city council – Page 165 – The NEN

Edinburgh prepares for winter

Winter is coming – and the city council is getting ready for it …

Road Services staff Brian McKay, Stuart Dineley and David Gillies get ready for winter Salt has been stockpiled, gritting lorries have been serviced and tried and tested plans have been reviewed and refreshed to help the Capital deal with whatever the weather has in store for us over the coming months.

Twenty four/seven stand-by arrangements for treating the roads and pavements came into force late last month [October] and salt bins throughout Edinburgh are being checked and topped up where necessary.

A Ready for Winter communications campaign, launched yesterday, will see information leaflets and posters distributed to neighbourhood offices, libraries and doctor and dental surgeries.

The leaflets provide useful information about being prepared for winter and contact information so that residents can readily access the help and services they need.

A total of 16,000 tonnes of salt have been stockpiled; levels are monitored throughout the winter and topped up when required.

Local farmers, who have worked with the Council over the past three years gritting rural routes, have been engaged again this year. Contracts are also in place with external contractors should the Council need access to additional staff and equipment in extreme winter conditions.

The Council website’s live winter weather pages provide information about priority road, cycle path and pavement gritting routes. Also on the site is an interactive map so that residents can find out where their nearest salt bin is.

If and when severe weather strikes, the Council will use its social media channels, website and local radio stations to keep residents updated on any impact on services.

Waste services skip locations have also been identified. If the weather deteriorates and prevents waste collections from being made, skips will be installed at these locations for public use.

Councillor Adam McVey, Vice Convener of Transport and Environment, said: “We’ve had a few mild winters in recent years but we are never complacent – the harsh winters of 2009/10 and 2010/11 are still fresh in everyone’s memory. It’s impossible to know at this stage what the weather has in store for us this year but we’ve been busy making sure we’re as prepared as we can be to keep the city moving, whatever the elements throw our way. Our staff are all trained up, our equipment is ready for use and our salt stocks are topped up, with more available should it be needed.

“As ever, we’d encourage residents to ensure they find out everything they need to know about keeping themselves safe during the winter months. Pick up one of our Ready for Winter leaflets at your local library or doctors’ surgery, visit our web pages or consult the Scottish Government’s advice at www.readyscotland.org.”

Snowplough at Oaklands 2010

Taking SHAPE: reducing the risk of homelessness

A new pilot scheme to reduce homelessness has been launched by the City of Edinburgh Council and voluntary sector partners .

Focusing on resolving and preventing homelessness, a range of specialist services will be delivered through a partnership with third sector organisations the Bethany Christian Trust, Edinburgh Cyrenian Trust, Foursquare and CHAI (Community Help and Advice Initiative). The partnership heralds the beginning of a new collaborative approach to supporting people in the Capital who are at risk of losing their homes.

The Council, providers and service users are working in partnership to rebalance housing support services and place more emphasis on prevention, through mentoring, befriending, group work and visits from housing support staff. This approach will help resolve some of the crises that lead to homelessness and also deliver initial savings of £400,000, with potential further savings in the future.

The Council’s Housing Leader, Councillor Cammy Day, said: “Taking early action is the best way to combat homelessness. It is vital that we act quickly so we can prevent more people from losing their homes and better protect their well-being.

“By working alongside our third sector partners, we can gain from their expertise and deliver the highest standard of support to those who need it across Edinburgh. This way we can tackle the root causes of homelessness and provide important advice on budgeting and tenancy issues, to build a better future for those at risk and help them to keep their homes.”

The pilot will provide:

Budgeting and debt advice (including rent, utility bills and fuel poverty)I
nformation about benefits, including changes due to welfare reform
Advice about tenancy issues and housing options
Links to employment, including volunteering, education and training
Help to avoid social isolation

People who are homeless and in temporary and insecure accommodation will also receive support to move into more sustainable accommodation, in both the public and private sectors.

Iain Gordon of SHAPE, the umbrella organisation representing the third sector partners, said: “Our hope is that this new way of working will help people who find themselves at risk of becoming homeless to be more secure in their homes, so that they can live active and productive lives.”

Council calls for tougher penalties for dog fouling

The City of Edinburgh Council is calling on tougher laws to help crack down on the issue of dog fouling in the city.

A report to next week’s Transport and Environment Committee urges the Scottish Government to raise the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) currently handed out to dog fouling offenders, and calls for an increased maximum fine for dog owners taken to court.

The report also recommends a new approach to monitor perpetrators’ future behaviour, designed to bring about a long term change and reduce dog fouling in Edinburgh.

Measures would add to a series of campaigns held by the Council to tackle the issue, which is consistently identified by local residents as one of their top priorities.

Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “Dog fouling is an issue which continues to blight our streets, creating not only an eyesore but a potential health and safety risk.

