A member of the residents association attended the last PSP meeting which took place last Thursday. One of the aims of these meetings is to provide activities for the younger population since it was determined that this was one of the requirements in order to prevent future generations following the same cycle of behaviour that has led to the current behaviour issues.
The major conclusion that was reached concerned the lack of available youth workers. The various organisations involved appeared willing to provide the space and funds for various activities to occur. The only sticking point was the lack of youth workers that could be present. The current plan of action is to write to our local politicians to try and get the funding for more full time youth workers in our area. If you have any ideas on this, feel free to chine in.
Tuesday 24 April 2007
Problem Solving Partnership
The following article is taken from the Gorgie Dalry Gazette (April 2007).
Partnership aims to address anti-social behaviour
During the past year, residents of Slateford Green, Gorgie Park Close, Hutchison, Moat and parts of Gorgie Road, have been suffering major problems with behaviour.
Numerous instances of vandalism, break-ins, intimidation and damage to property have been recorded and reported to Lothian and Borders Police.
SOLUTIONS
However, a new initiative involving landlords, retailers, the police and the council in a 'Problem Solving Partnership' aims to find solutions to the problems afflicting these communities and improve the quality of life and security of residents. A range of initiatives has been developed, including:
- proposals for the introduct ion of additional mobile and permanent CCTV cameras monitoring problematic areas
- a far closer liaison between shop owners, the police and the council
- a youth cafe is being established at Slateford Green Community Centre to provide alternative recreational arrangements, advice and assistance for local young people.
The police and landlords are working very closely with the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team in order to ensure that no stone is left unturned in identifying and tackling the problems of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
DIFFICULTIES
Only recently, an interim ASBO was granted by the council against one young man who was causing considerable difficulties in the area, and he now faces arrest and imprisonment should he breach this ASBO.
Graeme Russell, Tenancy Services Director at Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, commented:
"The actions of a very small minority of young people have made the lives of locals extremely difficult during the past year.
"Dunedin Canmore Housing Association will simply no longer tolerate such action and will do everything in its power, working with other agencies, to ensure actions are taken against such individuals."
CONFIDENT
Mr Russell also pointed out that while legal sanctions are available, it is also important for the Problem Solving Partnership to develop practices and initiatives which will help prevent young people falling into a cycle of vandalism, whilst also ensuring that local communities feel reassured and confident that if issues occur, they can be reported and acted upon by the appropriate authority.
Local residents with concerns or reports of anti-social behaviour should:
- If they are tenants - immediately contact their landlord
- Notify the police - there are dedicated community police officers who can provide assistance and advice on 229 2323. If the matter is serious Phone 999
- Contact the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Helpline on 529 7057 (24 hour)
- Environmental Wardens can be contacted on 469 5328.
Local retailers, Sommerfield, are also involved in the Problem Solving Partnership and have agreed to co-operate and work with those seeking to minimise vandalism and disturbance.
RESPONSIBILITY
The youth cafe, which will run each Wednesday evening from 7 - 9pm starting 4th April, is being organised by youth inclusion workers from the council, with the aim of greater responsibility, plan activities and contribute to the communities in which they live. On offer each week will be IT facilities - including internet access - games, refreshments and other activities.
This article is sponsored by the Slateford, Moat, Hutchison Problem Solving Partnership. The Partnership intends to publish regular updates on its work in the Gazette.
Partnership aims to address anti-social behaviour
During the past year, residents of Slateford Green, Gorgie Park Close, Hutchison, Moat and parts of Gorgie Road, have been suffering major problems with behaviour.
Numerous instances of vandalism, break-ins, intimidation and damage to property have been recorded and reported to Lothian and Borders Police.
SOLUTIONS
However, a new initiative involving landlords, retailers, the police and the council in a 'Problem Solving Partnership' aims to find solutions to the problems afflicting these communities and improve the quality of life and security of residents. A range of initiatives has been developed, including:
- proposals for the introduct ion of additional mobile and permanent CCTV cameras monitoring problematic areas
- a far closer liaison between shop owners, the police and the council
- a youth cafe is being established at Slateford Green Community Centre to provide alternative recreational arrangements, advice and assistance for local young people.
The police and landlords are working very closely with the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team in order to ensure that no stone is left unturned in identifying and tackling the problems of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
DIFFICULTIES
Only recently, an interim ASBO was granted by the council against one young man who was causing considerable difficulties in the area, and he now faces arrest and imprisonment should he breach this ASBO.
Graeme Russell, Tenancy Services Director at Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, commented:
"The actions of a very small minority of young people have made the lives of locals extremely difficult during the past year.
