A sense of place page 14 - East Renfrewshire Council

The magazine from East Renfrewshire Council
www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk WINTER 2011
A sense of place
page 14
Get ready for winter pages 16 & 17
We open doors to the new Isobel Mair
page 9
We’ve got it all going on!
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Pick up our what’s on guides this winter
www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk
ER Magazine // CONTENTS
Growing the
economy
page 3
contents
page 4
No cold callers
Cut out your sign to deter
unwanted tradesmen
page 9
The Mair the merrier
Inside our latest new school
STORE TOUR: Councillor Jim Fletcher was invited to tour the new
Wholefoods store in Giffnock. It’s the US giant’s first shop in Scotland.
W
ith a fragile economy and
high unemployment, there’s
never been a more important time
to focus on skills, new business and
employment opportunities.
In East Renfrewshire we are hit
hardest by increased ‘white collar’
unemployment but as ever we
are an area that bucks national
trends. While business starts are
down nationally, our economic
development and regeneration
staff have worked tirelessly to make
sure our area experienced a record
number of business starts going
through the business gateway
service. A total of 154 which is a
69% increase in the last two years.
To ensure this upward trend
continues we are proud to launch
a new campaign called ‘East
Renfrewshire — a place to grow’
which will bring business, residents
and the council together to firmly
establish our area as the perfect
place to set up a business, live
and visit.
Along with the opening of high
profile flagship stores for Waitrose in
Newton Mearns, and Whole Foods
Market in Giffnock, this campaign
will help bring visitors from outside
our area and provide a real stimulus
to the local economy and raise our
profile as a place to visit.
Our worker service focuses on jobs
and training opportunities across
the area and can help individuals
and businesses. Call them on 0141
577 8438 for more information on
how they can help you.
Councillor Jim Fletcher
Leader, East Renfrewshire Council
er magazine is published four times
each year by East Renfrewshire Council to
provide news and information on council
policies, plans and services.If we can’t
publish a particular issue for any reason,
we will inform you on the
council’s web site at
www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/er
er is available in alternative formats and
languages. Please contact Customer First
on 0141 577 3001 for more information.
If you have any comments about
er magazine, please contact:
Communications Service,
East Renfrewshire Council,
Council Headquarters,
Eastwood Park,
Rouken Glen Road,
Giffnock, East Renfrewshire
G46 6UG.
E: [email protected]
page 12 -13
Big ShoutER visit London
Spreading the word
about youth engagement
page 14 - 15
A sense of place
East Ren as an area
to live, work and visit
page 16 - 17
Winter warmers
How to keep your home and
health in check this winter
page 23
Winter travelling
Essential info to keep
you on the move
page 24
Festive contacts
How to get in touch
with local services over
the festive period
page 4
NEWS // ER Magazine
Cut out no cold caller sign
M
ore than 10,000 stickers to deter
cold callers have been circulated
to residents. And because the ‘no cold
callers’ signs have been in high demand
er magazine has included a cut-out
version for you to display at your
front door.
The sticker campaign has been
produced by the council’s trading
standards service in association with local
community police.
It means residents can display the
yellow notices next to their front door to
say ‘NO’ to uninvited doorstep traders.
Community safety convener, Councillor
Mary Montague, said: “Uninvited home
maintenance callers are an area of real
concern. Genuine reputable tradesmen
don’t chap doors looking for work they
go by reputation. If you are displaying
a sticker and they still chap your door
point out the sticker and close the door,
and if they knock again contact Ring and
Report on 0800 0130076.”
Stickers can be picked up in council
offices and libraries across East Ren.
The Adult Protection Committee is
supporting the latest trading
standard’s campaign to send a
clear and bright message to cold callers.
Cut out this sign to display at your front
door and deter unwanted tradesmen.
Ring and report cold callers
on 0800 013 0076
Speaking out
about oral cancer
Nine people in East Renfrewshire were diagnosed with oral cancer
last year. To help beat the disease, the council’s oral health action
team has put together some guidance.
Oral cancer can occur in
any part of the mouth so it’s
important to visit your dentist
regularly so they can check
the soft tissue of your mouth.
If you are a denture wearer,
it is also important to
attend your dentist for an
examination each year.
Everyone should make
sure they take the time to
check their mouth for any
changes.
Keep an eye out for white
or red patches or ulcers
that don’t heal, a lump or
thickening in your mouth,
or soreness.
Contact your dentist if you
have any concerns.
Stop Smoking
Speak to your pharmacist or
local stop smoking advisor on
0141 577 4804 if you need support.
Drink alcohol within
the recommended
safe limits
Male 3-4 units per day
Female 2-3 units per day.
Eat a diet rich in
fruit & vegetables
Always use
a lipscreen
Barrhead Dental Practice held free drop-in oral health screening
sessions throughout November. Pictured is the practice’s Dr. Fraser
MacAulay, clinical director and principal dentist with registered
dental nurse, Khylie Ramsay.
ER Magazine // NEWS
page 5
A home for you
T
he council is encouraging residents to access one
of the wide range of affordable housing options
available to rent across the area.
With the average council rent sitting at £53.81-a-week,
rents are among the lowest in the country.
