Tag: city council

Hundreds of books delivered to vulnerable families in isolation

Families with vulnerable children who are shielding at home in Edinburgh are having hundreds of books delivered to their doorsteps thanks to a new charity partnership.

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) – which supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children – has teamed up with Edinburgh City Libraries to help children and their siblings feed their imaginations while shielding for 12 weeks.

With libraries currently closed, Edinburgh City Libraries & Information Services has made available a Book Bus filled with around 1800 books for children and young people to ECHC.

The bus is stationed at the charity’s office, where volunteer delivery drivers collect book packages and deliver them to local families who are known to the Sick Kids hospital on a regular basis.

Through the book deliveries, the charity aims to bring fun and distraction to children and to help improve their mental wellbeing during lockdown.

The book delivery service has also been made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from Baillie Gifford.

Caroline Leishman has been shielding her family of three boys for eight weeks as her youngest son Finlay is on active treatment for Leukaemia.

She said: “Coming up with new and exciting ways to keep everyone occupied and distracted while also looking after a clinically vulnerable child becomes a little bit harder as each week goes by.

“It was such a relief when the book parcel from ECHC arrived on our doorstep. The kids were so excited to open it and discover all the new books they had to read which gave us some much needed breathing space!

“Books are such a wonderful resource for children who are shielding. They let their imaginations run wild so they can go on all sorts of fantastic adventures without ever leaving the safety of home.”

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “We know from our work in the hospital that taking part in fun and creative activities that feed the imagination is the best way to take away children’s fear and feelings of isolation when they are unwell.

“It must be unimaginably tough for children and their siblings having to shield at home when they already face significant health challenges. We know the power of storytelling and the benefits that brings to children in hospital so we’re positive it will have the same effect in the home.

“We believe that nothing should get in the way of being a child. Even though they can’t physically be out and about in the world right now, children have a huge appetite for adventure and there’s a whole world of creativity and magic in their imaginations.

“Bringing books to their doorsteps through this wonderful partnership with Edinburgh City Libraries is a great way to ensure they still have access to that. We’re also so grateful to Baillie Gifford for their sponsorship and to all our volunteer drivers for making this possible.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We’re delighted we can help families known to the Sick Kids and thanks to our library team who have been superb. One of our mobile libraries is filled with about 1,800 children’s books so what better way of putting these books to good use.

“Books are a wonderful resource and will really help families having to self-isolate in their homes for 12 weeks. Reading as a family is a joy and can help to improve wellbeing – a recent study found that six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by 60%. This is a great example showing how working together with partners in the city can respond to the needs of our communities.”

Book deliveries are one of a number of things that ECHC is doing to support children and families during the pandemic, all of which are being delivered safely in line with government restrictions during this time. All books that are returned to the Book Bus will be held on board for 72 hours for infection control before being recirculated.

The charity is also distributing Emergency Care Packs of food and essential supplies, toiletries and arts and activity items.

Families known to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children who would like any of the emergency care packs on offer are asked to contact Leigh at ECHC on 0131 668 4949 or leigh.drake@echcharity.org.

Donations to ECHC’s Emergency COVID-19 Appeal can be made online at: https://echcharity.org/support-us/covid-19-appeal

Although City of Edinburgh Council libraries are currently closed the public can still borrow e-books, e-audio books, e-newspapers and e-magazines online using their library card.

If you’re not already a library member, you can join online at: https://yourlibrary.edinburgh.gov.uk/web/arena/join-the-library

Money worries? Financial support and debt advice available

29% of people in Scotland report being worried about their finances having already felt the negative impact of Coronavirus.

People in Edinburgh facing financial difficulty as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak are being encouraged to seek guidance on the help available to them.

Research commissioned by the Scottish Government in partnership with YouGov has revealed that nearly a third of people across Scotland (29%) have already felt the financial strain of the current Covid-19 outbreak and are worried about its impact.

The survey of over 1000 respondents also shows that 71% of people in Scotland are concerned about the lasting impact on their finances.

These findings follow the launch of a new campaign by the Scottish Government and the Citizens Advice network that aims to raise awareness of the financial support available to people in the Capital.

The campaign provides information and advice on issues including rent and mortgage payments, energy bills, council tax, and benefits people may be entitled to.

People throughout Edinburgh are able to access this advice online, by contacting their local Citizens Advice Bureau or getting in touch with any of the capital’s independent advice providers including Granton Information Centre and CHAI.

