Leith – Page 16 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Woman dies in Leith tenement fire

A 50-year-old woman has died after a fire in a flat in Leith yesterday morning (17 March).

Firefighters were called to a fire in a top floor property on Albion Road just after 7.30am. Two firefighters in breathing apparatus and using a high-pressure hose reel entered the flat to tackle the blaze.

They discovered a woman inside. She was removed from the premises by crews and treated by ambulance personnel at the scene, but was pronounced dead a short time later.

The fire was extinguished shortly before 8am.

Eight fire appliances and a total of 26 firefighters were involved at the incident. They remained on scene for a number of hours ensuring hot spots were extinguished, cutting away damage and venting smoke from the property. A fire investigation into the cause of the blaze was also instigated.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said: “Although firefighters were on the scene very quickly the female occupant of the property was pronounced dead a short time after being rescued from the flat. Initial investigations suggest there were no working smoke alarms in the property and that the alarm was raised by a neighbour who smelled smoke in the common stair.

“It is always very tragic to record a fatality at the scene of a fire. Sadly smoke can overcome people in minutes. Although a full investigation into the circumstances of this incident is still ongoing we would like to take the opportunity to remind people to ensure that they have adequate smoke detection in their homes. A working smoke alarm can give vital early warning if fire does break out in your home.

“If you would like more information about fire safety or would like to arrange a free home fire safety visit and fitting of free smoke detectors as required you can contact us on 0800 169 0320.”

Climate no challenge to Leith initiative

An initiative to transform the former Dr Bell’s School into a community arts centre has been given the green light and awarded over a quarter of a million pounds Climate Challenge funding. Himalayan Centre Edinburgh will receive £255, 837 to support a community initiative to establish a low-carbon, sustainable centre for arts and culture in the disused B-listed building in Great Junction Street which closed as a swimming pool in June 2009.

Energy efficient measures will be installed as the building is renovated, while the second year of the project will see a Community Engagement Officer and five Climate Champions focusing on a community climate initiative, which will work with local people to reduce their daily carbon footprint.

The Leith initiative and a project to grow and sell produce in Ormiston are the first ever revenue-generating Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) projects.

The Ormiston Grows Green project has been awarded a £281,290 grant to help residents grow and sell their own vegetables, raise awareness of food waste and cut their carbon footprint.

By generating an income from their activity, it is hoped both projects will not only become self-sustaining – the Leith initiative includes plans for a café/restaurant – but can also reinvest in further low-carbon action.

Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse announced the latest round of CCF awards during the Scottish launch of Climate Week on Monday. In total 13 projects from the Scottish Borders, South Lanarkshire, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Highland, Perth & Kinross, Stirling and Fife will share £2.1 million funding.

Mr Wheelhouse said: “Climate change remains one of the most serious threats we face as a global community and we must all take action if we are to play our part in tackling the problem. Climate Week is the ideal platform to showcase the positive and practical efforts being made across Scotland to reduce emissions – and that’s exactly what our Climate Challenge Fund is doing.

“Today’s announcement marks new milestones for the CCF. For the first time we have projects that have the potential to become self-sustaining thanks to being able to generate an income from their activities. And we also welcome the 400th community to the CCF family which is a strong signal of the level of support and commitment from our local communities.

“We know that the Climate Challenge Fund has captured the imagination of people across Scotland. By widening the scope of the fund, we have empowered and inspired even more communities to develop exciting projects that cut their carbon footprint and embed significant changes into community life. This will bring wider social and economic benefits to improve the quality of lives in their communities.

“No single individual, group or even nation can solve the problem of climate change. But, by working together and with everyone playing their part, we can make a real and lasting difference to ensure a low-carbon, more sustainable Scotland becomes a reality. With over 436 events taking place across Scotland for Climate Week, there will be lots of opportunities for people to come together and share ideas on the best ways to tackle climate change, and I’d encourage everyone to get involved if they can.”

Leith MP focuses on food bank fears

Mark Lazarowicz, MP for North and Leith, visited a ‘pop-up’ food bank outside the Houses of Parliament this week, and earlier today he at the Kirkgate collecting signatures for a petition to highlight the issue of growing poverty and the increased reliance on food parcels across the UK.

Mr Lazarowicz said: “Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK are now forced to get support from food banks. Leith is the latest area where a food bank is being set up. I have enormous respect for the dedication of staff and volunteers who are helping through food banks to meet the growing need for food aid but that need is a clear sign of Government failure.