There are houses available in the Neilston area, areas
of Barrhead including upper Auchenback, Dunterlie,
Craigheads and the centre area of Barrhead. There is
also some sheltered accommodation available for older
people in the Giffnock area.
The properties range from three and four bedroom
apartments and own door flats, to two and three
apartment tenement flats and sheltered housing studio
flats that would suit a single person.
All properties are maintained to the council’s approved
standard and the capital improvement scheme means
all properties either have, or are set to have, double
glazing, affordable heating systems and controlled entry
on flats.
Best of all, it’s a home in East Renfrewshire, one of the
most desirable locations in the country.
Contact us on
0141 577 3722 or 0141 577 3719
to find the kind of home you’re looking for.
Green flag flies in Rouken Glen
T
he prestigious Green Flag awarded
to Rouken Glen Park earlier this
year now flies proudly from a flagpole
close to the visitors’ centre.
The Green Flag awards scheme
was launched in England in 1996 to
recognise and reward the best green
spaces in the country.
And in 2007 the programme began to
be piloted in Scotland in conjunction
with Green Space Scotland.
Awards are given on an annual basis
and winners must apply each year to
renew their Green Flag status.
The popular visitor attraction in
Giffnock was earlier this year awarded
the influential Green Flag Award, a sign
to visitors that the park is
well-maintained and well-managed,
with excellent facilities.
And at a ceremony recently the flag
was unveiled by environment convener,
Councillor Eddie Phillips.
Councillor Phillips said: “I am delighted
that Rouken Glen Park has been
awarded the prestigious Green Flag as it
recognises the hard work put in by our
parks staff throughout all four seasons.
“Each year thousands of visitors flock
to Rouken Glen from all over the west
of Scotland and beyond, to enjoy its
attractions including its wide open
spaces, walled garden, boating pond
and waterfall.
“Many annual events are held in the
park such as the Running Festival, Go
Greener Apple Day and Tartan Day.
This year we staged our first Highland
Games which attracted crowds in
their thousands to see the strongmen
in action.”
For many years Rouken Glen Park
has been used as a location by
film production companies and TV
programme makers.
Scenes from Trainspotting, Shallow
Grave, Rab C Nesbitt, Still Game,
Chewing the Fat and Taggart have also
been filmed in the park.
Today Rouken Glen with its 227
acres, is one of the largest public parks
in Scotland.
And in a recent Scottish Household
Survey East Renfrewshire’s parks
were voted best in Scotland when 80%
of the people surveyed reported that
they were satisfied or very satisfied
with the area’s parks and open spaces.
For more info go to: www.roukenglenpark.co.uk
Environment convener Councillor Eddie Phillips with
members of the council’s parks team and Friends of
Rouken Glen at the unveiling of the Green Flag.
page 6
NEWS // ER Magazine
First for wheelchair cyclists
T
housands of people with a
disability in East Renfrewshire are
being given a unique opportunity to
go for a spin on Scotland’s only direct
wheelchair access tandem bikes.
The bikes are part of a fleet of 10
specially adapted cycles owned by
the day care centre for adults with
learning difficulties, run by East
Renfrewshire Community Health Care
Partnership.
The special tandem transporters,
which have three wheels, enable a
cyclist to pedal while a passenger in
a wheelchair can be carried on an
attached platform.
Along with the two new tandems
the centre has also received two more
specialist trikes and a handcycle to
add to its specialised cycle fleet.
And so that all disabled residents
of East Ren can benefit from these
cycles, the service users’ committee
have set up ‘The Barrhead Mellow
Velo Club’, which meets on Monday
To find out more about using the adapted bikes
at Rouken Glen Park, to join the Mellow Velo
cycling club, or if you can help out with riding or
cycle maintenance call 0141 577 8506.
nights. They are inviting the wider
disabled community to join in, and
take part in regular cycle outings.
The adapted bikes, were bought
from a Dutch manufacturer with
a £10,000 Lottery (Awards for
All) grant.
In the last few months, the centre’s
service users have been enjoying
rides to Lochwinnoch, Howwood and
Eglinton Park in North Ayrshire.
The adapted bikes will also be
available to loan at the pavilion at
Rouken Glen Park.
John Sheridan, The Barrhead
Centre’s manager, said: “The service
users of the Barrhead Centre want to
give every adult with a disability in
East Renfrewshire the opportunity to
access cycling whether for recreation,
social or travel purposes.
“After experiencing cycling, some
for the first time, the centre’s users
enjoyed it so much they want others
to be able to participate.”
Bar Milano
To find out more about using the
adapted bikes at Rouken Glen Park
Call 0141 577 8506
Get a taste of ACES
Ristorante | Pizzeria
Fabulous
Food...
on your doorstep!
MENU DEL GIORNO
2 courses
£9.95 pp
3 courses
£11.95 pp
Monday – Thursday 12 noon – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
FRIDAY NIGHT 5.30pm – 10pm
3 courses plus bottle of wine
£39 per couple
A LA CARTE MENU AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES
These menus are only available on certain dates during December.
For more details of this and our special Festive menus, please telephone.