"Dunedin Canmore Housing Association will simply no longer tolerate such action and will do everything in its power, working with other agencies, to ensure actions are taken against such individuals."
CONFIDENT
Mr Russell also pointed out that while legal sanctions are available, it is also important for the Problem Solving Partnership to develop practices and initiatives which will help prevent young people falling into a cycle of vandalism, whilst also ensuring that local communities feel reassured and confident that if issues occur, they can be reported and acted upon by the appropriate authority.
Local residents with concerns or reports of anti-social behaviour should:
- If they are tenants - immediately contact their landlord
- Notify the police - there are dedicated community police officers who can provide assistance and advice on 229 2323. If the matter is serious Phone 999
- Contact the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Helpline on 529 7057 (24 hour)
- Environmental Wardens can be contacted on 469 5328.
Local retailers, Sommerfield, are also involved in the Problem Solving Partnership and have agreed to co-operate and work with those seeking to minimise vandalism and disturbance.
RESPONSIBILITY
The youth cafe, which will run each Wednesday evening from 7 - 9pm starting 4th April, is being organised by youth inclusion workers from the council, with the aim of greater responsibility, plan activities and contribute to the communities in which they live. On offer each week will be IT facilities - including internet access - games, refreshments and other activities.
This article is sponsored by the Slateford, Moat, Hutchison Problem Solving Partnership. The Partnership intends to publish regular updates on its work in the Gazette.
Wednesday 18 April 2007
Duckings UPDATE
The ducklings and the their mother appear to have wondered off, no sightings have been made in the last day. Shame, maybe next year? In the meantime, here are a few more pictures taken of the mother having a stretch followed by them all sliding down the waterfall!
UPDATE!
Alan spotted some feathers which would suggest that they might have been attacked by a cat. Hopefully, next time round, they'll use the duck house as their night time shelter.
UPDATE!
Alan spotted some feathers which would suggest that they might have been attacked by a cat. Hopefully, next time round, they'll use the duck house as their night time shelter.
Monday 16 April 2007
More Ducklings
A new batch has just hatched! This is from a second nesting female. There appear to be 11 ducklings just as with the previous batch. So, get your carrot peelings and other veggies out there for them. See the previous post for more information on how and what to feed the ducks. If you see them trying to leave, please let David know on 07879 072782 immediately. They have the best chance of survival inside the complex rather than out since they need to be close to water.
Here are some pictures:
Here are some pictures:
Thursday 12 April 2007
Duck update
The ducklings has not been seen nor has anyone given any information concerning the disappearance of the ducklings. The Police has been informed and they have come to take a statement.
UPDATE!
Alan has looked through the CCTV footage covering the area and has determined that the ducks made their way out of the gate by their own accord. Some children were seen attempting to usher them back toward the ponds. While it is still sad that they have left the safety of the pond, it is good to know that they were not disturbed on purpose.
The following is from the RSPB web site:
---
Mallards and the law
Mallards and their nests are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, or to take, damage or destroy its nest, eggs or young. Therefore, it is important not to chase away a duck that has started nesting.
---
See here for more on ducks:
www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/nesting_mallards/index
www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/nesting_mallards/ducklings
As you may have noticed, the duck house has drifted away from the centre of the pond. We are in the process of coming up with an improved anchor system. Straw will also be added to the compartments. We are still hoping to encourage more ducks to make Slateford Green their home, or at least a regular stopping point.
If you want to feed the ducks, please avoid giving them bread since this plays havoc with their digestion. It also promotes algae growth in the ponds which is bad for the fish as well as the pump system.
Just like humans, they tend to go for the junk food before the stuff that is good for them! They'll take bread or chips over anything else. It is best to give them fresh vegetable trimmings such as lettuce or carrots or tomatoes, cooked potatoes bits and chopped hard-boiled eggs. You can also purchase specific duck food at garden centres and pet stores. You can use chicken feed that is not medicated. Again, all these things in moderation please! It is best to place the food in a pile by the side of the pond rather than throwing it at them and let them come and get it. Please see the links above for more information.
UPDATE!
Alan has looked through the CCTV footage covering the area and has determined that the ducks made their way out of the gate by their own accord. Some children were seen attempting to usher them back toward the ponds. While it is still sad that they have left the safety of the pond, it is good to know that they were not disturbed on purpose.
The following is from the RSPB web site:
---
Mallards and the law
Mallards and their nests are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, or to take, damage or destroy its nest, eggs or young. Therefore, it is important not to chase away a duck that has started nesting.