“The depressed state of the economy combined with cuts in welfare support have led many people, both in and out of work, to turn to food banks as a last resort. The growth of food banks is stark evidence of the failure of Government economic and employment policy. Food banks show just how much people in our community care for the most vulnerable but they shouldn’t have to be a substitute for Government action. That’s why I am supporting this petition, which calls for the government to ensure there is an accurate count of the number of people using food banks in Scotland and for Government action to ensure that no families in the UK go hungry.”

Before Christmas, the North and Leith MP took part in food collection drives at local supermarkets and he recently attended a meeting at South Leith Parish Church Halls to look at setting up a food bank in Leith.

Britain’s largest network of food banks, the Trussell Trust (which is involved in the proposal to set up a food bank in Leith), estimates that they will need to support in excess of 260,000 people over the next year.

Citadel performance inspires Leith kids to put on a show

Residents from Port of Leith’s Jameson Place sheltered housing complex and pupils from St Mary’s Primary school have been treated to a play presented by Citadel Arts Group. ‘Granny was a Rock Star’, written by Jim Brown, highlights the importance of recycling and community responsibility.

The cast of Andrea McKenzie (wee Donny), Iona Soper (her big sister Sandy) and Corinne Harris (Kath, the former rock star) raised laughter and tears in this heart-warming play.

St. Mary’s P5 pupils will now go on to explore some of the play’s themes. Working with Citadel Arts Group, the children will devise their own play and perform it for the Jameson Place residents after Easter.

Liz Hare Artistic Director at Citadel Arts Group, said: “The play looked at exploring green issues in a fun and informative way. The pupils liked the songs and thought it was a great way of getting across important issues. We’re very much looking forward to working with the pupils and helping them come up with their own play.”

Elaine Edwards, Scheme Co-ordinator at the Port of Leith Housing Association’s Jameson Place Sheltered Housing Complex, said: “It is a nice treat for the residents to have a fun-filled afternoon and there was a lot of laughter. The children are also so good, always polite and helpful. It means a lot to the tenants here.”

The project is funded by Foundation Scotland, Leith Benevolent and Age Scotland.

Funding for Leith community group

Leith-based community project Saheliya has been awarded almost £43,000 after Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) secured funds from the Scottish Government’s Community Fund.

Saheliya will receive £42,482.00 over the next two years to provide learning activities to improve language and communications skills to over 90 ethnic minority women living in the North Edinburgh area. A number of PoLHA’s tenants use the service.

Mary Hastie Business Development Co-ordinator at Saheliya, said: “This funding is vitally important and allows us to reach out to women and young girls who are disengaged and feel disempowered and give them a voice. This money will allow us to provide vulnerable women with the confidence and skills needed to access additional services to support and encourage integration within the wider community.”

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive at PoLHA, said: “We are committed to supporting communities and creating a sense of purpose and belonging for our tenants. Saheliya is a fantastic initiative and I am delighted we have been able to support them through access to the Scottish Government’s Community Fund.”

Wow! Lottery funding for local womens’ project

The Big Lottery Fund Scotland announced its latest package of funding worth over £5.5 million to eleven projects across Scotland today – and Leith-based Women onto Work (WoW) was one of the biggest winners, receiving a grant of £600,000.

Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn, said: “I am delighted to announce this latest round of grants from our Investing in Communities portfolio. JMT Care Services’ In Touch project supports young people as they leave care and Midlothian Sure Start is helping fathers, who have complex issues, develop a relationship with their children. Women onto Work will provide skills and experience for women across Edinburgh to take that first step back into employment and I am delighted that our money will help to expand this service further. All three projects are focusing on the heart of the community, trying to ensure a good start for our children and young people. They are doing extremely valuable work helping people in need and building stronger, more connected communities. These are excellent examples of the type of project we wish to fund and it is good to know that today’s grants will enhance the services they provide.”

Based at Norton Park, Women Onto Work receives a grant of £600k to provide help to women across the capital who need a bit of extra support to help them get back into the workplace. Each woman who enters the “Ready For Work” programme will receive tailored training and be able to access one to one coaching support which will help to signpost them to further education, training, job clubs or volunteering opportunities.

WoW Business Development Manager, Alex Lambert, said: “Women Onto Work has been supporting women who face barriers move towards employment since 1989. We help them to develop new skills so they have the best possible chance of finding sustainable employment. We are absolutely thrilled about this funding which means that we are going to be able to offer this platinum, personalised service to nearly 350 new clients over the next three years. These new clients will be women who live with a mental or emotional health problem and those who are struggling single parents. Women who are currently socially and financially marginalised and simply cannot get the help they need to progress through existing services.

