Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service received 250 999 calls yesterday as the area was battered by extreme weather conditions. John Dickie, Head of Operations for the Service said: “This figure shows our control room staff were exceptionally busy, with around 50 to 60 calls expected during this time on an average Tuesday.”
John Dickie, Head of Operations at Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue.
“Our crews worked closely with other emergency workers at many of the incidents, with public safety always at the forefront of their minds. Many incidents involved reports of unsafe structures, trees and debris blocking roads and road traffic collisions.
“Many of the calls to the Control Room were with concerns about unsafe structures including fallen chimneys and guttering. We responded to these incidents to assess the risks, provide specialist advice to other emergency services and local authority personnel and make areas safe or ensure cordons are in place as necessary.
“As well as dealing with weather related calls we also responded as normal to automatic fire alarm calls, reports of fires and other emergencies.”
Shortly after 9.30am firefighters were called to a report of an articulated lorry which had overturned on the A1 south of Dunbar, near to Lafarge cement works. A 32-year-old man was cut free from the wreckage and taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary in an hour- long rescue operation. We dealt with a further three overturned LGV’s in our area yesterday.
John Continued: “Whilst we were exceptionally busy we had the appropriate resources in place to respond to problems caused by today’s high winds, and our firefighters carried out a commendable job in what were very difficult conditions.”
TELFORD College is being sued by the construction firm which built its new student accommodation over an £8 million pledge to make up any shortfall in rents.
Telford college's board are nervous about the agreement.
College bosses signed an agreement promising Alumno Miller Telford Ltd an annual income of around £500,000 a year as part of the deal to fund the accommodation block on West Granton Road.
But the builders took court action after new members of the college board sought to have the agreement annulled.
Board members were left feeling “extremely nervous” that the clause would leave the college exposed to a massive yearly pay-out if not enough rent was collected from students living at the site.
The agreement pledged that the college would fill 99 of the 125 rooms at the facility, opened last September, or hand over any shortfall to the builders behind the project.
Although the deal could leave the college facing a maximum pay-out of £500,000 annually over 15 years, it is understood that any actual exposure would be far lower.
At the Court of Session, Lord Glennie ruled in favour of Alumno Miller Telford Ltd following a recent hearing, throwing out arguments from college lawyers that the agreement was “not binding and enforceable”.
Lord Glennie rejected claims that the agreement did not properly specify the rooms which had to be rented out, and that rules prevented the college from being exposed to liabilities greater than four per cent of its annual income.
But Jim Donaldson, the chairman of the college board, said that a further legal challenge over the deal by Telford College remained a possibility.
He said: “This agreement between Alumno Miller Telford Ltd and the college was made in 2009 when many of the current board were not in place. It concerns an occupancy agreement which began in September 2010, when the accommodation was opened, where the college agreed to fill 99 of the 125 rooms or make up the shortfall.
“This agreement left the new board feeling extremely nervous as the college could be left to pay up the difference so we decided to contest it for a number of reasons.
“There was no indication in the agreement as to which rooms the guarantees referred to. We also argued that it would break rules on the college being left to pay in excess of four per cent of its annual income.
“Lord Glennie has made his ruling and we’ve lost this particular part. As a board, we now have to have another look at it and take advice from counsel before deciding on our next step. It remains ongoing.”
The student accommodation was built on a vacant site near Telford College and was primarily designed to offer rooms to international students.
It was intended to cater for a growing student population at Telford, which is the city’s largest further education college.
Alumno Miller Telford Ltd took out a £4.5m loan to pay for the facilities, and let the rooms directly to students at the college. A spokesman for McGrigors, the solicitors acting for Alumno Miller Telford Ltd, said he could not comment on an ongoing court case.
Most of the Country has been battered overnight and all day with high winds and this has lead to various bridges and roads being closed causing traffic chaos across the Country.
Winds were recorded at over 90mph by the Forth Road Bridge Authority and the Bridge is expected to be closed for most of today, trains were cancelled today from Edinburgh and many road have been blocked by falling trees.
Here are some images that we have taken from today.
Readings of 90MPH plus winds by the Forth Road bridge (Source: L&B police)
Boots at Craigleith didn't open today. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
Currys at Craigleith lost a door following the storm. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
A fence was blown away in Crewe. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
The garden centre at Homebase had windows blown in. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
A trampoline appeared at the Drylaw shopping centre. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
A tree blocks a road in Pilton. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
A trolley park at Sainsburys was blown down in the wind. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
Various trolley parks were damaged at Craigleith Retail Park. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
Have you got any photos you would like to share with us? If so email them to northedinnews@gmail.com.
A patient has died following a Fire in the Western General Hospital. North Edinburgh News understands that the male patient had gone to the toilet on his ward to have a cigarette when the fire started.
The Fire Brigade were called to extinguish the fire.
