City of Edinburgh Council – Page 16 – The NEN

Kicking antisocial behaviour out of the city

Plans to help stop antisocial behaviour from blighting Edinburgh’s communities have been agreed. Prevention and support are key elements of the city council’s Antisocial Behaviour Policy, which was approved by the Health, Social Care and Housing Committee today (June 17th).

Tackling antisocial behaviour is a priority for the city and the policy sends out a clear message that while steps will be taken to stop it from happening in the first place, serious or persistent cases will also be dealt with.

Antisocial behaviour can affect entire communities and their experiences have helped to shape the policy process: tenants groups, community councils and members of the public who participated during the consultation process supported the principles of the policy and agreed there is a need for a robust approach.

The new Antisocial Behaviour Policy supports the aims of Edinburgh’s Antisocial Behaviour Strategy 2013 – 2016, and is based on key principles:

Prevention and early intervention;
Management of tenancy conditions;
Effective partnership working;
Effective legal solutions;
Regular and effective communication;
Quality and performance monitoring.

Community Safety Leader Cllr Cammy Day said: “This policy was developed to help people live safely and free from the distress that antisocial behaviour causes. It was vital that local communities helped to shape this plan, and I am delighted that so many took the time to contribute.

“Any threatening or disturbing behaviour will not be tolerated and I want to send a clear message to those involved that there will be consequences to their actions. The policy also details our plans to target the underlying causes of antisocial behaviour through early intervention and support.

“Edinburgh is generally a safe and welcoming place and we will continue to work with the public and partner organisations to ensure that it remains so.”

Mortonhall tragedy: ‘a lifetime of uncertainty’ as questions remain unanswered

“The great tragedy of these events over many years is that many parents will now be left with a lifetime of uncertainty about their baby’s final resting place.”

An independent report into practices at Mortonhall Crematorium was published yesterday (Wednesday 30 April), but for bereaved parents the 600 page document leaves key questions unanswered – in particular, the final resting place of their child.

The families of more than 250 dead children are affected by the scandal and they are now calling for a full public inquiry. One angry and upset parent said: “”The report is damning of City of Edinburgh Council and of the practices at Mortonhall. What they have done to the families is an outrage and a scandal. There needs to be answers over what has been done.”

The Mortonhall Investigation report was commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council in January 2013 after concerns were raised about practices at the crematorium and has been authored by the former Lord Advocate of Scotland, the Rt Hon Dame Elish Angiolini QC DBE.

The remit of the report was to establish the facts regarding practices relating to the cremation of babies at Mortonhall Crematorium and to learn lessons that will ensure best practice for the future.

Dame Elish interviewed bereaved families, current and former members of crematorium staff, representatives from funeral directors, staff from other crematoria, support groups and health professionals and took opinion from experts in the field of human anthropology, law and forensic accountancy. The report, with annexes, extends to over 600 pages in total.

The report contains 22 recommendations which will now be taken forward by the Council and other relevant agencies.

Sue Bruce, Chief Executive of City of Edinburgh Council, said: “On behalf of the Council, I would like to offer my sincere apologies to the bereaved families for the distress they have suffered as a result of the practices at Mortonhall Crematorium. I realise that the past year-and-a-half has been very difficult for the families involved and wish to thank them all for their co-operation with the investigation and their contribution to the report.

“I would also like to thank Dame Elish Angiolini and her team for their hard work on this important and sensitive investigation. Dame Elish has made many important recommendations, some of which relate directly to working practices at Mortonhall. I will be working with Council colleagues and elected members to take these forward.

“It is also clear from the recommendations that there are far-reaching implications regarding cremation practices and the legislative framework not just for Edinburgh but across Scotland and the United Kingdom and I will be working with the Scottish Government and other relevant bodies to address these concerns.

“We will now consult with families and relevant organisations regarding their views on a suitable memorial. It is vital that we learn from this and look to the future. We must ensure that the highest possible standards are adhered to at Mortonhall and that nothing like this can happen again.”

All families involved received a copy of the report by courier along with an individual case summary containing details of their case, but some remain unhappy with the findings and are calling for a full public inquiry.

Dorothy Maitland is operations manager at the charity SANDS Lothians, which she set up to support bereaved parents. Her daughter Kaelen was one of the infants whose ashes were interred at Mortonhall, and it was Dorothy’s questions about her daughter’s ashes that initiated the initial investigation.

