The latest issue of North Edinburgh Covid Response and Recovery group’s newletter, EH North, is now being delivered.
Formerly known as North Edinburgh COVID-19 Food Share Group, members agreed to rename last week.
If you haven’t seen a copy of the newsletter yet, see below for content:
This year nine dispersal zones have been authorised in Edinburgh to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period. The zones will be in operation between 2pm and midnight from today (Wednesday 4th) to Saturday 7th November.
Under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, police have a Power of Dispersal within the designated zones authorised by Superintendent David Robertson.
This means that we can instruct any people in groups of two or more who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner to disperse, and if they do not live there to leave the zones, and then not to return for up to 24 hours. If they do return, they can be arrested.
The nine zones are Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse.
They will be in place from 2pm today (Wednesday 4 November) until midnight on Saturday 7 November.
Maps have been published on local police social media.
Police in Edinburgh have launched their annual campaign to keep the public safe during the period between Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Operation Crackle will see local officers throughout the Capital out on patrol during evenings and weekends to deter antisocial and criminal activity involving fireworks and keep communities safe from disorder and damage.
Halloween and Bonfire Night weekends are typically some of the busiest times for police, not only in Edinburgh, but across the city, and as always a partnership approach is being taken by the division.
Working alongside the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and City of Edinburgh Council, officers have been engaging with young people through school inputs and social media to highlight the risks associated with fireworks and the consequences of getting involved in any forms of crime using these items.
In addition, police have conducted joint patrols with council environmental wardens and SFRS personnel to carry out environmental audits and identify any debris or materials that could be used to start bonfires.
When found, these items have been removed.
While working to ensure the safety of the public within the city, Operation Crackle also looks to preserve the safety of all emergency service workers deployed during the coming weekends.
A zero tolerance approach towards violence and threatening behaviour is being taken and everyone is urged to act responsibly if handling fireworks.
Supporting Operation Crackle, Police Scotland’s national initiative, Operation Moonbeam is again in place to support local divisions with a range of additional and specialist resources.
These additional officers can be used if public disorder and violence takes place requiring a more robust response.
Dispersal zones will be in operation across Edinburgh again this year in an attempt to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period.
This is the third year dispersal zones have operated across the city. The zones will run between 2pm and midnight on Wednesday 4th November to Saturday 7th November.
The areas covered by the zones include Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse.
The dispersal zones enable police to instruct groups of two or more people who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner in these areas to disperse. Those who fail to comply, or fail to stay away for up to 24 hours, can face arrest.
Police are asking parents and guardians to have frank conversations with young people in their care and remind them to behave in a manner that does not put themselves, or others, at risk of harm.
Unlike previous years, organised Bonfire Night events have all been cancelled as a result of COVID-19. Police patrols will take place across the city to identify illegal bonfires, as well as deal with any breaches of current Scottish Government coronavirus restriction legislation.
Chief Inspector David Happs, who is leading on Operation Crackle, said: “We know that the vast majority of those who purchase fireworks do so in order to enjoy Bonfire Night responsibly. However, a small minority use the Halloween and Bonfire Night period to get involved in disorder and commit acts of violence and damage.
“Let me make it clear, that such behaviour is not acceptable and if you are involved in criminality involving fireworks, you can expect to be arrested. If not on the night, then as we carry out follow-up inquiries.
“I know many people will be really disappointed that they are unable to attend organised events this year, but I would urge everyone to be mindful of existing guidelines and legislation aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19. Please do not do anything that puts you in breach of the current restrictions.
“For the past three years, we have been able to call upon additional specialist national resources to assist local officers. Once again, these officers are available if they are needed and I’m grateful to have them as an operational consideration.
“We want everyone to have a great Halloween and Bonfire Night, but please enjoy these events responsibly and help us keep you, and everyone else, safe throughout.”
Kenny Rogers, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for the City of Edinburgh, said: “This Bonfire Night will be a different experience for many of us.
“We know that many organised public displays have been cancelled due to COVID-19 and that some may consider private use of fireworks in their gardens.
“We would urge caution over the private use of fireworks and remind people that these items can pose grave dangers.