A spokesperson for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said “We attended a call at the Western General Hospital on Wednesday to deal with a Fire. We understand the male had been taken for treatment prior to our arrival, this is now one the Police will deal with following the subsequent death”
Despite this NHS Lothian remain tight-lipped and are keen to separate the Fire at the Hospital from the patients death, Chief Operating officer, Jackie Sansbury said “A small fire broke out in a ward at the Western General Hospital. Thanks to the quick response from staff, all patients were evacuated and returned to the ward”
Sansbury added, “Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service were called to put out the fire and are investigating the cause”
This year, the weather stayed clear for PEP to host the ‘Christmas Good Old Days’. The event was compered by the ‘devilishly dashing and debonair’ Ian Mason (complete with bow tie and moustache). A last minute cancellation from some entertainers, resulted in PEP’s staff gamely standing in to perform and started the show off with ‘Staff Stocking Fillers’. Theodora played some pieces on her harp, with the audience joining in on ‘The First Noel’; before reciting the Christmas poem ‘The Night Before Christmas’. Frances then read out ‘A Chocolate Christmas’ accompanied by ‘PowerPoint’. The chocolaty pictures had everyone chuckling away.
Pep Christmas Show 2011 (Picture: PEP)
There was then some festive singing from the Neighbourhood Group including ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Winter Wonderland’, White Christmas’; finishing off with ‘Amarillo’. Louise then read out a poem created by the group about all the things they get up to through the week. Well done to the group!
During the ice-cream break the free raffle was drawn with manager Helen and the compere giving away many prizes.
The ‘phenomenal flirtatious’ Frances kicked off part 2 with an amazing mind reading act. She stunned her audience with her amazing ability and left them rolling in the isles. She then sang a song before the Weekend Resource finished with an ‘old-time medley’ of music hall songs. The audience joined in having a whale of a time. The evenings entertainment ended with all the acts coming together to sing ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’.
PEP Christmas Showtime 2011
A buffet meal was then served by staff and volunteers before the final drawing of the raffle for four prize hampers. A wonderful evening was had by all and a special thanks must go out to; all the staff and volunteers of PEP; service users who worked so hard on the entertainment; staff of the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre who always make us feel welcome; and of course to all the people who came along to join in the fun of ‘The Good Old Days’
During severe weather the Council will do all it can to keep the city moving. However, our focus has to be on priority routes for buses and emergency vehicles and giving access to hospitals, health centres and schools.
The Council want local people to help clear snow. (Picture: Thomas brown)
In previous years, we have been encouraged by the number of residents who contact us to see how they can help. There is a lot you can do by clearing pavements in your area and checking on neighbours.
We are enlisting some volunteer snow wardens to be our eyes and ears in their community. They can tell us about specific problems and help residents with the local effort to clear snow and ice from pavements.
Spartans FC Women’ Premier League side gathered at the Academy on Saturday night to celebrate the 2011 season. Finishing in runners up spot to worthy champions Glasgow City was a great achievement and full credit must go to the full squad of players, coaching staff and volunteers for their hard work and determination throughout the season.
Hayley Lauder collecting both awards. (Picture: www.spartanswfc.com)
It was time for the Spartan players to recognise there team mates contributions and the Players Player of the year awards were as follows: –
In 3rd place was central midfielder Kirsty McLaughlin who has really excelled in her first season at the club with terrific performances, 2nd Place went to striker Sarah Ewens who has blossomed as a player this season and is fulfilling the potential she displayed when she joined the club in 2009 scoring 21 goals in 2011.
Spartans Players Player of the year and also the Coaches Player of the Year was awarded to Hayley Lauder for a fantastic season for both Spartans and Scotland, the young midfielder played a huge part in Spartans success and all involved at the club are extremely proud of her individual achievements and we are all excited for her future.
To honour the contribution made to Spartans and acknowledge the achievement of scoring 100 goals during the 2011 season the final award of the evening was made to Diana Barry, a special award to a special player. Diana has now scored 118 goals in 94 games for the club and as she continues to score goals she will continue to set records that will be very difficult to match.
All the players receiving awards also received a generous gift from our fantastic sponsors Scott + Co and all pass on their gratitude for such a kind gesture.
Lothian and Borders Police are appealing for witnesses after a couple were assaulted and robbed in Davidsons Mains over the weekend.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the attack.
The incident happened around 2.10am on Sunday 18 December. A 71-year-old man and his 68-year-old wife had just left the Maitland Bowling Club in Davidsons Mains and were walking along the High Street when a man approached and grabbed at the woman’s bag.
A struggle ensued and the woman’s bag strap snapped causing her purse to fall out, which was then stolen by the suspect who made off from the area.
The victim’s husband tried to pursue the man and suffered minor facial injuries after being struck to the face.
Police are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.
The suspect is described as white, 20-25-years-old, 6ft 2ins tall with a slim build and wearing a patterned woolen hat with earflaps.
A police spokesman said: “This incident has left both victims incredibly shaken, although neither required treatment in hospital.
“Anyone who was in or around Davidson Mains High Street in the early hours of Sunday morning and witnessed the robbery or can help identify the suspect is asked to contact police immediately.”
Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.
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?
