Category: North Edinburgh News

General Election: IT’S TIME TO HAVE YOUR SAY

On the eve of the most important general election for a generation, the city council’s election staff began setting up for the big day across the city’s 141 polling places.

Elections staff set up a polling place

In Edinburgh 362, 956 people have registered to vote, with 72,664 applying to vote by post. As of yesterday (Wednesday, 11 December) 52,636 postal voters had returned their vote – 72% – though ballots will not be counted until after the polls have closed at 10pm tonight – Thursday, 12 December. Continue reading General Election: IT’S TIME TO HAVE YOUR SAY

A consumer agenda for government

Ahead of the 2019 General Election, Which? has published its agenda for the next government, which sets out the commitments that we want all political parties to make to deliver positive, tangible improvements for individuals across the UK.

The next government should commit to a forward-looking agenda that will make UK consumers’ lives simpler, fairer and safer. It must ensure that consumers can act with confidence, are protected when things go wrong, and have high levels of trust in the institutions and businesses that serve them. We are calling for:

1. Better connectivity – set out an ambitious, joined-up strategy to deliver an improved digital infrastructure that meets the needs of people to be connected at home, at work and on the move.

2. An enforcement system fit for purpose – create a stronger Consumer and Competition Authority to proactively lead on the enforcement of consumer rights and fair trading law, make the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) an independent arm’s length product safety regulator, and reform our alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system.

3. Greater protection from online harms and insecure products – place more responsibility on online platforms and marketplaces to prevent scams, fake reviews and the sale of unsafe products, and ensure that security is built into the design of connected devices.

4. Banking services that work for everyone – guarantee access to cash for as long as it is needed, and ensure all people are protected from Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud.

5. Fair and transparent pensions – enable everyone to understand their entire pensions savings through comprehensive dashboards, address the pensions gender gap, and ensure that all retirement income products are value for money.

6. A future trade policy and food strategy that delivers for consumers – pursue a trade policy underpinned by world-leading consumer standards, consumer rights and enhanced choice, and deliver a national food strategy that maintains the UK’s high food

Read full report here:

Which Election Manifesto 2019 WEB FINAL

Edinburgh Napier to establish Trimble Technology Lab

Edinburgh Napier University has been gifted equipment and software by California-based Trimble to establish a state-of-the-art Technology Lab for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC).

The lab will expand the University’s leadership in training and research in 3D building design, digital fabrication and the sustainable built environment. Continue reading Edinburgh Napier to establish Trimble Technology Lab

Police seek information following theft of SIXTY bicycles

Police are appealing for information after a high value theft from a bicycle shop in Glenrothes.

Around 60 top of the range bicycles of various models – including Cannondale, Specialized, Bianchi and Giant – were stolen from Leslie Bike Shop on Blackwood Way in Glenrothes. Continue reading Police seek information following theft of SIXTY bicycles

Hibernian players spread festive cheer at Edinburgh Sick Kids

 

Children and young people were treated to a surprise visit from some famous footballing faces when players from Hibernian FC made an unexpected appearance at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

Head Coach Jack Ross and his squad spread some festive joy by making their way around the wards to meet with young patients and their families and hand out Christmas gifts.

The visit is organised by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), which supports and complements the RHSC and works hard to make Christmas magical for those visiting the hospital.

Jack Ross said: “I’ve only recently joined the club but I was made aware very quickly what a special date this is in the calendar for everyone involved and we were only too happy to come along.

“While Christmas is obviously a special time of the year it can also be a difficult period for so many so we’ll do anything we can do put a few smiles on faces.

“The players enjoyed meeting the kids and I’d like to thank Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity for helping to make Christmas magical and the staff at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children for the work that they do on a daily basis.

“They’re an inspiration to us all.”

ECHC runs a living advent calendar throughout December, which sees a different door in the hospital opened each day to reveal something special. Some of the other entertainment in store over the Christmas period includes visits from a live pipe band, the Scottish Rugby squad and a performance from the Scottish ballet.

Fiona O’Sullivan, Arts Programme Manager at ECHC, said: “The football team visits to the hospital are always a huge hit with the children and young people. Some of the kids are massive football fans and avid supporters of Hibs so it really makes their day to meet their favourite players.

“Christmas is a very special time of year and we work hard to ensure no child or young person misses out on the joy and magic of the festive season. It’s the generosity of our supporters, like the Hibs players, that enables us to do this.”