The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 3798 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Tuesday is decision day for Telford parking

Measures to introduce priority parking measures to the streets of Telford could be agreed by councillors at next Tuesday’s Transport & Environment committee meeting. Local campaigners are pleased that traffic and parking problems that have beset the area for years could at last be resolved.

Drylaw Telford Community Council has been seeking solutions to irresponsible parking in the area, and last year initiatived a survey of the area to gauge residents views on introducing priority parking measures. That October consultation was inconclusive, but the community council gave it another go and organised a public meeting in March.

The meeting was well-attended and there was sufficient support on the night to justify a second consultation in June.

This proved more decisive: 156 residents responded – and of these 154 were in favour of introducing a Priority Parking scheme!

Drylaw Telford Community Council chairman Alex Dale chairs the sub-group set up to address Telford’s traffic problems. He said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of recent consultation letter which resulted in a overwhelming favour for the scheme and I’d like to thank our members for all their hard work in advising the residents of the merits for introducing the scheme.”

He went on: “The sub group met last night to discuss this report and next stages. If the scheme gets the go-ahead next week Parking Operations will produce a detailed map of the area, showing where priority parking bays will be located and non legislated free bay and highlighting the single/double yellow lines propoals. The transport officials will be invited to this meeting to fully explain the proposals and our sub-group will then agree or amend. Clearly we won’t do anything until we know the result of Tuesday’s meeting but we are very hopeful that things will get moving in Telford soon.”

Telford Parking paper

Salvesen housing for disabled veterans gets go-ahead

A project that will create an affordable housing scheme for disabled veterans in Edinburgh is to receive a £250,000 funding boost. The scheme, which has been championed by the Lord Provost, will deliver five accessible homes in Salvesen.

The project, proposed by the Scottish Veterans Garden City Association (SVGCA), had faced a financial shortfall but councillors agreed yesterday to provide the funding from the Council Tax Discount Fund, which is ring fenced to support affordable housing.

The accommodation will now be built in Salvesen Gardens at an estimated cost of £800,000.

Edinburgh Veterans Champion, Lord Provost Donald Wilson, said: “I am committed to supporting veterans, and we signed the Edinburgh Armed Forces Community Covenant, which encourages integration between local communities and the Armed Forces communities, in 2012.

“A lot of work to address the city’s shortage of affordable housing is ongoing, and we have introduced changes to our lettings policy for Council homes to recognise the special difficulties that veterans are facing in particular.

“The length of time ex-service personnel have served is now taken into account when they are applying for Council homes, and work with the Edinburgh Garrison to provide housing advice and information to personnel before they leave the armed services.”

Several projects aimed at addressing a shortage in affordable housing are currently taking place in Edinburgh, and the Council delivered more than 1,200 quality, low-cost places to live in 2013/14.
Working with housing associations and house builders, the city council has invested £142m of public and private funding in house building over the past year, generating £107m for the local economy, and support for more than 1,900 jobs.

Green light for West End traffic changes?

Move to simplify city centre journeys

Drivers heading for the West End from the south of the city and Lothian Road could find their journey simplified if the city council approves changes to current traffic management arrangements next week.

A review of traffic management in the city centre has been completed following the start of tram passenger services, and among the recommendations in a report to Tuesday’s Transport and Environment Committee is a proposal to allow all traffic to travel westbound from Hope Street (pictured above) to Queensferry Street, rather than buses only as at present.

Traders from the West End called for this in a deputation to the committee in March, when they pointed out that, with the removal of the left turn from Lothian Road into Shandwick Place, it had become difficult to access properties and businesses in the West End.

The report also asks members to give the go-ahead for further investigation into the option of introducing a right turn from Queen Street westbound into Queen Street Gardens East.

Another recommendation, which follows on from the start of the new Experimental Traffic Regulation Order in George Street, is to change the priority of Young Street from an eastbound to a westbound direction.

Residents and businesses here have expressed concerns about a perceived increased volume of traffic and in particular, more vans and heavy good vehicles, since the George Street scheme was first implemented earlier this summer.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: “Now that trams have been running for a couple of months or so, it’s a good time to make any appropriate alterations to surrounding traffic management so that we can make it as straightforward as possible to get from A to B in the city centre.

“We know that West End traders have had concerns about access to their businesses so the proposal to open up Hope Street for all westbound traffic into Queensferry Street should make things much better.

