Issue 16 Spring 2013
Tel: 01259 450000 email: [email protected] Tree-mendous day for pupils
Thickets of native trees and shrubs have been planted along the Devon Way in Alloa by Sunnyside Primary School pupils. The urban tree project has been funded Activity Campus Planned for Alloa by a £10,000 grant from the Central Scotland Green Network Development Clackmannanshire Council is developing a The Council will develop programmes for the The launch of the campus will be held Fund. The project will enhance the Community Learning and Activity Campus in whole community including adult learning on the weekend of 28th – 30th June with environment along the popular leisure the Alloa south area. classes, physical activity programmes, the family fun day Buzz Event, which will creative programmes, music and multimedia include competitions, live music and sports route between Sunnyside Court and The community campus will make maximum programmes. activities. Greenside Street. use of the facilities available at the Bowmar During National Tree Week, in the Centre, Alloa Academy, Alloa Family Centre The consultation process will begin in the More information and ways to give autumn Primary 5/6 from Sunnyside and other local facilities. spring when local residents and users of the feedback can be found on our website facilities will be asked what they would like www.clacksweb.org.uk. planted standard trees along the There is already a lot of activity taking place to see developed. Consultation with the local route. These have now been joined in these buildings and the new campus will If you would like to get involved in this community is vital and we will be recruiting by hundreds of small rooted plants co‑ordinate these activities and fill in gaps. exciting development please come along to local volunteers who will be provided including hazel, oak , holly, birch, alder, New activities will be identified by the local an open meeting on Thursday 16th May at with support and training to facilitate this hawthorn, elderberry, guilder, dog rose community during the consultation period. 7pm at the Bowmar Centre. and blackthorn. process.
Food waste p3 Electric vehicles p4 Clacks awards p6 & 7 What’s on p7 Clackmannanshire VIEW Spring 2013 Welfare Reform in Clackmannanshire You may have heard the term ‘Welfare Universal Credit will be introduced from for new customers in April 2013 and then be Reform’ being discussed in the media but October 2013 to 2017. This will see customers’ rolled out to existing customers over the next what does it mean for local people? different benefits being replaced by a single 3 years. monthly payment. Here’s a summary of some of the reforms If you need more information or advice Not for along with an explanation of the actions Personal Independence Allowance (PIP) to regarding these changes please contact the Council is taking to support affected replace existing Disability Living Allowance Clackmannanshire Council on 450000 or see profit, not residents. ClacksWeb for more details. Changes to Welfare Benefits include: for charity, Council Tax Reduction Scheme replacing How the Council can help the existing Council Tax Benefit scheme. All Talk to us Increase Confidence recipients of Council Tax Benefit will continue If you are struggling to pay your rent or Clackmannanshire Adult Literacies supports for service to receive the same level of support, despite council tax please contact us to discuss adult learners who wish to improve their a cut in funding of 12%, thanks to support options on 01259 450000 or email reading, writing, spelling, number and Clackmannanshire Credit Union is a from the Council. [email protected] basic budgeting skills. This provision is free financial co-operative, owned and Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants to all adults living in Clackmannanshire. The managed by its members, which provides administered by the Council have replaced Discretionary Housing Payments team also provides free computer training a secure facility for saving and access to the Social Fund. Crisis Grants are awarded Discretionary Housing Payments are and English as a Second Language (ESOL) affordable borrowing. classes. to meet expenses that have arisen as a available to claimants who are entitled to But it is much more besides. It allows Housing Benefit and require some further result of an emergency or disaster in order Home Energy Advice Team people to grasp control of their own to avoid an immediate threat to health assistance in order to meet housing costs. We have specially trained energy advisers financial affairs, building confidence, self or safety of the customer or their family. Getting online who can advise you on how to reduce your esteem and this in turn positively affects Community Care Grants will be awarded to energy bills and also provide you with free More and more benefit services are accessed whole families and communities. Anyone assist customers remain or move back to the and confidential support to tackle existing online. If you don’t have internet access at who lives or works in Clackmannanshire is community after a period in institutional care fuel debt problems. Call 01259 450000 and home, remember that free internet access is eligible to join the Credit Union. or following a period of unsettled living, such ask to make an appointment with a member available at all Clackmannanshire’s libraries. as homelessness. of our team. The ethos of credit unions is very different from that of banks. The credit union is Grow Your Skills Under Occupation is a reduction in Housing Other contacts run by a Board of Directors. These are Clackmannanshire Works supports Benefit for working age tenants who are The Citizens Advice Bureau provides free, all volunteers and are appointed at the individuals to develop the skills and judged to have more bedrooms than they independent, confidential and impartial Annual General Meeting (AGM) where attributes that they might need to get a job need. Reductions of 14% and 25% came advice to everyone. Visit them at 47 Drysdale each member has one vote, irrespective of or start their own business. That can include into force from April and over 1000 tenants Street, Alloa, telephone 723880, or go to the size of their share account. If there is a help with finding and funding childcare so of Clackmannanshire Council and housing www.citizensadvice.org.uk surplus at the end of the year it is returned that you can attend training or take up a job associations are being affected. The Council to the members through a dividend or offer. Universal credit means you’ll have to has written to everyone potentially affected manage your household budget on a improved services. and has updated relevant policies to try to Money Advice Service monthly basis. You might want to join a The credit union provides facilities for assist. credit union to help you with this. The Council’s Advice Service is free, savings and low-cost loans. Any money An overall Benefit Cap will be applied to confidential and impartial, with our expert Jobcentre Plus supports people of working saved with the credit union is absolutely safe working age customers during 2013. This Debt Advisers on hand to explain the age from welfare into work and helps and is guaranteed by the UK Government will limit support to £350 per week for single options available to help overcome and employers to fill their vacancies. It is based up to a maximum of £85,000 per member. people and £500 per week for couples and relieve the burden of debt. at 17 Mar Street, Alloa. Contact them on A savings account can be opened with as lone parents. 