2 Mains Avenue, Giffnock, Glasgow, G46 6QZ
T: 0141 621 2288 E: [email protected]
www.barmilano.co.uk
ACES (Active Children Eating Smart) is a free activity
club for youngsters aged 5 to 15, and their families
who want to have fun and enjoy learning about
healthy eating.
Pictured above are some of the families who took part
in the most recent healthy cooking events.
If you’re interested in joining up, the ACES coaches
are holding taster sessions, with basic fun activities for
youngsters and parents to try out, at Woodfarm High
School on Saturday 21 January, and on Sunday 22
January 2011 at Barrhead Sports Centre.
New ACES sessions start up in late January.
or To find out more call 077684 45652
or 0800 0270291
ER Magazine // NEWS
page 7
Groundbreaking new
Eastwood High School
W
ork has started on delivering a
brand new Eastwood High School in
Newton Mearns.
The ‘groundbreaking’ new school is
being built as a joint project between East
Renfrewshire and Midlothian councils
through the ‘schools for the future
programme’ run by the Scottish Futures
Trust.
The project will build two schools –
Eastwood High School in East Renfrewshire
and Lasswade High School in Midlothian.
The combined project has a value
of £64.3m and work is expected to be
complete by 2013. The cost of Eastwood
High School is £28.9m.
East Renfrewshire Council’s education
convener, said: “We are delighted to see
work start on the new Eastwood High
School. Our schools are widely regarded as
being the best in the country. With this new
build at Eastwood High School we will have
a building to match the excellent education
going on inside.
“The combined project with Midlothian
Council and the Scottish Futures Trust
shows what public services can do when
working closely together to deliver projects
of real value to local communities.
“This is a groundbreaking project which
invests over £64m in our communities for
the long term educational benefit of both.”
Construction firm BAM, appointed to
deliver the two schools, has already started
work on the new Eastwood High School.
Free money advice
With many families struggling with debts, the council’s
money advice service is available.
The free and confidential service can help you handle
your debts and money. Don’t leave it too late, call today
and get help. Anyone experiencing financial difficulties
can call the council’s dedicated freephone financial
helpline on 0800 052 1023.
You can also e-mail moneyadvice@eastrenfrewshire.
gov.uk to access free and confidential financial advice.
Your local nursery place
All children who are three and four years old are entitled to a free nursery place in a
local authority establishment. A place is either 5 mornings or 5 afternoons. Morning
and afternoon sessions are allocated by ballot and this allocation is made for two
years. Morning and afternoon sessions are allocated in equal numbers to achieve a
balance of pre-school and ante pre-school children.
You are encouraged to register your child for a place in a local authority
establishment when they reach their 2nd birthday.
You should apply now if your child will turn three or four years old between 1 March
2012 and 28 February 2013 and you haven’t already done so.
When your application is received, your child’s details will be held on file until
places are allocated. For children who will be due to start nursery in session
2012/13, you will be informed about your child’s place by April 2012 provided
we receive your application no later than 29 February 2012. Please note,
applications received after this date will be treated as being late and therefore
your place will be allocated at a later date.
Full information on how to apply and application forms are available by
phoning 0141 577 3288, or you can e-mail us at
[email protected]
If you plan to send your son or daughter to one of our partner nurseries, you
will need to apply for a place in your chosen nursery by contacting them
directly no later than 31 August 2012. Those
successful in receiving funding will be notified
directly by the provider. Unsuccessful applicants
who reside within East Renfrewshire will be offered
a place in a local authority establishment.
YOUR ONLINE COUNCIL
There are a range of council services
available 24/7 on our web site
Pay or access...
You can apply for...
You can report...
• Council tax
• Benefits and grants
• Dog fouling
• Your council tax account
• Building warrants
• Fly tipping
• Council tax enquiries
• Clothing grants
• Graffiti
• Housing rent
• Freedom of information
• A complaint
• Invoice payments
• Free school meals
• Road fault
• School payments
• Library membership
• Street litter
• Planning applications
• Street light fault
• Tree preservation orders
• Benefit fraud
• Apply and pay for licences
• Fraud and corruption
including school meals and trips
• Building standards services
• Bulky uplifts
To access online council services visit
www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/onlineservices
ER Magazine // FEATURE
The Mair the merrier
Ellis Macauley takes er magazine on a behind-the-scenes
tour of the new Isobel Mair School in Newton Mearns…
T
eachers, parents and pupils were
thrilled when the doors to the
new eagerly awaited Isobel Mair School
opened in November.
The £12.1m school has been built for
132 pupils with support needs, aged 5
to 18. Previously housed in Clarkston
with three separate campuses, Isobel
Mair’s new home is at Greenlaw in
Newton Mearns.
The new building consists of 16
classrooms and a nursery with three
classrooms. It has art, music, adventure
and soft-play rooms, a parent’s
room and a medical, therapy suite. A
hydrotherapy pool with coloured lights
is attached, for the pupils to chill out in.
Isobel Mair is attached to a life skills
centre, Corrie House. Here, pupils learn
how to iron, clean and cook along with
other life skills.
Each classroom is named after
a Scottish island and because the
architect, Andrew Eaddy, was from
Corrie, in Arran, the house was named
after it. The school is the first in
Scotland to have a house attached for
pupils to learn essential skills.
