The proposed priority parking scheme in Telford and an update on Drylaw skate park feature on next week’s Drylaw Telford Community Council meeting agenda.
The meeting will be held in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre on Wednesday 25 February at 7pm. All welcome.
A Spring clean could support charities
£2.4 billion worth of unworn and unwanted clothing is lining Scotland’s wardrobes and could instead be used to help vulnerable people across the country, according to housing charity Shelter.
They say the average household has up to £1,000 worth of clothes that have not been worn for at least a year, most often because they no longer fit.
Shelter is encouraging people across Scotland to rummage through wardrobes, drawers, cupboards and attics and donate any unwanted items to one of their shops to help support the fight against bad housing and homelessness.
Last year 36,457 households made homeless applications to their local council in Scotland. Meanwhile, 150,500 households are currently on waiting lists for a home of their own.
Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: “The total cost of unworn clothes is a staggering £2.4 billion in Scotland. Even a very small fraction of that could help Shelter Scotland to continue our fight against bad housing and homelessness.
“It costs just £10 for one of our expert advisors to help a family or individual at risk of losing their home – we can raise that money by selling an unwanted jumper or pair shoes. £45 is enough to train an advisor to protect children at risk, and that money could be raised from selling an unwanted winter coat that’s taking up space in someone’s wardrobe.
“We hope that the people of Scotland will continue to support us, because without their help and generosity our fight to end bad housing and homelessness would be so much harder.”
Research by WRAP shows that the annual footprints of a household’s new and existing clothing are equivalent to the weight of over 100 pairs of jeans or the water needed to fill over 1,000 bathtubs.
WRAP says that extending the average life of clothes by just three months, such as donating them to charity, would lead to a 5-10% reduction in each of the carbon, water and waste footprints.
It is estimated that £140 million worth (350,000 tonnes) of used clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year – clothes which Shelter Scotland says could be donated to charity.
Graeme Brown added: “We’ve all got clothes we no longer wear or need. If every person in Scotland donated just one item to a Shelter Scotland shop it would make a world of difference. Shelter Scotland believes that everybody deserves a home. Our work won’t stop until there’s a home for everyone.”
DVLA warns the public of an email scam that asks drivers to verify their driving licence and vehicle tax details via an online link …
The email, which wrongly claims to have been sent from DVLA, appears to be an attempt to trick drivers into providing personal details. DVLA have NOT sent out an email asking customers to update or verify their details.
We’re aware that some members of the public have received these emails and we strongly advise anyone who receives one of these or any similar email, to ignore it and not to follow the instructions given.
The government, led by Cabinet Office’s Government Digital Service (GDS), will continue to investigate reports of organisations which may be actively misleading users about their services or acting illegally, taking swift action when necessary. By using the online driving licence or vehicle tax transactions on GOV.UK you can be sure that you are dealing directly withDVLA.
You can find the online driving licence and vehicle tax services in the driving licence and vehicle tax sections of GOV.UK.
‘It beggars belief that criminals continue to dice with death for a few pounds worth of scrap metal’ – Guy Jefferson, SP Energy Networks
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will host the Scottish Business Resilience Centre’s Metal Theft Summit next week. The event will highlight the devastating impact metal theft in Scotland has on our economy, businesses and public safety.
Speakers at the summit on 25 February will include the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Assistant Chief Officer David McGown, Mr. Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs and Chief Superintendent John McBride of the British Transport Police.
Metal theft puts lives at risk with the potential for cables to become exposed, dangerous chemicals to be released or fires to start being greatly increased. The cost of repair after metal theft can often outweigh the materials stolen and so the impact on businesses can be colossal.
Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, Director of Prevention and Protection, SFRS, said: “Metal theft is extremely dangerous and causes huge problems for both the public and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“Metal theft not only leaves businesses and communities out of pocket, but it puts life at extreme risk. Many hazards are created as a consequence of metal theft, not to mention the disruption it creates for the public going about their work and daily lives.