01259 294000. little as £7 for an adult (this includes a one- off £2 joining fee) and £1 for a junior saver. Members are encouraged to save regularly Plan to improve children’s chances and where a pattern of savings has been established, members may be considered The Council and our partners have embraced The collaborative aims to ensure: for a low cost loan. a new national initiative which aims to make Women experience positive pregnancies For more information and to download Scotland the best place to grow up. which results in the birth of more healthy application forms go to Officers from all 32 local authorities gathered babies as evidenced by a reduction in the www.clackmannanshirecreditunion.com at the launch of the Early Years Collaborative rates of stillbirths and infant mortality (EYC) earlier this year in Glasgow. The EYC is a 85% of children have reached all expected Alternatively you can visit the credit union multi-agency quality improvement programme developmental milestones at the time of the at: implemented locally by Community Planning child’s 27-30 month child health review, by 8 Bank Street, Alloa: Partnerships. the end of 2016 Mondays 10am – 12noon and Councillor Ellen Forson, the Council’s 90% of children have reached all of the Fridays 2pm – 4pm Champion for the Collaborative, said: “It was an expected developmental milestones at the intensive event and focused on what practical time the child starts primary school, by end Town Hall, Clackmannan: improvements people at the frontline can make of 2017 Fridays 12.30pm – 1.30pm to services for children and young people. Getting it right in the early years is the right thing The attraction of the Collaborative is its strong 5 Tron Court, Tullibody: to do. Ensuring we provide the correct support focus on front line action which is taken quickly, Wednesdays 9am – 11.45am and in the first place will go some way to preventing tested and then applied more widely if it proves will be deferred and training staff in specific Thursdays 3.30pm – 5.30pm problems later on and will help families and the effective. techniques to support vulnerable babies and parents. wider community for years to come.” Some of the initial actions which are being taken Tron Court is the main office and you can speak to an officer by calling 01259 214200 The overall purpose of the Collaborative is forward locally include increasing the take-up The Collaborative will meet again in May when translating principles into practical action to of antenatal care, supporting early intervention experience from across the country will be on a Wednesday or Thursday. Or email deliver tangible improvement. when there is a risk that a child’s entry to school shared. [email protected]
Page 2 Spring 2013 Clackmannanshire VIEW New School to be Named Redwell Primary
BI OM 1 : DE AS PLAZA 21 LIVE S IMPORTANT RY NURSERY The contractor will be held to have examined the site and checked all dimensions and levels before commencing construction work. The new school to be built at Alloa West will be called Do not make assumptions - refer to the Landscape Architect. Do not scale from this drawing. If in doubt - ask! Redwell Primary School, following suggestions from REVISIONS
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PLAYGROUND Staff from both schools, as well as Parent Councils and pupil representatives have been involved in designing The lead contractor will be Robertson’s Construction. The architects are the new school. Keppie Design, with the civil and the structural engineers Blyth & Blyth. Wallace Whittle have been appointed mechanical and electrical engineers.
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18 ROYAL TERRACE, GLASGOW, G3 7NY -T: 0141-332-0292 F: 0141-332-2058 -E: [email protected] - W: www.hirsts .c o.uk
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Title LANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN SHEET 2/2
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Job No Drawing No Revision 1262 03 Food Waste Caddies Rolled Out A new and improved recycling service for recycled. This costs the Council tens of thousands the residents of Clackmannanshire was of pounds in additional landfill tax fees every year. rolled out earlier this year. We also ask you to make sure that only material that can be recycled is put in your blue bin. A weekly kerbside food waste collection service started in March and the caddies were delivered “Contamination can ruin the other recyclables in with information packs, which explained how the your blue bin and can lead to the rejection of an new service works, what to expect, how to recycle entire load of recycling material that then has to go food waste and why it is so important for every to landfill.” household to take part. By using the recycling service Clackmannanshire Clackmannanshire residents throw away up to 10 residents are ensuring that resources are being tonnes of food waste every weekday! targeted in the most effective way possible. This new, improved service is maximising Councillor Balsillie went on: “These challenging environmental and economic benefits, creating times mean there are some difficult new local jobs with Alloa Community choices ahead. In the future and we Did you know? Enterprises, our kerbside collector, as will not collect the green bin until well as the food waste being turned The national target for the the recyclable material has into green energy and a valuable proportion of municipal waste been put in the correct bin.” being composted or recycled is 50% agricultural fertiliser for Scottish The message is clear - farmers. by 2013. In 20111/12 we composted or recycled 53.2% of municipal waste let us recycle more for Enterprise and Environment Convenor so we have already exceeded this Clackmannanshire and keep Councillor Donald Balsillie said: “Our target and we are in line to meet the county top of the recycling research shows us that the green the national target of 60% league table. bins often contain waste that should be by 2020.
