Category: North Edinburgh News

Tis the season when house fires increase by 20 per cent

Decorations and cards beside candles and open fires make Christmas a time to be extra vigilant, says Community Safety Manager David Lockhart, from Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service

Fires can take hold at breathtaking speed.

 

Flames are silently flickering in your living room – you’ve accidentally left a candle burning next to your Christmas cards.

It’s set fire to a curtain and within a mere four minutes the entire room could be engulfed.

You and your children are fast asleep in bed. Four minutes in a deep sleep passes in an instant – a working smoke alarm would have woken you by now… but you never got round to fitting one.

A fire at any time of the year is devastating. But over the festive season we know accidental house fires rise by 20 per cent and fire casualties by a third.

It’s a frightening thought, isn’t it? It could be your home lost to a fire, it could be you losing a family member or friend to fire. It could be you.

And in the aftermath? No clothes or personal belongings. No precious possessions. Potentially no roof over your head.

Victims of fire are often forgotten after the initial turmoil, with many not getting back into their property for months.

At Christmas, the danger of a fire breaking out in your home is heightened. Twenty people were injured by fire over an 18-day period at Christmas last year in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Scottish Borders – that’s an average of more than one a day.

Alcohol has a part to play in many fires, often combined with careless disposal of cigarettes or leaving cooking unattended – the perfect recipe for a killer inferno. It’s not our place to suggest people cut down on what they’re drinking or don’t smoke, all we ask is that you take a second to think. If you’ve had a few too many, don’t head towards the cooker. If you want to light up, go outside. It’s too easy to settle in your armchair and nod off with a cigarette in hand. Before you go to bed make sure cigarettes are extinguished and ask guests to do the same.

When a fire rips through your home it takes everything at breathtaking speed. Having a working smoke alarm can make the difference between a manageable fire, with an early warning, and you having to rebuild your life from the ashes.

It couldn’t be easier to protect your family and your home. Not only do we offer free smoke alarms with long-life batteries, firefighters will come to fit them. This isn’t a sales pitch, there is no financial gain for us – we fit them to save lives.

Christmas brings a host of flammable materials – paper and plastic decorations, cards and real Christmas trees. Add to that cooking, smoking, candles, fairy lights and open fires, it’s not surprising fire has wrecked so many festive holidays. Most accidents can be avoided by switching off Christmas lights, electrical appliances and extinguishing cigarettes when you go to bed or go out. Keep decorations away from candles and open fires – an obvious but surprisingly common mistake is putting cards above the fireplace. Also, don’t take batteries out of the smoke alarm to power Christmas presents.

Make an escape plan, does everyone know where your window and door keys are? If your main escape route is blocked, do you know what to do? In the excitement, noise and festivities of a party, will all guests have a clear path to safety? If you do find yourself trapped, get into a room together, preferably with a phone, open the window wide and dial 999 for the Fire and Rescue Service. If it’s safe to do so, stay at the window and wave and shout to attract attention.

After a fire, people often say they never thought it would happen to them – but why not? Fires happen to ordinary people often when they least expect it. It’s a terrifying ordeal to go through, please don’t let it happen to you.

Stay safe this Christmas

* Ensure your smoke detectors are working and check them every week, they could save your life.

* Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard and switch them off overnight or when you are out.

* Keep decorations clear of lights, candles and fires – that includes cards on fireplaces.

* Take extra care if you are smoking indoors.

* If you have been drinking, think twice about using the cooker.

* When preparing Christmas meals, never leave cooking unattended – fires can start and get out of control frighteningly quickly.

* Make an escape plan – do you and your guests know where your window and door keys are? Is your main escape route blocked?

* In an emergency remember: Get Out, Stay Out, Dial 999.

To arrange a free home safety visit, call free on 0800 169 0320. For further advice visit www.lbfire.org.uk.

Stop dividing our communities, no to closures

This week, Muirhouse and Salvesen Community Council launched their campaign to stop the Council closing paths that lead from Muirhouse into Silverknowes Eastway. The petition was launched following a public meeting organised by the Davidsons Mains Silverknows Association last month where they have requested the Council look to close off these public footpaths.

This is one of the paths that would be closed if the plans get the go ahead. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

As well as closing off the footpaths the Council are also looking at installing up to twelve CCTV monitors in private houses, two of which will be linked to the City in View system which will allow the Police to monitor them at a cost of £4,800.00.

The public meeting which took place on 17th November was attended by over two hundred residents from Silverknowes following a spate of vandalisms and an increase in anti social behavior. Natalie Hoy, Neighbourhood Manager for the West of the City, was in attendance along with Ruth Stanley from the North Office, local Politicians and representatives from the Police.