“We are committed to tackling this, and it is important that we do everything in our power to deter irresponsible owners from committing the offence.

“That’s why we’re calling on harsher punishments for offenders, as well as long-term monitoring, to reflect the significance of the crime but also to discourage repeat offending.”

If approved, the Council will formally approach the Scottish Government to request an increase to the amount charged for on-the-spot FPNs, currently £40 (rising to £60 after 28 days) in line with FPNs for littering and fly-tipping, which were updated earlier this year.

In addition, the Council will request an increase in the maximum fine on summary conviction in court, currently £500, to reflect “the seriousness or prominence of the offence”.

Proposed measures also include investigating a long term approach to persistent dog fouling, similar to the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010, which was introduced to address the behaviour of dogs deemed to be out of control. This involves the issue of Dog Control Notices imposing specific requirements with which offending owners must comply, followed by a monitoring period to address the behaviour of owners who repeatedly fail to pick up after their dogs.

As well as lobbying for legislative changes, the Council plans to work with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Court Service with the aim of securing Publicity Orders for convicted dog fouling offenders in Edinburgh. It is hoped the use of the Order, requiring individuals to publicise their conviction in a specific way, would discourage repeat offending.

In the last year, 231 FPNs have been handed out to dog owners across the city, with 82 people reported to the Procurator Fiscal for dog fouling offences.

On Tuesday, councillors will consider the various approaches to resolving the issue, as well as assessing ongoing campaigns like the South Neighbourhood’s Don’t Blame the Dog initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the problem as well as targeting enforcement action in hotspots identified by the public.

For more information on the Council’s approach to dog fouling, and how to report it, visit the Council website.

You can also watch the report being discussed at next week’s Transport and Environment Committee meeting by tuning in to the city council’s live webcast.

Flood prevention scheme second phase gets green light

The second phase of a multi-million pound flood prevention scheme has been given the go-ahead following a funding agreement.

The Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme (WoLFPS) is a key infrastructure project to help protect hundreds of properties in vulnerable areas of the city from future flooding.

Following the completion of the first phase, which included defences at Veitches Square, Stockbridge Colonies, Warriston, St Mark’s Park and Bonnington, overall costs for a reconfigured Phase 2 at Murrayfield/Roseburn were estimated at £25.241m.

However, the available capital budget for this second phase stood at £20.539m, leaving a shortfall of £4.702m and jeopardising the delivery of this next stage of the WoLFPS.

The City of Edinburgh Council has now agreed to fund this shortfall through a realignment and transfer of existing Services for Communities capital budgets, meaning that the formal procurement process can now get under way, with flood prevention works starting in the Roseburn and Murrayfield area in autumn 2015.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: “It’s fantastic news that we can now proceed with the next stage of this hugely important project, which will safeguard hundreds of properties from flooding in the future. We’ve been working extremely closely with the community and key stakeholders to make sure they were fully involved in the plans from the outset and with reinforced governance and protocols in place, we’re confident that Phase 2 will be delivered efficiently and at best value to the taxpayer.”

Council bid secures Leith Custom House

The Council’s bid to purchase the Custom House building has been accepted – new Heritage Centre for Leith?

The city council placed a bid to purchase the Custom House building in Leith – currently owned and used by National Museums Scotland – last month. That bid was accepted earlier today, and the council will now look at ways of how it might work with partners to develop the building into a hub for the Leith community – which would include the housing of a museum to tell the story of Leith’s history.

Culture and Sport Convener Councillor Richard Lewis, said: “I am delighted that the Council has been able to step forward to acquire the building. This is excellent news for the Leith community who have campaigned for more than six years to save the historic Custom House building.

“The building and the surrounding area share a rich history, with Custom House once acting as the main site of imports in Leith. Our offer should secure the future of the building for public use, as a hub for the local community.

“Now that the Council’s bid has been accepted by National Museums Scotland, we are determined to take the project forward and identify how and when we can help open the doors to a heritage centre for Leith.

“We are currently undertaking due diligence procedures and a report will be put to the full Council on how to take plans forward.”

Leith Custom House was built between 1810-1812 and is a large Georgian building of neo-classical design, by the architect Robert Reid. It comprises two tall storeys and a formidable portico entrance.

The Custom House was the venue for the collection of duty payable on goods imported through Leith, and it was built on North Leith’s Sandport area, a site close to the quayside which had formerly been used for boat-building.

National Museums of Scotland have been using the building for storage and it has been closed to the public, but it now seems certain that – two hundred years on – the grand old building will soon be bustling once again.

Edible Edinburgh food plan served up in Muirhouse

Local growers, food groups, community gardeners and volunteers fashioned up a feast to celebrate the unveiling of the Edible Edinburgh Sustainable Food City Plan at Muirhouse Community Shop on Pennywell Road yesterday.

