North Lanarkshire News (North) August 2009

North Lanarkshire News
No.57 August 2009
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
Take a stroll on the boardwalk
New walkway completes missing
link round Broadwood Loch
John and Kathleen Gay from Condorrat enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk at Broadwood Loch. The new walkway is built from environmentally-friendly recycled
materials, links the existing paths round the loch and takes the route away from the busy Westfield Road.
For the first time locals and visitors to Broadwood
Loch near Cumbernauld can walk, run or cycle all
the way round it.
That’s thanks to a new 90-metre boardwalk that links
the existing parts of the path around the loch and
bypasses the old detour which meant joining the
busy nearby Westfield Road, some 200 metres away.
It was built by North Lanarkshire Council at a cost
of £90,000.
The “missing link” has taken some time to deliver,
as the council’s landscape architect on the project,
Terry Taylor, explained: “The project was originally
approved in 2007 but there were delays due to land
contractual issues and that was how we decided the
solution for the missing piece of the footpath was to
put it out on the water. And then we also had to go
through a consultation process with SEPA.”
In the end, it was decided the walkway should be
made of an environmentally-friendly recycled plastic
material rather than timber. It won’t leach chemicals
into the water, doesn’t require maintenance and
won’t become slippery when wet. Furthermore, it
won’t require to be treated with preservatives.
Martin Dickson, Local Regeneration Manager,
said: “The material used is 100% post-consumer
waste recycled plastic made up from plastic bottles,
supermarket carrier bags, food packaging and various
other items of plastic waste. Recycled plastic provides a
sustainable solution for most outdoor applications and
combines excellent slip resistance with durability and
no maintenance. And it has a lifespan of 40 years.”
Martin added: “The work was undertaken by North
Lanarkshire’s own environmental services staff.
They used over 900 bolts, 1,800 washers and 6,700
screws, all stainless steel. It took them over five weeks
to construct and I’m sure everyone will agree they did
a fantastic job.
“The boardwalk is an excellent addition to the
facilities at Broadwood Loch and I am sure that the
many visitors who come here will enjoy being able
to stroll around the loch. It is a beautiful location and
the boardwalk brings visitors closer to the loch and
the wildlife. I would like to thank everyone involved
in creating the boardwalk, particularly Westfield
Community Council and Cumbernauld Community
Forum, for their support throughout the project.”
John and Kathleen Gay from nearby Condorrat have
been using the loch for years. ”We’ll cycle or walk
around the loch at least once or twice a week,” said
Kathleen. “It’s a great spot to relax but the detour
along Westfield Road was unpleasant and dangerous,
especially for kids. The new boardwalk looks fantastic
and will make the loch more attractive to visitors.”
Going for glory
in Athens
turn to
page 3
page - North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009
Local Development Programme
Fun for all
Kids of all ages in Carbrain are enjoying their
summer holidays at a new play area.
An artistic
approach
Located in Carbrain Gully, the facilities include a
play area for toddlers, with swings, springs, and a
roundabout, as well as a multi-sport court which
can be used for football, basketball and other sports.
The need for play facilities in the neighbourhood
was highlighted as a priority by residents and
Carbrain Community Council as part of the council’s
consultation on the redevelopment of the Gully.
Alice Homer, Chair of Carbrain Community Council,
says the facilities have made a big difference to
the community: “There was very little in this area
for children and young people to do so we are
delighted that the council has listened to local
people’s requests for play facilities. The new play
area is excellent – it has something for everyone
and is a real asset for the community.”
The £200,000 project was funded through the
council’s Local Development Programme and Waste
Recycling Environmental Ltd. It is part of a £600,000
redevelopment of the Gully which has seen the area
cleared of overgrown planting, pathways improved
and landscaping created to make the area safer and
more pleasant for local people.
Art can be found in the most unexpected places
– and that is definitely the case in Cumbernauld
where three underpasses have been transformed.
Colzium offers a warm welcome
Visitors will now be welcomed to Colzium Lennox
Estate in Kilsyth with an entrance in keeping with
the historic estate.
The main feature is matched by a lower wall on the
opposite side of the entrance road, and lighting has
also been installed.
A striking new feature wall has been created by the
council through its Local Development Programme.
It combines a traditional stone wall with a smooth
rendered finish with the name of the estate and
small design panels highlighting some of the
features within the estate.
Colzium Lennox Estate is open throughout the
year and boasts a traditional Scottish ice-house and
attractive walled gardens. The museum within the
historic mansion house, which was once the seat of
the Edmonstone family, includes displays relating to
the heritage of the area.
The original idea to enhance the estate entrance
came from Kilsyth and the Village Community Forum.
The council produced a number of ideas and the final
design was chosen after consultation with the forum
and Kilsyth Community Council.
Catherine Martin, Chair of Kilsyth and the Village
Forum, said: “We are very pleased with the
new gateway – it really enhances the entrance
to this beautiful estate and gives a fitting welcome
to visitors.”
School pupils from local primary schools were
the inspiration for murals which now adorn
the underpasses in Greenfaulds, Abronhill and
Craigmarloch. Three artists worked with the
children to design the murals which reflect their
stories about living in Cumbernauld, their favourite
places and their own artwork.
Pupils and volunteers also joined the artists to
create the murals on site, making this a real
community effort.
At Greenfaulds, the mural shows colourful images of
the architecture of the town now and how it could
look in the future with some of the children’s 3-D
models as part of the design. Metal leaf materials
have been used at Abronhill to symbolise the sun
shining on the local community and its position
within Cumbernauld. While at Craigmarloch,
patterns in the environment form the basis of a
series of decorative panels.
Lighting in the underpasses has also been
upgraded and the pathways improved to make
the environment in and around the underpasses
safer and more attractive for residents.
North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009 - Page 3
A magnificent seven for
Team Lanarkshire!
The boys’ football team was one of seven medal winners at the Athens Games.
Team Lanarkshire has returned from the
International Children’s Games in Athens with an
impressive seven medals.
Out on the track, the girls’ 4 by 100m relay team
(Arlene Barr from Cambuslang; Emma Brown
and Rachel Whittle from East Kilbride and Mhairi
Hendry from Hamilton) took gold. Rachel also
competed in the 100m, in which she won silver,
and in the high jump, which gave her bronze.
The boys’ football team won the silver after a tense
penalty shoot-out against Pesnica of Slovenia, and
in the pool Callum Baxter from Airdrie gained
a bronze medal – and a lifetime best – with a
4 minute 17 second performance in the 400m
freestyle.
seconds in the 100m backstroke, and finished the
50m backstroke in 32.25 seconds.
The young people in Team Lanarkshire were
representing their home county at the Games
– but they were also the only Scottish team in the
competition. Some of the more than 1,500 young
athletes from around the world may return that
visit in 2011, when the International Children’s
Games arrive in Lanarkshire for the first time.
