(Wishaw) December 2010

www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
No.73 December 2010
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
Wishaw Local Area Partnership edition
Turn to page 5 for your local news
Shotts
Cleland
Harthill
Coltness
Wishaw
Newmains
A bright start for
Christmas in Wishaw
Real Radio’s Ewen Cameron and
Depute Provost Jim Robertson join
Santa and invited guests at Wishaw’s
Christmas lights switch-on.
Wishaw’s festive season got off to a
bright start with the official switch-on of
the town’s Christmas lights.
Guest of honour at the event outside
Wishaw library was Santa Claus himself,
who was joined on stage by Real Radio’s
Ewen Cameron, Depute Provost Jim
Robertson and players from Motherwell
Football Club.
The crowds had earlier been entertained
by tribute artist Miss Gaga and Dance
UK. Residents turned out in huge
numbers for the event, with the
youngsters enjoying Santa’s Christmas
present hand-out.
The event was organised by Town
Centre Activities (TCA), an independent
company set up by the council to deliver
services to our town centres. TCA’s Anne
Flood was delighted by the success
of the event. She said: “We planned a
packed show for the people of Wishaw
and they responded by turning out in
numbers, despite the cold weather. We
hope we’ve helped get their Christmas
off to a sparkling start.”
DESIGN A LIGHT – PAGE 5
Communities to benefit from
£250m schools investment
BY COLIN FRASER
Across North Lanarkshire, communities
are set to benefit from first-class new
educational and sporting facilities.
Work has started on ten projects in the
council’s £250-million Schools and Centres
21 programme, which will modernise
schools and community centres in the area.
Jim Logue, Convener of Learning and
Leisure Services, said: “The investments
we’re making will benefit pupils, parents
and teachers for generations to come.
“They will transform and regenerate the
areas where they are based and provide
communities with facilities which they can
be proud of.
“Our aim is to create sports and cultural
hubs at the heart of each community and
these significant developments will go a
long way to realising that goal.”
The ten projects include six secondary
schools, one of which is an Additional
Support Needs (ASN) school, seven primary
schools, two of which are ASN schools, one
nursery centre, two community centres and
one cultural centre.
In mid-November ceremonial turf cutting
ceremonies took place on the site of four
of the new schools. They took place at
Chryston, Airdrie and Coatbridge.
In Chryston, the community will benefit
from a new £22-million high school and
cultural centre.
As well as classrooms and offices,
the plans involve training rooms for
construction trades and hair and beauty
courses.
The leisure facilities include a fourcourt games hall, a fitness studio and five
changing rooms. And a full-size all-weather
pitch will also be built.
An artist’s impression of the new Coltness
High School. Work is well underway on
the £25.7m upgrade of the school.
There will be a recording studio in the
music department while the art and design
department will boast its own kiln room.
CONTINUED – PAGE 3
Council puts back
decision day on savings
The council has postponed its decisionmaking meetings on savings options.
A special meeting of the policy and
resources committee, followed by a meeting
of the full council, had been scheduled for
25 November. However, the meetings will
now take place on 9 December.
Council Leader Jim McCabe explained:
“We had originally intended to be in
a position to make these big decisions
on November 25. However, we always
recognised that time was tight between
the end of our public consultation and the
timetable needing to be in place for the
meeting to happen on that date.
“I have been hugely encouraged by the
public response to our consultation which
saw more than 2,000 respondents give
us more than 7,000 individual comments.
This shows that many local people are
passionate about the services we provide,
and it is vitally important that all councillors
are satisfied that they have been given
ample time to consider what are extremely
hard choices.”
2
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
Contacting us
Provost’s plaudits
online
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
NorthLine
General enquiries
01698 403200
Punch the Crunch hotline
01698 403150
Environmental services 01698 403110
(Reporting roads, paths, lighting faults,
abandoned vehicles, pest control problems,
cleansing enquiries, including special uplifts)
Antisocial behaviour helpline 01698 403222
Bookings
01698 403120
(Community centres, parks and Civic Theatre)
Telephone payments
01698 403130
(Accepting payments for council tax and rent)
RECRUITMENT
www.nothlanarkshire.gov.uk /jobs
First Stop Shops
Airdrie
10 Bank Street, Airdrie
Bellshill
26 Motherwell Road
Coatbridge
126-130 Main Street
Cumbernauld
2/4 Forth Walk
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 Mon to Thurs
8.45am to 4.45pm, and Fri 8.45am to
4.15pm. cash offices within First Stop Shops
are open Mon to Thurs 9am to 4.30pm and Fri
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
24-hour repair reporting 0800 678 1166
Gas & solid fuel central heating
faults (24-hour service)
0845 606 1555
Other useful numbers
Disability advice
Benefits fraud hotline
Insurance fraud hotline
Crimestoppers
01698 274418
0800 953 0400
0800 328 9270
0800 555 111
Provost Curley attends a Remembrance Sunday event at Coatbridge Cenotaph.
Remembrance Sunday is a poignant day
every year as we remember those who lost
their lives during times of conflict.
This year, I had the privilege of laying
memorial wreaths on behalf of the
people of North Lanarkshire at services in
Coatbridge, Airdrie and Chapelhall whilst
other events also took place across our
towns and villages.
Joining me at the services was the
new Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire,
Mushtaq Ahmad OBE. Mushtaq was
recently appointed by the Queen as her
representative in Lanarkshire succeeding my
long-time friend Gilbert Cox.
I would like to extend my congratulations
to Mushtaq on his appointment and having
known him for a number of years, I’m
certain he will be a dedicated ambassador
for Lanarkshire; I wish him every success
during his commission.
St Edward’s Parish Church in Airdrie is
this year celebrating its 50th anniversary.
I had the pleasure of welcoming some
of the congregation at a civic reception
to recognise the charitable work and
dedication which has made the parish so
respected in Airdrie.
The new-look Motherwell Theatre is now
hosting the pantomime Peter Pan and I was
pleased to be given a tour of the building
following the first phase of the £6 million
improvement works. The pantomime is
now in its 40th year and is again, proving
as popular as ever with both children and
adults.
As we approach the end of 2010, I would
like to wish everyone Happy Christmas and
best wishes for the New Year.
Councillor Tom Curley
North Lanarkshire Provost
Cooking up a new career
get in touch
North Lanarkshire News is produced
by Corporate Communications,
North Lanarkshire Council,
Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street,
Motherwell ML1 1AB.
If you’d like to comment on any
of the stories in this edition,
please write to The Editor at
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call 01698 302582 or email
corporatecommunications@
northlan.gov.uk.
Copies can also be provided in large
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and can be translated into other
community languages.
Pupils from Willowbank School in
Coatbridge have taken an important step
towards a career in the hospitality and
catering industry.
Five young people received a City &
Guilds Level 3 qualification in Hospitality
and Catering after successfully completing
10 months of practical tuition in the
Snapdragon Restaurant at Cardinal
Newman High School in Bellshill.
The S3 to S5 pupils worked closely with
Lanarkshire Catering School senior tutor
Chris Crosbie to learn more about working
in the catering industry. Rachel Smith,
Jordan Currie, Eve Robertson, Thomas
Blue and Declan Lochrie all received their
accreditations from the catering school’s
training manager Rita Kelly at an event at
the Snapdragon restaurant
Willowbank pupil Eve Robertson, 15,
said: “It was great learning how to work in
a kitchen and prepare all the different styles
and types of meals.
“I am really pleased about getting my
qualification.”
The pupils’ achievement is part of the
Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO)
initiative, which aims to help young people
prepare for the transition from school to
employment, training or further education.