Page 3 Clackmannanshire VIEW Spring 2013 Investment in Electric Vehicles The Council has invested in four new energy-efficient electric vans in its drive to cut carbon emissions, save money and cut fossil fuel use. The vehicles are part of a drive to meet Scotland’s climate change targets and signals the start of the electrification of Scotland’s transport system. They were bought with assistance from the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Electric Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme. The Council received a grant of over £12,000 for each vehicle to make up the difference between the more costly electric vans and the traditional diesel vehicles. There are four charging posts at Kilncraigs and two in the Greenside Street car park in Alloa which the public can use. These four new electric vehicles complement the Council’s two electric sweepers. By providing charging points, we are starting to make an electric vehicle not only a clean and economic choice, but a practical option for many more local and visiting motorists.
New Comments and Young Parents Complaints procedure Congratulated An event to recognise the personal achievements of young parents - Help us to Help you in Clackmannanshire took place in March. Twenty young parents received certificates to mark their engagement, progression and achievements with the At Clackmannanshire Council we want to provide you with the best service we possibly can. If however we Clackmannanshire Young Parents Project. make a mistake, please tell us right away and give us the chance to put it right. In line with national develop- ments, we have recently introduced a new 2-stage complaints procedure to help simplify, standardise and The Young Parents Project, which is supported by European improve the way we handle your complaints. Structural Funds, aims to improve the life chances of the parent and their child or children by helping ensure that their immediate needs We want to know when things go wrong and will try and resolve your are addressed and that appropriate services are accessed. complaint right away (stage 1). If the complaint is more complex, we may need to carry out an investigation into the matter (stage 2). In Partnership working is paramount to the either case, we will let you know the outcome and take action to Council-run initiative’s success with various make sure lessons are learnt. organisations ensuring early intervention to Clackmannanshire Council’s enhance the health, social, educational and Complaints Handling Procedure We also want to encourage positive feedback on any aspect of service, particularly where you’ve had a very positive experience. future employability of the young parents. Positive or negative feedback can be provided by any the following The project is aimed at young parents means: between the ages of 16 – 24 with the focus being to create a realistic individual learning Phone: 450000 plan that the young parent is comfortable In person: At any local office with. Online: www.clacksweb.org.uk All of these contribute to the progression of In writing: Customer Services, Clackmannanshire Council, the individual having an increased ability to Lime Tree House, Alloa, FK10 1EX do things for themselves.
Page 4 Spring 2013 Clackmannanshire VIEW Gum Buster Takes
Did you know? to the Street A survey conducted by A new state-of-the-art gum busting machine is the latest weapon being used Keep Scotland Beautiful in the Council’s battle to clean-up the county’s streets. found that there was a reduction in the number The £7000 machine is a first for the Council of incidences of graffiti which has tried a number of less successful in Clackmannanshire methods to blast the eyesore from town during 2011/12. centre pavements over the years.
But this new piece of equipment, which A survey conducted by uses a combination of a pressure, heat and Keep Scotland Beautiful detergent, is doing the trick. found that there was The Council has already introduced £50 fines reduction in number for people dropping litter, including chewing of incidences of graffiti gum, so this is the next stage of our ongoing in Clackmannanshire battle to improve the appearance of our during 2011/12. community. Our Community Wardens will not hesitate to impose fines on anyone seen dropping chewing gum or any litter. Support your town centre There are currently two business How are BIDs funded? improvement district companies in A BID is funded by businesses and Clackmannanshire; the Alloa Town Centre organisations through a levy which was BID and Clacksfirst. The Alloa Town Centre determined by a steering group and BID represents town centre businesses included in the BID business plan and and delivers projects and improvements proposals. Businesses and organisations within Alloa Town Centre. ClacksFirst BID Ltd then vote to decide whether they wanted represents businesses in the ten business to pay the levy which would deliver the parks throughout Clackmannanshire improvement projects. representing a variety of business sectors which include manufacturing, IT, distribution How long does a BID last? and offices. BIDs in Scotland have a maximum five year mandate. After these five years, a new Both BID companies are run by local Twogether... business plan is created and put to the company directors who volunteer to lead businesses and organisations to vote on for the projects. Both BIDs have developed another session. a successful working partnership with we are launching Clackmannanshire Council and have a What has the Alloa Town Centre proven record in delivering projects. two new degrees BID delivered? The Alloa Town Centre BID worked in What is a business improvement Two outstanding places of learning district? partnership with Clackmannanshire Council in the successful application and delivery Two innovative Undergraduate Honours Degrees A BID is a business-led initiative where of the Imagine Alloa project which brought businesses work together and invest £2.4 million of town centre improvements. collectively in local improvements to their The Alloa BID worked closely with trading environment. Services delivered Clackmannanshire Council on the transport BA ( Hons) Heritage and Conservation by a BID must be in addition to those strategy for the town centre which resulted BSc (Hons) Applied Biological Sciences currently provided by the local authority. A in car parking remaining free for shoppers, a BID is a partnership arrangement with the new car park opening at Marshill and plans local business community, local authority, for a second car park by the train station. APPLY ONLINE NOW! police, and any other body who is can take They have also successfully worked with the Starting forward projects what will benefit the local Council on Christmas events which included August 2013 economy. the ice rink, reindeer, and treasure trails. Businesses have benefited from the BID with the town centre improvements. In addition, the BIGBID Recycle project provides businesses with a free recyclable waste collection, saving businesses money and helping to reduce their environmental impact. Call. 0845 634 4444 Click. [email protected] Plans for the future include regular monthly forthvalley.ac.uk/twogether markets and events which will include Log on. craft and arts markets. Work is underway
for a comedy festival in October and the Copyright April 2013 © Forth Valley College & the University of Stirling. Information was correct at time of publishing but bid will continue to support the annual 5th November fireworks event. Page 5 Clackmannanshire VIEW Spring 2013 Unsung heroes celebrated at Annual Awards Evening
Linda McLeod was named as Citizen of the Year 2012 at the annual Clackmannanshire Awards ceremony. She won the accolade for her dedication to raising awareness of lung disease with the Breathe Easy group. As group Chairperson Linda works extremely hard to raise awareness of lung disease. She also delivers support to fellow lung disease sufferers. A delighted Linda said: “I never even expected to be in the running for this award, and I’d like to say how honoured and privileged I feel to have been chosen to receive it. “I will continue to do all I can to promote Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire because I want people to know how the group can help and support them, and also those who look after them.
