davepickering

New classrooms for new school year

Twenty three new classrooms have opened their doors to pupils today as the City of Edinburgh Council tackles the pressing issue of rising school rolls. The Council has spent £8m on creating new classrooms at Towerbank, Corstorphine, Granton, Trinity (pictured above) and Wardie Primary Schools, while Blackhall also received an upgrade.

Additional class spaces have also been created at a further six schools where there has been increased pressure for places – this means up to 750 new pupil places have been created across the city.

Due to rising rolls £2m has been spent on the extensions to the other three primary schools. Trinity Primary School has four new classrooms, Wardie Primary School has three new classrooms and Granton Primary School has two new classrooms.

In addition to the new classrooms, the temporary units at James Gillespie’s and Blackhall have been refurbished, while extra space has been created at James Gillespie’s, Holy Cross, St Mary’s Leith, Craigour Park and Oxgangs to allow for more pupils.

The new accommodation at Granton, Trinity and Wardie Primary Schools has been carried out with partners Hub South East Scotland and Morrison Construction.

Councillor Paul Godzik, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Many local authorities across the United Kingdom are struggling to find sustainable solutions to the increase in pupil numbers.

“In Edinburgh, primary school rolls are predicted to rise by 19% by 2020 – bringing our primary school population to over 31,000. That’s why the Capital Coalition has pledged an extra £15m to tackle the issue.

“The foundations we are laying here in Edinburgh demonstrate that the capital is prepared for the complex challenges that lie ahead. We believe our approach allows us the flexibility to plan much better for the future, and we are working with school communities and parent councils as we move forward. Whether or not it is traditional extensions, new built units or the refurbishment of existing space, we are committed to providing the very best educational environment for our pupils.”

Mari Smith, P6 class teacher at Trinity Primary School, said: “The classrooms are a fantastic addition to our school and provide a bright and stimulating learning environment. The children are so excited about starting the new school year in their brand new classrooms.”

Paul McGirk, Chief Executive of Hub South East Scotland, said: “We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and hope that the pupils of Granton, Trinity and Wardie Primary Schools enjoy their new classrooms.

“This is a great example of how Hub South East Scotland can work with our partners to deliver modern, innovative solutions, providing facilities more quickly, more effectively, and with more time and cost certainty than ever before.”

David Wilson, Project Director for Morrison Construction, said: “This has been an exciting and challenging project to be involved with and we would like to acknowledge the patience and understanding shown by the head teachers, the teaching and support staff, the pupils and our neighbours throughout the construction phase.

“We look forward to continuing this spirit of partnership in the future phases of the Rising Rolls project.”

The Towerbank and Corstorphine extensions have been planned for a number of years but the others are as a result of a unique approach taken by the Council to deal with rising school rolls.

When schools are identified as potentially needing extra accommodation for the next school year, the relevant design and planning permissions are taken forward however it is only when the final registration numbers are confirmed in the following January that a decision is taken to go ahead with building the new classrooms.

This means that extensions are only built when the Council is confident the extra classes will be required. Previously this decision would have been taken much earlier before final numbers were known. It also means that additional classes can be added as, and when, they are needed depending on the annual review.

Wardie Primary School now has planning permission for a further two classes and Granton Primary School has planning permission for two further phases which would deliver five more classes if and when required.

The Council has already identified five more primary schools where new extensions may be required for the 2014/15 session to meet the increased demand from catchment pupils and are already starting to plan for the delivery of these for August 2014 should they be needed.

So £8 million for emergency extensions is good news for pupils and parents – but it does make you wonder (again) at the wisdom of closing schools like Royston prematurely …

West Pilton & Muirhouse Gala cancelled

The West Pilton & Muirhouse Community Gala, which was due to take place this weekend, has been cancelled.

In a statement on their Facebook page today, the Gala organising committee said:

‘The committee would regrettably like to inform everyone that due to some supplier issues the gala due to be held this coming Sunday will not be going ahead , this is obviously disappointing and we assure everyone it will proceed next year, bigger than ever..

We would like to thank , Julie at MYDG , the Centipede Project and North Edinburgh Arts for their continued help and support in the planning this year …

Our committee will be meeting next month to start 2014 planning , anyone wishing to come along to this meeting is more than welcome , details will follow …

Sorry once again , and we hope everyone has a great end to the summer … ‘

Last year’s community event, hosted by Forth One’s Grant Stott, was a big success – particularly as the longer-established Waterfront Festival in Forthquarter Park was cancelled – and organisers had hoped to build on that this summer.

It wasn’t to be, but there’s always next year!

Week of action to tackle road litter

A call to clean up and clamp down on litter on Scotland’s roads has been issued for Scotland’s first Litter Week of Action.

Organised by Zero Waste Scotland on behalf of the Transport Litter Group, the annual day of action has been extended to a week of dedicated action to tackle litter on our roads and railways.