The initiative also encourages young people
to develop the confidence and self-esteem
they need to achieve their potential and
play a valuable role in society.
Learning report makes
positive reading
A report analysing the performance
of our Learning and Leisure services has
found another positive year packed with
achievement.
Just a few of the successes in the Raising
Achievement For All (RAFA) performance
report 2009-2010 include:
• Increases in reading, writing and
mathematics levels.
• The highest percentage in six years of
S4 pupils gaining five or more Credit or
Intermediate 2 level awards (32%).
• Higher Grade achievements by pupils in
S4 and S5 were at a six-year high.
• Over 2,000 pupils took part in vocational
courses including automotive skills,
beauty care, childcare, hospitality and
horticulture.
• 198 achieved Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
• 100 young people gained Millennium
Volunteer Awards.
• The number of exclusion incidents
and days lost through exclusion has
significantly reduced over the last few
years.
Christine Pollock, Executive Director of
Learning and Leisure Services, said: “Our
aim is to provide young people and adults
with the skills they need for the 21st century
and offer experiences to last a lifetime.”
Park wins top award
Greenhead Moss Community Nature Park
has won the 2010 Scottish Natural Heritage
(SNH) Award for Biodiversity.
The award recognises the hard work of
all the volunteers, trainees and staff over the
past year. The park in Wishaw is a mosaic of
many different natural elements – ponds,
meadows, bogs, wood and wetland – all
requiring special maintenance.
Presenting the award, Sid Patten from
SNH said: “Greenhead Moss has exceeded
all the criteria including community
involvement, recycling and commitment to
increasing biodiversity in the local area.”
For more information, visit
www.greenheadmoss.org.uk.
•
Never lost for Words
Actor and writer Tony Roper had plenty
to say at his recent appearance at the
Words 2010 festival. The Rab C Nesbitt
star read from his book Revisiting IM
Jolly and shared anecdotes from his long
career in television and writing.
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
Looking forward to sharing a new era
BY COLIN FRASER
Trading Standards move
Outstanding award for
Housing Services
Headteachers Michelle McMullen and Angela McLean join pupils Carly Pearson, 11, Daniel Gallagher,
11, Lindsay Rideout, 10, and Ross Fraser, 11, to plan their move to the new shared campus.
‘It’s a great project to be involved in
and we’re hoping to meet with the
builders to discuss joint eco projects’
Our Housing Services scooped
an Outstanding Achievement
(Scotland) award at the annual
UK Housing Awards.
The Tasking and Coordinating project, launched in
2008, aimed to improve resident
satisfaction, improve residents’
perception of the safety of their
communities and ensure that
residents felt council services
reflected their views and wishes.
With the help of a national
intelligence model used
throughout the UK, the group,
which includes Strathclyde
Police, Fire and Rescue and NHS
Lanarkshire, targeted specific
crimes and possible perpetrators
to improve safety in the
community.
Social Work award
Lindsay said: “I have a younger
sister who is really looking forward
to the new school and enjoying
the great facilities.”
Carly, who also has a younger
sister at the school, added: “It’s
a great project to be involved in
and we’re hoping to meet with
the builders to discuss joint eco
projects.”
Shared campus
schools preserve the
individual identities
and independence of
each school and are
more cost-effective
than building two separate ones.
Situated on the corner of
Cairnhill Road and Bellsdyke Road,
the schools will share an audiovisual room, library, PE and dining
facilities. Each school will have its
own pupil entrances.
Alexandra originally opened
as Alexander's School in 1848,
CONTinued from PAGE 1
The Chryston Cultural Centre
will replace the local library and
Muirhead Community Hall. It will
have a separate entrance and be
open during the day and in the
evenings in the same way as the
existing facilities.
In Airdrie, an inspiring new
primary schools shared campus
on a new site at the corner of
Cairnhill Road and Bellsdyke
Road will become home to pupils
from Alexandra Primary and
Rochsolloch Primary schools.
The development also includes
a nursery and a 7-a-side allweather floodlit pitch which will
be available for community lets at
weekends and from 6pm to 9pm
on weekdays.
In Coatbridge, a stunning
new glass and steel mall-style
games hall and dining room is
NEWS IN BRIEF
The Motherwell Trading
Standards Office and Consumer
Advice Centre has moved
from Merry Street to the
Dalziel Building, 7 Scott Street,
Motherwell.
You can contact Consumer
Advice on 01698 274220 and
Trading Standards on
01698 274210.
Pupils and teachers have
big plans for their new
shared campus in Airdrie
They have a combined teaching
experience of over 50 years but for
head teachers Michelle McMullen
and Angela McLean the next few
years are set to be among the
most exciting in their careers.
For although it won’t open
until January 2012, the Alexandra
Primary and Rochsolloch Primary
heads are already busy planning
on their move to their schools’
new £11.6-million shared campus.
“As you can imagine we’re
all really excited about our new
shared campus,” said Michelle.
“The condition of both schools
has been deteriorating pretty
badly for a number of years.
“We’re extremely proud of all
our pupils’ achievements, but the
buildings are clearly no longer
suitable for the demands of the
modern curriculum.”
Angela added: “The two pupil
councils have planned their first
meeting and have some great
ideas on areas where they can
work together.
“For example, they discussed
the possibility of joint after-school
clubs and agreeing rules for the
playground.”
Carly Pearson, 11, of Alexandra
Primary and Lindsay Rideout, 10,
of Rochsolloch Primary are the
respective chairs or their school
councils.
And even though they will
have left primary by the time the
new campus is built, they are still
working hard to make sure the
move goes well for all the pupils
in years below them.
3
then at a later date became Airdrie
Academy before being renamed
as Alexandra. It was opened as a
primary in August 1971 and will
celebrate its 40th anniversary next
year.
Aston Villa footballer Barry
Bannan, who made his Scotland
debut in November, is among the
school’s former pupils.
Rochsolloch primary building
on Kippen Street dates from 1900
and the poor condition of the
building has been highlighted by
school inspectors.
An artist’s impression of the new
Greenhill and Drumpark ASN
campus.
a key design feature of the new
Greenhill Primary School and
Drumpark ASN Primary School
campus.
Pupils will enjoy eating
and playing in ultra-stylish
surroundings as part of the
exciting plans to convert the
former high school site.
A turf cutting also took place at
the new £44 million St Ambrose
and Drumpark Secondary ASN
and Townhead Community
Centre.
Its design and scale have been
sensitively considered in keeping
with the area.
Jim McCabe, Leader of the
Council, added: “In spite of the
tough economic conditions,
this council has maintained its
commitment to invest in new
school and community facilities
for the 21st century.”
Unlike the previous schoolbuilding programme, which was
paid for using a Public Private
Partnership funding arrangement,
all of the funding for Schools and
Centres 21 comes directly from
money the council has set aside
for these investments into the
school and community estate.
Congratulations to Social
Work Services for its recent
award from the Dementia
Services Development Centre at
the University of Stirling and La
Fondation Médéric Alzheimer.
The award was presented
to the team for its night-time
services to support people living
with dementia and their carers.
Home care staff carry out visits to
people with dementia at agreed
times during the night, giving
peace of mind to families and
carers.
The service is supported by
new technology like motion
sensors, which can alert staff
if someone attempts to open
their front door during the
night; and by additional services
like community alarms, which
connect people to home care
staff if they need additional
assistance or advice.
Theatre reopens
The first phase of improvements
to Motherwell Theatre have been
completed just in time for this
year’s performance of Peter Pan,
which runs from 22 November.
