Art project planned for Granton tunnel

A project initiated by the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust will see the tunnel at Granton (behind Morrisons) transformed from bare walls to an Innertube map art extravaganza.

The project which is being managed locally by the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre will see a design which is featured around the Innertube Map painted onto the walls in the tunnel.

Local youngsters get practising for taking part in the project. (Picture: Thomas Brown)
Local youngsters get practising for taking part in the project. (Picture: Thomas Brown)

Leith-based artist Chris Young has been commissioned to come up with the design, work with local young people to develop the design and implement it. Chris has been involved a variety of community lead projects and is looking forward to starting at the Granton site next week.

The design that Chris proposed at the site was then taken to local young people at Fet Lor Youth Centre and they had a chance to make comments and even have their own artwork included in the plans.

Last night Chris attended their youth club and they had the opportunity to prepare a design and painting their design. Around 13 young people took part and these young people will all be involved in the implementation of the project on the tunnel.

Don’t worry, if you would like to have the chance to get involved or fancy doing some painting at the tunnel with Chris then please contact Thomas Brown at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre on 0131 315 4989 or email thomas@drylawnc.org.uk   Over the coming weeks we will be updating on the progress at the tunnel and keeping you informed how you can get involved.

You can see a short video below of what the young people made at Fet Lor and also see their finished product.

Total Craigroyston run training session on housing

Total Craigroyston are running a training session on housing options for local staff. The session is on 20th March, registration at 9.30 am, at Spartans Community Football Academy.

This session will cover Housing Options, homelessness prevention, early housing intervention, issues around welfare reform, as well as housing support and advice services.

The session is aimed primarily at staff whose clients could be affected by homelessness or experience other problems with their housing.

If you would like to go to the training then please get in touch with info@totalcraigroyston.co.uk.

Granton Campus hit by food scare

EdColl Tuna sandwiches may be the cause of an outbreak of illness at Granton Campus – the former Telford College – yesterday afternoon. Seven students and staff were taken to hospital suffering from an allergic reaction which is being linked to tuna.

Head of Communications at the college Moira Findlay said “An isolated incident occurred this afternoon at Granton Campus of Edinburgh College, where a small number of students and staff suffered an allergic reaction.

The incident is currently under investigation, but it is believed that this may be linked to a batch of tuna sandwiches.

An ambulance team from Scottish Ambulance Service attended to a small number of patients on site, who responded well to treatment.  Almost all have been admitted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, for observation.”

Police seek witnesses following Marine Drive incidents

Police

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses following two bogus caller incidents in Marine Drive yesterday (Wednesday 27 February).

The first incident happened around 12.45am, when the suspect called at an address in Marine Drive and asked for a drink of water. She pushed her way into the premises and was given a drink, before leaving empty-handed.

The next incident happened ten minutes later, at another address in Marine Drive. This time, the suspect asked to use a phone to call a taxi, and was allowed into the premises. She appeared to use the phone, and then made her way to the homeowner’s bedroom where she began looking through several trinket boxes before leaving, again empty-handed.

The suspect is described as white, 28 to 35-years-old, 5ft 5ins tall, stocky build, with light brown hair, wearing a dark jacket with hood, and carrying a tan coloured handbag. She spoke with a local accent.

Detective Constable Gavin Watson, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “While no items were stolen in these incidents, it is likely that the suspect had called at these addresses with the intention of stealing any items of value that she could. We want anyone who received a similar call at their home address yesterday to contact police, and if anyone recognises the description of the suspect then they should also get in touch.

“At this time we would urge anyone who receives an unsolicited call at their home address by anyone asking for access to the property to refuse, unless they are completely satisfied that the caller is genuine. Anyone who has any suspicions over the intentions of any cold caller should contact police immediately.”

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 101, or Crimestoppers and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

Citadel performance inspires Leith kids to put on a show

Citadel

Residents from Port of Leith’s Jameson Place sheltered housing complex and pupils from St Mary’s Primary school have been treated to a play presented by Citadel Arts Group. ‘Granny was a Rock Star’, written by Jim Brown, highlights the importance of recycling and community responsibility.

The cast of Andrea McKenzie (wee Donny), Iona Soper (her big sister Sandy) and Corinne Harris (Kath, the former rock star) raised laughter and tears in this heart-warming play.

St. Mary’s P5 pupils will now go on to explore some of the play’s themes. Working with Citadel Arts Group, the children will devise their own play and perform it for the Jameson Place residents after Easter.

Liz Hare Artistic Director at Citadel Arts Group, said: “The play looked at exploring green issues in a fun and informative way. The pupils liked the songs and thought it was a great way of getting across important issues. We’re very much looking forward to working with the pupils and helping them come up with their own play.”

Elaine Edwards, Scheme Co-ordinator at the Port of Leith Housing Association’s Jameson Place Sheltered Housing Complex, said: “It is a nice treat for the residents to have a fun-filled afternoon and there was a lot of laughter. The children are also so good, always polite and helpful. It means a lot to the tenants here.”

The project is funded by Foundation Scotland, Leith Benevolent and Age Scotland.

Have your say on West Granton/West Pilton tonight

PosterWestPiltonCC2013

How could your local neighbourhood be improved? You can express your views on priorities for West Pilton and West Granton at an informal event organised by Forth Neighbourhood Partnership this evening.

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre is the venue and the event runs from 6 – 8pm.

WPNC

Benefits advice for carers

Are you a carer living in North West Edinburgh? Do you know all the benefits you, or the person you care for, may be entitled to claim – or do you find the whole benefits maze too complicated and confusing? Well, help is at hand!

North West Carers Centre will be holding free advice surgeries at their base in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre on the second Tuesday of every month – next one is 12 March.

So if you’d like advice on what you, or the person you support, can claim or some help with completing forms call the Carers Centre on 315 3130 to make an appointment.

Drylaw Telford Community Council meets this week

Drylaw Telford Community Council will meet on Wednesday 27 February at 7pm in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre. Main items on this month’s agenda are the Thomas Tierney Award and a possible new website for the organisation. All welcome.

AGENDA:
1 Welcome (Chair)
2 Attendees
3 Apologies for Absence.
4 Minutes of the last meeting (30th January 2013) & matters arising.
5 Reports :-
• Police Report.
• Councillors Report.
• Treasurer’s Report.
• EDRA (Easter Drylaw Residents Association).
5a INP Action Groups:
• Clean, Green & Safe.
• Health & Leisure.
• Neighbourhood Environment Project.
6 Thomas Tierney Award (Selection of 2012 recipient)
7 Website for DTCC?
8 Any other Business.
9 Date of Next Meeting (27th March 2013).

DrylawNC1

Man charged over Gumtree assaults

An eighteen year old man has been arrested and charged in connection with alleged robberies from people who posted items for sale online.

The man was held by police investigating a series of alleged incidents at McDonald’s car park off Telford Road, where three people have had electrical goods stolen after arranging to meet a “buyer”.

The man will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court tomorrow.Fettes