“As well as scaling up our work to meet unmet demand in Edinburgh, the Big Lottery Fund award means we’re now going to be able to offer our service to women in the Lothians and Scottish Borders. We can’t wait to share this news with all of our partners and, most importantly, with the many women who are waiting for this service.”

Today’s funding is part of a package of eleven Big Lottery Fund Scotland, Investing in Community grants totalling £5,618,181. To see today’s other successful projects visit http://news.biglotteryfund.org.uk/newsroom-uk.

Cheers! Leith’s best bar none!

An initiative to promote best practices within pubs and clubs honoured no less than twenty-one Leith hostelries at an event held at the City Chambers last night. The Best Bar None Scheme has operated in Leith for the past two years, and last night’s awards were a showcase of best practice as well as a celebration of Leith’s top bars.

The awards are unique to the licensed trade and involve an accreditation process that sets minimum standards of operation for venues in consultation with the Scottish Business Crime Centre, while promoting the sharing of best practice to ensure high standards of safety.

It encourages the licensed trade to work in partnership with Lothian and Borders Police, the City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, in order to make their premises safer, and reduce alcohol-related crime and irresponsible drinking.

At the ceremony, which is sponsored by Diageo, Heneiken and Molson Coors, 21 premises were presented with Gold, Silver or Bronze awards for their participation and contribution to the scheme.

The Victoria Bar in Leith Walk has been named “Top Bar”, while the Leith Beer Company on The Shore has won the “Top Pub” award.

Both of these venues will now be nominated to go forward for the National Awards.

Councillor Eric Milligan, Convener of the Licensing Board, said: “The Best Bar None scheme has proved to be very popular and I’m delighted that it has proved to be such a success in Leith. It allows licensed premises to provide the best service possible and also reassures the public that they can enjoy a safe and happy night out and experience everything that the area has to offer.”

Lothian and Borders Police Licensing Inspector, Lynne Symington said: “When the public enjoy a night out within Leith they are entiled to do in a safe and secure surrounding. Managers have a responsibility to ensure to do all they can to deter criminal activity and that the terms of their licence are adhered to at all times. The Best Bar None scheme helps us recognise those premsies who work alongside police and other partner agencies to achieve best practice and help keep our communities safe when out socialising.”

The winning pubs and the award they received:

GOLD

Victoria 265 Leith Walk

Boda Bar 229 Leith Walk

Parlour 142 Duke Street

Bond No.9 84 Commercial Street

Sofi’s Bar 63-65 Henderson Street

Leith Beer Company 58 Shore

SILVER

Links Tavern 7 Restalrig Road

Carriers Quarters 42 Bernard Street

Granary 32-34 Shore

Cruz 14 Shore

Teuchter’s Landing 1c Dock Place

Malmaison 1 Tower Place

Foot of the Walk 7a Duke Street

King’s Wark 36 Shore

Malt & Hops 45 Shore

Marksman 13 Duke Street

BRONZE

Middleton’s 69 Easter Road

Four in Hand 218 Easter Road

Central Bar 7-9 Leith Walk

Tamson’s 280 Easter Road

Tam O’Shanter 39 Great Junction Street

Local BBs go commando!

BB’s from Leith were among a select detachment of Scottish members of The Boys’ Brigade (BB) who have just been put through their paces as guests of the Royal Marines (RM) at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon.

The twelve seniors and young leaders from Leith, Dundee, Falkirk, Glasgow (Shettleston), Houston and Strichen spent a gruelling week taking part in endurance tests, assault courses and a three-mile run as part of the RM ‘Look @ Life’ course.

BB member, Peter Burt said: “I thought the endurance course was the best bit – I have never been so cold in my life, but afterwards we were all so proud to have finished it. One day we were five minutes late for a session so we had to do loads of press ups and run up and down a hill – no one was ever late again!”

Major Neil Cooper of the Royal Marines said: “We were delighted to have the BB group from Scotland on the Look at Life Course; this is the first time we have ever hosted a group from the Boys’ Brigade and we were really impressed at how well all the guys got stuck in and got the most out of their time with the Marines. We are definitely keen to work more with the BB in the future.”