When asked what her favourite thing
about the new building was, headteacher, Mari Wallace couldn’t just
say one thing: “Having all the pupils
together brings a different dimension.
The classrooms are bright, it is very
spacious and we have fabulous
resources and technology.”
Talking about what they thought
of their new school, pupils had the
biggest smiles on their faces, putting
their thumbs up and shouting, “good!”
and “nice!”
Mari Wallace sums it up: “there isn’t
one thing that I would change about
the building.”
The wait truly has been worth it.
What the parents said:
“Nothing had prepared me for the
magnificent building I saw yesterday.
It really is a credit to you. We
provided the council with a wish list
and we got everything on it.”
“We are blessed that in these
difficult financial times we have an
education section that genuinely
wants to deliver for our children.”
“Every detail has been considered.
It will meet the complex needs of
the children and will allow them
to grow and bloom. It is an asset
to our community and is of world
class standard. It is a clear signal of
how much you value, respect and
acknowledge the needs of those who
are less advantaged.”
page 9
page 10
FEATURE // ER Magazine
The rights stuff
Gen up on your rights to return
I
f you were given a dodgy Christmas jumper
from your mum, or your partner bought
you something last minute after doing his
xmas shopping on Christmas Eve, the chances
are you’ll want to take your pressies back to
the shop.
And you won’t be alone. Thousands of people
will be queuing up at customer service desks in
shops across Scotland after Christmas, to request
an exchange or refund. So to help make sure
you know your rights East Renfrewshire trading
standards is giving advice to consumers.
Paul Holland, senior trading standards officer
said: “We want to stress the most common
misconception when returning unwanted gifts
by consumers is that they are automatically
entitled to get their money back. This is not
the case.
“If you have received a gift you don’t like,
or it is the wrong size or shape, the retailer
does not have to offer you a refund, an
exchange or even a credit note.
“Many stores will do this as a gesture
of goodwill, but you should not
expect it, especially as many smaller
shops cannot afford to do this and
despite common practices in most
high street stores, only the person
who purchased the gift has the
right to return it.
“Although many stores will
overlook this, a store owner does
have the right to refuse to deal with you if you did not
purchase the item yourself.”
However, you do have full rights to a refund or
exchange if the item you bought is faulty. If the item
does not work or it does not do ‘exactly what it
says on the tin’, then by law you are entitled
to a refund, replacement or repair. It is your
choice as to which of these you accept.
“If you recieve a gift
you don’t like, or it is
the wrong size, the
retailer does not have
to offer you a refund,
an exchange or even a
credit note!”
According to the Sale of Goods
Act 1979, when buying goods,
consumers are legally entitled for
them to be of a ‘satisfactory quality’,
free from defects and as they were
described. As long as you return
the item within a reasonable
time and with a proof of
purchase, you are entitled to
your money back.
Top tips to shop safely
over the festive season
1 Keep your receipt.
2 Always buy from reputable
traders, and remember, if the
price seems too good to be true, it
probably is.
3 The quality of the packaging
is also worth examining, as
counterfeit goods are often
produced to a far inferior
standard than originals.
4 This year’s favourite counterfeits
look set to be tablet style
computers and high end mobile
phones. Only buy items from
established sources or you will
almost certainly end up with a
worthless and dangerous fake.
Gift receipts
Check the returns policy before you
buy and beware of gift receipts. The
receiver can generally only get a
credit note with a gift receipt and,
if you don’t return the item quickly
the store may only give you a credit
for the sale price.
Card protection
The extra protection you get from
buying goods and services over
£100 on your credit card gives
great added security when things
go wrong.
Under the Consumer Credit Act
1974, credit card companies are
jointly liable with the retailer if
something you buy is faulty, not as
described or fails to be delivered.
ER Magazine // FEATURE
page 11
Safe and secure
online shopping
If you shop for goods by phone, mail order,
fax, digital television or on the internet,
you also have rights. Here’s guidance
to help you shop safely and securely...
Make sure your computer has anti-virus software.
Ensure the web site has contact details, name,
address, phone number and e mail.
Is the web site secure?
Look for https:// and a golden padlock symbol.
Paying with
a credit card
Watch out for scam and spoof web sites and only
buy event tickets from authorised outlets.
Avoid sites that will not take credit cards or Pay Pal
for added payment protection.
Check the delivery charges on purchases and
returns. You do not have to pay delivery charges
when returning faulty items.
You may have to pay postage for returning
unwanted items if the seller declares this in the
contract conditions.
Never give or send your pin number to anyone.
If the goods you
buy cost more th
an
£100 the credit pr
ovider has equal
liability
for any misrepre
sentation or brea
ch of
contract. (And if
the trader goes bu
st you
can claim agains
t the credit card).
Consumers are no
t liable for fraudul
ent
transactions usin
g their debit or cr
ed
it card
details so long as
they report unau
th
or
ised
use within a reas
onable time.
Print off paperwork, including site details,
descriptions, and confirmation details.
Distance sales generally have a seven day
cancellation or ‘cooling off’ period. Remember that
there are exceptions including financial services,
perishable items like food and drink and tickets for
imminent travel.