It was agreed that the Closure of the access points from Muirhouse was the “most important consideration in trying to solve these problems” and according to the Davidsons Mains Silverknowes Association website “there was an assurance this would proceed as quickly as possible”

This is a move, which has angered the Muirhouse and Salvesen Community Council and their Chairperson, Roy Douglas  said ” We are disgusted to learn that residents of Silverknowes (who are technically part of Forth Ward) want to close public access footpaths. These footpaths are part of Muirhouse and lead into a newish housing complex that is part of Muirhouse and the Forth Ward. No “Berlin Wall” should be allowed to be built between Communities in this day and age. These paths are used by our school children to get to school safely away from busy main roads and are used by people to access local shops and bus routes.”

Local Neighbourhood manager Peter Strong has been crticised for his handling of this issue by Muirhouse and Salvesen Community Council

We are also disgusted to learn what  Police resources have been used and how much is being spent in response to the residents of Silverknowes Eastway complaints. According to a Police representative who attended our meeting said reports have been minor incidents, a smashed window, car keying. In other areas of the Forth Ward they happen every other day. We acknowledge that there is a youth issue in parts of Muirhouse but with the involvement of our local professional Youth Agencies which have great success in engaging with local youth in resolving such issues, and we feel that resources should be given to them.

If the Council allow such division in communities where does the Equality and Diversity policies for our city stand? Peter Strong did apologise that our Community Council was not informed but he should hang has head in shame for allowing another Neighbourhood Partnership to become involved in the affairs of the Forth Ward. We are heading up to a local election and councillors of an adjoining ward want to scare monger and get support to the splitting up of communities and get votes for their parties. Leave our Community alone, do not create more problems with a wall of division.

Our Community Council have circulated petitions for residents of Muirhouse to become aware of this and sign. All we all want for Christmas is Peace and Goodwill lets achieve a New Year with Communities living in Harmony not peering over a wall at each other.”

Inspector John Cooper from Lothian and Borders police said “The main issues are youths passing through Silverknowes to congregate in the Davidsons mains area and this has lead to a number of minor vandalism’s such as car windows being smashed and cars being scratched.

At this moment in time we have not been asked to provide any evidence to suggest that closing these paths will resolve the problems currently being experienced. Over the past few months we have had undertaken a variety of tasks to identify these youths and this has included increased patrols in the area as well as the use of the CCTV van which has been located in the are for the past few weeks.”

Natalie Hoy the West Neighbourhood manager said “To be very clear the Council and Police committed to commissioning a Environmental Survey of the area using Safer by Design which is an accredited and recognised tool for assessing environmental factors in a local area, this survey is carried out by colleagues in Lothian and Borders Police.

Natalie Hoy says a summit will be held within the next few weeks

I must stress that the council have not committed to closing the footpaths, this will be subject to further discussion and will involve communities from both West and North. A cross neighbourhood summit involving senior officials from the police and council, elected members and community representatives will be convened in the next few weeks.

The Council has committed to offering CCTV provision in domestic properties in the area affected and to explore the Silverknowes Community Representative’s idea that he would like to see further cameras purchased, no cameras have been purchased and these discussions have commenced this week.

Significant work is already underway with young people in both the North and West looking at positive engagement and diversion, action will be taken in cases where this is appropriate jointly in partnership with our Police colleagues however we recognise that the vast majority of young people themselves want to live in a safe community. Council and Police work hard to tailor responses to local community issues and this is part of our neighbourhood working on a day to day basis.”

Almond Councillor Kate Mackenzie said “There have been lots of issues in and around the Silverknowes area caused by young people passing through. These issues have been mainly vandalism and local people have had enough of it. I am unaware what, if any, work has done been to engage with the young people that are causing this problem.”

Local Councillor Cammy Day said “I was made aware of the issues in Silverknowes Eastway, and a public meeting held in Almond ward regarding a few incidents that had taken place. Silverknowes Eastway is in the Forth Ward, and I was surprised not be invited to attend.

It’s important that we take this in perspective, and we take appropriate action to respond positively to any acts of vandalism or anti social behaviour.

I would be keen to have our community safety team and youth street work teams engage with the young people involved for a positive resolution.

A meeting of local representatives is to be arranged later this week to agree a course of action.”

What are your views on building fences to separate communities?

Drylaw group cook up a Calendar

The Drylaw Cookery group have just launched their first ever Cooking Recipe Calendar.