“Having a lung condition can be life- limiting and can make the sufferer feel very isolated. Speaking to those who are in a similar situation can make a big difference - I know it did to me.” On the same evening young carer Charlie Crawford, from Alva, became the first ever winner of Clackmannanshire’s Young Citizen of the Year Award. He has run marathons to raise funds for motor neuron disease and has completed a coaching certificate to help and encourage other children into sport. He is regarded by everyone who knows him as an outstanding young citizen, and a worthy winner of the award.
Page 6 Spring 2013 Clackmannanshire VIEW Unsung heroes celebrated at Annual Awards Evening The Sports Council Awards recognise outstanding ability, dedication and achievement in sport over the past year. The Lifetime Contribution to Sport Award went to Margo Johnston, who has coached gymnastics since early 1980s when she was first introduced to the sport as a helper. Since then Margo has coached all the gymnasts who have come through Alloa Amateur Gymnastic club including, Steve Frew who won a Commonwealth gold medal at the 2002 Manchester games. She reluctantly decided in November last year to hang up her coaching hat after 30 years of dedication to coaching. The Senior Sports Award went to Meggan Dawson-Farrell (Athletics Wheelchair Racing), who won the Glasgow women’s 10k, the great Scottish half marathon and Birmingham marathon. She also set new Scottish records in the 800 metres and 1500 metres. The Junior Sports Award went to Sarah McMahon (Tae Kwon-Do), who won three gold medals at the British championships and was overall champion. She also won gold for sparring at the World championships. The Sports Award for Triumph Over Adversity went to Stephen Donaldson (Boccia), who will be competing at the 2013 Special Olympics in Bath, and who won gold at the 2009 Special Olympics in boccia. The Enid Barton Coach of the Year was won by John Eccles (Equestrian Vaulting), who coached Joanne and Hannah Eccles to first and second places in the World Cup and coached Rebecca Norval and Andrew McLachlan to the European championship.
Pictures clockwise from main: Citizen of the Year Linda McLeod; Sports Council Award winners; Margo Johnston collects her Lifetime Contribution to Sport Award from Provost Tina Murphy; Shona Malcolm with her Services to Sport Award; Provost Tina Murphy and Lord-Lieutenant George Reid with Citizen of the Year nominees; Provost Tina Murphy and Colonel Bob Elliott with Young Citizen of the Year Charlie Crawford and fellow nominees.
Team of the Year went to Rebecca Norval and country league championships they finished first club each week helping coaches deliver sessions to Andrew McLachlan (Equestrian Vaulting), for with individuals finishing in the first three places. the children. making British and European history winning gold Seven of the runners qualified for the Forth Valley The Services to Sport Award went to Shona at the junior European vaulting championships. championships. Malcolm (Athletics). She has officiated in athletics They also won the British, Scottish, and Welsh The Young Leader/Volunteer award was presented for 32 years, including the 2012 London Olympics, championships. to Ben King (Alloa Academy), who constantly and also coached athletes, both able bodied and School Team of the Year was named as Alva volunteered to help at sports events. He also with disabilities for over 20 years. Primary 7 Girls Cross Country Team. In the cross spends time at the sports development badminton
Page 7 Clackmannanshire VIEW Spring 2013 Housing Customer New DVD raises awareness Satisfaction Survey of doorstep crime - Coming to your door soon As part of our ongoing commitment to seek the views of our tenants and implement improvement actions, Clackmannanshire Council’s Housing Service has worked in partnership with Stirling Council, Forth Housing Association and Rural Stirling Housing Association to commission BMG Research to carry out a face-to-face survey involving some of our tenants and other customers. The aim is for each of the participating this process, if you are contacted by the landlords to find out how satisfied their researchers and are able take part, it would tenants are with the services delivered. be helpful if you take this opportunity to We want to know what you think of tell us what you think we do well, what we Clackmannanshire Council as a landlord, could do better and where you think we and what actions you think we can take to should focus our resources in the future. improve our service to you. All respondents will be in with a chance of winning three £50 shopping vouchers in a BMG researchers will be looking to speak to prize draw. around 800 Clackmannanshire tenants and we will use this information to; The questionnaire has been developed by tenants, service users, and staff to receive As spring arrives you may be thinking about is not awarded easily; every business listed Assess levels of satisfaction with feedback that we can use to really make a getting work done in your garden or around has undergone a series of detailed checks the housing services offered to our difference to our services. The survey should your house. Clackmannanshire Doorstep before being approved as a member of customers last about 20 minutes and the information Crime Partnership is reminding everyone to the scheme. Their conduct continues to Identify areas of the service which you provide will be completely confidential. be cautious about who you buy goods and be monitored thereafter. Whilst it cannot require improvement The agents will be carrying out the survey services from, who you agree to allow into be promised that Buy With Confidence your home and who you allow to carry out members’ work will be perfect every time, it Examine the future needs and during June and July and they will have identification, so please ask to see it. If you work. can be expected that any problems are dealt aspirations of tenants. with fairly by the business, and consumers are still unsure of any personal callers from The Partnership’s aim is to give you the can turn to Trading Standards for advice in The services we deliver depend on knowing the Council then please call us on 450000. confidence to challenge the identity of the event of an unresolved issue. what you, the customer wants. To help callers and to say no to unexpected callers. The Partnership’s advice is: The Doorstep Crime Partnership have developed a DVD which highlights that Always check to see who is at the door doorstep crime can occur in different ways. before answering the door and only The DVD also provides some straightforward answer the door if you feel safe and advice to help prevent people becoming secure to do so victims of doorstep crime. Put on the door chain if you have one The DVD can be shown to community before answering the door groups by a member of staff who can also If you are suspicious about someone answer questions about doorstep crime. Improvements to calling at your door or at a neighbour’s The Partnership has also produced a helpful door, contact the police booklet.