Commuters, employers, and transport providers and support agencies are all being encouraged to get involved from 19– 25 August.

A recent litter audit has revealed that an average of seven bottles and cans can be found on every 100 metres of Scotland’s roads, creating a hazard to road users and wildlife, and costs millions to remove.

Supporters of the Week can help to raise awareness of the negative impact and cost of transport litter. Actions available range from something simple such as adding a web banner to your website or displaying a poster in your workplace; to organising activities such as a day of awareness raising activities or targeted enforcement.

Organisations including BEAR Scotland, Scotland TranServ, Transport Scotland, McDonald’s and various local authorities have already committed to taking part in the Week.

The week of action follows the launch of a new consultation from the Scottish Government which intends to bring forward a final National Litter Strategy – the first since devolution – early in 2014. The “Towards a Litter Free Scotland” consultation will run until 27 September.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “It is shocking that on average there are four plastic bottles and three drinks cans littered on every 100 metres of our major roads in Scotland. It’s a blight, contributes to punctures and can cause accidents not to mention the fact that clearing it from our road and rail sides is a hazardous task.

“Littering is unacceptable – and in the Year of Natural Scotland and as we approach 2014 when we welcome the world to Scotland, it’s important that we show our country at its best. We have set out action to tackle Scotland’s litter problem in our National Litter Strategy consultation and are asking people to have their say on this during the summer.

“This Litter Week of Action is a great opportunity to highlight this issue and I’d encourage people to work together by taking action during the week so that we can show that littering is not tolerated here.”

Iain Gulland, Director, Zero Waste Scotland said: “2014 is set to be an important year for Scotland, with events including the Ryder Cup, Commonwealth Games and Homecoming, and as such it’s vital that we take steps to rid the country of its litter problem and show it off at its absolute best.

“Litter on the road and in transport hubs doesn’t just look bad, it’s also a waste of valuable resources. Commonly littered items like drinks bottles and cans could be recycled and help to boost the economy.

“I would urge everyone to get involved in this great week of planned activity and help to spread the message that throwing litter from vehicles or public transport is not acceptable.”

To get involved, visit

http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/content/Transport-Litter-Week-of-Action.

Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership tonight

Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership meets tonight at 7pm in Stockbridge Library. All welcome.

See below for full set of meeting papers

Inverleith___Full_Meeting_Papers___13.08.13

Everybody salsa?

SALSA LEAFLET

Try something new at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre!

Weekly Salsa classes will be starting on Tuesday 17 September from 6.30 – 7.30pm

Classes will run until 22 October, only £3 per session

Green shoots? Scotland’s economy ‘gaining momentum’

What with welfare cuts, payday loans, food banks, escalating prices and zero-hour employment contracts it’s maybe hard to believe that things really are getting better, but an increasing number of indicators suggest that the economy is starting to pick up and that a recovery – however fragile – is under way at last.

House sales are on the rise, retail sales are picking up, there is growing consumer confidence and employers and business leaders are cautiously optimistic that the worst is now behind us.

Scotland’s economy is “gaining momentum”, according to a new report published yesterday. The latest State of the Economy report provides an analysis of recent economic developments in Scotland and the wider global economy. The report also looks at recent labour productivity trends in Scotland.

The report highlights improvements in both output growth and employment in Scotland’s economy over the last year. Chief Economist Dr Gary Gillespie describes a more positive environment for Scotland and its key trading partners, which can support a more sustained pick-up in investment, exports and growth.

Key points in the report include:

Growing signs of a global recovery starting to take root in 2013, especially when compared to a disappointing 2012.
Over the year, Scotland has seen growth in output and a general improvement in all headline labour market indicators.
In contrast to the UK where productivity measures have fallen during the recession, output per hour worked (the key measure of labour productivity) in Scotland has risen and is now approximately 3.5% above pre-recession levels.
A permanent improvement in productivity in Scotland would allow for potentially stronger growth in Scotland once demand returns to previous levels. This growth in output will be required to see a sustained recovery in the labour market, particularly in full-time employment, and to support improvement in real wages.
Recent output growth and analysis of the underlying nature of the recession in Scotland suggest the potential for Scotland’s recovery to take hold throughout 2013, with a return to pre-recession levels in 2014 across the economy as a whole.

Commenting on the report Finance Secretary John Swinney said:

“Though headwinds still remain, the general outlook for Scotland is of an improving picture through 2013 with the recovery strengthening in 2014.

“Recent economic indicators have seen Scotland outperforming the UK both in terms of output and with higher rates of employment and lower rates of unemployment and inactivity. The most recent GDP data shows that the Scottish economy grew by 1.2 per cent over the year to Q1 2013 compared to 0.3 per cent in the UK.

“Today’s report confirms these positive trends. This analysis suggests that the global economic outlook will continue to improve this year and Scotland can make the most of the opportunities that will come our way as a result.

“Particularly encouraging is the recovery in productivity which is now above pre-recession levels, which if sustained should lead to a further improvement in both output and the labour market.”