“Only recently in November 2014, 16 dry riser outlets were stolen from a multi-story flat building within Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire. The risers were swiftly replaced within 48 hours but were again stolen only two weeks later. Should there have been a serious fire in the affected building at the time of the dry riser being out of operation, the immediate lack of a sufficient water supply to the fire floor level could have led to the possibility of serious damage to the building, and worse, the increased potential for endangerment and loss of life to both residents, and firefighters.
“Metal theft is also extremely dangerous for the persons committing the crime. In July 2013, a man was killed in North Lanarkshire as he attempted to steal an 11000-volt overhead cable. This incident also left 280 homes without power.”
Mr. Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, said: “Metal theft is not a victimless crime. It affects everyone, from individuals and communities to churches and businesses – it can even put innocent people at risk – which is why the Scottish Government is continuing to clamp down on this extremely harmful and illegal activity.
“The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill, currently with the Parliament, includes measures to improve the regulation of scrap metal dealers and end cash payments for scrap metal, making it more difficult for thieves to profit from their crime.
“Further to our proposals for tougher legislation more effective enforcement has also been introduced with the British Transport Police team now dedicated to tackling metal theft and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service adopting a tougher prosecution policy for this crime.
“This is an extremely disruptive, selfish and harmful crime and we will continue to do all we can to make Scotland a hostile environment for criminals involved in metal theft.”
Chief Superintendent John McBride, British Transport Police, said: “Metal theft continues to disrupt the lives of Scottish people. Industry and communities continue to be affected with rail and electricity cable being stolen and damaged recently and schools have had to close following water damage when lead was stolen from roofs which impacts on the children’s education, teachers and parents and comes with a not insignificant cost to taxpayers.
“Police forces and other enforcement agencies have been pro-active and will continue to take steps to enforce the law and tackle metal thieves and those who help dispose of stolen material. We work in a broad partnership with industry and others to help safeguard their property, and we look forward to the Scottish Government’s proposed new legislative arrangements for the Metal Recycling industry.”
Chief Inspector Alistair Muir, Police Scotland, said: “Metal theft is a crime that affects all communities across the length and breadth of our country. Whilst Police Scotland remains committed to tackling this problem we cannot do this in isolation. A strong focused partnership remains the key to significantly reducing the incidents of metal theft and the resulting negative impact this type of crime has on our homes, transport infrastructure, communications, public services and businesses.
“By working in partnership we can reduce opportunities for criminals, improve detection rates and reduce market opportunities for stolen materials.
“2015 will see the implementation of significant changes to metal dealer licensing in Scotland bringing us more into line with England and Wales. Working with industry partners in metal recycling will be key to the success of these legislative changes. By supporting the majority of legitimate, ethical businesses we can focus on those unscrupulous dealers who trade on the misery metal thieves bring to our communities.”
Mr. Iain Hetherington, Director General, British Metal Recycling Association, said: “The Summit comes at a very critical time. Metal theft is a major problem for the Scottish infrastructure and our communities. As police and public services are tightened it is imperative that we come up with smarter solutions to this insidious crime.”
Mr. Guy Jefferson, Distribution Director, SP Energy Networks, said: “Metal theft from the electricity network continues to put lives at risk, and threaten the safety of communities. It beggars belief that criminals continue to dice with death for a few pounds worth of scrap metal. What is more concerning is their complete disregard for the power cuts they have caused, and the house fires they have started.
“We support all efforts to stop these selfish criminals, and restrict their ability to sell stolen metal. Along with other industries, we are keen to see the new legislation that The Scottish Government is proposing on scrap metal implemented as quickly as possible.”
Ms. Jessica Snow, Senior Technical Officer, Historic Scotland, said: “At a time of high global demand for raw materials, thieves are targeting lots of different types of metal on old buildings – especially lead and copper. The most common target seems to be lead from roofs, with churches being particular targets, although statues, lead downpipes and even war memorials have also been stolen. Obviously this is of great concern to Historic Scotland, so we’re keen to work with our partners to formulate preventative measures and agree how best to deal with the immediate and longer-term effects of metal theft.”
