community safety – Page 41 – The NEN

Scottish Fire: a call to action

Firefighters issue plea following weekend tragedies

Two people were killed and several others received treatment following weekend house fires across Scotland and firefighters have urged the public to help them prevent further tragedies striking communities throughout Scotland.

The frank message was issued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) following a number of house fires in recent days, including two incidents where people lost their lives.

Several others received treatment from firefighters or ambulance crews following incidents across the country, leading to one of Scotland’s senior fire and rescue officers to issue a powerful call to action.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, the SFRS director of prevention and protection, said: “We are still seeing people killed and injured in fires that could easily be prevented and where working smoke alarms would have made all the difference.

“Firefighters across Scotland are out in their communities helping people stay safe, but reaching those at greatest risk is a constant challenge.

“Older people, those who live alone, who have physical or mental health problems or issues with the misuse of alcohol or drugs – they’re all potentially vulnerable to fire.

“There are many things we can do to help them stay safe, but we can’t do them if we’re unaware someone is at risk. We need the public’s help to reach them before tragedy strikes.”

Firefighters serving across the country were called to fires in homes over the weekend. In the Highlands, after responding to a fire at a house in Dornoch during the early hours of Monday, a team sent into the burning building discovered the body of a woman.

It was the second fatal house fire of the weekend, after a man recovered from a home by firefighters in Dumfries on Friday evening was declared dead at the scene.

The weekend also saw people receive treatment from firefighters and ambulance crews following house fires in Portree, Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, Millport, Danderhall, Wick and Dumfries.

ACO Ramsay said: “Where a home has working smoke alarms the people inside get early warning of a fire while it’s still small and before toxic smoke has filled the home.

“This means they are likely to get out with no injuries, or to need only precautionary check-ups for minor effects of breathing in small amounts of smoke.

“Without this early warning though the chances are a small fire will rapidly grow, fill the home with toxic smoke and produce devastating heat – all of which can prove fatal or cause lifelong and horrific injuries.

“It’s unbelievable that anyone should go without working smoke alarms. They’re absolutely life-saving devices.”

Early warning of a fire is crucial to reducing the risk of deaths and injuries, but SFRS also wants people to help it prevent fires from starting in the first place.

Crews throughout Scotland actively give householders advice on hazards within the home and help them take simple steps to address them.

Professionals from a number of agencies – including social workers, housing officers, healthcare providers, police officers and others – regularly put individuals who may be at increased risk in touch with SFRS so they can benefit from firefighters’ advice.

ACO Ramsay made clear those partnerships are vital, but that the public can also join Scotland’s fight against fire and help protect those close to them.

He said: “People being at risk from fire aren’t somebody else’s problem – this is an issue for each and every one of us to consider and act on.

“Most of us will know a friend, a relative, a neighbour or a colleague who could be vulnerable, so the fact is we all have a responsibility to prevent tragedy in our communities.

“Our crews have already conducted thousands of free home fire safety visits to help residents prevent fires and access any support they might need.

“Earlier this year a referral from a district nurse saw crews in Aberdeen provide fire-retardant bedding that we know prevented what would likely have been a fatal fire.

“I’m calling on everyone to think if they know someone who could benefit from this service and if so, then act now and contact us before it’s too late. You could save their life.”

To join Scotland’s fight against fire and arrange a visit for you or someone you know, call SFRS on the freephone number 0800 073 1999 or text ‘FIRE’ to 80800, which is also free of charge.

Visits can also be arranged via the SFRS website www.firescotland.gov.uk

Let there be light …

Council apologises and agrees to ‘up the brightness’

The city council is to improve the brightness of street lighting following complaints from residents. New LED lights have been installed across the city over recent weeks but hundred of people have expressed concern over the quality of the new street lights. Now, following a review, the lights will be turned up next month.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We’ve been closely monitoring lighting levels in streets where we’ve had a number of complaints about the new LED lights not being bright enough. I held a meeting with the Vice Convener and officers to decide on a course of action and I’m pleased to confirm that after monitoring the situation and taking complaints into account, we’ll be upping the brightness in streets where this appears most needed. This adjustment work will start in April once all the new lighting in this first phase of the rollout has been installed.

