
Responding to questions, Cllr Hinds agreed the importance of clarifying developers’ intentions at Granton and also the level of industrial development at Leith Docks since both would have direct implications for traffic and transport. Access arrangements to Leith Docks could have a significant impact on the volume of heavy traffic along the Waterfront.
The importance of controlling emissions had been underlined by the introduction of low emission zones in London with a knock-on effect on Edinburgh as vehicles have been redeployed north.
Cllr Hinds acknowledged that infrastructure planning must include wider amenities like schools and green space while smarter design at no extra cost could better integrate cycle path planning within mainstream road/pavement planning.
Extension of 20mph speed limits
Worries about whether the Police would be able to enforce the 20mph limit were expressed but Cllr Hinds assured the meeting that the Police would enforce it as they did other speed limits. Some concern was also expressed that despite the number of schools, Craighall Road remained at 30mph. Moreover a potential increased volume of traffic from cruise liners disembarking at Granton/Newhaven could become significant.
New handrail in Laverockbank Road
You may have noticed this new addition to our streetscape. This will make it possible to get up and down the hill safely in even the most inclement weather.
Crime
Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault on 2 people in Laverockbank Road by 4 attackers. This happened at about 1am on Sunday 31 May with both victims sustaining serious facial injuries.
Closure of RBS Goldenacre
We have protested strongly about RBS’ plans to close its Goldenacre branch from 13 August 2015 following a 25% drop in customer use over the last 3 years. We have pointed to the distance to the suggested alternatives as well as the growth planned for our side of the city.
Despite letters asserting a policy of “actively engaging, helping and supporting our customers and the local community” no bank representative was available for our meeting. Indeed as recently as March, the British Banking Association published a protocol that banks would “work with local communities to establish the impact of the branch closure prior to its closure”. This has been notable by absence.
We were assured that CEC Councillors are pressing the issue as is Malcolm Chisholm MSP. We hope to arrange a meeting with RBS shortly.
New Street Lighting
Quite a few complaints about the new LED street lighting which, while cheaper to run and environmentally sounder, is creating some unfortunate dark patches. Alternative settings are now being used to widen and increase light distribution and in certain places, additional lamps have been installed. Cllr Hinds accepted that installation without a prior explanation letter had been a mistake. Anyone who remained concerned about the quality of the lighting should contact her or one of the Forth councillors.
Public Consultations
Two surveys which you may be interested in completing –
– Tram Inquiry
– Police Scotland counter service.
127 Trinity Road
This has been resubmitted but again received a high volume of objections. We therefore expect the application to receive a full Committee consideration with a distinct possibility of becoming a Hearing. That permits TCC and other interested parties to speak.
Our beautiful green spaces
Lots of praise for Victoria Park’s improved basketball and tennis courts. Starbank Park goes from strength to strength including a Midsummer Madness event on 21 June (see attached poster).
Next meeting will be on
Monday 14 September at 7 pm in Wardie Parish Church, Primrose Bank Road.
Come and give us your thoughts!
Did you find this bulletin useful or informative? If so, why not show it to a neighbour? Anyone in Trinity can subscribe to the bulletin simply by emailing tcc-comms@outlook.com Or drop us a line and tell us what you think could be better.
Tram to Newhaven?
The city council is to consider taking the tram network into Newhaven, Ocean Terminal or the foot of Leith Walk.
The line currently stops at York Place, but councillors will consider options to extend the route from the city centre along part of the originally planned route – a plan scaled down when the project ran into financial difficulties -at a meeting next week.
Extension cost estimates are £144.7m to Newhaven, £126.6m to Ocean Terminal and £78.7m to Leith Walk.
Transport Convener, Cllr Lesley Hinds, said: “I am extremely pleased with the progress of the business case, which already shows the clear economic impact the extension of the tram line could have on the city.
“In the tram’s first year of operation we have seen passenger numbers increase, demonstrating a growing demand for public transport in Edinburgh and making the case for extending the tram to benefit people elsewhere in the city.
“But we don’t want to make any rash decisions about the future of the project, and that’s why further due diligence is required to ensure a robust financial case that can be used as a basis for an informed judgement. We will also be exploring all avenues for funding, and considering a series of new and innovative options with a view to delivering best value.
“It is essential that we learn from our past mistakes and I am confident that this process will deliver thoroughly researched, strategic options for a tram extension.”
Further work is now to be carried out, including a formal market consultation, testing and auditing of the financial model and an investigation of alternative funding options, ahead of the final decision in autumn.
Read more about the Edinburgh tram project online.
Edinburgh’s tram service began running in May last year, six years late and costing more than double (£776 milion) the original £375m price tag – and that price was for a trams network not just a single line.
A public inquiry was set up last year under Lord Hardie to establish why the Edinburgh Trams project ‘incurred delays, cost more than orignally budgeted and through reductions in scope deliverd significantly less than projected’.
A formal call for members of the public to provide written evidence was issued on 12 May this year and a list of issues has been published. An online survey has also been created to give people an easy way to submit this evidence.
For more info visit http://www.edinburghtraminquiry.org/
Granton Youth Centre Spring Fair’s THIS SATURDAY!!