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Aileen Campbell said: “There is no doubt that this is a difficult and worrying time for everyone. Today’s findings further underline the need to provide people across Scotland with the correct support, guidance and information to help them with their finances.

“We need to ensure that people are aware of the support that they are entitled to from the DWP and I would encourage everyone across Scotland who is facing financial difficulty to look into what additional help is available to them.

“That’s why we’ve been working with the Citizens Advice network in Scotland to create this central source of information – with everything from guidance on benefits, right through to what you can do if you are worried about paying your mortgage or rent.”

Adam McVey, City of Edinburgh Council Leader, said: “Work has been ramping up across Edinburgh to make sure our hardest hit citizens get the help they need. From welfare, council tax and debt support for those facing financial hardship, to food supplies for our most vulnerable families, we’ve been pooling resources to direct help to those who are in crisis.

“Our five Council Resilience Centres are providing a base for officers to work from so that they can target online and phone support for those facing hardship or worried about homelessness. And we’re building up a picture of how our most at-risk residents are impacted, so that we can develop longer-term measures through the Edinburgh Poverty Commission.

“It’s going to be so important that we work together to tackle poverty and, in these uncertain times, we know financial worries will weigh on people’s minds. Don’t suffer alone. Know that help is available and get in touch with Citizens Advice or our own Advice Shop for help.”

The Citizen’s Advice network website features dedicated COVID-19 content along with a telephone helpline. Those who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus outbreak and require free, confidential, financial support, can visit cas.org.uk or call 0800 028 1456.

Local Citizens Advice Bureaux are situated around the country. To find your local service, simply enter your postcode at cas.org.uk/bureaux
Free, professional help is also available from Granton Information Centre and Community Help & Advice Initiative (CHAI) who, along with Citizens Advice Edinburgh, deliver debt advice across the capital.
For more information, check out the city council’s advice pages on welfare support, financial worries and debt information.

Getting help for people at risk from harm

It’s vitally important during these unprecedented times that people know where to turn to if they feel someone is vulnerable in their communities.

We should all be following government guidance to stay at home to limit the spread of Coronavirus – however, being at home can increase tensions and affect mental health, meaning some people in our communities are more vulnerable now.

Children and adults can be at risk of harm, and some people will be experiencing financial difficulties or struggling with addiction – but help is available.

If you think a child or adult is at risk of harm, you should report your concerns so that professionals from social work, police, NHS and the voluntary sector can help.

The Council has already put in place measures to support people staying at home like support from our educational psychologists for families who may be struggling with home learning and wellbeing.

Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Now more than ever in these challenging times we should all be reaching out to anyone we think may be suffering and requires support. Many people may be unaware that there’s a wide range of networks in the city for those in need.

“We’ve all heard of many amazing tales of kindness and selfless acts in Edinburgh during this pandemic. It’s so important we raise awareness among our communities of the help that is out there. So, our appeal is … please if you have concerns about someone then contact the appropriate organisation to get them support – you can make a real difference just by making that vital phone call.

“As a Council we work really closely with partner organisations like the NHS, police and voluntary sector to support the most vulnerable in our society.

“A great example is our All of Us campaign with the NSPCC which encourages people to get in touch if they’re finding it hard to look after children, a family needs some extra help or someone they know could do with more support.

“It’s vital people know who to turn to if they have concerns – don’t hesitate to make your voice heard and change people’s lives for the better.”

If you’re concerned about your own safety or someone you know like a relative, friend or neighbour then you should contact Social Care Direct on socialcaredirect@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 200 2324.

  • If you’re concerned for the immediate safety of a child or adult, phone the police on 999.
  • If an adult or child needs medical attention with or without COVID-19 symptoms, phone NHS on 111 or if it’s an emergency 999.

There are various forms of support such as Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage helpline on 0800 027 1234,  Edinburgh Women’s Aid on 0131 315 8110 and our All of Us campaign, with NSPCC Scotland.

Free bike passes for NHS staff

Transport for Edinburgh’s Cycle Hire Scheme (Just Eat Cycles) are delighted to announce the release of 100 free annual passes for NHS staff today (Tuesday, 5 May 2020).

Developed in partnership with Sustrans Scotland and Edinburgh Cycle Hire operators Serco, the scheme has been made possible by funding from Transport Scotland through Sustrans’ Partnership programme.