Mr. Paul Mumford, Crestatech, said: “Substation theft causes severe safety risks both at the site and at customer premises. If such theft remains undetected, the safety risk to both engineers and first responders entering site without prior knowledge of the event is high.
“Cresatech have been working with Scottish Power and SSE to detect such events and enable mitigation of the safety and service continuity risks that result.”
Scottish Parliament passes Community Charge Debt Bill
Proposals to end the collection of the historic Poll Tax debt have been approved today with a new law being passed by the Scottish Parliament.
As part of the Bill, the liability to pay the arrears in Scotland ended on February 1, 2015. This was subject to, and has now received, final approval from Parliament.
The Scottish Government brought forward the bill to bring an end to collection of debts under the discredited tax, which was abolished in 1993 after only four years in operation in Scotland.
Speaking after the vote to approve the bill the Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government has acted act expeditiously to address the use of information gathered from voter registration to pursue historical debts from a tax that is discredited and which has not been operational in Scotland for more than 20 years.
“People should not fear being on the electoral registers because of decades-old community charge debts.
“Although the amount of Poll Tax arrears collected by local authorities across Scotland has fallen in recent years to less than £350,000 in 2013-14, we will ensure that local authorities are properly compensated in line with current collection rates in respect of outstanding amounts.
“I am proud that the Scottish Parliament has consigned the ‘poll tax’ to history and extinguished any remaining liability for a disgraced and defunct tax.”
The Edinburgh International Science Festival today announced the programme for Spring 2015.
The Festival, which will bring together hundreds of events, activities and exhibitions to celebrate science, will take place over Saturday 19 March – Sunday 4 April taking in the Easter school break.
This year, the Festival aims to transform into ‘The Ideas Factory’ – a hub of information, ideas and innovation. Some of the events taking place include:
The City of Edinburgh Council is a major funding partner of the Festival. Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion for the city, commented: “The Edinburgh International Science Festival is always a key highlight in the Spring calendar for both local Edinburgh residents and visitors to the city.
“Anyone visiting the Festival is in for a treat as this year’s programme is as jam-packed as ever. The Council’s City Art Centre will once again be transformed into a place of pioneering science and magic, and there will be a host of events and activities on offer for families.
“Every year the festival also features lectures from world-leading scientists and speakers, and a highlight for 2015 will be an insight from Professor Peter Higgs who was a recipient of the Edinburgh Award for his influence on the city.”
Full details of the 2015 programme can be found at sciencefestival.co.uk.
Tickets for all events can be booked online via the website or through the Box Office on 0844 557 2686.
We have a part time temporary vacancy for a sessional worker to help us develop our Community Leadership College. I’d be grateful if you could circulate this information to any local staff or volunteers whom you think might be interested.
Christine Mackay
Manager – Total Craigroyston
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has announced a near £1 million funding package for three leading voluntary organisations working to reduce reoffending in Scotland.
The funding will allow Apex Scotland, SACRO and Families Outside to continue to deliver a range of specialist services in 2015/16 for offenders and their families, helping to stop the cycle of reoffending.
The work of the three organisations includes targeted action to address underlying issues which fuel crime, help with employment, rehabilitation and support to ensure family links are maintained so that the children of offenders do not go down the wrong path in life.
Families Outside estimate that 27,000 children lose a parent to imprisonment each year.
Last month, the Justice Secretary announced that plans for a new women’s prison at Inverclyde will not go ahead as he wants to pursue a bolder, more ambitious approach for Scotland.
Today, Mr Matheson confirmed that a series of local engagement events will take place across the country next month to allow all those with an interest to give their views on the future of female offending as part of an on-going consultation on delivering a more radical plan for Scotland.
Speaking following a meeting with the Families Outside charity who received a 15 per cent increase in funding, Mr Matheson said: “When it comes to the justice system, we must be smarter with the choices we make and be more sophisticated in the way in which we deal with offenders in Scotland.
“We need to do everything we can to break the cycle of reoffending and end the revolving door to our prisons which sees low level offenders going in and out of prisons time and time again. Scotland can do better and we can be bolder in our approach.
