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Take homefreetoday your Clackmannanshire View - Autumn 2015 Protect Your Kids from Smoke When you smoke indoors your second-hand smoke lingers in the air. You can’t see or smell it, but it’s there. The harmful chemicals move easily from room to room for up to five hours, even with the window open and door closed. And because your child breathes faster than you, they’ll breathe more of those harmful chemicals. Tips for taking it right outside - could you: • Ask a friend or neighbour to mind the kids while you pop out for a smoke? • Use other opportunities to smoke, like taking the rubbish out or on your way to the shops? • Go outside to smoke when your kids are at school or nursery? • Try nicotine gum or spray just to get you through the times you want to smoke at home and can’t get outside? • Ask visitors who are smokers to go right outside to smoke, or find other opportunities to smoke, like on their way to your house? • Don’t have a garden? Alone with your kids? If you need more suggestions on how to take it right outside, visit rightoutside.org For your kids’ sake, take it right outside. Make Sure You Can Vote The Scottish Parliamentary Election takes place on Anyone who has been added to the register in the last few 5 May 2016, and it is important everyone eligible is months, including eligible 14 and 15 year olds will have registered to vote in time. been sent confirmation of their registration. If you have not received a letter and have applied to register please contact The new Register of Electors will be published on 1 December, the Electoral Registration Office on 01786 892289. and it will list all the eligible registered electors who are 16 or over by 30 November. The Register will be available to check Pete Wildman, the Electoral Registration Officer, has advised in libraries by 10 December. that significant numbers of potential electors are not yet included in the register as they have failed to individually apply to register. This is despite his office sending voter registration forms to everyone he was advised was resident from returned household enquiry forms, tenancy changes etc. He is encouraging anyone with an outstanding form or who is not on the register to apply online NOW at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. When you change address you should immediately apply again at your new address, using the online facility at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, to ensure that you continue to be on the register.

2 Clackmannanshire View - Autumn 2015

A Good Place to Live

Clackmannanshire is a good place to live according to 93% of people surveyed as part of the Clackmannanshire Citizens’ Panel.

The findings are part of the annual survey 88% of residents feel safe at night up from The survey also shows that panel of panel members carried out on behalf 84% in 2014. members’ attitudes to their current of the Clackmannanshire Alliance, which Significantly, of fourteen indicators which health and well being continue to be very covers areas including public services, were measured in 2014, eleven have seen positive, with the vast majority - 93% - community safety and employment and an improvement in public perception. The describing their health as good or fairly training opportunities. most notable improvements include: good. The vast majority of panel members are • Clackmannanshire is a great place to Almost three quarters of panel members also satisfied with the way that public work - up from 42% in 2014 to 51% in have visited the Ochil Hills/Hillfoots (71%) services are delivered, with 94% rating 2015 while 67% have visited open, natural their experience as either very good or spaces in Clackmannanshire over the last • Clackmannanshire is a cost effective fairly good, steadily increasing from 62% year. Satisfaction with outdoor spaces business location - up from 40% to 49% in 2007. Services which scored highest remains high with access to good walking included refuse collection (95%) and • There are attractive places to visit and networks (94%), good cycling networks libraries at 95%. things to do - up from 75% to 82% (80%) and access to nature and open A very high proportion of panel Overall, the survey showed closer results spaces (92%). members feel safe (99%) walking in their between those living in regeneration areas The panel now stands at 1,258 members, neighbourhood during the day, with and those in wider Clackmannanshire with with 431 in the regeneration areas and only 12% saying that they were fearful of trends suggesting that the gap is closing 827 in the rest of Clackmannanshire. becoming a victim of crime, a reduction across a number of indicators. Full details of the results can be viewed from last year’s figure of 18%. on ClacksWeb. Praise for Progress on Children’s Services