NHS employees interested in accessing the 12 month pass should use their NHS email address (@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or @nhs.net), and send an email to support@edinburghcyclehire.com by June 22nd 2020.

They will then be sent a code to redeem through the Just Eat Cycles app, which is free to download for iOS and Android. Passes, which cover both e-bikes and pedal bikes, will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Until 4 July, 2020 the NHS passes will cover the use of e-bikes and pedal bikes for free up to 60 minutes per ride. After the initial two months the pass will revert to a normal annual membership for the remaining ten months. E-Bike trips will then cost 10p per minute.

George Lowder, Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh said: “Transport for Edinburgh are delighted that Transport Scotland have provided funding to allow access to The Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme for NHS staff who are fulfilling such vital roles at this time.”

Sustrans Scotland Director, Karen McGregor, said: “In the Covid-19 crisis, cycling can offer a healthy and convenient transportation choice for many.

“And so long as the 2m social distancing is observed, it can help people keep a safe physical distance from others. We are delighted to be able to provide funding to support NHS staff with their travel during the pandemic.

Alex Macdonald, General Manager of Just Eat Cycles, said: “We want to thank all NHS employees for their incredible efforts on the frontline.

“It is a privilege to support these people with free access to e-bikes and pedal bikes during the current crisis – we hope it provides some respite to those working hardest to keep us all safe.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This is a fantastic initiative, which will support NHS staff doing the crucial job of keeping us safe to take advantage of cycling as a healthy way of travelling and exercising.

“We’re currently working to implement changes around the city to give people more space to stay 2m apart while cycling, and I’m delighted this will also benefit those participating in this scheme.”

Frank Mitchell, Chief Executive of SP Energy Networks, who have provided funding for cycle hire stations, added: “We’re extremely grateful for the work NHS staff and other key workers are doing during this pandemic.

“We’re really proud the funding from SP Energy Networks has allowed Transport for Edinburgh to expand its Edinburgh Cycle Hire scheme and install more hire points, which help our essential workers travel to and from work around the city in a green and healthy way that supports the official Scottish Government and NHS guidance.

“This is just one of the ways we’re supporting our NHS during the Covid-19 crisis and I’m sure it will make a real difference for those who can benefit from the scheme.”

PIC: Greg Mcvean

Council Leader’s Report

Heartfelt thanks to Edinburgh’s frontline heroes

I’d like to begin by thanking Council staff and those working for the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership for all their hard work, dedication, and selflessness in these extraordinary times, particularly those caring for our most vulnerable citizens in both care homes and in their own homes.

I was pleased to see the Evening News recognise this with a special ‘thank you’ video for Clap for Carers night, featuring colleagues from across our frontline services, who are themselves doing such a fantastic job.

I know everyone is anxious and worried about their loved ones and I’d imagine it must be even harder if they’re feeling vulnerable and being looked after elsewhere. I’d like to reassure you that the Partnership is taking great care to follow government guidance to prevent the spread of the virus to keep our residents and staff safe.

Amongst the sadness, I’ve seen some great uplifting stories on social media about residents chatting to relatives using iPads donated to them as well as a lively outdoor karaoke session in one care home. Keeping spirits up is something every one of us needs to work hard at during this crisis for our own wellbeing – and that of others.

Package of support for our most vulnerable

One of the most affected groups in these extremely testing times is those citizens who are at their most vulnerable or at risk. These include those aged over 70, with a physical or mental disability, and households who don’t have online access or are struggling financially. We’re working hard to co-ordinate help for them through our teams, with great support from third sector, community and voluntary organisations.

Thanks to an injection of £1.65m from the Scottish Government’s Food Fund, we’ve linked up with EVOC to set up a food distribution network, which will see over 3,000 emergency food parcels delivered across the first fortnight. These supplies are in addition to the ones we’re already sending to identified families in need with babies, under 5s and the many thousands of parcels being distributed by community groups. Families are also benefitting from Free School Meal payments paid directly to them every fortnight.

We’ve also partnered with the national homelessness charity, Bethany Christian Trust, to provide accommodation at the Old Waverley Hotel and specialised support for rough sleepers – an alternative to their Care Shelter and a lifeline for many over the coming weeks and months.

Multimillion pound boost for businesses

Our local businesses and independent retailers have always had a special place at the heart of our communities. They help our high streets to thrive, they support thousands of local jobs and they are key to making our neighbourhoods such fantastic and vibrant places to live.