Developed in consultation with the public, the food plan aims to motivate Edinburgh to develop a healthy and sustainable approach to food, one which will bring social, economic and environmental benefits to the whole community – latest figures show that over two thirds of people across the Lothians eat less than the recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day.

The six-year plan is based on feedback from the public and outlines six distinct themes which need to be addressed in order to achieve its vision of Edinburgh as a sustainable food city. These are: Health and wellbeing, Land use, Environment, Buying food, Economy and Cultural change.

A series of actions have been set out within each theme in order to work towards key outcomes, including more fresh and healthy food eaten, fewer people living in food poverty, the protection of our natural environment and a thriving local food economy.

Efforts will be coordinated by Edible Edinburgh, a cross-sector steering group from the public, private and third sectors, including City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian.

City of Edinburgh Council’s Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, who chairs the Edible Edinburgh steering group, welcomed the launch of the plan.

She said: “We are proud to be launching this plan in collaboration with our partners, who have worked with the public to ensure our vision and targets are realistic and relevant for achieving a sustainable food city for all.

“Food is central for everyone in Edinburgh, and there are a great many groups who work tirelessly towards a greener, fairer and healthier city. By building on their efforts we are determined to expand this enthusiasm to residents across the capital.”

Dr Margaret Douglas, consultant in public health medicine with NHS Lothian, added: “Edible Edinburgh’s vision is of ‘a city where good food is available for all.’ Healthy affordable food is essential for good health but for too many this is not yet a reality. Projects like Pilton Community Gardeners are showing the way by involving local people in growing healthy food and improving the local environment.

“We need change at many levels if the causes of diet-related ill health are to be tackled. Partnerships like Edible Edinburgh can help coordinate public, private, voluntary and community sector action to push for a fairer food city.”

Iain Stewart, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Community Food, said: “Community food groups play a vital role in addressing inequalities by getting local people involved in making good food available locally. At Edinburgh Community Food we support this effort by providing food and health promotion sessions and supplying food projects throughout the city with a range of healthy affordable food products.”

Capital prepares to mark Armed Forces Day

The Grassmarket will welcome a parade of serving personnel, veterans and their supporters tomorrow as the City of Edinburgh Council hosts special events to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

Celebrations in Edinburgh will start from 10:30am on Sunday (22 June) as the annual parade of up to 500 serving personnel and veterans march up the Royal Mile and down to the Grassmarket where they will be welcomed by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost.

The parade and welcome will be followed by live music and dance until 2pm – highlights include a flashback to the forties with retro dance troupe The Kennedy Cupcakes, ska music from the Pork Pie Band and traditional Scots song and dance.

On Monday (23 June), the Armed Forces Day flag will be presented to the Lord Provost and raised above the City Chambers to honour Armed Forces personnel past, present and future. ‘Raise the Flag Day’ is when hundreds of civic and Government buildings throughout the United Kingdom will fly the Armed Forces Day flag until just after the weekend.

The Armed Forces Day events in Edinburgh are open to all to show their support for the Armed Forces and veterans. The celebrations take place ahead of National Armed Forces Day in Stirling on June 28.

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and Veterans Champion, Donald Wilson, said: “This city has a long and proud tradition of supporting the Armed Forces and our veterans. Holding a day of celebration in their honour is just one of the ways the people of Edinburgh can show their support.

“This is the city’s way of saying thank you and allows us to show our gratitude and appreciation for the enormous sacrifices being made every day on our behalf by so many courageous men and women.”

Colonel Martin Gibson, Executive Chairman of Veterans Scotland said: “Veterans Scotland very much appreciates the Capital City’s commitment to recognising the work of both today’s Armed Forces and the service of our veterans in maintaining our freedom.

“Our veterans have served in World War 2 and the many more modern day conflicts around the world; every year since 1945, apart from 1968, men and women from the City have been involved in operations somewhere in the world. Edinburgh has a long and very proud military tradition, and the strong support that the Armed Forces Community is given by all ages is very much valued.”

Kevin Gray, Chief Executive Officer at Legion Scotland said: “Legion Scotland is proud to play a part in the Edinburgh Armed Forces Day parade to honour Armed Forces personnel and show our gratitude and support for our veterans.

“On the centenary of WW1 the event is even more significant in our hearts and minds, as we stand together to pay tribute to so many brave soldiers who made enormous sacrifices to help protect our freedom.”

Similar events will take place across the UK, enabling people to come out and show their support, and giving a much-valued morale boost for Armed Forces personnel and their families.

EDINBURGH ARMED FORCES DAY PROGRAMME

Sunday 11:00am Edinburgh’s Armed Forces Day parade will reach the City Chambers for an ‘eyes right’ salute from Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Donald Wilson, before he joins the end of the parade and follows it down to the Grassmarket.

