Steady progress on tackling community concerns
How has the #StrongerNorth initiative been performing?The latest figures, compiled at the end of January, are very encouraging:
Housing
• 17 housing enforcement actions taken against residents in response to behaviour
Including 13 warnings, 1 Final Warning, 1 Notice to Quit, 1 Notice of Proceedings for Recovery of Possession, 1 ASBO under consideration.
Offending
· 7 Young people identified and targeted due to offending (Police, Council, Social work etc)
· 3 charged as adults, 2 in Children’s Hearing system and 2 in court system (last four all reducing offending)
· 4 young people subject to Movement Restriction Condition
· 4 young people placed in secure accommodation in last 12 months (2 twice)
· Calls to Police have really reduced between October and December 2014 (209 to 119 calls)
· Reduction in offences committed by the most problematic young people – including a significant drop by one prolific housebreaker.
Youth Work
• Positive engagement over a number of weeks with group working on bothy at Towford
• Conversation cafe with Positive Prison organised for 30 January.
Employment and Training
• Employment experience and training programme developed by Council, Urban Union and Edinburgh College. First group ready to benefit.
Pre-School and School
• Respect programme expanded to Craigroyston and Forthview Primary Schools
• Youth Engagement Programme at Crewe Road Fire station – participants selected from Craigroyston Community High School.
Physical Improvements
• Community clean ups in backgreen at West Pilton Gardens/Crossway and roadside verge along Granton Mill well-attended.
West Pilton/West Granton Community Council
• Community payback team cut back bushes in West Pilton Park where motorbikes were being hidden.
Communications
• Regular daily tweets and 1,343 followers
• Over 230 Facebook likes.
Community activity
• Community survey planned to track community views about local action
• Tenants and Residents in Muirhouse #StrongerNorth campaign – Community Shop window display
• Weekly lunch time drop in sessions at Muirhouse Community Shop and Pilton Community Association flat – six week programme started 19 January
• Community feedback event 4 February.