Commenting on the report, she said: “Some of it I’m not surprised by. In my own case I’ve been told that it would appear my own daughter’s ashes are buried in the garden of remembrance but it doesn’t actually confirm it. I just think babies have been treated so differently from adults – but why?”

She went on: “Things have moved forward but why didn’t someone think ‘no, we have to do this in a different way’? This has caused so much distress to families. Every baby’s parents should get the ashes for their baby. Staff should be trained and shown how to achieve this.”

Patrick McGuire, a partner at Thompsons Solicitors, which is representing the families, said: “The families only ever wanted the truth and answers. The families care that lessons are learned from this so that nobody has to go through what they have had to go through. By the time all the truth has come out there won’t be a single community that has not been affected by this”.

The Scottish Government is taking action to ensure this can never happen again.

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said: “I am clear that no parent should ever have to go through a similar experience to those affected by practices like this, at any crematorium in Scotland.

“We are absolutely committed to changing the law and a wide-ranging bill is already planned. On that basis we established the independent commission, chaired by Lord Bonomy, to examine current infant cremation policy, practice and legislation.

“He has advised he expects to deliver their national recommendations to ministers by the end of May. These recommendations will shape and inform the work of our planned legislation.”

Edinburgh’s egg-citing for kids this Easter!

‘Mum, I’m bored!’ Don’t despair – help is at hand!

With the school holidays well underway, parents are planning how to keep their youngsters ones entertained for the next fortnight.

The City of Edinburgh Council, which offers a wide variety of entertaining and educational activities for children and young people, has created a ‘best of’ list to help families stay occupied on a budget.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture & Sport Convener, said: “The Easter break is a chance for families to try something different and experience Edinburgh’s great selection of museums and school break activities. The challenge of balancing budgets and keeping the kids entertained is no easy task for any parent, and I encourage those of all ages and interests to take in the wealth of attractions in the city centre, many of which are free.”

The City Art Centre has been transformed into a science playground as the Edinburgh International Science Festival launches with a full programme of events, exhibitions and experiments until 19 April. Children can visit the Market Street centre for six floors of science lessons including classes on potion making and monster hunts . Day passes are £7 for adults, £9 for children over 7 and £6.50 for children aged six and under.

The Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile hosts a treasure trove of toys the whole family will love. Children can learn what it was like to grow up in other eras and gaze at a range of toys and games, while adults can enjoy a trip down memory lane. The latest exhibition to open at the Museum is a celebration of the classic children’s gift, the Annual. Entry is free.

Also on the Royal Mile is the Museum of Edinburgh. Housed in the beautifully restored 16th Century buildings on the Canongate, it is the city’s principle museum of local history where children can dress up in replica costumes from Georgian and Victorian times and follow an activity trail around the Museum to learn about Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns.

Adults and older children can enjoy the museum’s newest attraction, Historic Edinburgh From Above, an aerial photography exhibition exploring the dramatic changes to the Edinburgh skyline over the 20th Century. Entry is free with spotlight guided tours taking place at 1:00pm and 3:00pm on Thursdays and Saturdays.

The beautiful grounds of Lauriston Castle, laid out by William Henry Playfair in the 1840s, are worth a wander – especially on Saturday 19 April from 10:00am when the Castle staff host their annual Easter egg hunt. Entry is £7 per person. Afterwards, why not stay for afternoon tea and a game of croquet? Further details and other workshops are available from the website. Guided tours of the Castle take place every day at 2:00pm except Friday.

For when the weather makes a turn, the City’s 28 community libraries will be open for borrowing – and much more besides. Visit the libraries’ website for further details or contact your local library for details of special holiday events.

For active kids, Edinburgh Leisure has a range of dedicated holiday activities for ages 3-13 years running throughout the fortnight, from free tennis tasters at Leith Links to trampolining at Meadowbank. Until the 21 April, Edinburgh Leisure is also offering free swimming to all primary school children at Dalry, Gracemount and Ainslie Park Leisure Centres. This year marks the first time the free sessions will be open to any public swim session at participating pools. Visit the website for further details.

After taking in the city, where better to enjoy the breathtaking views of Edinburgh than by climbing to the top of the tallest tribute to a writer in the world, the Scott Monument in East Princes Street Gardens. Equally impressive is the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill.