If you require work to be carried out use the If you have any questions on doorstep Repairs Service Buy With Confidence SchemeScottish to identify Housing a crime, Regulator for further information on the DVD reputable trader (www.buywithconfidence.National Panel of Tenantsor andif you Service would Users like a copy of the booklet, The Council has opened a new dedicated repair centre for tenants gov.uk) or contact StirlingPublicity and Materialsplease contact Trading Standards on 01786 to enhance customer satisfaction. Clackmannanshire Trading Standards on 443076. From now on, tenants should receive a seamless service, with 01786 404040. The Buy With Confidence The Doorstep Crime booklet can also repairs being carried out, where possible, in a single visit. SchemeInsert for provides newsletters, consumers etc with a list of be downloaded from Clacksweb at local businesses, which have given their The repairs centre brings together staff from a range of services Please insert the item below in any newsletters or similarwww.clacksweb.org.uk/community/dcp/ that you issue to your tenants and other service commitmentusers. to trade fairly. Membership to create a more streamlined process of logging, diagnosing
and actioning repairs.
What does this mean for me? Council tenants who want to report a repair should call the Help us to improve social landlords’ services…
Housing Helpline on 0845 055 7070 and choose option 1 to be Who we are connected to the repairs centre team. The Scottish Housing Regulator’s role is to protect the interests of tenants, homeless people and others who use the housing services of councils, housing associations, co-ops and other social landlords.
If visiting your local office, staff can assist you in contacting The National Panel: what it’s for and why it’s important the repair centre if required. We’re setting up a National Panel as one important way for us to hear what people think. We want to understand your priorities, experiences and views of the services you receive, and we will use your You can use the repair centre to: feedback to help make sure we're focusing on the important things.
Who can join Report repairs You can join the Panel if you are a tenant of a social landlord, are homeless, a home owner who receives Re-arrange your gas service factoring or common repairs services from a social landlord, or a Gypsy/Traveller who uses a council or housing association site. Did you know? Get expert advice on repairs, and enquire about any What’s involved We have high performance outstanding repairs on your home As a Panel member we will send you occasional surveys asking for your views - no more than 2 or 3 a year. for completing emergency Surveys will be quick and easy to complete. We may also ask you to give us feedback in other ways.
Notify us of any repair issues and urgent repairs. Of 7000 Every new member will be entered into a draw to win one of 6 x £50 prizes.
The creation of the repairs centre is the first phase requests for emergency repairs
To join or find out more… in 2011/12, we only failed on in repairs improvement, with further improvements Sign up online at bit.ly/nat-panel planned for this summer involving a new ‘smart’ 32 occasions to complete
appointments system. the work within four Scan the code with a smartphone
hours. Call Craigforth (who manage the Panel) on 0800 027 2245
Page 8
Spring 2013 Clackmannanshire VIEW Budgets set Thought provoking theatre for 2013/14 enjoyed by pupils
Council tax bills have been “Crush”, a humorous but thought-provoking theatre-in- empowering young people to build healthy relationships in frozen for the sixth year in education project, came to Clackmannanshire, with a 45 the future and to better support those affected by domestic a row, maintaining bills at minute performance in front of S3-S6 audiences at Alloa abuse at present. Academy, Lornshill Academy and Alva Academy. 2007/08 levels. The storyline followed Jack, a popular 19-year-old car The Council’s revenue Performed by Baldy Bane Theatre, the production looked mechanic, the blue-eyed boy, good at sports, popular with expenditure will be £115.306 at the serious issues of abuse within teenage relationships, the girls and always up for a laugh, while Gillian, a bright and million over the year ahead. A gender stereotyping and the media’s impact on young bubbly 15-year-old, lived and breathed celebrity culture. people’s body image and behaviour. seven year capital expenditure They meet; they fall in love and appear to walk off into the budget of £64 million was also The Clackmannanshire performances were arranged by the Happy Ever After..... agreed at February’s Special Clackmannanshire Violence Against Woman Partnership The production was followed by a post show discussion/ Council meeting. Capital and the Council’s Community Wardens who funded the workshop where pupils were given the opportunity to expenditure pays for permanent improvements such as event through the Clackmannanshire Community Safety new buildings and refurbishment. discuss the issues that were presented and to consider the Partnership’s Community Safety Cash Fund. impact of each characters’ actions. Council Leader Gary Womersley said: “I am delighted The performance met the to say that we are delivering a wide-range of initiatives Pupils were invited to question the main characters about aims of Curriculum for that I believe will make a difference to the people of their behaviour and suggest Excellence both in terms of Clackmannanshire. We have less money, but we are going alternative endings. to deliver more, while also setting down solid foundations for the medium and long term. “This budget does include significant savings and, where appropriate, consultation on the implementation of specific savings will continue with relevant parties, service users and communities. As part of these consultation arrangements, I have also asked Council management to work with Trade Union representatives to agree a recruitment protocol.” Growth items announced at the budget meeting include: • Continuation of the £100,000 Environmental Improvement Fund for a second year • New financial support of £10,000 to back local food banks • Investment of £50,000 to allow for the completion of work to make the footpath safe at Mill Glen • Additional financial support of £75,000 to Ochil Leisure Enterprise, accompanied by a service level agreement, to assist with the running of Alva Did you know? Pool. Public perception of The Council will also adopt the Local Authority Clackmannanshire schools Mortgage Scheme. The scheme will help local remains high. In our most recent first time buyers access affordable housing. Clacks 1000 survey 95% rated their The Council will deposit £3 million to establish experience of primary schools in a guarantee with the mortgage provider to Clackmannanshire as very good support the scheme which aims to help 150 or quite good. The figure for first time buyers onto the housing