Significant improvements have resulted amount of improvement activity in a and their families. The inspectors were in positive changes for children and relatively short period of time, which had confident that the community planning young people across Clackmannanshire, resulted in positive changes in practice. partners have the capacity to maintain according to the findings of a joint A comprehensive integrated improvement their present rate of progress and will in inspection report published by the Care plan has been developed, which prioritises the future achieve the goal of sustained Inspectorate. short, medium and long term actions to improvement and change. The report contains a progress review protect children and young people from Cllr Les Sharp, Chair of the of a previous inspection carried out abuse and neglect and improve their Clackmannanshire Alliance said: on services in the Clackmannanshire overall wellbeing. “Inspectors have noted significant Community Planning Partnership area. The review found good practice improvements in all of the five areas The inspection covered a range of and progress in many areas, with outlined in the inspection, clearer and services for children and young people improvements made in processes and stronger leadership has been established including education, health, social practices, training, joint working and and inspectors are confident in our plans services and those provided by the police planning processes. They reported that for the future, and all of the partner and the voluntary sector. staff were enthusiastic and motivated organisations will be working hard In the review, inspectors noted that the to improve the quality of their work and together to continue to keep the pace of partners had undertaken an enormous in turn improve outcomes for children improvements.”

3 Clackmannanshire View - Autumn 2015 New Bins Help You to Recycle On the Go

New recycling on the go bins are set to appear in our parks, making it easier to recycle your rubbish when you’re out enjoying Clackmannanshire’s outdoor spaces. You can recycle paper, plastics and cans in the new bins, helping to make a contribution to our position as one of Scotland’s top councils for recycling. Look out for the new bins in outdoor areas at: Gartmorn Dam Country Park The new bins have been introduced People can already take advantage West End Park thanks to funding from Zero Waste of many different ways to recycle, Scotland, the programme which helps including kerbside recycling services Greenfield Park everyone to reduce waste, recycle more and facilities available at local Johnstone and Cochrane Parks and use our resources sustainably. recycling centres.

Ochil Hills Woodland Park Recycling bins are already available You can find out more about in a number of busy locations in the bins and lots of other King George V Park Clackmannanshire, including busy areas useful recycling information on of Alloa town centre. ClacksWeb. Opening Brighter Doors The Council successfully provided Before Mrs Mitchell of Dollar 30 Secure Door Entry systems to common blocks of flats throughout “Very pleased with the new secure door entry Clackmannanshire in the last financial system, I feel a lot more safe & secure in my year. These new doors increase safety home” After and security for tenants, and meet the Scottish Government Housing Quality Mr & Mrs Whyte, Tullibody Standard. “Extremely pleased with the Installation of the new door entry The 30 blocks included a mixture of system, with new doors having clear glazing panels that we can both Council and private households, now visually see who is on the other side of the doors and more and a grant package is available for light coming into the close. Over all, we are feeling more secure” owners to assist with the shared costs associated with this work. There are a further 37 blocks included in the enhancement programme for 2015/16 Customer feedback following the and again, grant assistance will be available for owners included in the programme. completion of the improvements has Owners are urged to participate and take up this offer to allow upgrades to been very positive. proceed and increase safety & security for the whole block.

4 Clackmannanshire View - Autumn 2015

New First World War Exhibition at Speirs

A new exhibition James Dalglish Pollock VC was 25 years old and a corporal in commemorating the the 5th Battalion The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, Great War and its impact when he was awarded the VC for his outstanding bravery on 27th September, when he threw hand grenades into a British in Clackmannanshire trench which had been infiltrated by German soldiers, while has opened at the Speirs subjected to heavy machine-gun fire. He held up the German Centre. advance until he was wounded. The exhibition looks at the events leading up to Two weeks later his second cousin, 23 year old James Lennox the outbreak of war on Dawson VC, who was serving in 187th Company Royal 4th August 1914 and the Engineers (Special Brigade), also won the VC during the first seventeen months of same battle, near the Hohenzollern Redoubt when he saved the war. It also focuses on many men, by patrolling back and forth above the trenches, two local men who were directing his sappers and clearing infantry from the trenches awarded the Victoria Cross which were full of gas, all the while under very heavy fire. He in 1915. then ensured that three leaking gas canisters did not get near the trenches. James Dalglish Pollock VC and James Lennox Dawson A range of items relating to the war will also VC were both born in be displayed in the exhibition, including Tillicoultry, though Dawson’s objects from the Council collection, material family moved to Alloa when on loan from The Regimental Museum of he was eight. They were the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and awarded the VC, the highest memorabilia of Clackmannanshire soldiers award for gallantry in the loaned by members of the public. face of the enemy that can The exhibition runs at the Speirs Centre be awarded to British and until the end of the year. Commonwealth forces, for Two commemorative paving stones were their actions during the unveiled recently in Tillicoultry to honour The stones are at the junction of Artois-Loos Offensive. James Pollock VC and James Dawson VC. High Street and Bank Street.

