davepickering

A clear festive message – don’t drink and drive

Police in Scotland are giving their clearest ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ message yet this festive season and pledging to use every means at their disposal to track down those who fail to heed the warnings.

The basic message from the country’s senior officers is that while they support any plan to reduce the drink drive limit those who plan to get behind the wheel should not drink any alcohol.

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) is backing a four-week campaign, starting today (Monday 3 December), which will target those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Across Scotland, officers in marked and unmarked vehicles will be on the lookout for offenders as will all officers who are on patrol in their own local areas. Information and intelligence will be gathered on possible trouble spots and potential drink or drug drivers.

Police are urging the public to help end the scourge of drink and drug driving by reporting suspected offenders to the police or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) are supporting ACPOS annual festive drink and drug drive campaign. A television and radio advertising campaign is being aired to emphasise the consequences of drink driving by underlining the message that “if you choose to drink and drive, you choose to lose your licence”.

Deputy Chief Constable Tom Ewing from Fife Constabulary, who speaks on road policing matters for ACPOS, said: “Throughout my career I have found it astonishing that people are prepared to risk not only the serious consequences of losing their licence but also the threat to life and limb, by taking to the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Last year we saw 7445 people charged with being over the limit, which is a simply unacceptable figure.

“We will use every means at our disposal to track down those who drive after taking alcohol or drugs and, with our law enforcement partners, will ensure that they face the consequences. That is likely to mean a fine, loss of driving licence for at least a year and, for repeat offenders and those who give a high reading, the chance of losing their vehicle.

“Many serious crashes happen as a result of drivers drinking or taking drugs and as many as one in nine road deaths is related to a drink or drug driver. That is simply not acceptable and we must work together to end the scourge of drink and drug driving. ACPOS fully supports the idea of reducing the limit for drink driving, which has been the subject of recent consultation but would stress that our clear advice remains that no alcohol or drugs should be taken before driving a vehicle.”

Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice added: “If you choose to drink and drive, you choose to lose your licence. But the consequences can be devastating for victims, their families and our communities. On average, an estimated 30 lives are lost on our roads every year due to drink driving.

“The Scottish Government andRoad Safety Scotland are supporting the ACPOS annual festive drink and drug drive crackdown with an advertising campaign to remind people of the dangers and the consequences.

“This Government has made it clear that we want a lower drink driving limit as we believe it will help make Scotland’s roads safer. Our consultation, that sought views on reducing the drink driving limit to a level which would bring Scotland into line with most of Europe and which will help save lives on our roads, closed last week. Consultation responses will be independently analysed and we will publish our consultation report early next year. We will continue to work with the police and road safety partners to consider new measures to tackle the scourge of drink driving on Scotland’s roads.”

The Lord Advocate, the Right Honourable Frank Mulholland QC said: “As the festive season comes around again parties and celebrations will be commonplace. Across Scotland many people will be enjoying time with their families, catching up with old friends and making new ones.

“For some though it may well be a tragic and upsetting time, their lives devastated as family die needlessly because selfish drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence. One in nine deaths on the road is as a result of a drink or drug driver, which is totally unacceptable.

“While we would encourage all involved to enjoy themselves we urge them to act responsibly and not spoil their celebrations, or those of others, by driving under the influence. The message is simple; if you are driving do not drink and do not take drugs.”

Transition Group to hold capacity building event

North Edinburgh’s BME Transition Group has organised another information event – and this time the focus is on capacity building.

Group coordinator Adil Ibrahim said: “The purpose of this event is to support North Edinburgh-based black and minority ethnic (BME) community groups to access information about funding, setting up and developing local community groups. It should be another exciting event and we’re looking forward to meeting a lot of participants.”

The Transition Group’s Capacity Building Event will be held on Thursday 13 December from 11am – 2pm in the Heritage Lottery Fund, 38 Thistle Street.