Unsurprisingly Mr Swinney believes that independence would ensure a stronger Scottish economy. He went on:

“While the State of the Economy report highlights the opportunities for Scotland, it also underlines the fragility of the recovery across the UK. We will continue to press the UK Government to take action to help our businesses move forward and, in turn, drive growth in the economy.

“With the full economic levers of independence we could do more to put Scotland more securely on the road to recovery.”

Is the future looking brighter? Do you feel more optimistic?

Let us know!

Police appeal following Granton Harbour theft

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for any witnesses to the theft of a number of items from a dredging ship berthed in Granton Harbour between Friday evening and Saturday evening, ncluding a flare gun and the ship’s navigation system.

The ‘Shearwater’, which was berthed at East Granton Harbour off Lochinvar Drive, had various electrical items including the ship’s navigation system and two shipping radios stolen along with a black single barrelled flare gun, 2 inch flare cartridges and hand operated flares. The hand flares are approximately 40cm long and are either metallic and silver in colour or plastic and yellow or red in colour.

A ‘cone’ shaped nose, which forms part of the propeller and is made from bronze, was also taken. This may have taken a considerable time to remove from the ship.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Kenneth Farquhar said: “I do not believe there to be any threat to members of the public, however if they see anyone in possession of the flare gun or flares, I would ask them not to approach that person, but to contact us on 101.

“I am also appealing for all scrap dealers to be aware of the stolen bronze cone from the propeller and contact Police if any attempt is made to sell them this particular item.”

If you saw any suspicious behaviour in the area, please contact Police Scotland on 101 as soon as possible.

Tickets on sale for Cancer Research catwalk event

CRUK_CATWALK_JULY13

This year’s Cancer Research UK Stockbridge event

Charity Catwalk and Pop Up Shop

takes place at the City Art Centre on Thursday 5 September from 6 – 9pm

Tickets cost £5 (standard) or £10 (VIP) and the fabulous, fun evening will include live music, raffles, fashion show, fabulous shopping opportunities and of course the chance to see (free of charge) the two exhibitions on fashion currently taking place at the City Art Centre.

Please get back to me (or pop in to the shop) if you’d like to reserve any tickets and please help us make this year’s event another sell out.

You can find out more about, and ‘like’ the shop on facebook

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cancer-Research-UK-Stockbridge/108300565924148

Please help us publicise the event by sharing this with your friends, family and facebook friends.

Hope you will join us and help raise funds to beat cancer sooner!

Elaine Lennon

Drylaw’s bench has MOOved!

The famous Drylaw bench has moved on to pastures new!

The impressive stone sculpture seat was the centrepiece when Drylaw Field was upgraded in 2007 but, six years on and following a number of attacks, it was agreed that the bench should be moved to a safer (stable?) location.

The bench was uplifted on Friday and the moove (sorry again) to Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre went well.

That bench has seen some activity in it’s short life and a number of notable posteriors have rested there over the years – including two Lord Provosts!

The life and times of the Drylaw Bench:

Affordable housing development opens in Lindsay Road

The latest affordable homes – and the first mixed-tenure development – by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and its subsidiary Persevere Developments Ltd, has been officially opened.

Councillor Andrew Burns, Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council, welcomed 111 households to a block of new, high-quality properties in Lindsay Road, making a significant impact in the regeneration of the area.

The £13.6 million waterfront development, compromising 58 social rent and 53 mid-market rent (MMR) properties, contains a wide range of housing types from one bedroom through to four bedroom apartments.

Features include car parking for 29 spaces and a communal landscaped garden area. Solar thermal panels located on the roof will provide hot water for a number of properties with condensing gas boilers supplying heating and hot water.

Councillor Burns said: “This is a fantastic development, forming an integral part of North Edinburgh’s regeneration. It is vital that we tackle the city’s shortage of affordable homes and projects like this are an important step in the right direction.

“The success of this project is testament to the partnership working between the Council, housing associations, Forth Ports and the community – a model that will continue to use in order to provide much-needed homes but also to create jobs and boost the local economy.”

This is the second affordable housing project within the Western Harbour development on Edinburgh’s waterfront, the first being Goosander Place completed in May 2010.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive at PoLHA, said: “This is our second affordable housing development in Western Harbour and complements our existing mix through Leith and North Edinburgh.

“Much-needed, high-quality, affordable housing for local people to buy and rent is at the top of our agenda and we’re pleased to be able to offer both social and MMR properties. MMR is a new type of tenure to help households on modest incomes to rent high quality accommodation at an affordable level.”

PoLHA worked closely with the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council which allocated £6.4 million of grant monies for the development. An additional £7.2 million was funded through private finance raised by the Association.

Council leader Andrew Burns is pictured with PoLHA Chief Executive Keith Anderson, PoLHA Chairperson Jack Hunter and Councillor Eric Milligan at Friday’s event