For advice or to lodge a complaint about a
trader, including those operating online
Call Consumer Direct 08454 040 506
For comprehensive advice on buying online visit: www.getsafeonline.org
page 12
FEATURE // ER Magazine
A group of local teens are becoming known as
the voice of East Ren’s young people. They
were guest speakers at a conference in London
recently. Here they share their London blog…
E
ast Renfrewshire teenagers were guests of
honour when they were invited to speak about
the positive role they play as young people in
their community, at an international conference
at the British Museum Library in London, recently.
Barrhead’s Amanda McAllister (18), Jade
Bourne (16), Taylor Walton (17) from Neilston,
and Josh Clarke (17), from Eaglesham, pictured
above, visited the capital for the first time
this Autumn.
The group, known as ‘The Big ShoutER’,
was formed by young volunteers
aged between 16 and
18, with a desire to
influence positive
change in health
and community
settings.
They use peer
education,
community
research and
user involvement, to become the voice of East
Renfrewshire’s local young people.
Their presentation at the conference, ‘The Bruce
Mac Bru show – More than lip service’ was in the
style of The Jeremy Kyle Show.
It put across how young people can be an
asset to their local community and showed
positive examples of how they themselves have
contributed to the development of local health
and wellbeing in East Renfrewshire.
To help them get their message across,
Barrhead’s Sir Harry Burns, the chief medical
officer for Scotland, joined the group on stage and
put himself in the shoes of a young person.
After the conference, East Renfrewshire MP, Jim
Murphy, arranged for the youngsters to spend
time at 10 Downing Street, and go for a behindthe-scenes tour of Big Ben.
‘They put across how young
people can be an asset to their
community, and showed how they
have contributed to local health and
wellbeing in East Renfrewshire.’
The group also packed in a visit to watch Shrek
the Musical, where they met Amanda Holden, took
in the sights on the London Eye, and spent time at
Madame Tussauds.
Officials are so impressed with the Big ShoutER
that they have been asked to deliver education
sessions to school and youth groups in order to
help improve the health and wellbeing of other
young people in the area.
ER Magazine // FEATURE
Monday 7am //
Monday 3pm //
Monday 11.30pm //
Tuesday 10.00am //
Tuesday 11.30am //
Tuesday 12.15pm //
Tuesday 2.20pm //
Tuesday 4.00pm //
Tuesday 8.00pm //
We swear we’ve never been this tired.
Just four hours until we get to London…
Nerves kick in as we get to the British Library
Conference. Harry Burns joins us on stage and the
conference is a huge success.
At the London Eye, What a view.
We walk through St. James’s Park on our way
to visit Buckingham Palace.
The Madame Tussauds waxworks are amazing,
and so realistic.
At Downing Street, everybody looks at us as
though we’re famous.
page 13
After seeing Shrek the Musical at Drury Lane we
meet the cast back-stage including Amanda Holden.
It’s past midnight by the time we get to bed.
Watching the changing of the guard we try to get
one of them to smile, but can’t succeed.
Exhausted and happy after our time in London,
we head for home. Goodbye London!
The Big ShoutER is supported by East Renfrewshire CHCP (Community Health Care Partnership)
health improvement team, and young persons services from East Renfrewshire Council.
The ongoing project is part of the council’s aim to improve the health
and wellbeing of young people, and increase youth engagement.
page 14
FEATURE // ER Magazine
A sense of place
East Renfrewshire Council and East Renfrewshire
Chamber of Commerce have launched a new
campaign that will put East Renfrewshire on the map
E
ast Renfrewshire Council and East
Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce have
launched a new campaign that will put East
Renfrewshire on the map and help support the
area through the ongoing economic downturn.
The idea for the three year campaign originally
arose from discussions with local businesses and
residents. They wanted to attract more visitors
and increase further inward business investment
whilst highlighting the area’s great housing
potential, green asset base, unique retail offer
and first class education system that makes East
Renfrewshire a great place to live.
A successful campaign has major benefits
for a location in terms of perception, creating
economic activity and developing a real sense of
pride for residents and businesses.
East Renfrewshire Council Leader Jim Fletcher
explains, “With a fragile economy and high
unemployment, there’s never been a more
important time to focus on skills, new business
and employment opportunities.
“While business starts are down nationally, we
have experienced a record number of business
starts with a 69% increase in the last two years. To
ensure that we continue to buck the trend, we are
ER Magazine // FEATURE
proud to launch this new campaign
which will bring business, residents, communities
and the council together to firmly establish our
area as the perfect place to set up business, live
and visit.“
Vincent Waters, President of the East
Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce says,
“This is not merely a council led initiative.
This campaign invites businesses, house
builders, estate agents, visitor attractions and
communities, to get involved and work
together. If we all adopt this campaign it
will be a useful tool to maximise support for
business in this tough economic climate.”
As part of the campaign launch local families,
pupils and businesses have got on board to tell
us why East Renfrewshire is their first choice. The
new brand and campaign style has been created
at no expense by the in-house design team at
East Renfrewshire Council.
Check out www.aplacetogrow.co.uk to
see why local businesswoman Laura
Molloy, and husband Paul, chose
East Renfrewshire to raise their
children Rosie, 6, and James, 3,
pictured above.
Find out more online at www.aplacetogrow.co.uk
page 15
page 16
FEATURE // ER Magazine
Get winter wra
For a healthy, happy winter follow er’s guide to the months ahead...