“LED street lights are much better for the environment and as they are longer-lasting than sodium street lights and with energy costs predicted to double over the next decade, they could potentially save the city millions of pounds in energy costs. While they are also recommended by police as being safer and better than the old kind of street lights, clearly the brightness has to be set at a level which reassures residents that they can feel safe at night in their street.

“In response to the feedback from the first phase, the rest of the lights due to be installed in various parts of Edinburgh before the end of March will be set at this same increased brightness level. Residents will also receive letters advising them about the new lighting and the reasons behind its installation. I’m aware that there was inadequate communication with residents whose streets were first to get the new street lights and I apologise for this on behalf of the Council.”

Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) training

MVP Training

Tuesday 24 March 10am-1pm

Pilton Community Health Project

You might have seen the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) programme in the news last week, when the Justice Secretary Michael Matheson visited Craigroyston Community High School to find out more about the training for High School students, which has a proven track of promoting a positive climate and reducing bullying and other violent behaviour in both schools and communities (writes Rachel Farrier).

The minister’s visit was featured on the NEN’s blog on 5 March (‘Craigroyston initiative tackles bullying and violence’)

We are really fortunate to have this highly-acclaimed training going on in our area, and there is a one-off session which has been adapted for adults happening on 24 March 10am-1pm here at Pilton Community Health Project which you can still book a place for – but space is limited so please let Rachel at PCHP know ASAP if you would like to come along, and do let her know if you might need childcare.

It is open to anyone from the local community, as well as those working professionally in the area.

The training uses a ‘bystander approach’ which helps individuals to work out practical and viable responses when they encounter harassment, abuse or violence – both aimed at themselves and others. You can read more about the programme in Scotland here (scroll down the page to find out about MVP).

Call Rachel on 551 671 or email lih@pchp.org.uk to book a place.

Edinburgh is world’s third safest city

We’ve had our share of problems recently, what with gun crime, armed robberies and acts of violence, but it seems we’re better off than most – Edinburgh has just come third in a survey of the world’s safest cities!

The survey was conducted on behalf of Post Office Travel Insurance, and while the sample size is relatively small Edinburgh sits proudly behind the top two – both of which are cities in England.

The winner has a wealth of history and quaint, narrow streets and closes – and it boasts the glorious mediaeval Minster. It is indeed a great place to visit, and it seems there’s another reason why tourists go there all year round – Britons reckon York (above) is the world’s safest city!

According to those surveyed, Britain is definitely best when it comes to safe travel destinations – Bath, Edinburgh and Brighton make up the top four safest places in the world. Edinburgh was rated by 69 per cent as ‘safe’ and only three per cent thought Edinburgh ‘risky’.

Travellers found Cairo, Bangkok, Istanbul and Marrakech the cities most risky to visit on a short break.

The survey by Post Office Travel Insurance of 2,075 UK adults showed that 72 per cent felt York was safe, compared to only one per cent considering it risky. By contrast, only seven per cent thought Cairo was safe – and more than half -56 per cent – felt it was dangerous to visit.

Britain’s most popular holiday destination is London, but the capital didn’t even make the top ten – 58 per cent see London safe while 16 per cent think it’s a risky place to visit.

Theft – in particular stolen wallets (24 per cent) – was the most common occurrence for those who had had problems in cities. More than a quarter of respondents (26 per cent) felt they had been ripped off on city visits, with this figure rising to 43 per cent among the 18-24 age group.

Of eight UK and Ireland destinations in the survey, the least-safe was Belfast with only 37 per cent deeming it safe.

While four home cities took the top honours in the poll, Venice, Vienna, Dublin, Florence, Stockholm and Copenhagen made up the rest of the world’s top ten safest cities.

Edinburgh city council’s community safety leader Councillor Cammy Day welcomed the findings. He said: “To be rated so highly for safety in not one but two national surveys is a fantastic accolade for the city, and I’m delighted that people feel secure when they holiday here.

“It’s not just visitors either – the most recent People’s Survey found that 91% of our residents feel safe here after dark. I’m really proud of these results and the good work carried out daily by the Council, Police Scotland and communities across the city.

“Tourism is vitally important to Edinburgh with millions of people coming here from around the world each year to enjoy the culture and attractions it has to offer. As well as being renowned as a festivals city, we can also now claim to be classed as one of the safest cities in the world.”