ladder. secondary schools was slightly lower at 90%. The budget also included a plan to enhance the early support and intervention provided in nurseries. The plan is the initial step towards achieving a significant increase in the number of nursery teachers. Paid for school meals will remain at the same price as they have done for Ludgate says ‘konnichiwa’ the last nine years. The capital programme includes a £7.5 million investment to Japanese culture over the next seven years in business improvements and settlement reviews of each local community. A celebration of Japanese culture Service user Bessie was one of the first to dress up in a kimono and was thrilled Significant additional funding of £5.25 million has been was held at the Ludgate Resource by the experience. allocated to tackle a backlog of road repairs and for new Centre in Alloa. street lights. Over 30 service users, from both the The event also included food tasting, with chicken tsukune and traditional £1 million has been allocated up to 2019/20 for the village respite and day care centres, were and small town centre initiative which will be targeted at treated to a wide variety of activities sushi among the delights on offer. improving main streets across the area. that ensured they learned about Japan The service users enjoyed a kimono and Japanese culture and enjoyed £300,000 is to be spent over three years to improve workshop led by Sato McConnell, who is by two of their friends from Glasgow, broadband coverage in Clackmannanshire and £100,000 themselves at the same time. originally from Japan. Sato has worked Chiharu and Yoshi Asano Campbell. at Ludgate for the past ten years as a has been allocated to facilitate lands improvements and Leading the plaudits was 95-year-old The event also included an origami social care practitioner. flood mitigation works. Bessie Fells, who said: “It was a wonderful demonstration, Japanese calligraphy, A new streetscape programme is to be established which day and everyone has thoroughly She was assisted by her younger sister arts and crafts with music being played will focus on environmental improvements to main enjoyed the event and learning more Hiroko Nishikawa, who was on holiday by Sato and Japanese classical dance residential areas and other busy areas with a budget of about Japanese culture. I hope they in Scotland from Hiroshima, Japan. performed by Yoshi, a professional £875,000. have similar events in the future.” They were joined at the demonstration dancer.
Page 9 Clackmannanshire VIEW Spring 2013 Appointment Construction Projects of New Police and Fire Bring Community Commanders New commanders have been appointed to lead local policing and fire service provision across Scotland as part of the Benefits new national services. The Council is now including the use of community The new single force, known as the Police benefit clauses in the procurement of major contracts Service Scotland, began at the start of April. such as the Kilncraigs refurbishment project and the Similarly the eight Scottish Fire and Rescue building of new Council houses. Services were merged into a national A community benefit can be added to any suitable public Scottish Fire and Rescue Service also from contact to provide wider social benefit. For example, the start of April. community benefit clauses may include: Clackmannanshire Council welcomed the Promoting jobs and training opportunities for appointment of Chief Superintendent unemployed people, particularly young people David Flynn, who has been appointed to cover Forth Valley, with Chief Inspector Promoting small and medium enterprises and third sector Stephen Sneddon appointed as Senior organisations and making subcontracting opportunities Officer for Clackmannanshire. more visible Contributing to climate change mitigation targets and to energy efficiency Promoting community engagement In these challenging economic times, it is especially important that we get the maximum possible benefit for our communities from public spending. CS David Flynn CI Stephen Sneddon Through the Kilncraigs and Council house projects we have achieved the following community benefits to Register The Council also welcomed the date: appointment of Area Manager Kenneth Rogers to the position of Local Senior Apprenticeships places for young people of Electors Officer for Clack- A range of work experience placements for young Over 750 electors lost their right to vote recently when they didn’t respond to mannanshire and people and pupils requests to verify their details on the Register of Electors. Stirling from his previous post of Head Curriculum support activities for our primary and Anyone moving address is reminded that they need to apply to register at of Operational Plann- secondary schools their new address - and if you supply your email address you help save money ing and Community Employment opportunities for local people on print and postage costs. Safety within Central Kenneth Rogers Support with materials and equipment for the Council’s Last year over 35% of responses were received by either email, phone or text, Scotland Fire and Rangers service to upgrade the core path network. but with postage costs of just under £100,000 in 2012/13, more electors are Rescue Service. encouraged to use these cheaper and more convenient methods. Clackmannanshire Works, the Council’s employability As part of the new arrangements, there team, has developed a single point of contact for To supply your email address and registered address contact the Electoral will be local policing and fire plans for contractors and has been helping them source suitable Registration Office using: Clackmannanshire, reflecting the concerns of the local community, which will be individuals for the range of training and employment [email protected] or for more information agreed with the Council and which the opportunities available through these contracts. telephone 01786 892289 or visit www.saa.gov.uk/central Council will play a key role in monitoring. Sir George Knighted by Prince Charles Sir George Reid was knighted in February at an Investiture ceremony in Buckingham Palace. The Lord-Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire received his accolade from HRH Prince Charles who dubbed him on each shoulder with the sword of his grandfather, King George VI, and then placed the badge of Knight Bachelor around his neck. “We had a nice chat afterwards,” said Sir George, “and I got in at least two references to the Wee County.” The new knight received his honour “for services to Scottish politics and to public life.” He was accompanied to the Palace by his wife, Lady Daphne Reid; by his daughter, Dr Morag Reid; and by his sister in law, Mrs Grace Burt. When his name was included in the 2012 Birthday Honours list, Sir George commented: “It is very pleasant to have public recognition of all I have tried to do. Both Daphne and I are, however, happy to be addressed by our first names.”
