Day: October 15, 2022

Revealed: the UK local authorities where CCTV has QUADRUPLED since 2019

 

  • There are now 12,960 more CCTV cameras in the UK than there were three years ago
  • Almost seven in ten (69%) local authorities have increased their surveillance 
  • Gwynedd and Wokingham councils have both upped their CCTV installations by over 300% 

The number of public CCTV cameras in the UK has now risen to over 100,000, with some local authorities more than quadrupling their surveillance over the last three years. 

IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, issued Freedom of Information requests to local authorities and found that almost seven in ten (69%) have increased their CCTV presence since 2019. 

Across the UK, there are now 108,533 public cameras, representing an increase of 14% (12,960 new devices). This doesn’t include privately owned equipment, such as cameras operated by businesses or members of the public, so the overall total will be even greater. 

The biggest rise in CCTV has been in Gwynedd, in north-west Wales, where the council now operates 468 cameras, compared to 101 in 2019 – an increase of 363%. A new system has recently been installed that added multiple static cameras in locations where there used to be one pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) device. 

Gwynedd Council is one of 16 local authorities that have more than doubled their CCTV over the last three years. 

The local authorities that have increased CCTV at the quickest rate since 2019 are: 

The biggest numerical increase was found in Liverpool, where there are now 741 more cameras than there were in 2019 (754 up to 1,495). 

The London Borough of Hackney, however, has the highest level of surveillance. The council controls 3,119 CCTV devices, which is 815 more than any other local authority. 

The councils with the most CCTV cameras in the UK are: 

# Local authority CCTV cameras in 2022 
1 London Borough of Hackney  3,119  
2 London Borough of Hillingdon 2,304 
3 South Lanarkshire Council  2,154  
4 City of Edinburgh  2,027  
5 Portsmouth 1,997 

IronmongeryDirect spoke to Grant Fulton, CMC Operations Manager at Corps Monitoring, who predicts that the number of CCTV cameras in the UK will continue to increase:  “As technology continues to advance, so too will the application of CCTV monitoring systems.

“Over the next few years, CCTV technology will improve our personal safety, the safety of our homes, businesses, assets, and far more.

“Currently, CCTV is mainly used for heatmaps and people counting but, in the future, CCTV-based facial recognition will be a significant part of our world, carrying major implications for personal device security and shopping. 

“And as this technology increases, it drives down the cost of surveillance protection, making it more affordable and accessible than ever before.” 

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “CCTV is an integral part of modern-day society, and cameras have grown more commonplace in recent years as technology and connectivity have improved. 

“The increases revealed in our research might raise privacy concerns, but generally CCTV benefits the safety and security of both the public and businesses, and the upwards trend is unlikely to stop anytime soon.” 

To read IronmongeryDirect’s CCTV Capitals of the UK: 2022 Report, including the CCTV figures for every UK local authority, visit: 

https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/cctv-capitals-of-the-uk-2022  

PYCP October holiday programme

We are running our current programme as normal through the October holiday but we are going to be providing our PY Lunches again!

Young people can come and collect a wee packed lunch to take home from 12:30-1pm Monday to Friday!

❗ Veggie options are available but please make sure you tell us if you need one as it can get quite busy and we want everyone to enjoy their lunch 🥞🥪🧃

#OctoberHolidayWeek

#PYLunches

Rare Birds Books: 24 Days of Reading

Rare Birds Books launches new look advent calendar following sell out success in 2021!

Chocolate is so 2021; this year we are ushering in the festive period with a new era of advent calendar – one that offers romance, suspense, thrills and spills*.

Highly anticipated since its immediate sell out last year, home of female writing, Rare Birds Books has re-designed and re-launched its best-selling 24 Days of Reading (£50), a new way to celebrate advent.

To play along, you just need to open each day as normal, discovering an invitation to a new world behind every door, a secret blurb ready to take you on a journey. Each of the 24 descriptions corresponds to one of Rare Birds Books favourites from the past year, including 10 book club picks and 14 brand new titles; so, whether you’re a subscriber or a book worm, there is a story for you!

At the end of December, you choose your favourite four blurbs and using your personal code, redeem them for the four physical books! A gift that just keeps giving, the books will be despatched from 28th December onwards, meaning you will be able to start 2023 with a host of new reading material.