Police Chief: ‘Edinburgh is a safe city’

Chief Supt Mark Williams Responds to Recent Firearms Incidents in Edinburgh

Chief Supt Mark Williams, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh (pictured above) said: “Over the past few days, officers across Edinburgh have been involved in investigating a number of incidents in the city involving firearms.

“These crimes are isolated and are not linked. We’ve got dedicated teams pursuing positive lines of inquiry into those we believe are involved and let me be clear, we will do all we can to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Edinburgh is a safe city, violent crime is continuing to fall and incidents like these are thankfully rare.

“We would appeal to anyone who has information about these incidents to come forward and speak to us in complete confidence. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Jewellery robbery: Drylaw pair in custody

A man and a woman are being held in connection with an armed robbery at an Edinburgh jewellers yesterday. Police Scotland said a 27-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman have been detained.

An investigation was launched after a man robbed Laing the jewellers in Frederick Street at gunpoint and took watches to the value of £100,000. The robber subsequently hijacked a private hire car and was last seen in Pilton Drive North.

The couple were detained in North Edinburgh this afternoon following the search of a property in Easter Drylaw.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh attended an address in Easter Drylaw earlier today (Tuesday) as part of their investigation into an armed robbery and investigations are ongoing.”

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111.

Shots fired in West Pilton

Shots were fired at a house in West Pilton March in the early hours of this morning. The house in West Pilton March was targeted at around 1am but no one was injured in the attack.

Police Scotland have launched an investigation. A spokesman said: “Police in north Edinburgh are investigating a report of a firearm discharge at a house in West Pilton March.”

We will update this story as more information becomes available

New sign language video call service rolled out

New video call service removes barriers to participation.

The nationwide roll-out of a new online interpreting service will allow deaf people across Scotland to use sign language to contact public sector services.

The Scottish Government has announced today the extension of the current NHS 24 online British Sign Language (BSL) Video Relay Interpreting Service pilot to the rest of the public sector in Scotland.

The new Scottish Government-funded service, contactSCOTLAND, will mean deaf people can now speak to public services, such as their local council, doctor’s surgery and the Scottish Government, without the need for someone to call on their behalf. This project is unique in the UK and is the first nationally funded public sector Video Relay Service.

Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn, welcomed the new contactSCOTLAND service which is available from today. He said:

“There are estimated to be around 6,500 people living in Scotland who use sign language and these people deserve to have the same access to services as everyone else.

“By extending this programme to cover all public sector services in Scotland, we are removing the barriers that some deaf people face when trying to get in contact with their local services.

“For the majority of people who rely on sign language to communicate, they need to arrange to have someone to call on their behalf. This new project will mean deaf people can video call an interpreter at contactSCOTLAND directly who will then speak to the relevant public sector organisation and act as an intermediary for the deaf person.

“This is a fantastic project and gives British Sign Language users equal access to public sector services, allowing them to enjoy greater participation in daily and public life.”

Andrew McCafferty and his wife in are both profoundly deaf, The Greenock couple recently used the video relay service to call NHS 24 – receiving treatment that saved Andrew’s life.

He said: “My wife and l are profoundly deaf and use British Sign Language to communicate. It can be really difficult and frustrating to communicate with doctors, police officers and workman from the council that come to carry repairs in our home.

“Recently l took seriously ill and contacted NHS 24 through the online BSL interpreter service. The online interpreter assisted me throughout the call and later when l received treatment at the hospital, the doctors said the treatment saved my life.

“Being able to use contactSCOTLAND is amazing – it means my wife and l can understand what is being said, which makes us feel much more confident. This is a great service which Deaf people can use when they need it, no matter where they live in Scotland.”

Janis McDonald, Chief Officer, Scottish Council on Deafness (SCoD), said: “SCoD is proud to have been involved from the early days of the pilot work and sees many benefits to Deaf People wishing to access services that are readily available to hearing peers. It is terrific; accessible, discreet and confidential, designed with people in mind. Many have already received information and treatment because of it.

“We can see this type of access would have wider benefit – to help interaction with other public bodies and could be applied to many other situations of day to day life. It greatly reduces the inequality and access barriers Deaf, BSL Users face daily.

“We therefore welcome that the service is now being extended to all national and local public bodies ready to promote and support BSL and Deaf Users across Scotland and that Deaf users have access to public services like everyone else.”