Log on to www.ICG-Lanarkshire2011.com to
find out more, and to keep supporting Team
Lanarkshire!
Lynn McArthur from Cumbernauld also won
two bronze medals in the swimming event. She
recorded a personal best time of 1 minute 8.74
I was very proud to unveil a special flag to mark
armed forces day. Lord Lieutenant Gilbert Cox and I
were joined by veterans at a ceremony recognising
the challenges faced by our service personnel all
over the world. Those serving often endure testing
and dangerous circumstances and raising the
ceremonial flag acknowledges their dedication and
professionalism.
Our traditional Kirkin’ of the Council was held this
year at New Wellwynd Parish Church, Airdrie. I would
like to thank Reverend Robbie Hamilton and his
congregation for welcoming us and for a wonderful
service.
Sunday 13 September is a date for your diary.
Cumbernauld’s third annual 10k race will be
held at Broadwood Stadium, offering family fun
for everyone.
The main race starts at 10am, with a host
of activities and events going on including
children’s 1k races.
Launching this year’s event, North Lanarkshire
Provost Tom Curley said: “Last year over 500
people lined up for the 10k race – not just
serious athletes but people of all ages and
fitness levels. As well as being a popular event
on the athletics calendar, the event is a great
opportunity for people running to get fit or who
have never entered a race before to have a go.”
The 10k is organised by North Lanarkshire
Council in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire,
Campsies Centre Cumbernauld Ltd and North
Lanarkshire Leisure with support from the
Cumbernauld News and Kilsyth Chronicle and
AG Barr. The event will raise money for Scottish
Spina Bifida Association.
To register for the race, call 01236 437756 or
log on to www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk.
Provost’s Plaudits
June has been a very busy month for civic events, and
the Depute Provost and I have had the pleasure of
meeting many local people who are contributing so
much to their local communities.
Provost Curley
launches this
year’s races
It was a great honour to be Chieftain of Shotts
Highland Games on 6 June, particularly in the
60th anniversary year. It was a spectacular day,
celebrating the best in traditional sports and
dancing, and I was very pleased to host a civic
reception marking the achievement of the Shotts
Highland Games Association in organising these
excellent games.
Making a splash
Scotland ’s biggest mass participation open
water swim takes place at Strathclyde Loch on
Saturday 29 August.
Organised by Great Scottish Swim, more than
2,200 swimmers are expected to take part in the
one mile event, which starts at 9am with waves
of 200 swimmers entering the water throughout
the morning and early afternoon.
The race will feature some of the world’s best
swimmers but is suitable for everyone aged 16
and over. To take part in the race, apply online
at www.greatswim.org. The entry fee is £30.
Provost Curley joined veterans to mark armed forces day.
Page 4 - North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009
Pupils get creative
for African school
A colourful message
for foster carers
You can put the colour back into the lives of some of
North Lanarkshire’s children by offering them a home
during a difficult period in their lives.
That’s the key message coming from the council’s
public appeal for people to come forward and offer
themselves as potential foster carers.
Foster carers help the council to look after children
and young people who cannot live with their own
families. In some cases parents may be ill, in prison,
or having relationship problems. In others, the
reasons may be more complicated. In many cases the
children will ultimately return to their own families.
Across the UK, over 51,000 children and young
people live with foster families on any one day. In
North Lanarkshire alone there are well over 100
children currently living with foster families.
Kay, a local resident who has been a carer for many
years now, describes what fostering has meant to her:
“Although you give a lot as a foster carer, you get a
lot back. It is very satisfying to know that you have
helped someone. In my case, the four brothers and
sisters that I care for were previously living with
different carers so it was great to be able to bring
them back together. I have two children of my own
so it’s busy but everyone gets on well and we are all
one big family now.”
For more information call 0800 073 1566 or visit
www.whyyou.co.uk.
Pupils from St Mary’s Primary School show off their handy work for Lomola Primary School in Malawi.
Pupils from schools in Coatbridge and Airdrie are
supporting the council’s trailblazing Rich Tasks
Initiative by creating teaching and learning
resources for a school in Malawi.
The pupils are providing educational resources for
the 2,000 children at Lomola Primary School,
which includes over 400 orphans. The resources
include science and music worksheets, language
games, number charts and practical items such as
wooden stools, t-shirts and wall hangings.
Head Teacher of Lomola Primary School, Dometilla
Nhyamali, who visited St Mary’s Primary School,
said: “Sharing of curriculum resources concerning
the global impact of issues such as climate change
and poverty are assisting us to create an
understanding of our shared humanity.”
Music pupils focused on Scottish culture looking at
traditional Scottish dances, music and instruments
and creating information and lesson sheets to send
to the pupils in Malawi. The science groups focused
on the topic of growing plants which can be so
important to families in Malawi.
Charles Fawcett, Healthy Lifestyle Project Manager,
said: “It can be difficult for the schools in Malawi to
provide a full education for their school children.
The assistance from our North Lanarkshire pupils
goes along way to helping their educational
development.”
Carers’ strategy
published
This strategy shows what has been achieved and
what is planned for the next three years to improve
the lives of people in North Lanarkshire who provide
care.
North Lanarkshire Council in partnership with carers,
local carer organisations and NHS Lanarkshire has
just published a new Strategy for Carers in North
Lanarkshire.
Councillor Barry McCulloch, Chair of North
Lanarkshire Health and Care Partnership in launching
the Strategy said: “Partnership is the key to our
success in helping to support the many carers in
North Lanarkshire. I hope that by working in
partnership with carers we are providing them with
the information, support and training they need to
help them in their caring role.”
Carers provide vital support and care to relatives,
partners or friends, without payment, so that they
can live independent lives in our community. It is
estimated that there are at least 33,000 carers living
in North Lanarkshire, many of whom carry on their
caring work without acknowledgement. Carers need
to be recognised and provided with information and
support to assist them to continue caring.
Copies of the Strategy are available from your local
library, First Stop Shop, social work office and local
carer organisations. Alternatively, you can call 01698
332265 or download a copy from
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk.
You can put the colour
back into a child’s life.
Right now in North Lanarkshire, there are children who
need a foster home – a safe and loving family environment,
sometimes for a short period and sometimes longer. If you’re
patient, understanding and can offer love and support to a
child who really needs it, contact us now.
0800 073 1566
www.whyyou.co.uk
Become a foster carer and
give a child a brighter future.
North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009 - Page 5
Forest school puts down roots
Down in the woods near Cumbernauld, something
is stirring.
Twenty-five children from primary five at Abronhill
Primary are North Lanarkshire Council’s first-ever
officially designated “forest school”.