At night, take the scenic route home passing through the spectacular Field of Light which will remain in St Andrew’s Square until 27 April. Entry is free.

There’s got to be something among that lot to keep the little dears happy?

Twitter discussion on Neighbourhood Partnerships? It’s Child’s play!

Want to know how your Neighbourhood Partnership is making a difference in your community? Or do you have thoughts and ideas that can help improve the way your local Neighbourhood Partnership works?

Then join today’s lunchtime discussion on Twitter with Councillor Maureen Child (pictured below) and @Edin_NPs from midday to 1pm.

Questions/suggestions can be submitted in advance by email to neighbourhood.partnerships@edinburgh.gov.uk or tweet to @Edin_NPs with #askNPs

Love music? Come hear the Community Choir!

Edinburgh’s very own Love Music Community Choir (LMCC) are performing at the Usher Hall tonight (Tuesday) at 7.30pm and some tickets are still available.

LMCC was established to encourage Edinburgh residents of all abilities to sing, and it’s been a huge success – the ensemble is now the UK’s biggest community choir.

LMCC plan an evening of music to inspire and entertain, and with songs from Irving Berlin to Puccini, Jamaican Ska to Mexican Bolero, Latin Rumba, Gospel and Rufus Wainwright in there too there’s truly something for everyone!

Conductor is Stephen Deazley, pianist Dave Milligan with special guest musicians Dougie Hudson on drums and percussion and Andy Cooke on Ugandan instruments.

The concert will last approximately 90 minutes. Tickets are£3 | Free to under 16 or unwaged. £1 transaction fee when booking online / phone. Tonight’s event is supported by the Usher Hall and The City of Edinburgh Council.

LMCC aims to inspire Edinburgh to sing – there no auditions and people with all levels of experience are welcome. For more info: www.choir.lovemusic.org.uk

Forthview kids launch Reading Rainbows

Children from Forthview Primary School nursery were the first to be enthralled by tales of pirates and flying carpets when Reading Rainbows, a new scheme to get pre-school children reading, was launched at Muirhouse Library yesterday.

Around 1200 four-year-olds across the capital will each receive two brand new books, specially chosen to inspire youngsters to read and share stories. Reading Rainbows, launched in Edinburgh last year, aims to spark a love of reading among under-fives, giving them the best start when they begin school. The project is also designed to support parents and carers to share books and stories with their children, encouraging them to think about the tales together and to visit libraries more often.

The Forthview Nursery pupils visited Muirhouse Library yesterday to celebrate the launch of the new Reading Rainbows programme, which will feature literacy events, book sharing and craft activities in libraries and early years settings. The four-year-olds were the first to receive this year’s books, The Pirate House by Rebecca Patterson and My Granny Went to Market by Stella Blackstone and Christopher Corr.

Culture Convener Councillor Richard Lewis said: “This initiative is clearly incredibly beneficial to Edinburgh’s youngest learners and it’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm from those involved. Literacy is a key priority for the city and by inspiring a shared love of stories amongst children and their carers we hope to encourage a new generation ready to read, write and learn.”

Reading Rainbows was introduced last year by City of Edinburgh Council’s Library and Information Service and Children and Families Service and focuses on areas of disadvantage across the city.

The initiative addresses the fact that, in Scotland, children receive free book packs between birth and the age of three and once they turn five from the Scottish Book Trust, but nothing when they are four. By supplying free literacy gift packs, including two books, a white board and marker and a literacy advice pack for parents and carers, as well as story and craft events, project leaders hope to impact children’s literacy development.

The scheme received an overwhelmingly positive response last year with feedback showing participating parents were encouraged to read more to their children and to take part in library activities.

Council acts to tackle rising school rolls

Flora Stevenson and Wardie are among Edinburgh primary schools earmarked for additional classrooms as the city council faces the ongoing challenge of rising school rolls …

Plans to deliver new classrooms to deal with the issue of rising rolls in the capital have been revealed by the City of Edinburgh Council.

The Primary School Estate Rising Rolls report lists seven schools where space pressures may arise for the start of the 2015/16 session – Clermiston, East Craigs, Flora Stevenson, Gilmerton, Pentland, Ratho and Wardie Primary Schools – and a number of possible solutions.