With postage included, this is the perfect early present for the bibliophile in your life. And for those vivacious readers, don’t panic, your book choices will be revealed before you complete your redemption, meaning you can confirm you haven’t got any duplicates.

Pre-orders begin in September for guaranteed copies, with all calendars begin shipping in November. They will be available to purchase online via the website, in store and at Stylist Live weekend.

So, which story will you choose for yourself this Christmas?

*Still good when paired with chocolate!

24 Days of Reading Advent Calendar

For more information visit www.rarebirdsbooks.com

Real life story inspires Caring

New play premieres in Edinburgh in November

A mother’s experience of caring for her severely disabled son is the basis for a new play which will be performed next month at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Caring, by Rhona McAdam from Edinburgh, describes the daily struggle of living with a disabled teenager, and is based on her own life story.

The play, performed by Citadel Arts Group on November 3 and 4, with support from the Lottery, will be free, with a special invitation extended to carers’ groups in the city.

Rhona McAdam, who lives in Colinton, says: “It’s a realistic view of a mother caring for her teenage son.

“She is finding it tougher to care for him because he has a lot of physical care needs.  Now he’s getting older she is maybe mothering him too much.  In the play it’s his fifteenth birthday and she’s telling him he can’t have another beer.”

According to charity Care for Carers there are now more than 800,000 adult carers in Scotland, and 82 per cent have no time for respite or breaks.

Rhona based the character of Joey on her own son Ruairidh, who had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and died this year, aged 29, shortly after she finished writing the play.

Boys and young men with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy lack a protein which causes progressive muscle weakness, leading to respiratory problems and difficulty swallowing.

The writer hopes others will be able to relate to the story.

“These are characters and these are their struggles – but it could be any teenager or any mother.

“All Joey wants to do is play on his X Box   For Joey it’s a world where he can do things, run, and fight.”

In the play the character of the mother struggles to look after herself as well as her son, but comes to realise she needs to find a way to do this.

“I tried to make it realistic.  Mum is no saint – in fact neither Mum or Joey is angelic.  They are both a bit grumpy with each other. Mum is tired and a bit frustrated and Joey resents his mum for being annoyed.

“I wanted to show the reality of caring – but also that normal life goes on – whatever difficulties you face.”

Rhona McAdam was one of the writers of Leithers One Family, the play based on a family of Leithers, which Citadel Arts Group created and staged online during lockdown.  

A version of the play Leithers Live, was performed at Custom House, Leith in June.

As well as losing her son this year Rhona also lost her husband Iain, who died during lockdown in December 2021.   Writing the play and working with Citadel has given her a welcome focus.

She says: “I have written short stories before but I have really enjoyed being part of the collaborative process and working with actors and directors.”

Caring, which will be directed by Mark Kydd, will be staged at the Storytelling Centre on November 3 and 4.

The part of Mum will be played by Laverne Edmonds, Joey will be played by Fraser Allan Hogg, while Dale McQueen will take the supporting roles.

Liz Hare, director of the Citadel Arts Group says: “It will be a very welcome return to the Storytelling Centre for us. Although we are usually associated with Leith, the group originally performed at the Storytelling Centre.  It’s a beautiful theatre space and we’re delighted to be going back.

“We’ve done a lot of work with Care for Carers and the Carers’ Group from the Eric Liddell Centre running creative writing workshops and Rhona’s play fits in really well with that.   We did an early run through of the play with Edinburgh carers and they gave feedback and suggestions to help with the development of the script.”

Erica Whitaker Wallis, of Care for Carers said: “Across Scotland, there were an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 unpaid carers before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Survey work from Scottish Government in September 2020 suggests the number of adult carers had grown to around 839,000. As a result of the pandemic 90 per cent of carers are spending more time caring, with 82 per cent having had no access to respite or breaks from caring.

“It is therefore more important than ever that we continue to shine a light on the vital contribution that unpaid carers make to our society.

As an organisation we work alongside community partners to provide carers with access to short break opportunities which this year has involved providing drama workshops with Citadel Arts.

“For a carer, just a few hours break away from their caring role can make a big difference to their wellbeing which is why we view these partnerships as so important.”

The project received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Director Mark Kydd said: “I think people will enjoy the play.  In spite of the seriousness of the subject matter it’s surprising, it’s funny and it’s playful.

“Because the character Joey loves gaming he wants to be a superhero of his own story and that adds a fantasy element to the narrative.”

