Tag: Easter Road

Forty years old but no slowing down: happy birthday, PoLHA!

POLHA 40 Low Res-1

Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) marked its 40th anniversary with a celebration at Hibs’ Easter Road stadium last week. The event was attended by 150 guests including staff, tenants, partners and contractors. 

Established in 1975, the Association has invested over £200m creating over 2,700 good quality affordable homes in the Leith and North Edinburgh areas, and the Association has also assisted over 500 young people into further training and work since the launch of it’s TOiL project in 2005.

To mark this impressive milestone, a “This Is Your Life” style production entertained the guests. This featured old stills of Leith and PoLHA along with a short film highlighting the impact the Association makes on the lives of residents and the community.

On a night to remember there was also an audio featuring Douglas McKay, the very first Chair of the Association, and current Chair Margaret O’ Connor and her predecessor Jack Hunter also took part in live interviews.

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive, said: “As one of Edinburgh’s oldest local housing associations to have reached this milestone is a great achievement.

“Our beliefs are still very much what they were 40 years in that we are committed to building even more high quality affordable homes for people in Leith and North Edinburgh.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Working together we are better able to deliver our ambition which is to make places great for people to live in and to change lives for the better in future.”

Behave, police warn fans ahead of Easter Road clash

hibs

Police are reminding fans that a policing operation will be in place at today’s Hibernian v Rangers football match to identify anyone in possession of alcohol, fireworks or flares.

Over 15,000 spectators are expected at Easter Road for the game, which kicks off at 12.45pm. Anti-social drinking in the surrounding streets will not be tolerated and officers will be enforcing the Edinburgh by-law in this regard.

Police officers will also be assisting stewards in conducting searches outside the ground to prevent illegal or prohibited items being smuggled in, including explosive or combustible materials.

Fans from both sides are urged to ensure their behaviour during the match does not put themselves or others in danger.

Superintendent Liz McAinsh said: “This is a significant fixture and we want all supporters to enjoy the day. Police will be patrolling around the stadium with a focus on stopping anti-social street drinking and fans will be subject to searches as a condition of entry to the ground.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and while the behaviour of the vast majority of Hibs and Rangers fans is exemplary, the reckless conduct of a small minority could place others in danger.

“Anyone found to be in possession of these items, or any other objects that are not permitted within the stadium will be refused entry and may face further police action.”

Police seek witnesses to Easter Road assault

police (4)

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault on Easter Road on Thursday. The incident took place at around 11am near the Londis convenience store.

A 57-year-old man was walking his dog, when a male walked passed him before punching him to the face. During an ensuing violent struggle between the two men the victim was bitten on the cheek.

Eventually, the victim was assisted by the driver of a white minibus who drove him away from the area. Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiry to come forward.

The suspect is described as white, 25 to 30 years old and between 5 ft’ 5 and 5 ft’10 inches tall with short bright ginger hair. He was wearing a grey zip-up hooded top, with a Hibs crest on the left chest, black top underneath and dark trousers and trainers.

Constable Andrew McMath said: “This incident quickly escalated from a verbal altercation into quite a serious attack, which left the victim with a painful facial injury.

“I would urge anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in Easter Road on Thursday morning to contact police immediately. Similarly, if anyone can help us to identify and trace the man responsible for this assault, they should also get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police warning ahead of Sunday’s derby clash

EasterRdPolice in Edinburgh are reminding fans that a policing operation will be in place at this weekend’s derby match to identify anyone in possession of alcohol, fireworks or flares.

Over 14,000 spectators are expected at Easter Road Stadium tomorrow for the game, which kicks off at 12.15pm. Antisocial drinking in the surrounding streets will not be tolerated and officers will be enforcing the Edinburgh by-law in this regard.

In addition, police will be assisting stewards to carry out searches outside the ground to prevent illegal or prohibited items being smuggled in. A specially trained police dog will be deployed to detect explosive or combustible materials. Fans from both sides are urged to ensure their behaviour during the match does not put themselves or others in danger.

Superintendent Liz McAinsh said: “The atmosphere at the Edinburgh derby is always electric and we want all supporters to enjoy the day. Police will be patrolling around the stadium with a focus on stopping anti social street drinking and fans will be subject to searches as a condition of entry to the ground. A specialist search dog will be used to detect anyone in possession of fireworks or flares.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and while the behaviour of the vast majority of Hearts and Hibs fans is exemplary, the reckless conduct of a small minority could place everyone in danger.

“Anyone found to be in possession of these items, or any other objects that are not permitted within the stadium will be refused entry and may face further police action.”