Bill Stevenson, Director, Scotland, The Boys’ Brigade said: “Many thanks to everyone at RM Lympstone who made this happen. The young people were definitely up for a challenge – and that’s exactly what they got. The Royal Marines are required to undergo one of the longest and most physically demanding training regimes in the world and to give our members a taste of that was fantastic. The course was designed to test not just physical ability, but mental strength and stamina. I think our BB members did well and should be really proud of themselves!”

Shipshape initiative targets litter in Leith

A community project to improve the appearance of Leith’s streets got underway today. Shipshape Leith is a three-week initiative organised by the City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police following consultation with local residents and businesses.

The initiative will see graffiti, stickers, posters and cable ties being removed from bins, lamp posts, street signs, bus stops, post boxes and telephone boxes. Streets being targeted are Leith Walk, Easter Road, Bonnington Road, Broughton Street, Duke Street, Newhaven Place to Salamander Street, North Junction Street, Great Junction Street and Constitution Street.

Local residents can play their part too – as part of the initiative a Volunteer Day has been organised for this Friday (16 November) in Constitution Street which will involve residents and representatives from the business community joining council staff and police in a clean up.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Environment Convener, said: “The community spirit on display in Leith shows what can be achieved when everyone comes together with a common goal. At the end of the day the winners from this initiative are going to be those people who live and work in the area. No one likes seeing their streets looking untidy so I am sure the work planned over the coming weeks will have a positive impact. It is something everyone can take immense satisfaction and pride from. One of our key partnership commitments of the Capital Coalition is to maintain and improve the quality of life in Edinburgh and Shipshape Leith is a fine example of this in action.”

Sergeant Gordon Duff, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “This initiative is a fantastic example of just some of the joint working that is being undertaken around the Kirkgate and Great Junction Street areas of Leith. Lothian and Borders Police is committed to identifying young people who are carrying out antisocial behaviour in the area, working with partners to address their behaviour and use solutions such as diversionary activities to ensure a long-term and sustainable change.”

Anyone wanting to take part in the Shipshape Leith Volunteer Day in Constitution Street should meet at the Kirkgate Victoria Monument at 9.30am on Friday 16 November.

People taking part in the three-week initiative include Council staff from various departments, the Leith Police Safer Neighbourhood Team and Community Payback offenders.

Trust Naomi – Job Ambassador!

The Prince’s Trust Scotland has appointed three young unemployed people from Edinburgh as Job Ambassadors in an effort to help other young people move into jobs and training. Naomi Johnstone, 26, from Leith, Heather Johnstone, 24, from Sighthill and Michelle Smith, 20, of Burdiehouse, join four other young people in the role.

The Trust’s Job Ambassador initiative will offer young people who have previously participated in Prince’s Trust programmes and who have been a Prince’s Trust Young Ambassador full-time employment for one year, allowing them to hone their skills and to reach out and support other young people.

The Job Ambassadors will be based within Prince’s Trust centres in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and North Lanarkshire, with a view to increasing their reach in the months ahead.

They will give inspirational talks based on their own experiences and provide one-to-one support and guidance, helping others to re-engage and prepare for work and training.

Naomi said: “Being a Job Ambassador means the world to me. It’s been so hard to get a job within the youth work sector and this is a brilliant opportunity. The Prince’s Trust is putting a lot of faith in us and I can’t wait to start getting out and meeting young people and helping them to start moving forward.”

Heather Gray, Director of The Prince’s Trust Scotland, said: “We know that long-term unemployment can be demoralising – crushing self-esteem and derailing ambition. The young people we are employing will have lived through this and will be able to draw on their own experiences to support other young people facing similar situations. Peer to peer support is hugely beneficial in inspiring young people to engage and achieve positive outcomes and our Job Ambassadors will offer crucial advice and guidance to help others find a job. This kind of investment in Scotland’s young people is vital if we are to ensure our young talent has the opportunity to achieve and sustain a positive future.”

Jim Sweeney, Chief Executive of YouthLink Scotland, added: “This is an excellent initiative to help tackle long-term youth unemployment in Scotland. I recently attended an event where I met some of the new Job Ambassadors, their personal stories are an inspiration to us all and they will be excellent role models for others to follow.”

A second group of Job Ambassadors will be recruited early next year as The Trust aims to introduce the initiative into new areas across Scotland.

Richard Cornish, Work Services Director for Jobcentre Plus in Scotland, said: “I welcome this initiative and we will continue to workin partnership with the Prince’s Trust to help tackle youth unemployment in Scotland. We know it’s a huge challenge, and that’s why Jobcentre Plus is committed to helping young peopledevelop the skills and experience they need to get a job through the £1 billion Youth Contract.”