“If you are planning on using fireworks in a private setting, please familiarise yourself with our Fireworks Code before purchasing. It is designed to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
“I would like to stress that this is our busiest night of the year and that we must maintain a capacity to respond to emergencies.
“Last year we saw a large spike in deliberate fire-setting and this can divert firefighters away from genuine emergencies, where lives may be at risk.
“We do take a zero-tolerance approach to fire-setting and will work with police to identify those responsible, but we also realise it’s a very small minority of people involved.
“Ultimately, I would urge those who are marking Bonfire Night to help us by reading all safety advice before using fireworks and by helping protect Scotland’s emergency services.”
“For more information visit our fireworks safety page at ww.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/fireworks-safety.aspx”
Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, Chair of Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership said: “Protecting our communities from harm is a priority for us all in the Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership and we will continue to work with our partners to prevent anti-social behaviour in the lead up to Bonfire Night to ensure that Edinburgh remains a safe place for its residents.
“It’s important that we all look after each other. Fly tipping during the Bonfire and Fireworks season can be a major cause of fire and we ask that if anyone sees fly tipping or notices an area where there is a build-up of refuse or combustible material to please let the council know.”
Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, The Old Kirk and Muirhouse parish church will be hosting their annual ‘All Souls Service’ on Sunday 25th Oct at 2:30pm.
It is an opportunity for anyone in the community, church-goer or not, to spend time reflecting on the life of someone who has died.
There will be music and readings, though sadly this year no cuppa afterwards. You will need to wear a face covering, and because the number of seating spaces is restricted, all spaces must be reserved for ‘Test and Protect’ purposes: please call 07305 825 697.
Police are appealing for information after a woman was robbed of jewellery on the cycle path in Boswall on Saturday evening.
At around 6.30pm on Saturday (17 October), a 39-year-old woman was walking along the cycle path between Wardie Road and Granton Road, when she was approached by a man on a bike who, after a short conversation, demanded her watch and diamond rings before riding off towards Drylaw.
The woman was not injured but has been left shaken by the incident.
The suspect is described as white, of medium build, with short dark hair and had a local accent. He was wearing a blue surgical face mask, dark coloured cotton tracksuit top and bottoms. He was on a dark coloured bike with no lights.
Detective Constable Peter Lyons, Costorphine CID, Edinburgh, said: “Whilst the watch and jewellery have a combined value of approximately a four-figure sum of money, it’s more their sentimental value – especially the lady’s engagement and eternity rings – that is upsetting for her.
“She was on the walkway which goes between Wardie Road and Granton Road and was just approaching the Wardie Road exit when she was approached by the man.
“This can be a busy thoroughfare and I am sure there would have been people about who either saw the robbery or who may have seen the man on the bike hanging about the area.
“Officers are checking CCTV at the moment to try an identify the thief, however, would appeal to anyone who may have information that will assist their investigation to come forward.
“If you think you can help, please call Costorphine Police Station via 101 quoting reference number 3256 of Saturday, 17 October, 2020. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
FERRY ROAD DRIVE – THIS THURSDAY FROM 1 – 4pm
Dispose of your unwanted items for free!
Groathill Road North, EH4 2RG
Sunday services have resumed in the church – 10.30am every Sunday morning
In order to arrange the seating please phone by Thursday lunchtime to 07703 178731
Pennywell Gardens
Our Sunday services are at 11am
Book one of the few available places by leaving a message on 0131-467-2922 with your name, number of people attending and phone number.
Detectives are appealing for information following the attempted murder of a 19 year-old man at a flat in West Pilton Grove last night.
At around 8.40pm on Wednesday evening (7th October), the 19 year-old man and another man were outside shops on Ferry Road Drive in Edinburgh, when they were involved in an altercation with a group of youths.
The 19 year-old man received a facial injury then made his way home to West Pilton Grove.
At around 9.30pm, he was in the flat when four men forced entry and seriously assaulted him. Police and Ambulance attended and the injured man was taken to Edinburgh Royal Hospital where he is being treated for stab wounds.
Hospital staff describe his condition as serious.