This means that whatever the weather, classes are
held every Tuesday beneath the trees at Palacerigg
Country Park. The children walk there in the
morning from Abronhill and spend all day learning
in the woods.
Although school’s now out for summer, the
children’s last term brought them a lasting legacy:
they learned to build shelters, respect fire, and,
according to the forest school ethos, important
lessons such as self-confidence, working as a team,
problem solving, independence and empathy for
others.
Countryside ranger Susan Craig helped teacher Dot
McIntosh and classroom assistant Margaret McCall
teach under the tree canopy. Susan, who has been
trained in running forest schools, said: “Even if it is
an activity like how to build a shelter, there are so
many different elements that the children learn. It
can be mathematics because they have to measure
wood, working together as a team, awareness of the
environment, and taking responsibility.”
Pupils from Abronhill Primary School receive their lessons at North Lanarkshire’s first forest school.
Colleague Mark Palmer, who also helped with the
classes, said: “We are trying to give the children the
kind of opportunities modern children don’t always
get. We teach them how to use a knife safely, because
it’s a tool they must use during class. We teach them
how to use fire but to respect it.
“They are outside all the time, so they even go to the
toilet in the forest.”
Parents were invited to a briefing at Abronhill Primary
before the forest school got under way. And after
some initial reservations from the children they’ve
become very enthusiastic about the concept.
A rare treat at Palacerigg
Under the protective watch of his mum Moria, one-week-old Eriskay Pony,
Arran, enjoys the sunshine at Palacerigg. Arran is the first pure-bred foal
born at the country park for more than twenty years.
The Eriskay pony is the last survivor of the native ponies of the Western
Isles of Scotland and is on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s critical list.
Paul Rigby, Senior Stockman at Palacerigg, said: “The arrival of Arran has
generated a great deal of excitement amongst staff. He is a very welcome
addition to the park and will be a star attraction for our visitors. Arran’s
mother Moria is a 100% pure Eriskay and being over twenty years old
herself makes the birth of her colt all the more remarkable.”
Palacerigg is the trust’s only accredited conservation centre in Scotland,
where visitors can see a number of endangered rare breeds including
North Ronaldsay and Boreray sheep, Shetland and white park cattle,
Bagot and Guernsey goats, and Tamworth pigs. For more information,
call the park on 01236 720047.
Class teacher Dot McIntosh said: “After their first
day in the woods, the pupils spent the rest of the
week talking excitedly about their next session.
They love the fact that they are learning outside.
Obviously the setting is very different to the
classroom environment and they are allowed to
learn skills they wouldn’t normally pick up inside.
“From our point of view, we can see the children
working cooperatively in groups that they might
not mix in within the classroom. They are the first
class to be involved in the forest school and
they’re all very proud of that.”
Page 6 - North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009
New houses programme gets started
Housing
allocation
update
Our new housing allocation policy was launched in
March. It aims to be fairer and support those people
with the greatest housing needs
People on our new housing waiting lists have been
sent a letter telling them:
• which waiting list group they have been placed in;
An artist’s impression of the new development at Holytown.
• what size of house they qualify for; and
• how many points they have been awarded.
Work has started on our ambitious £31 million
new house building programme. A ceremonial
turf cutting event took place at Holytown in June
where 20 new homes are being built.
rent across North Lanarkshire. The need for high
quality affordable rented housing is greater than
ever; we are committed to meeting the needs of our
communities.”
This development will see two sites developed by
Lovell. There will be 10 homes built for the elderly,
made up of six terraced and four cottage style
flats;10 three-bedroom family homes will also be
constructed.
Alan Taylor, regional director for Lovell, added: “We
are pleased to be working with the council to deliver
high quality homes here.”
Work on both sites is expected to be completed by
April 2010.
Our programme will see more than 220 new homes
for rent built across North Lanarkshire. All are
being constructed to meet the highest design and
environmental standards.
Councillor Barry McCulloch, Convener of Housing
and Social Work Services, said: “This marks the
start of our programme to deliver new homes for
The Scottish Government has committed nearly
£2 million to date to support our house building
programme.
They have also been asked to arrange to meet local
housing staff to discuss their prospects for housing in
the areas they have chosen.
At this meeting, to maximise their chances of getting
a new home, they will be given advice on other
housing options which are available to them.
People who did not return their application forms
have been sent a letter by recorded delivery.
This letter explains that they are no longer on our
waiting list or any of our partner landlords’ waiting
lists.
For more information, and to ask for an application
form, contact your local First Stop Shop.
Dundyvan Gardens complex benefits from £200k investment
Dundyvan Gardens sheltered housing complex
in Coatbridge has benefited from a major recent
refurbishment project. A £200,000 programme of
works carried out by North Lanarkshire Council has
now been completed and it has greatly improved the
internal and external decoration of the buildings.
Councillor Barry McCulloch, Convener of Housing
and Social Work Services, said: “The council is
committed to developing high-amenity housing for
residents, and I am sure the tenants at Dundyvan
Gardens will benefit hugely from the refurbishment.”
Over a 12-week period of external works the complex
was re-roofed and the roughcasting has been
replaced giving the building a fresh and modern look.
In addition a large amount of interior decoration has
given residents a complex they can all enjoy living in.
Nancy McGuiness, a resident at the complex, said:
“When I see the complex from the bus, I feel proud
to live here.”
Dundyvan Gardens residents are delighted with the refurbishment of their housing complex.
Dundyvan Gardens residents are happy with the improvements to their sheltered housing complex.
Warden at the complex, Teresa Irvine added: “The
building has been completely transformed and is
looking great. I’ve seen a real difference in how the
residents view the complex and they are delighted
with the results of the work.”
North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009 - Page 7
Step inside our
housing service
More than 3,500 new tenants make North Lanarkshire their home each year. All
of them will, in some way, come into contact with their housing service.
Whether it’s meeting with housing staff or having home improvements carried
out, the range of services Scotland’s largest local authority landlord, North
Lanarkshire Council, provides are at the heart of making your house a home.
This feature takes a look at the changes being made in the housing service and
the benefits these will bring tenants and residents. It showcases some of the
properties available for rent in our area and highlights improvements to our local
communities.
Moving with the times
With a housing stock of around 37,750 properties
and an overall budget of approximately £120m
the council’s housing service delivers a number
of improvements and services for tenants and
residents.
Housing services is being restructured, as part of
the council’s Service and People First programme,
to put people at the heart of service delivery and
in response to new and changing legislation.
Our tenants and residents are the focus for
everything we do, explained Councillor Barry
McCulloch, Convener of Housing and Social Work
Services, “and the service’s restructure ensures
we’re equipped to deliver first class services while
meeting the expectations of our tenants and
residents.