A total of £6 million is being
spent refurbishing the theatre
and concert hall complex; the
next stage of improvements will
start when the panto season
ends on Tuesday 4 January.
For details about this year’s
pantomime, call 01698 403120.
4
New technology
for deaf people
Deaf people in North
Lanarkshire are taking part in
a pilot project to test British
Sign Language (BSL) online
interpretation services using PCs
with webcams.
The council is working
in partnership with Deaf
Connections, Lanarkshire
Deaf Club and Lanarkshire
Deaf Forum to run the sixmonth project. The initiative
will provide up to 50 deaf
people with free access to
Deaf Connections’ new Sign
on Screen service, which
allows easy and convenient
access to online interpretation
services, helping deaf people
to communicate with hearing
people over the phone and
face-to-face without the need to
hire an interpreter.
Councillor Barry McCulloch,
Convener of Housing and Social
Work Services, said: “We have
been working closely with
deaf people to identify ways of
making it easier for them to use
our services. The use of online
interpreting services in two of
our First Stop Shops has been
very successful and we are
planning to roll this out to other
shops.
“We are pleased to be leading
this new pilot project to see
how new technology can be
utilised to give deaf people more
freedom to communicate when
and where they want to.”
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
Flying the green flag
Parents, teachers,
pupils and guests
join Councillor
Jim Logue to
unfurl the Eco
Flag at Mavisbank
Primary School.
Mavisbank Primary School rises to the Eco challenge
BY ANDREW CRANEY
Mavisbank school is now proudly
flying its new Green Eco flag,
which recognises pupils’ efforts
to become more environmentally
friendly.
The Airdrie school for
youngsters with additional
support needs achieved the top
level of award in the Eco School
scheme.
The international initiative
rewards schools that commit to
improving their environmental
performance.
Pupils and staff were joined
in celebrating their success by
parents, local elected members
and Karen Whitefield MSP.
To gain this accolade, pupils
collected mobile phones and ink
cartridges for Recycool, spectacles
for World Vision, old clothes for
Ragbags and drinks containers
for Thinkcans. The school has also
created its own sensory garden
with potatoes, apples and onions.
Teacher Eileen McDonnell
said: “Pupils at our school follow
a sensory curriculum with a
focus on communication and
interaction.
“The eco project was a great
means of achieving these aims,
whilst helping the environment
and having lots of fun too.”
Pupils at the school have also
been learning about Fairtrade
goods and raising money for
charities including St Andrew’s
Hospice, Marie Curie, Pots of Care
and Christmas shoeboxes.
Councillor Jim Logue, Convener
of Learning and Leisure Services,
had the honour of raising the
flag outside the school. He said:
“Learning about sustaining the
environment and putting their
ideas into practice is something
the school can feel very proud
about. The pupils and teachers
have been very innovative in
their pursuit of this award and
achieving Green Flag status is
testament to all their hard work.”
Protecting the farmer’s friend
BY MARK BARBIERI
them to allow us to place boxes
on their land, which provide the
nesting and roosting sites that are
Barn owls were once common
crucial to their survival.
throughout the UK but numbers
“The birds are known as the
have dropped dramatically in
‘farmer’s friend’ as they help to
recent years.
control populations of mice, and
Now, in an ambitious project
we’ve had a positive response
led by the council’s countryside
from farmers who recognise the
rangers, the predatory bird,
benefits they bring.”
instantly recognisable by its heartSo far this
shaped face, is set to receive a
year, Jackie
boost in North Lanarkshire.
and his team,
Ranger Jackie Gilliland
supported by
explains: “Barn Owls
funding from
have suffered from the
The Central
modernisation of
Scotland
farming practices,
Forestry
which have led to a
Trust, have
significant loss in their
placed
natural habitat.
18 boxes
“We’ve been
Countryside
throughout North
working with local
ranger Jackie
Lanarkshire.
farmers, encouraging
Gilliland.
Jackie has also been taking the
conservation message to local
schools, where he gives talks on
biodiversity and helps pupils build
their own boxes, which are then
situated close to the school.
“The pupils have been
enthusiastically building boxes
and the owls have started to use
them,” he said. “They’ve been
examining the pellets they leave
behind and from that can build
up a picture of their diet, which
includes shrews, voles and rats.
“Educating young people
is another important way of
protecting these beautiful birds.”
Schools often take part
in nature walks, where the
countryside rangers can explain
more about the barn owls and
other animals in their natural
environment.
Barn owls,
famous for their
distinctive heartshaped face and
asymmetrical
ears, are set for
a boost in North
Lanarkshire.
Christine King, headteacher
at Drumpark Primary School has
been taking pupils on walks at
Drumpellier Park for 20 years. She
said: “The rangers do a fantastic
job, using their expertise to help
our pupils learn more about the
local environment.
“They love coming here and it
supports the eco-learning that we
do back in the classroom.”
People can get involved in
the barn owl project in different
ways – by taking part in one
of Jackie’s nature walks around
Drumpellier Park, or getting in
touch if they spot a bird.
For information about the
project or how you can learn
more about North Lanarkshire’s
biodiversity, call 01236 422257
or email gillilandj@northlan.
gov.uk. More information about
barn owls is also available from
the Barn Owl Trust –
www.barnowltrust.org.uk.
•
Wishaw Local Area Partnership
Wishaw Local Area Partnership
Wishaw Local Area Partnership
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
Shotts
Cleland
Harthill
Coltness
Wishaw
Newmains
Wishaw lights up for Christmas
Wishaw’s Christmas light switchon celebrations were given a boost
with the annual Design a Light
competition.
Created by Town Centre
Activities to encourage local
children to get
involved with
their community,
the competition
invited children to
to design a motif with
a Christmas theme.
The best three designs
were manufactured
and displayed as
part of the town’s
Christmas lights
display.
Winners of the three categories
– Primary 1-3, Primary 4-5, and
Primary 6-7 – Jay, Shannen and
Local school children designed
the winning light motifs.
Kasif were picked from more
than 200 entries. The winners
were invited as special guests,
meeting Santa and receiving their
gifts and prizes, before helping
Santa and the Depute Provost
switch on the town centre
Christmas lights.
TCA’s Anne Flood
was impressed
by the quality of
the kids’ designs.
She said: “This is the
third year we’ve run
the competition, with
the previous year’s
events taking place in
Bellshill and Kilysth,
and I believe that it’s the best yet.
“The competition really
captured the kids’ imaginations
and it was difficult selecting
winners.
“I’d like to thank Rosemary
Stewart from Wishaw Library for
making the final selection and
for her support throughout the
event.”
As well as the Christmas light
switch-on, the crowds were
entertained by dancing from
Dance UK and singing from local
acts Noir and Miss Gaga. And the
kids all had their letters to Santa at
the ready as his post box appeared
in the town for one day only.
Santa has promised to reply to
every letter he received!
Santa hands out presents at the Christmas lights switch-on as Dance UK entertain the crowds.
Park and Ride opens at Station Road
Wishaw’s commuters will have
an easier time finding parking
spaces thanks to a new park and
ride facility which has opened at
Station Road.
The project, delivered by
the council in partnership
with town’s Tesco superstore,
provides 75 new car parking
spaces including four disabled
bays for shoppers and
commuters to use.
Local Councillor John
Pentland said: “I was delighted
to be able to attend the opening
of the new parking facility.
“I would like to encourage
drivers to use this park and ride
and hopefully, this will help to
alleviate some of the parking
and traffic congestion problems
around the town centre.
“This project is another
positive step forward in the
regeneration of the town.”
The work includes extensive
landscaping to the surrounding
area with the planting of young
trees and shrubbery.