We all want to be able to enjoy our high streets once again and supporting these businesses through the crisis is high on our list of priorities. We’ve now directed £61m in government grants to organisations in Edinburgh to help owners with bills, overheads and staff. We’ve seen high demand for this financial support and recognition from the Federation of Small Businesses for the team’s effort in working through almost 6,000 applications. Later today we’ll have responded to every application we’ve received, and we’ll be working to widen support to include businesses operating from more than one property, sole traders and social enterprises.

Yesterday we also launched a fund for the newly self-employed, an important scheme that will provide grants of £2,000 to workers who haven’t been able to qualify for other support. For those who haven’t been successful, our award-winning Business Gateway service has a range of resources to help all organisations through the emergency. We’re encouraging anyone would would benefit from advice to get in touch online.

Keeping essential services going through the crisis

We’ve made every effort to continue delivering frontline services to the people of Edinburgh over recent weeks. Our refuse collection crews have worked extremely hard to help ensure the majority of waste and recycling services continue uninterrupted and I know residents will join me (as they already are) in recognising the great job they’re doing during these hugely difficult circumstances.

We had to make some changes to services as part of our response, both due to staff shortages but also to protect the safety of crews, but we’re now returning to a full kerbside and communal waste service with the reintroduction of glass recycling collections (blue boxes) this week and garden waste pick-ups from 11 May.

One positive to come from the crisis is how brilliantly people in Edinburgh are looking out for one another – whether that be offering to pick up supplies, walk the dog or put their bins out. I hope to see this community spirit continue as normal services resume, and would encourage residents to look after our collection crews too by following our advice on what to do with waste if you have coronavirus symptoms.

A hub of activities

Under normal circumstances, our pupils would be busy preparing for their exams and starting their new academic session just now but, like many others, the coronavirus pandemic has changed our education landscape dramatically.

Hundreds of children of key workers are coming along to our 10 school hubs every day, including three special schools, having ensured this provision was available over the two-week Easter break as well. The messages of support from both parents and the children themselves have really been appreciated and thanks must go especially to the teams running them in these challenging circumstances.

The success of the hubs, support from our partner provider nurseries in caring for the Under 5s of key workers and the breadth of home learning taking place across the city are welcome signs of everyone working together to ensure all of our young people continue to receive childcare, learning and teaching.

Technology has long been a key part of day-to-day school life but never more so than now as our teachers and young people embrace the digital world that is now their classroom. I’ve heard lots of great examples of fun, innovative learning opportunities being brought to life with technology – whether that be virtual class meetings, live geography field trips (from Ipswich!) or making best use of #edutwitter and other networks.

We’re currently carrying out a survey of all our young people to explore whether we can provide even more support to those of them who don’t have the same access to devices and internet as their peers.

Taking Edinburgh forwards into a more sustainable future

The climate emergency has been pushed off the front pages temporarily. But the 50th anniversary of Earth Day last Wednesday saw this crucial issue regain the foreground, not least with the thoughtful and instructive article by the Chair of our new Edinburgh Climate Commission, Dr Sam Gardner.

In this, Dr Gardner makes a compelling case for the need for us to build a better and more sustainable Capital once the Covid-19 crisis has passed – as he says, “back to normal” simply won’t be good enough.

Our City’s new Climate Commission Chair argues that the vastly improved air quality as road traffic has fallen, with lots more of us travelling (when essential) by bike or on foot, and working efficiently from home rather than commuting – are all changes we’re living with now that we should look to sustain to tackle carbon emissions.

The crisis we’re living through has brought enormous challenges for each and every one of us, but we can use this experience to inform our next steps towards tackling the looming climate crisis.

Acting now to prepare for recovery

Helping our businesses and industries get back into shape is another pressing priority and we’re already ramping up recovery plans, working closely with partners and organisations across the city. In recent weeks I’ve spoken to dozens of businesses, we’ve held a meeting of the City’s Economic Advisory Panel, I joined the first meeting of the new Climate Commission to discuss how we can recover sustainably and chaired the first tourism roundtable, focusing on one of the Capital’s key economic engines.

In all of these discussions, there’s been consensus that we need to put sustainability and inclusivity at the heart of our economy as Edinburgh recovers. This means a responsible visitor economy, balancing the needs of residents and using our many economic strengths, including emerging technologies, as a platform for recovery.

