£314 million City Centre transformation plan submitted for approval

A “game-changing” £314m plan to transform Edinburgh’s city centre over the next 10 years has been submitted for approval.

The Edinburgh City Centre Transformation Strategy (ECCT), which has been developed by the City of Edinburgh Council, already has full funding in place for the first five years. It is estimated the strategy will deliver £420m of benefits over a 25-year period through investment in improved public spaces, inclusive access and prioritisation of travel on foot, by bicycle and on public transport. Continue reading £314 million City Centre transformation plan submitted for approval

Community Council elections: nominations open tomorrow

Nominations for Edinburgh’s Community Councils will open tomorrow (Monday 9 September) and people passionate about their local area are being encouraged to apply.

Community Councils give residents the opportunity to influence what happens in their part of the city with members playing an active role in a wide range of activities, including commenting on planning and licensing applications, taking part in community campaigns and working with others to improve the local area. Continue reading Community Council elections: nominations open tomorrow

Scottish Mens Sheds Association AGM

Wednesday 11th September 10.30am – 4.30pm

If you are a SMSA Member and/or a Shedder you are invited to an event we are holding at the wonderful and inspiring Carse of Gowrie Men’s Shed in Dundee.

The morning session will be an opportunity to hear from our partners and guest speakers about the benefits of the SMSA and Men’s Sheds. Continue reading Scottish Mens Sheds Association AGM

Labour leader to address pro-People’s Vote event alongside student activists

Leader of the Scottish Labour Party Richard Leonard will speak on an explicitly pro-People’s Vote platform for the first time at Edinburgh University Student’s Association tomorrow (Monday 9th September). 

Continue reading Labour leader to address pro-People’s Vote event alongside student activists

Community writing: Words for Wellbeing at North Edinburgh Arts

We can’t contain our excitement – our autumn programme is kicking off next week!

We have some new activities this term, and one of them is Words for Wellbeing: a 6-week writing project starting on Friday, 13 September at 10.30am.

Join us for a couple of hours to discover new writing approaches, develop creativity and support your own well-being. The project is free and everyone’s welcome.

New legislation will reduce time spent in B&Bs and hostels

Anyone facing homelessness will spend no longer than a week in unsuitable accommodation like bed and breakfasts under new legislation.

The seven day limit on unsuitable temporary accommodation which currently covers families with children and pregnant women will now be extended to protect everyone at risk of homelessness.

Announcing the changes, which will come into effect by May 2021, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “We know that people living in these unsuitable environments can for too long often lack cooking or washing facilities, and some have reported that they cannot have visits from family or friends.

“These experiences have a detrimental effect on people’s physical and mental wellbeing, preventing them from rebuilding their lives.

“While temporary accommodation can offer an important emergency safety net for anyone who finds themselves homeless, such as those fleeing domestic violence, it should be a purely temporary measure.

“In Scotland we are already world-leading in tackling homelessness, and now this new legislation, which is a UK first, will make sure that the time anyone spends in unsuitable temporary accommodation is as short as possible before moving to a more appropriate, permanent home.

“We recognise the importance of a settled home in supporting people to live their life with good health, wellbeing and a sense of community and belonging.

“That’s why we’re investing £32.5 million, which includes more than half of our £50 million Ending Homelessness Together Fund, to support local authorities to prioritise settled accommodation for all.”

Research published by Crisis last year gathered experiences of 74 people across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Glasgow, Midlothian, Aberdeenshire and Highland who have faced months in unsuitable temporary accommodation such as B&Bs.

It showed that these experiences damage people’s mental health and job prospects, entrenching their homelessness.

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of homeless charity Crisis, said: “We strongly welcome the announcement that the Scottish Government will change the law so that people will no longer have to live in the most unsuitable forms of temporary accommodation for longer than seven days.

“This marks a major achievement for our Life in Limbo campaign, a three year project which has sought to put an end to lengthy and dehumanising stays in unsupported hostels, hotels and B&Bs.

“This decision is a recognition of the resolve of our clients to shine a light on the inhumane conditions they were experiencing and the determination to ensure no one else was subjected to these prolonged stays.

“Making sure that everyone has a home where they can begin to rebuild their lives benefits all of us. Once again Scotland has shown it is a world leader in tackling homelessness and this commitment is a major step forward towards it being the first nation in Great Britain to end homelessness for good.”

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Witness appeal following George Street robbery

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in the city centre. The incident happened around 5.30am on Friday (6th September) on George Street.

A 41-year-old woman was walking close to the Bank of Scotland premises near the junction with Frederick Street when she was approached by a male who demanded her property before grabbing the bag she was carrying. He then walked westbound on George Street.

Inquiries are ongoing to identify the suspect and anyone with information or who saw a male acting suspiciously in the George Street area at the time is asked to come forward.

The suspect is described as male, white, 5’6”, 18-22 years, brown hair, wearing a dark zip up jacket, dark trousers and brown boots. He spoke with a local Edinburgh accent.

Detective Sergeant Lesley Robertson from the Violence Reduction Unit at Gayfield Police Station said: “Thankfully the victim was unhurt however was left badly shaken. We are now conducting various lines of inquiry to trace the suspect and anyone who was on George Street at the time and can help us identify this male should contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact the Police at Gayfield Square Police Station via 101 and quote incident number 0430 of 06th September 2019. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.