5 Clackmannanshire View - Autumn 2015 Community Groups Encouraged to Apply for Grants

A total of over £82,000 has been The Council continues to invite preventing crime or reducing the fear handed out to community groups by applications from groups from all over of crime Clackmannanshire Council Community the county to get their share of the providing or improving housing or Development Fund since last year, and fund which is open to applications for social and recreational facilities, for the Council is encouraging other groups capital expenditure such as permanent the purpose of encouraging people to apply for funding. improvements, new buildings and to live or work in the area or of refurbishments. The fund is part of the Making benefiting people who live there Clackmannanshire Better programme, To receive a grant, the project has to providing or improving training, and aims to incentivise communities to be planned to start within the current educational facilities or health work with the Council to improve the financial year and completed within six services for local people physical environment and community months of starting. providing employment for local facilities. Projects should assist in meeting people Applications opened last year and the ambitions set out in Making assisting local people to make use of so far a number of local groups have Clackmannanshire Better and/or more opportunities for education , training been successful in their applications integrated accessible services for local or employment including: communities. benefiting local people who have Alloa Allotments Society - £5,082 for Activities which contribute to the special needs because of disability new fencing regeneration or development of an area or because of their sex or the racial Cambus & District Bowling Club - include, in particular group to which they belong. £5,492 to upgrade flat roof securing that land and buildings are Groups can apply for 60% of the total Hawkhill Community Association - brought into effective use project cost up to a maximum of £5,184 for improved lighting £10,000 including any VAT. contributing to, or encouraging Alva Bowling Club - £9,396 to economic development More information about the criteria is create disabled access and artificial creating an attractive and safe available on ClacksWeb. bankings environment Tullibody Healthy Living - £10,000 for community garden Alloa Cooperative Bowling Club - £5,580 to upgrade electrics Tillicoultry Bowling Club - £3,108 for disabled access Hillfoots Rugby Club - £8,791 to upgrade toilets Menstrie Bowling Club - £10,000 to create disabled access and artificial bankings Alloa Rugby Football Club - £10,000 to upgrade club house St Serf’s Church - £10,000 to upgrade community hall

6 Clackmannanshire View - Autumn 2015

Fresh Air and Lots of Fun That’s what Margaret Jackson says now grandparents themselves, and I really believe that the fresh air has you can enjoy as a school crossing it’s amazing to be involved with helped keep me healthy when I’ve guide. Margaret has certainly had a generations of families in the local been doing this job. I’d encourage lifetime of experience of the job, as area. people in our community to find out she’s been helping the children of more about the jobs and to apply. Margaret, who is from Tullibody, Banchory Primary School cross the It’s a wonderful chance to earn some really enjoys the chance to get out road safely for over 30 years. money while doing an important into the fresh air every day for a few and enjoyable job, and you get to The Council wants to recruit hours in the morning and afternoon. meet interesting people every day. school crossing guides - or lollipop “Even if the weather isn’t great, men and women as they’re often For more information and to apply you just wrap up and enjoy being known - for a number of schools in log on to www.myjobscotland.gov. outside and meeting everyone. Clackmannanshire. uk or call 01786 233211. Margaret says she would encourage local people to apply for the jobs, where the guides help children, young people and their families cross the road safely to get to and from school. “I love my job and I don’t know where the past 30 years has gone!”, Margaret says. “When I started this job, my two boys were in school and the hours suited my life so I could work and still be able to be there when they needed me. Now I’m a Granny, and I still love doing this. “I feel really lucky to be able to get to know the children, talking to them every day and learning about their lives and what’s happening at school and at home. Some of the children I met 30 years ago are