“I was pleased to meet recently with residents and businesses in Young Street to hear how their street has been adversely affected by increased traffic since we started the ETRO in George Street. This narrow cobbled street is simply not fit for the volume and nature of traffic it’s been experiencing of late. Changing the one-way direction will help divert traffic away from Young Street and on to Queen Street, which can accommodate commercial and through-traffic far more comfortably.”

Getting connected

Lothians and Fife set to benefit from Edinburgh broadband scheme

Thousands of businesses in the Lothians and Fife are set to benefit from free superfast broadband thanks to a successful scheme led by the City of Edinburgh Council.

The initiative is being delivered until March 2015 by Business Gateway in Edinburgh as part of the UK Government’s £100 million Super Connected Cities programme, and is now being extended to cover organisations located within five miles of the city’s boundaries.

Vouchers are awarded to businesses to help cover the installation costs of connecting to superfast broadband services up to the value of £3,000.

To qualify for a voucher, applicants should be small to medium-sized businesses or third sector organisations located within five miles of Edinburgh, with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than £40m.

Councillor Frank Ross, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “This is an excellent example of Edinburgh helping small to medium sized businesses in the City Region access funding for a fast broadband connection. We have worked hard to secure this opportunity for local businesses and I would strongly recommend those without a fast connection apply for a voucher as high grade broadband is more reliable, faster and it will make your business more efficient and competitive.”

West Lothian’s Executive Councillor for Development and Transport, Cathy Muldoon, said: “I would encourage any West Lothian companies within a five mile radius of Edinburgh to check if they are eligible for free connection to fast broadband under this scheme, as it can deliver a significant boost to their business. This could include businesses in Livingston, Broxburn, Mid Calder and East Calder.

“West Lothian Council has pledged to invest £2.5 million in next generation broadband by 2017 to ensure the area is one of the best connected areas in the UK.”

Councillor Jim Bryant, Cabinet Member for Economic Development in Midlothian, said: “Reliable and fast broadband is an essential service for Midlothian businesses. We are pleased to be part of the Connected Capital Programme so that businesses within five miles of the Midlothian / City of Edinburgh boundary can take advantage of the voucher scheme incentives and sign up with their preferred supplier from the recommended list. We will continue to work with partners in the Scottish Government on their Step Change, and Community Broadband Scotland, programmes to ensure wider access to high speed broadband in Midlothian.”

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Cabinet Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism, said: “I hope local businesses will explore this option which offers an opportunity for faster connection. We continue to look at all the options available to connect all businesses and homes in East Lothian to faster broadband and will work with others to bring this about as quickly as we can.”

The scheme is being marketed via the Business Gateway Service in each local authority area. In the meantime, applicants are welcome to contact the project team directly on 0131 469 3990.

Organisations located within five miles of Edinburgh’s council boundaries are encouraged to check their postcode and apply online.

North Edinburgh Arts launches Autumn programme

Summer’s almost over, but cheer up – North Edinburgh Arts have just launched their exciting Autumn programme!

The holidays are over but the fun doesn’t have to be!

North Edinburgh Arts can’t wait to see you all back again to enjoy our packed Autumn programme.

Activities for Children

Join Alice in Zoo Arts every Wednesday from 4.00 – 5.30pm. These visual art sessions are for local young artists (9-14 years) who would like to be inspired, improve their creative skills and get involved with exciting visual art projects that run on a 2-4 week basis. Sessions are 50p per child which includes a healthy snack. Follow them onFacebook here.

Thursday and Saturday mornings see the return of Create, our very popular creative, messy play project for 0-5 year olds and their parents/carers. The sessions demonstrate resourceful and inspiring ways to actively learn with your wee ones. These drop-in sessions run from 10am -12noon and are are 50p per child per session. ‘Like’ them on Facebook here.

Eco Kidz is back with more ideas to turn recylcing into crafty, sellable items. Learn a variety of skills in these fun sessions including art, design, craft, marketing and retailing. The group will eventually go on to sell items made in these weekly sessions. Eco-Kidz is on Friday, 1.45 – 3.15pm and all sessions are free. ‘Like’ them on Facebook here.

If you’re looking for a way to burn off some energy and get creative on a Saturday morning, NEA has everything you need . Along with our Create sessions, we also runart and danceworkshops for children aged 5-12 years. Between 10am – 12noon, the two age groups (5-8 and 9-12years) alternate between high energy dance sessions and colourful art and craft workshops. A healthy snack is provided half way through and it only costs 50p. Arrive in plenty of time as these popular drop in sessions are always busy!

Programme for Adults

The North Edinburgh Theatre Project is working on a very exciting project, 1d Tenement Opera project for production in January 2015 and you are very welcome to join.