11:30am welcome from the Lord Provost and address by Lieutenant General Robert Baxter, President of Veterans Scotland, followed by performances from the Kennedy Cupcakes and music acts.

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Monday 9:45am Procession to make its way to the City Chambers where ceremonial flag will be handed over to the Lord Provost, before the official Armed Forces Day flag is raised from the roof of the City Chambers.

The flag will be carried by Colonel Jim Wilson, General Secretary, Veterans Scotland, and escorted down the Royal Mile accompanied by a piper and two Royal British Legion Scotland National Standards, before it is presented to the Lord Provost. He will be accompanied by Commander Blackburn of the Royal Navy, and Squadron Leader Riley from the Royal Air Force.

City carers champion: ‘vital that carers are looked after’

Edinburgh’s first ‘Carers Champion’ Councillor Norman Work marked his inaugural year in the role by setting out the capital’s priorities for supporting people who give unpaid care to family or friends.

Councillor Work launched the City of Edinburgh Council’s Joint Carers Strategy 2014-17 during an event to celebrate national Carers Week.

The Strategy, developed in partnership with NHS Lothian, the voluntary sector and carers, sets out priorities and outcomes for how their valuable work will be supported over the next three years.

It focuses on six priorities:

identifying carers;
information and advice;
health and wellbeing for carers;
short breaks and respite;
young adult carers;
personalised support for carers.

With around 37,859 carers looking after loved ones in Edinburgh, the estimated cost of providing replacement care in the capital is valued at around £771m a year.

Speaking at a celebration event for unpaid carers at the City Chambers, Cllr Work said: “These people do an extraordinary job of looking after a loved one and I cannot over-emphasise how much we value what they do.

“Many do not think of themselves as carers, and often fail to access the services and advice which is available to them through the Council, charities and relevant organisations.

“It is vital that carers, who can be of any age, are looked after, as there is a risk that their health and wellbeing can also suffer because of the stress and pressure caused by their role. The Joint Carer’s Strategy sets out how we plan to do this by building on our existing work.”

Pictured: (l-r) June Anderson, Zahira Hassan, Cllr Norman Work, Sarah Gundry, Calum Gundry amd Jeanette Scott.

Central Library pumps up the volume today

Still have an image of libraries as dark, sombre, serious and – above all – silent places? Well, think again – there will be lots of noisy fun activities at Central Library today …

The City of Edinburgh Council will turn up the volume at the Central Library as it opens its doors to live music and book readings for an Open Day celebration.

The Open Day will mark the recent refurbishment of the Library, which has brand new spaces to house the children’s and music collections. For the first time in 40 years, all of the Central Library facilities will be housed in the same building.

Highlights of the Open Day include live music throughout the day from choir Octavoce, Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin’ and the Scottish Fiddle Festival Group, plus a visit from award winning author Catherine Rayner (external link) whose animal illustrations decorate the new ‘under 5s’ area of the children’s collection, and Janis Mackay, author of the ‘Magnus Fin’ trilogy.

Visitors to the Open Day will have the chance to view some of the library’s most precious treasures, which include a copy of the first bible ever printed in Scotland. Experts will also on hand to help guide people through their own WW1 family history or to help explain the background behind any family memorabilia from WW1 they may have.

Central Library staff will also be on hand to offer visitors an overview of library e-resources including the new Naxos service. The streaming service provides access to a back catalogue of over one million classical and jazz tracks, with latest releases added every week. A soundproof acoustic pod for musicians to practice in is also available to book, and visitors will for the first time be able to try a CD before borrowing.

Councillor Richard Lewis, the city’s Culture and Sport Convener, said: “The new children’s and music collections have transformed the Central Library and will offer visitors a unique space for relaxing, reading, and so much more.

“The new areas have been designed as welcoming spaces for people to visit and feel inspired to discover music and reading in their own way. I am especially excited to welcome live music and collaboration between performers to the library Open Day, which will include a set from the fantastic Octavoce vocal group, young local musicians, and the fantastic Scottish Fiddle Festival Group.

“The refurbishment allows the Council to house all of the Central Library facilities under one roof for the first time in 40 years and I am sure the City will enjoy all that the building has to offer.”

The Open Day kicks off at 10.30 – SOUNDS LIKE FUN!

Free compost this Friday!

Compost_giveaway_posterVictoria Park

The city council is giving away free bags of compost made from residents’ recycled garden waste to mark the return of fortnightly garden waste collections and to thank residents for using the service.

The local event in the North neighbourhood is this Friday (25 April) at Victoria Park (entrance by Trinity Primary School gate) from 12.20 until stocks run out.

Council officers will be on hand to provide information about all city recycling services, and will have some food waste kitchen caddies and liners to give to those who need them.