Eat well and heat well
Keep warm, both at home
and outdoors. Close your
curtains before dusk, and fit
thermal linings to keep the
heat in. Hot meals and drinks
will help keep you warm. Aim to
eat at least one hot meal a day and
have a hot drink before you go to bed.
Older people can get more tips and advice to help
them stay warm and healthy this winter at
www.ageuk.org.uk or on 0800 169 6565
Get a flu jab
If you’re over 65, or under 65 with a
condition such as diabetes, a chronic
heart, lung, kidney or liver problem,
have Parkinsons or have had a stroke
make sure you have a seasonal flu jab.
Seasonal flu is a highly infectious
disease caused by viruses that are
always changing. You need a flu jab
every year because a new vaccine is
produced to target those viruses most
likely to be in circulation.
Plan ahead for winter
Money talks
If you’re over 60 you could be entitled to benefits you
haven’t been able to claim before.
To find out more call Age Scotland on 0845 125 9732
Keep an eye on your neighbour
During the cold weather and darker nights we all
have a responsibility to do what we can for our
neighbours, particularly the elderly. So look in on
your neighbour and do your bit to help where
you can. If there’s someone who needs some
shopping brought in because they can’t get out
or if they need their path cleared, lend a hand.
Plan ahead and make sure you are prepared for all your
health needs this winter.
• Ask your pharmacist for help treating common winter
ailments such as colds, coughs and flu.
• Use routine doctor’s appointments where possible
and only rely on out of hours services when you can’t
wait to see your own doctor.
• Make sure your medicine cabinet is well stocked and
know your own GP opening hours particularly over
Christmas and New Year.
• Make sure you plan ahead for repeat prescriptions.
• Try to keep fit and well.
For out-of-hours medical advice call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24
ER Magazine // FEATURE
page 17
pped up ......
Know your limits
With the party season underway here are some top tips to
help people drink responsibly during Christmas, New Year
and into 2012:
• Eat a meal before you start drinking, or eat snacks while
you drink. This helps to slow down the effect of alcohol on
your body.
• Try a smaller glass and avoid ‘top ups’ so you can keep
track of just how much you are drinking.
• Pace yourself and alternate alcoholic drinks with soft
drinks or water.
• Reduce your units by choosing drinks that are not
so strong.
• Stick to the sensible drinking guidelines of not regularly
drinking more than 3-4 units per day for men and 2-3 units
per day for women.
• You should have at least two alcohol free days per week.
• Get a handle on how much you’re drinking and learn
what makes up a unit of alcohol at www.drinkaware.co.uk.
If you think you have a more serious problem with alcohol, contact your GP who
can link you to local support and services in East Renfrewshire.
If you want support to change your drinking
habits contact the national alcohol helpline
0800 917 8282
Protect your pipes
Follow Scottish Water’s winter code to make
sure you protect your home from frost and
thaw this winter:
Protect your pipes
Be prepared and
Heat, insulate and protect your home.
They are also urging holiday homeowners,
businesses, agents and landlords to take steps
to heat, insulate and protect properties and any
vacant commercial properties.
For advice visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter
More medical advice at www.nhsggc.org.uk/knowwhototurnto
Stuck for
ideas for a
Christmas
present?
Why not
buy a gift
voucher for
one of our
packages
You can treat your friends and family to
a month’s gym membership
a month’s fitness membership
a month’s swim membership
a year’s swim membership
Call in at any East Renfrewshire Council
sports and leisure centre and the staff
will be pleased to help you.
Gift card
IM
SEASON SW
ard
Gift cY SWIM
THL
MON
Gift card
E
FITNESS PACKAG
rd
Gift caGYM
N
ACTIO
ZONE
ER Magazine // FEATURE
page 19
Make 2012 the year
you stop smoking
The health benefits of giving up cigarettes start almost as soon as you give
up. See for yourself how long it takes to benefit from being smokefree…
•
20 minutes
Blood pressure and pulse return to normal
•
8 hours
Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood are
halved, oxygen levels in the blood return to normal
•
24 hours
Carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body and the
lungs start to clear out the build up of tar
•
48 hours
There is no nicotine left in the body. Taste and smell
are greatly improved
•
72 hours
Breathing becomes easier, bronchial tubes begin to
relax, energy levels increase
•
2 - 12 weeks
Circulation improves, making walking and running a
lot easier
•
3 - 9 months
Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as
the lungs have room for up to 10% more oxygen
•
1 year
Risk of heart attack is halved
•
10 years
Risk of lung cancer is halved
•
15 years
Risk of heart attack is at the same level as non-smokers
Stopping smoking will
improve your health
and your bank balance.
Smoking 20 cigarettes
a day costs around £6.
Quitting will save you £186
a month and £2,190 a year.
If you want support or information
to help you stop smoking then call
our smokefree community services
team on 0141 577 4804
Ways to have a sustainable Christmas
By following some of our tips, you can have a great time over
the festive period and also do your bit for the environment.
The greetings cards
Send e-cards or agree with friends and family
not to send each other cards and donate the
money you save to charity. If you still want to
send Christmas cards buy cards made from
recycled paper. Remember to recycle them.