Wishaw resident and Tesco
Development Manager Stuart
Buchanan added: “As a local
resident, I was pleased to
have the opportunity to work
BACKING THE SCHEME: Tesco Development Manager Stuart
Buchanan, Technical Officer Campbell Dyer, Councillor John
Pentland and Property Officer Gerard Flynn.
with the council to deliver this
project for the town.
“I'm sure the new facilities
will prove to be a positive
addition to the Wishaw
community."
About your LAP
Community planning in North
Lanarkshire is delivered through the
area’s six Local Area Partnerships
(LAPs) – including Wishaw and
district.
The key members of the
partnership are North Lanarkshire
Council, Strathclyde Police,
Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, NHS
Lanarkshire, the community forums,
colleges and local elected members.
The LAP makes decisions on a wide
range of issues including community
safety, environmental improvements
and town centre redevelopments.
The body reflects the overall strategic
objectives of the North Lanarkshire
Partnership.
For more information about the
LAP, visit the council website at
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk.
6
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
wishaw local area partnership
Environmental improvements
upgrade Covenanter Road
Our grounds maintenance team has been
busy improving an area of open space in
Harthill.
An investment from the Local
Development fund has seen improvements
to run-down sections of Covenanter Road.
The team replaced an old unused bench,
siting the new one in a more prominent
location. Planting was also carried out at
the site and some neglected areas were
upgraded with new plants and shrubs.
Senior Local Regeneration Manager
Pauline Nicholas said: “The upgraded
spaces are a major improvement over the
dull grassed areas that previously existed.
“We’re committed to continually
improving the local community and hope
people will enjoy the benefits of this
project.”
New paving, shrubs and
bulbs for Thrashbush
41 43 45 47
New block paving to
side of car parking bays
3.
New shrub planting
25
21
LB
38
53
34
An area of green space in Cambusnethan
is set to receive a new lease of life thanks to
an investment from the Local Development
Programme (LDP).
Thrashbush Crescent is built around a
central grassed area surrounded by parking
bays. In recent years, the grass has become
tired and rutted by vehicles parking.
Improvements to the areas will include
new paving to define the parking bays and
protect the grass, as well as planting shrubs,
trees and bulbs in order to improve the
outlook of the area. Daffodils will provide
spring colour.
Councillor Nicky Shevlin believes the
project will be of lasting benefit to the area.
He said: “We started this project in response
to residents who were concerned about the
damage made by cars to the central grassed
area.
“We’re happy to use LDP funding to
tackle this problem, providing muchneeded marked bays that will keep cars
off the grass and landscaping the grassed
area, which will improve the overall look of
Thrashbush Crescent.”
“This is exactly the
kind of project that the
Local Development
Programme was set up
for,” added Councillor
James Martin (pictured),
Convener of the Wishaw
Local Area Partnership.
“Although it’s a
Cllr James Martin
relatively small project,
it will make a real improvement to the
environment for the people who live there.”
Senior Local Regeneration Manager
Pauline Nicholas added: “The work has
been costed and the designs agreed by our
residents, partners and local members, so
we’re now ready to begin the work and
have this completed by March 2011.”
For more information about this or
any other LDP-funded project in Wishaw,
call Pauline on 01698 302455 or email
nicholasp@northlan.gov.uk.
30
2.
Images
showing the
open space in
Cleland Main
Street before
and after the
improvements.
residents have commented very positively
on the work.
“We’re delighted that we’ve been able
to provide a rejuvenated public space that
can be enjoyed by the community for many
years.”
“With some additional LDP funding, we
plan to improve the look of the entrance to
Cleland at Bellside Road. We hope to create
a new floral display and signage, which will
provide a fitting gateway into the town.”
Senior Local Regeneration Manager
Pauline Nicholas added: “This project
has built on previous LDP projects
within Cleland including upgrades to
the bus terminus at Crossgates Avenue,
environmental improvements at Nith Path
and other general tidy-ups within the area.”
T
RESCEN
BUSH C
THRASH
Facelift for Cleland Main Street
DERElict open space in Cleland has been
given a new lease of life, thanks to a boost
from the Local Development Programme
(LDP).
The project created new landscaping,
planting and seating at an unsightly area
of broken paving at the site of demolished
public conveniences on Main Street. The
area has also been enclosed by new fencing
and a trip rail.
The impetus for the project came from
Councillor James Martin, Convener of the
Wishaw Local Area Partnership, who was
keen to upgrade the area for local residents.
He said: “This area of Main Street was
beginning to look run down and I felt it was
an ideal project for LDP investment.
“Our grounds maintenance team did a
great job with the landscaping and local
59
New trees with
bulb planting
1. Covenanter Road before
2. Covenanter Road after
3. New bench with landscaped area in
the foreground
1.
49
39
•
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
7
Shotts
Cleland
Harthill
Coltness
Wishaw
Newmains
Salsburgh kids hit the heritage trail
BY MARK BARBIERI
young people from Salsburgh
have been uncovering some
of the town’s hidden treasures
after securing £10,000 from the
Heritage Lottery fund.
Two youth clubs applied to
the funding body to develop a
heritage project that would help
bridge the gap between young
and old in the town.
Starting work in July, the
self-styled Heritage Hunters
began to produce a range of work
‘Bringing young
and old together
to focus on their
joint heritage will
help the community
enormously’
reflecting Salsburgh’s history
and culture. The results will be
showcased at a special event at
the local community centre.
The kids, who are all aged
between 8 and 17, put together
a heritage magazine, took
photographs of the area,
created their own sculptures
and produced a DVD. During
their research, they discovered a
number of interesting
facts about the area,
including its
connection
with Burke
and Hare.
“The
notorious
grave robbers’
connection
with Edinburgh
is well
known,” explained youth worker
Stacey Mcleary. “But the kids
looked into the history of the
church and discovered that a
watchtower was erected in the
late 19th century after it had been
plundered by Burke and Hare.
“In the course of their research,
the kids have spoken to a number
of older people in the village,
which has helped the different
generations find common
ground. They’ve also been able
to develop a number of technical
skills including making a DVD and
taking photographs.”
One of the Heritage
Hunters, Rachel Murphy,
added: “Personally, this project
has boosted my confidence
and helped me build skills in
researching, photo taking and
map reading.”
Help with the project came
from a variety of sources including
the council’s drama, photography,
libraries and cartography
departments, as well as local
organisations ReelTime Music,
Smarter Salsburgh and Salsburgh
Community Council.
Simon Knight, a senior worker
from our Community Learning
and Development team has been
supporting the project. He said:
“Salsburgh is a relatively rural
and isolated community and
because of this, its youth clubs
have always been a popular
source of recreation for local
children.
“The area is perhaps best
known for the Kirk O’ Shotts
but it has a rich
history stretching
back some
600 years and
is an area
of great natural beauty. We
thought therefore that this type
of project might capture the
kids’ imaginations and with the
financial boost from the Heritage
Lottery fund, they were able to
create some fantastic materials.
“Council officers have been
very supportive in helping the
young people develop their
ideas, and have in turn been very
impressed with their enthusiasm
for the project.
A key part of the project is
bridging the generation gap.
“We wanted to try and
dismantle barriers and
suspicions that exist between the
generations,” explained Simon.
“There is a real fear in society
about young people but bringing
Members of Salsburgh
youth club, above,
have produced a
range of materials to
celebrate the town’s
heritage. Photography
is a key part of
the forthcoming
exhibition, including
this image, right, by a
member of the group.
young and old together to focus
on their joint heritage will help
the community enormously.”