In addition three other schools south of the city centre – Brunstfield, James Gillespie’s and South Morningside – face similar issues. A separate report which considers their specific issues and the possible approaches in that area as a whole will also be discussed at the Education, Children and Families Committee on 4 March.

With primary school rolls projected to rise to a peak of nearly 31,000 pupils by 2019 – an increase of about 15% on the position at the start of the 2013/14 school year – the Council is actively tackling the issue. £15m has already been pledged to help build extra accommodation; Granton, Trinity and Wardie Primary Schools all received new classrooms at the start of this school year receiving positive feedback from parents, pupils and staff.

A total of 18 new classrooms will be built at four schools for the start of the next school year in August 2014 – Broughton, Victoria, St David’s and Craigour Park – with a further 6 additional classrooms being provided at Fox Covert, Stockbridge, Flora Stevenson, Bruntsfield and Gylemuir Primary Schools by adapting the existing buildings.

Councillor Paul Godzik, Education Convener, said: “This report highlights the schools where we believe there will be accommodation pressures and outlines how we can meet demand for places from catchment pupils in 2015/16. The increase in rolls comes at a time when budgets are under increasing pressure, and so the Council has a responsibility to plan ahead, and ensure we provide a solution that fits with our needs and our budget.

“Despite the difficult financial climate the Capital Coalition has doubled the budget available for rising rolls, pledging £15m to tackle the issue. This has already resulted in fantastic new accommodation being delivered at several schools across the city.

“The primary school roll projections are updated every year to identify those schools where future accommodation pressures might arise allowing us to plan in advance for any changes necessary to deal with increased pupil numbers. We will now consult with these schools to identify the best solution to address the pressures should they arise.”

Cllr Godzik added: “Whether or not it is traditional extensions, new build accommodation or adapting existing space, we are committed to providing the very best educational environment for our pupils and are determined to listen to parental views and work with school communities as we move forward.

“In the longer term finding a sustainable solution to the problem of rising rolls is really important. We have to ensure there is space available for our catchment pupils. That’s why we will be laying out proposals to deal with the issue south of the city centre in the Brunstfield, James Gillespie’s and South Morningside area, and why we are working very closely with planning colleagues to look at the wider impact of housing developments included in the Local Development Plan.”

A further report will be considered at the May committee with a proposed solution for each school.

City council: improving services, increasing satisfaction?

The city council’s latest survey of Edinburgh residents has shown record levels of satisfaction with local services. Overall, 87% of Edinburgh residents are satisfied with the way the Council is managing neighbourhoods, a 20% rise on 2008.

The annual survey also shows that 96% of residents are satisfied with Edinburgh as place to live and satisfaction with how the Council manages the city overall has increased to 74% from a low of 35% in 2009.

The public’s top priorities for improvement include roads maintenance, street cleaning and refuse collection, and tackling dog fouling.

In a sign of growing confidence in the economy, over half of respondents feel confident about their job prospects in Edinburgh, with those feeling ‘very confident’ more than doubling in a year.

Council Leader Cllr Andrew Burns said: “The top line figures continue to offer great encouragement and reassurance that, broadly speaking, residents believe we are managing their city well.

“What’s even more impressive is that this has been achieved against a backdrop of real pressure on public finances and the need to make efficiencies throughout the Council.

“Our recent budget clearly shows we have listened to residents, with a further £16m going into the budget for fixing potholes and pavements, as well as investment in other facilities and services that the public value.

“But we will, of course, make sure that we tackle those areas where the survey shows we need to do more. That’s essential for the people who live and work here, but also for maintaining our reputation as a world-class capital city.”

Deputy Council Leader Cllr Steve Cardownie added: “We know from the many awards that the city receives each year what visitors think of Edinburgh but what these results demonstrate is that residents agree; it’s a great place to live.

“It is particularly encouraging that they believe that our world-famous festivals make the city a better place to live and that they are attending ever more performances and events right here on their door step.

“We are ambitious for the city and there is much work yet to be done, so we simply need to continue delivering the pledges we made to Edinburgh residents and look for that to be reflected in future surveys.”