“Whether it’s providing support services,
delivering fitted kitchens and bathrooms, tackling
antisocial behaviour, meeting with our tenants
and residents or responding to repair requests,
we must adapt to meet the challenges ahead.”
Some of the key improvements taking place are
customer focussed while others are in response to
new or changing legislation.
We have listened to our customers’ views and our
changes reflect this.
In terms of shaping our services to meet
the needs of legislation one example is the
introduction of The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.
This is set to have a significant implication for the
way that the council supports owners to maintain
their properties.
The housing service aims to put people first and turn houses
into homes.
“I believe that our restructure offers more
flexibility to address changes in service demands
and sees a more focused approach to delivery,”
explained Mary Castles, Executive Director of
Housing and Social Work Services
“This housing service is one of the top performers
in Scotland and I’m confident these changes will
build on the real progress we’ve already made.”
If you would like to become a tenant in North
Lanarkshire, turn over and have a look at some
of the properties currently available for rent.
Page 8 - North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009
Helping you find
an affordable home
For
Ren
t
one
b
bed edroom
roo
m fa flats to
mlity
th
hom ree
es
Available with selected properties: Double glazing • Decoration allowance • Cent
New kitchens and bathrooms • Communal gardens/garden areas • Caretaking
Airdrie/Coatbridge
Holehills in Airdrie offers both flats and family homes.
A mix of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom terraced properties with
gas central heating, new fitted kitchens and new
fitted bathrooms are available in Craigneuk.
In Coatbridge, properties are available to let in
Shawhead, Kirkwood, Kirkshaws and Cliftonville.
Again most are close to good local amenities
including new schools and leisure facilities such as the
Time Capsule and Summerlee Heritage Park.
Both areas provide excellent links to the M8 and a
range of transport services including trains and buses.
Local amenities nearby include shops, schools and
health centres.
Bellshill/Motherwell
Properties available in Motherwell include Carfin and
New Forgewood.
In Bellshill two bedroom properties are available close
to the town centre.
Wishaw
Craigneuk, Newmains, Cleland, Pather, Coltness,
Main Street, Gowkthrapple and Springhill in Wishaw
have selected properties available. These are located
centrally all are close to amenities and have excellent
transport links.
There is also availability at Sunart Street Sheltered
Housing Complex. This complex is close to local
shops, community centre, church and sports centre
and there are good public transport links nearby.
There’s a conservatory and communal garden area
which are both maintained by the council. As this is a
sheltered housing complex there is a warden on site
and several social activities are held within the
complex.
Shotts
Properties also available in a number of outlying
villages. In Shotts there are a range of properties with
gas central heating and double glazing.
Some properties also include a garden to the rear or
side of this. Shotts is close to nearby motorway links
to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Livingstone.
Want to find out more call the property hotline on
01698 302921 or email
yourhome@northlan.gov.uk
Tenants bu
communit
All new tenants receive our tenant information
pack, crammed with information about the
services that help make your house a home.
The pack outlines how to contact your local office,
details refuse collection arrangements, gives advice
on being a good neighbour, details of the tenant
agreement and how to report a repair.
It’s just one small way we help our tenants settle
in.
In addition, our local First Stop Shops are located
in all town centre areas and are easily accessible
should you want to speak to a member of staff
face to face.
North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009 - Page 9
A number of properties are available for immediate let
across North Lanarkshire.
The availability ranges from area to area with
properties from one bedroom flats to three bedroom
family homes on offer.
Rent levels in North Lanarkshire are affordable. The
currently average weekly rent in the area is £48.88
(over 52 weeks) and is the 13th lowest in Scotland
and around 3% below the national average of
£50.51.
This investment will improve the lives of our tenants
and will help deliver new heating systems; new upvc
double glazing, new roofing, roughcasting, rewiring,
new kitchens and bathrooms.
the range of information available on housing
services; 85% were satisfied or very satisfied with the
accessibility and responsiveness of the First Stop
Shops/housing offices.
As well as low rents, multi-million pound investment
is being made in our homes.
Our tenants are also happy with the services
they receive.
Already we’ve brought forward a further £10m
to improve our properties bringing the overall budget
to £58.1m.
Our last survey told us that 84% of tenants are very
satisfied or satisfied with the council as its landlord.
89% of tenants were satisfied or very satisfied with
And if you decide that North Lanarkshire is the place
for you, then we’ll work with you to help you move in
to your property, settle in and retain your tenancy.
tral heating system • Carpets • Tenant information packs • CCTV security systems •
services • Close cleaning services • Parking facilities • Close to local amenities
uilding on Ringing the changes
ty spirit
Some of the key improvements taking place are customer focussed while others are in response to new or
changing legislation. We have listened to our customers’ views and our changes reflect this:
If you need additional support to improve your
quality of life our social work services can help.
They can assess your needs and if required can
provide home care, community alarms or other
support services.
So there’s always advice and assistance available
should you need it.
• A number of housing services are being relocated
to the area office, forming a single point of
contact. Antisocial behaviour investigators and
tenancy support will now be managed locally,
benefiting our tenants and residents. Area
managers are now responsible for the delivery of a
range of services – prevention of homelessness,
housing options/advice, support to help tenants
retain their homes, estate management and
community safety – at a local level.
• We’re strengthening the arrangements in place to
deliver the repairs service through the Customer
Contact Centre. A specialist section is being
established to proactively manage all planned and
responsive repairs, as well as the repair and
maintenance of all gas appliances.
• We’ll be introducing appointments for repair preinspections. This isn’t carried out at present. This
will help reduce the no access difficulties which are
frustrating for tenants and time wasting for staff.
• Changes to the management of the repairs service
are also planned. The repairs service has a budget
of around £30m every year and carries out around
200,000 repairs.
Page 10 - North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009
Community life
North Lanarkshire is a great place to live. It’s got something for everyone and is
a popular choice for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
In particular we’re working hard to encourage local communities to build on the
excellent community spirit felt across the area.
And in North Lanarkshire, local communities like to play their part by telling us
what they think, what their priorities are and how we can make a positive
difference to their lives.
Community engagement
At the heart of successful communities is community
involvement. We recognise that local people have a
wealth of experience, skills and knowledge and we
want to build on this to bring about positive change
for people and communities.
Community planning involves partners working
together with the community to plan and develop
services to meet local needs and bring about
improvements to the area.
A ‘stairhead meeting’ in Gowkthrapple.
Our vision for North Lanarkshire, outlined in the
Community Plan 2008-12, can only be achieved
without the active involvement of residents,
communities, voluntary groups and organisations.
There are many ways to get involved. Across North
Lanarkshire there are eight local community forums
that meet regularly.
People from each forum, work as part of the Local
Area Partnership to improve local services.
Contact details for each forum are shown on the
back page of this edition.