Members of the youth clubs
will get an opportunity to
showcase their work at a special
event at 7pm on Wednesday
8 December at the Salsburgh
Community Centre.
Visitors can enjoy photographic
and cartographic exhibitions
hosted by young people, a DVD
about the heritage project and a
drama presentation.
For more information about
the project or exhibition,
contact Simon on 01698
274343.
•
Taking the safe drinking message to school
Pupils and parents from Castlehill
Primary took part in an alcohol
awareness raising workshop,
one of a series of events across
North Lanarkshire as part of
Alcohol Awareness week (4 to 10
October).
Organised by NHS Lanarkshire’s
health improvement team, the
workshop covered information
on alcohol units, safe drinking,
and risky behaviour. Pupils
took the opportunity to try out
‘boozy goggles’, which simulate
the effects of drunkenness and
perform tasks such as walking
in a straight line or picking up a
cup to show young people how
disorientated and vulnerable you
become when drunk.
Annette Brown from NHS
Lanarkshire said: “It was a great
opportunity to take the safe
drinking message to young
people.
“It’s easy for kids to get the
wrong message about alcohol.
On TV programmes or in
advertisements about alcohol
they show people having fun,
surrounded by friends, and many
kids see adults and older young
people drinking alcohol as a social
thing at parties or watching big
sports matches. It’s not surprising
that some kids think that drinking
alcohol is cool, makes them seem
more grown up.
“Sensible drinking guidelines
are that men should not regularly
drink more than three to four units
per day and women two to three.
Regularly drinking more than
these amounts can have a range
of negative health and social
consequences.”
The Alcohol Awareness week
campaign in North Lanarkshire
is headed by the Collaborative
Themes Working Group (CTWG),
which is made up of NHS
Lanarkshire, North and South
Lanarkshire councils, Lanarkshire
Alcohol Drug Partnership,
ChooseLife, Strathclyde Police,
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, the
Lanarkshire Recovery Network and
voluntary and community sectors.
Eleanor McDermott, chair
of CTWG, said: “Too many
Lanarkshire residents are drinking
too much, too often. The activities
planned for Alcohol Awareness
Week gave people an opportunity
to find out about sensible drinking
levels and re-assess their own
drinking habits.
“It can be easy to lose track
of what you’ve had to drink –
especially as one drink doesn’t
necessarily equal one unit of
alcohol.”
Watching
the game
with your
a kick about
pals or having
is easier when
the worse
you’re not
for wear. By
feeling
sticking to
drinking guidel
the sensib
ines – that’s
le
no more than
a day for men
3-4 units
and 2-3 for
women – you
only enjoy
a drink but
can not
the whole
weekend too.
Visit alcohola
ware
nessweek.com
4th-10th Octo
ber 2010
For more information
•about
safe drinking visit www.
drinkaware.co.uk or www.
alcoholawarenessweek.com.
8
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
WISHAW community matters
Shaping up for a brighter future
by mark barbieri
Community group Shape up
Shotts held a public meeting
last month to discuss ways of
improving the town’s image.
Among those who took part
were Karen Whitefield MSP,
Depute Provost Jim Robertson
and Councillor Charles Cefferty.
Keith Vernon, council landscape
architect and Beautiful Scotland
judge, gave an interesting talk on
the town’s successful entry in the
campaign. Helen Boyle, senior
countryside ranger at Strathclyde
Park, spoke at length about the
bog area in Shotts, which is one of
only seven in Scotland designated
as a site of special scientific
interest.
Group member Ella Muir
was grateful to the people who
came along to share their ideas
and listen. She said: “We’re a
new organisation so it was very
encouraging to have the support
of local organisations, particularly
North Lanarkshire Council.
“As a group, we’re trying to
enhance the image of Shotts
and improve amenities for local
people.
“We’re very keen to hear from
people who have ideas about
improving the town. Some of the
projects we’ve been involved in
include the Beautiful Scotland
campaign, where we picked
up two awards, working with
Scotrail to maintain the floral
arrangements at the station and
a public art project to create
silhouettes of miners to celebrate
the area’s mining past.
“We need people who can
support projects like these and
if that happens, we’re confident
that we can change things for the
better.”
A competition to come up with a
name for the group was won by P2
pupil Jamie Johnston from Dykehead
Primary School. Group Secretary
Eileen King believes engaging young
people is key to its future success.
She said: “The competition was very
popular and Jamie created a name
which sums up perfectly what we’re
trying to do.
“Young people are so
important as they very often
have the ideas and enthusiasm.
We’re hoping to get local schools
involved in preserving the bog
area around the town, as its
very important to the local
environment.
“By asking countryside
ranger Helen Boyle to give a
talk at the local schools, we feel
we’re playing a positive role in
Shape up Shotts
worked with
the council to
clean up the
war memorial,
left. Beautiful
Scotland judges,
below, inspect
a floral display
in Shotts.
The group’s
presentation
helped the town
pick up a Bronze
Medal and the EU
Congregational
Church garden
an Award
for Special
Endeavour.
educating the next generation
about the area’s potential.”
Shape up Shotts meets on the
first Wednesday of every month
at the Shotts EU Congregational
Church. Anyone with an interest
in the group’s work is welcome
to attend. For more information,
call Secretary Eileen King on
01501 820588 or Ella Muir on
01501 821230, email entryfoot@
yahoo.co.uk.
•
Shotts residents are open to advice
Shotts residents had an
opportunity to learn more about
issues affecting their lives at a
community open day.
Organised by Shotts Citizens
Advice Bureau (CAB) and the
Getting Better Together Project,
the event brought together
representatives from Motherwell
College, NHS Lanarkshire,
Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde
Fire & Rescue and the council’s
Community Learning and
Development team.
The event at the Shotts Healthy
Living Centre was opened by
Karen Whitefield MSP.
Visitors enjoyed a wide variety
of information and advice
including community safety and
home security, welfare benefits,
housing, debt, financial advice,
consumer and shopping rights,
pensions, employment issues,
domestic fuel usage and further
education.
NHS staff were on hand
to discuss health issues and a
number of visitors took advantage
of free health checks.
Richard Lord
from Motherwell
and Wishaw CAB
and Bob Miller
from SAFFA were
just some of
the experts on
hand to provide
advice at the
open day.
As the event took place in the
schools’ mid-term break there
were a number of activities to
keep the youngsters busy, from
face painting and a DJ workshop
to sitting in the control seat of the
fire engine.
Audrey Cuthbertson, General
Manager at Motherwell &
Wishaw CAB was delighted
with the interest shown in the
event. She said: “The open day
was a great opportunity for the
people of Shotts to access expert
information and advice in one
location.
“We had great feedback from
the people who came along and
we’re keen to organise more
events in the future.”
To get in touch with
Motherwell & Wishaw CAB, call
01698 265349.
The Getting Better Together
Project project provides healthy
living information and advice,
citizens advice, family planning
advice and runs occupational
therapy groups. For more
information, call Project
Manager June Vallence on
01501 825800.
•
An opportunity to CONNECT
The Wishaw, Murdostoun
& Fortissat Community
Forum is planning an open
day to encourage local
organisations and individuals
to come along and learn
more about its work.
The forum hopes to target
as many youth groups,
church groups, sport groups
and community councils as
possible to the event, which
has been appropriately called The forum meets on the last Thursday
CONNECT.
of the month at 7pm in Wishaw
Forum Chairperson David Library, pictured above.
Summers said: “The forum
The forum itself meets on the
covers a large and dispersed area
last Thursday of the month at 7pm
within North Lanarkshire, which
in Wishaw Library, Kenilworth
means that it can be difficult to
reach out and effectively represent Avenue, Wishaw, except in
December, July and August.
everyone in our communities.