The food
Support local shops or shop at a farmers
market. Local products usually have less
packaging and are not transported long
distances. Choose unwrapped fruit
and vegetables, to cut down on
unnecessary packaging.
The gifts you give
If you buy gifts which need batteries,
include some re-chargeable batteries
as part of your present.
The tree
Buy a tree accredited by the Forest
Stewardship Council. Choose a living tree
that can be planted outside and used again.
The decorations
Instead of spending money on artificial
Christmas decorations which won’t
biodegrade why not make your own from
organic, recycled and scrap material.
For a guide on what and where you
can reduce, reuse and recycle in
Scotland go to:
www.sort-it.org.uk
Cut out to foster?
Fostering can be hard work but it can be very fulfilling
0141 577 8303
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/fosteringplus
ER Magazine // FEATURE
page 21
Energy awareness will save cash
C
ouncil environment energy efficiency officers are asking
all residents to become more energy aware especially
when it comes to moving into rented property or buying a
home, as energy efficient homes use less energy to heat and
are better for the environment.
Ask to see the ‘energy performance certificate’
It’s not just fridges that have energy ratings. Homes have
them too. Since 2008, every home placed on the market
or made available for rental must have an ‘energy
performance certificate’.
How is the home heated?
Now they’ve put together some helpful tips
for East Renfrewshire residents who may be
considering renting or buying a home.
Read on and get saving now...
Central heating
Central heating boilers have energy ratings, much in
the same way as homes. The latest central heating or
combination boilers are more energy efficient than older
models. Check the age of the boiler and also if it is Energy
Saving Trust recommended.
Gas central heating systems are often the cheapest to run
and more energy efficient than, for example, electric storage
heating systems. Ask the landlord or seller to leave behind
any heating control instructions so you can set your controls
to only heat the rooms you want to.
Look out for draughts
Is the loft insulated?
By asking this simple question to the landlord or seller, you
can compare energy costs using web based comparison
sites like www.uswitch.com
Loft insulation is one of the most effective ways to keep
heat from escaping through the roof of the property. The
thickness of the insulation plays an important role and it’s
easy to top up if there’s some there but not enough.
Hot water cylinder
If there is a hot water cylinder still being used to heat and
store hot water, does it have a hot water jacket or can you
see the copper tank through gaps in the “old jacket”?
Check round all windows and doors for any gaps. It’s quite
easy to draught proof homes and there are lots of DIY
options available.
Find out who the current energy supplier is
For more information on energy efficiency
visit: www.energysavingtrust.co.uk
Call the Energy Saving Scotland
advice centre on 0800 512 012
page 22
COUNCILLORS // ER Magazine
Contact your
local councillor
2
3
4
1
5
6
WARD 1
WARD 2
WARD 3
WARD 4
WARD 5
WARD 6
NEILSTON,
UPLAWMOOR AND
NEWTON MEARNS
NORTH
BARRHEAD
GIFFNOCK AND
THORNLIEBANK
NETHERLEE,
STAMPERLAND AND
WILLIAMWOOD
NEWTON MEARNS
SOUTH
BUSBY, CLARKSTON
AND EAGLESHAM
Councillor
Councillor
Councillor
Councillor
Councillor
Councillor
Tony Buchanan
(SNP)
Betty
Cunningham
Jim Fletcher
(Labour)
(Labour)
Councillor
Charlie Gilbert
(Conservative)
Councillor
Elaine Green
(Labour)
Councillor
Leslie Rosin
(Conservative)
Councillor
Gordon
McCaskill
Barbara Grant
(Conservative)
(SNP)
(Conservative)
Councillor
Councillor
Alastair
Carmichael
Councillor
Councillor
Ian McAlpine
Alan Lafferty
(Labour)
(Labour)
(Labour)
Danny Devlin
Alex Mackie
Mary Montague
(Independent)
(Liberal Democrat)
Eddie Phillips
Gordon Wallace
Ralph Robertson
Councillor
Councillor
Jim Swift
Stewart Miller
(Labour)
(Conservative)
(Independent)
(Conservative)
(Conservative)
Councillor
Councillor
Douglas Yates
(SNP)
Councillor
Councillor
Your local councillor is one of 20 in East Renfrewshire. He or she is the representative
of your community on the council. Your councillor is available to look out for local
interests, let you know about council or community issues and to answer your
questions about areas of council business.
Councillors hold regular surgeries, see www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors or
look for posters in your local library for details, and can arrange home visits if necessary.
You can contact your local councillor by phoning 0141 577 3107, or write to her or him
at East Renfrewshire Council, Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road,
Giffnock, East Renfrewshire G46 6UG.
You can also send an email. Just type your councillor’s name, with a full stop between
their first and surname, followed by @eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
in East Renfrewshire
With the winter now here, East Renfrewshire Council has geared
up for cold weather affecting our local streets and roads.
Our aim is to keep road users moving as much as possible,
come sleet, ice, heavy rain or even snow.
Our depot in Thornliebank has a salt barn, to keep salt
dry and in good condition. You can pick up salt from the
depot for your personal use, although you’ll need to bring
your own container, or from any of the 253 standard and
18 community grit bins spread across East Renfrewshire.