Join in if you are interested in singing, dancing, making costumes, lighting & sound, making sets, drawing and designing, writing for the blog and doing stories, photography, social history, making sure the people of North Edinbrugh tell the stories… and spreading more whispers and rumours about the project.

If you are interested in some of the activities and you would like to find out more, please contact box office on 0131 315 2151.

United We Stand, 17^th October, 7.30pm
Townsend Productions presents a powerful new play by Neil Gore based on the true story of one of the most turbulent industrial battles – the 1972 Builders’ Strike.
Tickets: £8, £5 concession, £3.00 good neighbours.
townsendproductions.org.uk

The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival
24^th October, 7.00 – 8.00pm
The SMHAFF is one of Scotland’s most diverse cultural events. North Edinburgh Timebank Temptation singers showcase the transforming power of communal singing in their performance of various rock, folk, pop and world music titled ‘Lean on Me’.
Tickets are free. Booking is advised.
www.mhfestival.com

Lockerbie: Lost Voices, 31^st October, 7.30pm
Lee Geshuny’s new play follows six passengers onto Pam Am Flight 103 destroyed over Lockerbie by a bomb in 1988. Tribute to those who tried to uncover the truth about the tragedy.
Tickets: £8, £5 concession, £3.50 good neighbours.
www.sacc.org.uk/articles/2013/lockerbie-lost-voices

Luminate Festival 1^st – 31^st october
If Luminate has one message, it’s that creativity has no age. Luminate includes new work, collaborations and international projects specially planned and programmed for the festival, as well as independently-run projects led by a wide range of cultural and community organisations.
www.luminatescotland.org

To book tickets for any of the above events, call box office on 0131 315 2151 or emailadmin@northedinburgharts.co.uk.

Pop-In Cafe

Our Pop-In Cafe is open Monday – Friday, 10am – 2pm and Saturday 10am – 12noon. We use ingredients grown in our very own garden and Michele cooks up delicious specials every day to make lunch time a real treat. We also serve delicous freshly ground coffee and home made cakes everyday. See full menu here.

NEA Garden

The NEA garden run Tuesday afternoon drop-in sessions, 1-5pm for families and 16+ years (children must be accompanied). Learn how to grow your own vegetables, herbs and other useful gardening skills in these free sessions run by Valla, outr community gardener. If you would like to be involved in the garden outside of these sessons, please contact Valla directly at northedinburghgrows@gmail.com. Keep up to date on their blog here.

Full Autumn Programme here

Three cats deliberately drowned in Edinburgh

Three cats deliberately drowned in Edinburgh

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the bodies of three drowned cats were discovered in the Saughton area.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted when a dog walker found the adult female ginger coloured cats in a small wooded area near Saughton Road on Sunday 3 August.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “A post mortem examination has revealed that all three cats had been killed around the same time by being drowned. Unfortunately our investigation so far has not resulted in any leads and we are now appealing to the public for information.

“The cats were found close to a residential area with no water nearby, indicating they were deliberately left there. This is a particularly disturbing case. These cats were subjected to a horrific death and would have undoubtedly suffered immense distress. It’s likely the cats would have put up a struggle and it may have taken considerable strength to kill them.

“If anyone in the area is missing a cat fitting this description we would urge them to get in contact with us. Similarly, if anyone has any information which could help identify the person who committed this cruel act they should call us on 03000 999 999.”

The SSPCA has supplied photographs of the cats but we have decided not to use them

Full steam ahead for Borders Railway

All aboard! Trains will be operational on the Borders Railway from September 6, 2015, First Minister Alex Salmond said yesterday. The news has been warmly welcomed – the new thirty mile rail route is expected to be hugely popular and will give a significant boost to the local economy.

The First Minister also announced a feasibility study, led by Scottish Enterprise in partnership with VisitScotland, Scottish Borders Council and Transport Scotland, to look at how the Borders Railway will transform the tourism potential of the region.

The study will also look at tourist opportunities from any future development of the line, including the potential for a turntable and the creation of a permanent home at Tweedbank Station for the Great Tapestry of Scotland, the world’s longest embroidered tapestry, reflecting the textile heritage of the area.

Mr Salmond went on to announce plans to maximise the tourist potential of the line by introducing a steam train experience – which could benefit the local economy by many millions of pounds a year. The steam train experience will start in September next year.

The First Minister met with members of Scottish Borders Council, Great Tapestry of Scotland trustees, members of the Borders Tourism Industry and members of the Waverley Route Heritage Association in Tweedbank yesterday.