Committed to safer living and working
Creating safe and attractive communities doesn’t
happen overnight...It requires hard work, commitment
and partnership.
“We are committed to making our communities
safer places to live and work,” explained Chief
Superintendent Graham Cairns, Divisional
Commander of North Lanarkshire Police Division.
“I came to work in North Lanarkshire around a year
ago and I’m pleased with the partnership work
already taking place and the progress being made in
developing community safety.
“One of the key ways we are doing this is through
our Community Policing Model.
allowing us to match services to people – putting the
right people in the right places at the right time.”
Key elements of community safety performance
include:
•A highly visible, more accessible, locally known
and effective community policing service;
• Focused responses to public priorities; and
•Effective joint action between the police,
communities and partners.
“That is the level of commitment the public
deserve and we are determined to make our local
neighbourhoods safer and stronger,” added Graham.
Through a shared responsibility with our community
planning partners, it ensures a collective approach
Partnership working
Tenant participation
We encourage people to become involved in our
tenant participation commitments.
managed, the repairs service, waste management,
and roads services.”
Our tenants and residents play a key role in helping
shape services based on their priorities.
A support project can also help tenants groups get
started by providing training, advice and information.
We gather feedback in a number of ways, including
our annual tenants’ conference, tenants and residents
meetings, newsletters and surveys.
If you’d like to find out more about the North
Lanarkshire Federation and the Support Project, call
them on 01236 435844.
And we’re already responding to these priorities. For
example, our housing improvement programme
has installed over 2,200 new kitchens and 1,200
bathrooms.
Another example of partnership working to deliver
more effective community safety is through the
local community safety sub groups, comprising
key representatives from the council and partner
agencies such as the police, fire and rescue and
NHS Lanarkshire. Every four weeks meetings take
place in the six Local Area Partnership areas, and
are chaired by Local Regeneration Managers.
Resources are then brought together to tackle
priorities. For example, if one area is experiencing
a rise in antisocial behaviour then the group works
together to tackle issues to make communities safer
and improve the surrounding environment.
“The North Lanarkshire Federation has made a strong
impact on improving services,” explained Robert
Arthur Chair of North Lanarkshire Federation.
“We are an independent organisation run by
residents for residents.
“We helped to shape the new housing allocation
policy and organise conferences and events to discuss
a whole range of issues including how our estates are
Tasking and
co-ordinating
Play your part in building better communities.
Find out more by contacting the community police
officer at your local police station.
Robert Arthur, Chair North Lanarkshire
Federation
North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009 - Page 11
Opening doors to life
in Lanarkshire
What goes on in your local fire station? How do
libraries work behind the scenes? How is Irn-Bru
made? You’ll get your chance to find answers to all
these questions and more in September this year.
On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September a range
of buildings not normally accessible by the public
open their doors and invite you to come in and
look around.
Covering the whole county, the event gives you
the opportunity to explore a different side of life in
Lanarkshire, whether it’s a new mosque or an old
church; a modern-day heritage centre or an oldfashioned trip on a tram.
Many of the buildings will be offering special
activities and events suitable for the whole family,
including story telling, quizzes and craft activities;
tram rides and mine tours; musical recitals and
guided walks.
Don’t miss this chance to open some doors – visit
www.doorsopendays.org.uk or telephone 01236
618127 or 01698 453982 for more information
about events and activities in your area.
News in brief
Libraries reopen following
refurbishments
You’ll enjoy a much brighter, fresher, more
modern feel when you visit Viewpark,
Moodiesburn and Newarthill libraries,
which have recently reopened following
refurbishment.
Viewpark library’s £38,000 worth of
improvements increased IT capacity. Councillor
Jim McCabe, Leader of North Lanarkshire
Council cut the ribbon with help from pupils of
John Paul II Primary.
£165,000 was spent on Moodiesburn library,
which included a new ceiling and lighting.
Newarthill Library has been completely
redecorated and refurnished in a £50,000
improvement project.
This year sees the return of old favourites like
local fire stations and the recently-renovated
Airdie Observatory; as well as new partipants
like Summerlee
Heritage Centre,
Colziuim House and
the Irn-Bru factory
in Cumbernauld.
Building standards
You can keep up-to-date on building standards
issues thanks to a new email service.
The Keep in Touch service offers the public and
construction industry regular news and advice
on issues like building warrants, changes to
regulations, government initiatives and licensing
inspections. This new service was set up in
response to feedback from our customers.
To register for email updates, send your contact
details to bs@northlan.gov.uk or phone
01236 616424 for more details.
Housing retains Charter
Mark award
Housing Services have worked well with
partners to address customer feedback and
improve customer satisfaction. That was the
findings of Charter Mark inspectors following
their annual inspection.
Rising to new standards
Over 4,000 employees in Environmental Services
help you live and work in North Lanarkshire.
They design and look after roads, and the council
transport that runs on them. They clean schools,
provide school meals, deal with abandoned
vehicles, deal with your waste and protect you
from fraudsters. They grow the plants that brighten
up parks and verges and carry out inspections to
ensure the food you eat is safe. And that’s just for
starters.
Now, a large number of those employees that
make up Environmental Services have proved
they’ve reached new demanding standards by
becoming some of the first in Scotland to win
ISO9001: 2008 accreditation – meaning everyone
works towards improving our services for you.
Some have also received IS0 14001: 2004, an
international standard which shows we manage
our impact on the environment, including
reducing pollution.
Two Environmental Services teams (Business
Regulation and Environmental Health) also
achieved the British occupational health and
safety management standard, making them the
first local authority services in Scotland to achieve
certification to all three standards.
They also found that we were able to
demonstrate “high levels of customer
satisfaction with our service” and that “staff
were knowledgeable and well motivated.”
The Charter Mark assessor confirmed that
Housing Services continues to demonstrate
compliance with their standards.
For more information, contact Karen Haggerty,
Project Officer, 01236 757238.
Survey winners
Congratulations to Linda Tonner from
Cumbernauld and Hazel Kelly from Motherwell,
lucky winners of the North Lanarkshire News
reader survey. Linda and Hazel both received
three months’ membership to Access NL.
Thanks to all of our readers who completed
the survey.
Page 12 - North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009
Starting the day the
healthy way
Mum wishes she
could join in!
Deborah Roberts drops her five-year-old
daughter off at the Breakfast Club at Kilsyth
Primary School every morning, but admits she
sometimes wishes she could sit down and have
breakfast with Emma and her friends too.
“Sometimes I just want to get some toast and
juice and sit down with them!” she jokes.
“There’s a really good choice for just 20p.”
Deborah works in Edinburgh and is thankful that
the Breakfast Club allows her to get to work on
time.
“For me it’s a win-win,” she says. “I get to go off
to work and Emma gets a good breakfast and
has fun. It’s a weight off my mind to put her into
school in the morning and know that she’s safe.”
