Your Patch – Time Bank Singers – NHS advice for summer – Waverley Station – Standard Life encouraging cycling to work?
The council are still running a survey to find out what you think about the natural boundaries in the city. You can access the survey here. (they have prizes too!)
Cllr Maureen Child, Communities and Neighbourhoods Convener, said: “Whether it’s Broughton or Barnton, Craiglockhart or Comiston, we all have some idea of which area of Edinburgh we belong to. Some of these areas are not so clearly defined though, and having a better idea will help the Council to deliver services more effectively.
“When it comes to gathering the data, there isn’t any right or wrong answer, the project aims to look at how people choose to define where they live, rather than any official definition of a neighbourhood.
“If you live in Pilrig, does that mean you live in part of Leith? Or if you stay near Lothian Road – do you live in the Tollcross area or possibly Fountainbridge? It’s the kind of thing that most people have a view on and we’re seeking to capture these views to map the natural neighbourhoods in the city.”
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Interested in singing? Interested in volunteering some of your time to help others? Live in North Edinburgh? You can join in the singing first as an introduction to North Edinburgh Time Bank.
“We’re having an open evening on Wednesday 11th June from 7pm -8pm with a free crèche. This is for anyone who wants to come along and try a bit of singing for fun. We’d like to have new members. The group is very friendly and easy going. No experience needed.
Some of the comments from people who have come along:
“Singing is great fun and I enjoy being part of a community. Great for your confidence!”
“ Meet new people, stops me being isolated”
“Works well as a group. We are positive!”
“Lit lifts your mood!”So come along and lend your voice to our very own North Edinburgh Time Bank Singers!”
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A NEW online resource encouraging people in Scotland to be prepared for the summer has been launched at Scotland’s national health information service.
‘Safe Summer in Scotland’ has been developed by NHS 24 in partnership with the Scottish Government and brings together a wide range of information and advice on staying safe and making the most of the summer months.
The new online resource at www.nhsinform.co.uk provides advice on how to stay safe in the heat and sun, as well as information on how to avoid outdoor hazards, travel tips, safe preparation of food and advice for visiting animal attractions.
The old and the young are particularly vulnerable and the section includes information on tick bites, safe BBQs, keeping cool and hydrated in a heatwave and safe swimming advice, plus a wealth of other information on staying safe this summer.
Dr Aileen Keel, Acting Chief Medical Officer, said: “Summer is a time of year we all look forward to because it’s a good opportunity to get out and enjoy Scotland’s great outdoors. This new online resource gives some valuable advice on how to stay safe, whether it’s swimming in the sea, hiking in the mountains, or enjoying the sunshine in your back garden.”
NHS 24 Head of Health Information Services, Lynne Huckerby, said: “We have worked with the Scottish Government to bring together clear, accurate and up-to-date information on summer safety.
“With several major events taking place in Scotland this summer, including the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, it is the ideal time to remind people about looking after themselves and their families. Bringing together relevant resources within the Safe Summer in Scotland section on NHS inform will make it easier for people to find the information they need to stay safe this summer and equip them to make more informed decisions about their the health and wellbeing of themselves and their families.”
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Since Monday vehicles may no longer enter Waverley Station except for some exceptions like authorised taxis.
Last month Network Rail also applied for planning permission to install gates on the Calton Road entrance along with some illuminated signage presumably to ensure that this back entrance is not open to anyone looking to get round the new restrictions.
Network Rail announced their plans thus:-
“All taxis will be removed from the station, with passengers directed to external ranks. The new arrangements have been put in place to aid passenger and pedestrian safety.
A number of dedicated disabled travel service vehicles will continue to be granted access via special arrangement.
David Dickson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said: “In recent months, we have been operating an access system for taxis only, however, we are keen to provide further improvements to passenger and pedestrian safety and a private vehicle-free Waverley will help achieve that.
“The changes which are now being implemented will further reduce the risk to passengers circulating on the south side of the station and improve air quality for all station users and staff.
“In the long term, the restrictions will also help to increase capacity for the forecast growth of the station and enable the station to comply with security guidance provided by the DfT.”
Short-term drop-off facilities for private vehicles are available on Calton Road and on-street drop-off is available on Market Street. Free short-term parking for up to 30 minutes is also available in New Street car park to the south of the station.
David Dickson added: “Waverley station is the last Network Rail managed station to allow vehicles access to the concourse. The reason that is the case is because we recognise that Waverley is situated in a location which makes access challenging.
“Waverley now has three entrances to the station which are fully accessible. Lifts permit step-free access to and from Princes Street, Market Street and Calton Road.
“We understand that removing taxis and private vehicles from the station does away with a convenience that people have become used to, however; it is our job to balance convenience with the safety and best interests of all of our station users.”
As well as creating fully accessible entrances from Princes Street, Market Street and Calton Road, Network Rail has implemented several measures which will help to ease the transition to the new pick-up and drop-off arrangements:
- New Street Car Park:
New Street car park is within the confines of the station boundary to the south of the station. New Street car park is equipped with disabled parking bays close to the new lift providing step-free access to the station’s Market Street entrance.
Free 30 minute parking is also available for passengers requiring drop-off or pick-up using a private vehicle or taxi. This will allow adequate time to reach any part of the station and return to the car.
- Dedicated mobility access vehicles:
We are committed to retaining access for organisations which provide transport to people with disabilities. Organisations and drivers which provide such a service can register with the station for continued secure access
- Passenger assistance location:
We would encourage any passengers requiring assistance from station staff to use the Calton Road drop-off point. This drop of is equipped with a phone line manned by staff who can offer help to passengers looking to access the station.
- Taxi ranks
A taxi rank is available on Waverley Bridge, with a further rank planned on Market Street.
- Cyclists
Cyclists are asked to dismount before accessing the station
Passengers seeking more information about the changes can call Network Rail’s 24hr Helpline on 08457 11 41 41.”
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It appears that Standard Life may be trying to encourage their employees to cycle to work by installing a secure cycle shelter within their garden area behind their premises at 1 George Street.
Full details of the planning application here.
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