As we expand on this work to consult with other key sectors in the coming weeks and months, it will be important for us to look at Edinburgh’s recovery plan in the round and consider residents’ views too. Thanks to our recent 2050 City Vision project, we have a wealth of ideas and opinions on the type of city the people of Edinburgh want us to be in years to come. I’m sure this feedback will prove vitally important when the whole city is ready to move forward.

Now is a good time to reflect on our latest accolade, courtesy of National Geographic last month, as one of the five most forward-thinking cities in Europe – as well as ‘the greenest city in the UK.’

Green spaces help us tackle the Covid blues

It’s more important than ever that we stay active and spend some time outdoors – and being the greenest city in the UK, our 144 public parks and greenspaces can accommodate lots of people walking, running, cycling or playing without being within two metres of others. While these remain open for local people, please continue to follow the national guidance for physical distancing: stay local, limit outings to once a day for exercise and adhere to our guidelines.

If you live close to Princes Street Gardens you’ll have seen how sensational the West gardens are looking in all their spring glory, judging by some photos I’ve seen on social media. You’ll also have noticed that works, including new drainage and the re-turfing of banks and lawns, are progressing well in the East.

We’re also implementing emergency measures to help our pedestrians and cyclists remain socially distant along pinch point pathways and roads, working closely with Transport Scotland and Sustrans to develop an approach to re-designating road space. We’ve already begun making changes, and you’ll continue to see improvements being made around the city in the coming weeks. We want to ensure that our City can support essential journeys and help local people to use open spaces, with the safest, most accessible routes we can offer.

Ensuring all voices can be heard

In the weeks and months ahead, the outbreak will remain firmly at the forefront of residents’ minds and, as agreed at last week’s Leadership Advisory Panel (LAP), it’s right that our public consultations should be delayed.

This includes the much-anticipated public conversation on the future of Edinburgh’s winter festivals, an important and timely debate for our city to have. All political parties agree that the next contract for these events (for the winter of 2022 and beyond) should be shaped by the people of Edinburgh and we’re absolutely committed to conducting a wide-ranging exercise to gather their views, but only when it’s safe and practical to do so.

In the coming weeks, councillors will have further key decisions to make and we’re committed to these being subject to the right scrutiny and transparency. Starting this month, the LAP will be replaced by the reinstated Policy and Sustainability Committee, allowing a broader spectrum of political involvement. From June, the opposition-chaired Governance, Risk and Best Value committee will also return, allowing for further scrutiny of our decision making.

It’s good to talk

We all know that staying safe at home is really important when it comes to getting through this pandemic but it can also bring great pressures on families. Our day to day lives have been turned upside down and many of our young people may be feeling particularly unsettled and struggling to cope with the big changes that have now become normality.

That’s why our educational psychologists are making sure they are there for our young people and their families. They are offering advice to young people, parents, carers and school staff who want support in managing their home learning and wellbeing.

They’ve produced a guide which provides key messages and recommended resources which will prove helpful. So please don’t hesitate to contact them on 0131 469 2800 or psychologicalservices@ea.edin.sch.uk if you want support and advice. Please make sure you take time to look after yourself, as well as others.

There are lots of great tips out there on protecting your personal wellbeing, and we’re also sharing a treasure trove of activities to do at home, compiled by one of our lifelong learning team and offering options for people of all ages to try out.

Thank you once again for playing your part in Edinburgh’s response to this crisis. We’ll get through it together, and I know we’ll emerge stronger.

Council support for young people at home

Advice and support for young people and their families in Edinburgh who may be struggling at home during the pandemic is available from thr city council’s team of educational psychologists.

We understand that this is a worrying time for everyone and that with the current school closures, children and young people may feel particularly unsettled.

Although we’ve all had a few weeks to make some adjustments and try to cope with the changes in our lives there will be young people and families who are struggling.

Our team from Psychological Services are offering advice and support to:

  • parents and carers
  • school staff and other professionals who would like support or advice in supporting the learning and wellbeing of our children and young people
  • older children and young people who would like advice on how they manage their home learning and wellbeing

They have produced a guide which provides key messages and recommended resources which you might find helpful.

Some of the key ways to help you cope with the situation include: talk to each other, create routines, keep learning, keep active and plan regular movement time, stay connected virtually with friends and families and take care of yourself the best you can.