She adds: “The breakfast club has really helped
to bring my daughter out of her shell.”
Nutritionists say breakfast is the most important meal
of the day – and that is a lesson thousands of primary
school pupils around North Lanarkshire are taking on
board.
There’s no better time to develop healthy eating
habits than when you’re young and the council, in
partnership with NHS Lanarkshire, has been operating
a breakfast service in schools throughout the area for
the last ten years. There are now 75 within North
Lanarkshire, with around 1,800 pupils enjoying
breakfast in school before nine o’clock every day.
David Campbell, who co-ordinates the scheme, told
North Lanarkshire News: “Our breakfast service in
schools stands for a real commitment to our
children’s health. Some schools provide breakfast
alone while others offer Breakfast Clubs, which
involves interactive games and activities as well as
good healthy food.”
Anywhere between 20 and 40 pupils attend the
Breakfast Club at Kilsyth Primary School every
morning, and the head teacher there, Christine
Anderson, said: “I wouldn’t be without a Breakfast
Convener’s
Column
The Scrutiny Panel is
responsible for monitoring
the performance of the
council and looking for ways of improving
how we deliver local services.
The panel has an important role in meeting
the council’s commitment to continuous
improvement by highlighting where services
could be better and coming up with practical
solutions.
It also considers how services operate to ensure
they provide best value for council tax payers.
Club in the school now. We charge just 20p and that
gives the children a choice of healthy breakfast
cereals, toast, milk and fruit juice. We have two
supervisors and there are various activities once the
children have finished eating, whether it’s board
games, bingo or talent contests.
“She goes every day and mixes with kids of all
ages, not just the ones in her class. It’s very
sociable.”
“It’s very social. The kids get to chat with their friends
in an informal atmosphere, but we also feel it helps
with their concentration when they get into the
classroom, and it helps with time-keeping too,
because if you’re at the breakfast club for 8.20 you’re
not going to be late for school.”
She added: “It’s something parents appreciate
because for many of them it allows them to get to
work for nine o’clock in the knowledge that their
children are being given a nutritious breakfast.”
The majority of breakfast services operate between
8.15 and 8.50am. After that, says David, pupils tend
to be wide awake in the classroom: “Teachers find it
helps pupils to focus on their work once school starts.
The more the message about eating a healthy
breakfast gets out the better.”
We monitor closely how well the council is doing
through our statutory performance indicators,
reviews by external agencies and regular reports on
progress towards the goals set out in our Corporate
and Community Plans. Members of the Panel can
question any aspect of the council’s work and raise
any concerns about its performance.
Each year we agree a programme of work for
the Panel. We carry out an annual survey among
councillors to give them the opportunity to put
forward suggestions for areas of work that they would
like the Scrutiny Panel to review. This can be issues
that have been raised through their surgeries or in
feedback from local residents.
One of the areas we have been looking at recently
is the academic achievement of children who are
looked after by the council. In some cases children
Emma Roberts and her mum Deborah at the breakfast club.
who cannot live with their own families, either just
for a short time or permanently, don’t do as well at
school. We have been considering all the reasons
for this and have made improvements to the way
that these young people are supported through
a difficult time in their life. We will continue to
monitor how this work is impacting on their
academic studies.
By promoting continuous improvement, the
Scrutiny Panel has a key role to play in helping the
council put Service and People First.
Councillor Jim Brooks
Convener of the Scruitiny Panel
North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009 - Page 13
Putting football first
Showcasing North Lanarkshire’s football initiatives
North Lanarkshire has always been a hotbed of
football talent and has produced many of the most
remarkable men in Scottish football, from Sir Matt
Busby, Billy McNeil, Jimmy Johnstone, to more
current examples like Gary McAllister and Barry
Ferguson, both former Scotland captains.
Accordingly, North Lanarkshire Council takes its
football provision very seriously and continues to
invest heavily in creating opportunities for all areas
of the community to participate in our national
game.
The council prides itself on being innovative, and
under its Football Development Officers – Andy
Smith, Steven Hamiton and Willie McNab – several
new exciting football initiatives have been brought
on stream. These include a Goalkeeping Academy,
competitive Primary School football, a Disability
Football programme and Youth Club development
nights. North Lanarkshire Council has also just
invested £2.3m in creating four new state-of-theart all-weather, one in Airdrie, two in Cumbernauld
and one in Holytown.
Smith, a former professional footballer with Airdrie
and Dunfermline among others, said: “We now
have a whole range of programmes, ranging from
mini-kickers, which is aimed at 3-5 year-olds, right
through to working with 15-year-old footballers.
We have around 45 coaches working under us, so
it’s a huge commitment the council are making to
the local community through football.”
Andy and his fellow officers recently piloted a new
programme of competitive football for Primary 7
pupils. An organised structure at that level had
fallen away but will now be re-implemented
across the area.
Another scheme that has proven popular is the
Goalkeeping Academy on Thursday nights, with
goalkeepers from all over North Lanarkshire
invited along for specialist coaching under the
supervision of former Rangers goalkeeper Lindsay
Hamilton. And the council’s team of coaches –
who are all highly qualified – also make regular
visits to youth clubs in the area, giving players
and managers alike the benefits of their coaching
expertise.
“We’ve also started doing sessions in schools,
whether it’s before nine o’clock, at lunchtime, or
after school,” added Smith. “Schools realise it’s a
great way to encourage a healthy lifestyle, and
teachers say it actually makes pupils more
attentive in class.
“Players at all levels, whether it’s in school or at
club level, realise too that they have the
opportunity to get noticed and brought into the
council’s own development squads. We try to get
all the best players we can who aren’t already tied
up with pro-clubs and we give them a
programme that is every bit as good as a proyouth programme and gives them a real chance
to kick on from there.”
Braidhurst school of football
Braidhurst High School might seem from the outside
like any other comprehensive secondary school, but
in fact it is widely recognised as a model of good
practice in youth football.
The Motherwell school is one of just six SFA Schools
of Football throughout the country. With funding
from the Cashback scheme – money rediverted from
the proceeds of crime – its first intake of 21 talented
footballers from all over North Lanarkshire arrived
in August 2008.
Those youngsters, picked out by keen-eyed SFA
coaches, take normal lessons like
everyone else but are given an
hour a day of football
coaching. And as he geared up
to welcome 2009’s batch,
Head Teacher Derrick
Hannan said: “It’s a real
opportunity for these
youngsters, both
boys and girls, and
a real carrot for
them to reach a
higher level in the game. In Ian Ross, they have a fulltime SFA coach who is second to none.”
In June, the school became the first in North
Lanarkshire to receive the Scottish FA Quality Mark
Standard Award, one of only nine throughout the
country.