Caring, by Rhona McAdam, will be performed at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh on November 3 and 4, with a matinee on November 4

Thursday 3 November, 7pm

Friday 4 November, 4pm and 7pm

There will be a Q and A after the matinee on November 4 with Erica Whittaker Wallis from Care for Carers.

Dobbies’ Edinburgh store to host festive shopping night in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

The most magical time of the year is almost here and Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is welcoming the start of the festive season with a special charity shopping night in aid of National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.

This is taking place in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store on Thursday 24 November, 5-9pm, with tickets on sale now. 

The Christmas Shopping Night is a perfect opportunity for the whole family to explore great-value festive gifts, decorations and products and get into the Christmas spirit.

There will be a welcome drink on arrival plus the chance to enjoy the exclusive shopping offers available on the night. With the Christmas themes for 2022 displayed throughout the stores there will be decorating inspiration for all, no matter your style or budget. 

Dobbies’ popular Santa’s Grotto will launch in its Edinburgh store for a special preview as well as bookable tables in the restaurant offering a taste of the Christmas menu.

Available on the night will be two courses for £14.95 with the option of traditional roast turkey dinner or vegetarian Christmas dinner with Quorn sausages, followed by Christmas pudding or mince pie cheesecake.

Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager at Dobbies said: “We’ve raised over £1.2m for Teenage Cancer Trust and our Christmas Shopping Night is a great opportunity, not only for customers in Edinburgh to enjoy a festive night out and exclusive offers, but contribute to raising funds for an incredibly worthwhile cause.”

Tickets are priced at £1, available at dobbies.com and in-store, and all proceeds from ticket sales and fundraising on the night will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust. It is also possible to opt in to make a donation to the charity when booking other festive events online.

Donna Bednarek, Senior Relationships Manager for Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are delighted to see the return of Dobbies Christmas Shopping Night this year – an event our volunteers love to be part of.

“It’s companies like Dobbies, and their incredible team members and customers taking part in events like this, that allow us to ensure no young person faces cancer alone.”

Attendees in Edinburgh are invited to take a photo in-store for the chance to win a prize.

Customers can share their photos on social media by using #DobbiesChristmasNight and tagging @dobbiesgardencentres to automatically be entered.

For more Christmas inspiration and to browse Dobbies’ new season ranges, visit:

 www.dobbies.com

South-west England ‘the happiest region in the UK’

Words most associated with EDINBURGH are history, architecture & theatre/arts

New research has revealed that Edinburgh is labelled as historical by people across the UK. The survey by Legal & General asked respondents to select the words they most associate with various UK cities, including their own. 

The survey found that the top words associated with Edinburgh are historical (53%), architecture (42%), and theatre/arts (40%).

Other key findings include:

  • Respondents living in Edinburgh chose historical (71%), theatre/arts (65%), and architecture (62%) as the top words associated with their city
  • The words least associated with Edinburgh are industrial (10%), rugby (11%), and football (14%)
  • Edinburgh was the second most prosperous (23%) and innovative (16%) city, behind London only
  • Edinburgh is the UK city most associated with architecture, chosen by 42% of respondents

Legal & General also investigated the various satisfaction levels of people living in the UK in their Rebuilding Britain Index report.

The study finds that 69% of Brits are satisfied with their local area – this was 68% among those in Scotland. However, there are many factors such as healthcare (62%) and public green spaces (50%) that significantly affect levels of contentment. 

  • People in the south-west of England have the highest levels of satisfaction with their local area (76% of survey respondents).
  • In contrast, just 62% of those polled in the north-east say they are satisfied with their area – the lowest of any region.
  • “Expensive” is the word Brits most associate with London (68% of respondents).
  • “Historical” is how Brits are most likely to describe Edinburgh (53%), while Sheffield is viewed as “industrial” (43%), and the word most associated with Newcastle is “football” (44%).
  • Overall, 69% of the UK are satisfied with the place where they live.
  • Access to high quality health services (GP, dentists, pharmacy) is the factor that most determines satisfaction with an area – 62% selected this option.

Satisfaction runs deep 

There is no shortage of local pride in Britain’s regions, but the sunny south-west, including Bristol, Bath and the towns and villages of Somerset and Gloucestershire, has the highest levels of satisfaction (76%) among locals when asked to rate the place where they live.

New research from Legal & General as part of their Rebuilding Building Britain Index explores satisfaction levels across the UK.