Specialist weather forecasts alert the council to any severe
weather on the way. And priority routes are treated before
freezing temperatures start.
Roads in East Renfrewshire are treated during winter
on the basis of the following priorities:
main roads such as A727 East Kilbride Road
or A736 Lochlibo Road.
access to fire stations.
bus routes to schools.
main bus routes.
routes to local employment areas.
Not every road can be included in the priority routes,
especially as there are 471km of roads in East Renfrewshire
— that’s enough to go from here to Edinburgh and back
three times. If there is heavy snow or long spells of icy
weather, when the priority routes are done, our aim is
to work through the ones that are left as soon as we can.
We will continue to use specialised footpath salt spreading
and snow clearing equipment. This will treat our footways
starting with shopping areas and moving to other areas
for example near schools during severe weather.
Drivers
During icy or snowy weather, you should:
keep your windscreen clear;
reduce speed;
brake gently;
increase the gap between you and
the car in front;
use dipped headlights when visibility
is poor;
use the highest gear possible;
avoid hills if possible;
consider using snow tyres;
and take care all of the time.
Pedestrians
During icy or snowy weather, you should:
wear sensible footwear;
don’t go out unless you need to;
wrap up warmly, and
take care all of the time.
Although the council looks after the vast majority of
local roads we don’t deal with any of the M77 from
Malletsheugh towards Kilmarnock, or the new Glasgow
Southern Orbital route A726.
These are looked after by the private contractors Amey
and Connect.
You can contact the council on 0141 577 3417/3001 during office hours
Fax 0141 577 3414 or phone 0800 373 635 out of office hours
You can contact Amey or Connect for the M77 and the GSO A726 on 0800 028 1414
Christmas and New Year
contacts in East Renfrewshire
During the festive season we’ve put together these
arrangements to ensure you can still contact local services
Out of hours council numbers
You can contact East Renfrewshire
Council when the offices are closed
on these emergency numbers:
• Emergency housing repairs –
08080 031 601
• Homelessness out-of-hours –
0800 052 0180
• Social work standby –
0800 811 505
• Roads and lighting faults including flooding – 0800 373 635
• Registration out of hours
07798 875297 (Or contact
Giffnock or Barrhead Police stations)
Council offices
Council offices will close at on Friday
23 December and re-open on Wednesday
28 December 2011. Offices will also
close at on Friday 30 December and
re-open on Wednesday 4 January 2012.
Customer first
The customer first service centres in
the Barrhead Main Street office and the
council headquarters in Eastwood Park,
Giffnock will close and re-open on the
days listed above.
When they re-open on Wednesday 28
December and on Wednesday 4 January
it will be at 8am (all other council
services will start at 8.45am).
Customer First can be contacted
on these numbers:
• General – 0141 577 3001
• Recycling/cleansing/national entitlement card (NEC) enquiries –
0141 577 3001
• Council tax/benefits enquiries –
0141 577 3002
• Social work/blue badge/housing enquiries – 0141 577 3003
• Housing repairs 0141 577 3700
• Sport development/pitch booking enquires 0141 577 3008
• Registration enquires 0141 577 3008
Schools
Domestic abuse
East Renfrewshire’s schools will close on
Thursday 22 December 2010 and re-open
on Monday 9 January 2011.
Contact East Renfrewshire Women’s
Aid on 0845 1801 323 during the
festive holidays.
Refuse and recycling collections
Ring and report
antisocial behaviour
There are no alterations to the refuse
and recycling collections across East
Renfrewshire.
Recycling centres
Take your festive waste to a recycling
centre over the break.
Please note that Barrhead Recycling
Centre and Greenhags Recycling Centre
will be closed on Christmas Day and
Sunday 1st January 2012.
Call the antisocial helpline free and
confidentially on 0800 013 0076.
Report noisy neighbours; loud music;
neighbourhood disputes; litter; flytipping;
graffiti and dog fouling.
Our community wardens and control
room operators will be on duty 24/7
over the festive period.
Police and fire
For more information, visit
www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/recycler
Real Christmas trees can be sent for
composting by placing inside (where
possible) or alongside your brown bin.
You can contact local police 24 hours-aday over Christmas and New Year on:
Giffnock police station –
Cardboard can be taken to local recycling
points but please note that capacity here
is somewhat limited and if you have lots
of cardboard packaging, please take this
to the Barrhead Recycling Centre and
Greenhags Recycling Centre.
Emergency and fire – 999.
Most greeting cards and wrapping
papers can be recycled in the white sack
collection, those which have silver foil or
are ‘plasticised’ i.e. do not tear like paper,
should be placed in your grey bin.
You can download your own calendar
of collection dates from
www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/recycler
Registering births & deaths
The registration offices will close on
Friday 23 December and it will re-open
on Wednesday 28 December. For New
Year it will close on Friday 30 December
and will re-open on Wednesday 4 January
2012.
A registrar can be contacted outside
normal working hours on 07798 875297.
Visit the council web site for more information on
news and services: www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
0141 532 5700
Barrhead police station –
0141 532 6200
Visit the council web site for more
information on news and services:
www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Follow us on twitter for regular
updates during the festive period:
www.twitter.com/EastRenCouncil