George Burley visited Braidhurst High.
Disability football
Football is our national game and North
Lanarkshire Council recognises that it should be
for everyone. As such, one of the priorities of the
council’s Football Development team has been
to develop a Disability Football programme.
June, indeed, saw the first Disability Festival of
Football in the area, which involved disabled
youngsters from 10 schools around North
Lanarkshire playing in a tournament at Wishaw
Sports Centre. Steven Hamilton, Football
Development Officer, hailed it as a great success,
and added: “Disability Football is something
we’re really pleased to be able to get up and
running. We’re hoping to take it on from here
and have coaches working with kids all through
the year.
“One of our coaches, Johnny Paterson, has
represented Scotland at the World Cup and
Great Britain at the Parlaympics and he’s a great
example to youngsters with disabilities. On the
whole, they’ve responded really well and really
love playing football.”
Page 14 - North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009
Contacting us
NORTHLINE
General enquiries
Punch the Crunch hotline
Environmental services
Kicking sectarianism into touch
01698 403200
01698 403150
01698 403110
BOOKINGS
01698 403120
(Bookings for community centres, parks and
the Civic Theatre box office)
Telephone payments
01698 403130
(Accepting payments for council tax and rent)
Antisocial behaviour helpline 01698 403222
Recruitment
01698 403190
(to apply for a job with the council)
FIRST STOP SHOPS
Airdrie
Coats House, Gartlea Road
Bellshill
26 Motherwell Road
Coatbridge
195 Main Street
Coatbridge
50 Woodside Street
Cumbernauld
2/4 Forth Walk, Town Centre
Harthill
22 Victoria Street
Kilsyth
9 Parkfoot Street
Moodiesburn
17 Blackwoods Crescent
Motherwell
69-71 Merry Street
Shotts
162-164 Station Road
Viewpark
135 Burnhead Street
Wishaw
236 Main Street
First Stop Shops are open 8.45am to 4.45pm,
Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.15pm
Friday. The cash offices within the First Stop
Shops are open Monday to Thursday 9am to
4.30pm and Friday 9am to 4pm. Moodiesburn
cash office closes between 1pm and 2pm.
Contact Northline for details.
NLC EMERGENCY OUT-OF-HOURS
Social work standby services 0800 121 4114
Repair reporting
0800 678 1166
(24 hour service)
Gas & solid fuel central heating faults
(24 hour service)
0845 606 1555
Antisocial Task Force
01236 638580
OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS
Support and Advice for Independent Living
(SAIL)
01698 338899
SAIL textphone
Benefits fraud hotline
Insurance fraud hotline
Crimestoppers
01698 338925
0800 953 0400
0800 328 9270
0800 555 111
You can find information on the council and its
services by logging on to the council’s website:
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk.
Get in touch!
North Lanarkshire News is your council
newspaper and we’d like to hear your views.
If you have any comments please call 01698
302582, email corporatecommunications@
northlan.gov.uk or write to:
Communications and Marketing,
North Lanarkshire Council,
Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1AB
Glasgow Warriors Captain and Scottish internationalist Alastair Kellock puts the players through their paces.
Rugby players from secondary schools in North
Lanarkshire took part in a community youth rugby
festival aimed at tackling sectarianism and
promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Scottish Internationalist Alastair Kellock was on
hand to support and encourage the players during
the event, which also provided the opportunity to
take part in SRU (Scottish Rugby Union)
apprenticeships.
The initiative involves partnerships with the local
rugby club Waysiders/Drumpellier RFC, the Healthy
Lifestyle Project is based at Coatbridge High School,
the Sense Over Sectarianism campaign and is
supported by North Lanarkshire Council.
A recipe for
success
A group of adults from Shotts who took part in a
healthy eating project have launched their own
recipe book.
‘3-2-1 Cook!’ was the culmination of a project run
by the council’s Community Learning and Development service to encourage adults to experiment
with food and appreciate the benefits of healthy
eating.
Alison Russell, Adult Literacy and Numeracy Development Worker, said: “The group was inspired by
the TV programme Ready Steady Cook. As well as
learning more about food, the project helped them
brush up on their communication and numeracy
skills.”
Rugby Development Officer Ali McCall said: “The
rugby festival brings pupils from denominational
and non-denominational schools that play together
in composite teams. This is a wonderful way of
fighting bigotry and discrimination and of
introducing young people to the game of rugby.”
The schools link up provides a structure for rugby
development via international youth tours and
hosting visiting teams. Partnership with the SRU
has led to seven pupils receiving SVQ sports
apprenticeships and provides a tremendous
incentive for the youngsters taking part to develop
their rugby skills.
The books have been gifted to Dykehead, Stane
and St Patrick’s primary schools to be sold as part
of the their enterprise initiatives to raise money for
schools’ funds.
If you or someone you know
would like to take
part in a similar
learning project
contact Alison
Russell or Kristin
Carroll on
01698 274343.
North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009 - page 15
partnership working
NHS Lanarkshire launches
bowel screening initiative
All 50 to 74 year olds in North Lanarkshire are being
invited to take part in a bowel screening programme
from August 2009.
It is simple and easy to complete and there is
even a pre-paid envelope for them to send the
kit back.”
NHS Lanarkshire will send a bowel screening
kit to their home for them to use and return to a
national screening centre in Dundee where it will
be tested.
The screening centre tests for traces of blood which
can be a sign of bowel cancer, although it can also be
caused by other things. Results are sent back within
seven working days.
The initiative aims to reduce deaths from bowel
cancer by early detection and treatment.
Most will get a negative result and be invited to take
part again in two year’s time, although you should
still look out for the symptoms of bowel cancer in
between screenings.
Every year across Lanarkshire around 340 new bowel
cancer cases are found resulting in 160 deaths.
NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health Dr
Jennifer Darnborough is overseeing the Lanarkshire
programme. She said: “All the evidence shows that
90 per cent of those who are identified as having
bowel cancer through screening are treated
successfully.
“People will be sent the kit to their home every two
years while they are aged between 50 and 74.
For more information on bowel screening visit
www.bowelscreening.scot.nhs.uk. To find out more
about bowel cancer visit www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk.
If you have a local group who would like an NHS
Lanarkshire representative to attend and explain more
on the screening programme, call 01698 245242.
You can also email:
eddie.docherty@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.
A fitting tribute to
mining disaster
NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health Dr Jennifer Darnborough
shows the bowel screening kit.
Wake up
Cumbernauld
What can you do to improve your health and wellbeing? Come
along to our Wake Up Cumbernauld event for advice and tips on
how to take control of your life and make some positive changes.
The two-day event is being held on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16
September in and around Cumbernauld College from 12.30pm to
7.30pm, with an event for school pupils also taking place
on the 15th.
A special event will be held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Auchengeich mining disaster.