The forum is a partner in the
“By hosting CONNECT, we can
North Lanarkshire Partnership
get everyone together who has
(LAP); other members include
an interest in learning more about
North Lanarkshire Council,
what we do.”
Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire
CONNECT takes place at Pather
& Rescue and NHS Lanarkshire.
Community Centre, Caledonian
Road, Wishaw on Friday 4 March
If you would like more
2011 from 10am to 2pm. There
information about the
is parking at the centre and good
forum please call David on
bus and train links.
07789284333.
•
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
9
‘Sometimes, people need
protection too’
New website launched to help
protect adults from harm
We all know that animals and children
need to be protected. But adults,
young and old, can also be at risk of
harm. A law was passed in 2007 to help
protect adults from harm. The problem
is, not many people know about it.
Here in North Lanarkshire, a website
was launched last month which gives
more information about what harm
is, signs to look out for and what to
do if you suspect that someone is
being harmed. Every year in North
Mrs McDonald, 72, Motherwell
“It’s been five years now
since my husband died.
I’ve got arthritis in my knees
and hands so I don’t get
out much.
A few years ago my
neighbour Mrs Sinclair,
offered to help me with my
money. Jimmy always took
care of that side so things
were in a bit of a mess. She
helped to straighten it all
out.
But then I started getting
letters. Me and Jimmy
have never been in debt
and all of a sudden folks
were writing to say I was in
arrears for this, that and the
Lanarkshire there are hundreds of
reports of suspected harm, exploitation
or injury to adults who need support
to keep them safe. Thousands more
incidents go unreported.
The examples below are based
on fact but names and details have
been changed to protect people’s
privacy. They give an idea of how life
can go wrong for people, sometimes
overnight, but more often over a
period of time.
next thing. It was scary. My
son Andrew was up visiting
a few weeks back and saw
one of the letters lying out.
He called the bank.
I can’t understand it.
Mrs Sinclair was lovely to
me. I didn’t want a fuss
but Andrew said there
was money missing and
he called the police. It
was awful. I think Mrs
Sinclair got into trouble.
But things are better now.
Some people came to see
me, asked some questions
and sorted things out. I
don’t see my neighbour
anymore.”
Marie, 36, Cumbernauld
“One of my clients, Marie,
has had a rough time
of it. She has a learning
disability so lives at home.
Her parents separated a
few years ago. I know her
mum’s been having a tough
time keeping up with the
bills. She’s taken on extra
hours to make ends meet
and it takes her nearly two
hours to get to work each
day.
A few weeks ago I went
in for a visit and could hear
Mrs Woods shouting at
Marie before I rang the bell.
She sounded extremely
harassed. Marie hasn’t been
herself for a while either,
William, 19, Airdrie
which I had put down to
all the disruption at home.
But yesterday she was
particularly withdrawn.
When I asked her what was
wrong she said she was
feeling sad because her
mum shouts at her all the
time and hits her.
Clearly Marie and her
mum need help. I’ve known
Mrs Woods for a long
time and I don’t believe
she wants to hurt Marie. I
suspect she’s got too much
on her plate. But we can
help with that. We need to
sit everyone down and get
to the bottom of this.”
more information about what harm is, how to prevent it and where to
•getForhelp,
visit www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/protectingadults
“Our son William’s had
his share of problems over
the last few years. He was
doing so well at school
and then all of a sudden he
just stopped doing all the
normal things that lads of
his age do, like going out
with his pals or really being
happy about anything.
We spoke to our GP
and they referred William
to a psychiatrist. He really
struggled for a while. We
were so worried. It took a
few years but he did start to
get better. We spoke to the
social work department and
they helped to find him a
flat of his own. For a while
things were really good. He
seemed to enjoy having a
place of his own.
Then he got some new
neighbours and it all started
to go wrong again. It was
heartbreaking to see our
boy in such a state – losing
weight, not dressing
properly.
Last month we decided
enough was enough. We
asked him straight out what
was going on and he just
broke down in tears. Seems
these neighbours have been
hassling him – banging on
his door, calling him names
and asking for money. He’s
been scared – even to leave
the flat.
We called social work and
they sent someone out. We
got the chance to sit down
together and talk about it.
The neighbours won’t be a
problem anymore and social
work are helping us to make
sure the support’s there for
William so that this kind
of thing doesn’t happen
again.”
Special night for Girl Guides
More than 1,200 Girl Guides,
Rainbows and Brownies from
across North Lanarkshire braved
the elements at Broadwood
Stadium in Cumbernauld to renew
their promise and celebrate 100
years of Girl Guiding.
North Lanarkshire’s five divisions
of Girl Guides joined thousands of
other Guides and groups across
the UK in simultaneously marking
the centenary celebration at 20.10
on 20/10/10.
The association invited North
Lanarkshire Provost Tom Curley
as a special guest on the evening
which featured traditional Guiding
songs, speeches, pipe bands and a
spectacular fireworks display.
The Guiding movement was
formed in 1910 after the famous
army general, Robert BadenPowell had organised the Boy
Scouts. At the Scouts’ first rally
at the Crystal Palace, London in
1909, a small group of girls turned
up. Baden-Powell then decided to
form the Girl Guides, asking his
sister and, later, his wife to help
look after the new organisation.
Today, there are ten million
girls and women involved in
Guiding worldwide and in North
Lanarkshire, there are some 1,600
girl guides and 200 leaders.
Speaking after the event,
Provost Curley said: “It was a
pleasure, on behalf of the council
to mark the 100th anniversary of
such a tremendous organisation.
“The Girl Guiding movement
in North Lanarkshire has a rich
history and tradition within its
local communities, and provides
the perfect platform for girls and
guide leaders to develop a huge
range of skills and leadership
qualities.”
Margaret Anderson, North Lanarkshire County Commissioner;
Provost Tom Curley; Elizabeth Ballantyne, President of North
Lanarkshire County; and Councillor Jean Jones are pictured with the
Guiding emblem.
10
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
North Lanarkshire performs
We regularly review a range of performance
information to help us assess how we deliver
services, meet our targets and achieve best
value. We look at all areas where we don’t
perform as expected and identify the changes
needed to improve our service.
We have recently enhanced our reporting
arrangements to provide a more complete
picture of our performance.
Community care
We aim to improve
care services by
supporting more
people in their
own home, and
ensuring faster
access to services
and a better
quality of service.
To make sure that clients receive
the type of assistance they need,
when they need it, we review the
quality of home care provided.
• On average we provided 25,644
home care hours to 3,005 people
(aged 65 and over) in a week;
this includes personal care, care
during evenings and overnight,
and at weekends.
• Although the number of care
hours has decreased from last
year, other services have been
introduced. These include
This feature contains a small selection of
results, for April 2009 to March 2010, in three
areas of service.
Over the coming months we will feature
other services.
Additional performance information is
available at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/
performance, by emailing csi@northlan.gov.uk,
or calling 01698 302559.
•
community alarm systems,
and assistive equipment
and technology that provide
additional safety at home. These
systems also enable social work
staff to design support packages
that suit individual needs.
Criminal justice social work
Lanarkshire’s
criminal
justice
social work
services
look after
offenders within the community
and play a key role in community
safety.
We submitted 3,362 social
enquiry reports to court on time
out of 3,380 in total. This helps the
courts assess the risk of offenders
re-offending, and potential harm to
the community.
• The courts issued 802 new
probation orders, an increase
from 691 last year. 705 new
probationers were seen by a
supervising officer within one
week. This helps to make sure
that the conditions of each
probation order are met.