The Calendar was put together by the group and printing was sponsored by State Street Bank. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

Project worker Elizabeth graham said “The group has been running on Wednesday evening for approximately 2 years. The group is made up of men and woman, aged from 15 upwards, who come together to share recipes and learn cooking skills form one another. We have guests visiting regularly to show us their delicious dishes from around the world. Our cookery evenings are a fantastic way to meet new friends, help bring the community together and are a fun social event too.”

The group were awarded sponsorship from State Street Bank who very kindly printed 200 Calendars for the group to sell to raise money for the centre and Susan Paul from State Street said “State Street is delighted to support the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre with the production of their 2012 calendar. Active engagement within our communities is one of State Streets fundamental values. ”

Calendars are priced £2.00 and can be bought directly from the centre.

If you would like more information on the Cookery Group or any other services at Drylaw call the centre on 315 4989.

12 year old hurt in rush hour accident

A 12 year old girl is in hospital this morning after being knocked down on her way to school. The girl was knocked down at 8.10am this morning on Orchard Brae opposite Flora Stevensons School.

Orchard brae was closed whilst the cause of the accident was investigated

A Police spokeseperson said “We were called to the accdient at 8.10am today where a 12 year old girl had been knocked down outside Flora Stevensons School. The girl suffered a minor injury to her leg and her injuries are not thought to be serious”

Telford College present Sleeping Beauty

Come and join us down at North Edinburgh Arts for the fabulous fairytale of Princess Paris Pilton, the beautiful girl who falls under the spell of the Wicked Fairy of Ferry Road, who puts everyone in Muirhouse to sleep for a hundred years!

Sleeping Beauty takes place at North Edinburgh Arts Centre

See what happens when they all wake up in Edinburgh one hundred years in the future! Has Scotland gained independence; have we solved global warming; are the trams running yet? We’ll only find out if handsome Prince Barry can fight his way to her and kiss her awake again!
The show, brought to you by Edinburgh’s Telford College promises to be packed full of fun and Christmas cheer. We are offering our email friends reduced price tickets at £1 per person.

If you would like to come along and make the most if this offer please contact Box Office on 0131 315 2151 quoting this unique offer codeNEAXMAS11

We look forward to hearing from you

The NEA Team

Warning of wilful fire-raising in Edinburgh

Firefighters are appealing to residents to take precautions after several very close calls following a spate of wilful fire-raising in Edinburgh.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service have attended a number of deliberate fires in north Edinburgh in recent weeks, which could easily have resulted in casualties.

The West Pilton Children's Centre was burned down earlier this year (Picture: Thomas Brown)

Tony Collins, Watch Commander at Crewe Toll Fire Station speaks of one of his recent experiences: “Blue Watch were mobilised to a fire outside a two- storey property in Pilton at 8.40pm on Sunday night. It turned out a lean –to structure was on fire, filled with old furniture and other highly flammable materials. When we arrived, the flames had reached the eaves of the building and had melted the gutter. The first floor flat’s bathroom window had cracked, and was, in my opinion seconds away from failing and allowing the fire to spread into the occupied first floor flat.

“Thankfully we caught the fire just in time and there were no casualties, a few minutes later and it could have been a very different outcome.”

David Lockhart, Community Safety Manager for the Service said: “These incidents are very serious as fire can easily spread into properties causing severe damage and endangering people’s lives. Wilful fire-raising is a crime and we work together with the Police to reduce incidents like these. However, residents can also play their part to reduce the risk of something similar happening near their property.

“Don’t leave clutter such as old furniture or rubbish lying around outside your property or in your common stair, discard it properly, find a secure place to store it or arrange with the council to have items uplifted. Keep wheelie bins out of sight, ideally in a secure location such as a locked bin store or garage. Keep communal areas tidy and free of combustible materials which can be attractive to fire setters.

“If parents have concerns or suspicions that their children may be involved in fire-raising they can seek assistance from the fire service or the police. Look out for small burn holes in carpets, clothing or furniture, hidden or missing matches or lighters, a smell of smoke on clothing or evidence of burnt paper or plastic. This behaviour should be addressed to protect those involved from coming to harm or harming others.”

For further fire safety advice or to find out how to access help or assistance from the Fire Service visit www.lbfire.org.uk or call free on 0800 169 0320. To report information regarding suspected wilful fire-raising call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

North Edinburgh survives Storm

It would appear that North Edinburgh survived the threat of the recent storm, locally named Hurricane Bawbag. Schools, Nurseries, Colleges and Community Centre’s all closed early following advice from the Scottish Government.