7 Clackmannanshire View - Autumn 2015 Don’t let Flu Turn on You

This year a team of immunisation specialists are hoping to failure, cystic fibrosis, lowered immunity due to disease or vaccinate around 24,000 primary school children before the treatment, diabetes or liver problems. Pregnant women and Christmas break. This will be done by a nasal spray, known as unpaid carers are also eligible for vaccination. Fluenz and the programme is being delivered in collaboration Remember flu is much more than a bad cold and in the most with schools. Fluenz will also be offered to around 8,700 two serious cases, it can even lead to pneumonia which can to five year olds in primary care who will receive the vaccine result in death. The vaccine doesn’t contain a ‘live’ virus so it from their GPs. is impossible for you to catch flu as a result of getting the jab. The childhood flu immunisation programme is an extension It will also but give you protection against swine flu and the to the existing annual flu vaccination which targets people other more common seasonal flu viruses and not only help ‘at risk’ such as those aged over 65 or those under 65 with protect you, but also reduce the chances of you passing it chronic illnesses which can make flu much more dangerous. onto your family, friends and colleagues. These include people with heart disease, chest complaints If you are in one of the higher risk groups and you catch flu such as bronchitis, emphysema or asthma, chronic kidney before you have been vaccinated you should get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and take over-the-counter medication (your pharmacist will be able to advise). If you have concerns or your symptoms are getting worse, you should contact NHS 24 on 111 or your GP. Once you have recovered you should still have the flu vaccination as there are usually several strains of flu circulating each winter. Keep Well This Winter Winter is a very busy time for the NHS however you can help avoid placing extra demands on hospital and emergency services by making the best use of your local pharmacy, GP practice or the minor injuries service. This will be especially important this year when, due to Christmas Day falling on a Friday, GP surgeries will be closed for four days from Friday 25th December to Monday 28th December, reopening on Tuesday 29th December 2015. They will also close again for four days over the New Year period from Friday 1st January – Monday 4th January 2016, reopening existing supplies and make sure you General advice and information on on Tuesday 5th January 2016. have enough to last you over the how to stay healthy this winter can Your local pharmacy can provide festive period. be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk or advice and medicines for many contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88. Norovirus, which causes diarrhoea common conditions such as coughs Support is also available for people and vomiting, is also very common in and colds, fever, sore throats and with mental health or psychological winter months. So, another key step in stomach upsets without having to problems by phoning NHS 24 on looking after your health this winter is see your GP. Remember to restock 111, Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 to avoid visiting anyone in hospital if your medicine cabinet and, if you or Breathing Space on 0800 83 8587 you feel unwell. If you have diarrhoea are a parent, make sure you have (6.00pm to 2.00am). Local health and vomiting wait at least 48 hours remedies suitable for children. If you information and advice can also be after these symptoms have stopped or someone you care for requires found on NHS Forth Valley’s website before visiting. medicines regularly, check your www.nhsforthvalley.com

8 Clackmannanshire View - Autumn 2015 Repairs by Appointment As your Landlord, the Council’s aim is to Appointments deliver excellent customer satisfaction, The introduction of appointments, getting your repairs right first time and puts you in control, giving you providing a friendly, courteous and more flexibility, allowing access to efficient service. your home for a repair at a time We’ve listened to your feedback, and as that is convenient to you. The a result we are making some changes new repairs policy will improve to the current repairs policy , with the tenant satisfaction, whilst new policy being introduced later this making best use of Council month. resources. The main change to the policy is the There will be a text reminder categories, which will now be either service available to “Emergency” or “by Appointment”. customers who make A repair will be classed as “Emergency” an appointment either the where the welfare of the tenant or night before or the day the the fabric of the property could be work is to be carried out. compromised if left unattended. For Mrs Robb from Menstrie has used example the new system to get work done by Total loss of heating or hot water plumbers and electricians. She has Disturbance said that the new appointment system Toilet blocked or not flushing (when is much better as she never misses a it is the only toilet in the home) tradesperson now. She believes this Payments External door or window not secure is a much better and efficient way of working. No electrical power Stopping A charge of £10 may be made for Clackmannanshire Council spends No gas supply missed appointments where the over £6 million every year carrying out No water supply tenant has no reasonable explanation for failing to keep the agreed modernisations to our council houses. Please note, it is not always possible appointment. In recent years specifications have been to complete an emergency repair in enhanced to include decoration and To find out more about the new one visit. flooring, particularly within kitchen and system, please call 0845 055 7070. bathroom replacement programmes. Our central heating replacement programme includes an “A RATED” Kitchen Replacement boiler. If used correctly this can reduce ongoing fuel costs for tenants by up to £600 per year and will ensure Programme Closing our houses are as energy efficient as possible. The Council’s kitchen replacement Given these enhancements, the Council programme has now been completed will no longer be paying a disturbance with every tenant being offered a new payment following contracts to replace modern fitted kitchen. kitchens, bathrooms and central If you have previously refused a kitchen heating within our tenant’s homes. replacement and now wish to have this We will always strive to keep work undertaken, you can contact the disturbance to an absolute minimum Housing Investment Team on 01259 during our improvement programmes. 225166. We will arrange for a full survey A disturbance payment will still be to be completed and your property will paid should your home require a full be added to the final contract. electrical re-wire.