Key findings in the Edinburgh Peoples Survey 2013 include:

Edinburgh continues to be highly regarded as a place to live with 96% expressing satisfaction, continuing a year-on-year increase since 2010
Satisfaction with neighbourhoods as place to live has also stayed very high at 93%, up by 7% since 2008
Satisfaction with nursery, primary and secondary schools reached its highest recorded levels
Road maintenance continues to have a lower satisfaction score than other services (53%), staying about the same over the five year period. Satisfaction has reduced in refuse collection (to 75%) and recycling (to 80%)
Satisfaction with library services remains very high at 93%, well above the long-term average of 87%
Over three-quarters (77%) of residents felt Festivals made the city a better place to live, up 9% on last year, with almost two-thirds (64%) having attended a performance (up 7%)

More detailed analysis will be carried out to understand the reasons underlying the changes in satisfaction. The research will also be used by managers and staff to develop action plans for maintaining high performance and addressing areas for improvement.

The Edinburgh People Survey (EPS) is the Council’s annual citizen survey, measuring satisfaction with the Council and its services, identifying areas for improvement and gathering information about residents which is not available through other sources or at neighbourhood level.

The survey is undertaken through face-to-face interviews with around 5,000 residents each year, conducted in the street and door-to-door.

Do you agree that council services are improving? Let us know!

Good news at NEN AGM?

Agenda NEN AGM 12 November 2013

Item No 7.5 Contact in the Capital – Community Communication Pilot

The North Edinburgh News has had some good news in the run-up to tomorrow’s annual general meeting. Last week, the city council’s Policy & Strategy Committee agreed that North Edinburgh is one of three neighbourhoods selected to pilot ‘community-based information initiatives’.

Since the decision was taken to scrap ‘Outlook’, the city council has been looking for new ways of improving communications and getting information out into communities, and the £50,000 ‘Contact in the Capital’ pilots will now run for twelve months in the North Edinburgh, Gorgie/Dalry and Craigmillar communities.

The council support for NEN, which it describes in background papers as ‘a locally well-regarded newspaper and blog’, is both welcome and timely. NEN last appeared in print form back in June and since then has remained alive through this online blog until decisions on the paper’s future could be made.

It’s now thought that the council support can help support a NEN relaunch, although the NEN’s voluntary board members have still to discuss the detail of what is being proposed – NEN remains an independent community organisation managed by local people.

It’s hoped that more information about how the scheme could work will be forthcoming at NEN’s annual general meeting (it’s on the Agenda, attached), which takes place tomorrow (Tuesday 12 November) at Spartans Community Football Academy at Ainslie Park. All welcome.

Council unveils winter weather plans

The City of Edinburgh Council has announced plans for how the city will cope with potentially severe weather this winter.

Be Prepared for Winter will also provide up-to-date information to residents through targeted advertising in the print and broadcast media, supported with comprehensive information on the Council’s website plus leaflets and posters.

Salt stocks of 16,000 tonnes have been stockpiled at the Council’s four depots, and the city’s 2,200 salt bins will be refilled on a programmed basis. This amount is more than is required to last an entire winter season.

The city’s roads will be gritted according to which category they fall under: Priority 1 roads are main and essential routes that are pre-treated when frost or snow is forecast and receive priority treatment during snow. Traffic Regulations Orders will be enforced on certain roads this winter to allow better access for gritters, emergency vehicles and buses, where parking has caused obstruction in the past.

Residential roads fall under the Priority 2 category, and will be treated when there is a severe weather event after Priority 1 routes are clear.

High priority pavements will be treated 24 hours a day, seven days a week in times of bad weather. The North Edinburgh Cycle network and the Innocent Railway cycle route have been classed with high priority pavement routes for the second year in a row.

The Council website will be regularly updated throughout the winter and includes gritting routes, salt bins, a video encouraging residents to clear snow and ice, and information about becoming a volunteer snow warden.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Environment Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Although last winter was milder than the 2009/10 and 2010/11, it is important that we continue to be vigilant in preparing for whatever this winter throws at us. In 2010/11 we experienced some of the worst conditions in almost half a century and our chief priority if this happens again is to keep the city moving.

“Our Be Prepared for Winter campaign will use our website and social and local media to alert residents about plans for the next day, such as gritting, waste collection services and schools. We’ve also got maps on our website showing gritting routes and salt bin locations throughout the winter. There are more than enough stocks of salt and grit, and the fleet of specialist snow clearing vehicles is ready to go.”

The Council’s campaign follows the launch of similar winter campaigns by the

Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.