As part of the research, 20,000 people were surveyed to find out how satisfied they are with their lives – and how different factors – from work opportunities to transport – affect their levels of contentment. 

The study found that Brits are largely happy with their neighbourhood – 69% say they’re satisfied with their local area.
Diagram Description automatically generated

The key to happiness 

But not everyone would describe their local patch as a happy place to live. In the north-east of England, just 62% of respondents said they’re satisfied with their area – the lowest of any region. And when asked which factors have the biggest impact on satisfaction levels, the survey revealed that healthcare, public green spaces and a reliable mobile signal are crucial to how people view their surroundings.

Other factors include congestion and quality of local roads, as well as the availability of well-paid employment options. 
Application Description automatically generated

The words on the street

Our health, happiness and sense of place is affected by the way we perceive the world around us. So how do Brits view different cities across the UK? A new survey commissioned by Legal and General asked respondents which words they would use to describe different urban centres. Here are the top answers:

LONDONExpensive (68%)
SHEFFIELDIndustrial (43%)
BIRMINGHAMIndustrial (36%)
GLASGOWHistorical (35%)
BRISTOLHistorical (28%)
NEWCASTLEFootball (44%)
CARDIFFRugby (35%)
LEEDSFootball (33%)
EDINBURGHHistorical (53%)
BRIGHTONLively (42%)

Newcastle had the most UK respondents label the city as ‘friendly’ with 35% selected this as an option to describe the area. Sheffield (25%), Birmingham (24%), Cardiff (26%) and Brighton (30%) were the only other UK cities where ‘friendly’ was selected as one of the top 3 associated words.

Respondents offered other words and phrases as part of the survey which they believe resonate with UK cities, such as the ‘Commonwealth Games’ for Birmingham, ‘University’ for Bristol and ‘LGBTQ’ for Brighton. 

The full breakdown of associated words can be found here: https://group.legalandgeneral.com/en/inclusive-capitalism/future-proofing-society/our-happy-places 

John Godfrey, Director of Levelling Up, Legal and General comments: “Our Rebuilding Britain Index focuses on how economic infrastructure and the built environment can support efforts to level the playing field of opportunity.

“The end-game is in people leading happier and more fulfilling lives – but we’ve found that life satisfaction can be significantly impacted by our surroundings. Our research into the common associations people in the UK have with our capitals gives us interesting insight into this specifically.”

Healthy Tip: Exercise & Menstruation

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Exercise and Menstruation

In the UK there are 15 million women of menstrual age. The average woman will menstruate around 500 times throughout her lifetime. We know that exercising can improve our cardiovascular health, but should you exercise during your period, and is it beneficial?

We cover some FAQs here:

Can exercise reduce menstrual cramps?

More research is needed in this area to give us a definite answer on how exercise can reduce period pain. Given the overall health benefits of exercise, and the relatively low risk of side effects reported in the general population, women may consider using exercise, either alone or in conjunction with other modalities to manage menstrual pain.

Do my iron levels change during my period?

Iron is important in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Exercise can lower the iron levels in your blood, especially if you exercise at a high intensity or for long periods of time. Heavy menstrual bleeding can make you more susceptible to iron deficiency anaemia.

In order to keep exercising, and maintain normal iron levels during your period, we recommend you look to consume iron rich foods (red meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit, fortified breakfast cereals) during menstruation.

Can over-exercising cause irregular or missed periods?

If you are over-training, and you’re burning far more calories than you are consuming, this can cause either irregular or missed periods. A regular period is a sign of good health. If you experience irregular or missed periods this can cause other serious health conditions, and therefore you are advised to speak to a nurse or doctor.

Exercise has many health benefits, and researchers have not been able to find any differences during the menstrual cycle in a woman’s ability to exercise. Consequently, it’s important to continue aiming to achieve 150 minutes of physical activity per week, even during your period.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

Miller Homes helps Edinburgh children get Home Safe this October

Homebuilder donates high-vis vests to school children

It’s Walk to School month, and leading homebuilder, Miller Homes, is helping children in Edinburgh travel to and from school safely by donating high-vis vests to children local to its West Craigs Manor development, as part of its Home Safe initiative.

After a successful two years in Scotland, Miller Homes has expanded its Home Safe campaign for a third year, this time across the entire UK. Children’s high-vis vests will be available to collect from the marketing suite at Miller Homes’ development on Craigs Road.

