Tag: active citizenship

Take the chance to represent your community

YOUR COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEEDS YOU!

It’s been over half a century since community councils came into existence in Scotland in 1973 – and in that time, we’ve seen over 1,200 established across the country (writes Culture and Communities Convener CLLR VAL WALKER).

These bodies are groups of residents who are passionate about their communities and play an important role in grassroots democracy.

Here in Edinburgh, the election period for our community councils has begun. Last week nominations opened to stand for election as a community councillor, this closes on 27 February. Following that we’ll hold an election only if there are more people nominated than places on the community council.

This is your chance to take a lead in your local area and make your community a better place. From campaigning on key local issues, organising meetings, chairing debates, looking out for vulnerable individuals and groups, to liaising with local and national representatives and much more – the life of a community councillor in the Capital is never ordinary.

I’m continually inspired by the stories I come across of community councils. In Lady Nairne, the Northfield and Willowbrae Community Council worked tirelessly to ensure that a solution was found when the previous 69 supported bus service ceased operations several years ago.

Following extensive engagement with ward councillors and Council officers a new route was implemented just in time for Christmas last year, which I know was a welcome gift to those residents who had long campaigned for its reinstation.

We’ve also seen Longstone Community Council lead a campaign to erect a new bridge to link their community to the Hutchison/Chesser community, as part of a new active travel project.

Initially a bridge was not part of these plans but following successful meetings with their ward councillor, Council officers and the developer some £170,000 worth of contributions were earmarked to support the delivery of the bridge. This will now go to consultation as part of the as the Longstone Link project.

These are just a couple of the many examples of the excellent work community councils are doing across our city every day. I’d encourage all residents to consider standing as a community councillor.

“From Pilton to Portobello, Muirhouse to Morningside and beyond, Edinburgh draws its strength from its people, and we need their views, ideas and expertise to move forward together.

Find out more about community councils and how to stand for election on CEC website.

Police Scotland’s latest canine recruits – Digital Evidence Detection Dogs

The latest additions to Police Scotland’s canine search capability – Digital Evidence Detection Dogs – are currently being trained before they are deployed operationally.

The dogs will assist officers investigating a crime where a digital device, such as a smartphone, tablet and laptop, may have been used and is believed to have been hidden.

The trainee dogs – Zen, a rescue Springer Spaniel, Xena, a Springer Spaniel/Labrador cross, Max a Sprocker, gifted by the previous owners who wanted him to have an active home, Pip, a Malinois/Australian Shepherd Cross, gifted by a member of the public and Willow, a Labrador – and their three specialist handlers are a national resource.

When their specialist training is complete they will be able to detect hidden devices and hardware which existing searches may not be able to identify.

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Assistant Chief Constable Andy Freeburn said: “It is now extremely common for a digital device to be used in criminal activity, which is then concealed by the perpetrator to hide incriminating evidence.

“People and businesses are spending more and more time online and criminals will use any means available to them to exploit vulnerabilities and any method at their disposal. Digital devices are becoming smaller in size and those involved in criminal activity are becoming more adept at hiding them.

“Searches by humans can be limited and the dogs will provide an additional capability which make finding hidden devices easier.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping everyone safe and this addition to our search capabilities will ensure there is no hiding place for criminals, even in the digital world.”

“The training of the dogs takes between six and eight weeks and when complete they will be an invaluable resource to assist our officers and staff search for evidence.”

The Digital Evidence Detection Dogs search capability is an additional resource and complementary to Police Scotland’s existing canine resources including those dogs that can currently search for drugs, explosives, cash, firearms, human remains and blood.

In December 2023, Benjamin Young from Dunoon was convicted of serious sexual offences against children.

For the first time in Scotland, a Digital Evidence Detection Dog, deployed from another force, assisted during the investigation by carrying out searches which located several SIM cards.

Last week Young was sentenced to 12 years in prison and had an Order of Lifelong Restriction imposed.

Community councillors: get your nomination papers in NOW!

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The deadline is fast approaching for local people taking part in this year’s community council elections in Edinburgh – nominations close on Monday (26 September).

This year, nominations are being sought for 44 community councils. By becoming a member, local residents are given the opportunity to influence what happens in their area. Members can get involved in a wide range of activities, comment on planning and licensing applications, take part in community campaigns and work with others to improve the local area.

Community councils are made up of local residents and community groups such as youth forums, parent councils and student bodies. Each one is represented on the Neighbourhood Partnership for their area, where they work with local elected members, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Lothian and the voluntary sector to identify and deliver local priorities.

The first community councils were established in Edinburgh in 1980 in Merchiston and Longstone, and there are more than 500 community councillors across the city.

Cllr Maureen Child, Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee Convener, said: “Community councils are an ideal way to support communities to thrive. They allow people of all ages and from all backgrounds to meet and share ideas and to make change happen. They are a fantastic way of making public sector agencies aware of the needs of local areas, and can really help to make changes for the better.

“With only three days left until nominations close, I’d like to encourage anyone who’s interested in local democracy to get involved – be part of something great.”

People aged 16 years or older who are registered to vote can join. The nomination period for the community council elections runs until 4pm on Monday 26 September 2016. Elections, where required, will take place on Thursday 27 October 2016. Residents can apply as an individual or as a local interest group, such as a Parent Council, Friends of Parks or sports club.

Nomination forms are available on the City of Edinburgh Council’s website.

You can find information on each individual community council, including maps, on the Neighbourhood Partnership website, telephone 0131 469 3838 or email community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk  

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Karen Lloyd
0131 469 357

Tierney Award for Eileen Brash

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Congratulations to Eileen Brash, who was chosen to be the recipient of the annual Thomas Tierney Award for Good Citizenship at last night’s Drylaw Telford Community Council  meeting.

Eileen is a founding member and office-bearer of Easter Drylaw Residents Association (EDRA), the group which has campaigned to raise awareness on local issues including 20mph zones and dog-fouling.

Eileen will receive her award at the community council’s next meeting on 30 March.