To register or for further information please contact Adil or Deborah, email adilabuelseed@hotmail.com or dclark@elrec.org.uk

Capacity Building Event Flyer

Light a light tomorrow night

St Columba’s Hospice has a special way of remembering family and friends who are unable to be with us at Christmas time. Every year, thousands of supporters gather in Edinburgh’s Charlotte Square Gardens to watch as the lights of the Tree of Remembrance are switched on – each light on the tree is dedicated to the memory of a loved one, as St. Columba’s Sister Margaret O’Hara explains:

Dear Friend,

My colleagues and I working on the wards at St Columba’s Hospice have been thinking for a few weeks now about how we can make Christmas this year precious for our patients and their families. Christmas is a time when we all look forward to having our families and friends close, sharing in the joyous Festive Season. But for many of us the season can bring sadness as we remember loved ones no longer with us.

Here at St Columba’s Hospice we always mark the beginning of this special season by Lighting a Light on the Tree of Remembrance in Charlotte Square Gardens. Light a Light allows all of us to celebrate life and the memories of those we are unable to hold close.

On behalf of all the nursing staff and volunteers, I invite you to join us in dedicating a light to your loved one on our Tree of Remembrance this Christmas. And, I also ask you to consider making a donation to help to pay for the costs of care during Christmas and into the New Year.

We really hope that you can join us at 6.30pm on Monday (3 December) in Charlotte Square Gardens, when we Light a Light for all those whose memories we cherish.

With warmest regards,

Margaret O’Hara, Sister, St Columba’s Hospice

NEN – record breaking November stats

November was a record month for North Edinburgh News – there were 10, 496 visits to the NEN blog last month, our best figures yet. The daily average – 350 – is also our highest ever.

The most popular articles in November were the rise of Blackhall Athletic, the BBC DIY SOS refurbishment of The Yard and the Welcome to Muirhouse photo exhibition – three very different stories from different geographical corners of our readership area but with one thing in common: they’re all positive, good news stories!

Makes you think …?

Bank interest in North Edinburgh News

The NEN has received a cheque for £500 from The Royal Bank of Scotland. The banks’s charity committee agreed to support an application by NEN board member Eddie Thorn.

Kevin Havelock, Regional Director for Corporate and Institutional Banking at Royal Bank of Scotland, explained: “Following the difficulties that RBS experienced in recent years we are looking to reconnect with the communities that we all live and work in.”

He went on: “We are very fortunate at RBS to have many staff who have been with us for twenty, twenty-five even thirty years and many of them are active in their communities. We established a system of grants to support local charities and community initiatives nominated by our staff.

“The Edinburgh Community Partnership Board has representation from every division of the bank – there are eleven people in all on the committee, each with an equal vote. We were delighted both with the volume and the great variety of nominations that came in, and we agreed our first round of grants in October. We are supporting a very broad spectrum of good causes, from supplying sports equipment to groups to helping local health charities.”

Royal Bank of Scotland will donate £100,000 in a rolling programme in the East of Scotland, and one of the first forty grateful recipients is North Edinburgh News.

North Edinburgh News treasurer Eddie Thorn said: “The Royal Bank of Scotland is to be commended for their wide contribution to local communities. It is particularly pleasing that they recognised all that the NEN strives to achieve, and we are very grateful for the bank’s generous support – it’s much appreciated.”

Kevin added: “We will be offering practical and sometimes even physical support, too – we want the charity to get more from the bank than just a cheque. Working with and providing support to the charity is a natural progression.”

NEN’s Eddie Thorn and RBS’ Kevin Havelock are pictured outside the NEN’s base at Edinburgh College Granton Campus.

Help yourself! Free sandbags for flood-threatened homes

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue service has teamed up with the city council to help Edinburgh residents protect their homes from flood damage. The initiative offers free sandbags NOW to residents who are concerned about potential flooding, rather than waiting for heavy rainfall.

Sandbags are now available to collect from specially built storage sheds at a number of locations across the city, including locally at Crewe Toll Fire Station on Telford Road and Powderhall Depot at 165 Broughton Road.

Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “It is understandable that, after the floods we have already seen this year, people in Edinburgh are concerned about what will happen if their homes are affected. Our advice is to be prepared and not wait for heavy rain as is often more difficult for us to reach people during or immediately before a flood.

“The fact that residents can now collect sandbags at their convenience will make it easier for them to feel confident that their homes are protected. I would also encourage people who are worried about flooding to have a look at the Council website for advice on how to protect their properties effectively.”

In recent years a number of Edinburgh neighbourhoods have been affected by extremely heavy rainfall, which led to the severe damage of some local homes.