Page 10 Spring 2013 Clackmannanshire VIEW Clackmannanshire Give us your views Clackmannanshire
Clackmannanshire Council a good place to live, about View Tel: 01259 450000 email: [email protected] www.clacksweb.org.uk We are surveying our readers in this issue of the View. We would like to hear what you think survey reveals of the topics covered in the View, what you would like to see covered and what you would like us to change. We would like your help in improving the View. The Clackmannanshire Alliance has 47% were also satisfied with improving This survey should not take longer than 5 minutes to complete. Your responses will be released the results of its regular Clacks road safety and 44% each satisfied with confidential and will enable us to see the newspaper through your eyes. As a tokenof 1000 survey, revealing that more people improving transport and promoting appreciation, you will be entered in our prize draw and could win a £50 Argos voucher. feel Clackmannanshire is a good place to health and well being. live. A total of 83% rated their experience of If you just want to share your views on View Reading habits without entering the draw, simply return the The survey of 1000 panel members covers public services in Clackmannanshire as Q8 How often do you read local topics such as health, public services, either ‘very good’ or ‘fairly good’, a rise survey without your personal details. newspapers? community safety and employment and on the 78% of Panel members recorded Q1 How satisfied are you with the Daily 2-3 times a weeks training opportunities and is conducted in 2011. newspaper’s editorial content? annually. once a week once a fortnight Panel members’ experiences of the 1-very satisfied 5- very dissatisfied once a month a few times a year Views from the Clacks 1000 survey are used individual public services they have 1 2 3 4 5 to inform Council and partner policies. used in the last year provide very I don't read local newspapers positive ratings for most services, Q2 How satisfied are you with The proportion of respondents satisfied primary schools (95%), refuse the newspaper’s graphics and Q9 What topics would you like to see with Clackmannanshire as a place to live covered more often in the View? collection/ recycling (93%) and photographs? has risen to 86%, and those satisfied with hospitals (92%). 1-very satisfied 5- very dissatisfied their neighbourhood has also risen to 1 2 3 4 5 90%. In relation to perceptions of Q3 How would you rate the View’s fairness of reporting? Clackmannanshire, positive views were Excellent Good Adequate recorded among Panel members for improving its accessibility (72%), a cost Fair Poor effective living and business location (57%) and that it has a strong sense of Q4 How would you rate the View's Q10 What could we do to make The View a accuracy of local news coverage? community (54%). better newspaper? Excellent Good Adequate Respondents were asked to indicate which aspects of their immediate Fair Poor neighbourhood they particularly Q5 How important are the following topics like or value. A quiet and peaceful to you? Use 1 for the most important and area (66%), a good outlook/view 8 for the least important (64%), good neighbours (64%), friendly economic situation people (63%) and good air quality (63%) editorials and letters were the most important factors to emerge entertainment from Clackmannanshire as a whole, the Did you know? Tell us about yourself local events same factors which scored highly in 2011. In our latest Clacks Gender Overall, encouraging people to be more 1000 survey 88% of general news Male Female environmentally friendly emerged as the residents surveyed felt that information about Council's Prefer not to say community planning priority with the Clackmannanshire has good performance access to nature and open highest satisfaction rating (70%), while articles about Council staff Age group spaces. local affairs Less than 18 years Other (please specify in the box below) 18-24 25-34 35-44 Award for Excellent 45-54 55-65 65+ How long have you lived in Customer Service Q6 Thinking about the View, which of the Clackmannanshire? following do you agree with (please Less than a year tick all that apply)? The Council’s Corporate and Finance The Corporate and Finance Service It provides valuable local 1 - but less than 5 years Service has achieved the Customer Service provides a wide range of internal support information Excellence quality standard. service, from business support and 5 - but less than 10 years I look forward to reading it members services to communications, Independent assessors visited 10 - but less than 20 years performance, research and information, It informs me Clackmannanshire, speaking to staff, 20+ years emergency planning, accountancy, customers, community councillors and It entertains me governance, IT and finance. And in an partners. It provides information no other ever-increasingly challenging financial Your name______newspaper does The Customer Service Excellence award is environment, it is essential that the a Government initiative that aims to keep Council’s support services demonstrate Other (please specify in the box below) Address______the customer at the heart of public service. continuous improvement. It looks at areas including service delivery, ______timeliness, information, professionalism Postcode______and staff attitude. There is also emphasis Q7 The View is well organised and easy to placed on developing customer insight, read Please tick the box if you agree for your understanding the user’s experience 1 - Strongly agree, 5 -Strongly disagree name to be published if you win the prize and robust measurement of service 1 2 3 4 5 draw. satisfaction. Achieving reaccreditation demonstrates that the service has continued to improve. Return to View Survey, Communications, Greenfield, Alloa FK10 2AD Page 11 Clackmannanshire VIEW Spring 2013 Ochils Festival Gartmorn Dam at 300 Industry Created It... Nature Reclaimed It... People Enjoy It...