Speaking from the site of Tweedbank Station, the First Minister said: “From September 2015 – for the first time in almost half a century – there will be passenger train services running on this track.

“For commuters and tourists alike, the reopened line will provide opportunities to enjoy the many fantastic attractions and experiences on offer in the Borders.

“We can expect the Scottish economy to benefit by tens of millions of pounds from the regular train line. The feasibility study will look at how the area can benefit from the railway. With a dedicated tourist service and the attraction of the Great Tapestry of Scotland to be based at Tweedbank, more people than ever will get to visit and enjoy Scotland’s stunning Borders.

“There will be few railway journeys anywhere in Europe to match the outstanding scenery along the route of the new Borders Railway. I have no doubt that Borders Railway will be profoundly successful and I will be one of the first in line for a ticket when the trains are running in September next year.”

Other measures have also been announced to help boost the tourism potential of the new railway. These include:

The platform at Galashiels Station will be extended to accommodate longer tourist train, allowing passengers to alight and enjoy the town centre
A new footpath will be constructed at Newtongrange Station to enable direct access for users of regular rail services to the award-winning Scottish Mining Museum
Wifi connectivity will be available at all seven stations on the route of the railway
A train will be covered in special livery advertising the tourist potential of the Borders.

Cllr. David Parker, Leader Scottish Borders Council said: “I am delighted that the First Minister is able to come to the Borders today and announce significant plans to further strengthen the tourism potential of the Borders railway. The Scottish Government’s commitment to steam and charter trains is extremely welcome and will be a fantastic boost to the Borders economy.

“The First Minister’s pledge to work jointly with the Council to deliver the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre and other improvements is fantastic news. This underlines the very substantial support that the Scottish Government have shown to the Borders Railway project.

“I truly believe that this is going to be a very special railway line that will attract a great many visitors as it is an outstanding scenic journey.

Having the Great Tapestry of Scotland situated at the Tweedbank terminus telling the 420 million year history of Scotland is something that will be very special indeed. A great many people will take the ‘Train to the Tapestry’ and also visit the Borders and our many other attractions.”

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland said: “The new Borders Railway presents a huge opportunity for Scottish tourism. The scenery from Edinburgh through Midlothian down to the Scottish Borders and back again is remarkable and I have no doubt that visitors will make the journey just for the experience as well as to visit the many attractions along the way, including the National Mining Museum Scotland at Newtongrange and Abbotsford House.

“The romanticism captured by steam trains will give the route added value, following in the tracks of the Jacobite steam train journey from Fort William to Mallaig which welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

“We are excited that we are moving ever closer to the launch of this magnificent new line and will be working with partners over the coming months to ensure the tourism potential of the Borders Railway is fully realised, encouraging visitors to explore yet more of Scotland’s beautiful urban and rural landscapes.”

Alistair Moffat, co-chairman of the GTS Trustees said: “Four years ago, work on the Great Tapestry of Scotland began – in the Borders. When Sandy McCall Smith had the idea and asked me to start working on the narrative, I did that work at my house near Selkirk. And it is very fitting and satisfying that a work of art that has been made all over Scotland, stitched by a thousand Scots, should come back home to the Borders, the place where Scotland’s textile industry saw its fullest flowering.

“As Co-Chairman of the trustees I want to thank David Parker, the Leader of Scottish Borders Council and the First Minister, Alex Salmond, for their vision and imagination in creating a partnership to give this great work of art a permanent home in the Borders. And for knowing a good thing when they see it. I also want to thank my wife, Lindsay. When she came up with the phrase ‘a train to the tapestry’, I knew it would happen.

“This is a unique project, a history of Scotland made by a thousand Scots who, from Caithness to Galloway, stitched our national story. I find myself immensely moved and proud to be a citizen of a nation that is capable of producing such a stunning account of its history. It is done with pride, certainly, but also with passion and love. And that is what gives it such power. When the tapestry makes those who see it glow, they are glowing because they intuit that it was made with love, the love of Scotland.”

Midlothian Council leader, Councillor Owen Thompson welcomed the news that Transport Scotland is to fund a path directly from the new station at Newtongrange into the National Mining Museum Scotland.

He said: “The 5 star mining museum is just one of scores of attractions here in Midlothian. We sit just 10 miles south of Edinburgh city centre and the county is steeped in history, picturesque villages and wonderful scenery.

“The station itself will potentially bring enormous economic benefits to the area and to hear Transport Scotland is now funding a path straight to one of our most fascinating museums is great news for the museum in particular and tourism in general.