The advice from Psychological Services is part of a package of support measures for families in lockdown that we have published on our website. Other online resources focus on parents/carers, early learning and childcare, school age children, digital learning and our own set of handy activities for families to do at home.

In addition the Council – along with third sector partners, wider community and voluntary sector – has been supporting vulnerable families across the city with deliveries of emergency food parcels, overnight respite care for children with special needs, specialist day services and opening two special school hubs for key worker children.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “These are very unusual and uncertain times for everyone especially for our young people whose regular daily routines that they are so familiar with have changed dramatically.

“There might be times when they are feeling safe and happy, or other times when they feel overwhelmed, anxious or low. For many of us feelings can change from day to day, hour to hour, or minute to minute. So it’s important we do all we can to support young people and their families when they are staying safe at home so they can cope with this unprecedented situation.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “There’s lots of information out there just now so it can all feel a bit overwhelming knowing what’s the best advice for you to follow. The most important thing is to look after yourself, and those around you, and support each other through these uncertain times.

“Whether you’re a young person, or an adult providing support, our team of educational psychologists are happy to speak to you if you want support or advice – please don’t hesitate to contact them if you need help.”

There are a range of ways you can contact our Psychological Services team:

  • Call 0131 469 2800 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm) and leave a message with your name, number and child’s school and one of our educational psychologists will call you back as soon as they can
  • Email us at psychologicalservices@ea.edin.sch.uk and include your name and child’s school. One of the team will email you back as soon as they can
  • Follow us on Twitter @CEC_EPS where we are sharing advice and resources that you may find helpful
  • Visit our website where you can access guides to help young people and parents/carers cope with home learning and being at home

Silverknowes Road closed as council introduces emergency measures

The City of Edinburgh Council is set to introduce emergency measures to help pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely while observing physical distancing guidance.

The council has been working closely with Transport Scotland and Sustrans to develop an approach to re-designating road space. This will benefit from support from a £10m fund to help local authorities introduce temporary active travel solutions, announced by the Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson on Tuesday.

Over the coming weeks Edinburgh will be implementing several changes to help prioritise walking and cycling. Immediate actions will tackle areas highlighted as pinch points for pedestrians and cyclists and will include some road lane closures and the implementation of temporary cycle lanes.

There has been significant, understandable public demand for action to help facilitate safe daily exercise and the movement of essential workers.

In the medium term, as lockdown measures continue and are eventually eased, the council will develop a citywide approach to more significant changes, such as expanded cycle lanes and the creation of bus gates.

Longer term, it is proposed that progress on more permanent schemes under the Active Travel Programme is brought forward.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: The way we move around the city has changed significantly over recent weeks and it’s clear that we need to respond to this.

“We’ve been working closely with the Scottish Government to develop measures to help pedestrians and cyclists travel safely while remaining socially distant, so we’re delighted that Transport Scotland has confirmed funding to support local authorities to meet this challenge.

“Our commitment to encouraging and facilitating safer, more convenient walking and cycling in Edinburgh remains as strong as ever. We want to ensure that our city can support essential journeys and let local people access their local open spaces by creating safe, accessible routes to do so.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “As we plan for the city’s recovery, we must consider ways in which we can help people make daily journeys while limiting the potential impact of coronavirus, and maintaining physical distancing is essential to this.

“We’re going to be making changes around the city over the coming weeks to achieve this, as well as progressing plans to further improve infrastructure as we emerge from the crisis.”

Immediate measures will include the closure of the following roads:

  • Silverknowes Road (implemented by today – Thursday, 30 April)
  • Braid Road (implemented by Sunday, 3 May)
  • Links Gardens (implemented by Sunday, 3 May)

These locations have been identified in close dialogue with relevant Council services and Police Scotland who have expressed concerns in each area.

Further emergency measures are being investigated for implementation in the weeks beginning 4 May and 11 May and these will be communicated as soon as possible.

The council will continue to address other ‘pinch points’ and local issues, making use of Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders where necessary, which allow urgent amendments to be made to road layouts to help create more space for people on foot or bike.

The next steps will see a report brought to the Policy and Sustainability Committee in May outlining a citywide plan for more significant changes to the road network to create additional space for walking and cycling.

Alongside this, council officers will be investigating early delivery of some of our more ambitious active travel projects which will help people to make essential journeys safely and quickly as we move towards a new normal.

Further information on the Council’s response to the coronavirus outbreak is available online.