Gartmorn Dam, the oldest reservoir in which would produce the energy and exhibitions will take place at Scotland, was built for John Erskine, needed to operate engines to drain Gartmorn Dam and in Alloa Tower, the 6th Earl of Mar (1675-1732). A talented the mines. ancestral home of the Erskine family. visionary and a Secretary of State for Work on the Gartmorn system Look out for the full programme in the Scotland, he believed that economic began in 1711 and was completed months ahead, but below find out how development was essential for cultural by 1713. A double dam was built on you can get involved improvement and in 1702 began to the River Black Devon at Forestmill now, and where modernise his impoverished estate. to divert water into a two-mile long you can discover His work laid the foundations of Alloa lade (aqueduct) to Gartmorn Loch. more about the as an industrial town. A massive earth dam was also built fascinating history of The Ochils Festival is a programme of FREE events taking The 6th Earl owned coal mines, but to hold back the water in the loch Gartmorn Dam. place throughout June 2013. they were often flooded: he tried but and create what was then the largest There is something for everyone - locals and visitors alike. failed to drain them. In 1709 he invited artificial body of water in Scotland, There are walks, talks, workshops, discovery sessions, tours George Sorocold, a skilled hydraulic unique in 18th century Britain and a of historic kirkyards and loads of fun family activities that engineer, to visit Alloa and advise him. great engineering achievement. celebrate the landscape, heritage and people of the Ochils Sorocold suggested constructing a To celebrate Gartmorn Dam’s and Hillfoots. dam to trap a large volume of water tercentenary in 2013, a range of events Join us for a mini-beast hunt or a bat discovery session. Try your hand at willow weaving or help Alloa Tower us create some fantastic outdoor art. And don’t Alloa Tower is the largest tower house of its type in Scotland forget to come to Ochils and has a fine collection of art, furniture and silverware on Fest on 15 June, where display. As you explore the tower’s four floors you’ll hear tales you can see some amazing of the Erskines, Mary Queen of Scots and her visits to the birds of prey, make ‘tree tower, fortunes and titles lost and regained, and the building’s cookies’ or butterfly hibernation boxes, have a go ruin and restoration. at animation and explore our ground-breaking new The tower is packed with arresting architectural features, such ‘Virtual Landscape’! For the full programme, please visit as the stone well built into its walls, as well as the magnificent www.ochils.org.uk. 15th century beamed ceiling, so come along and visit and don’t miss the panoramic views from the tower’s roof walk. Gartmorn Dam 300 exhibition - Opens 26th July 2013 Costume Tours 1pm - 4pm - May 18th / 19th, July 13th, Colin Fry August 17th / 24th, September 21st / 28th, Halloween tours October 12th / 19th. The Happy Opening Hours Tower: 23 Mar to 29 Apr, Fri-Mon 1-5; Medium 3 May to 31 Aug, Thu-Mon 1-5; 1 Sep to 28 Oct, Fri-Mon 1-5 (last entry 4.15). Celebrating 35 years Visits outside these dates/times for pre-booked groups by One of the world’s most recognised arrangement with property. Tel. 0844 493 2129 spiritualist mediums and healers, Colin Fry is coming to Alloa Town Admission prices Hall this autumn. Adult £6.50 Family £16.50 Colin’s TV series “6ixth Sense” has Concession £5 1 Parent £11.50 now been broadcast worldwide NTS Members FREE for 10 years making his public ** 25% discount to Clackmannanshire residents. performances an international demand. This year’s tour will once again The Wedding Show see Colin Fry bring his own Calling all Yarn Lovers Alloa Town Hall unique form of comfort and The Woolly Wednesday Club are calling all yarn lovers for Sunday 12th May upliftment to ordinary people some woolly fun on the 7th & 8th September to celebrate 1pm - 4pm (Admission free) living ordinary lives, proving Gartmorn Dam, and they are currently seeking volunteers once again he is very much the peoples medium. to knit, and crochet for this exciting colourful project. Over 35 local businesses who can help Beginners, and experienced knitters make your wedding day complete will Colin comes to Alloa on Saturday 28th September at of all ages are welcome. be exhibiting. You will also have the 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £17.50 are available now. Book opportunity to meet members of the now by calling 213131. To find out more contact Nicola Council’s Registration Service who can Glennie by email at [email protected] tell you more about the legal formalities Evenings of mediumship are not scientifically proven and telephone Resonate Arts House on 928014. of getting married. So come along to get are presented for education and entertainment purposes advice, ideas and inspiration to help you only. The Woolly Wednesday Club meets weekly between 11am and 12.30pm plan and organise your perfect day. at Resonate Arts House. Page 12