We have compiled a few photos form the days events which you can view and we also want to hear your views on the decisions to close schools and nurseries. If you have anymore pictures please send them to us on northedinnews@gmail.com

A pair of hardy joggers at Silverknowes
Norman (and dogs!) braves the elements!
Police close of streets at Waterfront Avenue after scaffolding becomes unsafe.
A tree damaged a car in Drylaw after being blown over by the wind. (Picture: Pauline Bambrick)
An Easy Jet flight lands at Edinburgh Airport

Man punched friend in the face as he waited to be sentenced for killing a pedestrian

David Nisbet, 22, dislocated Jamie Angus’ cheek bone when he assaulted him in a nightclub.

A man who was facing jail for killing a trainee teacher put a friend in hospital, a court has heard.

David Nisbet, 22, punched his friend Jamie Angus with such force that he dislocated the man’s cheek bone, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard on Tuesday.

Nisbet assaulted his friend whilst awaiting sentencing.

At the time, Nisbet was awaiting sentence at the city’s High Court after being convicted of causing the death in November 2009 of Fiona Clason, 24.

Lady Smith jailed him for five years and eight months in May 2011.

On Tuesday, Nisbet pleaded guilty to assault to severe injury on April 2011 before Sheriff William Holligan. The court heard how this was Nisbet’s third assault conviction.

Depute fiscal John Kirk said Nisbet started drinking with friends at 5pm and ended up in the Karma Nights nightclub in the city’s Lothian Road where he continued to drink.

He got into an argument on the dance floor with another clubber and then started fighting with Mr Angus.

Mr Kirk said Nisbet punched Angus with such force that he needed to go to hospital after the incident.

He said: “The complainer sustained a small cut to the face. He also sustained a facial injury. The complainer was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary before being taken to St John’s Hospital in Livingston. The complainer needed to have an operation to remedy the injury. It is thought he will make a full recovery from the incident.”

Nisbet was jailed at the High Court in Edinburgh after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

On that occasion, the court heard how Nisbet drove his Volkswagen Golf up to speeds of 80 mph in a residential street on a cold, wet windy evening before crashing into pedestrian Fiona Clason.

Ms Clason was heading for a bus stop at about 8pm after visiting her mum in the Granton area of Edinburgh. Nisbet’s 2.3 litre Golf tried to overtake another car and spun out of control and into the path of a bus.

Nisbet knocked over and killed Fiona Clason on Waterfront Avenue

Bus driver James Brondum narrowly avoided a collision by swerving out of the way. Nisbet’s car mounted a kerb and hit a lamp post. But he regained control and sped away, hitting Ms Clason as she crossed Waterfront Avenue. She died from head injuries the following day.

The ceramic tiler sped away and it took him five hours to report the accident to police.

Jailing him, Lady Smith said: “Her life was full of promise but was abruptly and quite unnecessarily cut short.”

Police seek publics help to reunite stolen items

An operation targeting housebreakers in Edinburgh continues with a fresh series of raids on addresses in the Capital.

Police raided a flat in Wester Drylaw Drive as part of the operation

A total of nine addresses in the north and west of the city were raided by officers as part of the enforcement phase of Operation Accessible, and nine arrests have been made so far.

A number of people were arrested and charged following a series of early morning raids, and have appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court .

Of the approximately 200 stolen items that have been recovered by police during Operation Accessible, a number have yet to be identified, and police are seeking to reunite these stolen goods with their owners.

Images of the items are available on the Lothian and Borders Police website, and members of the public who suspect the stolen property belongs to them are urged to contact police through the dedicated email address


OperationAccessible@lbp.pnn.police.uk

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, ‘A’ Division (City of Edinburgh) Commander, said: “These items were recovered by officers over the past six months, and we are hoping that we can reunite at least some of the goods with their rightful owners.

“I would urge anyone who thinks that any of these items may have been stolen from them to get in touch on the dedicated email address.

“This morning’s activity is further indication of our commitment to take robust action against alleged serial offenders suspected of housebreaking.

“Lothian and Borders Police are determined to protect the public from criminals whose activities blight local communities, and to preventing crime from happening in the first place.

“Operation Accessible has delivered a strong message that we will pro-actively target housebreakers and other criminals using intelligence, and that offenders will be brought to justice.

“We continue to rely on information from the public regarding suspected housebreakers and other criminals operating in local communities, and we urge anyone with such information to contact us directly or anonymously

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0800 555 111.

Click here to view the items Police want to reunite with their owners. http://www.lbp.police.uk/information/operation_accessible.aspx