As the morning and afternoon walks get a little darker, it’s hoped the bright yellow bibs will ensure local children are visible to drivers whether they are walking, cycling or scootering to school.

According to the most recent Government reports, the national average for children who walk to school is 46%. This is likely to increase in 2022, as families look to be healthier and more energy efficient.

Lynsey Brown Regional Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East said: “Getting to and from school safely is such an important part of a child’s routine, and being active while doing it is great for both their mental and physical wellbeing.

“Our Home Safe initiative is designed to help kids to be as safe as possible on those journeys, educating them on the importance of being visible to road users, especially as the days get darker, which will encourage good safety habits for years to come.”

Suitable for all primary school children, the high-vis vests will be available on a first come first served basis and can be collected from the marketing suite at West Craigs Manor from Thursday to Monday, 10:30-5:30pm.

For more information on Miller Homes and the Home Safe initiative, visit the website:

 https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/promo/homesafe.

Additional £10 million of UK aid for flood relief efforts in Pakistan

  • the UK will provide an additional £10 million of life-saving humanitarian support for Pakistan’s flood relief efforts
  • Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, UK Minister of State for South Asia (FCDO), arrives in Pakistan today [Friday 14 October]
  • the Minister will meet with key government counterparts, community leaders, and aid agencies to discuss the response to the humanitarian crisis and long-term recovery for the country

The UK is providing further humanitarian support to Pakistan following the devastating floods that have killed over a thousand people and affected more than 33 million.

As part of a visit to the country, FCDO Minister Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon has today announced a further £10 million of humanitarian aid, bringing the UK Government’s total contribution to £26.5 million.

The extra support will be spent on urgent life-saving needs such as providing shelter, water and sanitation to prevent waterborne diseases. It will focus on supporting people who are still displaced and those that are returning to their land, by helping re-establish communal water supplies.

During his visit to Pakistan, Lord Ahmad will meet the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other government counterparts to discuss the impact of the floods, visit the areas most affected and speak with key UK-funded aid agencies on the ground in Sindh.

UK Minister of State for South Asia, FCDO, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon said: “The UK continues to help the people of Pakistan recover from the recent devastating floods.

“Our support will help to tackle the spread of waterborne diseases and to improve access to clean water, sanitation, medical care and shelter across the country.

“We are working night and day with Pakistan and our international partners to ensure that UK aid reaches the hardest hit areas.

“As well as helping with urgent life-saving needs, the UK is supporting Pakistan’s economic recovery and resilience against future climate disasters.

“The UK’s new Developing Countries Trading Scheme will help grow trade by giving duty-free access to 94% of goods exported from Pakistan to the UK.”

In addition to the UK’s £26.5 million donation in humanitarian funding, a UK Royal Air Force flight recently delivered eight boats and ten portable generators for use in flood relief operations.

As well as discussing the floods, the Minister will also use this visit to raise the need for strong international support for Ukraine following Russia’s illegal annexation of sovereign territory, and reaffirm the strong people-to-people links between the UK and Pakistan in the context of the 75 year anniversary of Pakistan’s independence.

  • According to Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Agency, the flooding in Pakistan has destroyed or damaged 2 million houses, with 546,000 people now living in relief camps. The disaster has also damaged 12,716 km of roads and 22,000 schools. In total, 745 health centres have been damaged or destroyed
  • today’s announcement takes the total UK contribution to the floods response to £26.5 million. £21.5 million is going to the relief efforts in the areas worst-hit by the flooding. The remaining £5 million will go directly to the Disasters Emergency Committee Pakistan Floods Appeal, after the UK government match funded pound for pound the first £5 million of DEC donations by the UK public. Further donations can be made at www.dec.org.uk or by calling 0330 678 1000
  • British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are offering free relief shipments, in their cargo, of any aid goods being sent from the UK to Pakistan
  • the DEC appeal has notably been supported by the England men’s cricket team, who were touring Pakistan for the T20s last month, with the team making a personal donation which was then matched by the England Cricket Board
  • the UK pledged over £55 million to partner with Pakistan to fight climate change, manage water more sustainably and unlock climate investment in November 2021 during the COP26 Conference in Glasgow

Free badminton in West Pilton

MONDAYS 5.30 – 7.30pm at WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

A free badminton club starts on Monday next week at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre!

For ages 14 and over, and all equipment is supplied. No need to book.

For more information please call the Link Up team on 07493 876 130.