Work undertaken in our
communities includes clearing
gardens, laying paving stones
for charities and churches, and
painting and decorating. Generally,
the shorter the time taken to
complete community service
hours, the lower the risk of repeat
offending.
• The courts issued 734 new
community service orders,
compared to 665 last year.
447 orders were successfully
completed this year with an
average of 3.6 hours work per
week.
Child protection and
children’s social work
We have implemented
Getting it Right for Every
Child, the national
approach to supporting
children and young
people to ensure they are
protected and kept safe.
Children and young
people are referred to
the Scottish Children’s
Reporter Administration
(SCRA) from a number
of sources, including
police, social work, education, and
health, when some aspect of their
life is giving cause for concern.
• 1,972 children’s hearing reports
were requested
(an increase from
1,317 last year) and
we submitted 970
of these reports
within the national
target time. On
this occasion we did not meet
our target and we are currently
working with the SCRA to make
improvements to our service.
• One of the first steps in working
with a child is allocating a social
worker and arranging for a visit
to take place.
• We ensured that 248 out of a
total of 265 children were seen
by a supervising officer within 15
days. This performance is better
than our target and the national
average.
• The extent to
which staff in
care homes are
appropriately
qualified is important
because it impacts
on the quality of
residential care.
• Out of 70 care staff working in
our residential children’s homes,
25 have appropriate qualifications
for the post held. We are currently
helping staff to enhance their
current qualifications to address
this and ensure the best possible
quality of care is provided.
S tay well this winter - plan ahead
Lookafteryourselfthiswinterbykeepingwarmandwell.
Ifyoudogetill,hereisaguideonwhattodo.
During November
Get flu jab if eligible.
Invites are sent out by GP s
to over 65 s, carers and
‘at risk’ groups.
Check you have enough of
your regular medicines to
cover the holiday period.
Early December
Make appointment with
GP or nurse for any
planned follow ups
needed before Christmas.
November/December
Restock your home
medicine cabinet with
paracetemol or ibuprofen.
For more home remedies
ask your pharmacist or
visit www.nhsinform.co.uk
25 – 28 December +
1 – 4 January
Remember GP surgeries
are closed on these days.
They are open 29 – 31 Dec.
Keep the NHS 24 number
(08454 24 24 24) handy.
Athome
NHS24–08454242424 www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk
•Treatcoughs,coldsandflubykeepingwarm,restinganddrinkingplentyofnon-alcoholicfluids.
•Paracetemoloribuprofencanreducehightemperaturesandeaseachesandpains.
•Mostpeoplerecoverfromviralinfectionslikecoldandfluin4–7days.
•Antibioticswon’thelpwithflu,coldsandmostcoughsandsorethroats.
•Don’tvisitfriendsorrelativesinhospitalifyouareill,particularlyifyouaresufferingvomitingand/ordiarrhoea.
Askyour
pharmacist
•Adviceoncommoncomplaintsincludingcoughsandcolds,sorethroats,stomachupsets,headliceandathletesfoot.
•MinorAilmentsServiceforpatientsexemptfromprescriptioncharges-freeadviceandsupplyofmedicinewithouthavingtosee
agp.
•Checkwww.nhs24.comforpharmacyopeningtimesoverthefestiveseason.
Callyour
community
optician
•Communityopticians(optometrists)canprovidetreatmentandadviceforarangeofminoreyeconditionssuchasredeye,
suddenchangesinvision,andanykindofpaininandaroundtheeyes.
Contactyour
gp(doctor)
•Formoreseriousillnesses,makearoutineappointmentwithyourgp.
•ManyareopenSaturdayandSunday.
•gpsurgerieswillbeclosedfortwoblocksoffourdays:25–28Decemberand1–4January.Theyareopen29–31December.
•Cancelyourappointmentifthingschangeandyounolongerneedit.
Callnhs24,
08454242424
•Forurgentmedicaladvicewhenyourgpsurgeryisclosed,contactnhs24on08454242424.Ifrequired,youwillseeagp,
nurseorparamedicfromtheLanarkshireOutOfHoursService.
•nhs24canadviseondentalemergenciesifyouarenotregisteredwithadentist.Forregisteredpatients,callyourowndentist.
Accident&
Emergency/
999
•Foraccidentsandseriousemergenciesgotoa&eatWishawGeneral,MonklandsorHairmyreshospitalsorcall999.Theyare
openthroughoutthefestiveperiod,includingpublicholidays.
•Callnhs24ifyouareunsurewhattodo.
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
11
A new era of fun at Scotland’s Waterpark
by colin fraser
Following a £6 million
transformation, the Time Capsule
in Coatbridge will open its doors
this month promising more thrills
than ever before.
The radical improvements,
which began earlier this year, have
transformed the twenty-year-old
leisure centre and reclaimed its
rightful status as Scotland’s top
water attraction.
Thrill seekers are set to enjoy
the great new rides including the
Tornado Tantrum, Storm Chaser
and Splash Down Island.
Jim Logue chairs the Time
Capsule Trust and he believes it
will once again become one of
Scotland’s best visitor attractions.
He said: “The Time Capsule was
unique when it first opened and
the improvements
will make it exciting for the next
generation.
“It’s good to see it sparkling
again; it’s been so popular over
the past two decades that it
had become a victim of its own
success.
“There’s no doubt that we are
seeing a new era at the centre. The
improvements we’ve made are
taking us into the 21st century.
“The area will benefit too as
it’s an important attraction for
tourism with thousands of people
from all over the UK travelling
here. Our target is to attract over
one million people – and we
believe we’ll achieve that. It’s an
oasis of fun for all the family.”
Zoned areas
The star attraction will be the giant
Tornado Tantrum flume. It has
been imported from Canada and
is the first indoor slide of its kind
in Europe – inspired by a similar
feature at Tenerife water attraction
Siam Park. Up to four people at
a time will be able to use this
thrilling new ride, which
is so big that an mini
could be driven
down it!
The two
awesome
100m Storm
Chaser flumes
have been relined and repainted.
There’s also a multi-level water
play area for younger children
“Splash Down Island”. It is located
where the health suite used to be
and includes the biggest water
tipping bucket in Scotland.
The changing areas have been
renewed, with improved disabled
facilities, and all the lockers
replaced with brand new coinless
versions.
A health suite is also part of
New attractions for young
people at the refurbished Time
Capsule include the Tornado
Tantrum, above, and Splash
Down Island, right.
the improvements – with work
scheduled to start on this in the
new year.
As well as the refurbishment of
the water park area, there’s also a
new café bar overlooking the ice
skating area where customers can
enjoy a mouthwatering menu.
For more information
about The Time Capsule call
01236 449572 or visit www.
thetimecapsule.info.
•
Tenants build for our future
Tenants and residents from
across the area came together
for housing’s annual tenants’
conference to help ‘build for our
future’.
Featuring a range of
workshops, information sessions
and housing news, tenants and
residents of all ages took a very
active role in a morning jam
packed with activities.
Those attending also took part
in electronic voting with 78%
of people commenting that the
conference was good or very
good, and 93% wanting to attend
more events like this one.
One of the key announcements
made at this year’s event was
the availability of a new Top Up
Grant. This is a new partnership
project between the council and
North Lanarkshire Federation,
with £5,000 on offer to tenant
and resident groups to bid for
(maximum £1,000). Projects
submitted must enhance and
Tenants and
residents
took the
opportunity
to find out
more about
the service
they receive.
develop tenant participation in
their local area/and or North
Lanarkshire.