“I am looking forward immensely to the re-opening of the railway when the museum and lots of local businesses will be making visitors, new and old, very welcome.”

Catherine Maxwell Stewart, Tourism Business representative on the Scottish Borders Community Planning Partnership said: “The Borders Railway offers a fantastic opportunity for local tourism businesses to attract new visitors to the area and to offer them exciting, new experiences.

“The Scottish Borders has so much to offer visitors, whether they are here for a day, or for a week. I am sure that this new link from the heart of the city to the heart of Scott’s Country will be a catalyst for our local tourism sector, with benefits rolling out across much of the area. Today’s announcement will really help to put the Borders on the map as a tourist destination for all. ”

Government announces more cashback for youth groups

Minister for Young People welcomes £533k investment in 161 projects across Scotland

Thousands of young people across Scotland will benefit from CashBack for Communities youth work grants totalling half-a-million pounds which have been announced today for 2014-15.

Sixteen Edinburgh youth projects will receive a share of almost £46,000 this year – local beneficiaries include Pilton Youth & Children’s Project (PYCP), Leith’s Pilmeny Development Project, The Yard in Stockbridge and Granton Youth Centre,

Allocations from the CashBack for Communities Youth Work Fund for the first year, administered by YouthLink Scotland, have been made to 161 community groups supporting young people the length and breadth of Scotland. Between them, they are sharing an initial £533,036, which marks the first awards from a £2.094 million fund over the next three years.

Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell welcomed today’s announcement. She said: “Since Cashback for Communities was introduced by this Government in 2007, thousands of young people have benefited from more than 1.5 million sporting, cultural and educational activities and opportunities, all funded from ill-gotten cash seized from crooks. I am delighted to see so many great organisations are receiving this latest funding, which will help them take their important work even further.

“The average CashBack youth work funding award for each organisation is around £3,310 and that is an investment that will go a long way in supporting activities for young people. I have seen for myself many examples of the excellent work these organisations do, and wish them well as they turn exciting plans into reality.”

One organisation to have benefited is Strathmore Centre for Youth Development, which provides information and services for young people in the Strathmore area of Perthshire. It has received £2,182 to support its programme of activities, which includes organising trips for local youngsters.

Craig Cantwell, Centre Manager, said: “CashBack funding is extremely important to us as it allows us to give opportunities to young people who would otherwise never access such trips or learning opportunities. They are open to ideas and projects that are a bit different than the norm.

“As a retired Police Officer, I am grateful that this money is being put to good use and is being fed back into communities across Scotland.”

Another of the recipients to have benefited is Mid Argyll Youth Development Services, which has received £1,740 to support a dance program offered to young people throughout the region. Fiona Kalache, the Services’ Manager, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a CashBack grant. This money will allow us to continue to run our diversionary dance program over the coming year. This is a very popular project which could not have carried on without this donation.”

Jim Sweeney, Chief Executive of YouthLink Scotland, said: “Our young people are the future of this nation so it is crucial they all have the opportunity to flourish. Putting the cash from criminals back into communities has offered thousands of young people the chance of a more positive path in life. Investing in youth work changes young people’s lives. It is an investment in all our futures as it helps create young people who are confident, engaged and a credit to society.”

Since the inception of the CashBack for Communities in 2007, over £74 million recovered from criminals has been invested in the Cashback Programme to provide over 1.5 million free activities for children and young people throughout Scotland.

Curriculum for Excellence report card: Russell must try harder

Less assessment would benefit pupils and teachers, say Greens

Green MSP Alison Johnstone says lower levels of assessment in schools would benefit pupils and reduce the massive workload of teachers.

A report published today looking at the first year of the Curriculum for Excellence qualifications (see below) says that the new qualifications have been a success overall, but highlights ‘significant and unsustainable level of over‑assessment in many parts of the system’ and a ‘higher level of assessment than was necessary or desirable’.

Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and education spokesperson for the Scottish Greens said: “I congratulate every teacher who has worked hard to make a success of this last year with the new qualifications. We need to get the balance right between learning and assessment and this report reflects my concern that the system is still too heavily weighted towards exams, which doesn’t always lead to better educational outcomes.

“Workloads in the teaching profession remain far too high and the Scottish Education Secretary must address this as one of his top priorities. I believe the Curriculum for Excellence has set us on the right path in Scotland but there is more work to do to achieve a school system that is sustainable and rewarding for both pupils and teachers.”

MBReportOnFirstYearofNewQuals_tcm4-837160