John Dickie, Local Senior Officer for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Every year people are affected by flooding and it can cause significant disruption and damage for householders. One of the best things you can do is think about your risks before adverse weather strikes and take what steps you can to be prepared.

“We are delighted to be able to host self-service sandbag storage sites at our fire stations in Edinburgh. The public can help themselves to sandbags if they anticipate the need to protect their homes from flooding.

“You should also consider signing up for Floodline Scotland which will keep you informed about flood alerts. Preparing a plan for what to do if flooding strikes will also mean you are better able to react quickly in an emergency. Pack an emergency flood kit and make sure your home insurance is up to date.”

Residents who are unable to collect sandbags in person can contact the Council for assistance, by calling 0131 200 2000.

History to be made when councillors debate petition on Monday

The first valid petition submitted by a member of the public will be considered by councillors in Edinburgh on Monday (3 December) at a meeting to be webcast live from the City Chambers.

The petition, on ‘Kirkliston Public Transport Provision’, received 785 signatures of support.

Taking part in or creating a petition is one way that individuals, community groups and organisations can get involved in what the Council does. It allows people to raise issues of public concern and gives Councillors the opportunity to consider the need for change.

The Committee is part of a package of measures and a new committee structure aimed at creating a more accessible and transparent organisation by opening up decision-making and improving scrutiny of the Council’s work.

Members of the public and local businesses can make use of the Council’s e-petition facility. Paper petition forms can also be downloaded from the Council’s webpages and are available from libraries and other Council buildings.

Convener of the Petitions Committee, Cllr Maggie Chapman (pictured above), said: “It is a great start that we have a valid petition to consider in our first meeting. I hope that this will encourage others to come forward use this new opportunity to participate in local politics and to help improve the lives of people living, working and visiting our city. I am pleased that, in addition to the meetings in the City Chambers, we will also be taking the committee ‘on tour’ to reach a wider audience, and we will also ensure our young people are included by having youth focussed events.”

There is a range of agreed criteria for a petition to satisfy prior to confirmation of validity and consideration by the Committee. Matters that will not be considered include those currently being considered by a committee, included in a work programme or those that relate to a council or committee decision that has been made in the previous six months.

Further information:

* Petitions from individuals require at least 500 signatures though in some cases petitions with 250 signatures can be accepted.

* Petitions from local businesses need the support of at least 20 other businesses within Edinburgh before they can be considered.

* If a petition is invalid, the petitioner will be advised of the reason and given the opportunity to refine and resubmit it.

* Hashtag to use if tweeting about the Petitions Committee is #edinpetitions

Centipede to spread Christmas cheer with photo event

Muirhouse Centipede Project have come up with a ‘cracker’ of an idea …

12.12.12 Hope-Peace-Love-Joy Photographic Event

Take a digital photograph some time during the 24 hours of 12/12/12 that captures something of the Advent themes of Love, Joy, Hope or Peace. Send your photo, together with your name and age and 100 words or less telling us about your photograph to centipedephotos@gmail.com no later than 31 December 2012.

Prizes for the best in categories pre-school age; primary school age; secondary school age, 18-65, and 65+.

An exhibition of the entries and winners will be held in the North Edinburgh Arts Centre in early spring 2013.

Conference programme confirmed

The programme for tomorrow’s Tackling Poverty conference at Craigroyston Community High School has been confirmed (see below).

In a slight change, local community activist Betty McVay will not be opening the conference due to ill-health and a representative from North Edinburgh Fights Back will welcome delegates instead.

The event starts at 10am.

Conference Programme

West Pilton welcomes fifty plus at November events

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre hosted three days of events this month for age 50+ which involved an activity morning, an information event and a social afternoon.

Activities included gentle exercise, Indian dance, indoor bowling, table tennis and silk flower making.

Information sessions offered: benefits advice from Granton Information Centre, Personal Safety from Community Police, health checks (Edinburgh Leisure), general advice (Age Scotland), Cooking on a budget (Barri Grubb) and energy savings advice.

Then ending the week the social offered an afternoon of dancing, bingo and a sing along with a museums outreach worker showing items worn to social events in the 50’s.

Local people were invited to enjoy all of the above with transport and lunch provided each day, funded through a grant received by the PCA.

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

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