On 20 September local people will join representatives from Auchengeich Miners, the
council, community groups, the Northern Corridor Community Forum, the First Minister and
Secretary of State for Scotland to remember the men who lost their lives in one of the UK’s
worst mining accidents.
During the event, a new memorial will be unveiled that commemorates both the tragic
accident in 1959 and an incident on 22 January 1931 in which five men were killed.
The names of all the miners who lost their lives in these incidents will be engraved on
circular stones set into the heart of the memorial. The Local Development Programme has
contributed £30,000 towards the new memorial.
The Miners Club is organising a week-long programme of events to mark the 50th
anniversary, including live music from local musicians, performances from a drama and
dance group and by pupils from Glenmanor and St Michael’s Primary Schools and a boxing
show. For more details, contact the Miners Club.
Danny Taylor, President of Auchengeich Miners, said: “We are very grateful for all the
support we have received from the local community for our plans for this special anniversary,
and I would like to thank everyone who has helped make this event happen.”
Organised jointly by the council, North Lanarkshire Leisure, NHS
Lanarkshire and Cumbernauld College with support from Strathclyde
Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and local community groups, the
event aims to get people thinking about taking steps to make their
lifestyle fun and healthy.
The event is free and there will be activities aimed at all ages. You
can have a health check, join in with live cookery demonstrations,
try out gym equipment, a climbing wall or five-a-side football, and
get practical help if you’re giving up smoking. There will also be
information and advice on a wide range of health, education and
employment issues.
“We can all make small changes to our lifestyle that will make a big
difference to our quality of life,” says Angela O’Brien, Locality Social
Work Manager. “This event offers everyone – regardless of age or
fitness – ideas for taking that first step or next step. There will be
hands-on sport and activities for youngsters, information on healthy
food ideas for busy parents, and advice for older people who want to
stay independent in their retirement.”
page 16 - North Lanarkshire News No.57, August 2009
NORTHERN CORRIDOR community forum
CUMBERNAULD COMMUNITY FORUM
Safety in the community
Taking action on idling
Lets put safety first – that was the message from more than 100 residents at the
Northern Corridor Community Forum’s community safety event in March.
Forum members took to the streets of Cumbernauld to raise awareness of vehicle
idling, one of the UK’s biggest environmental issues.
The event at the Pivot community centre provided lots of advice and information
about home safety, neighbourhood watch schemes, drugs information and
local services.
The forum joined the council’s vehicle idling patrols and the police as they
targeted motorists and bus drivers who leave their engines on while parked.
Forum Chair John Rose said: “The event was a great way to find out about the
local safety issues that really interest our communities. For instance, on the wailing
wall, a number of people stated that they wanted a better swing park and a safe
place for children to play with a football pitch. It was also raised that more adult
support for youth activities such as Guiding and youth clubs was required.
People also asked for greater access to
the computer suite in the Pivot.
“We’ll report these issues to the Local
Area Team for information and future
joint working opportunities.
“The evaluation we carried out about
the day showed that people had a
great time, especially the younger
people who enjoyed the actives
the climbing wall and Super Hero
Sumo Suits.”
Local children enjoy the community safety event.
Forum helps fund anniversary event
As part of the partnership approach to the Auchengeich mine disaster 50th
anniversary event in September, the forum has successfully secured funding of
£4,893 towards the event from the Coal Field Regeneration Trust.
Forum Chair John Rose said: “We’ll use this vital funding to help pay for the
memorial plaques and paving to the reconstructed memorial.”
Forum Chair Billy Lees said: “We all want a better atmosphere in North
Lanarkshire. Unfortunately, our vehicles are bigger polluters than industry with
75% of exhaust emissions produced by 25% of the vehicles on our roads. This
is damaging to the environment and, potentially, to the health of residents and
pedestrians. We’re delighted to be able to support the council and police.”
Tackling re-offending
Tony McNulty, Chief officer at Lanarkshire
Community Justice Authority, recently made
a presentation to the forum about the work of the
authority.
By working with local agencies like the police and
the prison service, the authority’s role is to protect
the public and manage offenders. Tony updated
the forum on three key issues: HMP Addiewell
now holds prisoners from the Lanarkshire area;
Routes out of Prison (RooP) is an organisation that
employs mainly ex-prisoners to reduce the chances
of an ex-prisoner re-offending; and police officers
in North Lanarkshire complete a risk assessment
form when called to a domestic abuse incident.
The forum’s next AGM takes place Tuesday 8 September at 6.30pm in the
Muirfield Community Centre. The evening will celebrate the achievements of
the forum and elect a committee for the coming year.
Regular forum meetings will take place at 7.30pm in Cumbernauld District Court
on the following dates: Tue 13 October; Tue 10 November and Tue 8 December.
KILSYTH & VILLAGES community forum
Putting mental health on the agenda
Welcoming our walkers
The forum held an open meeting on the topic of ‘Help for people with mental
health issues’, bringing together NHS and voluntary groups.
The forum is working with Friends of the Kelvin Valley Park to promote the
Walkers are Welcome (WAW) initiative, which took place on Saturday 20 June in
the Coachman Hotel. The talks and walks were led by Dennis Canavan President
of the Scottish Ramblers
Association.
A charge nurse form NHS Lanarkshire described the short-term patent-focussed
intervention facilities and long-term community outreach programmes. A
representative of the voluntary organisation Clubnet described their work to help
get people with mental health issues back into the community and back to work.
The WAW successfully won
the opportunity to host the
UK Walkers are Welcome
Conference next year, which
will attract walkers from more
than 50 towns and city’s
around the UK.
Having your say on the Local Plan
The forum held a public meeting to give local people a chance to hear a presentation
from the council’s planning department on the subject of the Local Plan.
This key document assesses the area’s development needs over the next five to ten
years and sets out policies and proposals to achieve them. Forum Chair Catherine
Martin said: “The meeting gave local people a great opportunity to have their say
on the plan, which is of vital importance to North Lanarkshire’s future.”
Get involved!
The forum would like to recruit
new members to represent all
the communities in the Northern
Corridor, particularly Auchenloch
and Gartcosh.
If you’d like to get involved in the
forum, please call 07530 069297
or write c/o the Pivot Centre,
Glenmanor Avenue, Moodiesburn,
G69 0DX. The next meeting will take
place on 18 August at 7pm in the
Pivot Community Centre.
Promoting the
Kelvin Valley
Working together with Friends of the Kelvin Valley Park, the
forum has an important role promoting the Kelvin Valley.
The forum obtained funding from NHS Lanarkshire for the new
Friends leaflet ‘Enjoying the Outdoors’ which details outdoor
activities, services and health benefits.
More that 1,000 copies have already been distributed and
copies are available from local sports centres and libraries.