The four men responsible are white and aged in their late teens or early twenties:
The first man was of medium build and wearing a grey hooded top, a black gilet and black jogging trousers.
The second man was wearing a black hooded top and black jogging trousers.
The third man was wearing a green top and black jogging trousers,
The fourth man was of heavy build and wearing a black hooded top, blue t-shirt, black jogging trousers and white trainers.
Detective Sergeant Rory Legge of Corstorphine Police Station said: “Our enquiries are continuing into this incident and we have been carrying out enquiries and gathering CCTV from the local area to help us establish the identity of the four men responsible.
“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed, or who has information on the incident outside the shops on Ferry Road Drive or the further assault in West Pilton Grove to contact us as soon as possible. “Anyone with information should contact Corstorphine Police Station through 101 quoting reference number 3512 of 7 October.
“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
Drive-through clinics have been opened by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (EHSCP) in Edinburgh this weekend to make it as quick, safe and easy as possible for people to get their flu vaccine.
The clinics will continue to operate on weekends in October and November and each site can vaccinate up to 500 people a day.
As well as over 65s, pregnant people and those at risk due to existing health conditions, this year unpaid carers and those who lived with people who shielded during lockdown will be offered a free flu jab.
By developing flu drive throughs, everyone entitled to a free flu vaccine from a household can attend at the same time. For those who don’t have access to a car, a series of walk through clinics are being arranged and Edinburgh locations will be available on the NHS Inform website once confirmed.
Keeping the people of Edinburgh safe and healthy is a priority, so before the jab is administered, a nurse will ask some questions to make sure it is safe to administer the vaccine. The person receiving the jab doesn’t need to leave their car and will also be asked to wait 15 minutes before leaving the clinic to ensure there’s no reaction to the vaccine.
If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine, or for more information, go to www.nhsinform.scot/flu to find out where you can get your jab in Edinburgh. If you qualify for a free vaccine you’ll be given a time to attend a clinic after completing a short questionnaire.
Judith Proctor, Chief Officer for the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “As part of our mission to support a caring, healthier and safer Edinburgh, we’re committed to making it even easier to get a flu vaccine this year. The flu vaccine is an important health protection measure and we want to make sure that everyone who is eligible has access to the vaccine.
“To keep the people of Edinburgh safe, and to respect physical distancing measures, we have confirmed a range of Edinburgh venues to offer access to the flu vaccine, including a drive through service at sites across the city. This is the first time a drive through model has been used for vaccinations in Scotland, and could provide a blueprint for how to deliver vaccination programmes successfully in the future.
“Details of where people can go to receive a flu vaccine will be available on the NHS Inform website.”
Blackhall Medical Centre, Muirhouse Medical Group, Crewe Medical Centre and Davidson’s Mains Medical Centre patients will be directed to a walk-through facility at Pennywell All Care Centre or the drive-through at Scottish Gas HQ on Granton waterfront.
Committee members and volunteers required
As many people will know there’s been a background staff changeover for the season ahead with a new chairman, committee and management team taking over the running of the club.
While we are moving in the right direction we would like to extend an opportunity for anyone interested to come on board as a committee member or match day volunteer.
We have a fantastic set up down at St Marks Park and would like to continue the fantastic work that the previous committee have done in running the club. We are effectively starting from scratch so we are very keen to add to our committee and volunteers as we look to build for the next 44 years.
As a committee member, you will play a major part in how the club moves forward. As part of the committee you will be involved in the general running of the club and be involved in fundraising etc. There will be regular committee meetings to discuss new ideas, and general club matters.
As a volunteer you will be involved on home match days helping with the various jobs before, during and after matches. If you are interested, we will find a job for you to help with, there’s something for everybody! From setting up goals and barriers to serving teas and coffee, to taking in gate money or hanging up kits.
Anyone interested please message us directly on our Facebook page and we can have an informal chat over the phone or a cup of tea down the club. Please do not be put off if you’ve never been involved with a club before, If you have good ideas then we would love to hear from you.
Clubs at our level rely on volunteers, they are the people that make the club run, without you we simply couldn’t do it.
Craigroyston FC committee