Robert Arthur, Chairperson of
North Lanarkshire’s Federation
of Tenants and Residents said,
“This year’s conference was one
of the best yet. Every year there’s
something new and this year’s
Question Time was an excellent
opportunity for any tenant to ask
an open question to senior council
officials and get an answer right
away.”
Application forms and
guidance notes for the new Top
Up Grant are available from
our Development Section or
from the Federation Office. Call
01698 274139 for information.
The closing date for completed
forms is 14 January 2011.
•
Housing satisfaction
survey – results just in
Almost 4,500 tenants responded
to our housing satisfaction survey.
We encouraged tenants to
comment on their satisfaction
with the housing service they
receive from the council; the
quality of repairs and time taken
for these to be carried out; the
opportunities available for tenants
to participate in decision making
and their priorities for investment
in housing and communities.
Some of the results include:
• 86% of our tenants are satisfied
or very satisfied with the
housing service.
• 78% satisfied with the time
taken to complete repairs, with
82% happy with the quality of
the repair work.
• 90% satisfied with the level
of customer service from
reception staff.
• 86% consider our rents
affordable in comparison to
other types of housing.
Areas highlighted for
improvement include our repairs
service and general housing
conditions.
In addition, tenants told us their
main priority for improvement in
the home is kitchens, followed by
bathrooms.
Mary Castles, Executive Director
of Housing and Social Work
Services said: “Surveys like are
very important to us. They tell us
what we’re doing right and what
we need to do better.
“We listen to our tenants
and are investing heavily in our
housing stock. For example,
this year we announced service
improvements in repairs and
maintenance, taking our annual
investment to £40 million. And
we’re already making great
progress in delivering our new
build programme.”
12
North Lanarkshire News No. 73, December 2010
Get in the swing with NL Golf Academy
BY ANDREW CRANEY
With the euphoria of the
European Ryder Cup success still
fresh in our minds, youngsters
and golf enthusiasts across North
Lanarkshire can get into the swing
with NL Leisure’s Golf Academy.
PGA professional Scott Clelland
is providing tuition to kids of
all abilities aged between 6 and
16 years old at Lochview Family
Golf Centre & Junior Academy,
Coatbridge, seven days a week.
Scott, 24, a former club
champion at Airdrie golf club has
been a professional player for the
last seven years, having taken
up the game at the age of four
following encouragement from his
grandfather.
“Starting the game at such
a young age gave me a real
passion for the sport, and has
driven me on to share my own
knowledge and experience with
the youngsters who come to the
Junior Academy,” said Scott.
“Watching fellow Scot, Colin
Montgomerie captain the Ryder
Cup team to victory at Celtic
Manor was an inspiration and will
hopefully encourage more kids to
take up the sport.
“Ninety percent of swing faults
come from players’ set-up position
and correcting their alignment can
hugely improve their game and
ball direction.
“For the more advanced player,
I provide video analysis software,
which can be used to look at the
swing in more detail and a takehome DVD can be provided.
“My philosophy is to keep
coaching as simple as possible
and make players understand the
changes they should be making to
improve their game.”
The junior golf academy costs
£30 per person for six weeks
of one-hour coaching lessons,
with family discount packages
available.
Players receive achievement
certificates, skill assessments,
a run-down on the rules and
course etiquette, swing and club
advice and free fruit each week to
promote healthy eating and active
lifestyles.
For adults, beginners’ lessons
are available including a group
course with a four-week block
of one-hour sessions at £40, and
one-to-one lessons at £20 for half
an hour of coaching.
Classes are open to both
male and females, without age
restriction or ability.
Councillor Jim Logue, Chair
of NL Leisure Trust, said: “We are
very keen to encourage a range of
sports for our residents and golf
is one which people of all abilities
can enjoy.
“It’s a great way to keep fit and
active, have fun and develop a
sporting interest.”
For more details, contact
Scott on 07826 557240 or email
scott@nlgolfacademy.com
•
GOLF COMPETITION
For a chance to win a free place
in the Junior Golf Academy or two adult
lessons, simply answer the following
question:
Where is Celtic Manor, venue for this
year’s Ryder Cup?
A. Scotland
B. England
C. Wales
Answer
Name
Address
Tel. No.
Age
Send your answers by 24 December to:
RSJJ-GLAZ-EXYK
Freepost
NL News Golf Competition
Environmental Services
Fleming House
2 Tryst Road
CUMBERNAULD, G67 1JW
PGA professional Scott Clelland takes a coaching session at
Lochview Family Golf Centre & Junior Academy in Coatbridge.
Players enjoy a coaching masterclass Footballers kick around
the clock for charity
MORE than 70 football coaches
from across North Lanarkshire
attended a coaching masterclass
at St Andrew’s High School in
Coatbridge.
The session, ‘Developing Young
Players for Tomorrow’ was taken
by Jeff Flitcroft – a coach at the
Manchester United development
centre where Premiership stars of
tomorrow learn their trade.
Jeff is in his 11th season with
the club and works with younger
players. He runs several of the
club’s development centres in the
North of England as well as the
advanced centre in Manchester.
The council’s Under-12
regional squad took
part in the session and
were excited to be
given instruction from
a coach who has
worked with several
big name players at
the club.
Jeff worked on
developing players’
technique and ball
skills, delivering a series of
exercises and one-versusone situation games.
He said:
“At United
we focus on
developing
Manchester United coach Jeff Flitcroft takes a coaching session at
St Andrew’s High School in Coatbridge.
players through four-a-side
games and give all young
players a chance to
be in different sides
every match they play
throughout a session.”
Steven Hamilton,
Football Development
Officer, said: “This was
the first time an external
coach has come to deliver
a training session; working
with Jeff from Manchester
Utd was a fantastic
learning experience
for our coaches and the young
players.
“We want to give the grassroots
coaches in North Lanarkshire
as much knowledge as we
possibly can, as they have such
an important role to play in
developing young footballers.
“It was encouraging to hear
Jeff confirm that we have a similar
approach to coaching young
players as Manchester United do.”
For more details, contact the
football development team on
01236 812475.
•
A 24-hour football tournament
in aid of St Andrew’s hospice has
raised over £4,000.
Scotland men’s and women’s
national team coaches Craig
Levein and Anna Signuel kicked off
the competition, which saw 160
teams compete around the clock
at the new Ravenscraig Regional
Sports Facility.
Bob Reid of St Andrew’s Hospice
said: “The event raised a terrific
amount of money for the hospice,
which we are most grateful for.
These vital funds will enable us
to continue providing specialist
palliative care services to patients
and families across Lanarkshire.”
Depute Provost Jim Robertson,
Louise O’Donnell from St
Andrew’s Hospice, Jim Logue,
Chair of NL Leisure, and John
Swanson, Manager of the
Ravenscraig Regional Sports
Facility mark the successful
football fundraiser.
Our interest rates are changing
with effect from 1 October 2010
Old Rate
New Rate
Balance
Gross*
Net**
Gross*
Net**
£1 – £999
1.25%
1.00%
1.00%
0.80%
£1000 – £4999
1.50%
1.20%
1.25%
1.00%
£5000 – £24999
2.00%
1.60%
1.75%
1.40%
£25000 – £49999
2.10%
1.68%
1.85%
1.48%
£50000
2.25%
1.80%
2.00%
1.60%
*Gross Rate is the rate which will be paid to customers without the deduction of income tax.
**Net is the rate which will be paid to customers after the deduction of basic rate.
Interest is calculated on the minimum monthly balance.
For details of your nearest municipal bank go to
www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk or telephone 01698 403900.