9 Clackmannanshire View - Autumn 2015 Celebrating Ochil Community Garden

The Friends of Ochil Community Garden of raised growing beds, a “We learn about each invited the local community and partners polytunnel, recycled bottle along to celebrate the continuing success greenhouse, flower/shrub other and how to care of the garden. beds, composting area and an for ourselves and our extremely important building Ochil Community Garden uses gardening environment.” the “wee hoose”. This is a and other activities surrounding the small but crucial element as it growing of plants and vegetables to provides shelter and houses promote physical activity and healthy not only a kitchen/dining area but a eating while providing the opportunity for disabled toilet with a full changing space community interaction. making the garden accessible irrespective The Council’s Adult Day Services team of any physical challenges. works with service users and the local community to promote positive Recent successes include First Prize at gardening experiences in a supported Gardening Scotland and a successful grant environment. Friends of Ochil Community application to the Big Lottery Fund. The with respect. We have fun but we learn Garden is a separate and independent Garden is working in partnership with skills too that can help with employment community organisation that has been organisations including Menstrie Primary or further education. We learn about each set up to support the Ochil Community School, Forth Valley College, Disability other and how to care for ourselves and Garden and its users. Awareness Group, Alloa and Alva our environment”. Academies, Alva Glen Heritage Trust, Alva For more information about the garden, Ochil Community Garden is situated Community Council. in a small area of the council owned please call Adult Day Services on 01259 former Glenochil Nursery site between Claire is a volunteer at the garden and 450000 or email Menstrie and Alva. The garden consists explained “Everyone is treated equally and [email protected] Make Your Home Warmer This Winter

People across the country are being urged to act now to cut their bills and make their homes warmer as part of a Scottish Government campaign to encourage people to call the Home Energy Scotland hotline (0808 808 2282). A one-stop shop for advice and support, Home Energy Scotland from the Scottish Government is there to help you keep warm. Around a third of Scottish households have been offered advice by the hotline since it started. Home Energy Scotland is a source of free clear and impartial advice on how to make your home cheaper to heat. Plus, a warm energy efficient home is good for your physical and mental health as well as your finances. To find out exactly what you are eligible for - whatever your circumstances - call the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland hotline now on 0808 808 2282 or go to www.homeenergyscotland.org Act now to make your home warmer and help Scotland go greener together.