Brown bin collections back next month

Garden waste (brown bin) collections will resume in Edinburgh from week commencing 11 May.

The service was suspended in April as part of the city’s response to the coronavirus crisis, allowing us to divert resources to other, essential waste collections and helping crews observe social distancing measures.

The return of team members from absence, as well as the bedding in of new collection arrangements, means we will be able to reintroduce garden waste collections.

Anyone with a garden waste permit will be compensated for the break in service with an extension to their permit to cover this time. We will contact customers in due course with further information.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We’ve made every effort to continue to run core services, including waste collections, and I’m grateful to residents for their understanding of why we’ve had to make some temporary changes under these extraordinary circumstances.

“Its thanks to the enormous hard work of the Council’s waste team that we’re beginning to see those services returning to normal.

“I know many residents will be keen to get out and tend to their gardens and I’d like to thank them for their patience while brown bin collections were temporarily suspended to help us respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

“We will be extending the time period that the current payments cover to make sure residents get the number of collections they paid for and we’ll be writing to households with further details later in the year.

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “Recent changes have helped to protect the safety of workers and I’m pleased to see that the service has adjusted to these. The crews who pick up our bins play a crucial role, and it’s thanks to their hard work that we can reintroduce brown bin collections.

“I hope residents help us to keep protecting crews’ safety by storing any excess garden waste for their next collection, as otherwise bins may become too heavy to lift.”

Residents should check their collection calendars to find out when their brown bins will next be picked up.

We’re encouraging people to store any excess garden waste that won’t fit in the bin until their next collection dates – overflowing bins, heavy bins or waste placed at the side of bins won’t be collected.

We are writing to and emailing all those who have signed up for the garden waste service with details of its reintroduction, as well as plans for compensation for the collections that have been missed.

From today, (Tuesday, 28 April), the council has also reintroduced kerbside glass recycling collections, which were suspended in March.

During the first weeks, residents are asked to put out only one blue box and to store any excess glass for the next collection, as boxes may become too heavy to lift, posing a health risk to crews.

Special uplifts are currently suspended while Household Waste and Recycling Centres remain closed but efforts are being made to reintroduce these services as soon as it is safe to do so.

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus is encouraged to follow the guidance on how to dispose of waste correctly to help protect the safety of bin collection crews.

Further information on changes to bin collections and other services can be found on the Council website.

Planning adapts to aid Edinburgh’s recovery

The city council has been establishing new ways of working and adapting the Planning Service as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

This includes making sure that citizens can still comment on planning applications and making and issuing decisions which will both help with a swift recovery and a positive future for the city.
The Development Management Sub Committee will start to meet again virtually to consider significant planning applications with the same membership and regularity, and the first Committee to convene since lockdown began, is planned for 20 May.
Work on planning applications has been continuing with all of the council’s planning team working from home and over 360 applications have been decided since lockdown began. Building Warrant applications are also being progressed and over 320 building warrants have been granted during the same period.

Cllr Neil Gardiner, Planning Convener, said: “I would like to reassure citizens and the business community that our planning and building standards service is rising to the challenges that physical distancing due to the ongoing pandemic presents.

“Since lockdown started the council has continued to progress hundreds of planning and building warrant applications. I’m also delighted that we have the green light to reconvene the Development Management Sub Committee electronically next month as elected member oversight is an important part of the planning process.

“I’m reassured that the public can still comment on applications and that we will issue decisions on applications to everyone as soon as we possibly can. It’s important that when we come out of lockdown the construction industry is not held up and can hit the ground running with the right planning and building warrant approvals in place.

“There’s also still almost a week left to comment on ‘Choices for City Plan 2030’, as the council extended the period of acceptance for comments to 30 April. The actual plan when developed will shape future development in the city and so if you haven’t already done so I would encourage you to comment on it.”

In response to the pandemic and following government guidance and legislation the council has introduced new ways for people to stay informed and comment on planning proposals despite the lockdown.

These include:

  • Starting our publication of applications that we have received since the lockdown commenced in March. Site notices will be published online, and adverts will be published in the press.
  • Issuing neighbour notification letters by post, with the planning portal open for comments to be made on applications.
  • The weekly list will publicise all applications received, decisions made, and site notices published.
  • Due to the closure of our offices we are still unable to receive any paper letters of representation or paper applications.  Online representations and applications are being accepted/validated and, where appropriate, delegated decisions are being issued.