---
See here for more on ducks:
www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/nesting_mallards/index
www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds/nesting_mallards/ducklings
As you may have noticed, the duck house has drifted away from the centre of the pond. We are in the process of coming up with an improved anchor system. Straw will also be added to the compartments. We are still hoping to encourage more ducks to make Slateford Green their home, or at least a regular stopping point.
If you want to feed the ducks, please avoid giving them bread since this plays havoc with their digestion. It also promotes algae growth in the ponds which is bad for the fish as well as the pump system.
Just like humans, they tend to go for the junk food before the stuff that is good for them! They'll take bread or chips over anything else. It is best to give them fresh vegetable trimmings such as lettuce or carrots or tomatoes, cooked potatoes bits and chopped hard-boiled eggs. You can also purchase specific duck food at garden centres and pet stores. You can use chicken feed that is not medicated. Again, all these things in moderation please! It is best to place the food in a pile by the side of the pond rather than throwing it at them and let them come and get it. Please see the links above for more information.
Wednesday 4 April 2007
Where are the ducklings?
It appears that the ducklings and their mother were ushered out of the Slateford Green ponds out the back gate. We believe this happened yesterday around 4pm, Tuesday the 3rd.
If anyone has seen or knows anything about it, please let us know by leaving a comment or e-mailing us. If you have seen the ducks, again, please let us know. The comments and e-mails containing information will remain private and will not be published.
Here are the last photos of the ducks taken yesterday afternoon:
If anyone has seen or knows anything about it, please let us know by leaving a comment or e-mailing us. If you have seen the ducks, again, please let us know. The comments and e-mails containing information will remain private and will not be published.
Here are the last photos of the ducks taken yesterday afternoon:
Tuesday 3 April 2007
Duck House
The duck house arrived yesterday afternoon and a few people got together for the build. This morning, Alan helped to install it into the middle pond. Please come and have a look!
The ducks are currently skeptical about the new addition to the pond. We have put some food on the platform and in the compartments to lure them in. Let's hope they adopt it as their new home.
Alan's a busy man!
The ducks are currently skeptical about the new addition to the pond. We have put some food on the platform and in the compartments to lure them in. Let's hope they adopt it as their new home.
Anything you want to see here?
If there's anything you would like covered here, please let us know. One of the purposes of this blog is to act as a forum for the community. Since people can leave comments to posts, this would be a good stage to have some discussions on whatever subjects you want. Use the e-mail link at the top right of the page or leave a comment at the end of this post.
Open Meeting Outcome
A discussion followed by a vote was help last night in the community centre with Harry Woodward from Dunedin Canmore Housing Association acting as the chair.
The discussion covered topics related to the possible decision of splitting the current Residents Association into 2 or to remain as 1. The outcome was 10 votes in favour and 7 against splitting into 2 separate residents associations. For the Residents association to proceed with the split, the requirement was that two thirds of votes in favour were needed to carry the vote.
As a result of the meeting, there appears to be an increased interest from Gorgie Park Close residents to become more active in the Residents association. The Residents Association constitution states that we need 3 office bearers, 2 from Slateford Green and one for Gorgie Park Close. The positions are Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. We will need to officially elect these positions in the upcoming monthly meetings.
The next meeting will be on the 14th of May since the first Monday of the month falls on a bank holiday. That's 7.30 pm at the Slateford Green Community Centre
The discussion covered topics related to the possible decision of splitting the current Residents Association into 2 or to remain as 1. The outcome was 10 votes in favour and 7 against splitting into 2 separate residents associations. For the Residents association to proceed with the split, the requirement was that two thirds of votes in favour were needed to carry the vote.
As a result of the meeting, there appears to be an increased interest from Gorgie Park Close residents to become more active in the Residents association. The Residents Association constitution states that we need 3 office bearers, 2 from Slateford Green and one for Gorgie Park Close. The positions are Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. We will need to officially elect these positions in the upcoming monthly meetings.
The next meeting will be on the 14th of May since the first Monday of the month falls on a bank holiday. That's 7.30 pm at the Slateford Green Community Centre
Large Items uplift
One of the complaints from various residents at the last meeting was problems with rubbish. In particular, large items such as furniture or building materials being left out without arranging to have it collected. These then become tempting projectiles for vandals. These will then end up in people's back gardens, strewn all over the paths or can even be used as projectiles for throwing against doors and windows.
If you have any bulk item refuse to collect, please call Edinburgh council 0131 529 3030.You can arrange to have up to 6 items picked up at no charge.
If you have any bulk item refuse to collect, please call Edinburgh council 0131 529 3030.You can arrange to have up to 6 items picked up at no charge.
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