10 Clackmannanshire View - Autumn 2015 Banchory Welcomes Two Year Olds Banchory Primary School Nursery Class has been enjoying the arrival of two year old children who have joined the class, and was proud to be the first nursery class in Clackmannanshire to open its doors to these younger children. The school looked upon it as a chance to grow a bigger community around about promoting the fact that two will do better at school when the time the school and for more children and year olds can be accommodated at comes. families to feel at home at Banchory. the nursery, and have been helped Welcoming the two year olds has been In Clackmannanshire, places for two in this by colleagues in other areas a positive change, with all the children year old are available at: like Health Visitors and also the third benefiting from the interactions they are sector. The parents whose children have ABC Nursery having with older and younger peers. been enjoying their time at Banchory Banchory Primary Nursery Class The team at Banchory were confident have been the most supportive about about knowing the children and have spreading the word with other parents. Clackmannan Primary Nursery Class often been guided by them to develop From this school year, around a quarter Park Primary Nursery Class the facilities available in the nursery of all two year olds are now entitled St Serf’s Primary Nursery Class class. Particular attention has been paid to 600 hours of early learning and to the story area and the outdoor space, Sauchie Nursery School childcare. These hours are available making them suitable for children of all to help parents or carers who receive Tillicoultry Primary Nursery Class ages and stages. specific qualifying benefits. It is aimed The two year olds at Banchory play at supporting children to gain vital You can find out more on ClacksWeb and learn together with older children language and learning skills and or call 01259 450000. in the nursery. The school is proactive improving their social skills so they Local Development Plan Adopted The first of a new generation of land will be valued and protected in the development and an use plans, the Clackmannan-shire Local transition to a low-carbon economy. increasing focus on Development Plan (LDP) was adopted Area Statements give a more local renewable energy by the Council in August. It contains a context, identifying land for over and district heating Vision Statement and eight Strategic 5,600 new houses throughout are also promoted. Objectives for the future development Clackmannanshire, and over 158 Clackmannanshire’s of Clackmannanshire and looks forward hectares of new business and Green Network has 20 years, although it will be reviewed employment land. These allocations been mapped and at least every five years to ensure it have been subject to rigorous policies developed to remains relevant and adapts to future assessment in terms of compliance with support it. challenges. national policies, sustainability, best use The Council is Focussing on sustainable economic of existing resources and contribution committed to growth, the LDP addresses the growth to other Council strategies and goals. promoting the of the population of Clackmannanshire, Design and layout polices encourage development sites encouraging younger people and quality in the creation of developments identified in the LDP families into the area to balance and communities with a strong sense of and would be happy the projected ageing population. place. Policies are included to address to offer advice on any It considers how to accommodate affordable housing, and developer potential development projected increases in population of contributions will be required from site, whether it is identified in the LDP 7,000 people between 2010 and 2035 developers to ensure there is sufficient or not. and 6,420 new households over the community infrastructure in place The LDP can be found on ClacksWeb. same period. The provision of excellent to serve new developments. Town To discuss the LDP, or development educational, training and employment centre regeneration is also a key issue in general, please contact Graeme opportunities will be promoted to and policies are included to address Finlay on 01259 450000 or support this, while the environment this. Energy efficiency, low carbon [email protected]

11 Clackmannanshire View - Autumn 2015

Take Control and Feel Better

Stress Control Classes Well-Being workshops Living with or supporting someone with a mental health We have developed a series of Our Stress control courses are proving problem? as popular as ever - over 1000 people Community Workshops to help you have now accessed the course. develop better coping skills. If so, we can help by providing you with information, education and support. Learn to understand and manage Feel better, live better, boost your We can meet you individually and we stress. Learn to control your body, your confidence and control your emotions. also have a monthly support group, thoughts, your actions and your panic. Choose from any of the following: Ochil Carers, for people to meet, share Just turn up, sit back and learn some experiences, get up to date information great ways to control stress and regain Managing Stress and generally feeling more confident control of your life. Assertiveness about supporting someone with a Stress control is a six week course run Relaxation mental health problem. all year round and available to anyone Improving your mood We are also very keen to hear your living or working in Clackmannanshire views on how we could improve the or Stirling. Building your self esteem services we provide. For more information or to register To find out more or reserve a place, For more information, please contact contact Carsebridge House on please contact 01259 215048 or email Isabel Reed on 01259 290343 01259 215048 [email protected]

Working with Community Groups New Opening Hours Do you belong to a community group? Are you sometimes stuck for speakers? We can deliver free Mental Health for CAPs Awareness sessions, approximately 1-3 hours long to community groups. The opening hours of These sessions are informative, Council Community Access interactive and always get people Points (CAPs) has changed. wanting to know more. Contact us on Detailed analysis has shown 01259 215048 to find out more. the times where there is For any information on our Integrated greatest and least demand Mental Health service, feel free in the CAPs, and opening to call 01259 215048 or email hours have been adjusted to [email protected] take this into account.

Information on the new opening hours is available Your View is available as an electronic on ClacksWeb. publication. You can keep up to date with the latest and past editions on ClacksWeb. 12