“We need to look at the wider picture of offending, ensuring for example, that links to the family and community can be maintained, whilst targeted work is undertaken to address the specific issue which is fuelling the crime such as alcohol, drugs or mental health issues.
“The three organisations we are helping with funding today are doing some fantastic work to break the cycle of offending through targeted intervention and I am pleased to announce this support for them,
“Whilst it is for the Courts to decide who receives a custodial sentence, I want to ensure we are providing the best possible support to offenders to help turn their lives around.”
Philip Dunion, Director of Finance, Apex Scotland said: “Apex Scotland is delighted to receive this award from the Scottish Government. As a national charity this will enable us to continue to be at the forefront of policy development in relation to (ex)offenders and those at risk of offending, contributing to the aims of a fairer and safer Scotland.
“In particular we will be able to continue our drive to finding innovative solutions for our service users and to underpin our high quality service provision with a clear focus on evidence of benefit to both our service users and society as a whole.”
Tom Halpin, Chief Executive of Sacro said: “I welcome the Justice Secretary’s announcement of funding to voluntary organisations to help reduce reoffending. This funding from Scottish Government will change people’s lives for the better. It will enable Sacro to deliver direct services to vulnerable people across Scotland who are drawn into the justice system, often through issues associated with inequality and deprivation.
“Sacro’s partnership working is focussed on supporting positive change among those who find themselves in the justice system. It is by addressing the underlying issues that lead people into offending that we will achieve long-lasting and positive outcomes for individuals and their communities.”
Prof Nancy Loucks, Chief Executive of Families Outside, said: “Families Outside is very grateful for the award of funding from the Scottish Government. The impact of imprisonment on the children and families left behind is significant and enduring. It cuts across a wide range of issues including physical and mental health, housing, poverty, victimisation, substance misuse, child and adolescent learning and development, and crime prevention.
“We are pleased to be able to continue this work with the support of the Scottish Government, reaching vulnerable families who are often otherwise unidentified and unsupported.”
We are now recruiting for the new Childcare Academy, which starts on Monday (23 February).
I have attached a poster and standard information for display and distribution.
Childcare Academy Standard Information
February 2015 CA Publicity Poster 16
Audrey O’Neill,
Training Administrator, North Edinburgh Childcare
Telephone: 0131 311 6931
Writing to get your teeth into?
Edinburgh City Libraries have paired up with Apex Hotels to offer a unique literary experience. Gourmet Reads gives you the opportunity to meet some of Scotland’s best-known authors during an evening of fine dining at the Waterloo Place hotel.
Guests will be able to meet novelists in person to chat about their lives, work and inspiration, as well as being given the chance to mingle with fellow diners.
This is the second Gourmet Reads evening, following theinaugural event in October, when best-selling author Ian Rankin entertained a small crowd with conversation and stories from his past.
And this month the event will return with an appearance from writer, journalist and musician, Doug Johnstone, author of six critically acclaimed novels including, most recently, The Dead Beat, an Edinburgh-set thriller.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener, welcomed the addition to Edinburgh’s literary calendar. He said: “Literature is about more than just solitary reading, and can also form the basis of a vibrant, social activity like Gourmet Reads.
“This event adds to a packed literary programme in the capital, as well as a fantastic range of libraries and archives. I would urge anyone interested in spending an evening learning about new – or familiar – writers in Edinburgh, to book now and avoid missing out.”
Doug Johnstone will host on Wednesday 25 February and is the first of three writers to appear at the Apex Hotel as part of Gourmet Reads’ 2015 programme.
He will be followed by Daily Record columnist Shari Low, best-selling author of ten novels, on Thursday 13 March, and on Thursday 30 April by Alex Gray, whose latest book ,The Bird That Did Not Sing, is set against the backdrop of 2014’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Each event will cost £50 per person and will include a three course meal and half a bottle of wine, or an alternative drink. Income will be put into the Libraries revenue budget for use on resources and service.
Find out more about Gourmet Reads and how to book tickets on the Council website.