The service is free and can be used to contact all public sector bodies in Scotland. It is not for emergency 999 calls. More information on how the BSL Video Relay Interpreting service works can be found on the contactSCOTLAND website www.contactscotland-bsl.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WygONuSkdA

John heads up service delivery

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has appointed John Miller as head of Service Delivery for the East of Scotland.

As the new Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) John (pictured) will oversee the Local Senior Officers (LSO’s) who work with individual Local Authorities and community partners to maintain dedicated local fire and rescue services across the area.

The three Service Delivery DACO posts – for East, North and West Scotland – were created in January to support the Director of Service Delivery for Scotland, Assistant Chief Officer Dave Boyle, in the delivery of fire and rescue services across the country.

John, who began his Fire Service career in 1992 said: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity and I look forward to working with colleagues in the East, including our fire board members, to help shape and deliver the best possible service to the communities in the East of Scotland.

“We work alongside various partners to ensure the best deployment of local frontline services and we have a commitment to build on the positive outcomes that have already been delivered through the antecedent fire and rescue services. In particular we will continue to focus on our prevention activities whilst ensuring an operational response where required.

“My role is to promote consistency and make sure we continue to deliver the excellent fire and rescue services that the public expect and deserve.”

John, who was the former LSO for North Lanarkshire, lives in Motherwell and has served 22 years in the service. He has had a number of national roles during his career including Road Safety with the Chief Fire Officer’s Association in Scotland (CFOAS) and a four year period in Fire Investigation where he helped draft the National Occupational Standards. He was also secretary of the Business Engagement Forum where he worked closely with key partners to help develop a national business plan.

John added: “I’ve been taken out my comfort zone and I’m looking forward to the challenges that come with this new role. I’m very fortunate in that I’m surrounded by a range of expertise across the east which I’m sure will be a great benefit to me. I’ll be out and about meeting staff and finding out what’s important to them during what is a huge period of change.”

John’s passion lies within Community Safety and with that he would like to remind everyone of FREE home fire safety visits.

“Our visits are designed to be a straightforward process for householders; the visits are easy to arrange and will be conducted at a time suitable for the individual.

“They only take around half an hour to complete and see local crews assess risks before providing advice to householders and families. The crews also fit smoke alarms where needed.

“Encourage those around you to get a free home fire safety visit. Call the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999 or text ‘FIRE’ to 80800. You can find out more by visiting

www.firescotland.gov.uk

or by contacting your local fire station.”

Shedding some light on community concerns

Inverleith councillor Lesley Hinds has asked officers to carry out an urgent appraisal of new street lights following complaints from local residents.

Councillor Hinds chairs the city council’s Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Commitee, which has responsibility for street lighting. She said last night: ““Following a very successful pilot project in 2012, the Council is replacing street lights across the city with new, more energy-efficient and more environmentally friendly lighting. In particular, this will result in brighter and clearer lighting throughout the night.

“A number of residents have been in touch regarding lighting in certain streets and, having now visited them myself, I have asked officers to carry out an appraisal and report back as soon as possible.”

Forth councillor Cammy Day – who is also the city’s community safety ‘champion’ – also discussed ‘some concerns’ with the lighting team yesterday.

Many North Edinburgh residents have expressed anger over the brightness and quality of new ‘eco-lights’ installed across the area over the last week. They believe the lighting makes the streets unsafe and could result in more crime and antisocial behaviour.

However the city council says the lighting project will achieve:

Reduced energy costs. Energy costs are expected to double in the next decade. The use of modern lighting equipment will greatly assist in reducing the impact of increasing energy costs.
Improved environmental performance. This new equipment is more energy efficient and lamps have a longer life span.
Provide continuous lighting throughout the night. A number of local authorities have been switching off lights for periods of time during the night to save energy. The City of Edinburgh Council is not currently considering this option.
Compliance with EU directives.
Brighter and clearer lighting. White lights improve colour recognition and improves images captured on CCTV at night. They also allow clothing colours and car registration numbers to be more easily identified.

The council also cites an October 2012 pilot project undertaken in the Gilmerton and Saughton Mains areas of the city: 271 lights were changed and the results from consultation with local households achieved around 90% satisfaction levels.